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Bakery Detectives #3
Death by Chocolate Cake
Rachael's business is taking off and starring on a reality TV show will only help her business grow ... unless someone winds up dead. A fast paced cozy mystery from USA Today Bestselling Author Stacey Alabaster When a judge on the reality show Baking Warriors gets poisoned, Rachael and Pippa find themselves involved in another murder investigation. Everyone from her fellow contestants to Pippa's new husband is a suspect and they must catch the killer quickly before someone else winds up dead. Death by Chocolate Cake 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. Buy Death by Chocolate Cake and start solving your next mystery today!
120 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 21, 2016
95 people are currently reading
210 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
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
July 13, 2020
I liked this but not as much as I liked the first 2 books in the series.
Though the suspense is not enough to make my toes curl and make my heart beat faster, I still like the humor and the characters. That’s why I wanna finish this series; to discover what happens to all of them at the end.
I liked it when Rachael refuses detective Jackson’s request to help them in solving the murder case (I would have done the same thing, so hats off to Rachael!)
So I just finished book 3 and looking forward to read book 4; Rest, Relaxation and Murder. 3 down 12 to go!!
Though the suspense is not enough to make my toes curl and make my heart beat faster, I still like the humor and the characters. That’s why I wanna finish this series; to discover what happens to all of them at the end.
I liked it when Rachael refuses detective Jackson’s request to help them in solving the murder case (I would have done the same thing, so hats off to Rachael!)
So I just finished book 3 and looking forward to read book 4; Rest, Relaxation and Murder. 3 down 12 to go!!
January 23, 2018
Rachael gets a spot on a t.v reality show. Which she hopes will help her business grow, Of course there is a murder the reality show judge was poisoned. Rachael is trying to solve the murder. She also has Pippa and her new Husband staying with her, causing problems. Detective Whitaker normally doesn't like Rachael to get involved in his cases. However this time he welcomes her help. Can Rachael solve the case and not ruin her friendship with Pippa?
September 4, 2019
Adding this book & series to the mystery genre is a stretch.
Now that I'm on book three it's clear her writing style is not improving, in fact, it might actually be getting worse.
First off there are ZERO details on the deaths. The MC runs around following every scrap of rumor and gossip - always finding the wrong person to suspect before TA-DA! She finds the killer - normally after something scary happens to her personally.
How this is considered her helping to solve the case I am at a lose - she just didn't get dead.
Add to that how much the writer seems to try to make it seem like the cops are stupid and can't follow a trail and you have a series that started off cute and is just hoping people want zero details.
Now that I'm on book three it's clear her writing style is not improving, in fact, it might actually be getting worse.
First off there are ZERO details on the deaths. The MC runs around following every scrap of rumor and gossip - always finding the wrong person to suspect before TA-DA! She finds the killer - normally after something scary happens to her personally.
How this is considered her helping to solve the case I am at a lose - she just didn't get dead.
Add to that how much the writer seems to try to make it seem like the cops are stupid and can't follow a trail and you have a series that started off cute and is just hoping people want zero details.
September 12, 2016
Reality TV can be brutal. When Rachael Robinson audition’s for a role on a bake-off, one of the judges dies.
Rachael and her partner in crime Pippa McDonald; recently married and still living with Rachael, are tasked to find the murderer before they strike again.
This time Detective Jackson Whitaker asks Rachael for assistance to solve the murder. Or did he?
Can Rachael and Pippa solve the case? Can Rachael save her friend Pippa’s marriage and their friendship?
Good read!
Rachael and her partner in crime Pippa McDonald; recently married and still living with Rachael, are tasked to find the murderer before they strike again.
This time Detective Jackson Whitaker asks Rachael for assistance to solve the murder. Or did he?
Can Rachael and Pippa solve the case? Can Rachael save her friend Pippa’s marriage and their friendship?
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..
October 20, 2017
There is a lot of things I don't understand in this book, but let's start with what I do like. Something happened while Pippa was away that works perfectly with her character. Though she isn't completely fleshed out, getting swept up in a romance while on vacation is something she would totally do. I also like how there is a timeline so that we can follow the time progression in the story. It makes it feel like a murder isn't happening every week.
Now, normally I complain about there being 2 love interests. Well, this book is different, there is only one, however, Jackson is currently dating his partner. Racheal is my age, 28, and if the guy you like is dating someone else, you don't have to like it but at least don't be petty about it. Jackson does point it out in the book, so I liked that however, it still annoyed throughout the book.
The mystery was interesting, as well as the expansion of the world and addition of new characters. I almost feel though that some of the new characters feel more fleshed out then the main characters.
I enjoyed this book far more than the previous books. I hope this series is finally on an upward swing finally.
Now, normally I complain about there being 2 love interests. Well, this book is different, there is only one, however, Jackson is currently dating his partner. Racheal is my age, 28, and if the guy you like is dating someone else, you don't have to like it but at least don't be petty about it. Jackson does point it out in the book, so I liked that however, it still annoyed throughout the book.
The mystery was interesting, as well as the expansion of the world and addition of new characters. I almost feel though that some of the new characters feel more fleshed out then the main characters.
I enjoyed this book far more than the previous books. I hope this series is finally on an upward swing finally.
November 22, 2016
In this volume, we find owner of the Rachel's Bakery Boutique, Rachel auditioning for the 'Bakery Warriors' a reality game show. To add to the excitement, her best friend, Pippa is coming home from a six month sabbatical as a paranormal researcher.
Rachel quickly finds out that neither event is as she expected. Rachel arrives safely but not alone. It seems that she fell in 'love' and not only did she fall, she committed. Yes, Rachel married Marchello. Marchello is an event all in himself.
As to the auditions, they quickly reveal that they are not what Rachel expected either. Especially after the head judge is murdered by poison. Is this show a 'true' reality show or is it all staged?
The animosity between the police, Jackson and Rachel escalates, and became rather off-putting to me. It felt petty.
I have to say that I felt this volume was not up to the standard that this series has been in prior episodes. It was okay. I hope the next one will return to what I truly enjoyed. The murder mystery was really 'off' stage.
Rachel quickly finds out that neither event is as she expected. Rachel arrives safely but not alone. It seems that she fell in 'love' and not only did she fall, she committed. Yes, Rachel married Marchello. Marchello is an event all in himself.
As to the auditions, they quickly reveal that they are not what Rachel expected either. Especially after the head judge is murdered by poison. Is this show a 'true' reality show or is it all staged?
The animosity between the police, Jackson and Rachel escalates, and became rather off-putting to me. It felt petty.
I have to say that I felt this volume was not up to the standard that this series has been in prior episodes. It was okay. I hope the next one will return to what I truly enjoyed. The murder mystery was really 'off' stage.
March 6, 2017
I'd say I give this book a 6/10 on my grading scale.
Rachael decides to become a contestant on a reality baking tv show and her best friend Pippa comes back from vacation with a husband...She has known him 3 weeks and is married. He is apparently a bumbling buffoon who can't even hold a glass of water without it shattering. Rachael goes for her audition, she feels she bombed, and to make matters worse Pierre (one of the judges to actually taste her cake) dies. The police are called and later the jerk detective (Jackson) goes to Rachael's bakery and asks her for help in solving the case. She is too stuck on her pride to tell him yes, but she decides to investigate anyways at the insistence of the show's producer: Justin, who the press think committed the murder.
In this we have 2 main suspects: Adam and a single mom of 5 who lives in a crappy house outside of town.
What I found off about this one:
-Rachael lets Pippa walk all over her yet again. I swear if my best friend came back married without telling me, and only knowing the guy for 3 weeks I would have kicked her out. 3 people in a one bedroom apartment is ridiculous!
-Jackson's character is always so off. He keeps pushing Rachael as if he likes her, but yet is dating his partner.
-Jumping to Marcello as the murderer b/c she finds a picture of him with Pierre....that explains nothing. He has no motive. He just knew possibly briefly the man who was murdered. But because in the past the criminals had made nonsense to the storyline I actually believed he did it for a bit, if only to get Marcello gone forever b/c he was really annoying me.
-Rachael did less investigating in this one than before. She really let this one fall in her lap. I'll explain at the end to avoid giving you spoilers.
What I enjoyed:
-Rachael and Pippa together are fun! Even though Marcello kinda sucks he was an interesting character. Both Justin and Adam were both so petty I loved it.
-The flow of the books is always a great feature. It's never too fast, never too slow. It feels good for a cozy mystery.
-Definitely worth the money, or KU read.
Now what frustrated me is that the culprit was literally revealed at the last possible second only b/c Rachael found out her cake was underneath the couch in the room that the single mom locked her in when the auditions started. She then realized it was Dawn, the show's cohost. Which we should have seen coming, especially Justin. He's the producer, he knows who is going through and who isn't. He knows if a cohost is on the outs. He really should have been able to come up with that lead!!!!
Alas, rant aside I did enjoy the book and I will continue with this series. It's fun for a quick read while I'm at work :)
Rachael decides to become a contestant on a reality baking tv show and her best friend Pippa comes back from vacation with a husband...She has known him 3 weeks and is married. He is apparently a bumbling buffoon who can't even hold a glass of water without it shattering. Rachael goes for her audition, she feels she bombed, and to make matters worse Pierre (one of the judges to actually taste her cake) dies. The police are called and later the jerk detective (Jackson) goes to Rachael's bakery and asks her for help in solving the case. She is too stuck on her pride to tell him yes, but she decides to investigate anyways at the insistence of the show's producer: Justin, who the press think committed the murder.
In this we have 2 main suspects: Adam and a single mom of 5 who lives in a crappy house outside of town.
What I found off about this one:
-Rachael lets Pippa walk all over her yet again. I swear if my best friend came back married without telling me, and only knowing the guy for 3 weeks I would have kicked her out. 3 people in a one bedroom apartment is ridiculous!
-Jackson's character is always so off. He keeps pushing Rachael as if he likes her, but yet is dating his partner.
-Jumping to Marcello as the murderer b/c she finds a picture of him with Pierre....that explains nothing. He has no motive. He just knew possibly briefly the man who was murdered. But because in the past the criminals had made nonsense to the storyline I actually believed he did it for a bit, if only to get Marcello gone forever b/c he was really annoying me.
-Rachael did less investigating in this one than before. She really let this one fall in her lap. I'll explain at the end to avoid giving you spoilers.
What I enjoyed:
-Rachael and Pippa together are fun! Even though Marcello kinda sucks he was an interesting character. Both Justin and Adam were both so petty I loved it.
-The flow of the books is always a great feature. It's never too fast, never too slow. It feels good for a cozy mystery.
-Definitely worth the money, or KU read.
Now what frustrated me is that the culprit was literally revealed at the last possible second only b/c Rachael found out her cake was underneath the couch in the room that the single mom locked her in when the auditions started. She then realized it was Dawn, the show's cohost. Which we should have seen coming, especially Justin. He's the producer, he knows who is going through and who isn't. He knows if a cohost is on the outs. He really should have been able to come up with that lead!!!!
Alas, rant aside I did enjoy the book and I will continue with this series. It's fun for a quick read while I'm at work :)
January 18, 2021
Death by Chocolate Cake, the 3rd in the Bakery Detective Series is even shorter than the first two. It's also equally as flat, although we do manage to find out a little bit about Rachael's background which is more than we get in the first two books.
This series has so much underutilised opportunity. This one, set during the audition for a baking reality TV show see Rachael dealing with a murdered judge, a surrogate nana, and Pippa's impulse wedding to Italian clutz, Marcello. Also, Rachael is sulking because Jackson is apparently dating Detective Crawford and also she's now gluten-intolerant.
These are easy stories to read, but they're missing something that would make them a must-read.
I'm not mad I read the three books in this collection, but I won't be rushing out to buy any others in the series.
This series has so much underutilised opportunity. This one, set during the audition for a baking reality TV show see Rachael dealing with a murdered judge, a surrogate nana, and Pippa's impulse wedding to Italian clutz, Marcello. Also, Rachael is sulking because Jackson is apparently dating Detective Crawford and also she's now gluten-intolerant.
These are easy stories to read, but they're missing something that would make them a must-read.
I'm not mad I read the three books in this collection, but I won't be rushing out to buy any others in the series.
May 20, 2017
Death By Chocolate Cake, written by Stacey Alabaster, is the third book in Alabaster's Bakery Detectives series.
I enjoyed the book and would recommend it to cozy mystery fans but it wasn't as appealling to me as books one and two. The writing was good and of course best friends forever Rachel and Pippa were back in action. The problem for me was Pippa's new husband Marcello. He interferred with the dynamics between Rachel and Pippa that I have come to love. Honestly, I didn't like the guy and was really hoping he would be unmasked by Rachel as the criminal. The Pippa and Marcello storyline didn't work for me. Thus, the 3 star rating.
I enjoyed the book and would recommend it to cozy mystery fans but it wasn't as appealling to me as books one and two. The writing was good and of course best friends forever Rachel and Pippa were back in action. The problem for me was Pippa's new husband Marcello. He interferred with the dynamics between Rachel and Pippa that I have come to love. Honestly, I didn't like the guy and was really hoping he would be unmasked by Rachel as the criminal. The Pippa and Marcello storyline didn't work for me. Thus, the 3 star rating.
May 4, 2017
I actually filmed a "reality TV" pilot some years back and, yes, they are scripted. Not tightly (or at least mine wasn't) but a general plot outline around which to ad lib was discussed before shooting each scene. And then there were the "reaction" shots . . .
This is the third in a series and one can see the author's maturing style. The first two were pretty much fluff but this is actually well-scripted and provides some much-needed backstory. Lightweight but fun!
This is the third in a series and one can see the author's maturing style. The first two were pretty much fluff but this is actually well-scripted and provides some much-needed backstory. Lightweight but fun!
May 10, 2017
Death by Chocolate Cake
A short fun Cozy Mystery by Stacey Alabaster.
I really enjoyed this mystery and the surprises that came with it. All I will say is "Marcello"... Oh my Gosh what was Pippa thinking?!!.. as I cringe 😬from the sound of glass breaking in the other room. I was also surprised to find out who the killer in this mystery was, I had no clue!
This was the 3rd book in Stacey's Bakery Detectives series and I have to say I have enjoyed each one more then the last.
A short fun Cozy Mystery by Stacey Alabaster.
I really enjoyed this mystery and the surprises that came with it. All I will say is "Marcello"... Oh my Gosh what was Pippa thinking?!!.. as I cringe 😬from the sound of glass breaking in the other room. I was also surprised to find out who the killer in this mystery was, I had no clue!
This was the 3rd book in Stacey's Bakery Detectives series and I have to say I have enjoyed each one more then the last.
September 7, 2017
Another great read from the pan of Stacey Alabaster. I love how these books hold a complete story which can be read, and enjoyed, independently of the series. Yet each book is intricately tied to the others in the series. Brilliant!
October 16, 2018
Of the first three books in the series, this was the strongest, but still lacking depth. Pippa is so ridiculous. And no kind of chemistry was ever really created between Rachael and Jackson in the first book, so their interactions now are kind of pointless.
July 24, 2024
All of these books in the first three books of the Bakery Detectives Mysteries were OK- not spectacular, but OK. They were fun cozy mysteries, but to be honest, I'm ready for a more substantive book now, not a cozy mystery...
May 23, 2017
You can always count on Stacey Alabaster for a good, clean mystery
October 14, 2017
Another great book in the bakery detective series. These do get better with each book in this series. I will keep reading 4 and on!
January 17, 2018
Bake off
It's bake off with murder added into it. A surprise wedding,a murder and a tv show I mean what could possibly go wrong?
It's bake off with murder added into it. A surprise wedding,a murder and a tv show I mean what could possibly go wrong?
February 14, 2018
Half a year later, no excitement. Can Rachel make it onto the TV show.
Wow Pippa eloped, Came back, could the murder be her husband. The ladies are at it again.
Half a year later, no excitement. Can Rachel make it onto the TV show.
Wow Pippa eloped, Came back, could the murder be her husband. The ladies are at it again.
October 20, 2018
Mmm Chocolate
Stacey always keeps the reader in suspense until the end and this was no exception. I never suspected the guilty party until the end.
Stacey always keeps the reader in suspense until the end and this was no exception. I never suspected the guilty party until the end.
September 18, 2023
This was the best one so far.
August 24, 2019
Stars and cut throats
Getting on a baking war show, is a sure way to boost her bakery and sales.
It had just one little glitch....one of the judges croaks and every thing gos
down hill from there. From her assistant Baker up and quits on her. Then
her best friends husband is hired, which is to say a one man wrecking crew.
That breaks or destroys everything he touches. Now a murder has to be solved
before more are found dead. A great read.
Debra H.
Getting on a baking war show, is a sure way to boost her bakery and sales.
It had just one little glitch....one of the judges croaks and every thing gos
down hill from there. From her assistant Baker up and quits on her. Then
her best friends husband is hired, which is to say a one man wrecking crew.
That breaks or destroys everything he touches. Now a murder has to be solved
before more are found dead. A great read.
Debra H.
June 6, 2016
A nice cozy mystery.
Rachael is going to audition for a place on the television show "Baking Warriors" while Pippa is on an extended vacation. Upon arrival from Oregon, Rachael finds Pippa her usual bubbly self with a secret she is dying to tell.
There is a murder on the set of "Baking Warriors"
The town of Belldale is humming with activity due to summer and the cast and crew of
"Baking Warriors" and now the reporters have taken over the streets. Detective Jackson pays a visit to the bakery to see Rachael and asks her to help solve the case!
It isn't long before the bakery sleuths are crime solving once again. Can you figure out who did the killing? I was close to the end before I figured it out. How about you?
This book was provided to me by Fairfield Publishing for an honest review.
Rachael is going to audition for a place on the television show "Baking Warriors" while Pippa is on an extended vacation. Upon arrival from Oregon, Rachael finds Pippa her usual bubbly self with a secret she is dying to tell.
There is a murder on the set of "Baking Warriors"
The town of Belldale is humming with activity due to summer and the cast and crew of
"Baking Warriors" and now the reporters have taken over the streets. Detective Jackson pays a visit to the bakery to see Rachael and asks her to help solve the case!
It isn't long before the bakery sleuths are crime solving once again. Can you figure out who did the killing? I was close to the end before I figured it out. How about you?
This book was provided to me by Fairfield Publishing for an honest review.
November 22, 2016
Rachael lands on a TV reality show which she hopes will help her grow her bakery business. Again, where Rachael is, there is murder lurching around the corner. The realty show judge was found poisoned. Of course Rachael is digging into the murder to solve the crime. Pippa, her friend, job got married so now Pippa and her husband are now staying at Rachael’s house causing chaos. Normally Detective Jackson Whitaker cringes when Rachael wants to get involved in solving the murder, however this time, Detective Jackson welcomes her involvement. Can Rachael solve this case without ruining her friendship with Pippa?
Stacey Alabaster always comes through with a great mystery. Always adds some humor and keeps the main characters interesting. I just have to track down her other bakery mystery series.
Stacey Alabaster always comes through with a great mystery. Always adds some humor and keeps the main characters interesting. I just have to track down her other bakery mystery series.
May 22, 2016
Another good book by Stacey Alabaster. I had an opportunity to receive an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Rachelle has a chance to go on a major television show and she wants to surprise her roommate and best friend Pippa with the news when she picks her up from the airport. Pippa has a few of her own surprises for Rachelle. Pippa has met the man of her dreams and eloped. Since Pippa and Rachelle are roommates the small apartment will have its challenges for them.
It is a cute and funny book at times with some serious twists and turns and a murder to solve.
I think you will enjoy the book
Rachelle has a chance to go on a major television show and she wants to surprise her roommate and best friend Pippa with the news when she picks her up from the airport. Pippa has a few of her own surprises for Rachelle. Pippa has met the man of her dreams and eloped. Since Pippa and Rachelle are roommates the small apartment will have its challenges for them.
It is a cute and funny book at times with some serious twists and turns and a murder to solve.
I think you will enjoy the book
June 1, 2016
Rachael and Pippa are together again with a twist. I love how Stacey Alabaster is able to develop her characters so that the reader feels like she knows them. The story line has a great theme with just enough twists to make it right. I loved receiving an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
Rachael is trying out for a baking show. She is both excited and nervous. Very glad that her friend Pippa is coming back to help with the bakery, Rachael wasn't expecting Marcello. What a walking disaster!!! But is his presence a coincidence?? Who killed the judge? Rachael must try to find out in order to help those around her. Will she survive?
Rachael is trying out for a baking show. She is both excited and nervous. Very glad that her friend Pippa is coming back to help with the bakery, Rachael wasn't expecting Marcello. What a walking disaster!!! But is his presence a coincidence?? Who killed the judge? Rachael must try to find out in order to help those around her. Will she survive?
October 27, 2016
'Death by Chocolate' is a great mystery that utilizes reality tv popularity. I found the entire plot to be a lot of fun. Rachel & Pippa are a terrific duo with amazing problem solving capabilities. I love that they're forever getting themselves caught up in messes.
This particular installment combines the mystery with Pippa's marriage. Only Pippa could find a husband in 3 weeks and boy is he something! I'm glad a found a quality series that doesn't get boring or run out of ideas. So far, each has been fresh & fun. I've even read them out-of-order & they're fine to stand alone. I give this one a 4 star rating too and I'm looking forward to the next book.
This particular installment combines the mystery with Pippa's marriage. Only Pippa could find a husband in 3 weeks and boy is he something! I'm glad a found a quality series that doesn't get boring or run out of ideas. So far, each has been fresh & fun. I've even read them out-of-order & they're fine to stand alone. I give this one a 4 star rating too and I'm looking forward to the next book.
August 8, 2016
Many surprises in this book, wait for it.
Now this book was full of surprises and there is no way to figure out who done it. The budding romance that I kept waiting for in the previous books turned out to be Pippa's not Rachael, so there's another twist. There's a lot of fun in this book don't miss it
Now this book was full of surprises and there is no way to figure out who done it. The budding romance that I kept waiting for in the previous books turned out to be Pippa's not Rachael, so there's another twist. There's a lot of fun in this book don't miss it
October 28, 2016
This is the third book in this series that I have read. They continue to improve. I enjoyed spending time with Rachel and her friend Pippa as they worked at the bakery while also trying to solve a murder.
June 30, 2016
Lots of twists and turns
Very good book. I was never sure where the characters were going next. I enjoyed the adventure that I was taken on.
Very good book. I was never sure where the characters were going next. I enjoyed the adventure that I was taken on.
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