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Murder, Mystery, and Muffins: A Small Town Cozy Murder Mystery

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206 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 13, 2026

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A.P. Wells

6 books8 followers

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5 stars
32 (69%)
4 stars
12 (26%)
3 stars
1 (2%)
2 stars
1 (2%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
Profile Image for Gina Maria.
235 reviews1 follower
April 13, 2026
A 5-Star Mystery Baked to Perfection & Worth Every Calorie!
Winston is back, standing by Hazel and helping her solve crimes, but things definitely get a little hairy for our favorite marshmallow this time around. Honestly, I could just eat Winston up in his little puffy chef’s hat, it is pure sweetness overload! It’s a miracle Hazel gets any investigating done at all with that level of cuteness sabotage happening at her feet. 🐾🧁

It’s a whirlwind of hijinks, wagging tails, and enough whodunnit energy to keep you guessing until the final crumb. A.P. Wells has delivered a fantastic cast and some really clever, twisty surprises, all wrapped up in a cozy, fun filled ride. The author also manages to keep the tension high without losing the warm, comforting charm that defines the series.
If you like your detective work served with a side of sprinkles and a dash of canine chaos, this is your next five-star read.
18 reviews
April 17, 2026
In Murder, Mystery & Muffins, book two in the Hazel Winslow series, our favorite duo jumps headfirst into another twisty case—this time trying to clear Tilly, who’s been framed for the murder of the town’s resident jerk. And honestly? Things get messy in the best way.

Watson absolutely steals the show, uncovering key evidence (not always on purpose) while somehow managing to charm his way through every scene. While Hazel is very much our heroine, the supporting cast really shines—each character feels well-developed and plays a meaningful role in unraveling the mystery.

Hazel herself continues to be wonderfully relatable. She has a habit of saying exactly the wrong thing at the wrong time—especially when Detective Shaw is around—which makes for some genuinely fun and awkward moments. I’m a sucker for a good grumpy/sunshine dynamic, and the tension between Hazel and Shaw definitely delivers. I’d love to see even more of their interactions (and maybe a little more romance!) in future books.

As for the mystery, I have to admit—I didn’t see the culprit coming. That said, once everything is revealed, the clues were there all along, cleverly woven in with plenty of red herrings. If you’re more observant than I was, you might just solve it before the big reveal.

Overall, this was a fun, cozy mystery with engaging characters, a satisfying plot, and just the right touch of humor and heart. Definitely worth picking up if you enjoy small-town mysteries with canine sidekick.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Baby Girl.
1,040 reviews13 followers
April 30, 2026
This was such a good read. The way the author describes Watson has me wanting my own fluffy little one. This is a cozy murder mystery that is full of drama, a wrongly accused suspect (Tilly), and the suspect someone no one expected. Hazel, who is no Sherlock Holmes, gets involved in solving the murder of Grant in order to save her friend, Tilly. Since Grant died by eating a cupcake he got at Tilly's bakery, she becomes suspect number one. Watson and Hazel on the other hand do not believe that Tilly is capable of murder and therefore, put their amateur sleuthing to work. Who would have thought that a snotty sneeze from Watson himself, would be the cause of the real suspect being captured. Super sweet cozy mystery full of the usual suspects and funny moments, a fluffy doggie named Watson, and his super smart owner Hazel.
Profile Image for Stacey.
228 reviews7 followers
April 14, 2026
Hazel and Winston just can't get a break. A murder at Tilly's bakery has Hazel, Winston and Tilly trying to figure out who would want to kill Grant, a relentless buyer of land. Problem is that many people do. In other news, it seems that Detective Shaw is starting to worry about Hazel putting her nose into investigations because she could get hurt. Could there be something between them in a later book?
I really enjoy this series. The characters are great and the books are a fun and easy read. Watson is such a cutie pie. The friendship between Hazel and Tilly is great and I hope they add more people to their little group.
I just hope that the author knows that we know Hazel is a people pleaser and doesn't mention it as much in the next book.
24 reviews
April 13, 2026

Murder mystery and muffins. A P Wells

This book once again features Hazel and her dog Watson but can be read as a stand alone book.

This book starts straight away with a death in hazel’s friends shop and so that makes Hazel’s friend Tilly prime suspect. So was Tilly framed? She soon asks Hazel to help her investigate what has happened and why.

We follow the story as they begin to investigate and we meet new characters and some of the characters from the previous books.

Another brilliantly written, enjoyable book. It keeps you guessing and interested the whole way through. I love this series of books and can’t wait for the next one
Profile Image for Sarah J.
60 reviews
April 14, 2026
Murder mystery and muffins was a very fun easy read! The first chapter or two are a little muddled & hard to get through, BUT then the author hits her stride and it is an easy, fun read after that. Lots of suspects & twists and I did not see the end coming the way it did. Very good...I recommend it!
I think it would be fine as a standalone, though the first chapter is a little confusing even having read the others, but you will get caught up on who is who very quickly. But if you haven't read the first book or the prequel, I recommend those ones...they are very fun too!
176 reviews
April 17, 2026
Murder, Mystery & Muffins is a great Hazel & Watson story. Hazel Winslow is busy trying to open her bookstore. When Grant dies in Tilly’s Treats after eating a cupcake, she gets to work on proving her pal innocent. Her adorable puppy Watson helps find clues which helps her solve this whodunnit of multiple suspects. I’ve enjoyed all 3 books in this cozy mystery series & look forward to the next one. I received this quick read as an ARC from Book Sprout & am leaving an honest review.
126 reviews
April 13, 2026
A great story that kept me on my toes the whole time. I love Watson and his antics with Hazel. Hazel's internal monologs are funny. And they way she used the dog against the murderer was hilarious. I hope Hazel finds a guy to date, marry and start a family with. It would be neat to see how it changes her as a person though those milestones.
203 reviews1 follower
May 16, 2026
There was a dead man in Tilly's bakery. The evidence was smeared all over his face. However, it wasn't her cupcakes, and she didn't kill him. The landlord's keys to the bakery are missing. Hazel found herself in the middle of another murder.
There were several possible suspects, which made this interesting. I enjoyed the book, and of course, loved the cute little dog.
289 reviews3 followers
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April 14, 2026
Sorry, but this wasn't as good a read as the first book. Being thrown right into another murder had me as exhausted as Hazel! Also, it took me a minute to remember who Tilly is. The connection Hazel mad between the teeth of the Pike fist and the developer was hilarious!
68 reviews
April 16, 2026
I have to admit, I loved this book. I laughed at the antics of Watson. I thought I had everything figured out but then surprise everything changed. This book is full of mystery, surprises and a little fun. This is a great read for anyone needing a cozy afternoon read.
19 reviews
April 19, 2026
Another great cozy mystery about Hazel and Watson, and again a very surprising end. A.P. Wells once again captures the readers attention from beginning till the end and it's a sad feeling to close the book. Hungry for part 3.
Profile Image for Julie Kelley.
67 reviews
April 25, 2026
Love love love this cozy murder mystery. Can’t wait to see what Hazel and Watson get into next!
Profile Image for Jeri Munoz.
66 reviews
May 18, 2026
good read. didn’t guess the ending

I love light reads and cozy mysteries. This one kept me guessing till the end. Good hook for nest book. Going to look for it now.
Profile Image for Ingrid Gail.
202 reviews12 followers
May 15, 2026
I feel the author is coming into her own with this book.
The MC's first name is still used a bit too much for my liking, but I feel the flow is getting better and better.

The mystery is happening right after the previous book's mystery, which overwhelms Hazel a bit and I can only feel for her.
But she steps up to help her new friend with the help of cute little Watson.
The banter with the local police is a nice extra and gets one to wonder if there is something possible in the future?

Favorite quote from this book: “I have something better than evidence. Paranoia and theories.”

I will certainly read more books in this series as they come out!
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews