Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Mom and Christy's Mysteries #3

Milkshakes and Murder

Rate this book
Will they solve this ice cold crime in time?

Each mystery is complete. Read in any order!

Everyone’s favorite mother and daughter catering/crime solving duo returns for another adventure.

Mom’s quest to win “Best Milkshake” in the Fletcher Canyon newspaper sparks a rivalry with the neighboring ice cream parlor. But when the judge dies after tasting Mom’s milkshake, Mom and Christy’s catering business flat lines.

Mom’s sure it was sabotage gone awry, but Christy thinks it was murder. Can she convince Mom to widen her list of suspects before their catering reputation is damaged for good?

Find out in this clean, comedy cozy! No graphic violence. No language. Cute cat!

194 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 17, 2017

305 people are currently reading
339 people want to read

About the author

Christy Murphy

12 books68 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
196 (46%)
4 stars
135 (31%)
3 stars
67 (15%)
2 stars
18 (4%)
1 star
6 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
Profile Image for Louie the Mustache Matos.
1,427 reviews139 followers
June 13, 2023
Milkshakes and Murder is Book #3 in the Mom and Christy Mystery Series. It is a short, quick read that I read in a few hours. It is not necessary to read them in order because all the mysteries are completely self-contained; however, there is a little soap opera element that might enhance your reading experience if read in order. The stories are entertaining. The characters, especially Filipino Mom, are funny. The interactions are light.

My only real complaint is that there never really appears to be any imminent danger. These mysteries are a little too PG for me. Again, there are a lot of good things here and I guess after glutting myself on some hardcore horror, I needed something a little more "comfort food." Three books into this series, I’m feeling like I’m overdosing on Halloween candy. 3 stars for this one and I think I’m done with this series. I hate acting like an old fuddy duddy, so I won't be pissing on this parade. They are fun, light reads with some organic humor from some non-white characters.
Profile Image for Erin.
3,897 reviews466 followers
August 5, 2023
Brent died the next day. The entire town became convinced that it was The Lucky Dragon’s egg roll, Mom’s milkshake, or a combination of both that killed him. Now it's obvious where the milkshake part of this case comes in, but what about the murder?


When Jo(Mom) enters into a local contest, she soon finds herself a suspect when the judge dies after drinking her milkshake. Christy, Mom and a host of friends are determined to clear her name.

I am fastly becoming addicted to this series which is based on the very real mother-daughter relationship of the author and her mother. This book is a little longer than books 1 and 2 which was fine by me as we got more character development. And a little bit of romance between Christy and the local police detective that always lends a helping hand.

The author mentions in her author's note that she has another series starting inside by her sister. I will have to check those out after reading this series.

Goodreads review published 05/08/23
Profile Image for Randee.
1,084 reviews37 followers
May 23, 2018
This series is so cute, I can hardly stand it. Mom is such a hoot....she and her best friend, Wendling, crack me up. Mom (her name is Jo) is a Filipino caterer and Wendling is a Chinese restaurant owner. Their conversations are laugh out loud funny at times. Then there is Christy who is always embarrassed and/or worried by her mother's actions. Christy and her relationship with her mother is pretty funny as well. The books in this series are very lighthearted and can be read in about 2 hours. I love the older ladies fun loving lifestyle and curiosity. They have more energy and life than many people their kid's age. I will be reading #4 in June and I hope the author continues to write this series. I know she is working on a new one and I promise to read that too, but please, please, please continue this cozy series. It's like having a piece of apple pie warmed with a slab of Cheddar cheese on top..............it just does it for me!!!!!!!
1,383 reviews19 followers
November 15, 2021
The gang is all back and up to their usual mystery solving. This is everything I have come to expect from this series except, Mom is a little different in this book. Good reasons but I was a little disappointed.
Profile Image for Tari.
3,633 reviews103 followers
October 15, 2019
I just had to read more about Mom and her sleuthing, so I continued on from book 2. I loved that Christy has finally bettered herself in the way of confidence and self-esteem. She's realized that she really does have friends, and she doesn't have to take any lip or attempts to get away with less of a settlement from her no-good soon-to-be-ex, Robert. I hope that she gets that divorce so that she and DC can legally pursue a relationship.

I like that past characters are used in these books, like Barbara from the second book. I really had liked her character. I didn't guess this killer either, and Mom's method of getting her perp continued to amaze her police friend, DC. I've enjoyed the little notes at the end of the book from the author and her mom. She mentioned that the private detective introduced in this book, Eddie Harlow, was getting her own series, so I'd like to check that out.
128 reviews4 followers
August 10, 2019
A good cozy mystery

This book is a good clean cozy mystery, but it was a little slow at times. I think it was kind of boring at times. There were also some exciting things also, so I still recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good clean cozy mystery. It was humorous also.
Profile Image for Sandy Bartles.
1,395 reviews37 followers
January 28, 2020
Christy has grown a lot since the first book in the series, but her mom still knows how to bring a case to a close! This is a fascinating book. I never figured out who the killer was.

I borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited
Profile Image for Maja.
102 reviews
March 21, 2024
We love to see some character development in Christy; Dar-dar has my heart. Yes, men are in fact dogs.
Profile Image for Christine Gevas.
35 reviews1 follower
April 17, 2017
Great book! Very funny! I love this mother, daughter detective team. Set in a small mountain community, Christy and her mother must solve a murder mystery to save their reputation in the catering business, as well as the reputation of Mom's best friend. The judge of the "Best of Contest" for their small town dies after having some of Moms' milkshake but it wasn't from food poisoning. There are many suspects but only one killer. I cant wait to read the rest of this series. I received a free copy of this book for an honest review.
Profile Image for Sandra Small.
106 reviews
April 18, 2017
I like it when things come together!

Another great who-dun-it! The characters and plot are so believable and the mom and daughter are loveable! Can't wait til' the next story comes out! Please be sure and edit for the typos! Thank you for your imagination!
Profile Image for Texas.
1,685 reviews394 followers
May 22, 2018
Mango Cake and Murder #1- Heartwarming and funny. I love the relationship between the mother and daughter; they reminded me of other m/d relationships like Joy Luck Club, etc. The mother is wise, caring, sensible, a matchmaker (her daughter's) and is loved by all. The daughter realizes how great and loved her mother is and there's the extended family, too. A love interest and a cat with personality. Can't forget the murder and the characters involved with that family. A funny, quickly read suspense.

Apple Pies and Alibis #2 - Another funny book. A well written comedy with a wonderful cast of characters supporting Mom and Christy as they solve another mysterious death, find a sandwich thief and the employee selling company secrets; while they successfully caterer parties and luncheons. When you finish the book, you're sad, but still happy from reading, that the book is finished and you don't have Milkshakes and Murder on hand.

Milkshakes and Murder #3 - They're at it again! Another well written, fun filled story with our favorite ladies and a well thought out plot that keeps the reader immersed in the intrigue, suspense and now, a touch of romance. The characters are interesting and the dialog real. Some of the characters are developing into their full potential and it's fun to watch the growth. There's new characters that will be seen more in future books. Ms. Murphy doesn't disappoint the reader with her writing and sense of humor.

Mocha and Murder #4 - This is a pretty good story! Well written, funny, intriguing and a different path followed than in previous books. Add a PASSEL of new characters, interesting and entertaining, along with a plot that keeps the reader interested. The reader isn't disappointed with the author's writing style and her sense of humor.

Coconuts and Crooks #5 – A well written, interesting, serious but informative story about Christy and her mom’s trip to the Philippines to solve the murder of her mom’s sister. Things go as usual and there’s another murder to solve. The characters are well developed and their dialog is realistic and interesting. The plot keeps the reader immersed in the story and Ms. Murphy’s descriptions paint interesting views of life there and their problems with the murders. This story doesn’t disappoint the reader. The note from the author is interesting on it’s own and worth reading. I contacted the author to review her books.

Honey Buns and Homicide #6 - This is not my first book by Ms. Murphy, but I had so much fun reading it. Not only that, but I caught myself immersed in the pages waiting to see what was next and if I was right about the baddie. This book reads so much like a conversation between friends, drinking ice tea on the front porch. It's well written, interesting, well thought out and filled with humor while being a substantial read. I'm always looking for the next Murphy book; there's no disappointment or stupid formulas, but someone who writes an interesting humorous story. I contacted the author to review her book.

The Secret Truth of Time - I've read Mango Cake and Murder, and Apple Pies and Alibis, and was surprised at the difference between those books and The Secret Truth of Time. Totally and completely apples and oranges. This well written paranormal book is fast paced and difficult to put down. I read it in one sitting. The characters are interesting and the plot is intriguing. The Time Travel alone is a major character! Ms. Murphy is one heck of a storyteller. Don't expect humor and lightheartedness in this story. It is spellbinding!
1,047 reviews5 followers
December 10, 2017
Christy's mom, Jo, enters the “Best of Fletcher Canyon" contest, in the milkshake category of all things. In such a small town, there's usually only one entry per category, so the entrant = the winner. In the milkshake category, the diner also enters their milkshake, so there is a contest. When the judge dies after acting weird and then taste-testing Jo's shake in the Lucky Dragon, there's a pile of suspects, so team Christy/Jo set out to clear their names and reopen the restaurant (someone filed a health dept complaint). We meet Dar Dar, a man from Jo's hometown who now works at a local motel. I think he'll show up again. Christy's ex shows up in person, not just with phone calls and mail, but she stands her ground on the paperwork, having done some research and found that her hard work paid off for him with a big gig.

Still, a fun read. Christy and Jo's relationship is interesting, Christy has gotten the hang of driving that monstrosity, and the town sounds like a neat place.

Could use a run-through by an editor...
"But now, after a couple of months of driving I, didn't feel my mortality as acutely as I had when first got it" (loc 458, misplaced comma and a missing word)

"open to a payment plant or help us 'mediate'..." (loc 1575, plant->plan)
Profile Image for Woody.
230 reviews1 follower
November 18, 2017
Book 3 opens with a competition for the Best Milkshake in Fletcher Canyon. When the judge dies after drinking Jo’s milkshake, Christy’s mother catering business suffers. So, it’s up to the amateur detective duo to solve the possible murder. I love the characters of Christy and her mom Jo and their marvellous relationship, Sherlock to her Watson. So refreshing to read about normal characters. It is a stand alone book but I always start at the beginning of a series in order to follow the characters and see their development. Christy’s character was certainly growing in this book. There are a couple of on-going sub-plots too. The one with Robert the soon to be divorced husband has me completely hooked. Very witty pleasant cozy murder mystery that leaves you feeling good.
Profile Image for Mary.
922 reviews38 followers
May 25, 2023
It was supposed to be funny, I only found it mildly funny. The story was a little strange. It started out at a Judging of "The Best of" contest for the Evening Local Newspaper. It is a contest that the Bewspaper does every year. And it seems like the same people win ghe titles in the same category each
year.

This year was a little different, though, It ended with the Judge dying and not having a winner.
the Judge died from a concussion. But Christy and her Mom decided to investigate the murder.

They got involved and they found the killer before the police!

It could have been funnier, but it was well written and kept my interest.
Profile Image for Roy Murry.
Author 11 books112 followers
June 2, 2023
MILKSHAKES and MURDER

MOM and CHRISTY's Cozy Mystery's 3

CHRISTY MURPHY



Review by Author Roy Murry



MOM is Jo, and she is the show. Christy is the daughter who is trying to find her way in the world after a divorce from a ten-year marriage.

The judge in a newspaper contest walks out of the venue after drinking MoMom'silkshake, falls, and dies. Unfortunately, the cause of death is milky - food poisoning or concussion.

The man's life is the crux of the story. Using her contacts, Mom piece-by-piece connects the dots between this disliked person who was mining illegally and his partner.

Ms. MuMurphy'sriting is fun, quick, and easy to read. It is an excellent cozy mystery series to buy.

190 reviews
November 16, 2017
Christy and her Mom are back again in the middle of another murder mystery. Fletcher Canyon is a small close knit town where the people know each other and don't mind sharing the gossip. Christy and her mother have lots of interesting friends and meet a new one called Dar-Dar who is a real character. Christy's almost ex-husband is pushing her to sign divorce papers while she and her mother are doing some sleuthing to solve a murder. Could Christy's life get more complicated? This is a real page-turner that will keep you reading .
Profile Image for Cheryl.
1,159 reviews12 followers
November 16, 2017
This is the first time reading this author and I will be reading more by her. The main character is Christy and her mom Jo. Jo has entered a contest to be chosen as the best milkshake in town. Just a couple of minutes after tasting her milkshake the judge dies. Everyone thinks it that it might have been the milkshake . So Christy and her mom set out to find out who really did him in. It's a lighthearted and funny story . I enjoyed it and I think you will too.
Profile Image for Marcus.
764 reviews4 followers
November 29, 2017
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review

This was a quick comedic read of a murder in a small town. The characters were well written, played well off of each other, action wasn't the in your face kind; but was always present in the background, and there was even a love angle/interest present. The author complied all of these elements into a very comprehensive well written story. A good read.
164 reviews
May 1, 2018
Short and sweet

This book gives a nice little taste of Southern California mixed with an unexpected death. I enjoyed the relationships had by the narrator and her mother, as well as her mother's relationship with her best friend. And then there's the cute detective, a good guy who is interested in the narrator and willing to help her mother find the real killer of the cooking contest judge and eliminate herself (Mom) as the main suspect.
408 reviews7 followers
September 3, 2018
It was OK

I don’t have a lot to say about this book, it was all right, the mystery was somewhat interesting. But I still can’t really enjoy the self-doubt, lack of confidence, and childlike behavior of Christie, and I really am not the biggest fan of being Mary Sue qualities of her mother and the story. But I look forward to seeing how things turn out in other books in the series. And the ending was sweet.It was OK
Profile Image for Gabby.
2,522 reviews26 followers
October 14, 2021
Character study gold!

I surprisingly enjoyed this episode, it is far more relationship focused which made things interesting. I loved the slow growth of Christy’s confidence and I really hope she keeps it as whining and hiding only does so much. I love Dar-dar as a character and hope he comes back. It was a very different take as to why the murder happened and I loved the bait and switch. This series is really starting to grow on me!
Profile Image for Sharon.
295 reviews
November 1, 2017
Another great story by Christy

When the judge of a local food contest falls over and dies, folks in town think it was it was from the last thing he tasted, Mom's milkshake. Mom, Christy, and Weiling, take on the challenge if finding the real killer in this fun and somewhat complicated mystery.
Profile Image for Judi.
16 reviews3 followers
November 9, 2017
Mom & Daughter ride again

This is my first but not my last Christy Murphy mystery & I thoroughly enjoyed it. I loved the characters & their foibles. It is so refreshing to find protagonists who are not perfect in mind & body. They become real to the reader. The story is well plotted & flows smoothly. Found it a little hard to put down. Now I have to find the ones at come before.
Profile Image for Karen.
112 reviews1 follower
April 30, 2018
Another good one from Christy Murphy

I love Christy's mom!! She's funny and mischievous as well a good sleuth. Christy is a very much a mama's girl at heart but is finally coming into her own after ditching her louse of a husband. I your the story and mystery in this book and am sure you will too.
1,769 reviews23 followers
September 14, 2018
Mom and I did it again

Another perfectly baked up mystery with stellar caracters and more than one half baked dead flop on the start of this little mystery great fun with a lot of giggles and a little romance in the air. So grab your drink,a little treat and Milkshakes and Murder, settle in now start reading. Kat
248 reviews1 follower
August 13, 2019
Really comical cozy murder mystery

I really love reading about Christy and her mom’s sleuthing. There are always really quirky, funny characters and situations. More about Christy’s pending ex-husband and his cruelty makes me proud of how she is standing up for herself. I didn’t have a clue to who the murderer was until the end. I definitely recommend this book.
115 reviews2 followers
January 1, 2018
Milkshakes and Murder

I like the banter between the characters It's also interesting to see how the main character's views of herself and others changes in the story. A real fun tale
1,292 reviews1 follower
August 19, 2019
The hunky detective

Christie a d her Mom need to find what killed the man who died after eating Mom's milkshake. Meanwhile, the restaurant is closed so they can persue investigating. Christie does the computer searching. Mom does the interviewing.
Profile Image for SANDYE.
458 reviews4 followers
October 20, 2019
Another great one!!

I am loving the Mom and Christy mystery series!! Number three was just as great as the first two! I enjoyed watching the obvious changes in Christy and look forward to reading number four soon!
Profile Image for Meghan Buchman.
259 reviews6 followers
April 27, 2020
If you need a break from thrillers & suspense novels but still need a little bit of mystery, this is the book. It's written almost Hallmarkesque. If you can get it for free, read it, if you have to pay, skip it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.