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Pancake House Mystery #3
Of Spice and Men
Lights. Camera. Murder? Wildwood Cove’s star turn is soured by a sneaky killer in this delicious cozy mystery from the USA Today bestselling author of The Crêpes of Wrath.
Bonus content: includes original recipes inspired by the Flip Side Pancake House menu!
With a Hollywood film crew in town to shoot a remake of the horror classic The Perishing, the residents of Wildwood Cove are all abuzz. Even Marley McKinney, owner of The Flip Side Pancake House, can overlook the fact that the lead actress, Alyssa Jayde, happens to be an old flame of her boyfriend. After all, the crew loves Marley’s crêpes—so much so that Christine, the head makeup artist, invites her onset for a behind-the-scenes tour. But when Marley arrives, the special-effects trailer is on fire . . . with Christine inside.
The cops quickly rule Christine’s death a murder, and Alyssa a suspect. Marley’s boyfriend insists that the actress is innocent, but when Marley sticks her nose into the complicated lives of The Perishing’s cast and crew, she discovers more questions than answers. It seems that everyone has a hidden agenda—and a plausible motive. And as the horror spills over from the silver screen, Marley gets a funny feeling that she may be the killer’s next victim.
Sarah Fox’s addictive Pancake House Mysteries can be enjoyed together or à la carte:
THE CRÊPES OF WRATH | FOR WHOM THE BREAD ROLLS | OF SPICE AND MEN
Bonus content: includes original recipes inspired by the Flip Side Pancake House menu!
With a Hollywood film crew in town to shoot a remake of the horror classic The Perishing, the residents of Wildwood Cove are all abuzz. Even Marley McKinney, owner of The Flip Side Pancake House, can overlook the fact that the lead actress, Alyssa Jayde, happens to be an old flame of her boyfriend. After all, the crew loves Marley’s crêpes—so much so that Christine, the head makeup artist, invites her onset for a behind-the-scenes tour. But when Marley arrives, the special-effects trailer is on fire . . . with Christine inside.
The cops quickly rule Christine’s death a murder, and Alyssa a suspect. Marley’s boyfriend insists that the actress is innocent, but when Marley sticks her nose into the complicated lives of The Perishing’s cast and crew, she discovers more questions than answers. It seems that everyone has a hidden agenda—and a plausible motive. And as the horror spills over from the silver screen, Marley gets a funny feeling that she may be the killer’s next victim.
Sarah Fox’s addictive Pancake House Mysteries can be enjoyed together or à la carte:
THE CRÊPES OF WRATH | FOR WHOM THE BREAD ROLLS | OF SPICE AND MEN
307 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 7, 2017
169 people are currently reading
924 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Fox
23 books749 followersSarah Fox, writer of cozy mysteries, was born and raised in Vancouver, British Columbia, where she developed a love for mysteries at a young age. When not writing novels or working as a legal writer she is often reading her way through a stack of books or spending time outdoors with her English Springer Spaniel.
Sarah is the author of the Literary Pub Mysteries, the Pancake House Mysteries, and the Music Lover's Mysteries.
Sarah is the author of the Literary Pub Mysteries, the Pancake House Mysteries, and the Music Lover's Mysteries.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 163 reviews
November 17, 2017
Of Spice and Men is the 3rd book in the yummy Pancake House mystery series. I enjoy this sweet cozy mystery series, and knew I would enjoy this latest installment. I was not disappointed!
A Hollywood film crew is in Wildwood Cove filming a horror sequel. The crew start coming into The Flip Side Pancake House to eat. They love Owner Marley McKinney's pancakes so much that she is invited by the lead make-up artist to have a tour of the film set. When she arrives, the set soon dissolves into chaos. The special-effects trailer is on fire with make-up artist Christine inside. The death is ruled a homicide, and lead actress Alyssa Jayde is their number one suspect. Marley can't resist investigating, but it turns out that snooping into the lives and secrets of the horror film actors and crew might be more scary and dangerous than the film itself.
I like the background theme of this series..... mmmmmm pancakes! And I also like Marley as a main character. She meets challenges head-on and uses her intelligence and personality well in her amateur sleuthing. The character has developed and matured as the series moves along. I wasn't completely surprised by the ending....but I liked the twists in the plot. And the ending had lots of action and excitement. And, at the end of the book -- RECIPES! The pumpkin waffle recipe sounds absolutely wonderful!!! MMMMMMM :)
All in all, a nice new addition to this series. It's a light, enjoyable quick read. I can't wait to read the next book in the series!
To learn more about the author and her books, check out her website: http://www.authorsarahfox.com/
**I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy of this book from Random House via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**
A Hollywood film crew is in Wildwood Cove filming a horror sequel. The crew start coming into The Flip Side Pancake House to eat. They love Owner Marley McKinney's pancakes so much that she is invited by the lead make-up artist to have a tour of the film set. When she arrives, the set soon dissolves into chaos. The special-effects trailer is on fire with make-up artist Christine inside. The death is ruled a homicide, and lead actress Alyssa Jayde is their number one suspect. Marley can't resist investigating, but it turns out that snooping into the lives and secrets of the horror film actors and crew might be more scary and dangerous than the film itself.
I like the background theme of this series..... mmmmmm pancakes! And I also like Marley as a main character. She meets challenges head-on and uses her intelligence and personality well in her amateur sleuthing. The character has developed and matured as the series moves along. I wasn't completely surprised by the ending....but I liked the twists in the plot. And the ending had lots of action and excitement. And, at the end of the book -- RECIPES! The pumpkin waffle recipe sounds absolutely wonderful!!! MMMMMMM :)
All in all, a nice new addition to this series. It's a light, enjoyable quick read. I can't wait to read the next book in the series!
To learn more about the author and her books, check out her website: http://www.authorsarahfox.com/
**I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy of this book from Random House via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**
November 4, 2019
4.5 rounded up.
September 28, 2018
I enjoyed this third addition to the Pancake House Mystery seies. Of Spice and Men by Sarah Fox is a fun cozy with more to the story than just solving a murder. Marley McKinney is a strong protagonist and is quite realistic. She could be anyone's friend and business owner. One thing I like about this series, is that Marley owns a business and actually spends time at it, not just investigating a murder. She also has real feelings such as jealousy, when she finds out that the lead actress in the movie filming in town used to be her boyfriend Brett's fiancee.
Wildwood Cove is full of excitment with the arrival of the Hollywood movie crew, producing a remake of a cult classic. Luckily for the patrons of The Flipside, Marley's pancake house, the distraction does not ruin the delicious treats that come out of the kitchen. The descriptions of the food will make your mouth water. Marley's staff have stars in their eyes and when they are invited by Christine, the film's head make-up artist, to take a tour behind the scenes, Marley takes her up on the offer. Hoping the distraction will keep her emotions in check, after seeing Brett and Alyssa Jayde in a questionable hug, Marley heads over to the Christine's trailer, and finds it on fire.
Marley dashes inside and drags Christine to safety, but she does not survive. When the coroner rules her death as foul play, (she was strangled), the leading lady, Alyssa is arrested. Brett is sure Alyssa is innocent, so Marley hits the streets to see if she can find the real killer, and repair her relationship with Brett
I like the background theme of this series, a pancake house. Marley is a great main character who uses her intelligence and friendly personality to gather information. The character has developed and matured as the series moves along. There were several suspects in the murder and the story did slow down a bit in the middle, but as the story started giving up its clues, it quickly showed who the culprit was. I also liked that there was no super rescue at the end, Marley was able to help herself so that when the police arrived, it was just another character that needed their help. For those of you that enjoy humorous cozies with quirky characters, this is not for you. If you enjoy a culinary cozy (with recipes) that are small town, with smart characters, then pick this one up. Overall, I enjoyed this story and will continue to read this series. I rounded up my rating from 3.5 stars to 4.
Fans of this series won;t want to miss Of Spice and Men which hits the shelves November 7th!
Be sure to grab your copy- and don't forget- books make great gifts!
Wildwood Cove is full of excitment with the arrival of the Hollywood movie crew, producing a remake of a cult classic. Luckily for the patrons of The Flipside, Marley's pancake house, the distraction does not ruin the delicious treats that come out of the kitchen. The descriptions of the food will make your mouth water. Marley's staff have stars in their eyes and when they are invited by Christine, the film's head make-up artist, to take a tour behind the scenes, Marley takes her up on the offer. Hoping the distraction will keep her emotions in check, after seeing Brett and Alyssa Jayde in a questionable hug, Marley heads over to the Christine's trailer, and finds it on fire.
Marley dashes inside and drags Christine to safety, but she does not survive. When the coroner rules her death as foul play, (she was strangled), the leading lady, Alyssa is arrested. Brett is sure Alyssa is innocent, so Marley hits the streets to see if she can find the real killer, and repair her relationship with Brett
I like the background theme of this series, a pancake house. Marley is a great main character who uses her intelligence and friendly personality to gather information. The character has developed and matured as the series moves along. There were several suspects in the murder and the story did slow down a bit in the middle, but as the story started giving up its clues, it quickly showed who the culprit was. I also liked that there was no super rescue at the end, Marley was able to help herself so that when the police arrived, it was just another character that needed their help. For those of you that enjoy humorous cozies with quirky characters, this is not for you. If you enjoy a culinary cozy (with recipes) that are small town, with smart characters, then pick this one up. Overall, I enjoyed this story and will continue to read this series. I rounded up my rating from 3.5 stars to 4.
Fans of this series won;t want to miss Of Spice and Men which hits the shelves November 7th!
Be sure to grab your copy- and don't forget- books make great gifts!
November 22, 2017
For complete review check out my blog at https://booksaplentybookreviews.blogs...
November 16, 2017
I really like Marley’s character. She’s the kind of person I would want to be friends with – and of course I would be camped out at her pancake house, the Flip Side. Her amateur sleuthing isn’t unrealistic or eye-roll inducing. It just feels like a natural part of her character to be curious and research/ask questions/poke around on her own. She doesn’t take true risks without letting someone know or taking someone with her. Usually. Because what kind of amateur sleuth would she be if she didn’t sometimes creep out on her own to investigate that weird noise.
The film set in the small coastal town of Wildwood Cove added more layers to the town, as well as to the plot. It was interesting to see how these temporarily-in-town characters played off the established citizens and especially the restaurant staff, etc. I really enjoy the character dynamics in this series overall, and adding the movie cast and crew didn’t disrupt it too much.
Bottom Line: Grab a stack of your favorite waffles or crepes (there are some recipes conveniently included in the back pages), a steaming mug of hot cocoa or coffee, and settle in for a great mystery read full of things that go bump in the night. A maybe haunted house, a beleaguered film set, and a murder to solve – just as the air turns crisp and the skies hang heavy and gray. Well-plotted with great characters and a quaint setting!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first seen at Reading Is My SuperPower
The film set in the small coastal town of Wildwood Cove added more layers to the town, as well as to the plot. It was interesting to see how these temporarily-in-town characters played off the established citizens and especially the restaurant staff, etc. I really enjoy the character dynamics in this series overall, and adding the movie cast and crew didn’t disrupt it too much.
Bottom Line: Grab a stack of your favorite waffles or crepes (there are some recipes conveniently included in the back pages), a steaming mug of hot cocoa or coffee, and settle in for a great mystery read full of things that go bump in the night. A maybe haunted house, a beleaguered film set, and a murder to solve – just as the air turns crisp and the skies hang heavy and gray. Well-plotted with great characters and a quaint setting!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first seen at Reading Is My SuperPower
March 20, 2022
Book 3. In town there is going to be film Perishing filming. Marley owner of Flip Side a Pancake House Seinna and Leigh her employees were excited. Chase was the lead actor and everyone thought he was so fine. A actress Alyssa was leading the role after another actress Emma had a car accident and broke her leg. Christine and Nicola the makeup artists asked Vienna and Marley if they would like to see how they worked. They both said yes.when they went there Alyssa and Christine were in a heated argument of a actor named Haze he was seeing Christine but Alyssa used to be his beau and Alyssa said she will get him. One thing led to another and Marley and Siena let her cool off. But after a few Christine trailer was on fire. Marley and another man assistant director helped get her out but after awhile she died cause she was strangled too. Brett Marley boyfriend had something he wanted to tell her. And Marley thought maybe he wanted to break up. And she was very miserable. In this book in the series there are a whole lot going on in the business world. And there are people that don't seem like who they are. You will not guess who the killer is. I liked this one. I read book 1 but not book 2. But I will
November 12, 2017
Originally published at Reading Reality
One of the things that makes cozy mysteries so cozy is that they are often set in small towns where there are lots of quirky and interesting characters and everyone knows everyone else’s business. One of the dilemmas of cozy mystery series set in small towns is that sooner or later the reader starts to wonder why anyone would continue to live in place where the odds of becoming either a murder victim or a murder suspect are so disproportionately high.
Could there be any remaining residents in Midsomer County who have not been involved in murder at some point? Or Cabot Cove?
In Of Spice and Men, the third book in the Pancake House mystery series, the author has solved the problem by bringing a film crew to the tiny town of Wildwood Cove. This is the kind of thing that really does happen, and lives in the town’s memories for decades after.
(If you are ever in tiny Micanopy, Florida they still have plenty of memorabilia from the local filming of the 1991 film Doc Hollywood on display)
The movie being filmed in Wildwood Cove is the remake of the cult horror classic The Perishing (apropos title, all things considered!), and the little coastal town has plenty of Victorian houses to use as stand-ins for the creep-o-rama. The film shoot is a lot of excitement for Wildwood Cove, but things get a bit too exciting when our amateur sleuth, Marley McKinney, finds the first victim in a burning trailer on set.
Marley tried to rescue the woman, but she was already dead when Marley found her. And even though Marley couldn’t have saved her, she still feels guilty that she didn’t. That’s enough to get Marley started on the case, even though, as usual, the sheriff would rather she resisted her impulse to conduct yet another amateur investigation.
When Marley discovers that the heroine of the movie is her boyfriend’s ex, that said ex is the prime suspect in the murder, that she expects Brett to “take care of things” with his uncle the sheriff, and that, most unnerving of all, Brett seems to be going along with her demands, Marley sees red. And green. Particularly as Brett keeps defending the woman, refusing to admit that she had both opportunity and motive.
After a lot of soul searching, Marley decides that solving the murder is the fastest way to get Allison Jayde out of her life – whether by landing her in jail for good or absolving her so that she doesn’t need Brett’s help. And who can blame her?
But the deeper that Marley digs, the more complicated the case gets. There are too many people who might have had a motive to kill the victim, and even more people who had a motive to pin it on the selfish and shallow Allison Jayde.
As Marley frequently complains, she has way more questions than she has answers. Right up to the moment she finds herself face-to-face with the murderer, and suddenly it all makes sense.
Unfortunately for Marley, it also makes sense for the murderer to make sure that she can’t reveal what she’s figured out to anyone else. Ever.
Escape Rating B: In the end, that I am still following this series boils down to the fact that I like Marley as the main character. Not just that she’s both plucky and nosy, but also the way that she has taken on the changes in her life and made a new life for herself in a new place with new (and interesting) people.
It takes as much courage in real life to immerse yourself in new surroundings with new people and especially take on the ownership of a business as it fictionally does to poke her nose into murder.
I like just how grounded Marley is, and how responsible she is. She genuinely does care about her town, her friends and her business – and occasionally that caring gets her into trouble.
It is interesting that all of the crimes she has poked her nose into, at least so far, have touched on her life directly in one way or another. Her first time out she was investigating the death of the cousin who left her the Flip Side Pancake House (The Crêpes of Wrath). In her second “case” she investigated the death of a local misanthrope because Marley herself was the prime suspect (For Whom the Bread Rolls). Now in her third “case” she’s looking into the murder in order to get her boyfriend’s ex out of town as fast as possible.
No one’s circle of acquaintances in real life is quite this murder-prone, but it does make for quirky mysteries.
The case that Marley is stuck in this time has a lot of twists and turns. And this time out the victims, suspects and witnesses are all outsiders, so Marley has a difficult time finding out who wants to do what to whom. There’s plenty of drama (and melodrama) both onscreen and off, and Marley has her hands full sorting out what is real and what is make believe.
But she’s likeable and always fun to watch. Enough so that I’m looking forward to her next adventure.
One of the things that makes cozy mysteries so cozy is that they are often set in small towns where there are lots of quirky and interesting characters and everyone knows everyone else’s business. One of the dilemmas of cozy mystery series set in small towns is that sooner or later the reader starts to wonder why anyone would continue to live in place where the odds of becoming either a murder victim or a murder suspect are so disproportionately high.
Could there be any remaining residents in Midsomer County who have not been involved in murder at some point? Or Cabot Cove?
In Of Spice and Men, the third book in the Pancake House mystery series, the author has solved the problem by bringing a film crew to the tiny town of Wildwood Cove. This is the kind of thing that really does happen, and lives in the town’s memories for decades after.
(If you are ever in tiny Micanopy, Florida they still have plenty of memorabilia from the local filming of the 1991 film Doc Hollywood on display)
The movie being filmed in Wildwood Cove is the remake of the cult horror classic The Perishing (apropos title, all things considered!), and the little coastal town has plenty of Victorian houses to use as stand-ins for the creep-o-rama. The film shoot is a lot of excitement for Wildwood Cove, but things get a bit too exciting when our amateur sleuth, Marley McKinney, finds the first victim in a burning trailer on set.
Marley tried to rescue the woman, but she was already dead when Marley found her. And even though Marley couldn’t have saved her, she still feels guilty that she didn’t. That’s enough to get Marley started on the case, even though, as usual, the sheriff would rather she resisted her impulse to conduct yet another amateur investigation.
When Marley discovers that the heroine of the movie is her boyfriend’s ex, that said ex is the prime suspect in the murder, that she expects Brett to “take care of things” with his uncle the sheriff, and that, most unnerving of all, Brett seems to be going along with her demands, Marley sees red. And green. Particularly as Brett keeps defending the woman, refusing to admit that she had both opportunity and motive.
After a lot of soul searching, Marley decides that solving the murder is the fastest way to get Allison Jayde out of her life – whether by landing her in jail for good or absolving her so that she doesn’t need Brett’s help. And who can blame her?
But the deeper that Marley digs, the more complicated the case gets. There are too many people who might have had a motive to kill the victim, and even more people who had a motive to pin it on the selfish and shallow Allison Jayde.
As Marley frequently complains, she has way more questions than she has answers. Right up to the moment she finds herself face-to-face with the murderer, and suddenly it all makes sense.
Unfortunately for Marley, it also makes sense for the murderer to make sure that she can’t reveal what she’s figured out to anyone else. Ever.
Escape Rating B: In the end, that I am still following this series boils down to the fact that I like Marley as the main character. Not just that she’s both plucky and nosy, but also the way that she has taken on the changes in her life and made a new life for herself in a new place with new (and interesting) people.
It takes as much courage in real life to immerse yourself in new surroundings with new people and especially take on the ownership of a business as it fictionally does to poke her nose into murder.
I like just how grounded Marley is, and how responsible she is. She genuinely does care about her town, her friends and her business – and occasionally that caring gets her into trouble.
It is interesting that all of the crimes she has poked her nose into, at least so far, have touched on her life directly in one way or another. Her first time out she was investigating the death of the cousin who left her the Flip Side Pancake House (The Crêpes of Wrath). In her second “case” she investigated the death of a local misanthrope because Marley herself was the prime suspect (For Whom the Bread Rolls). Now in her third “case” she’s looking into the murder in order to get her boyfriend’s ex out of town as fast as possible.
No one’s circle of acquaintances in real life is quite this murder-prone, but it does make for quirky mysteries.
The case that Marley is stuck in this time has a lot of twists and turns. And this time out the victims, suspects and witnesses are all outsiders, so Marley has a difficult time finding out who wants to do what to whom. There’s plenty of drama (and melodrama) both onscreen and off, and Marley has her hands full sorting out what is real and what is make believe.
But she’s likeable and always fun to watch. Enough so that I’m looking forward to her next adventure.
October 18, 2021
Love this series!
I’m really enjoying this series. Marley and Brett are adorable, the rest of the characters are fun and the pancakes sound amazing! The mystery was good and kept me guessing. Can’t wait for my next trip to the pancake house.
I’m really enjoying this series. Marley and Brett are adorable, the rest of the characters are fun and the pancakes sound amazing! The mystery was good and kept me guessing. Can’t wait for my next trip to the pancake house.
October 29, 2017
I finished book Three, Of Spice and Men, from the Pancake House Mystery series by Sarah Fox last Saturday night. I simply loved it. One of the things I have loved most about the series since the first book was the setting. A West Coast cozy mystery that gets the setting, feel and flair for the west coast has a special place in my heart. Until finding this series all the cozy mysteries I read were on the East Coast or tucked into the Southern USA . Living on the West Coast as I do, I was more than delighted to find author Sarah Fox and this series. In book three a movie crew has come to town and while filming a remake of a horror movie, mysterious things start happening and between the movie and the drama in main character Marley's life this cozy is quite exciting. I love her cat flap jack and feel like we really get to know her chef better in book three. There are mentions of so many wonderful menu items in this issue and I was thrilled with the recipes at the end of the book. Loved this story so much that I could not put it down and read very much past my bedtime to get it finished last Saturday night. This one comes out November 7th and published by Alibi/ Random House LLC.
October 5, 2019
I was so glad to get a chance to resume this series. I had seen that the cover of this looked Halloweeny, and it was a good read for this season. It wasn't directly involved with Halloween, but a crew was filming a scary movie in Wildwood Cove, and there was a supposedly haunted house. I loved that Marley and Brett grew even closer despite a hiccup when his former girlfriend was in town to star in the movie being made. It was nice that the side story involving someone from the last book was there and resolved as well as the main murder.
I hadn't guessed the killer, and the plot was a very good one with lots of twists and possibilities. The showdown was nail biting to say the least and a couple of things after that as well, but it all ended great with Marley and her friends watching the original version of the scary movie being filmed. I might just stand a chance of getting caught up in the series by the next book...maybe!
I hadn't guessed the killer, and the plot was a very good one with lots of twists and possibilities. The showdown was nail biting to say the least and a couple of things after that as well, but it all ended great with Marley and her friends watching the original version of the scary movie being filmed. I might just stand a chance of getting caught up in the series by the next book...maybe!
August 31, 2021
Another great book in the series! First of all, I love all things fall. The chilly mornings and storms and cafe fireplace got me so excited for the upcoming season. When an ex comes to town, things can always get mixed up and I love how everything played out. The emotions felt very real. The mystery was fantastic and I totally had no idea who the killer was. I was glad to see Marley reaching out to her friends when she was investigating, even though it didn't go as planned.
I really enjoyed this book and I am looking forward to reading book 4.
I really enjoyed this book and I am looking forward to reading book 4.
November 5, 2017
Of Spice and Men by Sarah Fox is another winner in this fantastic series.
Marley McKinney is a strong leading character and this book really shows her true self.
In a relationship with Brett, Marley is enjoying all the excitement that comes with a new relationship, stolen kisses, late night dates, holding hands and sleep overs.
Unfortunately for Marley, she is experiencing the not so pleasant things as well, including the return of the ex girlfriend, who is not only drop dead gorgeous, but the leading star in the remake of a classic horror film, The Perishing.
Wildwood cove is bustling with activity since the arrival of the Hollywood movie crew, in which the return of Alyssa Jayde has Marley on edge. Luckily for the patrons of The Flipside, Marley's pancake house, the distraction does not ruin the delicious treats that come out of the kitchen. The descriptions of the food will make your mouth water and you might find yourself in your own kitchen whipping up a batch of pumpkin crepes!
Marley's staff have stars in their eyes and when they are invited by Christine, the film's head make-up artist to take a tour behind the scenes, Marley takes her up on the offer. Hoping the distraction will keep her emotions in check, Marley heads over to the artist's trailer, only to find it on fire.
Without a second thought, Marley dashes inside and drags Christine to safety.
Sadly, Marley's efforts are not enough and Christine's death is ruled as foul play. The leading suspect? The leading lady- Alyssa!
When news hits the street, Brett id the first one to defend the actress, leaving Marley unsure of her relationship with him.
It is up to Marley to seek the truth and try to salvage her relationship with Brett.
Fans of this series won;t want to miss Of Spice and Men which hits the shelves November 7th!
Be sure to grab your copy- and don't forget- books make great gifts!
I voluntarily read an ARC of this book provided by NetGalley and Random House- Alibi.
Marley McKinney is a strong leading character and this book really shows her true self.
In a relationship with Brett, Marley is enjoying all the excitement that comes with a new relationship, stolen kisses, late night dates, holding hands and sleep overs.
Unfortunately for Marley, she is experiencing the not so pleasant things as well, including the return of the ex girlfriend, who is not only drop dead gorgeous, but the leading star in the remake of a classic horror film, The Perishing.
Wildwood cove is bustling with activity since the arrival of the Hollywood movie crew, in which the return of Alyssa Jayde has Marley on edge. Luckily for the patrons of The Flipside, Marley's pancake house, the distraction does not ruin the delicious treats that come out of the kitchen. The descriptions of the food will make your mouth water and you might find yourself in your own kitchen whipping up a batch of pumpkin crepes!
Marley's staff have stars in their eyes and when they are invited by Christine, the film's head make-up artist to take a tour behind the scenes, Marley takes her up on the offer. Hoping the distraction will keep her emotions in check, Marley heads over to the artist's trailer, only to find it on fire.
Without a second thought, Marley dashes inside and drags Christine to safety.
Sadly, Marley's efforts are not enough and Christine's death is ruled as foul play. The leading suspect? The leading lady- Alyssa!
When news hits the street, Brett id the first one to defend the actress, leaving Marley unsure of her relationship with him.
It is up to Marley to seek the truth and try to salvage her relationship with Brett.
Fans of this series won;t want to miss Of Spice and Men which hits the shelves November 7th!
Be sure to grab your copy- and don't forget- books make great gifts!
I voluntarily read an ARC of this book provided by NetGalley and Random House- Alibi.
November 30, 2017
4 stelle e mezza.
Altro buon libro di questa serie, un po' sdolcinato alla fine, ma visto quanto è capitato alla protagonista in precedenza ci sta anche. Il mistero è rimasto tale per quasi tutto il volume e il colpevole mi ha colto di sorpresa. Quindi, una buona lettura.
Altro buon libro di questa serie, un po' sdolcinato alla fine, ma visto quanto è capitato alla protagonista in precedenza ci sta anche. Il mistero è rimasto tale per quasi tutto il volume e il colpevole mi ha colto di sorpresa. Quindi, una buona lettura.
October 14, 2018
A movie is being filmed in wildwood cove and someone on the set has been murdered. Marley wants to know who would do such a thing and starts an all out investigation. I thought this was a very exciting addition to the Pancake House Mystery series and I look forward to book #4. I thank Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
April 9, 2019
A solid 3.5 read! Delightful series.
October 8, 2017
In this book of the Flapjack series, I found an unusual motive for the murder but the mystery was not much. I was disappointed with excessive verbiage I found. Marley's anguish as she learned of an affair that had occurred earlier in Brett's life. It covers much of the book. There are a number storms passing through the area. This is true of that area in the fall but the same words were used for each storm. Flapjack, the cat was mentioned several times but the same words were used each time. Marley attempt to escape from the killer went on too long.
A movie company is in town to shoot a remake of a classic horror film. Marley makes friends with the movie crew and Christine invited her to see how she works. On Arrival Marley finds Christine's trailer on fire. Christine was recused from the fire but she was strangled. Marley is determined to find the killer. Not a lot of information about the murder is found in the book. Marley did a lot of internet searches. Will she figure out the killer before Market's life is forfeit? Original Recipes are included.
Disclosure: I a free copy from Alibi through NetGalley for an honest review. I would like to thank them for this opportunity to read and review the book. The opinions expressed are my own.
A movie company is in town to shoot a remake of a classic horror film. Marley makes friends with the movie crew and Christine invited her to see how she works. On Arrival Marley finds Christine's trailer on fire. Christine was recused from the fire but she was strangled. Marley is determined to find the killer. Not a lot of information about the murder is found in the book. Marley did a lot of internet searches. Will she figure out the killer before Market's life is forfeit? Original Recipes are included.
Disclosure: I a free copy from Alibi through NetGalley for an honest review. I would like to thank them for this opportunity to read and review the book. The opinions expressed are my own.
October 23, 2017
This is the 3rd book in the Pancake House mysteries, and the characters are well established and familiar if you've read the previous two books. Marley owns a The Flip Side pancake house, a local diner. A film crew is in town to film a new movie, and everyone is excited to meet the stars and enjoy the Hollywood glamor. Marley is excited too, and when she meets Christine, the makeup artist, she plans a visit. When she gets there, Christine's trailer is on fire and Marley finds out she's been murdered.
The film's female co-star Alyssa is implicated, but Marley doesn't know that Alyssa is her boyfriend Brett's ex until she finds her in his arms. Brett swears he wants nothing to do with Alyssa, and swears she innocent of the murder, but Marley isn't so sure. Marley starts to investigate by hanging around the cast and crew and almost becomes a victim herself.
I really liked the plot and the characters in this book. The mystery was well thought out, and the murderer was a surprise until the end.
I highly recommend this book. Thanks to Random House Publishing Group - Alibi and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in
exchange for an honest review.
The film's female co-star Alyssa is implicated, but Marley doesn't know that Alyssa is her boyfriend Brett's ex until she finds her in his arms. Brett swears he wants nothing to do with Alyssa, and swears she innocent of the murder, but Marley isn't so sure. Marley starts to investigate by hanging around the cast and crew and almost becomes a victim herself.
I really liked the plot and the characters in this book. The mystery was well thought out, and the murderer was a surprise until the end.
I highly recommend this book. Thanks to Random House Publishing Group - Alibi and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in
exchange for an honest review.
October 13, 2024
Intrigue. Runaways. Killers. Severed heads. Movie stars. PANCAKES. Red Herrings galore. What a fun romp through this 3rd installment of the "Pancake House Mysteries". I really enjoy these books and the characters; they are very believable and fun and when there is danger afoot, you know that Marley will be right there in the middle of it all.
There were a few moments that I was not fond of [if you are dating someone seriously and it has evolved into an intimate relationship, I would HOPE that you and your SO would have discussed past serious relationships so that if someone from your past shows up, you are not totally and completely BLINDSIDED by it when it happens], but they were few and far between and for the most part this was a very enjoyable book. I like how the characters are developing and how we are seeing more interaction between Marley and her co-workers and her friends. It makes for a really enjoyable read.
Looking forward to #4!!
There were a few moments that I was not fond of [if you are dating someone seriously and it has evolved into an intimate relationship, I would HOPE that you and your SO would have discussed past serious relationships so that if someone from your past shows up, you are not totally and completely BLINDSIDED by it when it happens], but they were few and far between and for the most part this was a very enjoyable book. I like how the characters are developing and how we are seeing more interaction between Marley and her co-workers and her friends. It makes for a really enjoyable read.
Looking forward to #4!!
October 4, 2018
This charming addition to Sarah Fox’s Pancake House mysteries had me reaching for the maple syrup and firing up the griddle! Marley McKinney is at it again, turning up the heat to smoke out a wily killer--a killer who might just be hiding in plain sight. The Hollywood twist was a delight, adding suspects aplenty who seem to be sneaking around every corner. I was flipping the pages of my Kindle faster than Ivan flipped pancakes in The Flip Side’s kitchen! Well-rounded characters and a solid plot made this one of my favorite cozies of the year. I was happy to see that this series will continue, because I am ready for the next Pancake House mystery!
October 28, 2017
Synopsis:
Lights. Camera. Murder? Wildwood Cove’s star turn is soured by a sneaky killer in this delicious cozy mystery from the USA Today bestselling author of The Crêpes of Wrath.
Bonus content: includes original recipes inspired by the Flip Side Pancake House menu!
With a Hollywood film crew in town to shoot a remake of the horror classic The Perishing, the residents of Wildwood Cove are all abuzz. Even Marley McKinney, owner of The Flip Side Pancake House, can overlook the fact that the lead actress, Alyssa Jayde, happens to be an old flame of her boyfriend. After all, the crew loves Marley’s crêpes—so much so that Christine, the head makeup artist, invites her onset for a behind-the-scenes tour. But when Marley arrives, the special-effects trailer is on fire . . . with Christine inside.
The cops quickly rule Christine’s death a murder, and Alyssa a suspect. Marley’s boyfriend insists that the actress is innocent, but when Marley sticks her nose into the complicated lives of The Perishing’s cast and crew, she discovers more questions than answers. It seems that everyone has a hidden agenda—and a plausible motive. And as the horror spills over from the silver screen, Marley gets a funny feeling that she may be the killer’s next victim. (Goodreads)
Review:
Marley is a smart , inquisitive and hardworking woman. As owner of The Flipside Pancake house, she has to be. She loves her business, her coworkers and Wildwood Cove in general. That is why when there is a murder in the town, she feels compelled to help find the culprit. She has helped solved other murder mysteries, so why not this one?
The characters are well developed and well rounded. I liked getting to spend more time with Marley, her employees Ivan and Sienna and her girlfriend, Lisa. I felt like there were too many characters in this book. With all of the film crew members in town it was hard for me to keep track of so many people. That is only my opinion and others readers may not agree with me. I also thought that the problems with Marley and Brett, her boyfriend, went on a little too long and seemed a little bit childish to me. Again that is only my opinion.
The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. I think the author is very talented in her descriptive writing and many of the foods that the Pancake House served sounded delicious. And the recipes that were given at the back of the book sounded really good. I thought that was a nice added touch.
The mystery had a lot of clues to sift through and enough twists and turn to make it difficult to solve. I felt like there was a few too many suspects to consider, and that goes back to having a few too many characters in the story. I also felt that the scenes where Marley confronts the killer were a little too lengthy. Again, only my opinion.
I would recommend this book to everyone that enjoys a food-based cozy. Although there were things that I felt could have been improved, I did like the book, just not as much as the other books in the series, which I loved.
I received a free copy of the book from NetGalley in exchange of a honest review. I would like to thank Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group-Alibi for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Lights. Camera. Murder? Wildwood Cove’s star turn is soured by a sneaky killer in this delicious cozy mystery from the USA Today bestselling author of The Crêpes of Wrath.
Bonus content: includes original recipes inspired by the Flip Side Pancake House menu!
With a Hollywood film crew in town to shoot a remake of the horror classic The Perishing, the residents of Wildwood Cove are all abuzz. Even Marley McKinney, owner of The Flip Side Pancake House, can overlook the fact that the lead actress, Alyssa Jayde, happens to be an old flame of her boyfriend. After all, the crew loves Marley’s crêpes—so much so that Christine, the head makeup artist, invites her onset for a behind-the-scenes tour. But when Marley arrives, the special-effects trailer is on fire . . . with Christine inside.
The cops quickly rule Christine’s death a murder, and Alyssa a suspect. Marley’s boyfriend insists that the actress is innocent, but when Marley sticks her nose into the complicated lives of The Perishing’s cast and crew, she discovers more questions than answers. It seems that everyone has a hidden agenda—and a plausible motive. And as the horror spills over from the silver screen, Marley gets a funny feeling that she may be the killer’s next victim. (Goodreads)
Review:
Marley is a smart , inquisitive and hardworking woman. As owner of The Flipside Pancake house, she has to be. She loves her business, her coworkers and Wildwood Cove in general. That is why when there is a murder in the town, she feels compelled to help find the culprit. She has helped solved other murder mysteries, so why not this one?
The characters are well developed and well rounded. I liked getting to spend more time with Marley, her employees Ivan and Sienna and her girlfriend, Lisa. I felt like there were too many characters in this book. With all of the film crew members in town it was hard for me to keep track of so many people. That is only my opinion and others readers may not agree with me. I also thought that the problems with Marley and Brett, her boyfriend, went on a little too long and seemed a little bit childish to me. Again that is only my opinion.
The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. I think the author is very talented in her descriptive writing and many of the foods that the Pancake House served sounded delicious. And the recipes that were given at the back of the book sounded really good. I thought that was a nice added touch.
The mystery had a lot of clues to sift through and enough twists and turn to make it difficult to solve. I felt like there was a few too many suspects to consider, and that goes back to having a few too many characters in the story. I also felt that the scenes where Marley confronts the killer were a little too lengthy. Again, only my opinion.
I would recommend this book to everyone that enjoys a food-based cozy. Although there were things that I felt could have been improved, I did like the book, just not as much as the other books in the series, which I loved.
I received a free copy of the book from NetGalley in exchange of a honest review. I would like to thank Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group-Alibi for the opportunity to read and review this book.
November 27, 2017
I was drooling as I read this book; some of the recipes sounded so darn good. The book is set in the fall so the recipes were seasonally appropriate, adding to their appeal. Sadly, the recipes shared are not ones I can eat due to allergies. :(
Marley has settled into her life in Wildwood Cove; she's getting a handle on running her pancake restaurant, has a steady relationship, and has several murder investigations under her belt. Just when her life seems to be running smoothly, things get bumpy again. A movie comes to town to shoot a remake of a classic horror movie. This was a good move on Fox's part. It opened the pool of murder suspects and made another murder in her small town a likely occurrence. The problem with so many cozies is that they lack believability as to how many murders can occur in a small town. I'm often surprised that Cabot Cove has any residents left. So the movie filming on location was a neat way around that problem.
Marley helps put out a trailer fire on the movie site but the woman in the trailer is dead, murdered as it turns out. Marley feels a connection to the woman and can't help but ask questions. Then she finds out that the prime suspect is the lead actress in the movie who also happens to be her boyfriend's ex. An ex he never mentioned, who expects him to influence his uncle, the chief of police, so that she's no longer a suspect. While I understood Marley being upset at how she found out about the ex, Alyssa, I thought it was immature of her to run away and refuse to talk to Brett. They finally did talk it out but it took too long. She did that in the last book too and I am surprised that Brett puts up with it. There was too much personal drama for my taste especially as Marley is quick to run away when her feelings get hurt.
Despite, or because of, her feelings about Brett and Alyssa, Marley decides to continue asking questions and investigating. She hopes that by either clearing Alyssa or proving her guilty, she can get Alyssa out of their lives. So she pokes around, becomes friendly with some of the cast and crew, and becomes a familiar sight on the film location. Marley handles herself well for an amateur; she's mostly smart and cautious as she investigates, though she makes a couple of stupid moves. In addition to the murder, there are pranks and thefts on the set that are slowing down production and costing money. But there's no lack of suspects or motives for the murder or the thefts, and narrowing them down is a challenge. The final reveal of the murderer was a complete surprise and I do mean complete. There weren't any hints along the way as to the identity. I was completely blindsided. There were a lot of threads to the mysteries and they intertwined. Marley and her helpers were persistent and thorough and left me wondering just what the police were doing.
"Of Spice and Men" offered up a convoluted mystery, lots of suspects, interesting characters, personal drama, yummy food, a peek at movie making, and an enjoyable story. It didn't wow me, but it did keep me reading. I had to know who the killer was because I couldn't figure it out.
Marley has settled into her life in Wildwood Cove; she's getting a handle on running her pancake restaurant, has a steady relationship, and has several murder investigations under her belt. Just when her life seems to be running smoothly, things get bumpy again. A movie comes to town to shoot a remake of a classic horror movie. This was a good move on Fox's part. It opened the pool of murder suspects and made another murder in her small town a likely occurrence. The problem with so many cozies is that they lack believability as to how many murders can occur in a small town. I'm often surprised that Cabot Cove has any residents left. So the movie filming on location was a neat way around that problem.
Marley helps put out a trailer fire on the movie site but the woman in the trailer is dead, murdered as it turns out. Marley feels a connection to the woman and can't help but ask questions. Then she finds out that the prime suspect is the lead actress in the movie who also happens to be her boyfriend's ex. An ex he never mentioned, who expects him to influence his uncle, the chief of police, so that she's no longer a suspect. While I understood Marley being upset at how she found out about the ex, Alyssa, I thought it was immature of her to run away and refuse to talk to Brett. They finally did talk it out but it took too long. She did that in the last book too and I am surprised that Brett puts up with it. There was too much personal drama for my taste especially as Marley is quick to run away when her feelings get hurt.
Despite, or because of, her feelings about Brett and Alyssa, Marley decides to continue asking questions and investigating. She hopes that by either clearing Alyssa or proving her guilty, she can get Alyssa out of their lives. So she pokes around, becomes friendly with some of the cast and crew, and becomes a familiar sight on the film location. Marley handles herself well for an amateur; she's mostly smart and cautious as she investigates, though she makes a couple of stupid moves. In addition to the murder, there are pranks and thefts on the set that are slowing down production and costing money. But there's no lack of suspects or motives for the murder or the thefts, and narrowing them down is a challenge. The final reveal of the murderer was a complete surprise and I do mean complete. There weren't any hints along the way as to the identity. I was completely blindsided. There were a lot of threads to the mysteries and they intertwined. Marley and her helpers were persistent and thorough and left me wondering just what the police were doing.
"Of Spice and Men" offered up a convoluted mystery, lots of suspects, interesting characters, personal drama, yummy food, a peek at movie making, and an enjoyable story. It didn't wow me, but it did keep me reading. I had to know who the killer was because I couldn't figure it out.
November 7, 2017
“Of Spice and Men” earns 5/5 Stacks of Pumpkin Crêpes…Murderously Fun!
Again, I was excited to have the opportunity to read the newest release in Sarah Fox’s Pancake House Mystery series, “Of Spice and Men,” and totally entertained with revisiting the well-developed and sometimes quirky characters (even the ‘fur’ friends), and being absorbed in another clever mystery. This time Sarah has a Hollywood-twist with a movie crew invading Wildwood Cove. Everyone is all abuzz by the prospect of having their town being center stage, and Marley McKinney, owner of The Flip Side, is overjoyed with the extra business from the cast and crew who find her crêpes delicious.
I greatly enjoy Sarah’s style of writing as the her ‘twists’ come early with Marley invited to the set, but finds the special-effects makeup artist Christine is a real-life victim of a trailer fire; the police are labeling it murder. Ok, it gets even better when Sarah adds ‘turns' with Marley discovering her boyfriend’s ex was the replacement lead in the film, Alyssa Jayde, who rivals any full-of-herself diva, and then, hold on, here it comes! The ex needs someone to clear her name from the ‘prime suspect’ list. Yeah! What an exciting start! Marley finds curious visitors, tensions on set, jealousies, missing props, and threats overheard “burn your whole career down to a pile of ashes!” All this and well-written drama, a few giggles, continuing romance, a ‘What? No, watch out!’ ending, and delicious easy-to-follow recipes straight from The Flip Side kitchen: Pumpkin Waffles and a Basic Crêpes recipe for those tasty fillings for Pumpkin Crêpes and Apple Crêpes.
"Disclosure: A review copy of this book was selected by me from NetGalley. All of the above opinions are my own.”
Again, I was excited to have the opportunity to read the newest release in Sarah Fox’s Pancake House Mystery series, “Of Spice and Men,” and totally entertained with revisiting the well-developed and sometimes quirky characters (even the ‘fur’ friends), and being absorbed in another clever mystery. This time Sarah has a Hollywood-twist with a movie crew invading Wildwood Cove. Everyone is all abuzz by the prospect of having their town being center stage, and Marley McKinney, owner of The Flip Side, is overjoyed with the extra business from the cast and crew who find her crêpes delicious.
I greatly enjoy Sarah’s style of writing as the her ‘twists’ come early with Marley invited to the set, but finds the special-effects makeup artist Christine is a real-life victim of a trailer fire; the police are labeling it murder. Ok, it gets even better when Sarah adds ‘turns' with Marley discovering her boyfriend’s ex was the replacement lead in the film, Alyssa Jayde, who rivals any full-of-herself diva, and then, hold on, here it comes! The ex needs someone to clear her name from the ‘prime suspect’ list. Yeah! What an exciting start! Marley finds curious visitors, tensions on set, jealousies, missing props, and threats overheard “burn your whole career down to a pile of ashes!” All this and well-written drama, a few giggles, continuing romance, a ‘What? No, watch out!’ ending, and delicious easy-to-follow recipes straight from The Flip Side kitchen: Pumpkin Waffles and a Basic Crêpes recipe for those tasty fillings for Pumpkin Crêpes and Apple Crêpes.
"Disclosure: A review copy of this book was selected by me from NetGalley. All of the above opinions are my own.”
October 30, 2019
4.5 Stars
This is the third book in the Pancake House Mystery series by Sarah Fox.
This main character is an everyday gal who is not so nosy to be annoying and just nosy enough to get the amateur sleuthing job done. Her business, The Flip Side Pancake House is the hangout mecca for all the locals. So, when a remake of a horror movie classic starts to film in her hometown, her shop is where they all come to dine… and handout the majority of the juiciest clues.
The original lead actress, Alyssa, is replaced by a different gal and Christine is the one who ends up in a trailer fire and killed. Considering the small number of cast on set, there are a number of suspects among them. Marley even worries that Alyssa, her boyfriend’s ex could be to blame even though she isn’t even in town during the course of the book.
I thought this was quite an interesting concept. I was glad to finally dive into a book in this series. It has been calling to me for awhile. I look forward to reading all the books in this series since it intrigues me so.
If you want to read a good cozy mystery with all the bells and whistles, definitely check this one out.
This is a book that I put into my own personal Buzzword Readathon using the word SPICE. Join me in this readathon for the remainder of October and halfway through November. Such a fun work to pick books by. After all, this is Pumpkin SPICE Season!
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.
This is the third book in the Pancake House Mystery series by Sarah Fox.
This main character is an everyday gal who is not so nosy to be annoying and just nosy enough to get the amateur sleuthing job done. Her business, The Flip Side Pancake House is the hangout mecca for all the locals. So, when a remake of a horror movie classic starts to film in her hometown, her shop is where they all come to dine… and handout the majority of the juiciest clues.
The original lead actress, Alyssa, is replaced by a different gal and Christine is the one who ends up in a trailer fire and killed. Considering the small number of cast on set, there are a number of suspects among them. Marley even worries that Alyssa, her boyfriend’s ex could be to blame even though she isn’t even in town during the course of the book.
I thought this was quite an interesting concept. I was glad to finally dive into a book in this series. It has been calling to me for awhile. I look forward to reading all the books in this series since it intrigues me so.
If you want to read a good cozy mystery with all the bells and whistles, definitely check this one out.
This is a book that I put into my own personal Buzzword Readathon using the word SPICE. Join me in this readathon for the remainder of October and halfway through November. Such a fun work to pick books by. After all, this is Pumpkin SPICE Season!
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.
November 16, 2017
Of Spice and Men is book three in the Pancake House Mystery Series. I am so disgusted with myself that I missed book 2 and didn't know it until I started this one. This is such a fabulous series with fun quirky character.
A movie is being filmed at Wildwood Cove and one of the stars happens be be an ex of Marley's boyfriend. That girlfriend is a movie star and more than a little gorgeous. She's also more than a little bit nasty. Its hard to believe that she dated Marley's super sweet boyfriend Brett. When a makeup artist ends up dead and Alyssa is the prime suspect, much to Marley's chagrin. This puts a real strain on her relationship with Brett.
There are a lot of twists and turns as Ms Fox introduces her readers to the movie cast with all their foibles, as well as a journalist cousin of Christine's that has a mystery of his own to solve that might just be the reason why she was killed.
There were definitely more than a few people that had motive, but when the killer was revealed it was a big surprise. In fact, I had no clue who the killer was when I got to that point. So it was definitely a shocker for me
There's a lot going on in this book that will keep you turning the pages, not to mention all the wonderful descriptions of the food at The Pancake House. I can't wait to try the recipes at the end of the book.
This was a great addition to this fun series.
A movie is being filmed at Wildwood Cove and one of the stars happens be be an ex of Marley's boyfriend. That girlfriend is a movie star and more than a little gorgeous. She's also more than a little bit nasty. Its hard to believe that she dated Marley's super sweet boyfriend Brett. When a makeup artist ends up dead and Alyssa is the prime suspect, much to Marley's chagrin. This puts a real strain on her relationship with Brett.
There are a lot of twists and turns as Ms Fox introduces her readers to the movie cast with all their foibles, as well as a journalist cousin of Christine's that has a mystery of his own to solve that might just be the reason why she was killed.
There were definitely more than a few people that had motive, but when the killer was revealed it was a big surprise. In fact, I had no clue who the killer was when I got to that point. So it was definitely a shocker for me
There's a lot going on in this book that will keep you turning the pages, not to mention all the wonderful descriptions of the food at The Pancake House. I can't wait to try the recipes at the end of the book.
This was a great addition to this fun series.
September 23, 2017
Everyone is excited that a film crew is remaking an old horror movie in Wildwood Cove. Marley McKinney, owner of The Flip Side Pancake House, is elated when they keep returning for her crêpes. But, she’s dismayed to find her boyfriend embracing his ex, Alyssa, on his front porch. When Christine, the head makeup artist, invites her onset for a behind-the-scenes tour, Marley is shocked to find the special-effects trailer on fire with Christine inside. Christine’s death is ruled a murder, and Alyssa is the main suspect. Marley’s boyfriend insists that the actress is innocent, but is she willing to push her feelings aside to find the truth before she’s next on the killer’s list?
This was a great addition to this cozy mystery series. Marley is a great protagonist who uses her intelligence and style to infiltrate the cast and crew to discover their secrets. The romantic tension between Marley and her boyfriend gave me more impetus to keep turning the pages. And, the recipes at the end of the book kept my hunger satisfied. I can’t wait until the next Pancake House mystery. An advanced readers copy was received in exchange for an honest review.
This was a great addition to this cozy mystery series. Marley is a great protagonist who uses her intelligence and style to infiltrate the cast and crew to discover their secrets. The romantic tension between Marley and her boyfriend gave me more impetus to keep turning the pages. And, the recipes at the end of the book kept my hunger satisfied. I can’t wait until the next Pancake House mystery. An advanced readers copy was received in exchange for an honest review.
January 29, 2018
Wildwood Cove, on the Olympic Peninsula sounds like such a beautiful and peaceful resort, full of old Victorian buildings, quaint shops like the Pancake House and a gorgeous long beach just made for taking leisurely strolls along. But murders keep happening there and luckily our amateur and nosey sleuth Marley McKinney is on hand once again to root out the killer.
The third in the series has a film crew visiting the Cove and Marley just happens to overhear threatening behaviour towards Christine, make up artist, who is later found murdered.
Of course she vows to find out who would do that and I just love how she goes about finding clues and talking to the cast and crew to discover any motives, jealousies and petty dislikes.
In this story, Marley also has a misunderstanding problem with her gorgeous boyfriend, while someone tries to scare her with a hideous film prop, but nothing deters her from her quest.
I really enjoyed this book, it's funny, entertaining, with lots of great characters, a great plot with twists and turns, and some yummy recipes at the end!
I can't wait for the next in the series.
From Carole's Book Corner
The third in the series has a film crew visiting the Cove and Marley just happens to overhear threatening behaviour towards Christine, make up artist, who is later found murdered.
Of course she vows to find out who would do that and I just love how she goes about finding clues and talking to the cast and crew to discover any motives, jealousies and petty dislikes.
In this story, Marley also has a misunderstanding problem with her gorgeous boyfriend, while someone tries to scare her with a hideous film prop, but nothing deters her from her quest.
I really enjoyed this book, it's funny, entertaining, with lots of great characters, a great plot with twists and turns, and some yummy recipes at the end!
I can't wait for the next in the series.
From Carole's Book Corner
January 23, 2022
3.75 rounded up to 4
I'm trying to get caught up on this series but this one couldn't hold my attention. I took me a few weeks (errrp, months?) to get through it as I kept finding books I was more excited about, but kept nibbling away at this one.
And I chalk it up to my own lack of attention span because this wasn't a bad book by any means. I love the series (I want Ivan to be my BFF and make me waffles every day. I can dream, right? I believe fictional waffles don't have any carbs or calories, so I can eat them all day long.) and it was a great plot; a movie is being filmed in town and one of the crew members is murdered and Marley sleuths her way to find a killer. Lots to like about it, like the head prank and who did it (and why) and the myriad of suspects, all of which were tied to the movie. A cracking great plot. the only thing I was less than thrilled with was the TSTL moment that set up the final show down because it felt too convenient. Other than that, it was a great book and I'm looking forward to the next.
I'm trying to get caught up on this series but this one couldn't hold my attention. I took me a few weeks (errrp, months?) to get through it as I kept finding books I was more excited about, but kept nibbling away at this one.
And I chalk it up to my own lack of attention span because this wasn't a bad book by any means. I love the series (I want Ivan to be my BFF and make me waffles every day. I can dream, right? I believe fictional waffles don't have any carbs or calories, so I can eat them all day long.) and it was a great plot; a movie is being filmed in town and one of the crew members is murdered and Marley sleuths her way to find a killer. Lots to like about it, like the head prank and who did it (and why) and the myriad of suspects, all of which were tied to the movie. A cracking great plot. the only thing I was less than thrilled with was the TSTL moment that set up the final show down because it felt too convenient. Other than that, it was a great book and I'm looking forward to the next.
October 22, 2017
A film crew coming to town adds a bit of excitement to the small town of Wildwood cove....but the murder of one of the crew is more excitement than anyone wanted.
Marley and Sienna saw the fire and tried to rescue Christine, they didn't know she was already dead.
Her boyfriend Brett wants her to stay out of it. As much as Marley herself wants to stay out of it, she is drawn into the investigation by circumstances and is herself almost a victim.
This is a clever tale with plenty of suspects to choose from.....but not one of them killed her.
I have enjoyed this series from the start. Ms. Fox weaves an interesting story.
I requested and received an ARC from NetGalley to peruse.
Marley and Sienna saw the fire and tried to rescue Christine, they didn't know she was already dead.
Her boyfriend Brett wants her to stay out of it. As much as Marley herself wants to stay out of it, she is drawn into the investigation by circumstances and is herself almost a victim.
This is a clever tale with plenty of suspects to choose from.....but not one of them killed her.
I have enjoyed this series from the start. Ms. Fox weaves an interesting story.
I requested and received an ARC from NetGalley to peruse.
February 12, 2018
Another engaging installment of the Pancake House Mystery series. Once again, Marley finds herself in the midst of a murderer. I would have liked to see more action take place in the Pancake house since it's such a fun setting but all in all her job does allow her to interrogate suspects and witnesses over some mouthwatering dishes her and her crew have concocted.
Lots of twists and turns that had me guessing until the end.
There were a lot of characters to keep track of, mainly because of the movie stars/crew, but it was fast paced and enjoyable.
I read and reviewed this book via NetGalley.
Lots of twists and turns that had me guessing until the end.
There were a lot of characters to keep track of, mainly because of the movie stars/crew, but it was fast paced and enjoyable.
I read and reviewed this book via NetGalley.
March 3, 2019
So this book was sweet, I loved the mystery and all but, it was very predictable, but it was fun to read. I loved the relationship between the main character and her boyfriend, I loved how no matter what they trusted each other. I hated the fact that the victim died because really we didn't get a solid reason why she was the one that had to die. I loved the recipes in the book and will be testing them out later in future. Adios and thank you for the opportunity to review this book, even though it is coming years late.
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