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Cackleberry Club #7
Egg Drop Dead
In Laura Childs’s New York Times bestselling mystery series, Suzanne, Petra, and Toni—co-owners of the Cackleberry Club café—are back to track down another bad egg…
Maintaining good personal relationships with their suppliers is one of the secrets of the Cackleberry Club café’s success, so Suzanne doesn’t mind going out to Mike Mullen’s dairy farm to pick up some wheels of cheese. She’s looking forward to a nice visit with the mild-mannered farmer before heading back to their hectic kitchen.
But when she arrives, Mike’s nowhere to be found. The moaning of his cows leads her to look in the barn, where she discovers a bloodcurdling sight—the farmer’s dead body. Apparently not everyone was as fond of Mike Mullen as the Cackleberry Club.
Churning with grief and outrage, Suzanne, Petra, and Toni vow to find the farmer’s murderer—but as they get closer to the truth, the desperate killer gets whipped into a frenzy and plans to put the squeeze on them...
RECIPES INCLUDED!
Maintaining good personal relationships with their suppliers is one of the secrets of the Cackleberry Club café’s success, so Suzanne doesn’t mind going out to Mike Mullen’s dairy farm to pick up some wheels of cheese. She’s looking forward to a nice visit with the mild-mannered farmer before heading back to their hectic kitchen.
But when she arrives, Mike’s nowhere to be found. The moaning of his cows leads her to look in the barn, where she discovers a bloodcurdling sight—the farmer’s dead body. Apparently not everyone was as fond of Mike Mullen as the Cackleberry Club.
Churning with grief and outrage, Suzanne, Petra, and Toni vow to find the farmer’s murderer—but as they get closer to the truth, the desperate killer gets whipped into a frenzy and plans to put the squeeze on them...
RECIPES INCLUDED!
306 pages, Hardcover
First published December 6, 2016
133 people are currently reading
1219 people want to read
About the author
Laura Childs
93 books2,255 followersLaura Childs is a pseudonym for Gerry Schmitt and she is the best-selling author of the Tea Shop Mysteries, the Scrapbook Mysteries, and the Cackleberry Club Mysteries.
Laura Childs is the New York Times bestselling author of the Tea Shop Mysteries, Scrapbook Mysteries, and Cackleberry Club Mysteries. In her previous life she was CEO/Creative Director of her own marketing firm and authored several screenplays. She is married to a professor of Chinese art history, loves to travel, rides horses, enjoys fund raising for various non-profits, and has two Chinese Shar-Pei dogs.
Laura specializes in cozy mysteries that have the pace of a thriller (a thrillzy!) Her three series are:
The Tea Shop Mysteries - set in the historic district of Charleston and featuring Theodosia Browning, owner of the Indigo Tea Shop. Theodosia is a savvy entrepreneur, and pet mom to service dog Earl Grey. She's also an intelligent, focused amateur sleuth who doesn't rely on coincidences or inept police work to solve crimes. This charming series is highly atmospheric and rife with the history and mystery that is Charleston.
The Scrapbooking Mysteries - a slightly edgier series that take place in New Orleans. The main character, Carmela, owns Memory Mine scrapbooking shop in the French Quarter and is forever getting into trouble with her friend, Ava, who owns the Juju Voodoo shop. New Orleans' spooky above-ground cemeteries, jazz clubs, bayous, and Mardi Gras madness make their presence known here!
The Cackleberry Club Mysteries - set in Kindred, a fictional town in the Midwest. In a rehabbed Spur station, Suzanne, Toni, and Petra, three semi-desperate, forty-plus women have launched the Cackleberry Club. Eggs are the morning specialty here and this cozy cafe even offers a book nook and yarn shop. Business is good but murder could lead to the cafe's undoing! This series offers recipes, knitting, cake decorating, and a dash of spirituality.
Laura Childs is the New York Times bestselling author of the Tea Shop Mysteries, Scrapbook Mysteries, and Cackleberry Club Mysteries. In her previous life she was CEO/Creative Director of her own marketing firm and authored several screenplays. She is married to a professor of Chinese art history, loves to travel, rides horses, enjoys fund raising for various non-profits, and has two Chinese Shar-Pei dogs.
Laura specializes in cozy mysteries that have the pace of a thriller (a thrillzy!) Her three series are:
The Tea Shop Mysteries - set in the historic district of Charleston and featuring Theodosia Browning, owner of the Indigo Tea Shop. Theodosia is a savvy entrepreneur, and pet mom to service dog Earl Grey. She's also an intelligent, focused amateur sleuth who doesn't rely on coincidences or inept police work to solve crimes. This charming series is highly atmospheric and rife with the history and mystery that is Charleston.
The Scrapbooking Mysteries - a slightly edgier series that take place in New Orleans. The main character, Carmela, owns Memory Mine scrapbooking shop in the French Quarter and is forever getting into trouble with her friend, Ava, who owns the Juju Voodoo shop. New Orleans' spooky above-ground cemeteries, jazz clubs, bayous, and Mardi Gras madness make their presence known here!
The Cackleberry Club Mysteries - set in Kindred, a fictional town in the Midwest. In a rehabbed Spur station, Suzanne, Toni, and Petra, three semi-desperate, forty-plus women have launched the Cackleberry Club. Eggs are the morning specialty here and this cozy cafe even offers a book nook and yarn shop. Business is good but murder could lead to the cafe's undoing! This series offers recipes, knitting, cake decorating, and a dash of spirituality.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 191 reviews
August 17, 2018
I love these kind of books. The author uses a lot of never-heard-before expressions, and also uses words that would bamboozle, say, a 15 year old. I like this series because of the atmosphere created sagaciously. The mystery, always a murder, takes a backseat to the trio of ladies who are all in their late thirties or early forties.
In addition to that, Egg Drop Dead has a killer climax. The way the murderer realizes he is in trouble is probably taken from films. Films from the 50's or earlier, such as the Thin Man series. There is a freshness about recycling these old ideas, when nobody else is taking that type of cue.
My rule for giving a 4 star review is that the books must be worth rereading. Well, here that's the case. Only a ridiculous murder investigation denied this book 5 stars. The horse thief here is given to speak in a hoarse voice (no kidding), the cops can't do nothing right in a variety of hues, and Suzanne, the resident heroine, could get away with murder.
Each story takes place about 2 months from each other. That seems like a lot of time for Suzanne's wedding to take place. But it will probably be 5 books down the road before that happens. I wonder what egg-related puns they would make for the titles? The simply named Sam is the beau of Suzanne. He works ridiculous hours and cannot conveniently for us readers, design to meet his heroine. At least in this book, for the first time, it is confirmed they slept together. That's progress, I reckon.
In addition to that, Egg Drop Dead has a killer climax. The way the murderer realizes he is in trouble is probably taken from films. Films from the 50's or earlier, such as the Thin Man series. There is a freshness about recycling these old ideas, when nobody else is taking that type of cue.
My rule for giving a 4 star review is that the books must be worth rereading. Well, here that's the case. Only a ridiculous murder investigation denied this book 5 stars. The horse thief here is given to speak in a hoarse voice (no kidding), the cops can't do nothing right in a variety of hues, and Suzanne, the resident heroine, could get away with murder.
Each story takes place about 2 months from each other. That seems like a lot of time for Suzanne's wedding to take place. But it will probably be 5 books down the road before that happens. I wonder what egg-related puns they would make for the titles? The simply named Sam is the beau of Suzanne. He works ridiculous hours and cannot conveniently for us readers, design to meet his heroine. At least in this book, for the first time, it is confirmed they slept together. That's progress, I reckon.
February 15, 2021
Three (3) stars to Laura Childs's Egg Drop Dead, her seventh in the "Cackleberry Club" mystery series. I don't usually read books in the middle of a series, but I won a copy of this book and decided to start midway. I will go back and read the others as it's a fun series.
Story
Suzanne and her friends, Petra and Toni, are from the Cackleberry Club, a local shoppe full with an eatery, knitting store and a book nook. When Suzanne stumbles upon a very dead Mike Mullens, who normally provides all her dairy products, she's shocked and feels compelled to help the local police investigate. As she investigates the widow, the sneaky horse salesman, the peculiar new dairy salesman, the autistic young man with a difficult mother and the lecherous but handsome real estate developer, she begins to put the picture together. It all culminates in a Halloween event full of fright, where even Suzanne realizes how many clues she missed along the way.
Strengths
Strong cast of characters. Good scenery. Obvious backstory we learn just enough about to entice us to read more. Fair balance of relationships and complexity among everyone.
Easy read. It took me 2 days (over a 5-day period as I couldn't read several of them!) and the pages fly by quickly.
Suggestions
The culprit and/or motive (don't want to spoil anything) came a little out of left field. If it's tied together, I don't mind, which it was -- just a little too loosely this time. It was a little too predictable how it happened and I'm not sure readers would be able to figure it out on their own without pulling the proverbial rabbit from the holey hat.
I wanted to know more about the dead guy to feel a little more interest in his character. He felt a bit like just any ole' guy that got himself killed... being a mystery buff, I'm fine with that; however, it would jump up a notch with more detail and background.
Final Thoughts
Cute series. I'll chance a few others. I'm curious how the name Cackleberry fits in, as well as the title. It had nothing to do with the mystery as far as I can tell!
About Me
For those new to me or my reviews... here's the scoop: I read A LOT. I write A LOT. And now I blog A LOT. First the book review goes on Goodreads, and then I send it on over to my WordPress blog at https://thisismytruthnow.com, where you'll also find TV & Film reviews, the revealing and introspective 365 Daily Challenge and lots of blogging about places I've visited all over the world. And you can find all my social media profiles to get the details on the who/what/when/where and my pictures. Leave a comment and let me know what you think. Vote in the poll and ratings. Thanks for stopping by.
Story
Suzanne and her friends, Petra and Toni, are from the Cackleberry Club, a local shoppe full with an eatery, knitting store and a book nook. When Suzanne stumbles upon a very dead Mike Mullens, who normally provides all her dairy products, she's shocked and feels compelled to help the local police investigate. As she investigates the widow, the sneaky horse salesman, the peculiar new dairy salesman, the autistic young man with a difficult mother and the lecherous but handsome real estate developer, she begins to put the picture together. It all culminates in a Halloween event full of fright, where even Suzanne realizes how many clues she missed along the way.
Strengths
Strong cast of characters. Good scenery. Obvious backstory we learn just enough about to entice us to read more. Fair balance of relationships and complexity among everyone.
Easy read. It took me 2 days (over a 5-day period as I couldn't read several of them!) and the pages fly by quickly.
Suggestions
The culprit and/or motive (don't want to spoil anything) came a little out of left field. If it's tied together, I don't mind, which it was -- just a little too loosely this time. It was a little too predictable how it happened and I'm not sure readers would be able to figure it out on their own without pulling the proverbial rabbit from the holey hat.
I wanted to know more about the dead guy to feel a little more interest in his character. He felt a bit like just any ole' guy that got himself killed... being a mystery buff, I'm fine with that; however, it would jump up a notch with more detail and background.
Final Thoughts
Cute series. I'll chance a few others. I'm curious how the name Cackleberry fits in, as well as the title. It had nothing to do with the mystery as far as I can tell!
About Me
For those new to me or my reviews... here's the scoop: I read A LOT. I write A LOT. And now I blog A LOT. First the book review goes on Goodreads, and then I send it on over to my WordPress blog at https://thisismytruthnow.com, where you'll also find TV & Film reviews, the revealing and introspective 365 Daily Challenge and lots of blogging about places I've visited all over the world. And you can find all my social media profiles to get the details on the who/what/when/where and my pictures. Leave a comment and let me know what you think. Vote in the poll and ratings. Thanks for stopping by.
October 22, 2021
When Susanna goes to Mike's farm to buy some cheese wheels she realizes something is wrong. She finds Mike dead on the floor, brutally murdered. Why would anyone want to kill this farmer with no enemies?? She is known for investigating and finding trouble. The sheriff tells her to stop but he really wants her help. It was a total surprise to me who did it. Set in the Midwest.
December 4, 2016
It has been awhile since I dropped in at the Cackleberry Club for tea. I found the co-owners, Susanna, Petra and Toni extremely busy getting the club's events ready for Halloween. Ending additional cheese Sam stops at Mike Mullin's farm for it. She finds Mike dead in the barn. The scene showed that a fight occur. Sam is planning his wedding to Susanna who is busy trying to help solve Mike's death. Toni is still having problems with Junior. Petra is busy creating new delicious treats for the club.
I would have like to give this book 3 1\2 stars but I usually rate the book The higher number. The higher rating. I found it a relaxing and enjoying read but predictable. The characters haven't developed beyond the first book. I question if you could have as many fun functions without problems. There is not much mystery, although with this book the ending was unique and a little surprising.
Disclosure: I received a free copy from Berkley 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.
I would have like to give this book 3 1\2 stars but I usually rate the book The higher number. The higher rating. I found it a relaxing and enjoying read but predictable. The characters haven't developed beyond the first book. I question if you could have as many fun functions without problems. There is not much mystery, although with this book the ending was unique and a little surprising.
Disclosure: I received a free copy from Berkley 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.
November 19, 2016
Lucky number seven? Luck has nothing to do with the seventh installment of the Cackleberry Club Mysteries. Brilliant writing however, that has everything to do with it!
Scramble feisty leads and eclectic townsfolk, with action, humor, and wonderful food, add in mystery that will keep you guessing with every turn of the page, and there you have EGG DROP DEAD.
Author Laura Childs doesn’t keep readers waiting for the excitement in EGG DROP DEAD. The mystery in this tale starts off in the first chapter and keeps building from there. It was impossible not to get drawn into this story.
I guessed whodunit after only a few chapters! But, um . . . of course I was wrong. This book went in a completely different way than I expected, which made for truly great reading. Laura Childs has a real talent for leading you where she wants you to go, and then switching directions so fast you won’t know what hit you.
The Cackleberry Club series has really grown since book one, and has developed into a must read on my TBR as I’m sure it will become for you! Come on book eight!
Make sure to check out the back of this book for a bunch of great recipes!
Scramble feisty leads and eclectic townsfolk, with action, humor, and wonderful food, add in mystery that will keep you guessing with every turn of the page, and there you have EGG DROP DEAD.
Author Laura Childs doesn’t keep readers waiting for the excitement in EGG DROP DEAD. The mystery in this tale starts off in the first chapter and keeps building from there. It was impossible not to get drawn into this story.
I guessed whodunit after only a few chapters! But, um . . . of course I was wrong. This book went in a completely different way than I expected, which made for truly great reading. Laura Childs has a real talent for leading you where she wants you to go, and then switching directions so fast you won’t know what hit you.
The Cackleberry Club series has really grown since book one, and has developed into a must read on my TBR as I’m sure it will become for you! Come on book eight!
Make sure to check out the back of this book for a bunch of great recipes!
February 6, 2017
EGG DROP DEAD is the newest book in the Cackleberry Club series. If you haven’t read this series before, I’d describe it as a small-town mystery that also has a lot of humor and heart.
Suzanne is the main heroine of this series but she does have some wonderful sidekicks in the form of her best friends and co-workers, Petra and Toni. When Suzanne heads to a neighboring farm to pick up some dairy, she finds Mike Mullen brutally murdered. Horrified, she calls it in but not before she does her own bit of investigating.
I really like Laura Childs’ style of writing mystery. The murders always happen very early in the book and I think that really sets the story into motion. Immediately we are looking for the murderer and seeking out suspects. She usually has three or four possible subjects, but I also like the twists she puts at the end of the books. It makes them a little less predictable and more fun.
This particular book also has a Halloween theme to it as well so at the time I’m reading it, it’s a great way to get me into the spooky spirit. So far, of all the cozy mysteries I’ve tried, I have to say that Laura Childs does my favorites. The murder aspect is always so engaging and thrilling but I think the real reason I keep coming back for more is because of the characters. I have really come to care about Suzanne and her friends, so it’s really no wonder why I keep looking for more stories with them in it!
Read my alternate review at Fresh Fiction
July 6, 2021
Finding her local cheese supplier brutally murdered in his milking barn sets Suzanne on a dangerous investigation as she sets out to find the killer. With his wife, a slimy real estate developer and an despised horse trader as her 3 main suspects she has to tread carefully. Suzanne, Toni and Petra own and operate the Cackleberry Club, a combination cafe, bookstore and knitting supply shop. This is a warm cozy series set in a rural town in the upper Midwest. Our sleuths are well developed characters in their 40's and the setting and background make the perfect backdrop to deviously plotted murders that take you a wonderful adventure. This is a fun addition to the series, with laughter and tears that make you one of the family and leave you wanting the next book, now!
December 30, 2017
Suzanne, Petra and Toni. They are friends who help Suzanne run the Crackleberry Club Cafe. This was a laugh out loud mystery. Toni especially made this story hilarious. The friendship between these ladies will remain remember able.
Egg Drop Dead has everything a mystery reader like me wants. Food, murder, books and knitting.
Suzanne is a determined sleuth with heart. Her dreams and goals became my own. Laura Childs penned unforgettable characters. With a mystery that you hope will have a happy ending. Very entertaining and enjoyable.
Egg Drop Dead has everything a mystery reader like me wants. Food, murder, books and knitting.
Suzanne is a determined sleuth with heart. Her dreams and goals became my own. Laura Childs penned unforgettable characters. With a mystery that you hope will have a happy ending. Very entertaining and enjoyable.
December 17, 2016
Dollycas’s Thoughts
“Welcome to Kindred and The Cackleberry Club. You hosts are Suzanne, Petra and Toni. Pull up a stool, check out today’s specials, feel free to visit the Book Nook and the Knitting Nest. We hope you enjoy your visit.” That’s the friendly greeting I would expect to receive from these three fantastic characters. Business partners, friends, family. These ladies are part of a tight knit community. It is almost Halloween when the town is shocked by another murder. Suzanne finds dairy farmer Mike Mullen killed in a very brutal way and she is not going to rest until she finds the killer. The sheriff tries to keep her from butting in but he knows she is going to do it anyway. Oh and I can’t forget to mention, she is supposed to be planning her wedding…
I love this series. I love these characters. I love this town. Laura Childs has created such a treat for cozy readers. This is the 7th book in the series and each time I start one it feels like I am visiting a bunch of good friends. It really has the small town feeling that I am very familiar with. Everyone seems to genuinely care about their friends and neighbors, making it very difficult to pinpoint the suspects and the guilty party. With her signature twists, that I know now to expect, she scrambled my theories more than once. The main plot is clever and creative. All the subplots blend in nicely. There are moments of uncertainty and anticipation tempered by some humor and romance.
Junior’s wild ideas always make me chuckle but I feel bad for Toni at the same time. She loves the guy but no matter how old he is, he is never going to be the strong, dependable man she is looking for. Petra continues to amaze me with her kitchen creations and how she keeps up with everything going on around her. Sam is ready for his big wedding day but Suzanne has way too much going on around her to concentrate on any plans. She always seems to be going a mile a minute in different directions. He loves her for the way she is and is happy for any time they get to spend together.
This is a truly entertaining read. It’s not too late for anyone to “drop” in on this series. Start with this one, the first one or any in between. They are all egg-cellent cozies! And yes, there are recipes!
“Welcome to Kindred and The Cackleberry Club. You hosts are Suzanne, Petra and Toni. Pull up a stool, check out today’s specials, feel free to visit the Book Nook and the Knitting Nest. We hope you enjoy your visit.” That’s the friendly greeting I would expect to receive from these three fantastic characters. Business partners, friends, family. These ladies are part of a tight knit community. It is almost Halloween when the town is shocked by another murder. Suzanne finds dairy farmer Mike Mullen killed in a very brutal way and she is not going to rest until she finds the killer. The sheriff tries to keep her from butting in but he knows she is going to do it anyway. Oh and I can’t forget to mention, she is supposed to be planning her wedding…
I love this series. I love these characters. I love this town. Laura Childs has created such a treat for cozy readers. This is the 7th book in the series and each time I start one it feels like I am visiting a bunch of good friends. It really has the small town feeling that I am very familiar with. Everyone seems to genuinely care about their friends and neighbors, making it very difficult to pinpoint the suspects and the guilty party. With her signature twists, that I know now to expect, she scrambled my theories more than once. The main plot is clever and creative. All the subplots blend in nicely. There are moments of uncertainty and anticipation tempered by some humor and romance.
Junior’s wild ideas always make me chuckle but I feel bad for Toni at the same time. She loves the guy but no matter how old he is, he is never going to be the strong, dependable man she is looking for. Petra continues to amaze me with her kitchen creations and how she keeps up with everything going on around her. Sam is ready for his big wedding day but Suzanne has way too much going on around her to concentrate on any plans. She always seems to be going a mile a minute in different directions. He loves her for the way she is and is happy for any time they get to spend together.
This is a truly entertaining read. It’s not too late for anyone to “drop” in on this series. Start with this one, the first one or any in between. They are all egg-cellent cozies! And yes, there are recipes!
October 29, 2016
I love reading anything by Laura Child and Egg Drop Dead was terrific.
As Halloween approaches, the ladies of the Cackleberry Club are planning their party.
When Suzanne goes to pick up some cheese from local dairy farmer Mike Mullen, she is shocked and saddened to discover his body brutality beaten.
Not one to sit still when a local meets an untimely death, Suzanne begins asking questions and soon finds herself rescuing horses and befriending a teenage boy.
You will love to read about Suzanne, Petra, Toni, Junior, Sam and Officer Doogie in this epic adventure of the Cackleberry Club.
I voluntarily read an ARC of this book from the publisher and NetGalley.
As Halloween approaches, the ladies of the Cackleberry Club are planning their party.
When Suzanne goes to pick up some cheese from local dairy farmer Mike Mullen, she is shocked and saddened to discover his body brutality beaten.
Not one to sit still when a local meets an untimely death, Suzanne begins asking questions and soon finds herself rescuing horses and befriending a teenage boy.
You will love to read about Suzanne, Petra, Toni, Junior, Sam and Officer Doogie in this epic adventure of the Cackleberry Club.
I voluntarily read an ARC of this book from the publisher and NetGalley.
December 21, 2020
Who knew stopping by your cheese supplier to pick up your cheese order could turn so deadly!?! Once again Suzanne is forced by circumstance to be at the center of a murder investigation that could be just a slice to close to the killer! Excellent plot with ample twists and turns to keep you guessing! You'll be turning pages furiously as you won't want to stop reading or listening if you like audiobooks until you find out who the culprit is!
July 8, 2017
I've enjoyed the author's Indigo Tea Room mysteries, so I picked up this book. It wasn't truly awful, but I won't read anymore of this series. The three women who run the cafe together just don't seem like real friends to me, and if Toni's soon-to-be ex is meant as comic relief, it didn't work.
November 13, 2018
I have waited a couple days to post this so that I could cool down but frankly - I'm still angry. The authors suspect in this book has autism. According the author this character is weird because of it. SHe has every character in the book making fun of this special needs character, WHO IS A KID still. People are calling him all sorts of names. She also insinuates that autistic people are violent. Since when is it acceptable for an author to be a bully to the special needs community. Let me break these stereotypes that this author is guilty of. My son is autistic. He is not weird, he is not violent or any of the things this horrible person wrote about in her book. Mrs Childs I will be contacting your publisher & the autism society & a few other key players. Your actions are unacceptable. I loved this & your other series but i will no longer read you. I will take the books you wrote that i own & donate them since i can't bring myself to throw a book in the trash, no matter how terrible the author is.
December 14, 2016
Its hard to believe but this is the first book I've read by this author. I don't know how I've missed reading her books, but I will be going back to read every book she has written. I was very impressed with the description of the Crackleberry Club Cafe. The food they served was described so well I could smell the turkey bacon frying and the yummy muffins that filled the cafe with a delicious aroma. I loved the idea of a cafe that serves farm to table foods. It will draws attention to the hard working farmers and gives them a boost for their products.
Suzanne has stopped at the farm that Mike Mullins owns to pick up fresh cheese for her cafe. To her surprise she can't find him anywhere. She starts looking around for Mike and stumbles onto a bloody scene. The author did a great job of describing the horrific murder scene with graphic details . The question Suzanne can't understand is who would kill such a nice man with such force that it leaves a scene right out of a horror movie?
There are quite a few characters in the book with outlandish personalities. I'm still not sure how I feel about her friend Toni. She really is a flirty thing and really has no morals it seems. Toni's soon to be ex-husband is nothing to write home about. I did love the banter between them and found them to suit each other well. There are plenty of laughs in the book as Suzanne and her friends decide they need to solve the murder. With Suzanne preoccupied with the murder, her fiancé Sam is starting to wonder if they will ever be able to talk about their upcoming wedding. I did like Sam a lot and thought his character was very smart and could easily calm Suzanne down.
There are quite a few subjects the author touched on that bring some serious moments to the story. I'm glad she tackled them with no sugar coating . The topics are what happens in the world today and I'm glad she put them in the story to add attention to them. They all tie together to make for a good mystery with suspects that lead to a very dramatic ending . Overall the book has some great action, fun characters and a well thought out plot. Don't miss the recipes at the end which look so good I will have to try a few out myself.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Great Escapes Book Tour . The review is my opinion and I was not compensated for it.
Suzanne has stopped at the farm that Mike Mullins owns to pick up fresh cheese for her cafe. To her surprise she can't find him anywhere. She starts looking around for Mike and stumbles onto a bloody scene. The author did a great job of describing the horrific murder scene with graphic details . The question Suzanne can't understand is who would kill such a nice man with such force that it leaves a scene right out of a horror movie?
There are quite a few characters in the book with outlandish personalities. I'm still not sure how I feel about her friend Toni. She really is a flirty thing and really has no morals it seems. Toni's soon to be ex-husband is nothing to write home about. I did love the banter between them and found them to suit each other well. There are plenty of laughs in the book as Suzanne and her friends decide they need to solve the murder. With Suzanne preoccupied with the murder, her fiancé Sam is starting to wonder if they will ever be able to talk about their upcoming wedding. I did like Sam a lot and thought his character was very smart and could easily calm Suzanne down.
There are quite a few subjects the author touched on that bring some serious moments to the story. I'm glad she tackled them with no sugar coating . The topics are what happens in the world today and I'm glad she put them in the story to add attention to them. They all tie together to make for a good mystery with suspects that lead to a very dramatic ending . Overall the book has some great action, fun characters and a well thought out plot. Don't miss the recipes at the end which look so good I will have to try a few out myself.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Great Escapes Book Tour . The review is my opinion and I was not compensated for it.
November 2, 2016
My Thoughts...
Even though this book is a series book in A Cackleberry Club Mysteries, it is also a stand-alone book.
From the first page to the last page I was drawn right into the story, I love a good cozy... As Suzanne makes an innocent visit to Mike Mullen's farm to pick-up a few wheels of cheese, she stumbles, or should we say she pushes the door open to find Mike's murdered body...Now starts Suzanne's investigation to try to find who would do such a dastardly deed.
The story moved along quickly keeping me slurping my tea as I was trying to figure out who was the guilty person of all the many suspects. But, again I was caught by surprise when the guilty one was discovered.
And that ending! Wowser! I enjoyed the jouncing here, there, and everywhere wild and wonderful ending.
A great big THANK YOU to the author, Laura Childs, for gifting me this book to read and review. Thank you for a few days of fun reading, and visiting some old friends, Toni, Petra, Sam and Junior, and of course I can't forget Sheriff Doogie, plus a few new friends. What can I say except it was my cup of tea, and I enjoyed it so much I am awarding it 5 star shaped tea leaves.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading and reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers and authors I am under no obligation to write a positive review.
June 18, 2021
A simple trip to her favorite dairy farm to pick up cheese for the Cackleberry Club café drops Suzanne Dietz smack in the middle of another murder. Suzanne and her friends Petra, and Toni, vow to find their friend’s killer, whether Sheriff Doogie likes it or not.
This was a fun, absorbing read. There were plenty of suspects and lots of clues to follow, but what continually draws me back to this series is the strong female characters, the well-drawn secondary characters, the day-to-day smalltown life, and the descriptions of Kindred, and the Cackleberry Club. I also enjoy the interplay between Suzanne and her soon to be husband, Sam, the town doctor. They’ve been together the whole series, but there’s still sparks in their relationship. He does tend to pat her on the head and poo-pooh her detecting, which is annoying, but in the end he always comes through for her.
Reading this series is always a pleasure. I feel like I’m spending time with old friends, and I’m always a little lost when the book ends because I miss my “friends”. As an added bonus, there are recipes at the end of each book that you’d actually want to try. I recommend that these books best read in order, as one builds on the other.
The author also writes the highly enjoyable Tea Shop Mysteries, and the Scrapbooking Mysteries. Both are also worth a read.
This was a fun, absorbing read. There were plenty of suspects and lots of clues to follow, but what continually draws me back to this series is the strong female characters, the well-drawn secondary characters, the day-to-day smalltown life, and the descriptions of Kindred, and the Cackleberry Club. I also enjoy the interplay between Suzanne and her soon to be husband, Sam, the town doctor. They’ve been together the whole series, but there’s still sparks in their relationship. He does tend to pat her on the head and poo-pooh her detecting, which is annoying, but in the end he always comes through for her.
Reading this series is always a pleasure. I feel like I’m spending time with old friends, and I’m always a little lost when the book ends because I miss my “friends”. As an added bonus, there are recipes at the end of each book that you’d actually want to try. I recommend that these books best read in order, as one builds on the other.
The author also writes the highly enjoyable Tea Shop Mysteries, and the Scrapbooking Mysteries. Both are also worth a read.
November 22, 2016
"Egg Drop Dead" is a cozy mystery. It's the seventh book in the series. You don't need to read the previous novels to understand this one, and this story didn't spoil the previous whodunits. The story took place around Halloween, so they participated in several Halloween activities. There was even a haunted house (well, forest) chase scene. Suzanne and her friends were an enjoyable characters.
While there were clues, this wasn't really a "puzzle it out" mystery. Suzanne poked around, asked some questions, worked to save some horses, befriended one suspect, and didn't find any serious clues against the others. When the critical clue was finely uncovered, the story ended with a scene worthy of an action movie. The heroine saves the day!
There was occasional use of bad language. There was no sex. Overall, I'd recommend this fun mystery/suspense novel.
I received this book as a review copy from the publisher.
While there were clues, this wasn't really a "puzzle it out" mystery. Suzanne poked around, asked some questions, worked to save some horses, befriended one suspect, and didn't find any serious clues against the others. When the critical clue was finely uncovered, the story ended with a scene worthy of an action movie. The heroine saves the day!
There was occasional use of bad language. There was no sex. Overall, I'd recommend this fun mystery/suspense novel.
I received this book as a review copy from the publisher.
December 3, 2017
It's nearing Halloween in Kindred. Suzanne decides to run out to Mike Mullen's to pick up another round or two of cheese. That's when she discovers Mike didn't milk the cows and stumbles across his butchered body. She calls Sheriff Doogie. Suzanne spotted someone in the distance, possibly the murderer or a witness. Plenty of witnesses. Suzanne gets herself in dangerous situations by becoming involved in the investigation. Toni and Petra, of course, are in the action. Toni, although separated from Junior, remains married to him. Suzanne and Sam plan to marry in the spring. The reader, however, continually asks how Suzanne who went to purchase cheese from Mike Mullen can get by another week without finding a new local source for it. In fact, we never learn the solution to that problem. Toni annoys me. This installment, while enjoyable, does not measure up to some of the earlier installments in the series.
September 23, 2023
Hokey, but fun. Not much realism, but then, why should there be? It’s for entertainment. The explosion at the end was a nice add.
December 5, 2016
EGG DROP DEAD is the newest book in the Cackleberry Club series. If you haven’t read this series before, I’d describe it as a small-town mystery that also has a lot of humor and heart.
Suzanne is the main heroine of this series but she does have some wonderful sidekicks in the form of her best friends and co-workers, Petra and Toni. When Suzanne heads to a neighboring farm to pick up some dairy, she finds Mike Mullen brutally murdered. Horrified, she calls it in but not before she does her own bit of investigating.
I really like Laura Childs’ style of writing mystery. The murders always happen very early in the book and I think that really sets the story into motion. Immediately we are looking for the murderer and seeking out suspects. She usually has three or four possible subjects, but I also like the twists she puts at the end of the books. It makes them a little less predictable and more fun.
This particular book also has a Halloween theme to it as well so at the time I’m reading it, it’s a great way to get me into the spooky spirit. So far, of all the cozy mysteries I’ve tried, I have to say that Laura Childs does my favorites. The murder aspect is always so engaging and thrilling but I think the real reason I keep coming back for more is because of the characters. I have really come to care about Suzanne and her friends, so it’s really no wonder why I keep looking for more stories with them in it!
*ARC provided by publisher
Reviewed by Annie
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December 11, 2016
EGG DROP DEAD by Laura Childs
The Seventh Cackleberry Club Mystery
Suzanne Dietz simply planned on picking up some cheese for her farm to table cafe, the Cackleberry Club. What she found was unmilked cows in distress and the murdered body of the mild mannered dairy man. Urged on by her friends Toni and Petra, Suzanne simply can't leave the murder alone and decides to "poke around, quietly". Will investigating the murder, no matter how quietly, put a strain on her relationship with Sam and possibly impede their upcoming nuptials? Or worse, will it put her in the sights of a killer once again?
Laura Childs deftly balances light and dark in her seventh Cackleberry Club mystery. The relationship between fun loving Toni and the overgrown juvenile delinquent, Junior, brings lots of humor, but this book shows a little more depth to Toni's feelings for her possibly not so soon to be ex-husband. Suzanne's relationship with Sam also shows some possible cracks as he seems much more interested in their upcoming nuptials than she. Childs doesn't shy away from including harsh realism such as the horse meat industry. Yet, the climactic chase to capture the murderer was unrealistic. I understand why Childs made the choices she did and it was an adrenalin rushing, page turning, exciting read. But law enforcement today would never allow that to happen. It does make for a fine story though.
EGG DROP DEAD entertains by providing a thought provoking mystery with numerous shady suspects while bringing attention to certain societal issues.
FTC Disclosure – The publisher sent me a copy of this book in the hopes I would review it.
The Seventh Cackleberry Club Mystery
Suzanne Dietz simply planned on picking up some cheese for her farm to table cafe, the Cackleberry Club. What she found was unmilked cows in distress and the murdered body of the mild mannered dairy man. Urged on by her friends Toni and Petra, Suzanne simply can't leave the murder alone and decides to "poke around, quietly". Will investigating the murder, no matter how quietly, put a strain on her relationship with Sam and possibly impede their upcoming nuptials? Or worse, will it put her in the sights of a killer once again?
Laura Childs deftly balances light and dark in her seventh Cackleberry Club mystery. The relationship between fun loving Toni and the overgrown juvenile delinquent, Junior, brings lots of humor, but this book shows a little more depth to Toni's feelings for her possibly not so soon to be ex-husband. Suzanne's relationship with Sam also shows some possible cracks as he seems much more interested in their upcoming nuptials than she. Childs doesn't shy away from including harsh realism such as the horse meat industry. Yet, the climactic chase to capture the murderer was unrealistic. I understand why Childs made the choices she did and it was an adrenalin rushing, page turning, exciting read. But law enforcement today would never allow that to happen. It does make for a fine story though.
EGG DROP DEAD entertains by providing a thought provoking mystery with numerous shady suspects while bringing attention to certain societal issues.
FTC Disclosure – The publisher sent me a copy of this book in the hopes I would review it.
January 20, 2018
Having kept up with Ms Childs' A Tea Shop Mystery series, I thought I'd give one of her other series a try...and I'm glad I did (now I've got some catching up to do to read the first six books in this series). Ms Childs uses a clever mix of writing to interlace friendship with mystery to bring a well written story to life. The friendships are an intricate part of her stories as the characters' dynamics depend on it.
Here the ladies are stunned by the death of a long time friend and work to solve the mystery of his death. The story is seamless from beginning to end in its nonstop quest to find answers. The plot is well thought out, with a smart dialog and an undercurrent of deep caring. The writing is intelligent, thought provoking and just plain fun at times. Unlike other cozy mysteries, where the heroines are pesky, these ladies are smart and methodical in their methods to find a killer. I enjoyed the story from the onset and will be keeping up with this series from now on.
This book was provided by the Publisher and Netgalley, I am voluntarily providing my honest review.
Here the ladies are stunned by the death of a long time friend and work to solve the mystery of his death. The story is seamless from beginning to end in its nonstop quest to find answers. The plot is well thought out, with a smart dialog and an undercurrent of deep caring. The writing is intelligent, thought provoking and just plain fun at times. Unlike other cozy mysteries, where the heroines are pesky, these ladies are smart and methodical in their methods to find a killer. I enjoyed the story from the onset and will be keeping up with this series from now on.
This book was provided by the Publisher and Netgalley, I am voluntarily providing my honest review.
February 20, 2017
Thanks to Laura Childs for sending my book club ten copies of this wonderful cozy. This was my first book to read in the Cackleberry Club Mysteries. After enjoying this cute read, I'll have to catch up on the other six books in this series. I felt so at home with Suzanne, Petra and Toni, the women in charge of the Cackleberry Café. (Plus their recipes sound yummy!) After going out to Mike Mullen's farm to pick up more cheese for the restaurant, Suzanne instead finds Mike's dead body. From there the reader is introduce to more characters, all of whom might be the killer. My favorite character perhaps because I was a teacher in my first life, was the young boy, Noah, who has a touch of Asperger's, but who is also possibly involved in the murder. Who is the real murderer? No one I guessed, but I'm the worst person every to guess the mystery, as usual. Childs stories are gentle mysteries and give me a chance to recuperate after reading books so scary they keep me up at night. Goodreads has a great group which focuses on cozy mysteries. Try them for a nice change of pace.
August 20, 2022
In the small town where Suzanne is one of three owners of the Cackleberry Club - a farm to table restaurant - she buys Cheese from the local farmer as well. When her cheese source is interrupted by a grisly find when she goes to pick up her cheese wheels, Suzanne is once again drawn into danger and mystery.
These books are very well written and edited and a joy to read because of it. The author gets into the mystery right away and has lots of suspects. This one fell a little short because of the climax of the book. I know the author had to get the MC to the scene of the climax somehow but probably not that way.
But 4 is not a bad rating and I would definitely read on in the series. I love all three characters - who are totally different people yet bring it all together. Well done on the main characters.
These books are very well written and edited and a joy to read because of it. The author gets into the mystery right away and has lots of suspects. This one fell a little short because of the climax of the book. I know the author had to get the MC to the scene of the climax somehow but probably not that way.
But 4 is not a bad rating and I would definitely read on in the series. I love all three characters - who are totally different people yet bring it all together. Well done on the main characters.
September 14, 2018
Halloween is approaching and Suzanne, Petra and Toni are planning a special event at the diner. When Suzanne goes to get her locally sourced cheese, she finds the farmer dead. She sees what looks like a moving scarecrow in the distance. Spooky happenings and mistreated horses set the three Cackleberry Club ladies to search for answers.
This mystery kept me second guessing myself as to who the killer was. The horses side-story was very sad, but Suzanne and Sam .
I'm looking forward to the next one.
This mystery kept me second guessing myself as to who the killer was. The horses side-story was very sad, but Suzanne and Sam .
I'm looking forward to the next one.
September 15, 2018
Suzanne has headed to a local dairy farm to pick up the cheese for the Cackleberry Club but when she arrives she discovers stressed cows and a dead dairy man! Now the ladies need to sift through the suspects (which include the widow, a developer and a local aspergers young man) and figure our what is going on so that Halloween can be a great night - oh and Sam and Suzanne need to plan their wedding!
Other than the fact that the Toni/Junior thing is getting really tired (and I mean Ms Childs please!!) this was another brilliant episode!
Other than the fact that the Toni/Junior thing is getting really tired (and I mean Ms Childs please!!) this was another brilliant episode!
February 16, 2021
Egg Drop Dead by Laura Childs is the 7th book in the Cackleberry Club Mystery series. Suzanne travels out to Mike Mullen's dairy farm to pick up some wheels of cheese only to find him slashed to death in his barn. An enjoyable and relaxing book. It was nice to catch up with the ladies at the Cackleberry Club, who are busy with events heading up to Halloween, and this is the best part. Suzanne's investigation seems to be more of an interference and rather unrealistic and I felt she took too many unnecessary and silly risks. Recipes are included and sound delicious.
February 20, 2017
The three friends and co-owners of the Cackleberry Club find themselves
trying to find the person who murdered one of their suppliers. Mike Mullen
was a dairy farmer who sold them cheese. This is a light mystery and a
fast read with action and humor and friendship, love and trust. It also
has recipes for your enjoyment.
trying to find the person who murdered one of their suppliers. Mike Mullen
was a dairy farmer who sold them cheese. This is a light mystery and a
fast read with action and humor and friendship, love and trust. It also
has recipes for your enjoyment.
October 31, 2020
This series is the epitome of cozy mystery. The audiobook narrator does an excellent job with the various voices of the main characters - to the point where I know who's speaking right away by the tone of voice and I love it.
February 1, 2017
This is one of the few cozy series that I read. This one was typical, Suzanne, Toni, Petra and friends are up to their usual at their small town diner/book shop/knitting nest. Suzanne finds the body of their cheeseman and sets out to find out who killed him. There are plenty of suspects but when they find out who the killer is, it's a complete surprise. Fun read.
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