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Laurel McKay Mysteries #5
Dying for a Donut
To Laurel McKay, there's nothing better than spending an autumn afternoon munching on caramel apples and cinnamon donuts. It's a good thing her daughter Jenna has landed a seasonal job at Apple Tree Farm and Bakery. Then Laurel stumbles over the bakery owner coated in powdered sugar. Axel Thorson was a well-respected member of the community. Who wanted to sweeten him up?
When the police arrest the heartthrob grandson of the bakery manager, Jenna decides to help him by solving the case herself, a move that lands her in jail. With Laurel's detective honey in another state, and her octogenarian grandmother threatening to chase down the culprit, what's a soccer mom with a sweet tooth to do but go undercover.
Detecting among donuts should be a piece of cake, but not if Laurel discovers first-hand that sugar can kill you.
"Don't miss the Laurel McKay books. Like me, you'll be 'dying' to read the next one."
- Brenda Novak, NY times and USA Today Bestselling Author
When the police arrest the heartthrob grandson of the bakery manager, Jenna decides to help him by solving the case herself, a move that lands her in jail. With Laurel's detective honey in another state, and her octogenarian grandmother threatening to chase down the culprit, what's a soccer mom with a sweet tooth to do but go undercover.
Detecting among donuts should be a piece of cake, but not if Laurel discovers first-hand that sugar can kill you.
"Don't miss the Laurel McKay books. Like me, you'll be 'dying' to read the next one."
- Brenda Novak, NY times and USA Today Bestselling Author
286 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 3, 2015
304 people are currently reading
626 people want to read
About the author
Cindy Sample
28 books207 followersCindy Sample is a former corporate CEO who decided plotting murder was more fun than plodding through paperwork. After one too many mergers,she retired to write her national bestselling and award-winning Laurel McKay Humorous mystery series set in the California Gold Country. Spindrift Cove Mysteries, her newest series, is set in Washington State, featuring Sierra Sullivan, a former cruise director.
Cindy is a five-time LEFTY Award finalist for best humorous mystery and a two-time SILVER FALCHION Award finalist for best traditional mystery. She is a past president of the Sacramento chapter of Sisters in Crime and has served on the boards of the Sacramento Opera and YWCA. Visit her website at www.cindysamplebooks.com
Cindy is a five-time LEFTY Award finalist for best humorous mystery and a two-time SILVER FALCHION Award finalist for best traditional mystery. She is a past president of the Sacramento chapter of Sisters in Crime and has served on the boards of the Sacramento Opera and YWCA. Visit her website at www.cindysamplebooks.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
September 6, 2018
This is the fifth book in the Laurel McKay series. I hadn't read any other books from the series but easily enjoyed this book. I didn't feel I had to go back and read the first four books. I enjoy that in a series. This book was a typical cozy mystery with likable characters. The mystery is well plotted but I did guess the murderer about half way through the book.
February 22, 2016
“Dying for a Donut” is the fifth book in the Laurel McKay mystery series by Cindy Sample. It is nominated for a Lefty Award for Best Humorous Mystery.
This isn’t a surprise as all of the books in this series except the first have also been nominated for this award. This is a fantastic series if you like funny cozy mysteries.
In “Dying for a Donut” Laurel’s daughter, Jenna, is working at Apple Tree Farm and Bakery. When Laurel comes to pick Jenna up, she stumbles over the body of the bakery owner, Axel Thorson coated in sugar. When the police arrest the grandson of the bakery manager, Jenna’s friend, Jenna decides to investigate and ends up in jail herself. So Laurel steps in to help her daughter and find the real killer.
I’ve said in previous reviews that one of the reasons I love reading this series is they are feel-good books, they make you smile.
For the rest of the review see: http://www.examiner.com/article/savor...
This isn’t a surprise as all of the books in this series except the first have also been nominated for this award. This is a fantastic series if you like funny cozy mysteries.
In “Dying for a Donut” Laurel’s daughter, Jenna, is working at Apple Tree Farm and Bakery. When Laurel comes to pick Jenna up, she stumbles over the body of the bakery owner, Axel Thorson coated in sugar. When the police arrest the grandson of the bakery manager, Jenna’s friend, Jenna decides to investigate and ends up in jail herself. So Laurel steps in to help her daughter and find the real killer.
I’ve said in previous reviews that one of the reasons I love reading this series is they are feel-good books, they make you smile.
For the rest of the review see: http://www.examiner.com/article/savor...
December 16, 2015
On her fifth book, the author, Cindy Sample has produced a truly wonderful offering. Her writing is focused, crisp and pointed. Her storyline is top notch. This is a true mystery - and her writing has that fact well centered. The main character is still the same - Laurel McKay spends most of her time in this book trying to solve a brutal murder while balancing her life as a working mom - - Laurel has some terrific (laugh-out-loud) one-liners throughout the book which fits her character well. The reader will love Laurel and the rest of her family - - you may also gain a few pounds reading about those lovely donuts that are made throughout the book! Two thumbs up for 'Donuts'!!
April 4, 2017
A rather hectic cozy this time. Laurel McKay has her hands full. Her daughter has a part time job and is studying for SATs, while her son wants to be a detective. Her boyfriend is off in Reno for some kind of undercover sting operation.
Some jerk gets murdered, and Laurel's daughter's crush is the primary suspect. Laurel starts poking around, and her grandmother wants to start a detective agency with her. An old flame of her boyfriend is the lead detective in the case, and she doesn't appreciate Laurel's interference.
Pretty good, with a lot going on, but never too distracting from the main case.
Some jerk gets murdered, and Laurel's daughter's crush is the primary suspect. Laurel starts poking around, and her grandmother wants to start a detective agency with her. An old flame of her boyfriend is the lead detective in the case, and she doesn't appreciate Laurel's interference.
Pretty good, with a lot going on, but never too distracting from the main case.
March 1, 2016
Cindy Sample has written a very entertaining series of books, entitled, Dying for a D (fill in the blanks); I have all of them and, eagerly, look forward to each new one. It feels like old home week to visit Laurel McKay and her family again! Same with revisiting Cindy's addictive writing style. Humorous and cute without going overboard like some I read.
And Cindy's books are, pretty much, clean (a few innuendos now & then is all).
And Cindy's books are, pretty much, clean (a few innuendos now & then is all).
July 19, 2016
Loved this book, very fun and easy to read. Every time I thought it might be predictable something different happened instead. I met the author at a North State Writers meeting, she's very personable and easy to speak to. I started her series with this one especially because it was set in Apple Hill which I love to visit.
January 23, 2016
Wonderful book
I loved this book. I would recommend anyone to read this book. It deserves 5 stars or more. Great book.
I loved this book. I would recommend anyone to read this book. It deserves 5 stars or more. Great book.
February 29, 2016
Loved It
Cleverly written and full of surprises, Dying for a Donut would not let me put it down. Can't wait for the next book in Laurel McKay's crazy life.
Cleverly written and full of surprises, Dying for a Donut would not let me put it down. Can't wait for the next book in Laurel McKay's crazy life.
October 8, 2016
First of her books I have read. Very good I enjoyed it. I'll be reading the rest of them now
April 5, 2017
Another great read from the Laurel McKay series
June 23, 2025
Una historia divertida y entretenida sin grandes pretenciones y que llega a sorprender. Lo mejor : las recetas lo peor : la dificultad para resolver el misterio por ti mismo
March 6, 2022
I loved this book (I seem to say this a lot with this series). Wow where to start, this is book five and the plot and characters are just as fresh as with the very first book., The characters are wonderfully entertaining and a real treat. Where else are going to find an
octogenarian wanting to start her own detective agency? Even Laurel's teenage daughter gets in on the investigation this time around with some interesting results. There is so much going on in this mystery from trying to keep her job at the bank to worries over the men in there lives being away on assignment. But I think it is the mystery that I really enjoyed in this book. I never had a clue who the killer was, despite the clues. The only think I would say is its not a book to listen to if you are on a diet. I am off to eat a donut ...I mean start the next book.
Laurel teenage daughter, Jenna, has landed a job for the summer, at Apple tree Farm and bakery and the worse that Laurel expected was struggle with the early morning starts. Instead her daughter is being bullied, she's eating to many donuts and she stumbles over her daughter's boss covered in cloud and very much dead. The bad boy employee who was tired for theft is quickly blamed but Jenna has a soft spot for the underdog and starts her own investigation. She lands herself in jail when her investigating gets her noticed by the police and with Laurel's boyfriend and the detective who would normally be in charge away, Laurel decides the only way to help her daughter and her friend is to find the real killer herself. And what better way than by having the bank sponsor the local Apple farms in the area, giving her plenty of opportunity to question her suspects and still hopefully keep her job at the bank by bringing in new customers. Donuts might be sweet but murder is anything but and Laurel will do anything to keep her daughter out of harm's way.
I liked the narrator. She used some interesting voices to bring the characters to life, making it highly entertaining.
octogenarian wanting to start her own detective agency? Even Laurel's teenage daughter gets in on the investigation this time around with some interesting results. There is so much going on in this mystery from trying to keep her job at the bank to worries over the men in there lives being away on assignment. But I think it is the mystery that I really enjoyed in this book. I never had a clue who the killer was, despite the clues. The only think I would say is its not a book to listen to if you are on a diet. I am off to eat a donut ...I mean start the next book.
Laurel teenage daughter, Jenna, has landed a job for the summer, at Apple tree Farm and bakery and the worse that Laurel expected was struggle with the early morning starts. Instead her daughter is being bullied, she's eating to many donuts and she stumbles over her daughter's boss covered in cloud and very much dead. The bad boy employee who was tired for theft is quickly blamed but Jenna has a soft spot for the underdog and starts her own investigation. She lands herself in jail when her investigating gets her noticed by the police and with Laurel's boyfriend and the detective who would normally be in charge away, Laurel decides the only way to help her daughter and her friend is to find the real killer herself. And what better way than by having the bank sponsor the local Apple farms in the area, giving her plenty of opportunity to question her suspects and still hopefully keep her job at the bank by bringing in new customers. Donuts might be sweet but murder is anything but and Laurel will do anything to keep her daughter out of harm's way.
I liked the narrator. She used some interesting voices to bring the characters to life, making it highly entertaining.
July 30, 2025
As always, I enjoy Cindy Sample's fun Laurel McKay cozy mysteries. However, with this one I am removing a star because we are in the fifth book of the series wherein Laurel, our protagonist, proves to be more competent, then the Placerville sheriffs department. This would be fine except for the fact that Tom, lieutenant detective and her beau, and new sheriff deputy Ali Reynolds still completely dismiss her information and theories as ridiculous, and are headstrong in their own incorrect hunches.
While I know that is part of integral part of the plot, it does disappoint me that the dialogue written for Tom does not acknowledge Laurel's success in the last four instances in which the sheriff's department has arrested the wrong person and she has caught the right one. Additionally, there's no reflection of how wrong this town sheriffs department consistently is! Even after arresting the wrong person twice, with no bail, there is no remorse or apology to Laurel (or the arresstee) for insisting they were right when they were wrong.
I would not expect the plot to necessarily change. But after four - now five - books, it's a little weird that Tom still dismisses Laurel's insights without acknowledging the pattern of the sheriff's department being completely incorrect. Equally disappointing is the fact that Laurel doesn't bring this up in her dialogue with Tom, and is only obedient and admiring. While Tom might be successful in the field and out of the book's scope, it is hard to respect Tom's competency from what we see in this series.
I hope that the next book, number six, has a little bit more development on that front, or at least acknowledges this pattern and dynamic. Without showing Tom's verifiable good instincts - or ability to move away from wrong initial arrests without any further detective work - it's hard to keep rooting for his relationship with Laurel.
While I know that is part of integral part of the plot, it does disappoint me that the dialogue written for Tom does not acknowledge Laurel's success in the last four instances in which the sheriff's department has arrested the wrong person and she has caught the right one. Additionally, there's no reflection of how wrong this town sheriffs department consistently is! Even after arresting the wrong person twice, with no bail, there is no remorse or apology to Laurel (or the arresstee) for insisting they were right when they were wrong.
I would not expect the plot to necessarily change. But after four - now five - books, it's a little weird that Tom still dismisses Laurel's insights without acknowledging the pattern of the sheriff's department being completely incorrect. Equally disappointing is the fact that Laurel doesn't bring this up in her dialogue with Tom, and is only obedient and admiring. While Tom might be successful in the field and out of the book's scope, it is hard to respect Tom's competency from what we see in this series.
I hope that the next book, number six, has a little bit more development on that front, or at least acknowledges this pattern and dynamic. Without showing Tom's verifiable good instincts - or ability to move away from wrong initial arrests without any further detective work - it's hard to keep rooting for his relationship with Laurel.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 15, 2024
3.5/5 Stars
When Laurel stumbles across the owner of the local apple tree farm and bakery covered in powdered sugar and very, very dead, she's drawn into a mystery that provides lots of excuses to indulge her sweet tooth.
I enjoyed the sweet puns, the exploration of the orchard world, and the peeling back the layers on the victim, revealing secrets that multiple people tried to keep buried.
There were some things that really impacted my enjoyment of the book, like character depth and development, pacing, the cattiness, and there were some loose ends that didn't feel addressed.
Overall, if you're into cozy mystery with a hankering for sweet puns, an unhealthy dose of sarcasm and body tingling over the rich baritones, this probably would be right up your alley. As for me, I read it for my book club, and there are more in the series, but I think this is a one-and-done.
When Laurel stumbles across the owner of the local apple tree farm and bakery covered in powdered sugar and very, very dead, she's drawn into a mystery that provides lots of excuses to indulge her sweet tooth.
I enjoyed the sweet puns, the exploration of the orchard world, and the peeling back the layers on the victim, revealing secrets that multiple people tried to keep buried.
There were some things that really impacted my enjoyment of the book, like character depth and development, pacing, the cattiness, and there were some loose ends that didn't feel addressed.
Overall, if you're into cozy mystery with a hankering for sweet puns, an unhealthy dose of sarcasm and body tingling over the rich baritones, this probably would be right up your alley. As for me, I read it for my book club, and there are more in the series, but I think this is a one-and-done.
June 30, 2017
Upbeat cozy in which Laurel McKay, a California bank's marketing department employee, is raising two kids and trying to make ends meet. Her boyfriend is a detective with the local county sheriff's office who gets called for an undercover job in Reno. Her ex has a a new girlfriend. Her grandmother is extremely reminiscent of Stephanie Plum's grandmother. Laurel's daughter, Jenna, seems very attracted to Tony, an hispanic boy working with her at an apple orchard. He gets accused of theft and is fired. And then Laurel finds the orchard owner dead. Laurel's boyfriend wants her to stay out of the case, but Jenna's tear-stained face makes that impossible for Laurel when Tony is arrested for murder.
September 24, 2018
Donut in One Hand, Kindle in the Other
It's hard to put down Dying for a Donut until you've finished. The cast of colorful characters, some you'll love and some you'll love to hate, tell a fun tale of donut shop antics leaving a trail of sugar-coated bodies. Can you discern the killer before the book ends? Can you keep from running out for pastries while you read? Put on the coffee and crack open the book. Here's hoping you can crack the case as well.
It's hard to put down Dying for a Donut until you've finished. The cast of colorful characters, some you'll love and some you'll love to hate, tell a fun tale of donut shop antics leaving a trail of sugar-coated bodies. Can you discern the killer before the book ends? Can you keep from running out for pastries while you read? Put on the coffee and crack open the book. Here's hoping you can crack the case as well.
September 26, 2018
This is a great book to read in the Fall. It's about an apple farm with a donut bakery on the premises. So what's not to like? Just throw a couple of murders in and you've got yourself a cozy mystery. The characters are likable and the story line flows. Just when you think you know who the murderer is, that person is also murdered . The descriptions are such that you can almost smell the cinnamon whenever the bakery is mentioned.
September 10, 2018
Appetite for donuts and mystery satisfied
Don't read this book while hungry. There are just too many delicious sounding pastry items to distract you. Start at the end and make a few of the recipes first to enjoy along with the action. I suggest an eating game and snack along with the plot. Laurel and her family make you feel right at home with murder and snacking
Don't read this book while hungry. There are just too many delicious sounding pastry items to distract you. Start at the end and make a few of the recipes first to enjoy along with the action. I suggest an eating game and snack along with the plot. Laurel and her family make you feel right at home with murder and snacking
March 8, 2022
Good book
Great story! Had me fooled all the way through this time! Poor Tony! Poor Axel! But when you're A mean person, karma is a bitch!. Laurel had a bunch of clues but not enough answers! And then the answer fell into her lap through no other than her Detective boyfriend! And Ms. Cindy, you just can't leave a cliff hangar for an ending...lol! But on to book six I go!
Great story! Had me fooled all the way through this time! Poor Tony! Poor Axel! But when you're A mean person, karma is a bitch!. Laurel had a bunch of clues but not enough answers! And then the answer fell into her lap through no other than her Detective boyfriend! And Ms. Cindy, you just can't leave a cliff hangar for an ending...lol! But on to book six I go!
November 1, 2023
This was a great story jam packed with lots of laugh out loud moments, and a great mystery to boot. When Laurel and her grandmother get together, hilarity ensues. The twists and turns kept me on the edge of my seat, and I had no idea who the culprit was until the big reveal. The narrator of this book was really good. Cindy Sample is an excellent author, and I highly recommend this book!
September 1, 2018
I received this book free and all comments are mine made freely.
I loved this mystery. It had me on the edge of my seat and I could
not put this book down.
I love apple orchards, like the local in the book.
Some things really surprised me but it was a very
good book
I loved this mystery. It had me on the edge of my seat and I could
not put this book down.
I love apple orchards, like the local in the book.
Some things really surprised me but it was a very
good book
September 8, 2018
Excellent story
The more I read, the more I wanted a donut! The sometimes hilarious antics of the relatives were so authentic. Sometimes it seemed I was with my own family. Couldn’t put it down!
The more I read, the more I wanted a donut! The sometimes hilarious antics of the relatives were so authentic. Sometimes it seemed I was with my own family. Couldn’t put it down!
September 10, 2018
Good book.
I like this author's writing style. As I read the book I felt as if I were right there with the characters. That is a real talent. Looking forward to more reading from this author.
I like this author's writing style. As I read the book I felt as if I were right there with the characters. That is a real talent. Looking forward to more reading from this author.
October 11, 2018
Dying for a Donut
This was my first Cindy Sample book to read but will not be my last! I really enjoy a good cozy mystery and this one was great! It has it all... family issues,life issues,love, mystery and dead bodies! I recommend this book highly.
This was my first Cindy Sample book to read but will not be my last! I really enjoy a good cozy mystery and this one was great! It has it all... family issues,life issues,love, mystery and dead bodies! I recommend this book highly.
April 17, 2022
This is the first book that I've read in this series. Really enjoyed it. Made me laugh through Laurel's antics and so call investigation technics. How someone can get into so much trouble and yet come to the solution is fantastic. Great writing Cindy. Keep it up.
January 2, 2025
I enjoyed this book in the series! Laurel has found a dead man in the warehouse of a bakery + apple growing enterprise. Her new boyfriend is away for months, and she deals with her family, her ex, and her friends on her own. Good reading!
March 21, 2025
I had not read the previous books in this series, but I needed a donut one for a challenge. The beginning was a little slow, and I was connecting with the main character, but as the plot went along, I started liking them more. The mystery was very good, and I did not guess the killer or their motive.
I may try to go back and read from the beginning.
Laurel's daughter is working part time at an apple tree farm. The owner is killed, and Laurel, with the help of her nosy granmother try to find the killer.
I may try to go back and read from the beginning.
Laurel's daughter is working part time at an apple tree farm. The owner is killed, and Laurel, with the help of her nosy granmother try to find the killer.
April 19, 2018
Read in two days
Lots of twists and turns. Many characters each with own personality. Loved the Familial connection with the four generations. Excellent
Lots of twists and turns. Many characters each with own personality. Loved the Familial connection with the four generations. Excellent
June 19, 2018
Donut
I don't know how she does it but Ms Sample gets better with each book in the series. Dude was my favorite, until I finished reading this one. Can Diamond top Donut?
I don't know how she does it but Ms Sample gets better with each book in the series. Dude was my favorite, until I finished reading this one. Can Diamond top Donut?
August 27, 2018
A fun chocoholic cozy!
With her cop boyfriend away she gets herself deep into donuts!
Well written with a good story line
With her cop boyfriend away she gets herself deep into donuts!
Well written with a good story line
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews