Cupcakes, Lies, and Dead Guys

Annie Graceland Mystery #1

by Pamela DuMond

CUPCAKES, LIES, AND DEAD GUYS - #2 Kindle BESTSELLER in Hot New Releases - Ghost Fiction. Moving from Wisconsin to sunny Los Angeles was the frosting on the cake of Annie Graceland's perfect life. Her boutique bakery business was blossoming, she was happily married to a handsome, ambitious actor, and they were planning to have a baby. Besides her derelict friends, the only thing that got Annie in serious trouble was her smidge of psychic feeling other people's sensations in her own body. She hated experiencing someone else's peanut butter addiction, foot fetish, or murderous rage. Thank God, her psychic curse only kicked in when she was stressed. When Annie discovers her husband is possibly cheating with oh-so-famous, self-help author, Dr. Fuller. Fuller ends up dead, poisoned with one of Annie's signature cupcakes, and she becomes a prime murder suspect. When the not-so-good Doctor's ghost doesn't pass to the After-Life and is stuck on earth, Fuller decides to recruit, (aka, haunt), a live personal assistant to investigate and bring his killer to justice. Who better to help than Annie? Now Annie is not only stuck with the most irritating ghost in the world, but is forced to spy on, and infiltrate the lives of Hollywood's elite; the motley crew of suspects who wanted Fuller dead. Was it the porn star, the trophy wife, the talent manager, the personal trainer? Will Annie survive the L.A. whackos who wanted Fuller dead before she is whacked by the real killer? Check out the next   Cupcakes, Sales, and Cocktails - A Novella (99 cents!)Annie's re-entering the dating world and her friends push her to "sex-up," her wardrobe. At Snotsky's Department Store sale, Annie meets and squares off against the world's most obnoxious Edith Flowers. When Edith's murdered and doesn't pass to the After-Life, Annie agrees to investigate her demise. With Edith's help, Annie infiltrates the crew of Snotsky's suspects. Was the killer the new manager, the archrival in cocktail attire, the bra fitter? Will Annie solve Edith's murder so she can go to the light? Will she find anything new to wear that she can afford? Can Annie resolve her latest debacle before hottie Detective Rafe Campillio finds it odd she keeps showing up at murder scenes?

First chapter excerpt from  Cupcakes, Pies, and Hot Guys ! (Next novel in the series.)   Check out Pamela DuMond's new novel,  The Messenger's Handbook , a Young Adult romantic thriller. Kindle only $2.99.   What if you discovered that your soul mate lived three centuries before you were even born? Sixteen year old Madeline learns that falling in love, and falling through time doesn't have to be accidental, could be deadly, but is worth the fight of her life. 

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Chick Lit, Cozy, Paranormal, Fiction, Audiobook

303 pages, ebook

First published November 8, 2010

About the author

USA Today Best author Pamela DuMond writes merry mysteries, modern fairytales, and smart romance.

Pam pitched the "Erin Brockovich" story to Hollywood, was featured on “ABC 20/20," is repped for TV/Film/Lit by Italia Gandolfo at GHLiterary.com, and was a contracted writer for Pixelberry Studios.

Pam's books include the hilarious Part-time Princess © 2014 Rom-Com series, Annie Graceland cozy mysteries, Mortal Beloved 'romantasy' time travel, Courtesan "addicting" psychological thrillers, etc. #Iwritemyownbooks

Pam lives in NC where she consumes audiobooks, swims like a mermaid, and is bossed by cats. Sign up for her newsletter at www.pameladumond.com.

Reviews

[Farren · Rating 1 out of 5]

This the dumbest fucking book I've ever read.

It tried so hard to be funny and just completely failed. Annie was supposed to be zany and quirky but her behavior was outlandish and unrealistic instead. She's a 40 year old baker who smokes, eats pastries all day, can't even perform a lunge (Seriously? A lunge? Even first graders do lunges in PE class!), but somehow she has this rockin' bod that no man can resist. Bad dialogue, bad writing, overall just plain ridiculous, and actually includes multiple fart jokes. The small amount of mystery there was took a backseat to her marital issues and wasn't the least bit interesting. I hate to judge an audiobook narrator based on the content they're reading and the idiotic characters they are portraying, but she was loud and annoying and mispronounced several common words so I can't recommend her or this terrible book.

[Stuart · Rating 5 out of 5]

A First-Rate Mystery with all the Ingredients

When I heard the buzz about, Cupcakes, Lies, and Dead Guys my curiosity was piqued. Such a quirky title sounded like a lot of fun. And the author delivers a well-plotted mystery with an extra helping of humour infused throughout the pages.

We follow, Annie Graceland. Whose idyllic life suddenly changed when her cheating husband, Dr. Fuller, was found dead. Annie a bakery proprietor and psychic became prime murder suspect as the cause of death was one of her cupcakes. We are introduced to a colourful array of characters and laughter as Annie sets in search of the real killer.

Pamela DuMond is a new voice in writing today. If you are looking to be thoroughly entertained, I cannot recommend Cupcakes, Lies, and Dead Guy’s high enough---from the front page to the back, five stars easily. I am now looking forward to the next Annie Graceland mystery

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since I am the author of this book, I liked it. Hah!

"A hilarious read, a well plotted mystery. I can't wait to see these characters again!" - Carla Shamberg, Executive Producer of Erin Brockovich, the movie.

[Adrienne · Rating 2 out of 5]

This story had potential of being funny as the mystery was being solved. But, the author went over the top with the slap stick and zany behavior of the main female character. Leading the reader to wonder why they picked up the book in the first place.

[Jo Wood · Rating 3 out of 5]

Funny, witty, good lite read!!!!!

[Rabid Readers Reviews · Rating 2 out of 5]

Annie Graceland is a fairly typical cozy character. She kind of falls into her mystery and as she's the main suspect in a very personal case (the death of her husband's lover). Annie receives photographic proof of her husbands infidelity while on the table in her doctor's office. Not just any doctor, of course, the Gynocologist! Wacky, right? To add to the fun, her husband isn't just cheating on her, he's cheating on her with a man. The real twist is when her husband's thong clad lover, Derrick Fuller, shows up to haunt and annoy (emphasis on the latter). He's visible only to her as a result of her empathetic ability; which is not consistent. Annie may be in a unique situation but her methods in finding the killer aren't original by any stretch of the imagination. She's a police botherer that plunges in without really thinking about what might happen when she inevitably loses control of the scene. She very openly talks to Derrick and, as no one else can see him, looks completely crazy. Her comments are seldom guarded which may not be good for self preservation but is sometimes entertaining for the reader.

If light and funny is what you like to read, give this one a shot but pass on the audio book and go for the paper version.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's not often a mystery offers a wit, snark, and a glimpse into the human condition but Pamela DuMond's CUPCAKES, LIES & DEAD GUYS does all three. It exposes us to a culture not everybody's familiar with--at least not on such an intimate level--and gives us a heroine who often says the things the rest of us are thinking. A fun, witty romp from an author I want to get to know better. The recipes are a fun touch--just enough to make you hungry! I almost started to cook after reading one of them...Almost.

[Breanne Braddy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let's start with the cover, how can you not love it? It's witty, sarcastic, and frankly, brilliant. Plus, the title is fantastic. DuMond has a way with words, and a way with humor. This book has a little bit of everything; love, laughter, mystery...and of course, food (who doesn't love food?) Check this book out, you won't regret it!!

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!!! Well done, Kudos Pamela. I read cupcakes, lies & dead guys, also Cupcakes sales & cocktails, and Cupcakes, pies and Hot guys. All were wonderful mysteries. I totally love the fact that there were recipes included!!!! Pamela you have become my new favorite author. Keep up the great detective writing and story plotting. Thank you for a super read. Cindy

[Amy Sperry · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting murder mystery with a jump into the paranormal. The characters are likable and witty. The begining was a little confusing because it jumped through the characters so quickly but once I got everyone sorted I enjoyed it. I am curious to see where this series goes from here.

[Vicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun read. I enjoyed the main characters and am very glad I am not an empath! I will be adding the second book in the series to my TBR list.

Edited to correct typos. I must have done the review on my phone! :-D

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this is one day! A sick day home from work. Totally enjoyed it. A mystery put together well, intertwined with a bit of super natural, good friends and the quest for love/ happiness!

On to the novella next!

[Susan James · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's 1:40AM and I just finished Cupcakes, Lies and Dead Guys and I want MORE right now. I loved this book and can't wait to share it and the sequels with my friends. Funny and a good mystery. I usually know whodunnit early in the game not this one. Bravo, Pamela Dumond!

[Laura Schultz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have read most of Cupcakes, Lies and Dead Guys and am still laughing and intrigued. I highly recommend it from this wonderful novelist!

[Shelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

FUNNY!!!

[Lyz · Rating 1 out of 5]

I can not get into this book. Have put it away and will try again later.

[Nancy Bradford · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thourghly enjoyed this book. I look forward to more adventures of Annie.

[Jolisa Gilchrist Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

funny.

[Kristin Humphreys · Rating 5 out of 5]

A little different than what I'm used to reading, but that definitely made it fun to read!

[Mav · Rating 1 out of 5]

Stilted prose, stilted dialouge. Good premise, but author is unable to execute it in a manner that reads as funny. Instead, prose is just clunky and dead and the dialogue unrealistic.

[Sally Chappell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Light fun reading

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun, entertaining mystery with lots of spins. I would give at least 3.5 stars. A little wordy in places.

[Brandy ONeal · Rating 3 out of 5]

So funny! Poor Ms. Graceland. She is someone I'd like to be friends with. Plus she bakes! The empath gift is a little strange but I'd stand by my friend and help her figure it out.

[Anastasia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Cupcakes, Lies and Dead Guys by Pamela DuMond is the first book in the Annie Graceland Mystery series. Baker and Empath Annie Graceland splits from her husband after receiving compromising photos of him with self-help guru Dr. Derek Fuller. When Derek is poisoned shortly afterwars with one of Annie's cupcakes, she becomes drawn into the investigation. I found it difficult to rate this book. Although the mystery was interesting, I found it difficult to like any of the characters. Everyone seemed very self absorbed especially Derek's ghost which was very off-putting. Annie was just ridiculous. A nice mystery, spoiled with all the silliness.

[Lois · Rating 3 out of 5]

Killer Story, Bad Linguistics

I wanted to stop reading before chapter 3 because of the constant language and foul descriptions of everything but knew I could not give a fair review of I didn't finish the book.

Good storyline and characters but needs a ton of editing for typos, grammar, and awkward sentences. I'd like to see this author continue writing but drop the constant crude descriptions. Because of this I won't be reading another.

[Myra Ball · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent humor and plot

I loved this book with such great characters. Annie is hilarious and her mind works in creative ways. It make for great reading. The author should market this series as more cozy paranormal or paranormal women's fiction because it fits those genres perfectly. There's really nothing in the title that puts the series in anything but the cozy genre. I just happened to love the cover and read the book description.

[Cynthia Fry · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute and Quirky

The book is a light read and offers an interesting premise. I found that I wanted more from the book. There are inconsistencies in the storyline and little red herrings that never got too deep.

[Ashlee · Rating 2 out of 5]

I absolutely could not get interested in this book until the very end, and even then I felt my mind wandering. The whole plot has a "Ghost" feel with a deceased man haunting an empathic woman to find his killer. Unfortunately, the characters did not remind me of Patrick Swayze and Whoopi Goldberg.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted a complete “cotton candy” read, and this fit the bill. Not great. Just a silly take-off of vanilla cozy mysteries. I think I got this book collection for free on our Nook many years ago, but I never opened it until now. I’ll read the others whenever I have a craving for pure brain candy.

[Bernadine Sydow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Murder mystery and dead guy

Interesting book about a murder, dead guy and a ghost. The Baker is a emphat psychic and solve murders
mysteries.