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Donut Hole Mystery #8
Lemon Chiffon Murder
When Heather Janke hosts her engagement party in Paris, France, the last thing she expects to find out is that one of her guests has been poisoned by one of her donuts.
She’s overwhelmed with grief, particularly when she finds out that the suspect is Angelica, her faithful assistant and friend, who flew all the way out to France to help her with her wedding. With the wedding only days away, and no help from the French police, Heather sets out to clear Angelica’s name and save her from imprisonments. But Heather has to contend with the press, a particularly nosy – and cheesy – maître d’hôtel, and the constant battle to stay on top of affairs while her wedding date draws closer and closer.
Heather must figure out who poisoned her beloved lemon chiffon icing, but the zest might be too sour for her to handle this time around.
She’s overwhelmed with grief, particularly when she finds out that the suspect is Angelica, her faithful assistant and friend, who flew all the way out to France to help her with her wedding. With the wedding only days away, and no help from the French police, Heather sets out to clear Angelica’s name and save her from imprisonments. But Heather has to contend with the press, a particularly nosy – and cheesy – maître d’hôtel, and the constant battle to stay on top of affairs while her wedding date draws closer and closer.
Heather must figure out who poisoned her beloved lemon chiffon icing, but the zest might be too sour for her to handle this time around.
220 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 7, 2016
41 people are currently reading
188 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
January 25, 2018
Heather Jayne and her fiance Ryan Shepherd are in Paris with friends to celebrate their wedding. Staying at the Hotel Saint James, everything seems magical until one of the guests drops dead after eating one of Heather's doughnuts in the hotel kitchen. Who poisoned Jane Duvall? Heather's employee Angelica who came to help with the wedding is arrested, but Heather knows she had nothing to do with the crime. Ryan and Heather team up, along with Heather's BFF Amy, to prove Angelica's innocence and find the real killer.
This is my least favorite book in this series so far. The French characters are stereotypes....rude hotel staff, snooty chefs, impossibly ridiculous reporters. And the author chose to use the term "frog'' to refer to French people. I don't like that. This one just fell a bit flat for me. I hope the next one is better.
Lemon Chiffon Murder is the 8th book in the Donut Hole Mystery series. The books are short and light reading. The plots are simple, but the characters are likable and the doughnut shop theme is entertaining.
This is my least favorite book in this series so far. The French characters are stereotypes....rude hotel staff, snooty chefs, impossibly ridiculous reporters. And the author chose to use the term "frog'' to refer to French people. I don't like that. This one just fell a bit flat for me. I hope the next one is better.
Lemon Chiffon Murder is the 8th book in the Donut Hole Mystery series. The books are short and light reading. The plots are simple, but the characters are likable and the doughnut shop theme is entertaining.
June 1, 2017
Heather Janke is finally going to get everything she wants. She’s about to marry Detective Ryan Shepherd and she is a very successful business owner. Her donut shop in Texas is a huge success. Now, she’s hosting her own engagement party in romantic Paris, France. Life is good for Heather.
Then, tragedy strikes. One of the guests is poisoned by one of Heather’s donuts. The first and only person arrested for the crime is Heather’s assistant Angelica. Heather knows she is innocent and intends to prove it. She’s especially determined when the French police seem to want to take the easy way out and settle for Angelica without looking any further for the killer.
This is the 8th book in the series. I’m really enjoying these books. Currently there are 45 books in the series. The good thing is they are relatively short at approximately 200 pages. I’ve been able to read them in an afternoon. For me, they make a nice filler between longer books.
The mysteries aren’t terribly complicated, but they are interesting to follow. Susan Gillard gives readers a nice blend of mystery with romance. The characters are likeable and the setting fits perfect for the cozy mystery genre.
I’m looking forward to continuing with this series, even though each book always leaves me craving for donuts.
Then, tragedy strikes. One of the guests is poisoned by one of Heather’s donuts. The first and only person arrested for the crime is Heather’s assistant Angelica. Heather knows she is innocent and intends to prove it. She’s especially determined when the French police seem to want to take the easy way out and settle for Angelica without looking any further for the killer.
This is the 8th book in the series. I’m really enjoying these books. Currently there are 45 books in the series. The good thing is they are relatively short at approximately 200 pages. I’ve been able to read them in an afternoon. For me, they make a nice filler between longer books.
The mysteries aren’t terribly complicated, but they are interesting to follow. Susan Gillard gives readers a nice blend of mystery with romance. The characters are likeable and the setting fits perfect for the cozy mystery genre.
I’m looking forward to continuing with this series, even though each book always leaves me craving for donuts.
June 12, 2017
The Hotel Saint James was positively opulent.
Heather and Ryan are in Paris for their wedding. Friends, Amy and her boyfriend, Kent are there as well. And of course, Heather's dog, Dave is along for the festivities. Jane is a journalist covering the wedding. She dies after eating one of Heather's Lemon Chiffon Donuts during the engagement party. Heather's friend Angelica is the prime suspect as she was in the kitchen at the time.
I'm not sure why I continue to read this series. This book worked for a couple of challenges so I trudged through it. I don't particularly like the characters. The situations all seem very two dimensional and staged. I was surprised at Ryan for encouraging Heather to investigate when back home he does everything in his power to get her to stop.
There were of course secrets, betrayal and bad feelings all around. I hated that this was set in such a glorious city and the author pretty much downplayed everything about it.
The French characters were very stereotypical which annoyed me. I'm simply at a loss to say something good.
The donuts sounded yummy but once again there are no recipes.
A very quick simple read that could have used some editing
Heather and Ryan are in Paris for their wedding. Friends, Amy and her boyfriend, Kent are there as well. And of course, Heather's dog, Dave is along for the festivities. Jane is a journalist covering the wedding. She dies after eating one of Heather's Lemon Chiffon Donuts during the engagement party. Heather's friend Angelica is the prime suspect as she was in the kitchen at the time.
I'm not sure why I continue to read this series. This book worked for a couple of challenges so I trudged through it. I don't particularly like the characters. The situations all seem very two dimensional and staged. I was surprised at Ryan for encouraging Heather to investigate when back home he does everything in his power to get her to stop.
There were of course secrets, betrayal and bad feelings all around. I hated that this was set in such a glorious city and the author pretty much downplayed everything about it.
The French characters were very stereotypical which annoyed me. I'm simply at a loss to say something good.
The donuts sounded yummy but once again there are no recipes.
A very quick simple read that could have used some editing
May 30, 2017
We get to see Ryan and Heather working together to solve the mystery of the death of a report that had come to her wedding in France. The chemistry between the two is so cute, especially when they are on the same side. Heather goes all out with her sleuthing in order to save Angelica from wrongful prosecution. Though I feel like it's a little soon for the marriage between Ryan and Heather, I'll wait and see how Gillard plays out their relationship in the books.
Also, on a side note, as a french speaker, I find that the idioms that Gillard uses in French were a little bizarre. The only reason I can think of that she chose those idioms is because they had to do with food.
Also, on a side note, as a french speaker, I find that the idioms that Gillard uses in French were a little bizarre. The only reason I can think of that she chose those idioms is because they had to do with food.
May 26, 2019
Lemon Chiffon Murder is the second book I've read by Susan Gillard. In this story, the action takes place far away from Hillside, Texas. Heather Janke and Ryan Shepherd are having their engagement party at The Hotel Saint James in Paris, France. Unfortunately, one of their guests, Jane Duvall, is found dead. This time Heather and Ryan do some investigating together. I like the characters in this series, but I wish that the stories were longer and had more suspects.
February 11, 2019
Lemon .chiffon cruller was ,sweet with a little zing. Amy ready to give a toast to the newlyweds, when the Paris police busted in. Jane was dead, from eating a donut in the kitchen, Heather’s employee Angelica is a suspect. Knowing she is innocence Ryan and Heather get to work to find the real culprit.
May 5, 2019
Kind of ok
There was a lot of different characters in this one bi was starting to worry if they would ever catch the killer. Good twist, but I felt really sorry for Ryan in this one.
There was a lot of different characters in this one bi was starting to worry if they would ever catch the killer. Good twist, but I felt really sorry for Ryan in this one.
October 15, 2022
These are usually fun fluffy little books, but this installment was just stupid. I believe the author was trying to mock the French, but just ended up with the stereotypical ugly American. Not good.
May 27, 2017
Another cute story in this fast reading series with great characters and short chapters (which I love). Onward to number 9.
November 18, 2017
I did like this book a little less than the others. It looked like there are no normal friendly people in France and that just didn't seem right.
February 21, 2018
Another sweet mystery with Ryan and Heather. This time a guest is murdered at their engagement party.
April 2, 2019
Cute story about a couple who go to Paris to get married and then investigate a murder.
May 30, 2019
Quite a bit of caricaturism of France and the French.. From the people to the language. However, I liked the layers to the murder mystery in this one, compared with the other books in the series.
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July 5, 2020They finally get married..after solving a murder!
June 18, 2016
Donut maker extraordinaire, Heather Janke is in Paris, France with her fiance Ryan Shepherd, and their friends. Heather and Ryan will be getting married in a week and everyone is here at the St. James Hotel for their big engagement party. The hotel is allowing Heather and her assistant, Angelica, to use the kitchen to make the very special wedding cake. It will be made up of Lemon Chiffon Donuts.
During the party Angelica was in the kitchen whipping up some yummy donuts when the police come storming in demanding that the party must come to an end. Heather and Ryan ask Police Detective Piti Brodoteau what is going on and why their special party has to end. Brodoteau says that one of the guests, news anchor woman, Jane Duvall, has been murdered. She ate a donut in the kitchen and died after eating it. This news was horrible for the couple to hear but then finding out that the police detective say that Heather’s assistant, Angelica, was the main suspect, shocked everyone.
Apparently, Jane went running into the kitchen saying that she needed to have a donut and then died. The police are sure that Angelica put poison in the icing thus killing Jane. Why would Angelica kill Jane? What could the motive possibly be?
Everyone knows that Angelica doesn’t have it in her to kill anyone or anything. But they are soon outraged to learn that the police arrested Angelica and she’s now stuck in a French prison until her trial. Even Dave, Heather’s faithful dog, is upset.
It’s one thing that all of this has ruined Heather and Ryan’s engagement party but sending her assistant to jail is way too much for Heather so she is going to find the killer herself and she’ll do it within the week.
“Lemon Chiffon Murder” is book 8 of this adorable cozy series by Susan Gillard. Once again Heather Janke, soon to be Heather Shepherd, is entangled in a murder mystery that she had nothing to do with.
Surrounded by a cast of great characters including her best pal Amy and her new boyfriend, Kent. Ms. Gillard has a way with names that make readers at least smile, if not giggle aloud. She introduces her fans to the hotel manager, Augustin Pepe Lepeu; Jane’s assistant, Lori Lisalot; and reporter/paparazzo, Roger “Bear” Trapp.
Oh, and there’s lots of evidence pointing to people other than Angelic as the murderer. There’s a cigarette butt by the murder area and Angelica doesn’t smoke but a couple of the other characters do making them prime suspects in Heather’s book. And have no fear, Heather along with Ryan, Amy, and Kent find the real culprit and still have time to make and eat some donuts. I want to hang out with this group.
The Donut Hole Cozy Series is worth the time to read. You don’t have to read them in order because Ms. Gillard gives enough information in each book to fill new readers in on the previous books. They’re all fun, easy page turners, filled with good characters made even better by Susan Gillard’s wonderful sense of humor.
Make friends with Heather and Ryan. One day they might have to help you out of a sticky situation and there will always be yummy donuts to nosh on.
During the party Angelica was in the kitchen whipping up some yummy donuts when the police come storming in demanding that the party must come to an end. Heather and Ryan ask Police Detective Piti Brodoteau what is going on and why their special party has to end. Brodoteau says that one of the guests, news anchor woman, Jane Duvall, has been murdered. She ate a donut in the kitchen and died after eating it. This news was horrible for the couple to hear but then finding out that the police detective say that Heather’s assistant, Angelica, was the main suspect, shocked everyone.
Apparently, Jane went running into the kitchen saying that she needed to have a donut and then died. The police are sure that Angelica put poison in the icing thus killing Jane. Why would Angelica kill Jane? What could the motive possibly be?
Everyone knows that Angelica doesn’t have it in her to kill anyone or anything. But they are soon outraged to learn that the police arrested Angelica and she’s now stuck in a French prison until her trial. Even Dave, Heather’s faithful dog, is upset.
It’s one thing that all of this has ruined Heather and Ryan’s engagement party but sending her assistant to jail is way too much for Heather so she is going to find the killer herself and she’ll do it within the week.
“Lemon Chiffon Murder” is book 8 of this adorable cozy series by Susan Gillard. Once again Heather Janke, soon to be Heather Shepherd, is entangled in a murder mystery that she had nothing to do with.
Surrounded by a cast of great characters including her best pal Amy and her new boyfriend, Kent. Ms. Gillard has a way with names that make readers at least smile, if not giggle aloud. She introduces her fans to the hotel manager, Augustin Pepe Lepeu; Jane’s assistant, Lori Lisalot; and reporter/paparazzo, Roger “Bear” Trapp.
Oh, and there’s lots of evidence pointing to people other than Angelic as the murderer. There’s a cigarette butt by the murder area and Angelica doesn’t smoke but a couple of the other characters do making them prime suspects in Heather’s book. And have no fear, Heather along with Ryan, Amy, and Kent find the real culprit and still have time to make and eat some donuts. I want to hang out with this group.
The Donut Hole Cozy Series is worth the time to read. You don’t have to read them in order because Ms. Gillard gives enough information in each book to fill new readers in on the previous books. They’re all fun, easy page turners, filled with good characters made even better by Susan Gillard’s wonderful sense of humor.
Make friends with Heather and Ryan. One day they might have to help you out of a sticky situation and there will always be yummy donuts to nosh on.
February 21, 2017
Making my way through this 39 episode series and finding it addictive. Enjoyed the setting switch to France. Nice to find find Heather and Ryan working together against
June 12, 2016
Lemon Chiffon Murder is the eighth book in Susan Gillard’s Donut Hole Cozy Mystery series and is another fun, quick read, with a little romance, a murder, quirky characters, and twists.
Heather and Ryan, along with Amy, Kent Bentley (Amy’s new boyfriend), and Angelica, are in Paris, France for Heather and Ryan’s wedding. A murder occurs during the engagement party, and Angelica is accused of poisoning Jane Duvall with a donut. Heather doesn’t believe French Detective Piti Brodoteau is putting enough effort into the matter so she puts on her sleuthing cap and the group starts snooping around to help her clear Angelica’s name. Amy takes an active role in the investigation, Ryan is less rigid since this murder isn’t in his jurisdiction, and Kent lends his assistance.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Heather and Ryan, along with Amy, Kent Bentley (Amy’s new boyfriend), and Angelica, are in Paris, France for Heather and Ryan’s wedding. A murder occurs during the engagement party, and Angelica is accused of poisoning Jane Duvall with a donut. Heather doesn’t believe French Detective Piti Brodoteau is putting enough effort into the matter so she puts on her sleuthing cap and the group starts snooping around to help her clear Angelica’s name. Amy takes an active role in the investigation, Ryan is less rigid since this murder isn’t in his jurisdiction, and Kent lends his assistance.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 30, 2016
Book 8 was a very good book, However I felt like they left out a few details that had to do with the story line. First off I noticed that they were in Paris for their wedding and/or engagement party but this was not mentioned about something they wanted to do in the previous book. Even though the case was great and I had no idea who the killer was until the very end, it just through me off. For instances a few of the guest happened to just show up at this weekend in Paris and at first, I was thinking that they were not really in Paris.
I did enjoy that even after the case was solved we did get to read a little bit more and see where the lovely couple will end up on there honeymoon. I can not wait to read book 9 and 10. I am a bit behind but I do think this was an enjoyable book to read.
I did enjoy that even after the case was solved we did get to read a little bit more and see where the lovely couple will end up on there honeymoon. I can not wait to read book 9 and 10. I am a bit behind but I do think this was an enjoyable book to read.
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June 20, 2016Heather, Ryan and friends are in Paris for their wedding when Heather's friend, Jane is murdered when eating one of Heather's wedding donuts. Heather's assistant, Angelica is arrested for her murder. Heather with the help of Ryan have to find the real murderer before Angelica end up in a Parisian prison.
Colorful characters are a plenty. The jerk of a policeman, a snooty hotel manager that always seems to be around when Heather is getting into trouble, a paparazzo writer that was a surprise wedding guest, Amy's new beau Kent, and Jane's assistant Lori. Dave has joined the party too!
I loved this one! I laughed out loud in parts and wasn't sure who the murderer was until closer to the finale.
If you love reading about Heather and Dave, read this installment.
Colorful characters are a plenty. The jerk of a policeman, a snooty hotel manager that always seems to be around when Heather is getting into trouble, a paparazzo writer that was a surprise wedding guest, Amy's new beau Kent, and Jane's assistant Lori. Dave has joined the party too!
I loved this one! I laughed out loud in parts and wasn't sure who the murderer was until closer to the finale.
If you love reading about Heather and Dave, read this installment.
June 12, 2016
I have waited for this for a long time! Heather and Ryan are finally celebrating their engagement, followed days later by their wedding, in, get this, PARIS, FRANCE! A lot of their friends flew in for the occasions, along with her friend and assistant, Angelica. Unfortunately there is a murder at the engagement party and Heather, Ryan and Heather's best friend, Amy, decide they need to get involved to clear one of their own. I love that the author brought us to Paris, the City of Love, and shared with us some of the local scenes. This is an excellent story and I am sure I will be reading it again and again.
October 7, 2016
Great cozy mystery...fun read with great characters
Lemon Chiffon Murder by Susan Gillard
If you love cozy mysteries give this one a try. Donuts, Paris, false accusations, marriage, poison, what else could you want?
Lemon Chiffon Murder by Susan Gillard
If you love cozy mysteries give this one a try. Donuts, Paris, false accusations, marriage, poison, what else could you want?
June 14, 2016
Heather and Jake host their engagement party in Paris, France. Unfortunately, her faithful assistant and friend Angelica is the number one suspect. Heather sets out to clear Angelica's name.
I was excited to read this book and when I found out they went to Paris, it made me happy to know that we were getting closer to Heather & Jake's wedding. I am eagerly waiting to read book number 9.
I was given this book by the author for an honest review.
I was excited to read this book and when I found out they went to Paris, it made me happy to know that we were getting closer to Heather & Jake's wedding. I am eagerly waiting to read book number 9.
I was given this book by the author for an honest review.
June 19, 2016
As Heather and Ryan are getting ready for the wedding her long time employee is arrested for murder in Paris. With a little help from a new friend and a little snooping things get wild again. I love this series but this one wasn't as good as the past. I was hoping for more on the wedding and sights and fun and was a little disappointed. I really do enjoy this series and hope there is more in the future with a little more mystery.
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June 14, 2016Heather and Ryan are celebrating both their engagement and wedding in Paris, the City of Love, but, once again, murder gets in the way. When someone close to Heather is implicated in the crime, both she and Ryan, along with the help of Amy and her new boyfriend, Kent, vow to solve this crime before the wedding day. As they put sightseeing aside, they race against the clock, the Paris police and the maitre d'hotel to find the murderer. Another fantastic read in a deliciously yummy series!
February 16, 2018
At the end of book 7, Red White and Blue Murder, Heather and Ryan were going to go to South Africa for their honeymoon. Nothing was said about Paris. So I was a little confused at the beginning. However I enjoyed the book. Love the names of the characters. For example the hotel manager, Augustin Pepe Lepeu. And he always smelled like some kind of cheese. Was it his aftershave? He was always catching Heather when things were going wrong.
This was a fun read and I recommend it.
This was a fun read and I recommend it.
June 11, 2016
Heather and Ryan are in Paris (The City of Love) to celebrate their engagement and get ready for their wedding when Angelica is arrested for a murder.
Heather decides she needs to find the real killer as the French police are not doing so. This time Heather gets to work with Ryan while doing so.
A fast paced mystery that's always fun, with twists and quirky characters in the City of Love.
Heather decides she needs to find the real killer as the French police are not doing so. This time Heather gets to work with Ryan while doing so.
A fast paced mystery that's always fun, with twists and quirky characters in the City of Love.
June 11, 2016
Destination Wedding and Destination Murder!
Even during the pre-existing celebration in romantic Paris, Heather and Ryan have a murder to solve. Heathers bestie, Amy, takes a more active role in investigating and Ryan is less rigid since it's not his case. A fun read for murder mystery fans.
Even during the pre-existing celebration in romantic Paris, Heather and Ryan have a murder to solve. Heathers bestie, Amy, takes a more active role in investigating and Ryan is less rigid since it's not his case. A fun read for murder mystery fans.
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August 8, 2016In this book, Heather and Ryan are finally getting married. Married in Paris France. Before they can tie the knot there is another murder and one of their friends is charged with it. In France they have no authority to work the murder but doesn't stop them. They need all the help they can get. The have so little time before the marriage.....can they do it. I think you'll love it.
October 2, 2016
It's wedding time
After watching Heather and Ryan for seven books we get to see a wedding or will a murder in France stop our favorite couple? They find the law is different out of the USA.
After watching Heather and Ryan for seven books we get to see a wedding or will a murder in France stop our favorite couple? They find the law is different out of the USA.
June 11, 2016
Loved it
Read all the books in this series. Loved them all. Can't wait to read more in this series. Fast paced reading.
Read all the books in this series. Loved them all. Can't wait to read more in this series. Fast paced reading.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews