Dark Chocolate Demise

Cupcake Bakery Mystery #7

by Jenn McKinlay

A New York Times Bestseller A Cupcake Bakery Mystery Hundreds of fans have gathered in Scottsdale, Arizona, for the first annual Old Town Zombie Walk. The Fairy Tale Cupcake crew dons undead attire to sell horror-themed desserts ― until Mel finds a real dead body in a prop casket outside the bakery’s truck.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Cozy, Audiobook, Fiction, Romance, Contemporary

369 pages, Paperback

First published April 7, 2015

About the author

Jenn is the New York Times, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly bestselling author of several mystery and romance series. She is also the winner of the RT Reviewers’ Choice Award for romantic comedy and the Fresh Fiction award for best cozy mystery. A TEDx speaker, she is always happy to talk books, writing, reading, and the creative process to anyone who cares to listen. She lives in sunny Arizona in a house that is overrun with books, pets, and her husband’s guitars.

Reviews

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dark Chocolate Demise is the 7th book in the Cupcake Bakery Mysteries written by Jenn McKinlay. Now that I'm halfway through the series, I have a solid feel for the characters, writing style and scenic side stories, and I definitely see strong similarities to the Janet Evanovich Stephanie Plum books. In some ways, it's a compliment because I could see them writing together, or Jenn taking over for Janet... but at the same time, it's almost too close with the way the romantic relationships are being portrayed. Jenn's a good writer and I laughed my butt off in this one, especially with the 7 brothers showing up in the bakery all the time. All that said, I'm very much enjoying these books and will definitely keep reading the rest.

[Tiffany · Rating 2 out of 5]

The title should be "The One in Which Mel is an Unbelievable Idiot Who Does All the Stupid Things"

[beachbum bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

for my thoughts on this book and other cozy mysteries subscribe to my YouTube channel @:https://t.co/Jx58B4KNW5?amp=1 ...more

[Melodie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jenn McKinlay has been a favorite of mine for some time, but lately this series and her Library Lovers series have not been up to par. In both, the sorry, worn out "love triangle" has been put into play. IMHO, that ploy is for lazy writers who have no idea how to deal with real relationships in good stories. Ms. McKinlay is very talented and should be SO above stooping to that. At least in the case of this series, it appears she might have resolved that. That was one good thing about this book. The other was the "zombie walk" setting at the beginning of the book. Otherwise this story just seemed to veer off into WAY too many TSTL moments for almost all the characters. I've invested a lot of time into this series and know how good Ms. McKinlay can be. For that reason I'll be on board for the next one and hope that she brings it back to its past glory. If not, this is a series that I'll have to very regretfully abandon.

[Moondance · Rating 4 out of 5]

"He looks really good in there," Angie DeLaura said.

This is the seventh book in A Cupcake Bakery Mystery. Mel, Angie, Tate and the crew from Fairy Tale Cupcakes are participating in a zombie walk. The group has rented a casket for photo opportunities beside the bakery's van. Everyone except Marty has gotten in the spirit of the day by dressing as zombies. Angie and Tate are a newly dead bride and groom while Mel and Oz are zombie bakers. The usual cupcakes have been revamped with new names and added gory effects to fit the day. Much to Tate's dismay, Angie's ex, Roach and his band the Sewers are playing at the festival. The cupcake van is left unattended during a skirmish. Mel discovers a body in the casket upon her return and fears that it is her best friend Angie. It turns out to be the wife of a law clerk in Joe's office. Everyone is immediately on the defense in fear that Joe's high profile case against a mobster has caused his sister to be a target.

Oh my goodness! I could live at the Fairy Tale Cupcake Bakery! I love the banter between Mel, Angie and Tate. Their constant need to quote movies makes me so happy. The DeLaura brothers are a hoot as they try to keep Angie and Mel safe in the bakery. There is just enough of Joe in the story to make me want more. I've forgiven him for breaking Mel's heart in the last book.

Mel is a trouble magnet. It seems she is always in the center of anything that is remotely dangerous. The fact that she is still alive is amazing in itself.

I'm glad that there was some resolution with Manny. I understand the tension of a love triangle but seriously just want Mel to focus on Joe.

There were the usual twists and turns with characters not being as they seemed. The ending of course leads into the next book that I must read soon.

I love reading the recipes although I've never tried any of them.

A most enjoyable read!

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is more of a 2.5 book for me I'm sad to say. I just didn't care that much for this story and found myself skimming the last 50 pages. The constant "I'm not in danger when there is a possible hit man out there," got old real fast. I would believe, if you were dating a lawyer, who was trying to put a mob boss in jail, you and or possibly, the lawyers younger sister, would most definitely be on the hit list. The two main characters, Mel and Angie, really got on my nerves in this book. Their constant trying to get away from Angie's brothers and Tate, plus the angst between Mel and Joe was the driving force for this story, the mystery was second fiddle here.

I love this writer, Jenn McKinlay, she is one of my favorite cozy writers. But, I'm not so sure if I will read the next book in the series.

[Kelsey · Rating 2 out of 5]

I pretty much only made it this far in the series because once I start a series I have a pathological need to get to the last book available. As the series goes on the main character, Mel, becomes exponentially more annoying. She is majorly self centered and her insistence that a bakery she opened with friends is hers is the worst and they way she talks to the people in her life that care about her is kind of appaling. Her obsession with the fact that she was fat at one point in her life to the point of it being fat shaming is awful and her judgementalness about any woman who embraces femininity and is not a "jeans and t-shirt" girl like she is is kind of icing on the annoying cupcake.

It all culminates in this book that has a plot that is way too ambitious for a cozy mystery. Having the mafia involved and her still not minding her own business is kind of far fetched. It tried to go too deep into a conspiracy but had to remain topical as is the nature of cozy mysteries and that's how it ultimately failed. Which is kind of unfortunate as I like the other characters enough that I probably would have kept reading the series if Mel hadn't become so off putting and the plots too overreaching.

[Suzanne · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 stars is being generous because I love this series. This particular installment, however, I wanted to throw across the room, but since I was reading on my kindle I didn't want to destroy that. What little mystery there was got lost among all the whiny bickering - "you're not the boss of me," "hey now, little missy," "I love you but I hate you," etc. I'll try the next book and hope for a vast improvement.

[Dawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoy this series, but the behavior of Mel and Angie got on my nerves in this one. I just thought they acted a little selfishly and whiney about not knowing exactly what was going on all the time with Joe and his case. And going to Roach's party...that was just plain stupid. LOVED the two Bonehead Investigators, though! They were hilarious! And I adore Marty :) . I liked the storyline in this one and had no clue who the killer was until it was revealed.

[Pamela · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm starting to get annoyed with the main characters. Their decisions are too childish and headstrong, without thinking about those who care for them. I suppose if they don't grow up soon, I'll be stopping this series.

The redeeming part is that this book is fast paced and somewhat entertaining, but it's still difficult to read a book whose main characters you can't stand.

[nidah05 (SleepDreamWrite) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well I'm loving the series so far. And like that the characters have grown a little, well a lot since the first book. But in this one wow was it a bit frustrating. Especially with Joe and Mel. But Angie and Tate have their share of frustrating moments as well.

Still love those two couples anyway.

You got cupcakes, Halloween theme or well zombie theme for this particular mystery. And that ending, I was like awww then it happened and I was like, oh great, now I got to wait for the next book.

Huh, surprised I'm already caught up. Way to leave this reader impatiently waiting. And I love the series for it.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series and it just keeps getting better. I find the characters to be likeable and relatable and the cupcakes sound great! This one continued with Joe's case from a previous book and continued on at a zombie walk. Some great scenes with the brothers doing bodyguard duty. These books are such fun and they are written in an easy to read style.

[Suzanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was 4 stars for awhile - I loved the cupcake descriptions, etc. But wow I hate the so common trope of sneaking off into dangerous situations -so dumb!

[Nikkie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just... wow. So much disappoint. I have really enjoyed this series and was really looking forward to this installment, but I was super disappointed. Mel, honey, what in the heck is wrong with you? To go so far outside the realm of logic and self-preservation just to prove you are an independent woman who don't need no man, and yet then swoon and pine and I just don't even. And Joe, man, them's some ethically questionable activity you're running in this book. No, I lie, it isn't, it's just plain criminal. But even if you are a lawyer man, TWOO WUFF makes everything okay, assuming your ex is too smitten to press charges.

Characters, you are annoying me. This isn't a deal breaker book, or I'd have given it one star. I'm giving the series one more installment before I wash my hands of it. I wish I had nicer things to say, but as quick a read as this was, finishing it was still a chore.

[Peggy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another delicious entry in this series. This characters have really come to life and grabbed me with each new stories. This series is really one that is character driven more than mystery driven but I don't mind it because of how well written the characters are. The author has done a great job with crafting full, well-rounded, likable and relatable characters, both main and secondary. I love how she leaves each story with a little cliff hanger. Fortunately, I am binge reading my way through the series and have checked out all the books from my library. Instant gratification and no waiting. Who knew a cupcake baker could find so much trouble.

I think I'm going to be a bit disappointed when I get to the last book and realize I have to wait a couple months for the next new book in the series. Oh well, on to book #8.

[Mary T. Keeley · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am beginning to be distracted by how unlikable Meg and Angie have become. Meg puts herself in danger every book. Now she is throwing temper tantrums because HORRORS people try to keep her safe.. They treat their competition like dirt then get all righteous when she does anything.. Maybe I have read too many books in a row because I can't see how they are so successful when she closes up to question people and gives so many cupcakes away.
I will be honest I haven't finished this one. Maybe it takes a turn for the better. I will change my review if it improves.

[LORI CASWELL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dollycas’s Thoughts

If you have read my reviews you know zombies are not my thing but A Zombie Walk with Mel, Angie, Tate, Oz and Marty, I will be there in New York Minute. These characters are a blast and wherever they go you know there is going to be CUPCAKES!! and probably a murder, but CUPCAKES!! How can you not want to go along on their wild ride?

Joe is working a big case and for the moment he and Mel are on the outs, but that is just because he wants to keep her safe. The gang from Fairy Tale Cupcakes tries to keep her mind off him by trying to sell cupcakes at the First Annual Zombie Walk. They are even all dressed up as undead and have added a casket to their display for some unique selfie pics. All is going well until someone very much dead is found in the casket and their death may be connected to Joe’s big case. Everyone thinks the murder may have been a mob hit and someone very, very, close to Joe was the real target. All the DeLaura brothers go on high alert to keep Mel and Angie safe but Mel is determined to dig up the clues needed to catch the killer before anyone else ends up in a casket buried six feet under.

Jenn McKinlay has baked us up a scrumptious mystery that I had me from the first page until the last. First she scared the frosting right out me when the body was discovered and I wasn’t the only one. This one hits a little too close for comfort and several characters are deeply affected. We learn cupcakes and movie quotes don’t lighten anyone’s mood this time or at least not too much. This case needed to be solved as fast as possible.

Don’t get me wrong though there was plenty of humor and romantic tension. Even Manny, the hunky detective, caused some fun moments that had Mel feeling the heat. :)

I was surprised by how fast I read this book. My reading speed has been too fast the last few weeks but before I knew it I was at the end. The story is excellent and I was sad to see it wrap up because then I realized I have to wait a year to get to the next chapter and cure my cupcake craving with the Mel and Angie.

This series makes the bestseller’s list for several reasons. These are fabulous stories with fabulous characters and readers have a fabulous time reading them. I encourage you to take a huge bite out of Dark Chocolate Demise. You will thank me and definitely want more!!

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would actually give it a 3 1/2 star. I'm really torn to rate this one, I love Ms. McKinlay's books but this one really fell short with me. Normally I love Mel and Angie but frankly I wanted to smack them both. Angie's brother Joe is trying to tie up a case on the mob, this is putting everyone he knows in jeopardy, however when anyone tries to do anything to help keep them safe, they basically throw hissy fits and refuse to be "told what to do", so hey let's do something really stupid to show them, if it had happened just once I could ignore it, but it seemed to be a sequence of events
This being said, the beginning was excellent with the zombie walk and murder. I adore Oz and Marty, fun without being over the top. I love Manny, not sure what is going to happen with him. I felt bad for Joe in this one. The mystery was good, although it seemed to take a back seat to all the personal issues. Basically I loved all the characters except Mel and Angie in this one, sad to say since I normally love them. Looking at other reviews, they didn't seem to be bothered by these things so it is a matter of opinion. I will continue on with this series because I have loved all the others.

[Mary · Rating 1 out of 5]

Too stupid to live

This is the last of this series I'll be reading. The main character deliberately makes one stupid decision after another, acting like a petulant, spoiled little girl. She repeatedly puts herself in danger just to prove that nobody can tell HER what to do. When you start to root for the hit man, it's time to stop reading.

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly this book was too over the top in drama for me! Would have given it 3 stars but I do love those characters

[Glen · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's near Halloween, and Scottsdale is having a zombie event. A body is found right near our heroes' booth, and the victim looks like one of our main characters. Everybody freaks out, as a mobster is on trial, prosecuted by the paramour of the sleuth.

A lot of comedy this time.

[Mark Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fairy Tale Cupcakes are selling cupcakes at the end of the first annual Zombie walk in town, and Mel, Angie, and the rest of their staff are getting into the spirit of things. But the fun takes a dark turn when Mel finds a body stuffed into the coffin outside their cupcake truck – a body that hits very close to home. Who was the target and why?

This book is a little darker than others in the series based on the plot alone, but we are talking a shade darker – cozy fans will still love it. The mystery takes a back seat at times to the characters reactions to the murder, but that was the appropriate response to the plot and I was never board while reading it. The book reaches a logical and page turning climax, and it also features some of the funniest scenes in the series. I think this is best for people already fans of the series, but they will love it.

NOTE: I was sent a copy of the book in hopes that I would review it.

Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.

[Lisa Ks Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whenever a new book in the Cupcake Bakery Mystery series comes out, I drop everything I’m doing to read it. And with this seventh book in the series, it was once again worth it!

DARK CHOCOLATE DEMISE is a yummy addition to this delicious series. Author Jenn McKenlay knows how to draw a reader in and keep them entertained. From the first line until the very last sentence, I was transfixed.

The characters in this series continue to delight me. The way they interact with one another is so very real. I know I would feel right at home with this group of people.

I love the way in which the victim in this story was found was so unique. Already in a casket. Too fun! And I never suspected who the killer was. It was a real shock when the reveal came!

Fans of Jenn McKinlay are sure to eat up this tasty installment to a wonderful series.

Remember to check out the awesome cupcake recipes at the back of the book!

[Lacey · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was a huge disappointment. What was once one of my favorite cozy mystery series', has now gone down the toilet. The entire debacle with Joe was just mindbogglingly ridiculous. First off, I couldn't understand why Mel would ever want to get back together with him and second off, why did the entire novel have to be filled with their drama? What happened to solving the mystery? Ugh, what a terrible disappointment.

[❂ Murder by Death · Rating 3 out of 5]

Better than I expected it would be after being consistently disappointed with recent reads from this author, but still very average, especially compared to Ms. McKinlay's earlier books. Thankfully the stupid and worthless love triangles are over with, but the mystery was rather transparent.

Full review: http://jenn.booklikes.com/post/115155...

[Jenna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Perfect read for this Halloween October month.
This story was a little more intense as the trial Joe is working on starts to effect his family & friends. 
On the positive side, that zombie parade sounds really cool. I'd love to attend one of those.
Also, I'm now craving cupcakes!

[Fred · Rating 4 out of 5]

ark Chocolate Demise is the seventh book in the A Cupcake Bakery Mystery series.

This is another delicious read in the cupcake series and wonderful sounding recipes are included with the book.

Scottsdale's Old Town in holding it first annual Zombie Walk and everybody at Fairy Tale Cupcakes is getting into the spirit by dressing up as zombies. They have baked themed cupcakes for the gathering and have also secured a prop casket that they will position by their bakery truck in hopes of drawing even more of attendees to stop and purchase a cupcake or two. Marty, an employee of the bakery, is planning to reside in casket to further entice customers to stop by the cupcake truck.

Mel and Angie are surprised to find that Roach, Angie's ex boyfriend and his band are the performers that evening. Shortly after returning from listening to the band perform the dead body of a young lady who is wearing a costume similar to Angie's is found in the coffin ny the bakery truck.

Joe DeLaura, Angie's brother, and Meg's relationship is on hold as he prosecuting a man with know mob connections and fears for Mel's and Angie's lives in retaliation. The other DeLaura brother go into protection mode, well maybe over protection mode. It's fun to read what lengths Meg and Angie will go to in order to free to do a little investigation into who might have killed the girl.

It always a joy to stop in The Fairy Cupcake and check in with Mel, Angie, Tate and employees Marty and Oz. Definitely looking forward to the next book to see what Mela and Angie might be up to.

[Doward Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder, mobsters, cupcakes and love gone wrong! What more to you want in a fast paced mystery? Scottsdale, Arizona is hosting the first ever Old Town Zombie Walk and the crew at Fairy Tale Cupcakes is participating. Meet Mel, Angie, Tate, Oz and Marty as they wade thru zombies to find a real dead body in a coffin they are using. When the body is eerily similar to Angie in costume and looks everyone goes on the alert. Angie's brother, Joe, is prosecuting a vicious mobster and it appears that he is targeting Joe's sister. Things aren't adding up for Mel and she is pulled into the middle of the investigation. With Angie's six other brothers and her boyfriend Tate taking turns guarding her, things get heated. This series has been fantastic from the beginning and this like extra frosting on the cupcake. The characters and action are well done, the cupcake descriptions will make you hungry and the murder plot is devious, with many twists and turns. For sweets lovers and mystery fans both, this is a must read.

[Leslie aka StoreyBook Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! I've always loved this series and this one throws a few curve balls the readers way. I don't want to spoil anything but there are several heart stopping moments early on when someone is killed (because someone has to die, it is a mystery after all) and then the ending on top of that! When Mel reveals a fact about the killer it isn't too hard to go from there, but it was very surprising to me to watch the killer reveal unfold.

And then the last sentence of the book? let me say I am glad I have the next book here to read otherwise I would be on pins and needles until it was released!

[Dawn Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mostly meh.
You'd think after finding S E V E N dead bodies and almost dying in several of the books, that Mel and Angie would think twice about doing something stupid and dangerous. Apparently, that is a no. Sigh.
And the whole lazy-writing love triangle crap. P L E A S E stop writing crap like that. PLEASE.
I will say it looks like that is over in this series, but it has happened before and could happen again. It is just lazy, stupid writing and we readers deserve better than that.

Sigh.