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Donut Hole Mystery #6

Mint Chip Murder

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When a local hairstylist is bludgeoned to death inside her own salon, questions abound for Heather who wants to know who murdered Kelly Carlson, and why?
Was the murder premeditated, or spur-of-the-moment? Was the killer someone Kelly knew? Why are the police being so quite about it?
With little to go, Heather is on the hunt for answers. But will her biggest clue come too late?

210 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 1, 2016

41 people are currently reading
198 people want to read

About the author

Susan Gillard

148 books207 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
Profile Image for Julie.
2,004 reviews630 followers
January 23, 2018
Kelly Carlson, owner and stylist at Shear Beauty in Hillside, TX, is murdered in her shop. Police are investigating, but finding few clues as to who may have murdered the hairdresser. Heather Janke, local businesswoman and amateur sleuth, finds out a few things about the case and shares them with her detective boyfriend, Ryan Shepherd. It's mind boggling who would have wanted Kelly dead...by all accounts she was sweet and had no enemies. But.....she must have had at least one, right? Can Heather gather some clues that might help police solve the case?

Mint Chip Murder is the 6th book in the Donut Hole Mystery series by Susan Gillard. The books are short, entertaining reads. The mysteries are basic and move along at a fast pace. Each book adds a little bit more character development, at least for the main characters. I like seeing how this series is developing as it goes along....each subsequent book seems to be a little bit better. Better writing, a little bit more character development, a bit more complex mystery. These are books to read for enjoyment, not complex sleuthing. They are short, light stories. I needed a bit of a break from long novels, so I've been enjoying these little stories. They are a nice quick cozy mystery fix.

In Mint Chip Murder there are some nice developments in the relationship between Heather and Ryan. A little bit of romance to sweeten the plot! :) Dave, the dog has a bit of a rough time in this one. Amateur sleuthing proves to be dangerous sometimes!

I like the fact that Heather still noses around to gather bits of information, but she gives all the info to the police, rather than sneaking around to sleuth by herself. Makes more sense! That way her sleuthing doesn't harm the integrity of the police department's case....and she isn't putting herself into danger with her penchant for nosing around murder cases.

I will be reading more in this series. I've had quite a few of these ebooks waiting to be read for a long time. This year, I am trying to read more of my own books....and I'm working to actually read some of the digital books I've downloaded but never read. There are 60 novels in the Donut Hole Mystery series...and I own most of them. Time to read them, and clear out some room on my ereader!

Profile Image for Yvonne.
1,338 reviews266 followers
February 15, 2017
I love this series! Have I said that recently? It has everything I love – humor, mystery, romance and it’s a cozy mystery! It’s also a shortie which makes a wonderful filler between long full length novels for me.

Heather and her detective boyfriend have a continuing sweet romance through each book. It’s delightful reading their progress and growth from book to book. This is only the sixth book in the series and there are a total of 37 in the series at the present time. My plan is to read each and every one of them.

The mystery itself isn’t terribly complex, but it’s a nice diversion and keeps the reader’s interest. This series has won me over.
Profile Image for Wade.
750 reviews26 followers
April 4, 2019
Ugh, another book in this series where the mystery is almost non-existent. The beginning of the series seemed so promising with mystery, quick reads, and character driven, all wrapped up in donut coziness. Alas, the series has morphed into romance where the mystery gets a backseat, or possibly gets stuffed in the trunk. It’s another book where there is only one possible suspect and it’s painfully obvious. And it’s another book where the donut title makes no sense. Maybe because I devoured Karin Kaufman’s Juniper Grove series where I could never guess any of the endings and had great characters, I am always in search of a similar cozy series that is up to that standard. But this looks to be my last unfortunately.
Profile Image for Dawn.
399 reviews1 follower
May 28, 2017
What I love about amateur detective books is the sleuthing. I have come to grips that Heather doesn't so much as sleuth but just happens to have everything fall into her lap. Thankfully, being the girlfriend of a detective will helps the police tremendously as the information gets passed to them. This series it currently more of a short romance novel with a little bit of a mystery in the back ground. I don't dislike it, it's just not what I expected walking into this series. I will say that I do like the depth that is being built through the series.
Profile Image for kobu.
101 reviews6 followers
April 28, 2019
This one was more of a romantic story than a mystery novel!! But I liked it. It was so funny when Heather went to Amy’s and Amy showed her new hairstyle. I could not help laughing out. They are such good girlfriends. I really like the friendship between Heather and Amy more than the one between Heather and Ryan. To me, Ryan looks too perfect and Prince Charming.
7,761 reviews50 followers
February 11, 2019
Heather the owner of Donut Delight, having lunch with Amy, and seeing
Detective Ryan.working, the death at the beauty shop, owner Kelly. With few clues, Heather investigates can she help find any. Short,and enjoyable, a murder, romance to read.
Profile Image for Yuthika.
689 reviews46 followers
May 16, 2019
Let's just agree that Shear Beauty is a great name for a hair salon. Is it me or was there little to no mention of mint chip donuts in this book? That said, this was a case of proving the obvious. Again, not the most fantastic writing, but pleasant nonetheless!
2,831 reviews8 followers
March 8, 2018
I like these short little murder mysteries. This one was heavier on the romance, which I just love!
Profile Image for Rachel Burke.
641 reviews7 followers
September 21, 2025
still not a detective novel

As usual, the heroine solves nothing (and in fact misses the big clue.)

Why do I continue to read these?
Profile Image for Lauren D..
176 reviews5 followers
May 8, 2016
Book 6 had to do with the murder of a local hairstylist and for once, Heather did not investigate this murder. Well she didn't investigate the murder officially. She did however decided to gather information to feed to her boyfriend Ryan Shepard. I did enjoy this book and I did like the ending. It was a bit sad but turned out great. I am still trying to figure out how old Heather is which I am thinking her early 30s but I am glad that she is happy with her life. What I missed was her conversations with one of her customers that I have come to enjoy Eva. The one thing that I did love about this book was that we did get to see a softer side of Ryan and the fact that he cooked dinner for Heather and she seemed to enjoy it. That really did put a smile on my face because what woman does not love a man that can cook.

The only issue I had with this book was the title. I mean the book is called Mint Chip Murder but there was no mention of that donut in the book. It was only the crumb cake donut that they made. Plus there was a rude customer that came into the store but she had nothing to do with the story so I was a bit confused on that as well. I am sure some people will give this a low review because of the fact that the title had nothing to do with the book but all in all it was a very good book. Also when the new employee Ken started working there, there was no mention of him being married so for his wife to come up with that donut, it was just confusing as well. I can not wait to read book 7. I do like how this book is progressing at a steady pace.
Profile Image for RO G'ma.
1,061 reviews43 followers
May 4, 2016
Mint Chip Murder is the sixth short story in Susan Gillard’s A Donut Hole Cozy Mystery series. The characters are well developed and relatable, the storyline is well plotted, and there is an interesting mystery to solve. Ms. Gilliard’s stories always send a wonderful message of friendship, caring, and compassion. I recommend this series to anyone who enjoys reading mysteries with lots of laughs and no adult language, graphic violence, sexually explicit scenes, and a touch of sweet romance.

Heather Janke owns Donut Delights, a gourmet donut shop located in Hillside, Texas. When a local beautician, Kelly Carlson, is murdered in her shop, Heather starts talking about the murder and people automatically open up to her. Heather’s boyfriend, Detective Ryan Shepherd, wants her to stay out of the investigation because he’s worried about tainted evidence and her personal safety. Heather understands his reasoning but has trouble controlling her instinct to try to solve a mystery. The sweet romance between Heather and Ryan continues to grow.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Sandy Bartles.
1,395 reviews37 followers
May 5, 2016
A hair stylist is found bludgeoned to death in her own hair salon. Heather is asked to stay out of the case by her boyfriend, Detective Ryan Shepherd. It is hard to say much more without giving away the whole story. However, if you have read the other books in the series, you don't want to miss this one! The author is really moving things along in a certain couple's relationship. Or is it two couples???
229 reviews5 followers
Read
May 6, 2016
Heather's curious nature kicks in again when her best friend Amy's hairdresser is found dead in her salon. Her boyfriend, Detective Ryan Shepherd, asks her to stay out of the investigation and she doesn't set out to get involved, but she somehow finds herself right in the middle of it. I love the continued development in the relationship between Heather and Ryan and this was my favorite book in the series so far.
Profile Image for kathy.
1,464 reviews
May 7, 2016
Another fun story in this donut hole cozy mystery series. Nice to see the relationship between the main character Heather & her boyfriend Ryan, the police detective, moving along in the romance dept! Very satisfying as I have been enjoying watching their relationship grow! The murder mystery was intriguing. The author put some restrictions on Heather through Ryan in terms of solving it. I liked how a solution was reached in a creative way!! Now for the next book!!
Profile Image for Amy.
1,335 reviews
May 2, 2016
Mint Chip Murder is the 6th book in A Donut Hole Cozy Mystery.
A local hairstylist gets killed in her shop, who did it and why? Heather looks for clues while trying to stay out of the investigation.
Heather and Ryan's relationship moves forward.
Love these short stories in this series and seeing characters growth with each book.
A great quick read with donuts and murder.
Profile Image for Brandi  Martin .
268 reviews4 followers
May 5, 2016
The sweetest book so far....

Mint Chip Murder was definitely the best in the series so far. The characters are fun and easy to relate to and as each book comes out you learn more about each of them. Ms. Gillard did an excellent job balancing romance, mystery, and excitement in this book....looking forward to reading the next book in this series
Profile Image for Cheryl.
1,161 reviews7 followers
May 30, 2016
This is the 6th in the series. Heather tries to stay out of the murder investigation this time but still ends up in it. It's a small town and it's hard not to bump into people sometimes and Heather does get around and finds things out without trying. Heather and Ryan also take their relationship to a different level. I have enjoyed these books.
Profile Image for Teri.
661 reviews5 followers
May 4, 2016
Oh my! Loved it! Laughed, had chills and cried a bit. When Heather's friend Amy's hairdresser is killed of course Heather gets involved and helps Ryan solve the murder. No spoilers but the ending was great. I had chills during the end and even shed a tear or two. Can't wait for more!
Profile Image for Anne G. Kasaba.
1,920 reviews9 followers
May 4, 2016
Heather and Ryan did it again!

I love this series. There is never a dull moment in Heather and Ryan's lives. Ryan's the cop but he gets plenty of info from Heather to solve his murder cases. Add to that the romance of these two falling in love and you have the perfect cozy.
Profile Image for ChrisGA.
1,264 reviews
Read
February 20, 2017
I am enjoying the series more as I go along and I know the characters better. Intriguing mystery but due to short length of the book, solving it comes out of the blue and too abruptly....almost afterthought to romance storyline. I loved the fact the characters didn't jump into bed with each other
Profile Image for Nessa.
182 reviews
August 21, 2016
Prayers for Dave

Heather and Ryan are heating up to settle down...and Dave is in on the action but gets caught in the crossfire and another bad guy is brought down in this fast paced caper.
Profile Image for Doug Olsen.
Author 84 books14 followers
May 9, 2016
Fast read

Except for the girly stuff, there was just the right amount of description for my taste.
Of course I am male. Good read.
Profile Image for Sharon.
48 reviews
May 10, 2016
Too many details about items not related to the mystery, bogged down the storyline. Also, felt the resolution came by much too soon. Hoping the next installment is better.
Profile Image for Debby.
370 reviews
May 19, 2016
The 6th book in this series. A great cozy read. The " who done it's" are quite interesting. And I love that the personal relationships are moving right along. Ready for # 7.
Profile Image for Rachel Welty.
89 reviews
Read
June 3, 2016
When a hairdresser is found dead in her salon, Heather's curiosity gets the better of her. And her curiosity almost kills the "cat"... A little predictable, but almost made me cry.
Profile Image for Andrea.
1 review3 followers
March 1, 2017
Susan Gillard needs an editor for all of her books. She misspells, leaves words out. adds words, changes gender and at time only writes a part of a sentence.
643 reviews11 followers
June 2, 2016
This book was ok but nothing special. I'm not sure I'd read more in the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews

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