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Peridale Cafe #1
Pancakes and Corpses
Soon to be divorced Julia South never expected to be caught up in solving a murder, until she discovered the body of her cafe's most awkward customer. With a new smug Detective Inspector in town who underestimates her every move, Julia makes it her mission to discover the real murderer, before her village friends are dragged into the frame, and more bodies are discovered.
A light, cozy mystery read with a cat loving and cafe owning female amateur sleuth, in a small village setting with quirky characters. No cliffhanger, swearing, gore or graphic scenes
A light, cozy mystery read with a cat loving and cafe owning female amateur sleuth, in a small village setting with quirky characters. No cliffhanger, swearing, gore or graphic scenes
212 pages, ebook
First published January 22, 2017
2499 people are currently reading
2132 people want to read
About the author
Agatha Frost
75 books597 followersAGATHA FROST, an Amazon bestselling author, has written over thirty mystery novels. She lives in the North West English county of Lancashire with her two cuddly beagles and one cat.
When Agatha isn’t writing, she loves reading head-scratching mysteries and thrillers, coffee, baking, and exploring her local countryside on long dog walks.
From a young age, Agatha devoured the great British murder mystery books and television shows, ample inspiration for her Peridale Café and Claire’s Candles series. She loves writing about family women who juggle their ordinary village lives with the challenges of amateur sleuthing.
Add in some good food, close friends and family, cute pets, and plenty of twists and turns, and you have a classic Agatha Frost mystery.
Sign up to the newsletter at www.agathafrost.com
When Agatha isn’t writing, she loves reading head-scratching mysteries and thrillers, coffee, baking, and exploring her local countryside on long dog walks.
From a young age, Agatha devoured the great British murder mystery books and television shows, ample inspiration for her Peridale Café and Claire’s Candles series. She loves writing about family women who juggle their ordinary village lives with the challenges of amateur sleuthing.
Add in some good food, close friends and family, cute pets, and plenty of twists and turns, and you have a classic Agatha Frost mystery.
Sign up to the newsletter at www.agathafrost.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 450 reviews
October 20, 2017
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Writing: 2.5 stars
Characters and Plot: 2 stars to 2.5 at times
Look at that cover... it caught my eye and drew me in (plus it made me want those pancakes). The summary sounded like fun so I went for it.
Great concept but sub-par execution for me. All the ingredients were there but the final product lacked that "spark and charm" I was expecting. More telling than showing, I felt like things were being thrown at me but nothing was sticking. Also like I was on a rushed guided tour in some ways.
The final confrontation with the killer had me bored and almost rolling my eyes as well.
Also, felt no chemistry between Julia and a certain other person. Again, more telling than showing.
First novel in a series sets everything up yes, but a feel for the atmosphere and people is still expected and for me, none of that happened.
The extra points were for Julia's food at the cafe.. it all sounded delicious!
I do give the author credit for keeping me interested enough to see who the killer was, but I won't be continuing with the series.
September 8, 2018
A very nice mystery with just the right little amount of romance to spice things up a bit. An investigation that develops very good over the course of the book and a surprise perp. I am not really not too much of a fan of a main character that only investigates because they want to prove that they are smarter than the police. Other than that a very nice start to a new series.
October 1, 2017
Decent book, terrible narration....
After reading/listening to this book I decided I would include my thoughts on the narrator in my reviews, because they really can make or break the book.... this book really wasn’t bad, it was a good start to a series.... The characters were likable (although I need a little more quirky from those secondary characters) the mystery was good and kept me guessing.... and I would listen/read another book in the series if there was a different narrator...
*** narrator: I’m not even going to mention her name, she had a really beautiful voice, just needs to work on her storytelling and slow down a bit, it just really distracted from the enjoyment of this book unfortunately....
After reading/listening to this book I decided I would include my thoughts on the narrator in my reviews, because they really can make or break the book.... this book really wasn’t bad, it was a good start to a series.... The characters were likable (although I need a little more quirky from those secondary characters) the mystery was good and kept me guessing.... and I would listen/read another book in the series if there was a different narrator...
*** narrator: I’m not even going to mention her name, she had a really beautiful voice, just needs to work on her storytelling and slow down a bit, it just really distracted from the enjoyment of this book unfortunately....
April 12, 2020
Great start to a series. Loved the characters and their connections to the killer. The setting was cozy and warm. Julia and Jessie made me cry. Look forward to reading future books in the series.
October 31, 2025
4⭐️ = Good.
Paperback.
This book was the first in the British cosy mystery series Peridale Cafe.
I liked all the characterisations, and the storyline was simple but one that engaged me. I’ll definitely be adding this to my favourite cosy series list.
Paperback.
This book was the first in the British cosy mystery series Peridale Cafe.
I liked all the characterisations, and the storyline was simple but one that engaged me. I’ll definitely be adding this to my favourite cosy series list.
November 12, 2017
These cozy murder series books are funny, devilishly schematic and good to read on a chill November evening with a glass of red wine.
Two murders, a mother & son; who could have done it? A new Detective on the scene and he seems pretty capable but has just arrived and doesn’t appear to be too friendly. It’s mayhem in a small town and the cafe owner, Julia, will find the clues to announce who the killer is.
Simple read, romantic innuendos, nosy neighbors, blackmail and murder. An enjoyable read.
Two murders, a mother & son; who could have done it? A new Detective on the scene and he seems pretty capable but has just arrived and doesn’t appear to be too friendly. It’s mayhem in a small town and the cafe owner, Julia, will find the clues to announce who the killer is.
Simple read, romantic innuendos, nosy neighbors, blackmail and murder. An enjoyable read.
March 23, 2017
Literal delicious perfection! Exactly what my soul needed at this moment!
May 4, 2020
I'm liking Agatha Frost's books and writing style. I've read the first books of two of her series, and I was really immersed in her world. I loved the characters in Peridale and would be reading the next books to see how the various relationships pan out. The mystery was quite interesting and I had no clue who the culprit was right until the end. Although, the only thing I didn't like was Julia taking matters into her own hands at the end (come on, there was a police guy right there).
September 1, 2019
Agatha Frost’s Pancakes and Corpses is a quick cosy filled with delicious cakes and an interesting mystery. This book kept me interested but it lacks the usual cosy charm. I also wish the characters were better developed and that the writing was stronger.
Our protagonist is Julia South, owner of Peridale Café. When she goes to confront rude customer Gertrude Smith over a negative review, Julia finds her dead. Julia’s friend Roxy becomes the prime suspect but she soon disappears. Julia is determined to clear her friend’s name and find the real murderer before smug new Detective Inspector Brown does or before more bodies turn up…
I love the tiny, gossipy village of Peridale. However, I wish the characters were better written and more fleshed out. While they are likeable, they are not particularly unique or interesting. Julia is a smart protagonist but I wish she had a more definitive personality. We know she likes everything vintage and makes amazing cakes. Otherwise, I struggled to connect with her and didn’t find her memorable. Moreover, she acts rashly and makes terrible decisions while sleuthing.
I’m not sold on the attraction between Julia and Detective Inspector Brown. Their interactions seem forced and there is little chemistry between them. Moreover, I’m not a fan of the brusque detective at all.
The mystery is interesting and well-paced with viable suspects and good twists. I love the bit of diversity involving Roxy’s secret. I didn’t guess the killer’s identity and motives until the big reveal. However, Frost’s writing could have been stronger. The dialogue felt stiff and there is too much info dumping. The big reveal could have been better written, more exciting and suspenseful.
I like the subplot of Julia’s missing cakes. However, while the resolution is sweet and nicely convenient for future books, it is too implausible to be believable.
Pancakes and Corpses is a good cosy that you can breeze through. It’s not unique or memorable but the mystery holds your attention. If you like food cosies and amateur female sleuths, give this book a shot!
🥞 🥞 🥞 pancakes out of 5!
Our protagonist is Julia South, owner of Peridale Café. When she goes to confront rude customer Gertrude Smith over a negative review, Julia finds her dead. Julia’s friend Roxy becomes the prime suspect but she soon disappears. Julia is determined to clear her friend’s name and find the real murderer before smug new Detective Inspector Brown does or before more bodies turn up…
I love the tiny, gossipy village of Peridale. However, I wish the characters were better written and more fleshed out. While they are likeable, they are not particularly unique or interesting. Julia is a smart protagonist but I wish she had a more definitive personality. We know she likes everything vintage and makes amazing cakes. Otherwise, I struggled to connect with her and didn’t find her memorable. Moreover, she acts rashly and makes terrible decisions while sleuthing.
I’m not sold on the attraction between Julia and Detective Inspector Brown. Their interactions seem forced and there is little chemistry between them. Moreover, I’m not a fan of the brusque detective at all.
The mystery is interesting and well-paced with viable suspects and good twists. I love the bit of diversity involving Roxy’s secret. I didn’t guess the killer’s identity and motives until the big reveal. However, Frost’s writing could have been stronger. The dialogue felt stiff and there is too much info dumping. The big reveal could have been better written, more exciting and suspenseful.
I like the subplot of Julia’s missing cakes. However, while the resolution is sweet and nicely convenient for future books, it is too implausible to be believable.
Pancakes and Corpses is a good cosy that you can breeze through. It’s not unique or memorable but the mystery holds your attention. If you like food cosies and amateur female sleuths, give this book a shot!
🥞 🥞 🥞 pancakes out of 5!
January 11, 2017
Pancakes and Corpses
I was a little nervous about reading this book, I don't read mystery books but I love the author and knew the author would do it justice. And I loved this book!! Julia is a baker having moved back to her small town. The town gets all the local gossip around faster than you can bake a cake! Then a murder of the towns biggest pain was committed but who did it?? The adventures of Julia trying to figure it out, the good looking detective trying to keep Julia out of the way always leads to messy trouble. Will he or she figure it out? I was blown away, I was guessing the entire book!! This book was a fantastic mystery!! I can't wait for book 2 in this series!!!
I was a little nervous about reading this book, I don't read mystery books but I love the author and knew the author would do it justice. And I loved this book!! Julia is a baker having moved back to her small town. The town gets all the local gossip around faster than you can bake a cake! Then a murder of the towns biggest pain was committed but who did it?? The adventures of Julia trying to figure it out, the good looking detective trying to keep Julia out of the way always leads to messy trouble. Will he or she figure it out? I was blown away, I was guessing the entire book!! This book was a fantastic mystery!! I can't wait for book 2 in this series!!!
March 24, 2017
Kindle Unlimited, this was supposed to be a Brit character. not bloody likely. Also such things as asking questions, as a police office, for clarification of facts, is not 'twisting her words'. You are also not the only witness, when you really didn't witness much of anything. Does anyone need a fashion rundown on what clothing everyone is wearing. It's right up there with the almost incessant rambling nonsensical food talk. Nothing has much of anything to do with anything such as the murder. What's worse, is it was boring, and even worse than that, read all 3 and they all have the same issues.
Pancakes and Corpses (Peridale Cafe Cozy Mystery Book 1)
Lemonade and Lies (Peridale Cafe Cozy Mystery Book 2)
Doughnuts and Deception (Peridale Cafe Cozy Mystery Book 3)
Pancakes and Corpses (Peridale Cafe Cozy Mystery Book 1)
Lemonade and Lies (Peridale Cafe Cozy Mystery Book 2)
Doughnuts and Deception (Peridale Cafe Cozy Mystery Book 3)
September 25, 2017
There was some mystery in there! loved it!
Review to come!
Review to come!
February 10, 2017
After establishing himself in the M/M romance genre, Ashley John starts again with this cozy mystery - does it work? Absolutely.
With his already clear skills with characters and situations, it's hardly surprising how entertaining this is. The killer is well concealed right up to the reveal - I certainly got it wrong.
I cannot wait for the next one! Well done Ashley - yet another triumph.
With his already clear skills with characters and situations, it's hardly surprising how entertaining this is. The killer is well concealed right up to the reveal - I certainly got it wrong.
I cannot wait for the next one! Well done Ashley - yet another triumph.
February 6, 2017
I love a good Mystery, and that is exactly what you get with Pancakes And Corpses. This book is about a bakery owner named Julia who tries figure out who the murderer is in the small village she lives in. This book keeps you hooked from he beginning. I highly recommend reading his book. I can't wait to see what happens in book 2.
July 12, 2017
The Peridale Cafe is a new venture for Julia
South.
Julia has returned home after living with her
soon to be ex-husband. He packed her bags,
left them on the doorstep and changed the
locks. Julia had always dreamt of opening
her own cafe and decided to move back home
and go for it.
Julie lives with her cat, Mowgli. Julia sister,
Sue and her Aunt Dot live in Peridale.
Julia manages to stumble onto a murder scene.
She is determined to figure out the culprit
before her new neighbor, Detective Inspector
Barker Brown does. The person murdered was
a customer at her cafe who routinely ordered
pancakes with fresh fruit as a topping.
Then a second murder occurs!!!
While all this is happening, Julia's cafe is being
robbed of bake goods. She doesn't report it
to the police instead sets up a scheme to catch
the culprit in the act.
A good cast of relatable characters, some quirky,
some hiding secrets but a group you want to
visit again. The fluid description made the
reader part of the small town atmosphere.
Combine mystery, suspense, adventure with
twists and turns plus a touch of romance for
a good read.
South.
Julia has returned home after living with her
soon to be ex-husband. He packed her bags,
left them on the doorstep and changed the
locks. Julia had always dreamt of opening
her own cafe and decided to move back home
and go for it.
Julie lives with her cat, Mowgli. Julia sister,
Sue and her Aunt Dot live in Peridale.
Julia manages to stumble onto a murder scene.
She is determined to figure out the culprit
before her new neighbor, Detective Inspector
Barker Brown does. The person murdered was
a customer at her cafe who routinely ordered
pancakes with fresh fruit as a topping.
Then a second murder occurs!!!
While all this is happening, Julia's cafe is being
robbed of bake goods. She doesn't report it
to the police instead sets up a scheme to catch
the culprit in the act.
A good cast of relatable characters, some quirky,
some hiding secrets but a group you want to
visit again. The fluid description made the
reader part of the small town atmosphere.
Combine mystery, suspense, adventure with
twists and turns plus a touch of romance for
a good read.
February 6, 2017
I am not a lover of the mystery genre. But when one of my favorite authors decides to dip his toes in the genre with a new series, I had to check it out. And I am so glad I did. It was the perfect small town murder mystery. I loved the small town atmosphere where everyone knows everyone, and everyone has flaws and secrets. It was a great location and led to a charmed feel throughout this story.
The author threw so many little twists and turns at us, as for who the murderer was, that I had no clue at all.
I look forward to reading the next books in this series!
I was given an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The author threw so many little twists and turns at us, as for who the murderer was, that I had no clue at all.
I look forward to reading the next books in this series!
I was given an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 17, 2021
I really enjoyed this book and Agatha’s writing style... It is a very good start to a series that I am excited to read! I really like Julia and Jessie. I cannot wait to read more about them.
June 11, 2018
Cute & fun! My first cozy mystery ever & I see more in my reading future.
May 23, 2018
A cozy mystery read
October 30, 2019
Not brilliant, but not terribly bad either. Unchallenging in any way.
February 19, 2019
3.5 stars- It needs recipes!
Julia South has returned to her small village in the Cotswolds after a her husband traded her in for a younger woman. Julia has always loved baking. It's her therapy. Since returning to Peridale she has accomplished her lifelong dream of opening a cafe. Serving up pancakes, mouth-watering cakes, coffee and tea, alongside village gossip, makes Julia happy. Everyone loves Julia and her cakes, except for one nasty reviewer and a new neighbor, Barker Brown. When Julia realizes who wrote the scathing review of her cafe, she decides to confront the person. Before she can do so, Julia discovers the dead body of her nemesis! Barner Brown, Detective Inspector Barker Brown, is on the job. He seems to suspect Julia or even her best friend Roxy who was last seen sounding incoherent and distressed and is now nowhere to be found. Julia worries about her friend and fears DI Brown will miss the larger picture being a newcomer to the village. With her ear to the village gossip line and knowledge of all her neighbors, Julia sets out to solve the case. She also has to solve the case of the missing cakes. Each night someone breaks into her shop and eats her cakes! Who could it be?
This is a charming little mystery. I never guessed who the murderer was or even the motive. The small village charm is OK but I don't like how gossipy everyone is. I didn't think most of the "scandals" were that shocking but I can see how one would be unprofessional. I also don't get chemistry between Julia and Barker. Their budding romance seems forced into the story. This book suffers from a lack of recipes that would bump my rating up higher.
The characters are a little flat so far. Julia is appealing enough. I don't really understand why she drives an old car or dresses in 1940s clothing. She loves all things vintage, I take it? She doesn't have much personality. Just the words cheerful and sweet come to find. Gertrude Smith has no redeeming qualities- at least until all is revealed. She's the biggest gossip in the village and completely rude and mean to everyone, even Julia. It's Julia's business and she doesn't have to provide that woman with pancakes and fresh berries just for her. I would have banned her from my cafe if she was going to be so rude. Julia's sister Sue is cheery but lacks Julia's passion for baking and what Sue does in the end is shocking, not to mention probably illegal. Their Gran, Dot, is a feisty old lady and could be quite the character but she doesn't really get off the ground yet. Roxy Carter, Julia's school friend, has flamboyant red hair and is as passionate about teaching as Julia is about baking. She seems nice and a caring teacher.
None of the other characters are really developed enough to love them. I can take or leave most of them. Roxy's sister Rachel is a gallery owner in Peridale and not as warm as Roxy. Their mother, Imogen, seems like an old-fashioned housewife who enjoys tea and gossip. Her secret was NOT shocking and to keep is a secret was wrong. Roxy's friend and assistant teacher Violet, doesn't seem to fit into village life yet. She's a devoted friend and I appreciate that. Gertrude's rival for the position of church organist, Amy Clark, is not really an agreeable character either. She has more redeeming qualities than Gertrude but I really don't like her. Her secret is pretty terrible. How can she hide in a small town? Gertrude's son, William, has a split personality or someone isn't telling the truth. He's one of two characters who show any development. I feel very sorry for him. Barker Brown is arrogant, rude and a bit snooty towards the small village he's chosen as his home. He softens as he stays in the village longer.
I think I will skip ahead a few books and see if there's any character development. I also need recipes please!
Julia South has returned to her small village in the Cotswolds after a her husband traded her in for a younger woman. Julia has always loved baking. It's her therapy. Since returning to Peridale she has accomplished her lifelong dream of opening a cafe. Serving up pancakes, mouth-watering cakes, coffee and tea, alongside village gossip, makes Julia happy. Everyone loves Julia and her cakes, except for one nasty reviewer and a new neighbor, Barker Brown. When Julia realizes who wrote the scathing review of her cafe, she decides to confront the person. Before she can do so, Julia discovers the dead body of her nemesis! Barner Brown, Detective Inspector Barker Brown, is on the job. He seems to suspect Julia or even her best friend Roxy who was last seen sounding incoherent and distressed and is now nowhere to be found. Julia worries about her friend and fears DI Brown will miss the larger picture being a newcomer to the village. With her ear to the village gossip line and knowledge of all her neighbors, Julia sets out to solve the case. She also has to solve the case of the missing cakes. Each night someone breaks into her shop and eats her cakes! Who could it be?
This is a charming little mystery. I never guessed who the murderer was or even the motive. The small village charm is OK but I don't like how gossipy everyone is. I didn't think most of the "scandals" were that shocking but I can see how one would be unprofessional. I also don't get chemistry between Julia and Barker. Their budding romance seems forced into the story. This book suffers from a lack of recipes that would bump my rating up higher.
The characters are a little flat so far. Julia is appealing enough. I don't really understand why she drives an old car or dresses in 1940s clothing. She loves all things vintage, I take it? She doesn't have much personality. Just the words cheerful and sweet come to find. Gertrude Smith has no redeeming qualities- at least until all is revealed. She's the biggest gossip in the village and completely rude and mean to everyone, even Julia. It's Julia's business and she doesn't have to provide that woman with pancakes and fresh berries just for her. I would have banned her from my cafe if she was going to be so rude. Julia's sister Sue is cheery but lacks Julia's passion for baking and what Sue does in the end is shocking, not to mention probably illegal. Their Gran, Dot, is a feisty old lady and could be quite the character but she doesn't really get off the ground yet. Roxy Carter, Julia's school friend, has flamboyant red hair and is as passionate about teaching as Julia is about baking. She seems nice and a caring teacher.
None of the other characters are really developed enough to love them. I can take or leave most of them. Roxy's sister Rachel is a gallery owner in Peridale and not as warm as Roxy. Their mother, Imogen, seems like an old-fashioned housewife who enjoys tea and gossip. Her secret was NOT shocking and to keep is a secret was wrong. Roxy's friend and assistant teacher Violet, doesn't seem to fit into village life yet. She's a devoted friend and I appreciate that. Gertrude's rival for the position of church organist, Amy Clark, is not really an agreeable character either. She has more redeeming qualities than Gertrude but I really don't like her. Her secret is pretty terrible. How can she hide in a small town? Gertrude's son, William, has a split personality or someone isn't telling the truth. He's one of two characters who show any development. I feel very sorry for him. Barker Brown is arrogant, rude and a bit snooty towards the small village he's chosen as his home. He softens as he stays in the village longer.
I think I will skip ahead a few books and see if there's any character development. I also need recipes please!
November 22, 2017
*~~*ARC kindly provided by the author to me in exchange for an honest review *~~*
The debut work of the new mystery author Agatha Frost (non M/M author) was a cozy and sweet read.
Julia is a charming heroine, she is witty and brave, fierce. :3 I really like how she was involved in the murder and what she did to convict the murderer. :) She never hesitated to reveal the truth and she helped the Detective Inspector Barker Brown who moved recently from the city to the small viliage Peridale, in the nowhere of England. :D
The first encounter between both isn't the perfect start and it contains the whole book. But there is a slight hint of ongoing romantic events which give the story its spice. :3 I can't wait to see what other little arguments they have. xD
The story also convince with the charming and cozy description of the village. It is a drowsy, small community but full of people who love to gossip and enjoy their time in the café Julia is running. The whole atmosphere of the book is besides the murder mystery case a comfortable. The fact that Julia is running a café with displaying the cakes and cookies in the book makes you totally hungry while reading. xD
5 out of 5 stars for this unexpected, fresh debut start of Ashley John's alter ego, Agatha Frost. :3
Review originally posted on my blog with added content Mikku-chan / A world full of words
The debut work of the new mystery author Agatha Frost (non M/M author) was a cozy and sweet read.
Julia is a charming heroine, she is witty and brave, fierce. :3 I really like how she was involved in the murder and what she did to convict the murderer. :) She never hesitated to reveal the truth and she helped the Detective Inspector Barker Brown who moved recently from the city to the small viliage Peridale, in the nowhere of England. :D
The first encounter between both isn't the perfect start and it contains the whole book. But there is a slight hint of ongoing romantic events which give the story its spice. :3 I can't wait to see what other little arguments they have. xD
The story also convince with the charming and cozy description of the village. It is a drowsy, small community but full of people who love to gossip and enjoy their time in the café Julia is running. The whole atmosphere of the book is besides the murder mystery case a comfortable. The fact that Julia is running a café with displaying the cakes and cookies in the book makes you totally hungry while reading. xD
5 out of 5 stars for this unexpected, fresh debut start of Ashley John's alter ego, Agatha Frost. :3
Review originally posted on my blog with added content Mikku-chan / A world full of words
February 12, 2017
This is a charming little mystery with enough distractions to not make the killer obvious.
The romance is on the periphery of the story and never interferes and in Julia, the author has created a delightful character with enough unique characteristics and flaws to make her a perfect hook on which to sit the narrative.
There's plenty of world building too, I have friends who live in Banbury so these little Cotswold villages are familiar to me and the author wonderfully evoked the feeling of small place life, where there's no such thing as a secret because everyone knows everyone else's business.
As the new venture for an author I'm very fond of in their main M/M storytelling incarnation, this was a great debut.
There were a couple of small typos but otherwise this is an engaging mystery, well told.
*ETA: Apologies, I wrote the above while on my mobile with limited connectivity and so forgot to add this disclaimer.
I received an ARC of this novel from the author in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
The romance is on the periphery of the story and never interferes and in Julia, the author has created a delightful character with enough unique characteristics and flaws to make her a perfect hook on which to sit the narrative.
There's plenty of world building too, I have friends who live in Banbury so these little Cotswold villages are familiar to me and the author wonderfully evoked the feeling of small place life, where there's no such thing as a secret because everyone knows everyone else's business.
As the new venture for an author I'm very fond of in their main M/M storytelling incarnation, this was a great debut.
There were a couple of small typos but otherwise this is an engaging mystery, well told.
*ETA: Apologies, I wrote the above while on my mobile with limited connectivity and so forgot to add this disclaimer.
I received an ARC of this novel from the author in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
January 15, 2017
I used to be an avid mystery genre reader but drifted away when I discovered MM. When I was told one of my favourite MM authors had written this murder mystery I just had to read it.
I was not disappointed. Julia is loveable and her tenacious attitude to finding the murderer is commendable.
Add to the mix the village way of life (everyone knows everyone and everything) and you have a winning combination.
oh and did I forget to mention the very attractive Detective... he'll get a few hearts racing.
I will be back for more... can't wait for book 2
I was not disappointed. Julia is loveable and her tenacious attitude to finding the murderer is commendable.
Add to the mix the village way of life (everyone knows everyone and everything) and you have a winning combination.
oh and did I forget to mention the very attractive Detective... he'll get a few hearts racing.
I will be back for more... can't wait for book 2
June 30, 2018
I bought a bunch of these cozies when I NEEDED something light. I'm past that stage, but I still have them in my kindle. While I was grazing through to find the next book to start, I accidentally clicked this one. I'm glad I did. It didn't irritate me like some cozies have done lately, with ridiculous gimmicky characters or boring filler material. I thought I had a dud with the first few chapters, but it then drew me in. I'll continue with this series. I'm not rushing for the next one, as I'm now wanting a little more depth, but eventually...
January 21, 2017
A cozy murder mystery is definitely the perfect way to describe this book. While this book is not my usual genre, I was pleasantly surprised & really enjoyed this book. It was well written & kept me guessing till the very end. Julia reminded me of a younger Jessica Fletcher from Murder She Wrote. Looking forward to more of this series.
September 12, 2023
I haven't been pushed to read a book for a challenge for a while - only because they typically end with me not liking them, but this one was a surprise. It was cute and light. I liked the MC. I found the romance a bit. . .silly, but it was okay, the plot was interesting enough to push that plot to the side. I liked the interesting details, although I did find it silly she used her one phone call to get a chocolate cake to the station for the inspector. But it was all light and silly enough with a serious plot that I ended up liking this cute read.
February 6, 2017
Yes!!! I loved this book. It gripped me right from the start. This cosy mystery book was right up my street. It was so easy to read, so easy that I was half way through in one sitting and I didn't start it until late in the evening. Julia the lead character is really likeable and the other villagers were so believable too, I live in a village and everyone knows everyone's business just like in this book. I really can't tell you how brilliant it is, I was guessing who done it right up until the big reveal and I am really looking forward to other books in this series.
September 12, 2023
A nice start to the series. I enjoyed the way Agatha Frost paints the picture of a quirky village, as well as all the descriptions of Julia's baked goods.
The audio version of Pancakes and Corpses is nicely narrated by Kelly-Anne Smith. Smith does a good job making unique and interesting voices for each of the quirky characters in Frost's novel.
The audio version of Pancakes and Corpses is nicely narrated by Kelly-Anne Smith. Smith does a good job making unique and interesting voices for each of the quirky characters in Frost's novel.
February 5, 2017
This is the debut mystery novel of Agatha Frost.
Julia South returns to Peridale after her soon-to-be ex-husband kicks her out of their London home. She takes this opportunity to follow her dream and open her own cafe. She has always taken solace in baking and she was ready for a new start.
After the murder of a not so well liked resident of Peridale, Julia decides she will be the one to solve this murder. A new Detective Inspector is in town and Julia does not appreciate his dismissive demeanor. This just fuels her determination. She does not want any of her friends to be falsely accused.
I just loved reading this story. It was a very well thought out mystery that kept me engaged from start to finish. I felt like I was right with Julia while she was making notes in her recipe book every time she discovered a clue. The story had an excellent flow, it never became stale like some other mysteries I have read. The characters were well rounded and developed quite nicely. I do look forward to the next mystery in Peridale. Excellent job by this new author.
Julia South returns to Peridale after her soon-to-be ex-husband kicks her out of their London home. She takes this opportunity to follow her dream and open her own cafe. She has always taken solace in baking and she was ready for a new start.
After the murder of a not so well liked resident of Peridale, Julia decides she will be the one to solve this murder. A new Detective Inspector is in town and Julia does not appreciate his dismissive demeanor. This just fuels her determination. She does not want any of her friends to be falsely accused.
I just loved reading this story. It was a very well thought out mystery that kept me engaged from start to finish. I felt like I was right with Julia while she was making notes in her recipe book every time she discovered a clue. The story had an excellent flow, it never became stale like some other mysteries I have read. The characters were well rounded and developed quite nicely. I do look forward to the next mystery in Peridale. Excellent job by this new author.
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