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Popcorn Shop Mystery #3
Assault and Buttery
With her poodle, Sprocket, popcorn entrepreneur Rebecca Anderson must bag a killer in the latest Popcorn Shop Mystery from the author of Pop Goes the Murder .
Repairs are under way at Rebecca Anderson’s gourmet popcorn shop. With production of her tasty treats on hold, Rebecca has plenty of time to read the old diary she discovered hidden in the shop’s walls. It’s a fun peek into her town’s history…until the diary’s abrupt ending leaves Rebecca wondering whether she’s actually stumbled upon a cold case.
Unfortunately for Rebecca, mysteries are popping up right and left. When local busybody Lloyd McLaughlin is found dead, the police suspect he was poisoned by Rebecca’s popcorn. But Rebecca has only made one batch of popcorn recently, and it wasn’t intended for Lloyd. Nothing about Lloyd’s death makes sense—until Rebecca discovers a startling connection between the missing diary-writer and the murdered man.
Now, with her reputation on the line, Rebecca must discover who’s been cooking up murder—both in the past and in the present.
Repairs are under way at Rebecca Anderson’s gourmet popcorn shop. With production of her tasty treats on hold, Rebecca has plenty of time to read the old diary she discovered hidden in the shop’s walls. It’s a fun peek into her town’s history…until the diary’s abrupt ending leaves Rebecca wondering whether she’s actually stumbled upon a cold case.
Unfortunately for Rebecca, mysteries are popping up right and left. When local busybody Lloyd McLaughlin is found dead, the police suspect he was poisoned by Rebecca’s popcorn. But Rebecca has only made one batch of popcorn recently, and it wasn’t intended for Lloyd. Nothing about Lloyd’s death makes sense—until Rebecca discovers a startling connection between the missing diary-writer and the murdered man.
Now, with her reputation on the line, Rebecca must discover who’s been cooking up murder—both in the past and in the present.
304 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published November 7, 2017
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415 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
November 7, 2017
Rebecca Anderson’s popcorn shop is under renovation, which is how she finds a mysterious diary in the kitchen’s wall. She is trying to figure out who the writer was when someone dies after eating her popcorn – popcorn that was poisoned. Her attempts to clear her reputation and save her business end with her in prison for impeding a police investigation. What’s going on? Will Rebecca get out of jail?
This book has a unique first half as we get flashbacks to what landed Rebecca in jail. It absolutely works; I was engaged the entire way through and the plot comes together perfectly at the end. There’s some fun humor, although a couple of scenes that were supposed to be funny irritated me. Likewise, I didn’t feel the repercussions of the jail plot twist were adequately dealt with. We didn’t see quite as much of the series regulars, but I did enjoy what we saw. And the new characters were wonderful.
NOTE: I received a copy of this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
This book has a unique first half as we get flashbacks to what landed Rebecca in jail. It absolutely works; I was engaged the entire way through and the plot comes together perfectly at the end. There’s some fun humor, although a couple of scenes that were supposed to be funny irritated me. Likewise, I didn’t feel the repercussions of the jail plot twist were adequately dealt with. We didn’t see quite as much of the series regulars, but I did enjoy what we saw. And the new characters were wonderful.
NOTE: I received a copy of this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
November 29, 2017
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Kristi Abbott takes a unique approach for the third book in this series. We find our protagonist, Rebecca Anderson in jail. She then uses flashbacks to tell how the gourmet popcorn maker ended up there. Between her shop being under construction to repair the damage that happened in the last book, a found dairy from the 50’s, a town council race and a dead body Rebecca has her hands full. It seems her habit of popping herself into police business has pushed Sheriff Dan way too far, he may be her best friend and brother-in-law, but right now he is not her favorite person.
I loved the way this story was told! Rebecca in jail, in a town surrounded by friends, was fun and at times laugh out loud funny. Antics portrayed in this story could only happen in a small town. We learn the details of her incarceration as she tells her story to the woman in the cell across from hers. The why was understandable, the how and the who was surprising, and the prosecutor’s case and the judge’s orders made me a bit upset. It was stereotypical of an earlier time in history. It fit with the story and set forth more than a few comedic scenes, so I understand the reason the author went the way she did for the story.
The story has an even pace, the first half of the book takes us through the past and then catches up to present day. At this point, the pace picks up as we start to look closer at the suspects and their motives. Secrets revealed and more than a few twists had me totally captivated to the last page.
The story is well written and the characters really “POP”. This is my favorite book of the series and I hope it isn’t the last. I am excited to read more about Rebecca and her friends and family.
There are also recipes in the back of the book. The S’mores Popcorn Bars will popping up in our home soon.
Kristi Abbott takes a unique approach for the third book in this series. We find our protagonist, Rebecca Anderson in jail. She then uses flashbacks to tell how the gourmet popcorn maker ended up there. Between her shop being under construction to repair the damage that happened in the last book, a found dairy from the 50’s, a town council race and a dead body Rebecca has her hands full. It seems her habit of popping herself into police business has pushed Sheriff Dan way too far, he may be her best friend and brother-in-law, but right now he is not her favorite person.
I loved the way this story was told! Rebecca in jail, in a town surrounded by friends, was fun and at times laugh out loud funny. Antics portrayed in this story could only happen in a small town. We learn the details of her incarceration as she tells her story to the woman in the cell across from hers. The why was understandable, the how and the who was surprising, and the prosecutor’s case and the judge’s orders made me a bit upset. It was stereotypical of an earlier time in history. It fit with the story and set forth more than a few comedic scenes, so I understand the reason the author went the way she did for the story.
The story has an even pace, the first half of the book takes us through the past and then catches up to present day. At this point, the pace picks up as we start to look closer at the suspects and their motives. Secrets revealed and more than a few twists had me totally captivated to the last page.
The story is well written and the characters really “POP”. This is my favorite book of the series and I hope it isn’t the last. I am excited to read more about Rebecca and her friends and family.
There are also recipes in the back of the book. The S’mores Popcorn Bars will popping up in our home soon.
November 22, 2017
I was sent Assault and Buttery to read and review and I loved it. It was brilliant. Not at all what I had expected having read the last two books and this one was innovative and I found it very exciting to read. The twists from the start roped me in and kept me grounded! A fun and exciting 3rd book in a great cozy mystery series! Loved it!
September 20, 2020
A convoluted mystery with many laughs.
Nice to see Rebecca’s collaboration with Dan and Megan. Definitely some surprises and yet Antoine is hanging around.
Surprise: change in her relationship with Garrett.
I am sad to see no more popcorn books in this series.
If KA writes more .. I will most happily read them!
Nice to see Rebecca’s collaboration with Dan and Megan. Definitely some surprises and yet Antoine is hanging around.
Surprise: change in her relationship with Garrett.
I am sad to see no more popcorn books in this series.
If KA writes more .. I will most happily read them!
July 5, 2019
Loved this cozy series - so sad there is only 3. The mystery was very unique in this one!
November 24, 2017
http://openbooksociety.com/article/as...
Assault and Buttery
Popcorn Shop Mystery, Book #3
By Kristi Abbott
ISBN13: 9780425280935
Author website: www(.)kristiabbottauthor(.)com
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Kayt
Synopsis:
With her poodle, Sprocket, popcorn entrepreneur Rebecca Anderson must bag a killer in the latest Popcorn Shop Mystery from the author of Pop Goes the Murder.
Repairs are under way at Rebecca Anderson’s gourmet popcorn shop. With production of her tasty treats on hold, Rebecca has plenty of time to read the old diary she discovered hidden in the shop’s walls. It’s a fun peek into her town’s history…until the diary’s abrupt ending leaves Rebecca wondering whether she’s actually stumbled upon a cold case.
Unfortunately for Rebecca, mysteries are popping up right and left. When local busybody Lloyd McLaughlin is found dead, the police suspect he was poisoned by Rebecca’s popcorn. But Rebecca has only made one batch of popcorn recently, and it wasn’t intended for Lloyd. Nothing about Lloyd’s death makes sense–until Rebecca discovers a startling connection between the missing diary-writer and the murdered man.
Now, with her reputation on the line, Rebecca must discover who’s been cooking up murder–both in the past and in the present.
Review:
I am a fan of this series – Popcorn Shop Mystery. I really enjoy Rebecca Anderson and her poodle Sprocket. Author Kristi Abbott has written another wonderful installment in this fun and delightful cozy series. Assault and Buttery is the third. It starts out a bit different that the other two and for that matter most other cozies. Rebecca is in jail. I enjoyed the way Abbott set up the beginning and went between the past and what was going on right then. It gave the story even more “meat” and pop. Rebecca was bored since her shop was under repair so what better way to spend your time then being in jail, not!
I love that this book comes in just after the last one, so there is wonderful continuation. When Rebecca was doing some demolition on her shop in order to repair it, she and her friend found an old diary. Now she has the time to read it and even more when she is sitting in jail. Things start out normal, but end up making her worried for the safety of the author. Also her own grandmother is in the diary. What could have been going on? A Nazi in their little town? No way! If that is not bad enough, a local man Lloyd McLaughlin is murdered and her popcorn is the weapon. How did that happen. Is Lloyd a nice man or not, who would want to kill him besides everyone, how did he get any of her popcorn since she is not in business right now?
I really enjoy these characters. Rebecca is a fabulous protagonist and she makes me happy. I was shocked to find her arrested for meddling, but I guess it is about time an amateur sleuth was made to pay for sticking their nose where they should not be. The author played that one exceedingly well. I love the relationship Rebecca has with her friends, family and even her boyfriend. Even when it gets rocky. The mystery is well written and kept me guessing. I was sure I had the killer(s) figured out and then nope I did not. I did finally pick part of it correctly.
I really look forward to the next book in this clever, well written, and highly entertaining read. Assault and Buttery was a real pleasure to read. It popped with humor, intrigue and fun. The characters just get better and better with each book. If you have not read the other two books, you will still be able to enjoy this one. Of course Sprocket makes me very happy. This is a super cozy mystery that will keep you in suspense, give you plenty of laughs, and make you drool for the great popcorn recipes.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review as part of their ongoing blog tour*
Assault and Buttery
Popcorn Shop Mystery, Book #3
By Kristi Abbott
ISBN13: 9780425280935
Author website: www(.)kristiabbottauthor(.)com
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Kayt
Synopsis:
With her poodle, Sprocket, popcorn entrepreneur Rebecca Anderson must bag a killer in the latest Popcorn Shop Mystery from the author of Pop Goes the Murder.
Repairs are under way at Rebecca Anderson’s gourmet popcorn shop. With production of her tasty treats on hold, Rebecca has plenty of time to read the old diary she discovered hidden in the shop’s walls. It’s a fun peek into her town’s history…until the diary’s abrupt ending leaves Rebecca wondering whether she’s actually stumbled upon a cold case.
Unfortunately for Rebecca, mysteries are popping up right and left. When local busybody Lloyd McLaughlin is found dead, the police suspect he was poisoned by Rebecca’s popcorn. But Rebecca has only made one batch of popcorn recently, and it wasn’t intended for Lloyd. Nothing about Lloyd’s death makes sense–until Rebecca discovers a startling connection between the missing diary-writer and the murdered man.
Now, with her reputation on the line, Rebecca must discover who’s been cooking up murder–both in the past and in the present.
Review:
I am a fan of this series – Popcorn Shop Mystery. I really enjoy Rebecca Anderson and her poodle Sprocket. Author Kristi Abbott has written another wonderful installment in this fun and delightful cozy series. Assault and Buttery is the third. It starts out a bit different that the other two and for that matter most other cozies. Rebecca is in jail. I enjoyed the way Abbott set up the beginning and went between the past and what was going on right then. It gave the story even more “meat” and pop. Rebecca was bored since her shop was under repair so what better way to spend your time then being in jail, not!
I love that this book comes in just after the last one, so there is wonderful continuation. When Rebecca was doing some demolition on her shop in order to repair it, she and her friend found an old diary. Now she has the time to read it and even more when she is sitting in jail. Things start out normal, but end up making her worried for the safety of the author. Also her own grandmother is in the diary. What could have been going on? A Nazi in their little town? No way! If that is not bad enough, a local man Lloyd McLaughlin is murdered and her popcorn is the weapon. How did that happen. Is Lloyd a nice man or not, who would want to kill him besides everyone, how did he get any of her popcorn since she is not in business right now?
I really enjoy these characters. Rebecca is a fabulous protagonist and she makes me happy. I was shocked to find her arrested for meddling, but I guess it is about time an amateur sleuth was made to pay for sticking their nose where they should not be. The author played that one exceedingly well. I love the relationship Rebecca has with her friends, family and even her boyfriend. Even when it gets rocky. The mystery is well written and kept me guessing. I was sure I had the killer(s) figured out and then nope I did not. I did finally pick part of it correctly.
I really look forward to the next book in this clever, well written, and highly entertaining read. Assault and Buttery was a real pleasure to read. It popped with humor, intrigue and fun. The characters just get better and better with each book. If you have not read the other two books, you will still be able to enjoy this one. Of course Sprocket makes me very happy. This is a super cozy mystery that will keep you in suspense, give you plenty of laughs, and make you drool for the great popcorn recipes.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review as part of their ongoing blog tour*
October 11, 2020
So far, Kristi Abbott's Popcorn Shop Mysteries have been wacky, fun romps full of laughs, twists, and love. She takes a unusual twist to this one, because over half of the book is protagonist Rebecca Anderson relating the story to her neighbor in the next cell at the county jail. Unlike most amateur sleuths in cozy mysteries, Rebecca is arrested for obstruction of justice (by her brother-in-law, no less) for trying to clear her name when someone poisons popcorn from her shop as a murder weapon.
Is the murder because of a hotly contested city council race? Or does it have to do with a long-missing girl who's 1950's-era diary Rebecca uncovers when renovating her shop? You wouldn't expect a book about possible Nazi guards hiding in Ohio and the blackmail/poisoning of city council hopefuls to be this much fun, but it is -- especially everything that happens while Rebecca is in her cell (starting with her dog staying with her because he won't stop barking without her).
Is the murder because of a hotly contested city council race? Or does it have to do with a long-missing girl who's 1950's-era diary Rebecca uncovers when renovating her shop? You wouldn't expect a book about possible Nazi guards hiding in Ohio and the blackmail/poisoning of city council hopefuls to be this much fun, but it is -- especially everything that happens while Rebecca is in her cell (starting with her dog staying with her because he won't stop barking without her).
February 12, 2018
Rebecca Anderson is in jail for obstructing justice and her brother-in-law, Sheriff Dan, put her there and won't let her out. Her boyfriend, Garrett, fired her as a client and her only confidant is a criminal. It all started when Rebecca found an old diary in the wall of her shop, still under repairs. The diary, written in the 1950s, at first seems to be that of a typical dramatic teenage girl. As Rebecca reads on, she discovers a mystery that leads her to investigate to discover who the writer was and if she is still alive. With POPS still under repair, Rebecca picks up some extra income making special orders for the mayor to give out to the candidates running for city council. When an unrelated man ends up dead after eating Rebecca's popcorn, she is labeled a murderer and orders fall off. Rebecca is bound and determined to clear her name- even if she's stuck in jail.
This book gets three stars because the mystery started off with a bang and I could NOT put it down. It got too late to read the whole thing so I had to go and skim the end. There were so many suspects and twists and turns that it was difficult to figure out who did what and why. I did suspect the villain but I wasn't sure and I didn't really want it to be that person. I was surprised by what they did. None of the reveal makes a whole lot of sense especially what happened back in the day. It was all very tragic and I'm not sure it was all that believable.
What I did not like about this novel was Rebecca. She lands herself firmly in the TSTL category. Sure she stumbled across murderers before when it was obvious but this time she really goes above and beyond. She doesn't trust Dan to do his job, which doesn't make sense. It would have made more sense for her to get involved if say Dan had been excused from the case because he's a relative and friend and some big city detective who doesn't know Rebecca came in to solve the crime. Rebecca continually behaves childishly and stupidly. I DO give her credit for trying to figure out the identity of the diarist. I would too, as an archivist and historian I have read many diaries and used the clues to figure out who the diarist was. It broke my heart when other characters didn't care and suggested the diary should have been tossed in the trash. NO!
The characters are all well developed and interesting. Sprocket, Rebecca's faithful Poodle, is very sweet. He's my favorite character in the book. Hayley isn't in the book much but she's still intense. Baby Emily doesn't have a personality yet but she doesn't like sleeping which may indicate she's strong-willed like her mother. I could do without Evan. He sounds young for 4. I would guess 2 or 3. I hate babies and toddlers so this family plot is not at all my thing. Dan and Rebecca don't seem like best friends. He puts his job first, which is good, and then his family. He's all bad cop here but he's just trying to keep people safe and do the best he can to solve a complicated mystery. I like him. Garrett doesn't have much personality. He's a little too good and bland for my taste.
There are lots of new characters here. Several people are running for city council and they all end up as suspects in the murder investigation. Justin seems a little smarmy to me and I don't know whether I'd vote for him. He's a little too business-oriented. Sheri is all about organic and protecting kids and there are more important things to care about than making schools nut-free. Her family has been in the town for ages so she may have more insight into what can make the town great. She seems like a great mom with wonderful kids. Geraldine comes across as very intense and Chris and Taylor don't have much personality. The murder victim, Lloyd McLaughlin was a colorful character. Finally, there's Cathy, in jail for embezzlement. She's smart, crafty and a bit too blind to the nature of her crime. I liked her relationship with Rebecca though and it was the only section in the book I actually liked Rebecca.
Returning characters include Megan, the diner owner who holds a grudge against Rebecca for stealing her customers. I don't see why because diner and popcorn are not the same thing. Coffee is gross so I wouldn't buy it anywhere but if I did, it would be at a coffee shop not a greasy spoon. For breakfast, however, I would go to the diner not go for popcorn breakfast bars. Megan's attitude may have something to do with her losing customers. There's also hunky Dario working at POPS to appeal to customers. Rebecca's friends Annie and Faith are a lot of fun and great friends. Anyone would be lucky to have friends like that. Antoine returns to Grand Lake to be a pain in Rebecca's side. He is such a needy person, such a narcissist, yet I can see why people like him. In many respects he and Rebecca are actually a lot alike.
Back in the 1950s we have the diary writer: a teenage drama queen with boy and parent problems. Her parents are crazy strict but she seems a little immature and dramatic at times. Then her cousin arrives. Her lack of empathy for her cousin is appalling as is her mother's attitude "some things are better off forgotten." Yes the cousin saw unimaginable horrors but it is obvious why the cousin has only a few hairs on her head and a couple of teeth and why she has night terrors, it puts things into perspective and the mother's comment is shocking. I didn't understand her rationale at all. My heart bled for the cousin and the other millions who didn't make it and I wanted to know what happened to her. It sounds like her story was forgotten like her aunt wanted. Just tragic.
The book includes some recipes: some sweet and some savory. I want to try S'mores Popcorn Bars!
It was disappointing Rebecca turned out to be TSTL or I would have really enjoyed this book.
This book gets three stars because the mystery started off with a bang and I could NOT put it down. It got too late to read the whole thing so I had to go and skim the end. There were so many suspects and twists and turns that it was difficult to figure out who did what and why. I did suspect the villain but I wasn't sure and I didn't really want it to be that person. I was surprised by what they did. None of the reveal makes a whole lot of sense especially what happened back in the day. It was all very tragic and I'm not sure it was all that believable.
What I did not like about this novel was Rebecca. She lands herself firmly in the TSTL category. Sure she stumbled across murderers before when it was obvious but this time she really goes above and beyond. She doesn't trust Dan to do his job, which doesn't make sense. It would have made more sense for her to get involved if say Dan had been excused from the case because he's a relative and friend and some big city detective who doesn't know Rebecca came in to solve the crime. Rebecca continually behaves childishly and stupidly. I DO give her credit for trying to figure out the identity of the diarist. I would too, as an archivist and historian I have read many diaries and used the clues to figure out who the diarist was. It broke my heart when other characters didn't care and suggested the diary should have been tossed in the trash. NO!
The characters are all well developed and interesting. Sprocket, Rebecca's faithful Poodle, is very sweet. He's my favorite character in the book. Hayley isn't in the book much but she's still intense. Baby Emily doesn't have a personality yet but she doesn't like sleeping which may indicate she's strong-willed like her mother. I could do without Evan. He sounds young for 4. I would guess 2 or 3. I hate babies and toddlers so this family plot is not at all my thing. Dan and Rebecca don't seem like best friends. He puts his job first, which is good, and then his family. He's all bad cop here but he's just trying to keep people safe and do the best he can to solve a complicated mystery. I like him. Garrett doesn't have much personality. He's a little too good and bland for my taste.
There are lots of new characters here. Several people are running for city council and they all end up as suspects in the murder investigation. Justin seems a little smarmy to me and I don't know whether I'd vote for him. He's a little too business-oriented. Sheri is all about organic and protecting kids and there are more important things to care about than making schools nut-free. Her family has been in the town for ages so she may have more insight into what can make the town great. She seems like a great mom with wonderful kids. Geraldine comes across as very intense and Chris and Taylor don't have much personality. The murder victim, Lloyd McLaughlin was a colorful character. Finally, there's Cathy, in jail for embezzlement. She's smart, crafty and a bit too blind to the nature of her crime. I liked her relationship with Rebecca though and it was the only section in the book I actually liked Rebecca.
Returning characters include Megan, the diner owner who holds a grudge against Rebecca for stealing her customers. I don't see why because diner and popcorn are not the same thing. Coffee is gross so I wouldn't buy it anywhere but if I did, it would be at a coffee shop not a greasy spoon. For breakfast, however, I would go to the diner not go for popcorn breakfast bars. Megan's attitude may have something to do with her losing customers. There's also hunky Dario working at POPS to appeal to customers. Rebecca's friends Annie and Faith are a lot of fun and great friends. Anyone would be lucky to have friends like that. Antoine returns to Grand Lake to be a pain in Rebecca's side. He is such a needy person, such a narcissist, yet I can see why people like him. In many respects he and Rebecca are actually a lot alike.
Back in the 1950s we have the diary writer: a teenage drama queen with boy and parent problems. Her parents are crazy strict but she seems a little immature and dramatic at times. Then her cousin arrives. Her lack of empathy for her cousin is appalling as is her mother's attitude "some things are better off forgotten." Yes the cousin saw unimaginable horrors but it is obvious why the cousin has only a few hairs on her head and a couple of teeth and why she has night terrors, it puts things into perspective and the mother's comment is shocking. I didn't understand her rationale at all. My heart bled for the cousin and the other millions who didn't make it and I wanted to know what happened to her. It sounds like her story was forgotten like her aunt wanted. Just tragic.
The book includes some recipes: some sweet and some savory. I want to try S'mores Popcorn Bars!
It was disappointing Rebecca turned out to be TSTL or I would have really enjoyed this book.
January 15, 2018
Another enjoyable read from Kristi Abbott. I really enjoyed this book, and it was hard to put down once I started it. Excited to read future adventures!!
March 12, 2019
I think it was my favorite in the series. I will miss Rebecca, Dan, Garrett and Sprocket.
August 20, 2019
In a change from the ordinary cozy opening into a scenario that perfectly matches exactly the kind of treatment Rebecca deserves, the book opens with her in jail awaiting her day in court on a charge of impeding a criminal investigation. And she stays in there for over half the book. It was amazingly refreshing, but unfortunately (and expectedly) she learns absolutely nothing.
"Okay. What's next?"
"Nothing's next. We wait for your day in court and get you out of here. At least, for the time being." Cynthia sat back in her chair, looking relaxed.
I was anything but relaxed. "Right. But shouldn't we be looking into who wanted to poison a city council member?"
She stared at me, her big hazel eyes unblinking. "Do you remember why you're here, Rebecca?"
(Kristi Abbot, Assault and Buttery, p.152)
Spoiler alert: she doesn't. Cynthia, her lawyer, spends the next two pages trying to press her circumstances onto her, upon which Rebecca decides she's not getting anywhere and changes the subject. Lest the reader think she understands why she's in jail she immediately starts grilling the sheriff for information the moment she next sees him (as often as she does this to him, he doesn't even seem to realize she's doing it, otherwise I'm sure he'd happily send her right back down to her cell).
I stood. "Judge Romero, may I speak frankly?"
"Are you sure that's wise?" he asked.
"No," I answered. "I'm not sure, but I'm not going to keep quiet any longer."
"Rebecca," Cynthia hissed at me. "Sit down. Let me handle this. We're going to get you out today if you keep quiet."
"No, Cynthia. I will not keep quiet. I am sick of keeping quiet."
(Kristi Abbot, Assault and Buttery, p.177)
Oh lordy, this one was a doozy. Faced with the prospect of his girlfriend being stuck in jail another three weeks, her boyfriend and former lawyer, Garret, offers to babysit her instead, promising to keep her from further meddling. Instead of being grateful, Rebecca instead makes a big speech about how she's being persecuted by the patriarchy and accuses the judge of sexism. Because that sounds like something that'd make her seem like less of an entitled baby. And it's a moot point anyway because she immediately jumps in a car with her ex-husband and leaves Garret's ass in the dust (which, as he rightly points out, could have gotten her immediately rearrested).
And there was a rock solid case for keeping her safely behind bars, too. As the prosecutor points out, there'd only been one murder in their town's history before she moved back home, and now there've been three in the past year, not including the two attempts on her. She doesn't so much attract trouble as track it down and poke it with a stick. It's only a matter of time until a bystander gets killed.
But naturally the whole point of her being in jail is ignored as soon as she's out, when the Sherriff who rightly arrested her apologizes and says he only wanted to keep her handy to help him solve the case since she... I don't know, is a better investigator than he is? I'm a little unsure where he was going with that offer to have her tag along on the investigation as a consultant, except that I suspect he only came up with the idea to keep her under police observation without her realizing it.
The rest of the plot is decent, even if I'd figured out the killer nigh immediately. At least the 'why', 'how', and all the rest were still up in the air.
"I don't want a parade, but I don't want to be slandered." I took another step toward her.
She wasn't backing down, either. "Slandered? How about what you tell everyone about my au jus? How about that? Or my chicken-with-rice soup?"
I pressed my lips together. I had not been complimentary about those two items. The soup was gloopy and I was pretty sure she made her au jus with a bouillon cube. "It's not slander if it's true, Megan."
"Not all of us got some fancy culinary school education. Some of us learned our trade at the grill, working our fannies off."
"Congratulations." It came out sounding snottier than I'd intended.
Megan shook her head and walked out to the dining room.
I watched her go. It was a shame, really. The diner had so much potential. I personally loved good diner food, but the emphasis had to be on good. Fresh ingredients. Simple cooking methods. It could be done.
But apparently not here.
(Kristi Abbot, Assault and Buttery, p.96-97)
Oh, I think you said that exactly as snotty as you'd intended, you colossal snob. I've said it in previous reviews for the series, but I'm going to mention it again here since this is apparently going to stay as a major character trait for Rebecca. She rubs her culinary education in everyone's faces, then acts offended when they aren't impressed. Speaking as a pastry chef graduate from the Culinary Institute of Canada, she is everything that's wrong with 'foodies' (much in the same vein that, in one of the previous quotes, she is everything that's wrong with 'white feminists'* [before anyone gets huffy, I beg of you to check the below definition]). She looks down everything not made by herself or another professionally trained chef. It wasn't as pronounced in this book as she's insulting lackluster diner food, but in previous books she's spat out cookies in front of the people who've gifted them to her. She must be the absolute worst person to cook for.
However, she has a point. Not about the restaurant, that's just her thinking she's Gordon Ramsay on Kitchen Nightmares , but I've watched enough Judge TV to know what constitutes slander. It's a lie that damages a person's reputation. Rebecca was sharing her opinion of Megan's cooking, but Megan was telling everyone in town that Rebecca poisoned one of her customers, and people were calling her to cancel their orders and specifically citing Megan's claims as the reason behind it. Even if it's not enough for an arrest, Rebecca'd at least win a civil case for the lost income. Unless she was breaking the law herself, which I actually suspect she was. Her popcorn shop is undergoing repairs so her only business was the special orders she was filling out of her home kitchen, which I'm pretty sure is a violation of the health code unless someone from the Health Department had gone out to inspect her property. And I feel sure they didn't since no one showed up for an emergency re-inspection after the poisoning.
But Rebecca's battle with diner owner Megan is a key point in this book since it finally comes to a head in easily the best scene of the book. The plot takes a melancholy turn as Megan has to face the consequences of her slander. It was a little unsettling and definitely laid the groundwork for a slow reorganization of the diner on Megan's own terms, and maybe a bit more of an understanding between the two competitors, maybe even some much needed humility for Rebecca and maturity for Megan. But the scenario was flipped into another comedic set-up by an ending that cheated us out a chance for some decent character growth.
Finally, this bit just bears mentioning as a general cooking lesson:
Operating the microfiche machine wasn't nearly as hard as I'd expected. It was all a matter of following instructions. Years of following recipes had primed me for jobs like this one. Start at Step One. Progress to Step Two. Don't question. Don't think too hard. Someone else has already done that hard thinking for you.
(Kristi Abbot, Assault and Buttery, p.111)
That is 100% not how you follow a recipe. Has this author ever cooked? You're supposed to read the entire recipe through first so you're prepared before you start following the directions. Do you have any idea how many new recipes I've tried and not read through, only to find out that the oven should have been preheating, or an ingredient hadn't been listed? My cookbooks are all filled with marginalia about adjustments, suggestions, or flat out warnings ('I DON'T CARE HOW LONG IT'S TAKING TO CARAMELIZE, DON'T LEAVE THE DAMN STOVE, DON'T TAKE YOUR EYES OFF IT, AND DON'T TURN UP THE HEAT!').
CHARACTERS:
There was some potential for growth between Rebecca and Megan (oh my god, Rebecca, if you hate her food just stop eating there!), but that rug was pulled right out from under us. No growth, no maturity. Rebecca's relationship with Garret develops, but since it was less a 'development' and more a 'questionably huge leap forward' I'm not adding a star for it. Rebecca actually got more on my nerves than usual. The only star for this one goes to Sprocket the poodle, who is far and above the most mature and responsible character in the series.
SETTING/WORLD BUILDING:
A little bit of exploring and a bit of evolution for Megan's diner, but not enough for a decent score.
PLOT/SOLUTION:
A good twist had potential, but it ended up taking the easy route. As I said, the murderer can be quickly identified, but the secondary mystery of the diary writer is enough of a puzzle that you'll have some trouble putting everything together. Sadly, the poor characters overshadowed the plot (good characters can carry a bad plot, but bad characters can ruin a good one).
OTHER ASPECTS:
I'd turn this series into a drinking game where you'd take a shot every time someone mentions culinary school, but any players would die of alcohol poisoning.
THE VERDICT?
I've enjoyed the series more or less for this long, so I might pick up the fourth book, but I'm not recommending it anymore and I'm chucking the books I have into the recycling bin.
**
*White Feminist: (n.) slang term; derogatory; a well-off, heterosexual, attractive, white, cis** girl who believes feminism should exclusively benefit other well-off, heterosexual, attractive, white, cis girls; one who argues that anything that inconveniences them personally is an example of sexism (often used alternately with 'feminazi'*** in order to further dismiss and ridicule the latter's arguments)
**Cisgender: (av.) a person whose gender identity corresponds with the one assigned at birth (as opposed to transgender, agender, etc.)
***Feminazi: (n.) slang term; derogatory; outspoken feminist
"Okay. What's next?"
"Nothing's next. We wait for your day in court and get you out of here. At least, for the time being." Cynthia sat back in her chair, looking relaxed.
I was anything but relaxed. "Right. But shouldn't we be looking into who wanted to poison a city council member?"
She stared at me, her big hazel eyes unblinking. "Do you remember why you're here, Rebecca?"
(Kristi Abbot, Assault and Buttery, p.152)
Spoiler alert: she doesn't. Cynthia, her lawyer, spends the next two pages trying to press her circumstances onto her, upon which Rebecca decides she's not getting anywhere and changes the subject. Lest the reader think she understands why she's in jail she immediately starts grilling the sheriff for information the moment she next sees him (as often as she does this to him, he doesn't even seem to realize she's doing it, otherwise I'm sure he'd happily send her right back down to her cell).
I stood. "Judge Romero, may I speak frankly?"
"Are you sure that's wise?" he asked.
"No," I answered. "I'm not sure, but I'm not going to keep quiet any longer."
"Rebecca," Cynthia hissed at me. "Sit down. Let me handle this. We're going to get you out today if you keep quiet."
"No, Cynthia. I will not keep quiet. I am sick of keeping quiet."
(Kristi Abbot, Assault and Buttery, p.177)
Oh lordy, this one was a doozy. Faced with the prospect of his girlfriend being stuck in jail another three weeks, her boyfriend and former lawyer, Garret, offers to babysit her instead, promising to keep her from further meddling. Instead of being grateful, Rebecca instead makes a big speech about how she's being persecuted by the patriarchy and accuses the judge of sexism. Because that sounds like something that'd make her seem like less of an entitled baby. And it's a moot point anyway because she immediately jumps in a car with her ex-husband and leaves Garret's ass in the dust (which, as he rightly points out, could have gotten her immediately rearrested).
And there was a rock solid case for keeping her safely behind bars, too. As the prosecutor points out, there'd only been one murder in their town's history before she moved back home, and now there've been three in the past year, not including the two attempts on her. She doesn't so much attract trouble as track it down and poke it with a stick. It's only a matter of time until a bystander gets killed.
But naturally the whole point of her being in jail is ignored as soon as she's out, when the Sherriff who rightly arrested her apologizes and says he only wanted to keep her handy to help him solve the case since she... I don't know, is a better investigator than he is? I'm a little unsure where he was going with that offer to have her tag along on the investigation as a consultant, except that I suspect he only came up with the idea to keep her under police observation without her realizing it.
The rest of the plot is decent, even if I'd figured out the killer nigh immediately. At least the 'why', 'how', and all the rest were still up in the air.
"I don't want a parade, but I don't want to be slandered." I took another step toward her.
She wasn't backing down, either. "Slandered? How about what you tell everyone about my au jus? How about that? Or my chicken-with-rice soup?"
I pressed my lips together. I had not been complimentary about those two items. The soup was gloopy and I was pretty sure she made her au jus with a bouillon cube. "It's not slander if it's true, Megan."
"Not all of us got some fancy culinary school education. Some of us learned our trade at the grill, working our fannies off."
"Congratulations." It came out sounding snottier than I'd intended.
Megan shook her head and walked out to the dining room.
I watched her go. It was a shame, really. The diner had so much potential. I personally loved good diner food, but the emphasis had to be on good. Fresh ingredients. Simple cooking methods. It could be done.
But apparently not here.
(Kristi Abbot, Assault and Buttery, p.96-97)
Oh, I think you said that exactly as snotty as you'd intended, you colossal snob. I've said it in previous reviews for the series, but I'm going to mention it again here since this is apparently going to stay as a major character trait for Rebecca. She rubs her culinary education in everyone's faces, then acts offended when they aren't impressed. Speaking as a pastry chef graduate from the Culinary Institute of Canada, she is everything that's wrong with 'foodies' (much in the same vein that, in one of the previous quotes, she is everything that's wrong with 'white feminists'* [before anyone gets huffy, I beg of you to check the below definition]). She looks down everything not made by herself or another professionally trained chef. It wasn't as pronounced in this book as she's insulting lackluster diner food, but in previous books she's spat out cookies in front of the people who've gifted them to her. She must be the absolute worst person to cook for.
However, she has a point. Not about the restaurant, that's just her thinking she's Gordon Ramsay on Kitchen Nightmares , but I've watched enough Judge TV to know what constitutes slander. It's a lie that damages a person's reputation. Rebecca was sharing her opinion of Megan's cooking, but Megan was telling everyone in town that Rebecca poisoned one of her customers, and people were calling her to cancel their orders and specifically citing Megan's claims as the reason behind it. Even if it's not enough for an arrest, Rebecca'd at least win a civil case for the lost income. Unless she was breaking the law herself, which I actually suspect she was. Her popcorn shop is undergoing repairs so her only business was the special orders she was filling out of her home kitchen, which I'm pretty sure is a violation of the health code unless someone from the Health Department had gone out to inspect her property. And I feel sure they didn't since no one showed up for an emergency re-inspection after the poisoning.
But Rebecca's battle with diner owner Megan is a key point in this book since it finally comes to a head in easily the best scene of the book. The plot takes a melancholy turn as Megan has to face the consequences of her slander. It was a little unsettling and definitely laid the groundwork for a slow reorganization of the diner on Megan's own terms, and maybe a bit more of an understanding between the two competitors, maybe even some much needed humility for Rebecca and maturity for Megan. But the scenario was flipped into another comedic set-up by an ending that cheated us out a chance for some decent character growth.
Finally, this bit just bears mentioning as a general cooking lesson:
Operating the microfiche machine wasn't nearly as hard as I'd expected. It was all a matter of following instructions. Years of following recipes had primed me for jobs like this one. Start at Step One. Progress to Step Two. Don't question. Don't think too hard. Someone else has already done that hard thinking for you.
(Kristi Abbot, Assault and Buttery, p.111)
That is 100% not how you follow a recipe. Has this author ever cooked? You're supposed to read the entire recipe through first so you're prepared before you start following the directions. Do you have any idea how many new recipes I've tried and not read through, only to find out that the oven should have been preheating, or an ingredient hadn't been listed? My cookbooks are all filled with marginalia about adjustments, suggestions, or flat out warnings ('I DON'T CARE HOW LONG IT'S TAKING TO CARAMELIZE, DON'T LEAVE THE DAMN STOVE, DON'T TAKE YOUR EYES OFF IT, AND DON'T TURN UP THE HEAT!').
CHARACTERS:
There was some potential for growth between Rebecca and Megan (oh my god, Rebecca, if you hate her food just stop eating there!), but that rug was pulled right out from under us. No growth, no maturity. Rebecca's relationship with Garret develops, but since it was less a 'development' and more a 'questionably huge leap forward' I'm not adding a star for it. Rebecca actually got more on my nerves than usual. The only star for this one goes to Sprocket the poodle, who is far and above the most mature and responsible character in the series.
SETTING/WORLD BUILDING:
A little bit of exploring and a bit of evolution for Megan's diner, but not enough for a decent score.
PLOT/SOLUTION:
A good twist had potential, but it ended up taking the easy route. As I said, the murderer can be quickly identified, but the secondary mystery of the diary writer is enough of a puzzle that you'll have some trouble putting everything together. Sadly, the poor characters overshadowed the plot (good characters can carry a bad plot, but bad characters can ruin a good one).
OTHER ASPECTS:
I'd turn this series into a drinking game where you'd take a shot every time someone mentions culinary school, but any players would die of alcohol poisoning.
THE VERDICT?
I've enjoyed the series more or less for this long, so I might pick up the fourth book, but I'm not recommending it anymore and I'm chucking the books I have into the recycling bin.
**
*White Feminist: (n.) slang term; derogatory; a well-off, heterosexual, attractive, white, cis** girl who believes feminism should exclusively benefit other well-off, heterosexual, attractive, white, cis girls; one who argues that anything that inconveniences them personally is an example of sexism (often used alternately with 'feminazi'*** in order to further dismiss and ridicule the latter's arguments)
**Cisgender: (av.) a person whose gender identity corresponds with the one assigned at birth (as opposed to transgender, agender, etc.)
***Feminazi: (n.) slang term; derogatory; outspoken feminist
May 30, 2020
Book 3, Assault & Buttery, begins with the repairs in The Popcorn Shop after the tragic ending in book 2. Rebecca keeps herself busy with old journal discovered in the wall during the reno. The magic and mystery of the old journal intensify when the makings of a cold case begin to appear within the pages.
Meanwhile, local citizen Lloyd McLaughlin is discovered dead. It appears his death is suspicious and when the autopsy concludes, fingers point directly to Rebecca. Her popcorn appears to be the culprit. We readers, of course, know it wasn't her that poisoned the popcorn, so who did? Rebecca has even more reason to find the killer - her reputation as a business woman and respectable citizen depends on it! With a lot of hard work and effort, Rebecca turns up several potential suspects that keeps the reader guessing around every turn. Each potential suspect has solid means and motives, and opportunities.
The world building is wonderful, and I felt like I was in the story. The author continues character development, providing more details about Rebecca, Garrett, Antoine, Dan, and Haley. Rebecca is becoming more comfortable, has wonderful friends, and a great boyfriend. I enjoyed Assault & Buttery, and the previous books in the series. The characters are fun, the mystery is creative, and I love the small-town setting and Rebecca’s popcorn shop.
I'm disappointed this series was not continued after book 3 with another publisher.
My review copy came from my public library’s interlibrary loan program.
Meanwhile, local citizen Lloyd McLaughlin is discovered dead. It appears his death is suspicious and when the autopsy concludes, fingers point directly to Rebecca. Her popcorn appears to be the culprit. We readers, of course, know it wasn't her that poisoned the popcorn, so who did? Rebecca has even more reason to find the killer - her reputation as a business woman and respectable citizen depends on it! With a lot of hard work and effort, Rebecca turns up several potential suspects that keeps the reader guessing around every turn. Each potential suspect has solid means and motives, and opportunities.
The world building is wonderful, and I felt like I was in the story. The author continues character development, providing more details about Rebecca, Garrett, Antoine, Dan, and Haley. Rebecca is becoming more comfortable, has wonderful friends, and a great boyfriend. I enjoyed Assault & Buttery, and the previous books in the series. The characters are fun, the mystery is creative, and I love the small-town setting and Rebecca’s popcorn shop.
I'm disappointed this series was not continued after book 3 with another publisher.
My review copy came from my public library’s interlibrary loan program.
November 24, 2017
I've liked this series, but this book made me think that the heroine had gone back to teenage days in some of her attitude, instead of being an adult with a current lawyer boyfriend, a sister-in-law of the sheriff (who she's known since she was 8 years old) and the ex-wife of a famous chef... She has a great dog, that maybe with the book should be trained as a companion or service dog for some volunteer work, after she takes it for an informal visit at a care center for some information that she needs to get...
There are several twists and turns in the book that are unusual and different, the heroine's "whining" for lack of a better word made me want to tell her to grow and listen to reason....
The twists and turns I would rate at 4 or nearly 5 stars, but the heroine's maturity in this book, I would rate between a 2 or a three, so I'm just rating the whole book as a three..... I am hoping that the next book will have more twists and turns in it and that the heroine will be having a much better attitude or maturity to her... I will be trying more future books in the series and hoping for better on them.
There are several twists and turns in the book that are unusual and different, the heroine's "whining" for lack of a better word made me want to tell her to grow and listen to reason....
The twists and turns I would rate at 4 or nearly 5 stars, but the heroine's maturity in this book, I would rate between a 2 or a three, so I'm just rating the whole book as a three..... I am hoping that the next book will have more twists and turns in it and that the heroine will be having a much better attitude or maturity to her... I will be trying more future books in the series and hoping for better on them.
June 25, 2018
Assault and Buttery is the third book in the Popcorn Shop Mystery series. This book was different in that we had different timelines in finding out the plot of the story. I don't read too many cozy series but this series is fun and keeps me coming back for more.
"I kept trying to point out that I actually hadn't done the poisoning. It hadn't mattered. They'd toasted me. They'd toasted my store. They'd toasted the existence of popcorn. They'd toasted toast. They were totally toasted."
Looking forward too more books in the series.
"I kept trying to point out that I actually hadn't done the poisoning. It hadn't mattered. They'd toasted me. They'd toasted my store. They'd toasted the existence of popcorn. They'd toasted toast. They were totally toasted."
Looking forward too more books in the series.
February 19, 2018
I really enjoy this series. I didn't know if I'd like the flashback format in the first part of the book, but it was really well written.
Rebecca, Sprocket and friends are a fun cast of characters that I hope to hear from again.
Rebecca, Sprocket and friends are a fun cast of characters that I hope to hear from again.
Want to read
September 15, 2024With her poodle, Sprocket, popcorn entrepreneur Rebecca Anderson must bag a killer in the latest Popcorn Shop Mystery from the author of Pop Goes the Murder .
Repairs are under way at Rebecca Anderson’s gourmet popcorn shop. With production of her tasty treats on hold, Rebecca has plenty of time to read the old diary she discovered hidden in the shop’s walls. It’s a fun peek into her town’s history…until the diary’s abrupt ending leaves Rebecca wondering whether she’s actually stumbled upon a cold case.
Unfortunately for Rebecca, mysteries are popping up right and left. When local busybody Lloyd McLaughlin is found dead, the police suspect he was poisoned by Rebecca’s popcorn. But Rebecca has only made one batch of popcorn recently, and it wasn’t intended for Lloyd. Nothing about Lloyd’s death makes sense—until Rebecca discovers a startling connection between the missing diary-writer and the murdered man.
Now, with her reputation on the line, Rebecca must discover who’s been cooking up murder—both in the past and in the present.
Repairs are under way at Rebecca Anderson’s gourmet popcorn shop. With production of her tasty treats on hold, Rebecca has plenty of time to read the old diary she discovered hidden in the shop’s walls. It’s a fun peek into her town’s history…until the diary’s abrupt ending leaves Rebecca wondering whether she’s actually stumbled upon a cold case.
Unfortunately for Rebecca, mysteries are popping up right and left. When local busybody Lloyd McLaughlin is found dead, the police suspect he was poisoned by Rebecca’s popcorn. But Rebecca has only made one batch of popcorn recently, and it wasn’t intended for Lloyd. Nothing about Lloyd’s death makes sense—until Rebecca discovers a startling connection between the missing diary-writer and the murdered man.
Now, with her reputation on the line, Rebecca must discover who’s been cooking up murder—both in the past and in the present.
July 5, 2021
this was so hard for me to read. the main character almost gave me a "mary sue" vibe - she was great at everything, knew everything better than everyone else, and all her mistakes ended up being something good to happen to her. she was incredibly smug when it came to cooking, to the point of putting her own boyfriend down because he wasn't a chef so she didn't trust his palette. i liked the idea of the book but i just really couldn't stand the way it was written. there were also several typos in the copy i read. the writing style was just not for me. it does not normally take me this long to read a book but i disliked it so much that it took me like 3 weeks. i will admit i haven't read the other books in this series and don't plan on it. i literally just picked this book from the library because it had a funny title.
February 17, 2018
While renovating her burned out kitchen of her popcorn shop, Rebecca Anderson discovers the diary of a teen-aged girl, written 60 years ago.
In the meantime, elections are coming up for 2 new council members and strange things are going on.
Rebecca ends up in jail for interfering with the police investigation when she attends the funeral of a poison victim. Her friends see that she is comfy in jail and even her dog, Sprocket, is allowed to stay in the cell with her because he won't stop howling. Her sister, Haley, leaves baby Emma in the cell with Rebecca because she needs to take her other child to camp.
The story is flimsy but is amusing.
In the meantime, elections are coming up for 2 new council members and strange things are going on.
Rebecca ends up in jail for interfering with the police investigation when she attends the funeral of a poison victim. Her friends see that she is comfy in jail and even her dog, Sprocket, is allowed to stay in the cell with her because he won't stop howling. Her sister, Haley, leaves baby Emma in the cell with Rebecca because she needs to take her other child to camp.
The story is flimsy but is amusing.
December 18, 2017
2 intriguing mysteries in one book! Someone is trying to get the people running for city council out of the way and uses Rebecca's popcorn to murder someone. Also, Rebecca finds an old diary when remodeling her shop and wonders what became of the owner. Along the way, Rebecca finds herself in jail for getting in the way of the investigation. Even in jail, she manages to try to figure things out. In the end, Rebecca and Dan work together to solve both mysteries. One of the best books in this series. I highly recommend it!
May 23, 2020
A good ending to the series. At the beginning Rebecca is in jail because she interfered once again and Dan, her brother-in-law, decided that it would be safer if she stayed in jail. This started off with Rebecca finding a dairy in her wall that is being repaired due to the fire that had happen. A fun part is with her boyfriend almost proposes to her in the courtroom. Her ex-husband decides to come back again as well. She while attempting to keep away from her ex-husband, her boyfriend and her brother-in-law keep her under their surveillance and out of harms way as best they can.
March 28, 2021
This is the third and final installment of the Popcorn Shop Mystery series. Yet again, Rebecca finds herself getting in trouble for snooping around. As usual she defends her actions because it somehow relates to her and her popcorn shop.
The book included a lot of characters to keep track of and how they are connected to the mystery. My only real complaint is the author brought back Rebecca's ex-husband. I think that part of the storyline could have been left out.
While these are not the most interesting or suspenseful reads, this series is an easy and enjoyable set of books.
The book included a lot of characters to keep track of and how they are connected to the mystery. My only real complaint is the author brought back Rebecca's ex-husband. I think that part of the storyline could have been left out.
While these are not the most interesting or suspenseful reads, this series is an easy and enjoyable set of books.
July 6, 2022
Third and final book in the popcorn shop mystery series. This was better than the second one for sure, but doesn't quite rise to the same heights as the first novel. For once in this series I didn't guess the villain. But the plot felt a bit disjointed and Rebecca was frustrating; a heroine who never learns from her mistakes isn't fun to read. She does get at least a little bit better at the very end, though. I thought I would be disappointed that there aren't more of these, but this actually feels like a good stopping point for the series from a plot standpoint.
January 22, 2018
This is the next story in the Popcorn Shop Mystery series. The author did a good job combining current with World War II events. The crazy characters added to the mystery. The location in Ohio near Lake Erie gave the reader an idea of what it would be like to live in this area. It was quite an exciting way to end the story and give the reader hints that more will follow in this series. copy right 2017
June 17, 2024
This was a great cozy mystery. I read it in the summer but could imagine reading it on a cold, blustery winter night wrapped up in a blanket and drinking some tea.
Rebecca has been accused of poisoning a stranger with popcorn from her shop, but what gets her in trouble is asking questions at the man's wake. Her boyfriend and her brother-in-law both interpret her actions as obstruction of justice and she ends up in jail for a few days. What a mess.
Rebecca has been accused of poisoning a stranger with popcorn from her shop, but what gets her in trouble is asking questions at the man's wake. Her boyfriend and her brother-in-law both interpret her actions as obstruction of justice and she ends up in jail for a few days. What a mess.
November 20, 2017
Really love this series and this is the best one yet. It is full of pop and sizzle. I love the well developed characters, superbly written mystery and the entertaining story. You can't go wrong with this delightful tale with one of my favorite protagonist.
I was given a copy by the publisher, but the opinion is my own
I was given a copy by the publisher, but the opinion is my own
April 5, 2018
This was a fast, easy read. There were a lot of suspects for the various crimes that took place, and I had trouble telling them apart. This one advanced the storyline and the characters became more richly drawn. I think I liked the other two better, though.
I would still recommend this book if you like a cozy mystery.
I would still recommend this book if you like a cozy mystery.
November 13, 2023
This wonderful book was written a little different than the first two and liked it fine. It was another great mystery. I really enjoyed the adventure and all the characters different responses to what happened. Some you can't believe what they did and others you rally around proudly. You will see in the first chapter some of it. It's a great read.
January 29, 2018
This 3rd outing did not have the same appeal as the earlier books. The mysteries were muddied by too many characters, an at times unlikeable MC, and sloppy historic details (would a teen in the 1950’s use the term “gross?”). Not ready to give up on this series, but I hope for a tighter 4th book.
April 24, 2022
This had to be the best of the series! I had no clue who done it the entire time. There were hints of who it could have been, but then another twist happened. The ending was adorable as well. It’s a win win!
December 7, 2023
I loved this series. I’m sad it’s over but glad her personal relationships had wrapped up. It was a good mystery and I really love the characters closest to her. I will read more by this author eventually.
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