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Sky High Pies #2
Chocolate Most Deadly
For Kate Reed, most days involve making scrumptious goodies, balancing the books and greeting guests at Sky High Pies. Running the busy bakery café in Crescent Creek, Colorado, is a world away from Kate’s previous life as a private investigator in Chicago. There’s a comfortable consistency to her routine in the Rocky Mountains, a gentle and predictable pattern that she eagerly embraces after a decade in the Windy City.
But one morning, Kate’s past and present collide. When a neighbor rushes in to announce that her brother has gone missing—after someone threatened to kill him—Kate agrees to help find the woman’s sibling. The decision propels her into a thorny whodunit involving ill-behaved twin sisters, a cat named Bad Dog, Denver’s Tick-Tock Donut Shop, a ring of alleged bank robbers and a box of poisoned chocolate cupcakes. Tucked between investigative trips to Denver and witness interviews, Kate also meets Zachary Hutton, a handsome photographer who makes her heart skip more than a few beats.
Includes a tasty trio of Nana Reed’s Sky High recipes!
Chocolate Most Deadly is the second title in the Sky High Pies Cozy Mystery series.
But one morning, Kate’s past and present collide. When a neighbor rushes in to announce that her brother has gone missing—after someone threatened to kill him—Kate agrees to help find the woman’s sibling. The decision propels her into a thorny whodunit involving ill-behaved twin sisters, a cat named Bad Dog, Denver’s Tick-Tock Donut Shop, a ring of alleged bank robbers and a box of poisoned chocolate cupcakes. Tucked between investigative trips to Denver and witness interviews, Kate also meets Zachary Hutton, a handsome photographer who makes her heart skip more than a few beats.
Includes a tasty trio of Nana Reed’s Sky High recipes!
Chocolate Most Deadly is the second title in the Sky High Pies Cozy Mystery series.
- GenresCozy MysteryMystery
236 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 15, 2015
227 people are currently reading
116 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
September 23, 2015
This book was really good, and since it is the second in a series where book one was a real editor's mess, I'm really glad I gave it a chance anyway. There were none of the editing horrors of the first book in this one, and I was very relieved to see that. The plot was great, and the characters were well written and the action suited the plot exactly. There was enough drama to keep it interesting, and it was challenging enough to keep me on my toes, trying to figure out who done it. Nice ending too, with the hope for some more romantic interest for the heroine in future books in this series. Now I'm looking forward to the next one!
October 13, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. When Kate Reed's neighbors brother goes missing and is a suspect in a murder Kate offers to help look into the murder.
I really like Kate as a main character though I think she is going to pick the wrong guy in this series. I am hoping Adam Caldwell will dump his girlfriend but I am thinking she is going to go with the photographer Zack. Stuttering and being shy aren't good trait in a leading man.
This is a very well written book and the story line had twists and turns and a few surprises and really kept me guessing till the end. I also loved the recipes in this book they sound so yummy.
I really like Kate as a main character though I think she is going to pick the wrong guy in this series. I am hoping Adam Caldwell will dump his girlfriend but I am thinking she is going to go with the photographer Zack. Stuttering and being shy aren't good trait in a leading man.
This is a very well written book and the story line had twists and turns and a few surprises and really kept me guessing till the end. I also loved the recipes in this book they sound so yummy.
June 11, 2023
Katie Reed has recently taken over a bakery from her mother who previously took it over from her mother, Nana Reed. Nana Reed started Sky High Pies forty years prior in Crescent Creek, Colorado. Katie's mom and dad retired and packed up their belongings to move to sunny Florida. Since Katie's boss, friend, and mentor was murdered while she worked as a PI in Chicago and her boyfriend of 2 years left her for another woman, Katie had an open schedule and soon moved to an apartment above the bakery to begin her new life and career.
Katie thinks of Nana Reed:
"I smiled at the recollection of her favorite motto: love, patience and gumption. When I was a little girl, I’d always ask her to define the last entry on the list. 'Gumption?' she’d say as her eyes crinkled into a tender smile. 'That’s the same as courage or guts, Katie. Some people are born with both. Others gain them through the years.'"
I'd say Katie is slowly growing the longer she works at the bakery. However, she is new at managing the bakery even though she grew up helping her nana and mother in it. Katie is much too serious and needs to learn to relax and not take life so seriously. Her coworker, Harper likes to sometimes tease her and tries to get her to loosen up and laugh.
Harper speaking the truth:
“It’s so much fun giving you a hard time, Katie. You can be savvy and wise, but then completely gullible.” I shrugged. “That’s me,” I said. “The perfect blend of wisdom and naiveté.”
In this particular read, Katie helps her neighbor that also is her friend, Viv. Viv's brother, Tim is missing and has Viv an anxious mess. Katie uses her investigative skills to gather clues to help find Tim and when she and Viv come upon a murder scene in Tim's girlfriend's apartment and then the girlfriend is missing, too, Viv nearly comes unhinged completely.
Katie is on it! She'll question some people, go to a couple of AA meetings, get abducted, and drown in patchouli all in less than a week. That's on top of running a bakery and its staff. When will she sleep? When the case is closed!
Next is Red Velvet, Dead Velvet (Sky High Pies Cozy Mysteries Book 3).
Katie thinks of Nana Reed:
"I smiled at the recollection of her favorite motto: love, patience and gumption. When I was a little girl, I’d always ask her to define the last entry on the list. 'Gumption?' she’d say as her eyes crinkled into a tender smile. 'That’s the same as courage or guts, Katie. Some people are born with both. Others gain them through the years.'"
I'd say Katie is slowly growing the longer she works at the bakery. However, she is new at managing the bakery even though she grew up helping her nana and mother in it. Katie is much too serious and needs to learn to relax and not take life so seriously. Her coworker, Harper likes to sometimes tease her and tries to get her to loosen up and laugh.
Harper speaking the truth:
“It’s so much fun giving you a hard time, Katie. You can be savvy and wise, but then completely gullible.” I shrugged. “That’s me,” I said. “The perfect blend of wisdom and naiveté.”
In this particular read, Katie helps her neighbor that also is her friend, Viv. Viv's brother, Tim is missing and has Viv an anxious mess. Katie uses her investigative skills to gather clues to help find Tim and when she and Viv come upon a murder scene in Tim's girlfriend's apartment and then the girlfriend is missing, too, Viv nearly comes unhinged completely.
Katie is on it! She'll question some people, go to a couple of AA meetings, get abducted, and drown in patchouli all in less than a week. That's on top of running a bakery and its staff. When will she sleep? When the case is closed!
Next is Red Velvet, Dead Velvet (Sky High Pies Cozy Mysteries Book 3).
September 16, 2019
Not quite as good as the first. Katie’s habit of daydreaming while conversing with others gets annoying really quickly. Practically every scene has a “Katie?” from the person talking to her, followed by Katie apologizing for her mind wandering. Very odd.
The mystery on this one wasn’t interesting enough to keep my attention and overall just lacked some of the spark from the first book. I do like getting to see more of her PI skills in action but the added characters jumbled the plot more than enhanced it. I might pick up the next one because I’m curious where this is going but thank goodness they are KU books.
The mystery on this one wasn’t interesting enough to keep my attention and overall just lacked some of the spark from the first book. I do like getting to see more of her PI skills in action but the added characters jumbled the plot more than enhanced it. I might pick up the next one because I’m curious where this is going but thank goodness they are KU books.
June 12, 2023
Lots of murder mystery action and plenty of small town interaction kept Kate on the move. From manning her café bakery to being part of a photo shoot for a newspaper article then sleuthing out a mystery for her neighbor, I'm not sure how she even had time to sleep. Yeah but what good cozy sleuth does get any sleep while sleuthing, right?
The showdown was pretty exciting and I hadn't had any idea of whodunit. I hadn't read in this series for such a long time, but even though I only read the first book, the characters came right back to me and seemed like friends.
The showdown was pretty exciting and I hadn't had any idea of whodunit. I hadn't read in this series for such a long time, but even though I only read the first book, the characters came right back to me and seemed like friends.
July 15, 2020
Enjoyable!
A great story in a great series!! I love the cast of characters. The plotline is well thought out, and keeps you guessing without being overly complicated! Two dead bodies, AA meetings, jealousy, bank robberies, revenge, kidnapping, DUI, illegal firearms....the author did a fantastic job of keeping everything on their right path while criss crossing trails, clues, and evidence. Well done!
A great story in a great series!! I love the cast of characters. The plotline is well thought out, and keeps you guessing without being overly complicated! Two dead bodies, AA meetings, jealousy, bank robberies, revenge, kidnapping, DUI, illegal firearms....the author did a fantastic job of keeping everything on their right path while criss crossing trails, clues, and evidence. Well done!
July 7, 2018
Tears, cupcakes and murder
Another great read. She has been surprised by a visit from her neighbour asking for help. Her brother had been left some cupcakes that he passed onto another neighbours. The neighbour was now in hospital with poisoning. A trip to see the brother is organised. Then throw in a shooting, asphyxiation, zany characters, a police detective for a plot that will have you wondering who is the killer? Can she unravel the clues without putting herself in danger? Can she survive the seniors in her community? Will she pick up the reins of her old feelings for the local deputy? Nice plot .
Another great read. She has been surprised by a visit from her neighbour asking for help. Her brother had been left some cupcakes that he passed onto another neighbours. The neighbour was now in hospital with poisoning. A trip to see the brother is organised. Then throw in a shooting, asphyxiation, zany characters, a police detective for a plot that will have you wondering who is the killer? Can she unravel the clues without putting herself in danger? Can she survive the seniors in her community? Will she pick up the reins of her old feelings for the local deputy? Nice plot .
December 18, 2022
More like a 3.5. A very quick, predictable little cozy that follows the formula. It also felt like a working copy where the outline needed more depth. Filled the time but certainly did not bring anything new. OK for times you need to read as you are waiting or need detraction.
I hope to see this author will grow and deepen as as she writes more.
I hope to see this author will grow and deepen as as she writes more.
August 15, 2017
Amazing culinary cozy
I'm loving this series. I love all the characters and their shenanigans. I didn't know how much I would enjoy them. I can't wait to read the next one in the series
I'm loving this series. I love all the characters and their shenanigans. I didn't know how much I would enjoy them. I can't wait to read the next one in the series
October 24, 2017
Man, I'm so happy that I picked up with series. This book was so good. We get to see Kate working as a PI this time. There isn't much reacting in this book like the last time, but rather it's a chase and her actively looking through the case.
The characters were fleshed out a bit more, the town was expanded, and we even got more backstory to Kate. This time she deals with a detective from Denver and he gives Trent a little more backstory. Though Trent didn't play a big role in this book when he did appear he was depicted being sensitive towards Kate and looking out for her back. Though it is obvious that author wants to get Trent and Kate together, she through another character in.
I am no happy that a second romantic lead has been introduced into the book series. I am over this specific trope in mysteries. That isn't how people are in real life, so I don't like how it's incorporated into the story.
Overall I enjoyed it.
The characters were fleshed out a bit more, the town was expanded, and we even got more backstory to Kate. This time she deals with a detective from Denver and he gives Trent a little more backstory. Though Trent didn't play a big role in this book when he did appear he was depicted being sensitive towards Kate and looking out for her back. Though it is obvious that author wants to get Trent and Kate together, she through another character in.
I am no happy that a second romantic lead has been introduced into the book series. I am over this specific trope in mysteries. That isn't how people are in real life, so I don't like how it's incorporated into the story.
Overall I enjoyed it.
March 26, 2018
Satisfying reas
I like that this series contains a good mystery and not just "filler" about food and small talk. Good balance. I'll try the next book.
I like that this series contains a good mystery and not just "filler" about food and small talk. Good balance. I'll try the next book.
December 14, 2019
Wonderful story
These home keep getting better and better. I was near the end and fell asleep on my tablet. I cant wait to try the cupcake recipe. A first to include chili spice.
These home keep getting better and better. I was near the end and fell asleep on my tablet. I cant wait to try the cupcake recipe. A first to include chili spice.
November 6, 2020
It was just okay. I am not interested in reading anymore. They lack suspense.
February 7, 2017
Deadly delicious
This is the second book in this series. The author has started to show more about the characters and even introduced a new player. I liked this book as the story kept you guessing as to what was going to happen next. This is a quick read but a good read. And I really like the recipes as I am a recipe junkie.
This is the second book in this series. The author has started to show more about the characters and even introduced a new player. I liked this book as the story kept you guessing as to what was going to happen next. This is a quick read but a good read. And I really like the recipes as I am a recipe junkie.
July 20, 2016
Maxwell's Sky High Pie Cozy Mysteries have reinforced by new attitude towards e-books. My only quibble is that I'm not sure that I'd call them cozies -- Kate Reed, the protagonist, is a former Chicago PI and she becomes involved in some situations that, to me, go beyond cozy territory. Given a lot of the series I've been reading lately -- and how they're marketed -- I'm not sure that "cozy" really means cozy anymore.
That aside, I like Kate Reed, I like the pie shop and I like her small town in Colorado. I'm looking forward to reading more!
That aside, I like Kate Reed, I like the pie shop and I like her small town in Colorado. I'm looking forward to reading more!
April 22, 2016
My introduction to Kate and Sky High Pies was a good one. The characters were fun and well-developed, and the story move along at a nice pace. There were enough twists in the plot to keep me guessing until the end. I was a little worried reading the second of the series to begin with, but I had no problems related to missing some back story. I would like to read more of the series, and would definitely recommend this lovely little mystery.
March 7, 2017
All good readiing before bed.
A little slow for. My taste. Not enough development of the characters. Story line to slow. Lot of love of writing show s..
A little slow for. My taste. Not enough development of the characters. Story line to slow. Lot of love of writing show s..
October 19, 2015
Enjoyed
This book was a surprise for me. It is not just another cozy mystery . The characters were interesting and the plot kept me reading to see what happens next.
This book was a surprise for me. It is not just another cozy mystery . The characters were interesting and the plot kept me reading to see what happens next.
April 28, 2016
Done well
I really enjoyed this second book. I like the characters and the way it was done. Going on to the next book.
I really enjoyed this second book. I like the characters and the way it was done. Going on to the next book.
July 3, 2016
good cozy mystery series
August 3, 2016
Review to come soon.
September 8, 2016
Another good one
I truly didn't see the ending coming. Also an interesting twist for our heroine. Can't wait to read the next one.
I truly didn't see the ending coming. Also an interesting twist for our heroine. Can't wait to read the next one.
April 11, 2016
Second in the series. Murder - a lot like Jessica Fletcher in her 30's.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews