By day a pastry chef, by night an accidental super sleuth.Get three fun mysteries from #1 Best Selling author Stacey Alabaster for one low price!Rachael is a distinguished pastry chef who keeps finding herself in the middle of murder investigations. Pippa is her quirky, carefree best friend. Together, they must unravel three of Belldale’s unsolvable mysteries to save the bakery…and themselves.This collection of cozy mysteries includes the first three books in the Bakery Detectives Cozy Mystery series which are listed below. If you like fast paced mysteries full of quirky characters and unexpected twists, you’re going to love the Bakery Detectives.Buy the Bakery Detectives Cozy Mystery Boxed Set and start solving your next mystery today!A Pie to Die For - Rachael will do anything to protect her bakery from the evil Bakermatic Baked Goods Company. Does that include murder?Donuts, Antiques and Murder – Rachael’s bakery is thriving and she’s looking to expand. When a murder takes place in the antique shop she’s trying to buy, she again finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation.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.
I 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 :)
I had so much fun following Rachel and Pippa as they akwardly solved murders in their small town; all the while running a bakery. I look forward to reading more of these light murder mysteries.
Kindle Unlimited, not putting dates, one of the forgot to review it on goodreads just amazon though did forget to do couple of those. Just going to do my usual copy paste of other books, maybe you'll be smarter and avoid them that way.
Steps from Death (Craft Circle Mystery #1) Arts, Crafts and Murder (Craft Circle Mystery #2)
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) Rest, Relaxation and Murder (Bakery Detectives #4) Til a Death Do Us Part (Bakery Detectives #5) The Mud Pie Murderess (Bakery Detectives #6) Bakery Detectives Cozy Mystery Boxed Set (Bakery Detectives #4-6) Bakery Detectives Cozy Mystery Boxed Set: Books 1-6 (Bakery Detectives #1-6) Catering and Kidnapping (Bakery Detectives #7) The Pumpkin Killer: A Bakery Detectives Cozy Mystery (Bakery Detectives #8) Wined, Dined and Dead (Bakery Detectives (Bakery Detectives #9)
Kindle Unlimited, the Craft Circle Mystery books were a bit better than the Bakery Detective ones, but that's not saying much.
Steps from Death (Craft Circle Mystery #1) Arts, Crafts and Murder (Craft Circle Mystery #2) Naked Eye {not sure where exactly this one fits in}
Read the 3 box set that included A Pie to Die For, Donuts, Antiques and Murder, and Death by Chocolate 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, queasy, etcetera.
If I hadn't already borrowed the next couple of books wouldn't have bothered at this rate, but did and those books were no better than this muddled attempt such as 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
Liked the Craft Circle Cozy Mystery books a bit better, but only 2 out so far so who knows if that series will go the way the bakery one did..
BAKERY DETECTIVES COZY MYSTERY BOXED SET BOOKS 1-3 by Stacey Alabaster, was truly a remarkable read. These three detective stories were amazingly intriguing, and filled with awesome suspense! The never-ending plot kept getting better and better! And, the suspects really played their parts well.
A PIE TO DIE FOR kept this reader right on the edge wondering, who did this dastardly deed? And why? It all started at the Belldale Street Fair. Everyone had gotten their food set up. A few hours later, suddenly something happened. All the customers, instead of them going into the other tents to buy food, they were gathered around, and going into the Bakermatic. Why were they not stopping and buying from the other bakers? I followed tentatively along as the plot developed into a nasty thick murder mystery. Fascinating occurrences happened throughout the story as Rachael snooped and spied on people behind the detective's back, to see if she could solve the case. Will she solve the case or will she wind up in more trouble than she can handle? Plus; drag Pippa deep into the mess with her?
In DONUTS, ANTIQUES, AND MURDER, Rachael wants to expand her shop, so she is considering buying the antiques shop next door. But, is the place haunted, or could a painting be the culprit? Or better yet, is a curse about to be unleashed? Better still, could trickery be afoot? Could what Pippa be telling her be slightly true, or is Pippa filling Rachael's head with stories about the paranormal? Does Belldale have a history about the paranormal, or could the people be using these stories as publicity to help enrich the town? In our last mystery the murder weapon used was a pie, and two people were already found dead. Could there be more? Could sweets be the problem this time too, or is it something all together different? If she isn't careful, could Rachael wind up on the other end of the weapon? She was lucky last time. Trouble always seems to follow her like a black cloud. Will she escape this time, or will her luck take her even deeper into the plot with no way out?
In DEATH BY CHOCOLATE CAKE Rachael happens to be at the scene of a murder again. It's as though she happens to be at the wrong place at the wrong time every time. Could she be right this time, though? One victim had already fallen, could there be another one? What is the motive this time? Will it be death by chocolate cake? Or is something else lurking in the shadows? If Rachael keeps snooping about will she be the next victim? Great mystery! A five star plus! Superb suspense! Highly recommended.
Come in, sit down in your chair, order your fresh donut and your coffee, tea or whatever and grap your e-book. Relaxed? Great, now welcome to the world of Rachael's Boutique Bakery and the Bakery Detectives. This is a collection of three cozy mysteries by Stacey Alabaster which includes her first 3 Bakery Detectives mysteries; A Pie to Die For Donuts, Antiques and Murder Death by Chocolate Cake These are the best of the cozy type mysteries......murder, mystery, and darn good stories. Join Rachael and her best friend Pippa as they “assist” the local police with the war on crime. There are poisonings, reality tv mayhem, even a ghost and a curse but no gratuitous violence. What else can you ask for in a darn good read with lovable well written characters? The only complaint I have is that there is no Rachael's Boutique Bakery where I live. I enjoyed every minute of the books and I know you will too.
A pie to die for A bakery boutique a corky best friend and oh my the police to you, can bakery detectives solve the mystery behind the neighborhoods misfortunes. Donuts antiques and murder 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 Death by chocolate cake 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.
I had already separately read the first one in this box set (A Pie to Die For), not sure when. Rachael is trying to make a go of her boutique bakery, but faces big competition from the Bakermatic factory-made products. When a murder happens and her pie appears to be the culprit, Rachael becomes an amateur sleuth to try to save her name and her bakery.
Book 2: Donuts, Antiques and Murder. Rachael wants to buy the antique store next door to expand her little boutique bakery, but her friend and co-worker Pippa insists that it is haunted and if Rachael gets involved with it she will be cursed. When a body is found in the shop, she begins to wonder if Pippa's crazy ideas might have some foundation after all....
Book 3: Death by Chocolate Cake Took a break at this point to read some other books. Finish later. Okay, all done. This last one involved Rachael trying out for a baking reality TV show when one of the producers dies suspiciously. This one was a little hard to get through for some reason - I think I have burned out on Rachael and Pippa.
So I just finished reading A Fatal Finale, which means I finished the entire Bakery Detectives Cozy Mystery Series! It was certainly something, I might not agree with all the decisions that were made along the line but I still love the concept that the books almost read like short stories and that the mysteries kept surprising me until the end. If you have a moment to spare, these books are the ideal distraction for when you are in the mood for a quick puzzle and a new series to distract you from the day to day life.
A fun mystery romp with Rachael and Pippa to solve the murders and save Rachael's Bakeshop
I loved each of the 3 books! The main character Rachael and her friend Pippa get caught up in having to solve a mystery in each of the 3 books (murder just seems to follow them around and draw them it!). With some red herrings and twists and turns you will enjoy each of the books on its own. They are fast paced with some humor and craziness to make each one a fun read, throw in a potential but read them all! Loved Rachael's personality and Pippa is a stitch! Sometimes you want to shake her and others she is so funny in her thought patterns you laugh out loud! Must read them all and then get the next set to see what else is in store! I received a free copy of these first 3 books. My opinion here is my own.
I am hoping the author will review and revise her first two books in the series to bring them up to the standard of the third, based on which I would actually recommend the series as some fun, light reading. If you start with #3 I suspect you will get enough background to carry you along and there were enough clues in this one to offer the reader a hope of solving the mystery (why, yes, I did!); although there are some interesting concepts in the first two tales, they need love.
I was given these books free through Stacey Alabaster's read and review candidate. I enjoyed the light hearted cozey murder mystery with the zany youg friends that while trying to keep a bakery running getting into one mess after another. Though there are dead bodies popping up where ever the best friends turn there is plenty of humor that fallows. 🙄 Kat
These books are fairly short with interesting characters and good plots. It's comforting to find books without swearing, gross murder images, or embarrassing sex scenes. I would highly recommend this book for anyone who enjoys a good mystery that you can read in a few hours.
I enjoyed reading about Rachael and Pippa. Started reading book 11 first now I'm going back to read the first books. Really enjoy the Bakery Detecties cozy mysteries. Try them and see for yourself.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this boxed set of mystery books. I could hardly wait to see who had done it. Loved that the baker found out who the killer was before the police could solve the crime.
Running a bakery should take up all of Rachel's time, but when murders start to happen and she is a suspect or tied to one then the oh thing a girl can do is prove her innocence by trying to solve the murders.
The plots are generally good and I seldom figured out the criminal before the end, but the two main characters are embarrassingly stupid, almost too stupid to know how to breathe, and at the same time unbelievably self-centered. Oh well, it's fiction, so I must learn to laugh and go on.
This was an awesome series to read. I’m really going to miss Pippa and Rachel. They reminded me of my best friend and myself. And what adventures they had! Great story lines, great supporting characters, just wonderful all around. Couldn’t recommend this book anymore than this. A+.
It took a long time for Rachael and Jackson to get together. It wasn't hard to figure out the killer. There were lots of grammatical errors and misspelling. I hope there is better proofreading of your other books.
Amazing enjoyable books to keep you entertained. So lighthearted and suspenseful that it's impossible to put down before you're finished them all. Loved reviewing.
Funny and fun to read. Characters are loveable, even the villains. Love cozy mysteries and this is a wonderful series. Highly recommend to everyone who loves to read good mystery stories.
I had read the first of the series before I got the box set but now I've read it I know I'll get and finish the set. Great series. Well worth the read.
This series caught my attention from Book 1. I didn't want to stop reading. Great characters, and interesting storylines. I highly recommend this series!
Quirky characters & unexpected plot twists make these stories quick reads. I just bought the next set! Can't wait to see what crazy characters pop up next!