Cold Case and Cupcakes

The Pink Cupcake Mysteries #4

by Harper Lin

Can a single mom run a cupcake food truck and solve strange murders in the quirky town of Gary, Oregon? Each book includes cupcake recipes! From 3x USA TODAY Bestselling Author Harper LinA reporter from LA comes to town and is found strangled to death in a local motel. He’d been inquiring about a cold ten years ago, a boy was killed in the playground, but the murderer was never found. Amelia thinks if they can find the reporter’s killer, they can finally catch the boy’s killer.Between creating a new lemonade cupcake recipe and a savory chili cornbread muffin, Amelia acts on her instincts to finally solve the case. But will her bold actions put her, as well as her children, in danger? Find out in the 4th book in The Pink Cupcake Mysteries.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Cozy

186 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 30, 2017

About the author

Harper Lin is the 3x USA Today Bestselling Author of several popular cozy mystery series—8 and counting!

When she’s not reading or writing mysteries, she loves going to yoga class, hiking, and baking with friends and family. 


Be the first to hear about early bird discounts and new book releases by signing up for Harper's Newsletter: https://goo.gl/R7XmFR

www.harperlin.com

Reviews

[Melissa Borsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review. Another winner in this fun and unique series about cupcakes and murders! In this book, a reporter investigating a cold case into the death of a child, is found murdered in his hotel room. When Amelia hears about the case and begins to reminisce about her children at that age, she feels compelled to get involved. I enjoyed this story, especially how intense and suspenseful it became. I highly recommend this entire series and I look forward to the next book.

[Barbara Hackel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Continuing the Pink Cupcake Mystery series, Cold Case and Cupcakes is a little different than past books. I felt like the main character, Amelia, was stronger than before. In the other books she still allowed her ex-husband to make her feel bad and like an inferior mother. She seemed to be solving the murders she came across for validation. However not this book. In this book she doesn't dwell on whatever negative comment her ex throws her way. She dismisses him and his new trophy wife and refuses to be drug down to his level. Part of that may be the detective she is seeing, because he appreciates her and is quick to praise her when she has done something well. Also I noticed he doesn't blow up at her and act like a neanderthal when he thinks she did something foolish. He calmly states his thoughts and ask for her to be more careful and ask for help next time. His treatment of her reflects in her handling of negative situations. Nice to see her acting like an adult and being treated like one.

Another thing I liked about this book was the focus Amelia had. She wasn't concerned about the recent murder. She wanted to reach out to the family of the child murdered 10 years ago in hopes she could give them comfort and closure. Finding out who murdered the child and closing the cold case would be a definite plus, but it wasn't her focus as in prior books. I felt the tone of the book and Amelia's actions showed her maturing and left me wanting to read more about her and her life.

I have to say this is a cozy mystery that did not disappoint in any way. Even the horrific crime was underplayed and handled very sensitively. I recommend this series and especially this book to mystery lovers of all ages. (Of course it is a series and is best when read in order!)

[Bev · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Amelia is stuck in traffic on the way home, her "friend" Detective Dan Walishovsky calls and tells her there is a dead body in a motel on the road she is on. That is why traffic is stopped. The next day Gavin, another food truck owner, tells Amelia and Lila that a prominent L.A. reporter was found dead in a motel. He was working on a 10 year cold case about a young boy who was murdered and left at a playground. Amelia remembers the story and can't get it out of her head. She goes and talks with the mother, the father, and the boyfriend. This little chit chat brings on more than Amelia ever thought it would. Things start getting a bit messy for Amelia. Did she just put herself and her children in danger? Who is the person behind the boy's murder and now the reporter's? Read the story to find the answers. I received ARC of this book. The review is entirely voluntarily my own choosing to do.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read all the pink cupcake books. This one was very enjoyable. It was about a cold case in which a child was killed a long time ago. Our protagonist looks into this cold case after a reporter who is looking into this case gets killed. She questions many people and is able to determine who the killer is way before the police can. Her boyfriend is a police officer however she is able to investigate and find out who the killer was before the police can. She is smart and she is a good baker. She's managing as a single parent with a food truck and has a burgeoning relationship with Dan the officer. I received this as an ARC.

[Linda Lundy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a suspenseful read for me that kept me on edge throughout the book. The plot starts out innocently enough when Amelia just wants to show her concern and caring for the family of the deceased. Somehow along the way she gets pulled into a cold case murder investigation. As her inquiries evolve it becomes apparent that all is not what it seems and the research Amelia is doing turns dangerous. I really enjoy the way the characters are developing and I love how Amelia's love life is moving along with Detective Dan. You can't help but enjoy all the characters in this series (except for the ex-husband).

[Jordan Stivers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just to be clear, I adore this series. When I received the Amazon notification that Book 4 was released, I bought it within 24 hours. I even stopped in the middle of another book I was reading but it was so worth it. Amelia just grows stronger as a character with each book. I actually care what she does and (as someone who reviews many fiction books per month) that is not an easy thing to make me feel. But Harper Lin does it and I am so happy for that! I'll keep singing praises for The Pink Cupcake Mysteries series and I'm already looking forward to Book 5!

[Tena · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Great Read!
Amelia is rocking the Cupcake business and in her spare time she investigates a cold case. When a reporter from LA is found strangled in the local motel Amelia starts to ask questions. Feeling a connection to the case she feels she needs to do what she can. After questioning a few people, things take a turn. This book is a great read that will pull you in with all the twist and turns. Really enjoy this series. And of course I love the recipes. I received and advanced readers copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Kristine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite series and this book doesn't disappoint. I was on the edge of my seat reading this book, I couldn't put it down and had to know what was going to happen next. I enjoy the character development that occurs with each new installment to the series. I'm looking forward to reading what happens next.

I received a copy of this manuscript from the author, my review has been voluntarily submitted.

[Artist_carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series, as a person who loves to make yummy cupcakes it's so awesome that these books come with an added bonus recipes I really need to start trying some of these recipes, this was a tad different then the others with a cold case, I really enjoyed it as I have all the books I have read by the author, I can't wait for the next.

A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.

[IzzyISH · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amelia is hot on the cold case!

3.5 stars. Great story and characters. I loved the interaction between Amelia and Dan. It's unusual for a detective boyfriend to support his girlfriend's "meddling" in a potentially dangerous case. I always enjoy Harper Lin's books and really enjoyed the storyline in this one, however, there were many editing errors that prevented me from giving it a solid five-star rating.

[Michelle "Champ" · Rating 4 out of 5]

This Cupcake Mystery series keeps getting better. I am really growing fond of Amelia. I feel like I know her much better too and I love that. She made me angry a couple of times in this book, so that means I am getting invested. :) I think this series is so fun. It's a quick read where you can try to figure out the whodunit or you can just sit back and enjoy.

[Mariko Tsubaki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great addition to the series. Amelia is on the case all while serving up some yummy sounding cupcakes. I wish the Pink Cupcake could make a stop in my town.

I received an ARC from the publisher for purposes of an unbiased review.

[KimberlyDawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always, this author had me hooked from the start. An story to keep you guessing. Amelia was drawn into the investigation, and as the story unfolded, I could not put the book down. Highly recommend!

[Valentina Markasović · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great hit in the Pink Cupcake mysteries. The case itself was very interesting and gruesome at the same time, and I think Amelia truly shone in this one. Her investigating skills are certainly being polished and the danger felt very real in this one.

[Alexis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed reading The Pink Cupcake Series, can't wait to see what will happen in the next book. Will we find out more about Lila, will Detective Dan become the love of Amelia's life? Who knows, keeps me coming back for more!

[Mary Martin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is more a 3.5. Another easy little mystery. Nancy Drew for adults.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

I love all of Harper Lins books all of her series are great with characters you'll love and stories you can't put down and you can't wait till the next book

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just sad what some people will do for attention.

[Thinxsphinx · Rating 4 out of 5]

Harper Lin has done it again!

[Nicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good mystery and tasty cupcakes.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy reading this series and can't wait to find out what happens next.

[Cathy Inboden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

Another great book. I really love this series. This is a hard book to put down. Can't wait to read the next book in the series.

[Aղցela W. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was book 4 in "The Pink Cupcake Mysteries" series. A reporter from LA comes to town and is found strangled to death in a local motel. He’d been inquiring about a cold case: ten years ago, a boy was killed in the playground, but the murderer was never found. Amelia thinks if they can find the reporter’s killer, they can finally catch the boy’s killer. This was a pretty good read Amelia is dealing with a lot her selfish ex John coming up with new recipes for her cupcakes and keeping her kids safe. As the case begins to heat up Dan and Amelia continue to get close. I like how the characters are growing with each case. This book was well written with no errors in grammar or spelling. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.

[DelAnne Frazee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cold as a glacier and case...

A 10 year old dose of a murdered child heats up fast. A mother’s heart bleeds for the pain the boy’s mother must have endured. When a reporter is found murdered in his hotel room after beginning to investigate the old case, Amelia picks up the torch to uncover a murderer. She will not have the child forgotten again.

Fast paced, with outstanding characters that continue to evolve with each new story. Not to mention some deliciously delightful recipes. Harper Lin has a winning series that you will enjoy reading again and again.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amelia has a heart of gold. When the reporter died and she discovered he was doing a story on a child that died years ago Amelia took it upon herself to dig for information on the cold case. But this book had you worried when the killer went to her house. She was in a panic but she had Gavin who came to her aid in driving her home and of course Dan who gave her and the kids comfort. We won't talk about ex-hubby John....just being a pain again!!! lol He can't help it.

[Tina · Rating 3 out of 5]

These are short, sweet (no pun intended) little cozy mysteries with a likeable heroine. Nothing bloody or gruesome, just a single mom, raising her kids, supporting herself and solving murders. Cupcake recipes, a nice cop boyfriend and a food truck; perfect escapist read during lunch. I've read them all more than once. They are on my phone Kindle and Nook apps, for when I caught somewhere without a book!

[Denise J Zimmerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Better and better

I love this series. Each book gets better and better. I love the characters; even to the self-absorbed ex-husband. These books are quick, fun reads; good for an escape with delightful characters.
I haven't tried the recipes yet but plan to.

[Caz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh wow

Loving this series and the cakes feeling the weight going on just reading about them but burning all those calories off with the storylines talk about heart stoppping eeekkkk also loving Dam and doshbag is getting even doshier lol enjoy I need my next cupcake fix woo hoo

[Cathy Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amelia

I love books by this author. The characters are so good, and the plot is really great. I love the relationships that are formed in the book as well.

[April Stanley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Read

This book is amusing and fast paced. A nice vacation book that could be read in one day if you choose to.