Cracker Jacked

A Juli Butler Mystery #1

by Barbara Witek

A fun, romantic mystery where starting your own business is murder, literally.

At the age of 18, Julianna Butler left her home town of New Hope, CT. to see the world and find herself. Ten years and countless jobs later, trouble seems to be the only thing she’s found. When the news of her mother’s passing finally reaches her, a guilt-ridden Juli returns home ready to make amends. Turning her mother’s antique store into an organic café for people and their pets seems to be the fresh start she needs.

Only she doesn’t count on her old friend being the town Sheriff, or that she’d be Chase Hargrave's number one suspect when a man turns up dead in her mother’s rose garden. Juli will stop at nothing, even if it means teaming up with a feisty parrot and a needy sheep dog, to clear her name and gain Chase’s trust.

Can two old friends abide by the rules, find a killer and make peace, or is Juli cooking up more trouble than she can handle?

Genres: Cozy Mystery, Mystery

241 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 2015

About the author

I live in New York with my husband and 2 rambunctious black labs (Max & Marley) There is never a dull moment in our world.

When I'm not writing, I'm enjoying empty-nester life in the cul-de-sac. I also enjoy cross-country skiing and skating, hiking, anything crafty, and competitive game nights with family and friends!

I'm a firm believer in love at first sight and finding lost loves.

Reviews

[Dana Duffy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this, but I just couldn’t get into it. Juli went from down and out without a dime to having money to spend left and right. There was never a mention of what her mom’s inheritance entailed. And then she jumps right into opening a specialty food store. No worries about permits or inspections. In fact, she was so busy being a busy body not sure when she ever had time to bake. Baking was only ever mentioned a couple of times and certainly never enough to stock a store. The best part was the bird and the dog.

[Marseydoats · Rating 2 out of 5]

The original cover with the parrot was much better. That's what attracted me to the book in the first place. I wouldn't even have given this book jacket a second glance.
Sadly, I just couldn't get into this book. I liked Scallywag and Major but none of the people at all.
Pete was a horrid thug who deserved what he got. If he had threatened one of my elderly neighbors and her cats he would have been spitting out all his teeth.

[Rhonda Grant · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story

This author was new to me but I definitely will be reading more of her works. I loved that Juli was just a normal person and trying to find the killer while blaming her friends. I love that she now has 2 law enforcement men interested in her. And she follows her own rules, whatever they may be. A very good clean book. Would definitely recommend

[Dalegendaryreader · Rating 2 out of 5]

This read as a comedy and not romance.

Juli returned in her home town when her mother passed away, and planned on opening a bakery that's organic which caters to people and pets. However, a dead person turned up in her garden and she's the main suspect.

Everything about this book is so absurd. Better not to take anything seriously because it's just good vibes all over.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first in the series. Juli comes home after her mom dies and decides to stay and change the antique store into an organic diner for pets and people. But she ends up accused of murder when someone dies in her back yard. She has a real problem trying to clear her name. She keeps asking questions and getting answers that the sheriff can't. Can she figure it out before it's too late ?

[Sandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have always been an avid reader. Now that I'm in the 4th Quarter of life, I've discovered there is a big difference in my LOVED reading list, and ENJOYED list!! Is it time to change my starred rating list
1= Did not complete
2= Had to restart from the
beginning at least once
3= Enjoyed
4= Loved
5=EXCELLENT.

[Alicia Peacock · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute cozy. Why do so many cozies make the fmc tough and mouthy for no reason? Somebody says hi and the fmc is "what do you mean by that?" Chill, you dont need to be tough in every situation. There were some holes in the plot and definitely conversations were awkward. I am going to try the next one because I think it will get better. Mystery was okay.

[Vaspira Moore Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

A few errors here or there nothing that really takes away from the story. The mystery was all right. Kept you guessing til the end. Scallywag was definitely the best part. Julie's attitude was on par. There was a heavy lack of diversity in any way, shape or form.

[Stacie Marquart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read.

[Carol Grappo · Rating 5 out of 5]

mystery

Intriguing, keeps you on your toes and you want to know more. The bird, dog and interesting people. Enjoyed and does she finally grow up.

[E'Who'Reads'a'Thousand'Mysteries · Rating 5 out of 5]

This high quality cozy mystery has the perfect combination of fast-paced action, giggles of humour, witty dialogue and vibrant personalities. I'll definitely read more books by this author!

[Jessica Hembree · Rating 2 out of 5]

Murder mystery

A typical small town murder mystery. The main character has to go back home after her mother dies and chaos surrounds her. Ends up helping solve a murder...

[Cynthia Martin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed the story. Was a bit too slow for majority of it but picked up nicely toward the end.