Wined, Dined and Dead

Bakery Detectives #9

by Stacey Alabaster

Nothing ruins a romantic dinner faster than a murder
A fast paced cozy mystery from #1 Best Selling Author Stacey Alabaster

Rachael and Pippa are preparing for the first Valentine’s Day when they are both in happy relationships. When their romantic double date is ruined by a murder, they get pulled into a murder investigation with a twit - it must be solved in less than a day. Rachael and Pippa have to pull out all the stops and work round the clock to a killer for the clock runs out. Can they solve the mystery and save their relationships in time?

Wined, Dined and Dead is part of the Bakery Detectives Cozy Mystery series. If you like fast paced mysteries full of quirky characters and unexpected twists, you’re going to love Wined, Dined and Dead.

Buy Wined, Dined and Dead and start solving your next mystery today!

The Bakery Detectives Cozy Mystery Series
Each book in the series is a stand-alone story, but your enjoyment of each story will be increased if you read them all.
* Book 1: A Pie to Die For
* Book 2: Donuts, Antiques and Murder
* Book 3: Death by Chocolate Cake
* Book 4: Rest, Relaxation and Murder
* Book 5: Til a Death Do Us Part
* Book 6: The Mud Pie Murderess
* Book 7: Catering and Kidnapping
* Book 8: The Pumpkin Killer
* Book 9: Wined, Dined and Dead

Always FREE on Kindle Unlimited

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery

158 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 4, 2017

About the author

I have always loved a good mystery. From my early years watching Murder She Wrote to more recent shows like Monk, Psych, and my absolute favorite BBC show ever, Sherlock, I have studied what it takes to make an entertaining mystery. I am truly blessed to be able to write and share my own mysteries with you. I hope you enjoy reading them as much as I loved writing them :)

If you want to keep up with all my new releases, be sure to sign up for my mailing list at FairfieldPublishing.com/cozy-newsletter

Reviews

[Cherry London · Rating 5 out of 5]

The girls are at it again and this one is rather interesting, the storyline isn’t too bad, Rachel is still a little rushed off her feet and doesn’t seem to be able to handle the bakery and her detective work. Pippa’s husband seems to be a lovable klutz and with their daughter Lolly this is kinda worrisome for her. As much as Rachel is in a relationship with Kenneth, she still seems drawn to the detective, I wonder how that would pan out. Stacey Alabaster cozy mysteries are an interesting flavor one you take in slowly. Nicely written with well-defined characters, I like it, it’s mild and interesting.

[Pamela · Rating 3 out of 5]

A well written cozy. When Rachel and her friend Pippi find the body of a dead waiter in an exclusive restaurant, the owner approaches them about solving the murder in time to open for Valentine's Day the next day. Her sleuthing skills are well known. What ensues is a comical pursuit of a killer - the antics of Pippi's husband, Rachel's boyfriend, and detective-maybe wanna be boyfriend - add to the story!

[Bev · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marcello returns from Italy to his wife Pippa and his daughter Lolly. He is also the same person who tried to burn down the bakery. Rachael has a new boy friend, Kenneth. He is a baker also, and is always trying to show Rachael that he knows more about baking than she does. One night they all go out together at the fanciest restuarant in town. When wine gets spilled on Pippa, the waiter offers to replace the wine on the house then gets yelled at by the head chef. Then the head chef hires Pippa and Rachael to find the killer in 24 hours so he doesn't loose out on all the Valentine's Day reservations. Can Rachael and Pippa find the true killer and why? Read the book to find out. I received ARC of this book, the review is entirely voluntarily.

[Bonnie Dale Keck · Rating 1 out of 5]

Kindle Unlimited, not putting dates, one of the forgot to review it on goodreads just amazon though did forget to do couple of those. Just going to do my usual copy paste of other books, maybe you'll be smarter and avoid them that way.

Steps from Death (Craft Circle Mystery #1)
Arts, Crafts and Murder (Craft Circle Mystery #2)

A Pie to Die for (Bakery Detectives #1) Donuts, Antiques and Murder (Bakery Detectives #2) Death by Chocolate Cake (Bakery Detectives #3) Bakery Detectives Cozy Mystery Boxed Set (Bakery Detectives #1-3)
Rest, Relaxation and Murder (Bakery Detectives #4) Til a Death Do Us Part (Bakery Detectives #5)
The Mud Pie Murderess (Bakery Detectives #6) Bakery Detectives Cozy Mystery Boxed Set (Bakery Detectives #4-6)
Bakery Detectives Cozy Mystery Boxed Set: Books 1-6 (Bakery Detectives #1-6)
Catering and Kidnapping (Bakery Detectives #7) The Pumpkin Killer: A Bakery Detectives Cozy Mystery (Bakery Detectives #8) Wined, Dined and Dead (Bakery Detectives (Bakery Detectives #9)

Kindle Unlimited, the Craft Circle Mystery books were a bit better than the Bakery Detective ones, but that's not saying much.

Steps from Death (Craft Circle Mystery #1) Arts, Crafts and Murder (Craft Circle Mystery #2)
Naked Eye {not sure where exactly this one fits in}

Read the 3 box set that included A Pie to Die For, Donuts, Antiques and Murder, and Death by Chocolate the first 3 set. The second 3 set did not live up to things; sure there were here and there typo issues but since my computer is set up to 'read' to me that was not the issue. The main character walks in to the kitchen of the resort where 2 people are talking about the actual chef/cook being missing, who is later found dead, and which the main character never gets to meet, yet knows that is who the dead body is, immediately.... They are supposed to be getting grand meals at the resort but because of the death of the chef, they aren't getting anything but toast in that one part, not even coffee, which they mention specifically, yet the main character is drinking coffee or else keeps picking up an empty cup, maybe, but who knows. And if the retreat just started that day and the one guy had come early he would have met the victim. Also someone can not 'drag' someone with that person being over their shoulder. A bowl full of salad will not knock itself off a table with the slamming of a door. If you're going to push a glass away in one sentence then go sit outside in the next, you should mention grabbing the drink when you next sentence is talking about sipping it again somehow.

Then in the second it continues on with one sentence mentioning they are on tiny seats then after she finds the body and returns and sits back down she is in a pew seat. Also what would be the big deal with helping the cop with the case, she was on payroll doing that in earlier books. And once you log out of facebook without having saved the log in details, you can't just log back in. Really, someone answers the door and you're right close by and you don't hear a female voice that's been the main topic of conversations or otherwise it took that long to walk like a couple or so feet to a door and then open it. and if they are in the kitchen leading to the back door there is no way you can push someone back in to the living room from there unless you are in an action movie.

The third one starts off just 'great'; no one in the food industry puts someone's scalded and unclean hand in a tub of ice cream, and then after it's over puts the tub back with only the thought of maybe it was melted too much. If something is painted a certain shade, use that and not change the word used for the shade color every other sentence. Who by the way doesn't notice 3 foot tall signs in the window of a small town small type street that you drive by every day on the way and back to where you work on that street.It also never explains why the main character felt nauseated, queasy, etcetera.

If I hadn't already borrowed the next couple of books wouldn't have bothered at this rate, but did and those books were no better than this muddled attempt such as 3rd book I had the poisoner figured out way too close to the start. I had actually started to buy this set to go with the other 3 set, now am very glad I didn't.

for 7 I put These books are getting as bad as 'the cat who' books did, when I stopped reading them and gave them all away; the father is the dude who went back to italy because of his mother's health or something about well 3 books back but he's not even mentioned in the story this time, the writer has gotten worse and worse about putting characters in for like a book or 2 and then they just sorta disappear for a while or totally, like the assistant baker who is and isn't there and the friend/asst mgr but because of the pregnancy there is another asst mgr who is and isn't there, it's getting a bit ridiculous with those things not being in the story yet other unnecessary stuff is being put in to the story

This was by far the stupidest of them all; if one has a newborn in their arms how are they eating cake with a fork by themself, and then yet another 'love interest' for the main character when the other one is still around and nothing was ever said after his non-marriage and supposedly those 2 starting up again. Just another character to pop in and out of a story here and there with no real explanation. This series has definitely put me off cozies for a while, it's been more and more a waste of time, and wish could have given it a 0 star because even the 'twists' made no sense.

For 8 put Somebody give the writer some painting tips; in the last book she kept talking about paint fumes, so assuming whatever kind she is supposed to be using gives off fumes, which means that going back late at night to the house then up the next morning to paint...there is cleaning surfaces, probably primer, and at least 2 coats of paint, plus probably more if one is going from well each time she mentions a color it's a different shade and there is differences but basically going over to purple which in one place was described almost neon yet in another was a mid purple and in yet another more a pastel possibly is still going to take more than overnight to paint and dry plus it was an event the next day or else it was only mentioned way after it happened which wouldn't make sense because an eating place can't be open during that type of thing and the story is talking about all those birthday parties. What does conscious not but still pale even mean, which wouldn't have caught possibly with it being read to me, but the books are starting to be almost gibberish that am having to sight read because it's skipping around and not making any sense but even reading it is still that way because of the errors is now confusing as well. This was, by far, the stupidest most unnecessarily convoluted mess of a story.

9 had me banging my head for my stupidity of well maybe they got better

Liked the Craft Circle Cozy Mystery books a bit better, but only 2 out so far so who knows if that series will go the way the bakery one did..

[Natasha · Rating 3 out of 5]

I purchased this book because I thoroughly enjoyed reading “A Pie to Die For.” When I saw the title of this book and read the blurb, I assumed I would get to read about Jackson and Rachel as a crime solving couple. Nope. I missed a lot skipping to this book. Apparently, they’ve dated and broken up. He’s been engaged and cancelled his wedding. She now has a new boyfriend, a fellow baker. Huge bummer!

As far as the mystery goes, I was less than impressed with the ladies’ sleuth skills. At first, I thought the restaurant owner was going to leave the homicide case solely in their hands. I was flabbergasted. After all, we have laws about things like that. The police were called, and somehow Rachel starts investigating a murder before she even has confirmation it’s a murder. I raised a brow at some of the information Jackson shared with her concerning the case. My family is full of police officers and teachers. You don’t give out details in a case before the case has been solved. You certainly don’t share information with private detectives about your case.

I don’t like the up-and-down with Rachel’s business. I don’t like the push-and-pull with Jackson and Rachel. Is he her true love or a friendly nemesis? Marcello was a distraction. I didn’t find his klutziness funny at all. Husband or not, I wouldn’t let him watch my baby, and I definitely wouldn’t leave him alone in my restaurant. What was up with Pippa turning down $5000 in exchange for Scott hiring Marcello? Will Marcello work there long enough to earn $5000 before he’s fired?

I don’t know what the target audience is for these books, but I see this series doing very well with a teen audience. It reminds me of the Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew series.

2.5 Stars

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wined, Dined, and Dead brings us back to Rachael and Pippa. I love the pairing of these two characters. The chemistry that Stacey Alabaster promotes between these two friends is wonderful. These two not only help one another but have each others backs in times of need and trouble. The plot is well developed. Ms. Alabaster always takes the time to set her scenes so that readers can imagine being there.
When their first double date with their significant others is ruined by murder, Pippa and Rachael are hired to find the killer. However there is a twist. In order to solve it, they must meet an ever changing deadline. Will they meet the deadline or will they meet their own demise? How will Pippa and Rachael get through this murder? And will Marcello's return bring ruin to the bakery?
I received a copy from the publisher. However, I love this series and will continue to write my own reviews.

[Dawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book a little more than the previous book. Rachael has to solve the case in one night as if she doesn't she won't get paid for the case. Yes, she is hired again, and I don't believe that she should ever accept a case as she is not a PI in any way shape or form. I was happy that Jackson finally spoke frankly to Rachael in this book about police procedures and how a case is supposed to run. I feel like Rachael needs a little more sense knocked into her.

I enjoy the characters throughout the book. Kenneth is a little interesting, however, a little pushy for Rachael. I feel like she should have someone who is more likely to talk some sense into her or at the very least, not get into a jealous rage after seeing her have coffee with a police detective.

It was a fine book, and fairly interesting.

[Bobbi · Rating 5 out of 5]

What fun, Rachel and Pippa are solving another murder. Valentine’s Day is commonly spent with a loved one enjoying the quiet and peacefulness of just being together. Well, not for Rachel and Pippa. They spent their Valentine’s eve and day running after suspects. Pippa’s husband Marcello is back in town and trying to learn how to be a father to their baby daughter Lolly. Rachel is trying to decide between two men. This is the third book I have read in this series and I totally love the story lines, even if I have read them out of order. Totally recommend this book.

[Celest · Rating 5 out of 5]

The $10,000 deadline

Rachel and Pippa have another mystery to solve, but this time there is a deadline and a payment. Much needed money now that Pippa's accident prone husband is home from Europe. Rachel's romance has a few problems, is it Kenneth or Jackson? A Valentine's Day dinner, a sweet little Lolly and a mystery makes for a fun time.

[Rosemary Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Valentine's day is a big money spinner for anyone in the hospitality industry. So to have a murder occur on the premises of a restaurant, on Valentine's day eve, well, it could be a death sentence for the restaurant in question.
Our intrepid investigators just happen across the dead victim's body, and end up with a deadline to solve the case, and save the restaurant, in the bargain.

[Frances L. Ehrig · Rating 4 out of 5]

Future for a Klutz

A fast and pleasant read, with a group of interesting characters. A murder and an important deadline to solve it. But can our heroine solve the mystery especially within the short time given her? Read this story and find out!

[Hyacinth · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was cute. Marcello, Pippa, and Rachael sound like the Three Stooges of crime solving. The angst with Kenneth and Jackson is interesting as well. That was a quickly solved mystery and never thought about the twist, that was good.

[Lisa Denn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not as good as some of the other books in the series. The writing and chemistry between the characters has gone south in the last few books. There are some high points in the book but not enough to keep my interest and earn the distinction of being a hard to put down book.

[BBAnn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute, quick read, but kind of "blah"

[Phylis Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wined, Dined and Dead by Stacey Alabaster is a fun with a few twists. Enjoyed the story. Thanks

[Zoë · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book is a bit more heated and faster but this time it has depth to it

[Phthon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fun Bakery Detectives mystery. I actually read it on Valentines Day and it takes place on Valentines Day. Full of fun twists and turns this is an adventure to entertain any mystery fan.

[Martha F. Shean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super

I like when characters keep going and you find out what has happened to them. This is a goody with wine and everything.

[Sandra · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars.

[Barbara Van Zandt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Last 2 books

The last 2 were better,glad Marcello home ,lolly born, Kenneth is in and Jackson waited to late to be with Rachel

[Liz Terek · Rating 4 out of 5]

The last two installments of the series have definitely evolved. There is a lot more mystery & investigating included. Pippa & Marcello continue to provide comic relief with their endless supply of martial woes. I'm not a fan of the 'Kenneth' character who appeared in Book 8. Rachel is a better heroine flying solo.

As for the plot, this one has a number of twists and turns. It's interesting how many people's lives intersect. But, that's true in real-life so it works here too. Readers will be kept guessing a bit longer than they have with the series before this book (which is a good thing). I give it 4 stars & hope the writing continues in this direction.

[Brandy Harrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well I didn't see that coming !!!

A great mystery with lots of twists and turns, unexpected suspects added at the end to solve this mystery. Looking forward to the next book.

[Pete · Rating 4 out of 5]

this is a quick, fun read following the antics of Rachel and Pippa as they race to solve a murder in a restaurant on Valentines Eve by the next morning. Pippa's rather useless husband is also there to make sure that maximum chaos ensues.
There are some nice twists to the plot and some great thumbnail sketches of new ancillary characters, I have marked this down from 5 stars to 4, because I felt that it was a little too short to provide great value for money.
I received a free copy of this book, but I have no other affiliation with the author and voluntarily wrote this review based on my own opinions.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love reading about Rachael and Pippa.
Rachael and Kenneth (bf) double date with Pippa and Marcello (husband Been Mia in Europe). It's for Valentine's Day...going Day before only last minute
At the restaurant things go downhill fast. The waiter is as clumsy and clueless as Marcello are they related by chance? The next table is served steak that is still mooing it is so RAW..Rachael hears the owner Screaming at the waiter...Oh then of course the dead body is discovered...Pippa discovers the waiter's dead body going wrong way to lady's bathroom.
There is now a murder mystery to be solved by Rachael and Pippa. $10G if solve before restaurant opens for lunch next day.
John the owner refuses to be closed for Valentine's Day.
Another cute and quick read. I find Stacey Alabaster a Relaxing author. Marcello cracks me up. His lack of common sense.
I highly recommend this book.

I voluntarily reviewed an arc.

[Norma Wiegert · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another great adventure in the lives of Rachael and Pippa. Valentines Day is coming up, Pippa's Husband Marcello has returned from Italy and Rachael has a serious boyfriend Kenny. The four of them are going out for a nice Valentines dinner, but they will do this on Valentines Eve because the restaurant they wanted to go to had no more reservations available for Valentines Day. While they were at the restaurant their waiter was murdered in the storeroom. Rachael and Pippa use all their investigative skills to solve this murder case before the restaurant opens for business at noon the following day. This is a fast paced read with lots of twists and turns and a surprise ending when the murder is solved based on an observation Marcello had.

[Barbara Flowers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stacey Alabaster continues her winning ways with her latest book in her
Bakery Detectives series. Rachael, Kenneth, Pippa and Marcello are out for a romantic Valentine's eve dinner at an upscale restaurant. As luck would have it, their night out is spoiled when their waiter is murdered. Rachael and Pippa are offered $10,000 to solve the case, but only if they can complete the job by 11:00 am the next day.

If you're a cozy mysteries fan, you'll love this series. The characters are quirky, but believable, and a lot of fun. The story lines have enough twists and turns to engage the reader. All in all, a nice way to relax and enjoy spending a little time with Rachael and Pippa.
I reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book and enjoyed every minute of it.

[Kandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rachael and Pippa get involved in trying to solve a murder with a little help from Pippa's husband. Of course his clutzy ways have not improved. Entertaining book.

[Lori Spinks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wine, DINED, and Dead

I would just like to say that this was a another great read from Stacey Alabaster. I love the the writing , love the characters. Since starting the series last year I can hardly wait till the next book come out. Thank you Stacey

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Case Solved

This one certainly had its moments. Pippa's husband Marcello is back and just as hazardous as before he left for Italy. Rachel also has relationship problems. Sure hope another book is coming soon.

[Loretta]

I love the Stacey Alabaster, Cozy bakery mysteries. She makes the characters, seem so real and you feel like you really know the people in the story. It a really interesting , fast paced book and very quick read if you are looking for a couple of lazy evenings to read this one.