What do you think?
Rate this book
Bakery Detectives #2
Donuts, Antiques and Murder
Rachael’s business is thriving and she’s looking to expand. When a murder takes place in the antique store she is trying to buy, she again finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation. A fun cozy mystery from USA Today Bestselling Author Stacey Alabaster After Rachael decides to expand her now thriving bakery into the antique store next door, everything seems to start going wrong. Convinced that Rachael has been cursed, trusty friend Pippa goes to great lengths to put an end to Rachael’s expansion. Together, they will have to unravel the mystery of a cursed painting, a haunted store, and foul murder. This ‘haunted’ investigation threatens Rachael’s and Pippa’s friendship, partnership, and even their lives. They will have to solve it quickly if they are going to salvage any of them. Donuts, Antiques and Murder is part of the Bakery Detectives Cozy Mystery series. If you like fast paced mysteries full of quirky characters and unexpected twists, you’ll love the Bakery Detectives. Get Donuts, Antiques and Murder and start solving your next mystery today!
121 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 22, 2016
188 people are currently reading
288 people want to read
About the author
Stacey Alabaster
76 books130 followersI have always loved a good mystery. From my early years watching Murder She Wrote to more recent shows like Monk, Psych, and my absolute favorite BBC show ever, Sherlock, I have studied what it takes to make an entertaining mystery. I am truly blessed to be able to write and share my own mysteries with you. I hope you enjoy reading them as much as I loved writing them :)
If you want to keep up with all my new releases, be sure to sign up for my mailing list at FairfieldPublishing.com/cozy-newsletter
If you want to keep up with all my new releases, be sure to sign up for my mailing list at FairfieldPublishing.com/cozy-newsletter
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
September 29, 2018
Donuts, Antiques and Murder is book two in the Bakery Detectives series by Stacey Alabaster. Rachael's baking business is thriving so she decided to buy the antique store next door. However, when Rachael sign the papers things started to go wrong and it was top off with the death of Colleen Batters inside the antique store. Rachael decided to investigate Colleen Batters death, and Pippa was not happy. The Readers of Donuts, Antiques and Murder will continue to follow Rachael and Pippa to see what happens.
The books in the Bakery Detectives series are a great way to unwind after a stressful day at work. The reason for this is the way Stacey Alabaster use food and quirky characters to allow you to forget what going on around you and makes you laugh.
"Donuts, Antiques and Murder" is a lovely sweet cozy mystery that made me laugh with what the main characters get up too. I do like the way Stacey Alabaster portrays her characters and how they intertwine with each other. "Donuts, Antiques and Murder" is well written and researched by Stacey Alabaster. I love the way Stacey Alabaster describes her settings that ensure engagement with the plot of Donuts, Antiques and Murder.
I recommend this book.
The books in the Bakery Detectives series are a great way to unwind after a stressful day at work. The reason for this is the way Stacey Alabaster use food and quirky characters to allow you to forget what going on around you and makes you laugh.
"Donuts, Antiques and Murder" is a lovely sweet cozy mystery that made me laugh with what the main characters get up too. I do like the way Stacey Alabaster portrays her characters and how they intertwine with each other. "Donuts, Antiques and Murder" is well written and researched by Stacey Alabaster. I love the way Stacey Alabaster describes her settings that ensure engagement with the plot of Donuts, Antiques and Murder.
I recommend this book.
June 29, 2020
This Bakery Detectives cozy mystery series seems really interesting to me!
I'm looking forward to read all 15 books in the series even though I'm not much of a long-series-reader.
So 2 down 13 to go!!!
I'm looking forward to read all 15 books in the series even though I'm not much of a long-series-reader.
So 2 down 13 to go!!!
May 11, 2021
So this author thinks that 12 chapters is a full novel? I don't think so.
This novel was very painful and angsty to read. It is certainly NOT an improvement on book 1.
Pippa is now assistant manager of Rachael's Boutique Bakery shop and one of her new jobs is hiring and firing employees. She has a fight with the new employee she hired, until Rachel discovers that said employee was actually Pippas new boyfriend.
At the same time, Rachael decided that the shop needs to be expanded so she makes plans to buy the old Antique store next door. Things start to happen such as a dead body being discovered in the antiques store, lights going out, bad luck with the broken things at the Bakery shop and a painting in the window of the same antique store apprently moving on its own!!
Pippa calls these curses. Rachael says nonsense and there must be logical explanations for these events if only she could investigate.
A second body is also found in the antique store and by now Pippa is freaking out. she drags Rachel to a meeting of the Local PARANORMAL club and the leader of said club tells Rachel that she must "undo" everything she had previously done. When Rachael catches Pippa saying "thank you" to the leader, Rachael is furious. she wouldn't do what Pippa wanted but now pipps thinks that Rachel will do what a stranger tells her to do - only because Pippa blabbed to said stranger?
Rachel refuses and Pippa threatens to quit. She desperately wants Rachel to stay away from the antique store.
So Rachael and Pippa take a trip to a nearby town to renew their friendship. Except that Rachael is really tracking down a new clue.
Upon returning home from the trip, they spot Pippa's ex boyfriend (and the ex-employee) having an argument with the owner of the Antique store and Rachael finally figures out what is going on.
Lastly Rachel gets a serious medical diagnosis that is going to create difficulties with her bakery shop, because she is now required to change her diet. Unless Rachael changes her specialty, she will no longer be able to taste or sample her own baking.
For a woman in her 20's I found Pippa to be overly emotional and dependent on Rachel for food, money and a job. she really needs to GROW UP!!
I gave this 2 stars because Pippa was such an emotional mess - acting more like a teenager than an adult.
This novel was very painful and angsty to read. It is certainly NOT an improvement on book 1.
Pippa is now assistant manager of Rachael's Boutique Bakery shop and one of her new jobs is hiring and firing employees. She has a fight with the new employee she hired, until Rachel discovers that said employee was actually Pippas new boyfriend.
At the same time, Rachael decided that the shop needs to be expanded so she makes plans to buy the old Antique store next door. Things start to happen such as a dead body being discovered in the antiques store, lights going out, bad luck with the broken things at the Bakery shop and a painting in the window of the same antique store apprently moving on its own!!
Pippa calls these curses. Rachael says nonsense and there must be logical explanations for these events if only she could investigate.
A second body is also found in the antique store and by now Pippa is freaking out. she drags Rachel to a meeting of the Local PARANORMAL club and the leader of said club tells Rachel that she must "undo" everything she had previously done. When Rachael catches Pippa saying "thank you" to the leader, Rachael is furious. she wouldn't do what Pippa wanted but now pipps thinks that Rachel will do what a stranger tells her to do - only because Pippa blabbed to said stranger?
Rachel refuses and Pippa threatens to quit. She desperately wants Rachel to stay away from the antique store.
So Rachael and Pippa take a trip to a nearby town to renew their friendship. Except that Rachael is really tracking down a new clue.
Upon returning home from the trip, they spot Pippa's ex boyfriend (and the ex-employee) having an argument with the owner of the Antique store and Rachael finally figures out what is going on.
Lastly Rachel gets a serious medical diagnosis that is going to create difficulties with her bakery shop, because she is now required to change her diet. Unless Rachael changes her specialty, she will no longer be able to taste or sample her own baking.
For a woman in her 20's I found Pippa to be overly emotional and dependent on Rachel for food, money and a job. she really needs to GROW UP!!
I gave this 2 stars because Pippa was such an emotional mess - acting more like a teenager than an adult.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 12, 2019
Ghosts and curses
Every thing was going great till Rachael decided to by Gus'es antique
Store. That's when everything started going crazy. The paintings curses,
and then the murder that started every thing going from crazy to insaine.
Now Rachael and Pippa have to solve it all and sort out the answer, be for
anyone else gets murdered and they loose each other's friendship. Another
Great mystery to read.
Debra H.
Every thing was going great till Rachael decided to by Gus'es antique
Store. That's when everything started going crazy. The paintings curses,
and then the murder that started every thing going from crazy to insaine.
Now Rachael and Pippa have to solve it all and sort out the answer, be for
anyone else gets murdered and they loose each other's friendship. Another
Great mystery to read.
Debra H.
September 3, 2020
The premise of the story was good, but the execution of the writing made this reader cringe. There was very little in the way of character development and the iratic plot was annoying. Events appeared in the plot almost as an afterthought; there was no congrueity. Rachel was going to buy the antique shop next to her bakery so she could expand, the realtor wanted her to sign a contract without her lawyer checking it out. But when a body turned up the next day it turns out that Gus wasn't happy about leaving his shop which locals thought contained a haunted picture. Paranormal meetings, police investigations, Rachel feeling she needed to solve the mysterious deaths herself, a new baker, Romeo, working a short time and leaving Rachel short staffed to handle a wedding (in a bakery?) and a birthday party: only the paranormal society meeting was mostly developed in the story line. The other events seemed to pop-up out of nowhere. This short story was a waste of time.
February 21, 2017
Not a series for me. Just skipped to the end.
Since I don't normally write reviews unless I have something specific to say, here's the break down of how I rate my books...
1 star... This book was bad, so bad I may have given up and skipped to the end. I will avoid this author like the plague in the future.
2 stars... This book was not very good, and I won't be reading any more from the author.
3 stars... This book was ok, but I won't go out of my way to read more, But if I find another book by the author for under a dollar I'd pick it up.
4 stars... I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be on the look out to pick up more from the series/author.
5 stars... I loved this book! It has earned a permanent home in my collection and I'll be picking up the rest of the series and other books from the author ASAP.
Since I don't normally write reviews unless I have something specific to say, here's the break down of how I rate my books...
1 star... This book was bad, so bad I may have given up and skipped to the end. I will avoid this author like the plague in the future.
2 stars... This book was not very good, and I won't be reading any more from the author.
3 stars... This book was ok, but I won't go out of my way to read more, But if I find another book by the author for under a dollar I'd pick it up.
4 stars... I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be on the look out to pick up more from the series/author.
5 stars... I loved this book! It has earned a permanent home in my collection and I'll be picking up the rest of the series and other books from the author ASAP.
September 12, 2016
Scared of your own shadow? Rachael Robinson and her Assistant Manager and roommate Pippa McDonald are getting that way. Rachael owns, “Rachaels Boutique Bakery” and she wants to expand next door into the dying antique shop.
“Gus’s Antiques” has had many rumors going around of curses and Pippa for one believes them. With the murders happening, Rachael is beginning to agree with Pippa.
Can Rachael help hunky Detective Jackson Whitaker solve the murders and save her shop, health and sanity?
Good read!
“Gus’s Antiques” has had many rumors going around of curses and Pippa for one believes them. With the murders happening, Rachael is beginning to agree with Pippa.
Can Rachael help hunky Detective Jackson Whitaker solve the murders and save her shop, health and sanity?
Good read!
March 28, 2017
Kindle Unlimited, the Craft Circle Mystery books were a bit better than the Bakery Detective ones, but that's not saying much. Would be nice if there were actually some crafts going on more than just a mention here and there, and oh yeah real plot with real believable characters.
Steps from Death (Craft Circle Mystery #1) Arts, Crafts and Murder (Craft Circle Mystery #2) A Finely Crafted Murder: A Craft Circle Cozy Mystery (Craft Circle Cozy Mysteries Book 3)
Naked Eye {not sure where exactly this one fits in}
A Pie to Die for (Bakery Detectives #1) Donuts, Antiques and Murder (Bakery Detectives #2) Death by Chocolate Cake (Bakery Detectives #3) Bakery Detectives Cozy Mystery Boxed Set (Bakery Detectives #1-3) Bakery Detectives Cozy Mystery Boxed Set (Bakery Detectives #4-6) Bakery Detectives Cozy Mystery Boxed Set: Books 1-6 (Bakery Detectives #1-6) The Mud Pie Murderess (Bakery Detectives #6)
Catering and Kidnapping (Bakery Detectives #7 The Pumpkin Killer: A Bakery Detectives Cozy Mystery Wined, Dined and Dead (Bakery Detectives, #9
Read the 3 box set that included A Pie to Die For, Donuts, Antiques and Murder, and Death by Chocolate Cake was a nice cozy collection, each a bit different, but pretty much a little of this that and the other mixed in with some crime so basically what I look for in a book of this type.I wrote this for the first 3 set. The second 3 set did not live up to things; sure there were here and there typo issues but since my computer is set up to 'read' to me that was not the issue.
The main character walks in to the kitchen of the resort where 2 people are talking about the actual chef/cook being missing, who is later found dead, and which the main character never gets to meet, yet knows that is who the dead body is, immediately.... They are supposed to be getting grand meals at the resort but because of the death of the chef, they aren't getting anything but toast in that one part, not even coffee, which they mention specifically, yet the main character is drinking coffee or else keeps picking up an empty cup, maybe, but who knows. And if the retreat just started that day and the one guy had come early he would have met the victim. Also someone can not 'drag' someone with that person being over their shoulder. A bowl full of salad will not knock itself off a table with the slamming of a door. If you're going to push a glass away in one sentence then go sit outside in the next, you should mention grabbing the drink when you next sentence is talking about sipping it again somehow.
Then in the second it continues on with one sentence mentioning they are on tiny seats then after she finds the body and returns and sits back down she is in a pew seat. Also what would be the big deal with helping the cop with the case, she was on payroll doing that in earlier books. And once you log out of facebook without having saved the log in details, you can't just log back in. Really, someone answers the door and you're right close by and you don't hear a female voice that's been the main topic of conversations or otherwise it took that long to walk like a couple or so feet to a door and then open it. and if they are in the kitchen leading to the back door there is no way you can push someone back in to the living room from there unless you are in an action movie.
The third one starts off just 'great'; no one in the food industry puts someone's scalded and unclean hand in a tub of ice cream, and then after it's over puts the tub back with only the thought of maybe it was melted too much. If something is painted a certain shade, use that and not change the word used for the shade color every other sentence. Who by the way doesn't notice 3 foot tall signs in the window of a small town small type street that you drive by every day on the way and back to where you work on that street.It also never explains why the main character felt nauseated, quesy, etcetera.
If I hadn't already borrowed the next couple of books wouldn't bother at this rate, but will, and those books better be better than this rather muddled attempt, which on the 3rd book I had the poisoner figured out way too close to the start. I had actually started to buy this set to go with the other 3 set, now am very glad I didn't.
for 7 I put These books are getting as bad as 'the cat who' books did, when I stopped reading them and gave them all away; the father is the dude who went back to italy because of his mother's health or something about well 3 books back but he's not even mentioned in the story this time, the writer has gotten worse and worse about putting characters in for like a book or 2 and then they just sorta disappear for a while or totally, like the assistant baker who is and isn't there and the friend/asst mgr but because of the pregnancy there is another asst mgr who is and isn't there, it's getting a bit ridiculous with those things not being in the story yet other unnecessary stuff is being put in to the story
This was by far the stupidest of them all; if one has a newborn in their arms how are they eating cake with a fork by themself, and then yet another 'love interest' for the main character when the other one is still around and nothing was ever said after his non-marriage and supposedly those 2 starting up again. Just another character to pop in and out of a story here and there with no real explanation. This series has definitely put me off cozies for a while, it's been more and more a waste of time, and wish could have given it a 0 star because even the 'twists' made no sense.
For 8 put Somebody give the writer some painting tips; in the last book she kept talking about paint fumes, so assuming whatever kind she is supposed to be using gives off fumes, which means that going back late at night to the house then up the next morning to paint...there is cleaning surfaces, probably primer, and at least 2 coats of paint, plus probably more if one is going from well each time she mentions a color it's a different shade and there is differences but basically going over to purple which in one place was described almost neon yet in another was a mid purple and in yet another more a pastel possibly is still going to take more than overnight to paint and dry plus it was an event the next day or else it was only mentioned way after it happened which wouldn't make sense because an eating place can't be open during that type of thing and the story is talking about all those birthday parties. What does conscious not but still pale even mean, which wouldn't have caught possibly with it being read to me, but the books are starting to be almost gibberish that am having to sight read because it's skipping around and not making any sense but even reading it is still that way because of the errors is now confusing as well. This was, by far, the stupidest most unnecessarily convoluted mess of a story.
9 had me banging my head for my stupidity of well maybe they got better
Thought liked the Craft Circle Cozy Mystery books a bit better, but after 3 out so far they went to just as bad as the bakery ones..
Steps from Death (Craft Circle Mystery #1) Arts, Crafts and Murder (Craft Circle Mystery #2) A Finely Crafted Murder: A Craft Circle Cozy Mystery (Craft Circle Cozy Mysteries Book 3)
Naked Eye {not sure where exactly this one fits in}
A Pie to Die for (Bakery Detectives #1) Donuts, Antiques and Murder (Bakery Detectives #2) Death by Chocolate Cake (Bakery Detectives #3) Bakery Detectives Cozy Mystery Boxed Set (Bakery Detectives #1-3) Bakery Detectives Cozy Mystery Boxed Set (Bakery Detectives #4-6) Bakery Detectives Cozy Mystery Boxed Set: Books 1-6 (Bakery Detectives #1-6) The Mud Pie Murderess (Bakery Detectives #6)
Catering and Kidnapping (Bakery Detectives #7 The Pumpkin Killer: A Bakery Detectives Cozy Mystery Wined, Dined and Dead (Bakery Detectives, #9
Read the 3 box set that included A Pie to Die For, Donuts, Antiques and Murder, and Death by Chocolate Cake was a nice cozy collection, each a bit different, but pretty much a little of this that and the other mixed in with some crime so basically what I look for in a book of this type.I wrote this for the first 3 set. The second 3 set did not live up to things; sure there were here and there typo issues but since my computer is set up to 'read' to me that was not the issue.
The main character walks in to the kitchen of the resort where 2 people are talking about the actual chef/cook being missing, who is later found dead, and which the main character never gets to meet, yet knows that is who the dead body is, immediately.... They are supposed to be getting grand meals at the resort but because of the death of the chef, they aren't getting anything but toast in that one part, not even coffee, which they mention specifically, yet the main character is drinking coffee or else keeps picking up an empty cup, maybe, but who knows. And if the retreat just started that day and the one guy had come early he would have met the victim. Also someone can not 'drag' someone with that person being over their shoulder. A bowl full of salad will not knock itself off a table with the slamming of a door. If you're going to push a glass away in one sentence then go sit outside in the next, you should mention grabbing the drink when you next sentence is talking about sipping it again somehow.
Then in the second it continues on with one sentence mentioning they are on tiny seats then after she finds the body and returns and sits back down she is in a pew seat. Also what would be the big deal with helping the cop with the case, she was on payroll doing that in earlier books. And once you log out of facebook without having saved the log in details, you can't just log back in. Really, someone answers the door and you're right close by and you don't hear a female voice that's been the main topic of conversations or otherwise it took that long to walk like a couple or so feet to a door and then open it. and if they are in the kitchen leading to the back door there is no way you can push someone back in to the living room from there unless you are in an action movie.
The third one starts off just 'great'; no one in the food industry puts someone's scalded and unclean hand in a tub of ice cream, and then after it's over puts the tub back with only the thought of maybe it was melted too much. If something is painted a certain shade, use that and not change the word used for the shade color every other sentence. Who by the way doesn't notice 3 foot tall signs in the window of a small town small type street that you drive by every day on the way and back to where you work on that street.It also never explains why the main character felt nauseated, quesy, etcetera.
If I hadn't already borrowed the next couple of books wouldn't bother at this rate, but will, and those books better be better than this rather muddled attempt, which on the 3rd book I had the poisoner figured out way too close to the start. I had actually started to buy this set to go with the other 3 set, now am very glad I didn't.
for 7 I put These books are getting as bad as 'the cat who' books did, when I stopped reading them and gave them all away; the father is the dude who went back to italy because of his mother's health or something about well 3 books back but he's not even mentioned in the story this time, the writer has gotten worse and worse about putting characters in for like a book or 2 and then they just sorta disappear for a while or totally, like the assistant baker who is and isn't there and the friend/asst mgr but because of the pregnancy there is another asst mgr who is and isn't there, it's getting a bit ridiculous with those things not being in the story yet other unnecessary stuff is being put in to the story
This was by far the stupidest of them all; if one has a newborn in their arms how are they eating cake with a fork by themself, and then yet another 'love interest' for the main character when the other one is still around and nothing was ever said after his non-marriage and supposedly those 2 starting up again. Just another character to pop in and out of a story here and there with no real explanation. This series has definitely put me off cozies for a while, it's been more and more a waste of time, and wish could have given it a 0 star because even the 'twists' made no sense.
For 8 put Somebody give the writer some painting tips; in the last book she kept talking about paint fumes, so assuming whatever kind she is supposed to be using gives off fumes, which means that going back late at night to the house then up the next morning to paint...there is cleaning surfaces, probably primer, and at least 2 coats of paint, plus probably more if one is going from well each time she mentions a color it's a different shade and there is differences but basically going over to purple which in one place was described almost neon yet in another was a mid purple and in yet another more a pastel possibly is still going to take more than overnight to paint and dry plus it was an event the next day or else it was only mentioned way after it happened which wouldn't make sense because an eating place can't be open during that type of thing and the story is talking about all those birthday parties. What does conscious not but still pale even mean, which wouldn't have caught possibly with it being read to me, but the books are starting to be almost gibberish that am having to sight read because it's skipping around and not making any sense but even reading it is still that way because of the errors is now confusing as well. This was, by far, the stupidest most unnecessarily convoluted mess of a story.
9 had me banging my head for my stupidity of well maybe they got better
Thought liked the Craft Circle Cozy Mystery books a bit better, but after 3 out so far they went to just as bad as the bakery ones..
January 16, 2021
Donuts, Antiques and Murder picks up the storyline of the Bakery Detectives a few months after the first Bakery Detective murder. Business is booming and now Rachael wants to buy the antique store next door and enlarge her bakery. The only problem is that the antique store is haunted by the ghost of two little children painted into a portrait that never leaves the store window.
Throw in a couple of dead bodies and Rachael is on the case to solve another couple of murders before the local cops can do it.
I gave the first book in this series a lot of leeways. It's hard to write a book that strongly sets up a world to carry a book series. I expected a lot more from this book than the first and I didn't get it. Don't get me wrong it's not a bad book. It's just flat.
There's no development of the murders, no real clues along the way to help guide Rachael to the finding the killer. I had the same complaint about the first one. The murderer basically announcing themselves as the murderer is not what I'm looking for in a cosy mystery.
There's a third book in the bundle I bought on Amazon that I'll read, but it will need to be damn near perfect for me to consider reading others.
Throw in a couple of dead bodies and Rachael is on the case to solve another couple of murders before the local cops can do it.
I gave the first book in this series a lot of leeways. It's hard to write a book that strongly sets up a world to carry a book series. I expected a lot more from this book than the first and I didn't get it. Don't get me wrong it's not a bad book. It's just flat.
There's no development of the murders, no real clues along the way to help guide Rachael to the finding the killer. I had the same complaint about the first one. The murderer basically announcing themselves as the murderer is not what I'm looking for in a cosy mystery.
There's a third book in the bundle I bought on Amazon that I'll read, but it will need to be damn near perfect for me to consider reading others.
May 20, 2017
Donuts, Antiques and Murder, the second book from Stacey Alabaster's Bakery Detectives Cozy Mystery series, reunites Rachel Robinson, owner/operator of Rachel's Boutique Cakes and her best friend/partner in crime sidekick Pippa for another crime solving adventure in Belldale.
Unable to ignore the latest murder discovered in the building next to the bakery (as well as Detective Whitaker's strongly worded suggestion that Rachel leave the investigating to those with experience), Rachel drags her sidekick lock-picking Pippa to the murder scene for some good old-fashioned snooping.
Alabaster's dynamic duo Rachel and Pippa bring all the emotions of a "real life" friendship to her cozy mysteries perfectly. They pull the reader into their world and keep he/she turning the pages. A great read for cozy mystery fans.
Unable to ignore the latest murder discovered in the building next to the bakery (as well as Detective Whitaker's strongly worded suggestion that Rachel leave the investigating to those with experience), Rachel drags her sidekick lock-picking Pippa to the murder scene for some good old-fashioned snooping.
Alabaster's dynamic duo Rachel and Pippa bring all the emotions of a "real life" friendship to her cozy mysteries perfectly. They pull the reader into their world and keep he/she turning the pages. A great read for cozy mystery fans.
October 20, 2017
Ok, this book's beginning is confusing. There was a murder before the book even starts that Rachel is thinking about. Also, Pippa seems to know she's buying the shop next door before it was even mentioned in the book. This left me a little confused at first. After about chapter 4, everything evens out in the story.
We meet a new detective in this book who doesn't really seem to fit in with the rest of the established characters. She even seems a little bland next Jackson who is supposed to be the stable character in this book.
If the mystery had a little more meat and maybe with a little more character development, this could have made an excellent book. I'm still hoping they get better.
We meet a new detective in this book who doesn't really seem to fit in with the rest of the established characters. She even seems a little bland next Jackson who is supposed to be the stable character in this book.
If the mystery had a little more meat and maybe with a little more character development, this could have made an excellent book. I'm still hoping they get better.
February 28, 2017
This is the second in The Bakery Detectives Series. I really do enjoy these cozy mysteries, but they are not without fault. If some of these things I had issues with were fixed in future books I can see myself giving these mysteries a 4/5 maybe even a 5/5. But for the time being these books are pulling a weak 3/5 and overall I'd say 6/10 on my grading scale.
Here's what I thought wasn't so great in the book:
-Rachael says she has to solve a murder, but she doesn't because her reputation isn't on the line like last time. She is in no way obligated to solve this murder.
-She lets an employee storm off and won't fire him...
-She doesn't think someone could have broken in when her picture just falls to the floor and shatters
-Also why is there a painting of the twins in her home? And why does she not know what paintings she owns? Whose paintings are they if not hers?
-Doesn't ask Pippa important questions like in previous books. Rachael just lets her take her own time to tell.
-What kind of person thinks he can just waltz into a wedding reception (granted some customers are just rude like that)
-Why did Pippa say a pie poisoned the woman from last book when it was Carl's fish. (if you don't know that you've read out of order)
-Is Gus' store still open even with the murder, b/c he was in there and shouldn't it be a crime scene, therefore I don't know closed off to people even those that work there?????
-But it would have to be open, or how else would someone scream about another dead body in there?
-How would Rachael sneak out to kill someone in 2 mins when she went to the bathroom in her place, which is the opposite direction of the antique store?
-Pippa thinks it's a good idea to hire the person she's dating and Rachael doesn't fire her for this
-Pippa says Rachael isn't spending time with her when it has been 4 days and she has been sick the entire time...sick ppl shouldn't be around food
-Detective is a major a**hole. He tells Rachael he's dating his partner when he has flirted with her in the previous book and this one.
-Rachael magically has developed a gluten allergy. People allergic to gluten aka Celiac Disease are born with it....Lactose intolerance would make more sense for her symptoms and is developed as you age
-Villain reveal is WTF! How???????
-Pippa has money to go traveling for months somehow
What I liked:
-Love Rachael and Pippa's banter. They are funny and cute together. Though Pippa can be too much of an airhead for my liking. And Rachael doesn't discipline her even though she is an employee.
-The storyline is fast and fascinating. I wish there was more mystery to the mystery though.
-The ending is creepy in a good way.
Overall I really enjoy reading this series and will continue until it gives me a 2 star book. Then I may reconsider the time I've wasted. But it's on KU and I've recently decided KU is worth the money so I don't actually buy things now :) If you don't have KU I think this book is like .99 That's pretty dang good for a novel!
Here's what I thought wasn't so great in the book:
-Rachael says she has to solve a murder, but she doesn't because her reputation isn't on the line like last time. She is in no way obligated to solve this murder.
-She lets an employee storm off and won't fire him...
-She doesn't think someone could have broken in when her picture just falls to the floor and shatters
-Also why is there a painting of the twins in her home? And why does she not know what paintings she owns? Whose paintings are they if not hers?
-Doesn't ask Pippa important questions like in previous books. Rachael just lets her take her own time to tell.
-What kind of person thinks he can just waltz into a wedding reception (granted some customers are just rude like that)
-Why did Pippa say a pie poisoned the woman from last book when it was Carl's fish. (if you don't know that you've read out of order)
-Is Gus' store still open even with the murder, b/c he was in there and shouldn't it be a crime scene, therefore I don't know closed off to people even those that work there?????
-But it would have to be open, or how else would someone scream about another dead body in there?
-How would Rachael sneak out to kill someone in 2 mins when she went to the bathroom in her place, which is the opposite direction of the antique store?
-Pippa thinks it's a good idea to hire the person she's dating and Rachael doesn't fire her for this
-Pippa says Rachael isn't spending time with her when it has been 4 days and she has been sick the entire time...sick ppl shouldn't be around food
-Detective is a major a**hole. He tells Rachael he's dating his partner when he has flirted with her in the previous book and this one.
-Rachael magically has developed a gluten allergy. People allergic to gluten aka Celiac Disease are born with it....Lactose intolerance would make more sense for her symptoms and is developed as you age
-Villain reveal is WTF! How???????
-Pippa has money to go traveling for months somehow
What I liked:
-Love Rachael and Pippa's banter. They are funny and cute together. Though Pippa can be too much of an airhead for my liking. And Rachael doesn't discipline her even though she is an employee.
-The storyline is fast and fascinating. I wish there was more mystery to the mystery though.
-The ending is creepy in a good way.
Overall I really enjoy reading this series and will continue until it gives me a 2 star book. Then I may reconsider the time I've wasted. But it's on KU and I've recently decided KU is worth the money so I don't actually buy things now :) If you don't have KU I think this book is like .99 That's pretty dang good for a novel!
September 16, 2017
Donuts, Antiques and Murder is a very enjoyable read.
I like the Rachael and Pippa a lot. Although Rachel is the leader I like Pippa best. The storyline was good and easy for me to follow as I was in the hospital when I was reading it and it's very difficult to concentrate. I really want you to read it and enjoy it as much as I did. Thank you Stacy Alabaster for writing this.
I like the Rachael and Pippa a lot. Although Rachel is the leader I like Pippa best. The storyline was good and easy for me to follow as I was in the hospital when I was reading it and it's very difficult to concentrate. I really want you to read it and enjoy it as much as I did. Thank you Stacy Alabaster for writing this.
October 4, 2025
Enjoyed a lot of the suspense
Definitely not what I was hoping for. I enjoyed the series to this point but I felt like this book showed me that although I do enjoy the story, the relationship between Pippa and Rachael had me cringing. Too many lies between the two of them which was the main thing pushing the plot forward. I want to cheer for the cozy bake shop team, not cry at being deceived by a red herring.
Definitely not what I was hoping for. I enjoyed the series to this point but I felt like this book showed me that although I do enjoy the story, the relationship between Pippa and Rachael had me cringing. Too many lies between the two of them which was the main thing pushing the plot forward. I want to cheer for the cozy bake shop team, not cry at being deceived by a red herring.
October 16, 2018
Gave this one a chance in the hopes of the series improving as it goes. It's a light and clean read, but lacking any depth for the characters. I don't expect my cozy mystery characters to be brain surgeons, but some common sense would be nice. Felt far more rushed and haphazard than the first one even. I'll read the third, as I got all three in a boxed set, but I'll probably be done after that.
February 14, 2018
As bakery owner, Rachel, decides to expand she tries to buy an antique shop next-door. An old painting, with a rumor of a curse, strange happenings. Of course Rachel solves the mystery the detectives taken into custody the fugitive. Will Rachel continue her detective Ways
As bakery owner, Rachel, decides to expand she tries to buy an antique shop next-door. An old painting, with a rumor of a curse, strange happenings. Of course Rachel solves the mystery the detectives taken into custody the fugitive. Will Rachel continue her detective Ways
August 9, 2018
Too many deaths
Stacey Alabaster has a way of keeping you interested in the story to the end by always revealing a suspect who is a total surprise. She did this again in this book.
Stacey Alabaster has a way of keeping you interested in the story to the end by always revealing a suspect who is a total surprise. She did this again in this book.
April 29, 2019
Lacks polish and finesse
The story lacks the emotion needed for this mystery to be very interesting. The characters seem to just go through the motions. I found myself disinterested in the story, characters, and final outcome.
The story lacks the emotion needed for this mystery to be very interesting. The characters seem to just go through the motions. I found myself disinterested in the story, characters, and final outcome.
April 29, 2021
Wasn't keen on the first one of the series but wanted to make sure it wasn't a fluke before taking it off my to read pile. It wasn't! I really didn't care for the main character at all and will not be continuing the series.
May 23, 2017
Good, clean mystery by Stacey Alabaster. Quick read.
September 18, 2017
nice easy read for a Sunday afternoon
October 14, 2017
I love this book in the series. Recommend to all cozy mysteries lovers
January 16, 2018
A quaint short
These books move just a bit too quick. If the author could slow them down a bit and develop the characters rather than them being half cocked it would be great.
These books move just a bit too quick. If the author could slow them down a bit and develop the characters rather than them being half cocked it would be great.
March 4, 2018
Little bit boring
Not a really great mystery. Almost like a kids book it was so juvenile in the plot and story. Probably would recommend it for teens .
Not a really great mystery. Almost like a kids book it was so juvenile in the plot and story. Probably would recommend it for teens .
July 5, 2018
Super mystery
Good read with ghosts and spooky things. Even having a good happy ending. Even gluten free pasteries Fast reading book.
Good read with ghosts and spooky things. Even having a good happy ending. Even gluten free pasteries Fast reading book.
September 4, 2019
Curse - no curse. HOW did the victims die? What was the weapon? How come one moment he wants to sell and the next he's making it out to be her fault that he's selling?
The personalities of the series are cute and fun. The PLOT/Mystery part of the series is terrible.
The personalities of the series are cute and fun. The PLOT/Mystery part of the series is terrible.
September 27, 2021
Rachel the baker, part time detective
Rachel, once again stumbles upon a mystery that she has to investigate. Why does others think she is cursed? She proves them wrong.
Rachel, once again stumbles upon a mystery that she has to investigate. Why does others think she is cursed? She proves them wrong.
Read
October 25, 2023DNF. Too juvenile for me.
September 25, 2016
Really enjoyed this read. It truly had me stumped. Thank you.
November 6, 2016
Donuts, Antiques and Murder: A Bakery Detectives Cozy Mystery by Stacey Alabaster
Rachel has decided to expand her business by purchasing the Antiques store next to hers. Before she could receive ownership someone had been murdered in the store. Rachel's friend and colleague has complained that the place is haunted and holds the curse of a painting that hangs in the store. Rachel decided to investigate a bit more and came to find the person that Gus the old proprietor of the antique shop was visiting. Rachel came to find out that Maureen Tattler owned the painting of the twins. The twins were her children until she had "lost" them and the painting was her prized collection. Rachel had solved the Cursed Painting mystery and to who was actually responsible for killing the two people in the store was none other than Romero, Rachel's former baker who is Gus's son. Romero was stashing swords that were on the black market in his father's shop.
Rachel has decided to expand her business by purchasing the Antiques store next to hers. Before she could receive ownership someone had been murdered in the store. Rachel's friend and colleague has complained that the place is haunted and holds the curse of a painting that hangs in the store. Rachel decided to investigate a bit more and came to find the person that Gus the old proprietor of the antique shop was visiting. Rachel came to find out that Maureen Tattler owned the painting of the twins. The twins were her children until she had "lost" them and the painting was her prized collection. Rachel had solved the Cursed Painting mystery and to who was actually responsible for killing the two people in the store was none other than Romero, Rachel's former baker who is Gus's son. Romero was stashing swords that were on the black market in his father's shop.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews