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A Chocoholic Mystery #16
The Chocolate Bunny Brouhaha
From the national bestselling author of The Chocolate Falcon Fraud comes an Easter candy caper featuring chocolatiers Lee Woodyard and her Aunt Nettie, and a killer who’s hopping mad...
The approach of Easter means a rush of business at TenHuis Chocolade, and Lee and her Aunt Nettie need all the help they can get to make their famous chocolate bunnies. Unfortunately, new hire Bunny Birdsong is a clutzy basketcase dropping everything she picks up. But to Lee’s surprise, she’s a whiz with computers and fixing the store’s website so they decide to keep her.
However, Bunny receives a few visitors they could do her soon to be ex-husband Beau, his wealthy aunt Abigail, and his new girlfriend and her brother all descend on the shop one day and have a bitter argument. Lee hopes they can find a peaceful way to settle their dispute and not bring any more trouble to TenHuis. But when Abigail’s body is discovered in the vacant store next door, it’s clear to Lee there’s a bad egg in her midst. Now she’s on the hunt to find out who it is...
Includes tasty chocolate trivia!
The approach of Easter means a rush of business at TenHuis Chocolade, and Lee and her Aunt Nettie need all the help they can get to make their famous chocolate bunnies. Unfortunately, new hire Bunny Birdsong is a clutzy basketcase dropping everything she picks up. But to Lee’s surprise, she’s a whiz with computers and fixing the store’s website so they decide to keep her.
However, Bunny receives a few visitors they could do her soon to be ex-husband Beau, his wealthy aunt Abigail, and his new girlfriend and her brother all descend on the shop one day and have a bitter argument. Lee hopes they can find a peaceful way to settle their dispute and not bring any more trouble to TenHuis. But when Abigail’s body is discovered in the vacant store next door, it’s clear to Lee there’s a bad egg in her midst. Now she’s on the hunt to find out who it is...
Includes tasty chocolate trivia!
229 pages, Hardcover
First published November 1, 2016
49 people are currently reading
913 people want to read
About the author
JoAnna Carl
34 books434 followersJOANNA CARL is the pseudonym for the multi-published mystery writer Eve K. Sandstrom. The author writes about the shores of Lake Michigan and has been reviewed in Michigan newspapers as a “regional writer.” She has also written about Southwest Oklahoma and once won an award for the best book of the year with an Oklahoma setting.
Eve K. Sandstrom is an Oklahoman to the teeth: she was born there, as were five previous generations of her mother’s family. Both her grandfathers and her father were in the oil business, once the backbone of Oklahoma’s economy. One grandmother was born in the Choctaw Nation, and Eve is a member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. Eve and seven other members of her immediate family are graduates of the University of Oklahoma. Eve even knows the second verse of “Boomer Sooner.”
Eve wrote two mystery series: the “Down Home” books, set on a ranch in Southwest Oklahoma, and the Nell Matthews mysteries, semi-hard-boiled books laid in a mid-size city on the Southern Plains.
But Eve married a great guy whose family owned a cottage on the west coast of Lake Michigan, not far from the Michigan towns of Fennville, Saugatuck, and Douglas. Every summer for more than forty years she, her husband and various combinations of children and grandchildren have trekked to the community of Pier Cove for vacations that lasted from two weeks to three months.
The area features gorgeous beaches, lush orchards, thick woods, and beautiful Victorian houses. Eve grew to love it. So when her editor asked her to come up with a new, “cozy” mystery series, Eve set it in a West Michigan resort town, scrambling up Saugatuck, Douglas, South Haven, Holland, Manistee, Ludington and Muskegon with her own ideas of what a resort ought to be to create Warner Pier.
As further background, she plunked her heroine into a business which produces and sells luscious, luxurious, European-style bonbons, truffles and molded chocolates. Most small towns couldn’t support a business like this, but the resorts of West Michigan – with their wealthy “summer people” – can. The “Chocoholic Mysteries” were on their way.
Eve’s editor requested that she use a pen name for the new series, and Eve picked the middle names of her three children, Betsy Jo, Ruth Anna, and John Carl. “JoAnna Carl” was born. So that’s how JoAnna/Eve became a regional author in two widely separated regions.
JoAnna/Eve earned a degree in journalism at the University of Oklahoma and also studied with Carolyn G. Hart and Jack Bickham in the OU Creative Writing Program. She spent more than twenty-five years in the newspaper business, working as a reporter, editor, and columnist at The Lawton Constitution in Lawton, Oklahoma. She took an early retirement to write fiction full-time.
She and her husband, David F. Sandstrom, have three grandchildren, whom they love introducing to the lore of their two homes – Oklahoma and Michigan.
She spent 25 years in the newspaper business as a reporter, feature writer, editor, and columnist, most recently at the Lawton Constitution. She holds a degree in journalism from the University of OK and also studied in the O.U. Professional Writing program. She lives in Oklahoma but summers in Michigan where the Chocoholic Mystery series is set. She has one daughter who is a CPA and another who works for a chocolate company and provides yummy insider information on the chocolate business.
Eve K. Sandstrom is an Oklahoman to the teeth: she was born there, as were five previous generations of her mother’s family. Both her grandfathers and her father were in the oil business, once the backbone of Oklahoma’s economy. One grandmother was born in the Choctaw Nation, and Eve is a member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. Eve and seven other members of her immediate family are graduates of the University of Oklahoma. Eve even knows the second verse of “Boomer Sooner.”
Eve wrote two mystery series: the “Down Home” books, set on a ranch in Southwest Oklahoma, and the Nell Matthews mysteries, semi-hard-boiled books laid in a mid-size city on the Southern Plains.
But Eve married a great guy whose family owned a cottage on the west coast of Lake Michigan, not far from the Michigan towns of Fennville, Saugatuck, and Douglas. Every summer for more than forty years she, her husband and various combinations of children and grandchildren have trekked to the community of Pier Cove for vacations that lasted from two weeks to three months.
The area features gorgeous beaches, lush orchards, thick woods, and beautiful Victorian houses. Eve grew to love it. So when her editor asked her to come up with a new, “cozy” mystery series, Eve set it in a West Michigan resort town, scrambling up Saugatuck, Douglas, South Haven, Holland, Manistee, Ludington and Muskegon with her own ideas of what a resort ought to be to create Warner Pier.
As further background, she plunked her heroine into a business which produces and sells luscious, luxurious, European-style bonbons, truffles and molded chocolates. Most small towns couldn’t support a business like this, but the resorts of West Michigan – with their wealthy “summer people” – can. The “Chocoholic Mysteries” were on their way.
Eve’s editor requested that she use a pen name for the new series, and Eve picked the middle names of her three children, Betsy Jo, Ruth Anna, and John Carl. “JoAnna Carl” was born. So that’s how JoAnna/Eve became a regional author in two widely separated regions.
JoAnna/Eve earned a degree in journalism at the University of Oklahoma and also studied with Carolyn G. Hart and Jack Bickham in the OU Creative Writing Program. She spent more than twenty-five years in the newspaper business, working as a reporter, editor, and columnist at The Lawton Constitution in Lawton, Oklahoma. She took an early retirement to write fiction full-time.
She and her husband, David F. Sandstrom, have three grandchildren, whom they love introducing to the lore of their two homes – Oklahoma and Michigan.
She spent 25 years in the newspaper business as a reporter, feature writer, editor, and columnist, most recently at the Lawton Constitution. She holds a degree in journalism from the University of OK and also studied in the O.U. Professional Writing program. She lives in Oklahoma but summers in Michigan where the Chocoholic Mystery series is set. She has one daughter who is a CPA and another who works for a chocolate company and provides yummy insider information on the chocolate business.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews
November 1, 2016
Imagine sweet milk chocolate dipped in rich dark chocolate, and dipped again in milk chocolate, and there you have the yummy goodness of the Chocoholics Mysteries!
THE CHOCOLATE BUNNY BROUHAHA, the sixteenth adventure in the Chocoholics Mysteries, is every bit as delicious at the first fifteen. Being back with Lee and her Aunt Nettie at TenHuis Chocolade is always so inviting. Seriously, I can smell the chocolate as soon as I open the book! We just seem to keep getting those pesky dead bodies showing up. Who am I kidding? That’s what keeps us coming back as much as the chocolate! ;-)
Easter is fast approaching in this newest installment from Joanna Carl, and the ladies at TenHuis are hard at work. But they are having Bunny problems. Not bunny of the chocolate variety, Bunny as in the new hire variety. See, she’s a sweet girl, but a bit of a klutz. Too make matters worse, trouble comes knocking by way of Bunny’s family. Let the mystery and mayhem ensue!
Author Joanna Carl serves up a wonderfully tasty story with THE CHOCOLATE BUNNY BROUHAHA. Everything that makes this series wonderful and enduring is present and accounted for. Likable characters, humor, mystery and intrigue, yummy tummy growling chocolate, Carl uses all her writing finesse to pen a great cozy that that will delight readers both old and new to the Chocoholic Mystery series.
Readers will also enjoy the “Who’s Who in Chocolate” feature that can be found throughout the book, as well as a cozy recipe that has nothing to do with chocolate! (We have to eat something else once in a while, don’t we?)
THE CHOCOLATE BUNNY BROUHAHA, the sixteenth adventure in the Chocoholics Mysteries, is every bit as delicious at the first fifteen. Being back with Lee and her Aunt Nettie at TenHuis Chocolade is always so inviting. Seriously, I can smell the chocolate as soon as I open the book! We just seem to keep getting those pesky dead bodies showing up. Who am I kidding? That’s what keeps us coming back as much as the chocolate! ;-)
Easter is fast approaching in this newest installment from Joanna Carl, and the ladies at TenHuis are hard at work. But they are having Bunny problems. Not bunny of the chocolate variety, Bunny as in the new hire variety. See, she’s a sweet girl, but a bit of a klutz. Too make matters worse, trouble comes knocking by way of Bunny’s family. Let the mystery and mayhem ensue!
Author Joanna Carl serves up a wonderfully tasty story with THE CHOCOLATE BUNNY BROUHAHA. Everything that makes this series wonderful and enduring is present and accounted for. Likable characters, humor, mystery and intrigue, yummy tummy growling chocolate, Carl uses all her writing finesse to pen a great cozy that that will delight readers both old and new to the Chocoholic Mystery series.
Readers will also enjoy the “Who’s Who in Chocolate” feature that can be found throughout the book, as well as a cozy recipe that has nothing to do with chocolate! (We have to eat something else once in a while, don’t we?)
February 23, 2021
Of all of these chocolate mysteries, I think this is my favorite so far. Enjoyed the mystery, the characters, and all the background information shared.
November 11, 2016
The Chocolate Bunny Brouhaha by JoAnna Carl is the sixteenth book in A Chocoholic Mystery series. Lee McKinney Woodyard is the manager of TenHuis Chocolate Shop in Warner Pier, Michigan and is busy with Easter orders. But she has a problem with employee, Bunny Birdsong. Bunny has not been able to get the hang of making chocolates (she is very accident prone—reminds me of myself). It is Lee’s job to let her go. When Lee discovers that Bunny has computer skills (excellent ones), she gives her a new job handling their web site. Bunny needs a job because she is separated from her husband, Beau. Beau found a new, younger model and threw Bunny out of the house (he’s a real gem). Then Beau’s Aunt Abigail comes to town. Abigail is a very formidable woman (does not take no for an answer). She is determined to get Beau and Bunny back together. It all comes to a head in TenHuis with a fight in the chocolate shop between Abigail, Beau, Anya Hartley (the new girlfriend), and Anya’s brother, Andrew. Abigail states that she is changing her will and leaving her money to Bunny (instead of Beau). The next day when Lee goes to check out the construction of their new addition to TenHuis, she finds Abigail—dead! There is no lack of suspects in Abigail’s death. Can Lee track down the killer? Join Lee on her latest escapade in The Chocolate Bunny Brouhaha.
The Chocolate Bunny Brouhaha is easy to read and can be read alone. The author provides the reader with the needed information (the main character’s background and details about the TenHuis) to read and enjoy the novel. The killer was apparent which was extremely disappointing (I like a challenging mystery). I could puzzle out who would die and the identity of the killer as soon as the fight erupted in TenHuis. I found the townspeople to be gossipy busy bodies for the most part. I give The Chocolate Bunny Brouhaha 3 out of 5 stars (it was okay). This is the second book in A Chocoholic Mystery series that I have read. I read the first book years ago (still have it) and have not read one since. I thought I would give the series another opportunity. I am sticking with my original opinion. The series is cute, but I prefer more complicated whodunit in my cozy mysteries.
The Chocolate Bunny Brouhaha is easy to read and can be read alone. The author provides the reader with the needed information (the main character’s background and details about the TenHuis) to read and enjoy the novel. The killer was apparent which was extremely disappointing (I like a challenging mystery). I could puzzle out who would die and the identity of the killer as soon as the fight erupted in TenHuis. I found the townspeople to be gossipy busy bodies for the most part. I give The Chocolate Bunny Brouhaha 3 out of 5 stars (it was okay). This is the second book in A Chocoholic Mystery series that I have read. I read the first book years ago (still have it) and have not read one since. I thought I would give the series another opportunity. I am sticking with my original opinion. The series is cute, but I prefer more complicated whodunit in my cozy mysteries.
September 20, 2016
It has been awhile since I have seen a book in the Ten Huis chocolate series, I have always enjoyed them. This book did not disappoint and I hated to put it down. The descriptions of the chocolates had me drooling for some. Bunny Birdsing is an employee who is about to be fire. Four different happenings startled the store. The last being a frantic argument
between Bunny and her wealthy Aunt, her estranged husband, his girlfriend. The next morning the Aunt is found dead in the new addition to Ten Huis. The building was double locked at entrances. Non of the locks were damaged. Lee Woodyard must find an answer how did the body get in a lock building. This series is better read from the beginning, THE CHOCOLATE CAT CAPER is the first book. I highly recommend this series.
Disclosure: I received a free copy from Kensington Books through NetGalley for an honest review. I would like to thank them for this opportunity to read and review the book. The opinions expressed are my own.
between Bunny and her wealthy Aunt, her estranged husband, his girlfriend. The next morning the Aunt is found dead in the new addition to Ten Huis. The building was double locked at entrances. Non of the locks were damaged. Lee Woodyard must find an answer how did the body get in a lock building. This series is better read from the beginning, THE CHOCOLATE CAT CAPER is the first book. I highly recommend this series.
Disclosure: I received a free copy from Kensington Books through NetGalley for an honest review. I would like to thank them for this opportunity to read and review the book. The opinions expressed are my own.
April 11, 2021
Chocolate shop owner Lee Woodward is on the hunt when a dead body is found in an adjacent shop.
I enjoyed the twists and turns of this story. I could easily picture the settings due to the author's vivid descriptions. And I liked the characters. Plus, I wasn't expecting the ending.
A good cozy mystery for a quick read.
I enjoyed the twists and turns of this story. I could easily picture the settings due to the author's vivid descriptions. And I liked the characters. Plus, I wasn't expecting the ending.
A good cozy mystery for a quick read.
March 16, 2022
Lee is in the middle of getting Easter orders ready with a renovation going on when murder and mayhem ensues. I enjoy this series and I liked this book, maybe because I actually figured out the killer ahead of time which doesn’t happen often. I always enjoy the chocolate facts in these books and there was even a non chocolate recipe at the end.
July 12, 2021
Due to a mouse crawling ON MY FACE while I was sleeping [which then made it impossible to sleep], I was able to finish this [funny how I picked this and not the NG book I need to finish - I am so not loving that book at all. Meh].
This was a good one - it has been quite some time since I have visited Werner Pier and it was good to go back and see what they all were up to. The story was very good and the mystery was good [even though I knew who the killer was early on; I did not know the why so that kept it interesting]. A good read. I am sorry that I will not be able to read anymore due to them not being on OverDrive and I just don't want to buy the new one on the Kindle. So frustrating.
This was a good one - it has been quite some time since I have visited Werner Pier and it was good to go back and see what they all were up to. The story was very good and the mystery was good [even though I knew who the killer was early on; I did not know the why so that kept it interesting]. A good read. I am sorry that I will not be able to read anymore due to them not being on OverDrive and I just don't want to buy the new one on the Kindle. So frustrating.
June 2, 2017
This was a lighthearted midwestern murder mystery (though a brutal murder formed part of the plot). Set around a chocolate shop in sleepy Warner Pier, Michigan, Lee, the main character, manages the shop for her lively old aunt, is married to her second husband, the übermensch Joe and plays sleuth in her spare time. She's a character alright, with some quirks I liked and some that I didn't, like that überannoying malapropism tic.
Maybe it's the midwestern writing style and very chatty small-town dialogue, but I thought everyone in this book was over 50 until I discovered halfway through that most of them, including Lee, were in their 30's. Weird. Also weird was that none of the characters were under 5'11" it seemed. And being a small town, everyone knows each other.
It's got a cozy, homey feel to it, but it's not about bunnies, which was a tad disappointing. I loved the chocolate factoids and recipe which author Carl shares with her readers, though. Note to self: I never want to hear the word enrobed again!
Maybe it's the midwestern writing style and very chatty small-town dialogue, but I thought everyone in this book was over 50 until I discovered halfway through that most of them, including Lee, were in their 30's. Weird. Also weird was that none of the characters were under 5'11" it seemed. And being a small town, everyone knows each other.
It's got a cozy, homey feel to it, but it's not about bunnies, which was a tad disappointing. I loved the chocolate factoids and recipe which author Carl shares with her readers, though. Note to self: I never want to hear the word enrobed again!
August 30, 2019
A very well put together mystery. I've followed this series and seen it evolve and improve with each new book, now looking forward to reading the next in the series.
One thing I didn't really get was the title. Though the setting is Easter, the story has a limited mention of, and no real connection with, chocolate bunnies.
One thing I didn't really get was the title. Though the setting is Easter, the story has a limited mention of, and no real connection with, chocolate bunnies.
March 28, 2024
"The Chocolate Bunny Brouhaha (Chocoholic Mystery #16)" by JoAnna Carl has the tiniest of hints toward Easter. Really, it's just the occasional mention of chocolate Easter bunny orders. Otherwise, it's more about the death of the rich ex-aunt-in-law of Lee's new office assistant, Bunny.
This one lead me in circles over who the culprit was. Every so often one would get knocked off the merry go round of my thoughts. Finally it was really pointing to two people but I was thinking it was more one than the other, but they were both guilty in some way.
This one lead me in circles over who the culprit was. Every so often one would get knocked off the merry go round of my thoughts. Finally it was really pointing to two people but I was thinking it was more one than the other, but they were both guilty in some way.
November 3, 2022
This takes place in the chocolate shop a lot. I feel with each book i can see the layout even more clear. But they still make me want really good truffles. Thank goodness we have confections with convictions in town!
June 20, 2018
A cute quick read.
October 25, 2021
A good who'd Dunn it mystery. Generally enjoyed trying go figure out the mystery. Recommend.
September 30, 2016
The Chocolate Bunny Brouhaha written by JoAnna Carl is an exciting addition to the series.
TenHuis Chocolade, located in the small town of Warner Pier, is home to Lee Woodard and her Aunt Nettie. They work their magic to create scrumptious handmade chocalates that will leave your mouth watering.
As Easter approaches, the ladies in hairnets are busier than ever, so when Bunny Birdsong is hired to help out, Lee and Aunt Nettie hope to keep up with the orders. Unfortunately, Bunny is a walking disaster, she trips, knocks and drops just about everything. Her constant paranoia of being watched begins to put her job in danger. Lee discovers some hidden talents in Bunny and soon finds a place for her in the shop.
As Bunny settles in, family drama begins,her cheating husband Beau and his eccentric Aunt Abigail visit the shop and have a family battle in front of everyone. Abigail vows to write Beau out of her will, which means his lavish lifestyle will take a nose dive.
When Abigail is found dead and other local residents are attacked, Lee begins to investigate and soon uncovers some ugly truths.
I have read all the books in this series and each one just gets better and better. I enjoy all the wonderful people in the story, however, I would like to see something exciting happen for Lee and her husband Joe. I fear that eventually the series will end, and nothing big or exciting will have happened in their lives.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for my fair and honest review.
TenHuis Chocolade, located in the small town of Warner Pier, is home to Lee Woodard and her Aunt Nettie. They work their magic to create scrumptious handmade chocalates that will leave your mouth watering.
As Easter approaches, the ladies in hairnets are busier than ever, so when Bunny Birdsong is hired to help out, Lee and Aunt Nettie hope to keep up with the orders. Unfortunately, Bunny is a walking disaster, she trips, knocks and drops just about everything. Her constant paranoia of being watched begins to put her job in danger. Lee discovers some hidden talents in Bunny and soon finds a place for her in the shop.
As Bunny settles in, family drama begins,her cheating husband Beau and his eccentric Aunt Abigail visit the shop and have a family battle in front of everyone. Abigail vows to write Beau out of her will, which means his lavish lifestyle will take a nose dive.
When Abigail is found dead and other local residents are attacked, Lee begins to investigate and soon uncovers some ugly truths.
I have read all the books in this series and each one just gets better and better. I enjoy all the wonderful people in the story, however, I would like to see something exciting happen for Lee and her husband Joe. I fear that eventually the series will end, and nothing big or exciting will have happened in their lives.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for my fair and honest review.
November 25, 2016
This was a fun and intriguing read! Oh, to work for a chocolate maker...what a dream come true! I can almost smell the aroma of chocolates coming through the pages!
The author gives excellent descriptions of the location, the shop, and the characters. I can't help but feel a kinship with Bunny in a way, as I tend to drop many things at least once, and things just never seem to work quite right for me. But she understands computers? Send her my way! She is a diamond in the rough for any employer who uses the pesky things. 'Tis just a shame how her almost-ex husband treated her, but she will come out ahead as - even though she would never dream such a thing - the hubby's wealthy aunt was disinheriting him for taking up with a bombshell and giving his inheritance to Bunny. Bad news...it's the aunt who is found dead the next morning, on the other side of the construction wall. And Bunny is the first suspect since she stood to profit so well.
This is an enjoyable cozy mystery as respects the location, the shop, a small town, and a smart sleuth. In some ways the story is character-driven, and other ways action-driven. The bad guy or bad girl was a surprise to me, and the end was very satisfying. A worthy read for cozy mystery lovers; I highly recommend it!
The author gives excellent descriptions of the location, the shop, and the characters. I can't help but feel a kinship with Bunny in a way, as I tend to drop many things at least once, and things just never seem to work quite right for me. But she understands computers? Send her my way! She is a diamond in the rough for any employer who uses the pesky things. 'Tis just a shame how her almost-ex husband treated her, but she will come out ahead as - even though she would never dream such a thing - the hubby's wealthy aunt was disinheriting him for taking up with a bombshell and giving his inheritance to Bunny. Bad news...it's the aunt who is found dead the next morning, on the other side of the construction wall. And Bunny is the first suspect since she stood to profit so well.
This is an enjoyable cozy mystery as respects the location, the shop, a small town, and a smart sleuth. In some ways the story is character-driven, and other ways action-driven. The bad guy or bad girl was a surprise to me, and the end was very satisfying. A worthy read for cozy mystery lovers; I highly recommend it!
November 1, 2016
Bunny Birdsong is the newest employee at TenHuis Chocolade, and she brings with her some baggage in the form of an almost ex-husband and an aunt-in-law that would like to get the two back together. When Bunny’s aunt is found in the construction zone next door, Bunny becomes the prime suspect. Can Lee Woodyard figure out what is really happening?
Like always, this book is a delight from start to finish. It’s on the short size, which is usual for the series, but the book still packs in plenty of twists and turns. We even get to see a bit more of some series regulars who usual have cameos, which I really enjoyed. This series continues to be as addicting as always, and I can’t wait for the next books.
NOTE: I received a copy of this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
Like always, this book is a delight from start to finish. It’s on the short size, which is usual for the series, but the book still packs in plenty of twists and turns. We even get to see a bit more of some series regulars who usual have cameos, which I really enjoyed. This series continues to be as addicting as always, and I can’t wait for the next books.
NOTE: I received a copy of this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
May 16, 2017
Ok I did like this book.It was my Easter themed read. BUT it took me 3 weeks to read it. I did like it,but our protagonist did way too much thinking,more than necessary and it seemed to fill the book with "chatter".It just got a bit dragged out is spots. It was enjoyable and an easy read, a cozy mystery. But it was abt chocolate so what's not to like?
December 22, 2016
http://openbooksociety.com/article/th...
The Chocolate Bunny Brouhaha
A Chocoholic Mystery #16
By JoAnna Carl
ISBN 9780451473820
joannacarl.com
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie
Synopsis:
The approach of Easter means a rush of business at TenHuis Chocolade, and Lee and her Aunt Nettie need all the help they can get to make their famous chocolate bunnies and eggs. Unfortunately, new hire Bunny Birdsong is a clutzy basketcase dropping everything she picks up. But to Lee’s surprise, she’s a whiz with computers and fixing the store’s website so they decide to keep her.
However, Bunny receives a few visitors they could do without: her ex-husband Beau, his wealthy aunt Abigail, his new girlfriend, and her brother all descend on the shop one day and have a bitter argument. Lee hopes they can find a peaceful way to settle their dispute and not bring any more trouble to TenHuis. But when Abigail’s body is discovered in the vacant store next door, it’s clear to Lee there’s a bad egg in her midst. Now she’s on the hunt to find out who it is…(from Goodreads)
Review:
What a dream come true for a chocoholic to work at! The order for six thousand of special chocolate Easter bunnies? Easy. Pettit fours? No problem! Truffles? Sixteenth in the Chocoholic Mystery series, a first-time reader can feel as welcome as if they had read the first fifteen. Be careful, though – this series can be as addicting as chocolate, especially with the interesting tidbits about the history of chocolate. It was not easy to avoid eating chocolate while digesting this cozy mystery!
Bunny, a cheerful young woman who drops or breaks almost anything she tries to do, was going to be let go. She knew it, Lee knew it, and Lee’s Aunt Nettie, owner of the TenHuis Chocolade had left the task to Lee to handle. When Bunny went to Lee’s office, she found Lee ready to bludgeon the computer, which began a dialogue about computers. That was Bunny’s saving grace, as she knew about computers, web pages, emails, and how things should be set to work properly. Thankfully, Bunny now has a new position and Lee has a much-needed assistant.
Bunny’s divorce was in the works since her husband brought in some gal and sent Bunny out the door; Lee’s husband had handled the divorce for her as part of the legal work he did at low or no cost. Lee hired her in hopes that she could learn the skill of making and decorating the yummy delights they sold. Sadly, since her ex, an artist, was such a bully and belittled her ability to do anything, it would have been doubly hard for Lee to let her go, but her expertise in computers just might turn her life around.
At least until the following morning, when construction workers found the body of Bunny’s ex’s Aunt Abigail on the other side of the wall where construction was underway. Aunt Abigail had a showdown the previous afternoon in the chocolate shop with Beau, the ex, as she stated that their family doesn’t divorce. The the new girlfriend, Anya, and her brother Andrew were within earshot. There were several good suspects along with Beau and Anya. Unfortunately, Bunny was the best one as Aunt Abigail was overheard telling Beau that he was disinherited and she was leaving his inheritance to none other than Bunny. Days later, one of Lee’s employees was hit over the head on her way to her apartment over the shop.If Lee hadn’t come along and scared away the bad guy, Dolly have been killed. Despite herself, Lee was asking questions and learning all she could about the situations.
The characters are detailed with excellence; I could almost picture Bunny after ‘meeting’ her for the first time, as well as Dolly. Lee was an open book, especially as we read the novel through her words. She doesn’t sugarcoat anything, including her early suspicions about Bunny’s involvement and her challenges with words not coming out quite right when stressed. She and hubby Joe are a great team in every sense of the word. Anya was like a quintessential bimbo, and her brother, while intelligent enough to manage the neighboring wine shop, was also an artist. Aunt Nettie was married to the police chief, Hogan, and the two still have a fresh youthfulness about them. Bunny almost surpasses Lee as my favorite character in this mystery!
The plot is interesting, holding my attention throughout. A cozy mystery set in Michigan is a treat for me, since it is my ‘home state’ and there is nothing resembling it where I live now. The descriptions of the area are very well done, enough for me to remember what the end of winter and early spring are like. The story is fresh with enough intriguing twists and turns to keep this armchair sleuth guessing regarding who the bad guy/ gal might be in between descriptions of some of the most luscious sounding truffles. There are very intense, suspenseful scenes as well as humorous moments. The end had surprises I hadn’t anticipated; it was satisfying and left me hungry for more chocolate, and more Warner Pier, Michigan mysteries. I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys well-written cozy mysteries and chocolate.
The Chocolate Bunny Brouhaha
A Chocoholic Mystery #16
By JoAnna Carl
ISBN 9780451473820
joannacarl.com
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie
Synopsis:
The approach of Easter means a rush of business at TenHuis Chocolade, and Lee and her Aunt Nettie need all the help they can get to make their famous chocolate bunnies and eggs. Unfortunately, new hire Bunny Birdsong is a clutzy basketcase dropping everything she picks up. But to Lee’s surprise, she’s a whiz with computers and fixing the store’s website so they decide to keep her.
However, Bunny receives a few visitors they could do without: her ex-husband Beau, his wealthy aunt Abigail, his new girlfriend, and her brother all descend on the shop one day and have a bitter argument. Lee hopes they can find a peaceful way to settle their dispute and not bring any more trouble to TenHuis. But when Abigail’s body is discovered in the vacant store next door, it’s clear to Lee there’s a bad egg in her midst. Now she’s on the hunt to find out who it is…(from Goodreads)
Review:
What a dream come true for a chocoholic to work at! The order for six thousand of special chocolate Easter bunnies? Easy. Pettit fours? No problem! Truffles? Sixteenth in the Chocoholic Mystery series, a first-time reader can feel as welcome as if they had read the first fifteen. Be careful, though – this series can be as addicting as chocolate, especially with the interesting tidbits about the history of chocolate. It was not easy to avoid eating chocolate while digesting this cozy mystery!
Bunny, a cheerful young woman who drops or breaks almost anything she tries to do, was going to be let go. She knew it, Lee knew it, and Lee’s Aunt Nettie, owner of the TenHuis Chocolade had left the task to Lee to handle. When Bunny went to Lee’s office, she found Lee ready to bludgeon the computer, which began a dialogue about computers. That was Bunny’s saving grace, as she knew about computers, web pages, emails, and how things should be set to work properly. Thankfully, Bunny now has a new position and Lee has a much-needed assistant.
Bunny’s divorce was in the works since her husband brought in some gal and sent Bunny out the door; Lee’s husband had handled the divorce for her as part of the legal work he did at low or no cost. Lee hired her in hopes that she could learn the skill of making and decorating the yummy delights they sold. Sadly, since her ex, an artist, was such a bully and belittled her ability to do anything, it would have been doubly hard for Lee to let her go, but her expertise in computers just might turn her life around.
At least until the following morning, when construction workers found the body of Bunny’s ex’s Aunt Abigail on the other side of the wall where construction was underway. Aunt Abigail had a showdown the previous afternoon in the chocolate shop with Beau, the ex, as she stated that their family doesn’t divorce. The the new girlfriend, Anya, and her brother Andrew were within earshot. There were several good suspects along with Beau and Anya. Unfortunately, Bunny was the best one as Aunt Abigail was overheard telling Beau that he was disinherited and she was leaving his inheritance to none other than Bunny. Days later, one of Lee’s employees was hit over the head on her way to her apartment over the shop.If Lee hadn’t come along and scared away the bad guy, Dolly have been killed. Despite herself, Lee was asking questions and learning all she could about the situations.
The characters are detailed with excellence; I could almost picture Bunny after ‘meeting’ her for the first time, as well as Dolly. Lee was an open book, especially as we read the novel through her words. She doesn’t sugarcoat anything, including her early suspicions about Bunny’s involvement and her challenges with words not coming out quite right when stressed. She and hubby Joe are a great team in every sense of the word. Anya was like a quintessential bimbo, and her brother, while intelligent enough to manage the neighboring wine shop, was also an artist. Aunt Nettie was married to the police chief, Hogan, and the two still have a fresh youthfulness about them. Bunny almost surpasses Lee as my favorite character in this mystery!
The plot is interesting, holding my attention throughout. A cozy mystery set in Michigan is a treat for me, since it is my ‘home state’ and there is nothing resembling it where I live now. The descriptions of the area are very well done, enough for me to remember what the end of winter and early spring are like. The story is fresh with enough intriguing twists and turns to keep this armchair sleuth guessing regarding who the bad guy/ gal might be in between descriptions of some of the most luscious sounding truffles. There are very intense, suspenseful scenes as well as humorous moments. The end had surprises I hadn’t anticipated; it was satisfying and left me hungry for more chocolate, and more Warner Pier, Michigan mysteries. I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys well-written cozy mysteries and chocolate.
November 23, 2016
Dollycas’s Thoughts
It’s all about the BUNNIES! TenHuis Chocolade is getting ready for Easter with plenty of bunnies on order. The also have a Bunny on the staff, Bunny Birdsong. She seems to be an accident looking for a place to happen, but she does have her talents and Lee finally finds out what those are. Both are surprised when her ex’s aunt shows up at the shop, soon followed by the ex himself with his new girlfriend. A little drama in the sales area that Lee quickly tries to handle. When the aunt becomes the latest murder victim in Warner Pier it isn’t good for “anybunny”. Disruption in the shop has everyone on edge and Bunny on the top of the suspect list means Lee has a basket full of trouble. She is hopping into the investigation to find the real killer so everyone can get back to making all those tasty holiday chocolates we all love.
This is a perfect “EGGSCAPE”. My senses skipped right over Christmas to spring and Easter the minute I started reading. The expansion of TenHuis Chocolade continues with just a little pause for the police to collect their evidence. Lee and her Aunt Nettie are doing their best to keep all the workers and employees focused on their jobs while they and Police Chief Hogan focus on the murder.
JoAnna Carl’s stories never disappoint. I jump right in and they brighten my day. I love the characters, I love the setting and I love the chocolate! Don’t let the number of pages in this book fool you. It is a fantastic cozy mystery that will have you laughing out loud and then on the edge of your seat. So well written and plotted precisely, it has an excellent flow. Family, romance, humor, mystery, everything in the right proportions. Ms. Carl tells a top-notch story. I also enjoy the trivia she includes throughout the book.
Think this series is too far along to jump into, it’s not. The author gives you enough detail without revealing or spoiling anything from previous books in the series. Try one and you are going to want to read them all. You just may want to have some chocolate in the house because this book will have you craving a truffle or 2.
It’s all about the BUNNIES! TenHuis Chocolade is getting ready for Easter with plenty of bunnies on order. The also have a Bunny on the staff, Bunny Birdsong. She seems to be an accident looking for a place to happen, but she does have her talents and Lee finally finds out what those are. Both are surprised when her ex’s aunt shows up at the shop, soon followed by the ex himself with his new girlfriend. A little drama in the sales area that Lee quickly tries to handle. When the aunt becomes the latest murder victim in Warner Pier it isn’t good for “anybunny”. Disruption in the shop has everyone on edge and Bunny on the top of the suspect list means Lee has a basket full of trouble. She is hopping into the investigation to find the real killer so everyone can get back to making all those tasty holiday chocolates we all love.
This is a perfect “EGGSCAPE”. My senses skipped right over Christmas to spring and Easter the minute I started reading. The expansion of TenHuis Chocolade continues with just a little pause for the police to collect their evidence. Lee and her Aunt Nettie are doing their best to keep all the workers and employees focused on their jobs while they and Police Chief Hogan focus on the murder.
JoAnna Carl’s stories never disappoint. I jump right in and they brighten my day. I love the characters, I love the setting and I love the chocolate! Don’t let the number of pages in this book fool you. It is a fantastic cozy mystery that will have you laughing out loud and then on the edge of your seat. So well written and plotted precisely, it has an excellent flow. Family, romance, humor, mystery, everything in the right proportions. Ms. Carl tells a top-notch story. I also enjoy the trivia she includes throughout the book.
Think this series is too far along to jump into, it’s not. The author gives you enough detail without revealing or spoiling anything from previous books in the series. Try one and you are going to want to read them all. You just may want to have some chocolate in the house because this book will have you craving a truffle or 2.
March 18, 2018
It’s the Easter Season and the orders are pouring in at TenHuis Chocolade. Lee and Aunt Nettie need all the help they can get to keep up with the orders; unfortunately, their newest hire, Bunny Birdsong is a klutz of mass proportion, on the verge of being fired, Bunny redeems herself by being an unsung computer/website whiz.
Before long, this Whiz of a Klutz, brings undo attention to both herself and TenHuis; embroiling all in a mystery of mass proportion, the murder of her estranged husband’s wealthy aunt on company property.
All evidence seems to point to Bunny; but can this mild mannered Klutz be a stone cold killer? Lee’s curiosity puts her in the path of mayhem; even as the town’s Police Chief and her lawyer husband warn her away.
When an employee is attacked and Lee stumbles upon the attack, she digs in with full force, determined to lead this investigation to a successful closure; but should she have steered towards the warnings to keep her distance?
I loved the story, but there was one aspect I loved even more; at the end of each chapter there was an interesting piece associated with chocolate and its history!
Before long, this Whiz of a Klutz, brings undo attention to both herself and TenHuis; embroiling all in a mystery of mass proportion, the murder of her estranged husband’s wealthy aunt on company property.
All evidence seems to point to Bunny; but can this mild mannered Klutz be a stone cold killer? Lee’s curiosity puts her in the path of mayhem; even as the town’s Police Chief and her lawyer husband warn her away.
When an employee is attacked and Lee stumbles upon the attack, she digs in with full force, determined to lead this investigation to a successful closure; but should she have steered towards the warnings to keep her distance?
I loved the story, but there was one aspect I loved even more; at the end of each chapter there was an interesting piece associated with chocolate and its history!
June 15, 2017
We join Lee and her Aunt Nettie as they prepare for the Easter rush at their business, TenHuis Chocolade. Their new hire Bunny is quite the klutz with a little paranoia thrown in. When Bunny's ex-aunt is discovered dead next door to TenHuis Chocolade it is up to Lee to figure out who clobbered her to death.
This was my first JoAnna Carl book in her Chocoholic Mystery. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed reading this book. I was a little confused on who was how and who went with who but what do you expect when you join the series with the 16th book? After I got everyone straight I was hooked. Lee seems to be a good sleuth. I'm not sure I'm thrilled with Joe, her husband, as he was too laid back for my liking. I'm interested in reading the series but it won't move ahead my current series (too many to name) to start. Definitely will be my chocolate fix for future bingos.
This was my first JoAnna Carl book in her Chocoholic Mystery. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed reading this book. I was a little confused on who was how and who went with who but what do you expect when you join the series with the 16th book? After I got everyone straight I was hooked. Lee seems to be a good sleuth. I'm not sure I'm thrilled with Joe, her husband, as he was too laid back for my liking. I'm interested in reading the series but it won't move ahead my current series (too many to name) to start. Definitely will be my chocolate fix for future bingos.
August 12, 2021
This mystery will get quite sticky..
I’ve never read anything by JoAnna Carl, so I was interested in reading this one. I like chocolate, so a mystery and chocolate? Yes, please. This book plugs along just fine and the writing is interesting. I’m glad I picked it up.
I have to say I wasn’t totally enthralled with the characters. Bunny is cute, but Lee seemed almost judgmental. I did enjoy reading it, so there was that and I wanted to see what would happen to Bunny. I didn’t like her ex and I wasn’t fond of the rest of her family, so that kept me invested in the story. I did need to know what would go on next.
If you’re looking for a cute mystery that’s a nice afternoon read, then this might be the one for you.
I’ve never read anything by JoAnna Carl, so I was interested in reading this one. I like chocolate, so a mystery and chocolate? Yes, please. This book plugs along just fine and the writing is interesting. I’m glad I picked it up.
I have to say I wasn’t totally enthralled with the characters. Bunny is cute, but Lee seemed almost judgmental. I did enjoy reading it, so there was that and I wanted to see what would happen to Bunny. I didn’t like her ex and I wasn’t fond of the rest of her family, so that kept me invested in the story. I did need to know what would go on next.
If you’re looking for a cute mystery that’s a nice afternoon read, then this might be the one for you.
August 16, 2017
Gave it an 'it was o.k.' rating even though for me it was a DNF. It just wasn't for me.
I expected a sort of Mitford wannabe; something with folksy appeal and small-town charm, but it didn't achieve that for me. It tried too hard to be cutesy and the endless injections of local relationships and how buildings were constructed didn't gel.
I did have a moment of karmic dread, though. I saw the same objections I have being sent right back at me when my first book is released. I felt a kinship with the labored effort behind the words in some places.
So, it's not necessarily a bad story. I'm just not the right reader.
I expected a sort of Mitford wannabe; something with folksy appeal and small-town charm, but it didn't achieve that for me. It tried too hard to be cutesy and the endless injections of local relationships and how buildings were constructed didn't gel.
I did have a moment of karmic dread, though. I saw the same objections I have being sent right back at me when my first book is released. I felt a kinship with the labored effort behind the words in some places.
So, it's not necessarily a bad story. I'm just not the right reader.
May 9, 2019
This is the 16th book of this series. Lee and her Aunt run the chocolate shop in their town. But there is always a murder that takes place and Lee is always the one to either stumble upon it or solves it. While investigating it sometimes gets her into trouble.
This time they are in a Easter rush to get orders done.Their new hire whose name is Bunny is such a klutz that they need to get her out of the candy making business. But she is a whiz at computers so they keep her on to work in the office. Bunny's ex husband and aunt show up to cause her trouble. When the Aunt's body is found then Lee is on a mission to find out who, what and when.
This time they are in a Easter rush to get orders done.Their new hire whose name is Bunny is such a klutz that they need to get her out of the candy making business. But she is a whiz at computers so they keep her on to work in the office. Bunny's ex husband and aunt show up to cause her trouble. When the Aunt's body is found then Lee is on a mission to find out who, what and when.
August 27, 2020
This is the latest edition of the Chocoholic Mysteries series. These stories while being centered around murders in a small town, have a lot of side stories, with the BEST one being about the candy store Lee and her Aunt Nettie run. The down side is, if you're reading it later in the evening, it leaves you drooling & wishing you could have some of their delicious sounding chocolates--that they describe with GREAT detail!!! And Lee always has all kinds of personal things going on between family and friends and JoAnna Carl (aka Eve Sandstrom) always puts in humor to make these stories actually seem a little more realistic!
A less grim story line, but still a good story!
A less grim story line, but still a good story!
October 5, 2020
This fluffy cozy ripe with charming character names like Bunny and Dolly is set in the vacation idyll of Michigan. The main character Lee is a chocolatier in her aunt’s shop. When a body is found in the building attached to the store that is being renovated, all the gossip and unfounded small town trap-flapping ensues. This book is a perfect option to be adapted into a Hallmark mystery with all of the teeny town charm and whip smart observations of locals. The mystery is a good one that is difficult to solve, and the setting of a comforting chocolate shop just adds to the appeal of this little break from reality.
November 26, 2016
Lee and her aunt run a chocolate shop and are busy getting ready for Easter and expanding their business. A new hire Bunny isn't working out well and her family comes and has an argument in the shop. Bunny's soon to be ex-husband, his bossy aunt, girlfriend and brother are all in on it. Later the aunt is found dead and Bunny is blamed. Lee doesn't think Bunny did it and sets out to prove her wrong. One thing that takes away from the story is Lee's habit of saying the wrong word, this could easily be left out of the story.
May 16, 2017
Lee's Aunt Nettie is the owner of the TenHuis Chocolade chocolate shop. Lee is her manager. They are expanding into the Clown Building next door, where the body of the obnoxious Abigail Birdsong is found. Who killed her? Bunny Birdsong who works for Aunt Nettie? Bunny is such a clutz and about to be fired, when Lee discovers Bunny's forte on the computer. Three days after Abigail is found, someone attack Dolly who lives above TenHuis Chocolade. And Lee herself has some close calls, and there's a slam-bang finish to wrap it all up. A really fun read.
April 2, 2018
Cute cozy mystery from a series. Lee investigates a murder of a local seasonal socialite who supports the arts and then the attack on one of her employees. In between she runs her candy making business as they approach the busy chocolate Easter bunny season and trains another employee named Bunny Birdsong who has ties to the murdered woman in the ways of the their internet business. Very story like and easy to read. Silly character names like Dolly Jolly and Jerry Cherry and of course Bunny.
January 17, 2023
It's not a good look to diminish abuse. "Bunny has delusions that someone's out to get her. Oh yeah, and Bunny has an abusive husband who wouldn't let her continue her education."
Also, absolutely godawful protagonist. The malapropism thing is extremely annoying; it's not realistic, not cute, and not relatable.
Bonus: so-bad-it's-good description of a woman: "Lots of bosom and bottom. I didn't think she would age well because she was too big. Simply too lush."
I wouldn't say it's the worst book I've ever read, but it's in the top ten.
Also, absolutely godawful protagonist. The malapropism thing is extremely annoying; it's not realistic, not cute, and not relatable.
Bonus: so-bad-it's-good description of a woman: "Lots of bosom and bottom. I didn't think she would age well because she was too big. Simply too lush."
I wouldn't say it's the worst book I've ever read, but it's in the top ten.
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