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Donut Hole Mystery #2
Maple Frosted Murder
A professional and very public rivalry with the owner of the corporate cookie cutter donut shop owner, leaves Heather as the prime suspect in his murder, when his body is discovered.
Health inspectors, shady business practices and a tangled web of intrigue unfold as Heather dives headfirst into the case, determined to clear her name and uncover who is the cold storage killer.
Health inspectors, shady business practices and a tangled web of intrigue unfold as Heather dives headfirst into the case, determined to clear her name and uncover who is the cold storage killer.
216 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 17, 2016
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263 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
January 22, 2018
Heather Janke is having problems with local businessman, Stan Dombrowski. Stan owns a sub-par doughnut franchise across town from her gourmet doughnut shop, Donut Delights. Stan likes to tell people her shop has been in trouble for health code violations and has even taken out ads in the local newspaper hinting that his doughnuts are better than hers. One morning he even shows up at Donut Delights to pick a fight with her in front of customers, screaming that she is deliberately trying to put him out of business. The next day Heather is shocked to learn that Stan was attacked and killed in his store. His body was found inside a freezer. Heather finds herself a murder suspect....again. Seems like there is always a dead body showing up to throw her in the path of cute Detective Ryan Shepherd. Who killed Stan Dombrowski and why?
Maple Frosted Murder is the 2nd book in the Donut Hole Mystery series. This book is an improvement on the first book in the series. The first book had a lot of editing mistakes, but this one only had a couple minor errors. There is a bit more character development and interaction in this one as well. Definitely an improvement! I like Heather as a main character....she is intelligent, with lots of spunk and ingenuity. I could do without the cute cop/budding romance trope....but....why not? Nearly every cozy mystery series goes down that path....what's one more? :)
These books are short reads. The mysteries are basic, and move at a fast pace. I like the doughnut shop theme. Not quite sure what maple frosted had to do with this story though. There wasn't a single maple frosted anything in the entire story. The only doughnuts featured in the story were pecan pie and white Christmas flavored (white frosting with peppermint...sounds soooo yummy!). No maple anywhere. Not that the title has to be included in the story....but it was in the first book. A strawberry creme doughnut figured majorly into the plot in Strawberry Cream Murder. Oh well....the missing maple flavor did not have an effect on my enjoyment of this story.
I'm going to give this 4 stars. A bit higher than the first book. Fewer mistakes and an enjoyable, fast read. I'm definitely reading more of this series. Entertaining, easy reads. It does make me crave a doughnut though!
Maple Frosted Murder is the 2nd book in the Donut Hole Mystery series. This book is an improvement on the first book in the series. The first book had a lot of editing mistakes, but this one only had a couple minor errors. There is a bit more character development and interaction in this one as well. Definitely an improvement! I like Heather as a main character....she is intelligent, with lots of spunk and ingenuity. I could do without the cute cop/budding romance trope....but....why not? Nearly every cozy mystery series goes down that path....what's one more? :)
These books are short reads. The mysteries are basic, and move at a fast pace. I like the doughnut shop theme. Not quite sure what maple frosted had to do with this story though. There wasn't a single maple frosted anything in the entire story. The only doughnuts featured in the story were pecan pie and white Christmas flavored (white frosting with peppermint...sounds soooo yummy!). No maple anywhere. Not that the title has to be included in the story....but it was in the first book. A strawberry creme doughnut figured majorly into the plot in Strawberry Cream Murder. Oh well....the missing maple flavor did not have an effect on my enjoyment of this story.
I'm going to give this 4 stars. A bit higher than the first book. Fewer mistakes and an enjoyable, fast read. I'm definitely reading more of this series. Entertaining, easy reads. It does make me crave a doughnut though!
May 1, 2018
Heather Janke is the proud owner of Donut Delights
bakery shop in Hillside, Texas. She makes donuts from
her grandmother’s recipes plus creates her own.
A rival donut franchise in town run by Stan Dombrowski
is constantly harassing Heather. His business is failing
and he is blaming her and her donut shop. Meanwhile,
he scrimps on his ingredients when producing his donuts.
He spreads rumors, takes out ads in the newspaper
against the other donut shop and even barges into the
store to yell at her.
Then Stan is found dead in his freezer from blunt force
trauma.
The handsome Detective Ryan Shepherd gets the case.
He interviews Heather as a possible suspect. Heather
does not have anyone to backup her being home alone
sleeping except Dave the dog.
Heather starts to investigate with the help of her best
friend, Amy. But she better watch out if she doesn’t
want to be next to die!!!
A nicely plotted murder mystery with wholesome cast of
characters.
An enjoyable read.
bakery shop in Hillside, Texas. She makes donuts from
her grandmother’s recipes plus creates her own.
A rival donut franchise in town run by Stan Dombrowski
is constantly harassing Heather. His business is failing
and he is blaming her and her donut shop. Meanwhile,
he scrimps on his ingredients when producing his donuts.
He spreads rumors, takes out ads in the newspaper
against the other donut shop and even barges into the
store to yell at her.
Then Stan is found dead in his freezer from blunt force
trauma.
The handsome Detective Ryan Shepherd gets the case.
He interviews Heather as a possible suspect. Heather
does not have anyone to backup her being home alone
sleeping except Dave the dog.
Heather starts to investigate with the help of her best
friend, Amy. But she better watch out if she doesn’t
want to be next to die!!!
A nicely plotted murder mystery with wholesome cast of
characters.
An enjoyable read.
September 24, 2016
Heather Janke, owner of a gourmet donut shop, faces the wrath of Stan Dombrowski, owner of a franchise donut shop. They fight publicly and the next thing Heather knows he is dead. Of course the number one suspect is Heather herself and she’s not going to wait for the police to clear her name. She’s going to do it herself.
This is the second book in the Donut Hole Cozy Mystery series. There are so many books in this series that I was hesitant when I started the first one. I thought there were so many books to catch up on that I’d never may any headway, but I enjoyed the first one so much (and it was a quick read), that I went for the second book. This, too, is a fast read. This series is perfect when you want a short read between longer books.
It’s not a complex mystery, but I didn’t figure it out until the end. There’s no sex or violence. It’s a sweet cozy mystery. There is much character growth from the first book. As much as I enjoyed the first one, this was even better. I’m looking forward to book #3.
This is the second book in the Donut Hole Cozy Mystery series. There are so many books in this series that I was hesitant when I started the first one. I thought there were so many books to catch up on that I’d never may any headway, but I enjoyed the first one so much (and it was a quick read), that I went for the second book. This, too, is a fast read. This series is perfect when you want a short read between longer books.
It’s not a complex mystery, but I didn’t figure it out until the end. There’s no sex or violence. It’s a sweet cozy mystery. There is much character growth from the first book. As much as I enjoyed the first one, this was even better. I’m looking forward to book #3.
October 18, 2017
This was a decent mystery but it's so short, took a little under an hour to read that it really has no time to develop the characters, even the main character Heather and her friend Amy are really little more then sketches and barely more developed then the minor characters in the story. I'll read a couple more to see if I do in fact like the characters. This was the second one I've read and I'll read a few more but what I said about the first book still stands.
May 4, 2018
Maple Frosted Murder
A Donut Hole Cozy Mystery,Book #2
Susan Gillard
5 Stars
Synopsis:
A professional and very public rivalry with the owner of the corporate cookie cutter donut shop owner, leaves Heather as the prime suspect in his murder, when his body is discovered.
Health inspectors, shady business practices and a tangled web of intrigue unfold as Heather dives headfirst into the case, determined to clear her name and uncover who is the cold storage killer. (Goodreads)
Review:
The writing style flows smoothly and the book is a quick easy read. The mystery was well plotted and there were enough suspects to consider and clues to sift through. I think I was as surprised as Heather to find out who the killer was.
The characters are well rounded and well developed. Heather is a smart woman who is like a dog with a bone when there is a mystery to solve. I guess the fact that she was a person of interest helped in her determination to solve the crime. There is a love interest for Heather and it will be fun to see how their relationship develops.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. Reading this book is a nice way to spend an afternoon.
A Donut Hole Cozy Mystery,Book #2
Susan Gillard
5 Stars
Synopsis:
A professional and very public rivalry with the owner of the corporate cookie cutter donut shop owner, leaves Heather as the prime suspect in his murder, when his body is discovered.
Health inspectors, shady business practices and a tangled web of intrigue unfold as Heather dives headfirst into the case, determined to clear her name and uncover who is the cold storage killer. (Goodreads)
Review:
The writing style flows smoothly and the book is a quick easy read. The mystery was well plotted and there were enough suspects to consider and clues to sift through. I think I was as surprised as Heather to find out who the killer was.
The characters are well rounded and well developed. Heather is a smart woman who is like a dog with a bone when there is a mystery to solve. I guess the fact that she was a person of interest helped in her determination to solve the crime. There is a love interest for Heather and it will be fun to see how their relationship develops.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. Reading this book is a nice way to spend an afternoon.
May 6, 2018
Heather Janke is the proud owner of Donut Delights
bakery shop in Hillside, Texas. She makes donuts from
her grandmother’s recipes plus creates her own.
A rival donut franchise in town run by Stan Dombrowski
is constantly harassing Heather. His business is failing
and he is blaming her and her donut shop. Meanwhile,
he scrimps on his ingredients when producing his donuts.
He spreads rumors, takes out ads in the newspaper
against the other donut shop and even barges into the
store to yell at her.
Then Stan is found dead in his freezer from blunt force
trauma.
The handsome Detective Ryan Shepherd gets the case.
He interviews Heather as a possible suspect. Heather
does not have anyone to backup her being home alone
sleeping except Dave the dog.
Heather starts to investigate with the help of her best
friend, Amy. But she better watch out if she doesn’t
want to be next to die!!!
A nicely plotted murder mystery with wholesome cast of
characters.
An enjoyable read.
bakery shop in Hillside, Texas. She makes donuts from
her grandmother’s recipes plus creates her own.
A rival donut franchise in town run by Stan Dombrowski
is constantly harassing Heather. His business is failing
and he is blaming her and her donut shop. Meanwhile,
he scrimps on his ingredients when producing his donuts.
He spreads rumors, takes out ads in the newspaper
against the other donut shop and even barges into the
store to yell at her.
Then Stan is found dead in his freezer from blunt force
trauma.
The handsome Detective Ryan Shepherd gets the case.
He interviews Heather as a possible suspect. Heather
does not have anyone to backup her being home alone
sleeping except Dave the dog.
Heather starts to investigate with the help of her best
friend, Amy. But she better watch out if she doesn’t
want to be next to die!!!
A nicely plotted murder mystery with wholesome cast of
characters.
An enjoyable read.
October 21, 2019
Title: Maple Frosted Murder
Author: Susan Gillard
Series: Donut Hole Mystery, 2
Format: ebook
Length: N/A
Rating: 3 stars
Synopsis: A professional and very public rivalry with the owner of the corporate cookie cutter donut shop owner, leaves Heather as the prime suspect in his murder, when his body is discovered.
Health inspectors, shady business practices and a tangled web of intrigue unfold as Heather dives headfirst into the case, determined to clear her name and uncover who is the cold storage killer.
Mini-review: This one was better than the last one, but it's still horribly edited (if at all). The culprit was pretty obvious and the relationship between Heather and Ryan feels rushed.
Fan Cast:
Heather Janke - Bryce Dallas Howard
Ryan Shepherd - Sam Witwer
Amy Givens - Anna Camp
Maricela - Cote de Pablo
Angelica - America Ferrera
Jung - Randall Park
Eva Schneider - Michael Learned
Sheila Drombrowski - Andi MacDowell
Author: Susan Gillard
Series: Donut Hole Mystery, 2
Format: ebook
Length: N/A
Rating: 3 stars
Synopsis: A professional and very public rivalry with the owner of the corporate cookie cutter donut shop owner, leaves Heather as the prime suspect in his murder, when his body is discovered.
Health inspectors, shady business practices and a tangled web of intrigue unfold as Heather dives headfirst into the case, determined to clear her name and uncover who is the cold storage killer.
Mini-review: This one was better than the last one, but it's still horribly edited (if at all). The culprit was pretty obvious and the relationship between Heather and Ryan feels rushed.
Fan Cast:
Heather Janke - Bryce Dallas Howard
Ryan Shepherd - Sam Witwer
Amy Givens - Anna Camp
Maricela - Cote de Pablo
Angelica - America Ferrera
Jung - Randall Park
Eva Schneider - Michael Learned
Sheila Drombrowski - Andi MacDowell
June 22, 2017
I got this for free on Amazon and, as much as I hate to say it, I got what I paid for. No, this book wasn't horrible, but it was just so "meh" that I might have preferred horrible, just for something to engage me a little bit more. Cardboard characters, no real sense of place, a by-the-numbers mystery with no suspense and even less logic left me scratching my head. Oh...and if you're going to have a maple-frosted doughnut on the cover and title your book, MAPLE-FROSTED MURDER, wouldn't it make a tiny bit of sense to have a maple-frosted doughnut appear in the book, especially when the main character owns a doughnut shop? The good (hence the two stars): it's light, frothy, and breezy and written at what I'd guess is about a third grade reading level, so you can be in and out of this doughnut shop quicker than you can eat an apple fritter, almost.
May 2, 2018
When your donut shop is losing customers and is empty all the time and no one is buying your yummy treats someone has to be blamed. According to Stan Dombrowski the reason why his donut shop is going into the gutter is not his fault but the fault of Heather Janke the owner of the new donut shop, Donut Delights. Oh, that Heather Janke, stealing his customers! Stan did his best to put Heather out of business by putting out false reports about her shop but the popularity of Donut Delights never waivered. Okay, so what if maybe Stan’s donuts weren’t great? So what if he was a little stingy with his ingredients? That didn’t mean a thing. Stan was making donuts in Hillside, Texas long before Heather Janke came and he’ll be darned if she will take over. He’ll show her and go over and tell her exactly what he thinks.
Stan does that and has a huge screaming fit with Heather at her shop with lots of customers listening. He claims that Heather is purposely trying to put him out of business. The nerve of her.
But the next day Stan is found dead in his donut shop, his body found in the freezer. And who’s the prime murder suspect? Heather of course. There were so many witness to their argument that everyone naturally assumes that Heather murdered her donut-making rival. What’s a girl to do? Well, she does what she does best and starts investigating Stan’s death with her best pal, Amy Givens.
There are lots of suspects since Heather was not the only person he disliked or disliked him. His employee, Ben, had problems with Stan, Stan’s wife wasn’t thrilled with him, he lost his seat on the town’s board, and the teenage clerk in the grocery store didn’t like Stan since the day Stan accused the teen of cheating him.
There were lots of people who had something against Stan and any one of them could have done him in. Heather knows it’s up to her to find the real culprit before she’s put behind bars.
“Maple Frosted Murder” is the second edition or author Susan Gillard’s popular cozy donut hole mystery series. It was fun to reread the book and be reminded how Heather’s history in the town of Hillside, Texas began and especially how she formed all the wonderful relationships and friends she found there, not to mention her future husband.
The novel was as entertaining the second time around as much as it was during the first reading. It’s always nice to go back and take a look at the start of a great series.
“Maple Frosted Murder” is a great book for all cozy-lovers.
“I received an ARC of this book and voluntarily reviewed it.”
Stan does that and has a huge screaming fit with Heather at her shop with lots of customers listening. He claims that Heather is purposely trying to put him out of business. The nerve of her.
But the next day Stan is found dead in his donut shop, his body found in the freezer. And who’s the prime murder suspect? Heather of course. There were so many witness to their argument that everyone naturally assumes that Heather murdered her donut-making rival. What’s a girl to do? Well, she does what she does best and starts investigating Stan’s death with her best pal, Amy Givens.
There are lots of suspects since Heather was not the only person he disliked or disliked him. His employee, Ben, had problems with Stan, Stan’s wife wasn’t thrilled with him, he lost his seat on the town’s board, and the teenage clerk in the grocery store didn’t like Stan since the day Stan accused the teen of cheating him.
There were lots of people who had something against Stan and any one of them could have done him in. Heather knows it’s up to her to find the real culprit before she’s put behind bars.
“Maple Frosted Murder” is the second edition or author Susan Gillard’s popular cozy donut hole mystery series. It was fun to reread the book and be reminded how Heather’s history in the town of Hillside, Texas began and especially how she formed all the wonderful relationships and friends she found there, not to mention her future husband.
The novel was as entertaining the second time around as much as it was during the first reading. It’s always nice to go back and take a look at the start of a great series.
“Maple Frosted Murder” is a great book for all cozy-lovers.
“I received an ARC of this book and voluntarily reviewed it.”
May 2, 2018
Love this 2nd edition! Stan Dombrowski owns a rival donut shop and he is losing business. Of course it can't be anything he's doing so he blames Heather. He say Heather is taking away his business. He comes into Donut Delights and makes a scene yelling at Heather, blaming her for his problems with his business. When his employee finds him dead in the freezer Heather becomes a suspect. She is determined to clear her name. Come along with Heather and find out what she gets herself into. See if you can figure out who the real killer is. Is it his employee? A disgruntled customer? His wife? Someone else he's been feuding with?
I voluntarily received a copy of this book and I'm voluntarily posting a review. My opinion is entirely my own.
I voluntarily received a copy of this book and I'm voluntarily posting a review. My opinion is entirely my own.
May 24, 2017
This book feels very similar to the previous one. There is a little more depth given to the characters. I feel like Ryan's personality might have flipped a little too quickly in regards to the books but if you remember that there are several months between the 1st book and the 2nd book it can be understood, we just don't get to see it. Because the books are so short, and maybe because of Heather's character, there isn't much in the way of clues to follow to deduce the killers. Unlike other amateur sleuth novels, she's not really looking into the case rather; everything is just falling into her lap. It's still short and fun enough to read but don't go in expecting anything highbrow.
May 3, 2018
Love this 2nd edition! Stan Dombrowski owns a rival donut shop and he is losing business. Of course it can't be anything he's doing so he blames Heather. He say Heather is taking away his business. He comes into Donut Delights and makes a scene yelling at Heather, blaming her for his problems with his business. When his employee finds him dead in the freezer Heather becomes a suspect. She is determined to clear her name. Come along with Heather and find out what she gets herself into. See if you can figure out who the real killer is. Is it his employee? A disgruntled customer? His wife? Someone else he's been feuding with?
I voluntarily received a copy of this book and I'm voluntarily posting a review. My opinion is entirely my own.
I voluntarily received a copy of this book and I'm voluntarily posting a review. My opinion is entirely my own.
April 3, 2019
It was as good as the previous one. Again, the criminal was predictable, but I really enjoyed reading the conversations between Heather and Ryan. I just wish Heather would be more careful in the next book. It was her recklessness that forced her into the dangerous situation. ( Having said that, if she were level-headed, there wouldn’t be any exciting stories in the first place! Lol)
November 15, 2017
This book has the same premise of the first book, which I feel like is going to be the case for the rest of the books. But I'll continue to press on, because cozy mysteries like this are my kryptonite. They are quick, cheesy, and just plain fun.
February 12, 2018
An enjoyable little cozy mystery! I didn't read book 1 (since it's not in KU like the rest of the series) but I didn't feel lost at all. I enjoyed the mystery and the hint of romance! Looking forward to book 3
September 9, 2018
Cute but short
This was a cute book with good characters but ended much too quickly. The investigation had just gotten started when, bam!, the murderer makes a move again and it’s done.
This was a cute book with good characters but ended much too quickly. The investigation had just gotten started when, bam!, the murderer makes a move again and it’s done.
March 23, 2019
This book has all of the elements of a good quality cozy mystery, plus you don’t have to read 100 pages of nonsense to get to the mystery. I was impressed that the author used “whom” correctly when she avoided ending a sentence with a preposition. Quality over quantity is an apt description.
May 10, 2019
Doughnuts and murder do not go together... Or do they? In this case, they do. The writing is not amazing but it's an easy read and the characters are really growing on me. Again, predictable. Enjoyable nonetheless.
May 14, 2025
Another good book by this author, I'm hooked by both the romance that's starting to build as well as what the new donut recipe will be for the book. While I'm glad there are so many in the series I wish the author was still writing them, I have a feeling I'll be getting through them way to fast.
March 4, 2017
This is the second book in the series. Another enjoyable cozy mystery with Heather and friends. Face paced fun.
January 15, 2018
Decent book. Some spelling errors that drove me nuts. Other than that, a sweet, clean murder mystery.
March 10, 2018
Fun read.
Fun read. Heather is back, working on help solve another murder. Can she find the killer before the killer finds her??
Fun read. Heather is back, working on help solve another murder. Can she find the killer before the killer finds her??
April 15, 2018
So fun!
August 8, 2018
* 4.5 * stars
September 4, 2018
as good as always
September 23, 2018
Great read!
This book is well written. It keeps you wanting more. This book sucks you in from the beginning. I am absolutely hooked on this Author.
This book is well written. It keeps you wanting more. This book sucks you in from the beginning. I am absolutely hooked on this Author.
November 26, 2018
This detective fiction is very simple for english learners. It's very easy to read.
March 14, 2019
Another solid addition to what's becoming a really nice cozy whodunit mystery series. On to book 3!
April 28, 2019
Still pretty good
Really enjoyed the twists in this one. A great progression from the first book. I really like the recurring characters and the mystery is pretty easy to follow.
Really enjoyed the twists in this one. A great progression from the first book. I really like the recurring characters and the mystery is pretty easy to follow.
February 23, 2020
I enjoyed this book. I am enjoying the series. I can’t wait to read the next book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews