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Donut Hole Mystery #20
Raspberry Mojito Murder
When Heather Shepherd takes a walk downtown, the last thing she expects to see is smoke on the horizon and a fire near Donut Delights.
She’s horrified when it turns out that the fire is a case of arson, and is determined to get to the bottom of the mystery and help her hubby, Ryan, at Hillside PD. Armed with her fiery attitude, Amy’s witticisms and a lot of free time while the renovations at Donut Delights finish up, Heather sets off on another sleuthin’ adventure. However, things aren’t simple at all: the suspects are plentiful, the local officers are less than helpful, and a surprise visit from Bill and Colleen throws Heather’s focus off target.
Heather must get the answers and prepare for the reopening of her store with her newest creations: Raspberry Mojito Donuts, or risk losing her reputation as both prime baker and sleuth in Hillside.
She’s horrified when it turns out that the fire is a case of arson, and is determined to get to the bottom of the mystery and help her hubby, Ryan, at Hillside PD. Armed with her fiery attitude, Amy’s witticisms and a lot of free time while the renovations at Donut Delights finish up, Heather sets off on another sleuthin’ adventure. However, things aren’t simple at all: the suspects are plentiful, the local officers are less than helpful, and a surprise visit from Bill and Colleen throws Heather’s focus off target.
Heather must get the answers and prepare for the reopening of her store with her newest creations: Raspberry Mojito Donuts, or risk losing her reputation as both prime baker and sleuth in Hillside.
- GenresMysteryCozy MysteryCozy
211 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 21, 2016
28 people are currently reading
131 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
April 2, 2018
Raspberry Mojito Murder is the 20th book in the Donut Hole cozy mystery series. I like this series because the books are short, easy reads. There are times when I want to read, but want something short, light and entertaining. Sometimes I just need something cute and simple as a palate cleanser in between mystery/thriller novels or quick reads for car trips, vacation, etc. That's when I turn to this series. The books are novella length. The doughnut shop background theme is cute and the characters are likable. It's a cozy mystery series so there is no cursing, graphic sex or gore. Just a nice, entertaining light mystery series.
This time around Doughnut Delights proprietor Heather Shepherd is trying not to get stressed. Her shop is being renovated and expanded. It's a week from re-opening day! She wants to spend the week relaxing and taking a vacation from her usually busy schedule. Life has other ideas though. An office building near the doughnut shop burns down. Not only is it a case of arson, but murder. Paul Jackson died in the fire. As a consulting detective for the police department, Heather is on the case with her husband, a local police detective. Can she discover the identity of the murderous arsonist in time to catch a break before her newly remodeled shop re-opens for business?
I enjoyed this book. As usual the plot is light and moves at a fast pace. There are some interesting developments for Heather and Ryan Shepherd in this book. I knew eventually this particular event would happen...but wasn't sure how or when.
There are 60 novella length books in the Donut Hole series. Plus a spin-off Oceanside Mysteries series that has 20+ books. Don't fret about there being so many books if you are new to the series. The stories are easy, short reads. And readers can jump in at any point in the series and still enjoy the mysteries. I am a bit OCD about reading series from book 1 in order, so I'm trying to catch up. :) I try to read a couple of these mysteries each week to work my way to the Oceanside series. Gillard puts out new books regularly and often....so I have a lot of reading to do! I will catch up! It's an enjoyable race at least. :) Maybe she will go on vacation this summer and I can slip in a bit of extra reading and get a bit closer to catching up! :)
I love the cover for this book -- colorful! And the green with pink sprinkles doughnut looks tasty! I admit I had to look up what a raspberry mojito is. I knew it was a drink, but wasn't sure what was in it. It's raspberry and mint flavored....just like the doughnuts in the book. I found a recipe:
https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/236...
Sounds yummy!
On to the next book!
This time around Doughnut Delights proprietor Heather Shepherd is trying not to get stressed. Her shop is being renovated and expanded. It's a week from re-opening day! She wants to spend the week relaxing and taking a vacation from her usually busy schedule. Life has other ideas though. An office building near the doughnut shop burns down. Not only is it a case of arson, but murder. Paul Jackson died in the fire. As a consulting detective for the police department, Heather is on the case with her husband, a local police detective. Can she discover the identity of the murderous arsonist in time to catch a break before her newly remodeled shop re-opens for business?
I enjoyed this book. As usual the plot is light and moves at a fast pace. There are some interesting developments for Heather and Ryan Shepherd in this book. I knew eventually this particular event would happen...but wasn't sure how or when.
There are 60 novella length books in the Donut Hole series. Plus a spin-off Oceanside Mysteries series that has 20+ books. Don't fret about there being so many books if you are new to the series. The stories are easy, short reads. And readers can jump in at any point in the series and still enjoy the mysteries. I am a bit OCD about reading series from book 1 in order, so I'm trying to catch up. :) I try to read a couple of these mysteries each week to work my way to the Oceanside series. Gillard puts out new books regularly and often....so I have a lot of reading to do! I will catch up! It's an enjoyable race at least. :) Maybe she will go on vacation this summer and I can slip in a bit of extra reading and get a bit closer to catching up! :)
I love the cover for this book -- colorful! And the green with pink sprinkles doughnut looks tasty! I admit I had to look up what a raspberry mojito is. I knew it was a drink, but wasn't sure what was in it. It's raspberry and mint flavored....just like the doughnuts in the book. I found a recipe:
https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/236...
Sounds yummy!
On to the next book!
September 27, 2016
What does arson, murder, Quick Paul Jackson and
raspberry mojito donuts have in common? Heather
Shepherd owner of Donuts Delight bakery and shop
plus certified private investigator is on the case.
Quick Paul was a pyramid schemer and investment
scammer. He was drugged then his place was set on fire.
Equaling one dead Quick Paul.
Heather, Dave (her dog) and Amy Givens are off to
interview and investigate suspects.
This is book # 20 in A Donut Hole Cozy Mystery
Series. It cab be read as a stand alone.
Fun, quick read, vivid characters, lots of suspects and
a puzzling plot.
With the new opening of Heather’s renovated shop,
the newest donut is the Raspberry Mojito Donut.
Thank you to the author for this eBook. My opinion is
my own.
raspberry mojito donuts have in common? Heather
Shepherd owner of Donuts Delight bakery and shop
plus certified private investigator is on the case.
Quick Paul was a pyramid schemer and investment
scammer. He was drugged then his place was set on fire.
Equaling one dead Quick Paul.
Heather, Dave (her dog) and Amy Givens are off to
interview and investigate suspects.
This is book # 20 in A Donut Hole Cozy Mystery
Series. It cab be read as a stand alone.
Fun, quick read, vivid characters, lots of suspects and
a puzzling plot.
With the new opening of Heather’s renovated shop,
the newest donut is the Raspberry Mojito Donut.
Thank you to the author for this eBook. My opinion is
my own.
September 23, 2016
Susan Gillard has once again delivered an "Edge of Your Seat" murder mystery!!! I'm soooo excited to see what she has in store for the Donut Delights team next.
December 12, 2018
I hate to be harsh, but this was just absurd. The only reason I'm reading these are they are quick reads that help me meet challenge reading goals. The author spits these out every couple of weeks and this one absolutely suffers from that.
What has me shaking my head the most over this book in the series is Ugh!
What has me shaking my head the most over this book in the series is Ugh!
June 11, 2017
I'm not sure how I feel about this book. It was interesting, and finally the murder has nothing to do with doughnut delight. I don't like the aspect that Heather as a character has taken. I prefer her as an amateur detective rather than it being the only purpose of the book. Geoff is still weird but thankfully he only appeared for a very short amount of time. It was an ok book, but nothing really wowed me with it.
April 30, 2018
These books are entertaining, easy reading. The stories are good and the characters are likable. The murders involved are not gruesomely described, and the language is clean, so even young readers can enjoy them. Looking forward to #21.
September 25, 2016
Hillside, Texas hasn’t seen a murder in a solid week but that wasn’t going to last very long. Murder has been pretty common in this small town so it’s a good thing that Donut Delights bakery owner, Heather Shepherd, has received her private investigator’s diploma and has already helped solve one murder as a consultant to the Hillside Police Department. Little did she suspect that her next murder investigation will be coming up so soon.
Paul Jackson, also known as Quick Paul, has been murdered. He was caught in his office building after it burned to the ground. But then Quick Paul had no idea what was happening because he was drugged before the fire even started and died in the blaze.
Not many people trusted Quick Paul because he did some shady business dealings. He was the master of investment scandals and pyramid schemes and was always on the lookout to grab a fast buck or two. No one seemed all that bothered that Paul was dead but that was not going to stop Heather from working on her second consultant gig to find out who murdered the man.
With the help of her best friend, Amy Givens, she discovers that Paul had meetings with two people scheduled. One was with Jeremy Hill and Hillside’s own Bob from Bob’s Bug Debunker.
Jeremy was pretty calm talking with Heather as she investigated but his wife Katie was pretty mean telling Heather to leave her family alone and the she didn’t want any more trouble.
Bob from Bob’s Bug Debunker seemed fairly calm as well, eating his Cheetos and sharing them with Amy, which is what Bob and Amy usually did. Heather knew there was a reason why Amy didn't mind going into Bob's exterminating store.
Heather also spoke with Jeremy’s father, Peter, during her investigation and she also learned some interesting information. Even though Jeremy said that he hadn’t met with Quick Paul apparently they did have some kind of meeting because Paul was financing Paul’s new business product called Diaper Pop. Diaper Pop is a diaper that will pop open when it’s full. Heather wondered if that was really an improved diaper.
Also on Heather’s plate is the upcoming opening of the new and improved Donut Delights within the week. She has to bake enough of her new raspberry mojito donuts for all her customers. There’s also something else that’s on her mind that’s causing her to lose focus on the investigation of Quick Paul’s murder.
Author Susan Gillard has put out another good book in the long Donut Hole Cozy Mystery Series. “Raspberry Mojito Murder” is the 20th novel and just as entertaining as the rest. Ms. Gillard publishes the series so fast that it’s almost like being with these great characters every day. Fans of the series always know what’s going on in Hillside and the people who live there.
The series is fun and you don’t necessarily have read them in order but it’s best that you do. As soon as I finish the latest book I wonder what the next one will be about and always look forward to reading the newest installment.
Paul Jackson, also known as Quick Paul, has been murdered. He was caught in his office building after it burned to the ground. But then Quick Paul had no idea what was happening because he was drugged before the fire even started and died in the blaze.
Not many people trusted Quick Paul because he did some shady business dealings. He was the master of investment scandals and pyramid schemes and was always on the lookout to grab a fast buck or two. No one seemed all that bothered that Paul was dead but that was not going to stop Heather from working on her second consultant gig to find out who murdered the man.
With the help of her best friend, Amy Givens, she discovers that Paul had meetings with two people scheduled. One was with Jeremy Hill and Hillside’s own Bob from Bob’s Bug Debunker.
Jeremy was pretty calm talking with Heather as she investigated but his wife Katie was pretty mean telling Heather to leave her family alone and the she didn’t want any more trouble.
Bob from Bob’s Bug Debunker seemed fairly calm as well, eating his Cheetos and sharing them with Amy, which is what Bob and Amy usually did. Heather knew there was a reason why Amy didn't mind going into Bob's exterminating store.
Heather also spoke with Jeremy’s father, Peter, during her investigation and she also learned some interesting information. Even though Jeremy said that he hadn’t met with Quick Paul apparently they did have some kind of meeting because Paul was financing Paul’s new business product called Diaper Pop. Diaper Pop is a diaper that will pop open when it’s full. Heather wondered if that was really an improved diaper.
Also on Heather’s plate is the upcoming opening of the new and improved Donut Delights within the week. She has to bake enough of her new raspberry mojito donuts for all her customers. There’s also something else that’s on her mind that’s causing her to lose focus on the investigation of Quick Paul’s murder.
Author Susan Gillard has put out another good book in the long Donut Hole Cozy Mystery Series. “Raspberry Mojito Murder” is the 20th novel and just as entertaining as the rest. Ms. Gillard publishes the series so fast that it’s almost like being with these great characters every day. Fans of the series always know what’s going on in Hillside and the people who live there.
The series is fun and you don’t necessarily have read them in order but it’s best that you do. As soon as I finish the latest book I wonder what the next one will be about and always look forward to reading the newest installment.
September 28, 2016
Heather's world is completely changing. Lily might be moving away with her foster parents and leaving Heather heartbroken. Donut Delights is a week from reopening bigger and better. And a fire has broken out six doors from her donut shop. It looks like the arson is covering up a murder. Heather is called in to consult. She needs to get this cleared fast because Davidson may be coming back soon.
This isn't one of her better books, in my opinion. There are three suspects to choose from. Way to easy to figure out. It's almost like the author hurried to release this installment. I don't mind waiting longer if it's well thought out. Don't get me wrong. I enjoy this cast of characters. I just felt let down with this installment.
I can't wait for the next book to see if it's better.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
This isn't one of her better books, in my opinion. There are three suspects to choose from. Way to easy to figure out. It's almost like the author hurried to release this installment. I don't mind waiting longer if it's well thought out. Don't get me wrong. I enjoy this cast of characters. I just felt let down with this installment.
I can't wait for the next book to see if it's better.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 25, 2016
Raspberry Mojito Murder is the 20th installment in Susan Gillard’s Donut Hole Cozy Mystery series. It’s a quick, easy, and fun read with no gratuitous sex, violence, or foul language. The books in this series are good whodunits and express friendship and compassion, but could use better editing and proofing.
Heather’s new assignment from the Hillside PD involves arson and murder. The victim is identified as Paul Jackson, a/k/a Quick Paul because of his pyramid schemes and investment scandals. Heather is looking forward to Donut Delights re-opening in a week but stressed about the possibility of Lilly’s foster parents moving out of Hillside.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Heather’s new assignment from the Hillside PD involves arson and murder. The victim is identified as Paul Jackson, a/k/a Quick Paul because of his pyramid schemes and investment scandals. Heather is looking forward to Donut Delights re-opening in a week but stressed about the possibility of Lilly’s foster parents moving out of Hillside.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 27, 2016
With the new Donut Delights opening in a week, Heather may be on vacation but that hasn't stopped her from creating a fabulous new donut and consulting on the latest murder to rock Hillside. With Amy, her bestie, and Dave, her loyal canine companion, Heather interviews and investigates the people associated with the victim until she finally figures out whodunit. A personal issue hanging over her and Ryan finally rights itself in a very satisfying conclusion. Every time I read a new book in this series, I feel like I'm visiting with old friends. I just wish there was a donut shop like Heather's close to where I live because everything she makes sounds incredible!
* I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
* I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 26, 2016
Although on a “vacation” from the donut shop, life is not relaxing for Heather. A fire close to the shop turns out to be arson and Heather is called in as consultant to sort it all out. With snide remarks from Ryan’s fellow officers, the imminent reopening of the shop and Lilly’s possible move from the area, Heather has a lot to on her plate.
This is another quick read in the series and the stories move along quite nicely.
This is another quick read in the series and the stories move along quite nicely.
September 27, 2016
Another visit with Heather Shepard and citizens of Hillside -and yet another murder. Forced to take a weeklong vacation from her gourmet donut shop, Heather is drawn into the investigation of the arson/murder of a local businessman. Working with her police detective husband Ryan and her BFF Amy, Heather follows the clues to solve the crime.
The Donut Hole series represents the cozy genre well. Susan Gillard offers enough twists and turns to keep the reader engaged and populates her stories with likeable characters. If you're looking for a relatively short, easy read, this may well be the series for you.
I received an ARC in return for an honest review. The opinions are my own.
The Donut Hole series represents the cozy genre well. Susan Gillard offers enough twists and turns to keep the reader engaged and populates her stories with likeable characters. If you're looking for a relatively short, easy read, this may well be the series for you.
I received an ARC in return for an honest review. The opinions are my own.
September 23, 2016
New donut flavor, larger store, new case, and larger family?
Now that Heather has her PI license, Ryan hires her as a consultant to solve his cases. But so much is going on at once. Uncooperative people to interview, a grand opening for the enlarged Donut Delights store, a new donut to create for the opening, and worrying about Lilly's foster family moving away. Join Heather, Ryan, and Amy to see what's next.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Now that Heather has her PI license, Ryan hires her as a consultant to solve his cases. But so much is going on at once. Uncooperative people to interview, a grand opening for the enlarged Donut Delights store, a new donut to create for the opening, and worrying about Lilly's foster family moving away. Join Heather, Ryan, and Amy to see what's next.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 24, 2016
As Heather is "on vacation" until the new and improved shop is being renovated she gets another case that has her really wondering if she knows what she is doing as a PI. Also with the thought of Lilly leaving town she is kind of at a loss with the possibility of loosing her. With the help of Amy, Dave, Ryan and Lilly Heather finally sees the light at the end of the tunnel in time to capture the murderer. I won't spoil the ending but it was great. Can't wait for the next book. Love this series and Susan Gillard is excellent at describing the settings and donuts always makes me hungry.
November 4, 2016
This is the 2o th in the series. In this one Heather has the store closed for the week, while they waiting for the opening of the newly enlarged store , looking into another murder and waiting to see if Lilly will want to stay with them as their foster daughter. Heather and Ryan are paired again as police officer and P I consultant to the police. The two make a great team and Heather with the help of best bud Amy and Lilly, Heather figures it out again. I am sure you'll find one this one a little funny strange in places.
November 15, 2016
I'm definitely giving this five stars because it has been a while since I read a book by Susan that put a smile on my face. Of course I'm a little bit behind but I'm trying to catch up on this series and then the cookie series. I'm actually happy to see the growth with Heather and Lilly. I'm not a fan of the Au-Heather and I also find it strange that Ryan told Heather that she had to get her PI license so that she could work for the Department, however it's okay for Amy to go out and work cases with her??? All in all I can't wait to read the next book
September 25, 2016
The renovation to Donut Delights is almost complete and Heather and her crew have the week off. However, having the week off from making donuts does not mean Heather and her friend Amy have the week off from murder as they try to find out who murdered Quick Paul Jackson. Also, something that was left unresolved in the last book comes to a conclusion that left me in tears. Thank you, Susan Gillard, for another wonderful book!
September 28, 2016
Donut Delights is a week away from reopening and Heather is making a new donut for the grand opening. Once again Ryan has asked Heather to help with a case, and trying to interview people that won't cooperate is not making it any easier.
Also Lilly's foster parents have decided to move....what does that mean for Lilly?
Another fun read in this series and can't wait to see what happens next!
Also Lilly's foster parents have decided to move....what does that mean for Lilly?
Another fun read in this series and can't wait to see what happens next!
December 20, 2016
This was my first Donut Hole Mystery so I was a bit lost as far as the characters go. It is a quick fun read. Clean mystery. I could have used a bit more enthusiasm in the sleuthing rather than resigned to solve vibe. Likable characters with an emotional ending. I'll be wanting the first 19 books now...
October 17, 2016
Awww so many problems and so little time.
Heather is now legal to help Ryan and with her shop closed from remodel what ever will she do? Only help solve a murder. Watch as Heather works to find a killer while getting her life in order for a possible big change.
Heather is now legal to help Ryan and with her shop closed from remodel what ever will she do? Only help solve a murder. Watch as Heather works to find a killer while getting her life in order for a possible big change.
April 14, 2017
I have to admit to being hooked on this series of over 40 books. Ryan, Heather and Lily are relatable, intriguing characters although Amy is a bit too much. At this point,at Book 20, I am even skipping over most of the word substitutions which abound...probably due to autocorrect function. Please, Susan, have a human proofread for you.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews