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Peridale Cafe #4
Chocolate Cake and Chaos
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Coming April 28th! Book 4 in the BESTSELLING Peridale Cafe cozy mystery series.
Coming April 28th! Book 4 in the BESTSELLING Peridale Cafe cozy mystery series.
209 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 28, 2017
1277 people are currently reading
554 people want to read
About the author
Agatha Frost
75 books597 followersAGATHA FROST, an Amazon bestselling author, has written over thirty mystery novels. She lives in the North West English county of Lancashire with her two cuddly beagles and one cat.
When Agatha isn’t writing, she loves reading head-scratching mysteries and thrillers, coffee, baking, and exploring her local countryside on long dog walks.
From a young age, Agatha devoured the great British murder mystery books and television shows, ample inspiration for her Peridale Café and Claire’s Candles series. She loves writing about family women who juggle their ordinary village lives with the challenges of amateur sleuthing.
Add in some good food, close friends and family, cute pets, and plenty of twists and turns, and you have a classic Agatha Frost mystery.
Sign up to the newsletter at www.agathafrost.com
When Agatha isn’t writing, she loves reading head-scratching mysteries and thrillers, coffee, baking, and exploring her local countryside on long dog walks.
From a young age, Agatha devoured the great British murder mystery books and television shows, ample inspiration for her Peridale Café and Claire’s Candles series. She loves writing about family women who juggle their ordinary village lives with the challenges of amateur sleuthing.
Add in some good food, close friends and family, cute pets, and plenty of twists and turns, and you have a classic Agatha Frost mystery.
Sign up to the newsletter at www.agathafrost.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 146 reviews
May 20, 2017
Another great read in this series! The romance between Julia and Barker is ongoing but doesn't take any attention of the murder investigation away. At no time I had the slightest clue who the murderer was - lots of (wrong) suspicions though.
The story was fast paced and kept my interest. I am looking forward to the next installment.
Highly recommended!
The story was fast paced and kept my interest. I am looking forward to the next installment.
Highly recommended!
March 25, 2019
Fun murder mystery. Yummy book cover!
December 26, 2018
Great plot, fast pace, lots of suspicion, well hidden suspects, but I was able to figure out who the culprit was pretty early but never mind, as awesome as always.
Threaten Barker and it's a crazy Julia you'll have to face!
Mεδ Rεδħα you should take a look at this one: lots of chocolate cake!
Threaten Barker and it's a crazy Julia you'll have to face!
Mεδ Rεδħα you should take a look at this one: lots of chocolate cake!
December 14, 2020
Sorry I just can't picture hopping over a crack in the sidewalk never mind a wall.
October 15, 2020
This story involves a watch, a cell phone, chocolate cake, a set-up, family, and forgiveness. I was surprised by the ending. I thought it was going in a different direction. I'm glad it wasn't the obvious answer. I hope they do change.
April 19, 2017
Murder, secrets from the past and new revelations are all the ingredients in this newest installment from Ms. Frost. Mix together with just the right amount of love, add a dash of surprise and you have yourself a perfect murder mystery ;) When Barker's past comes back to haunt him, Julia steps in and puts her detective skills to work. Knowing that Barker's life may be in danger, she does whatever necessary to find out the truth. Past secrets are revealed, and maybe even a another romance is blooming??? I truly enjoyed this book, it had me guessing until the very end!! Another brilliant job by Agatha Frost ❤️
December 11, 2020
These books are so fun to read. In this one we got some more back story on Barker. How sad and terrible for someone to go through. Jessie was cute and Julia was just as great and couldn't help herself again to investigate a murder.
This murder hit close to home and was really sad to whom it happened to. Barker's past comes to bite him in the booty when a past arrest moves into town. Hope he sticks around he looks like an interesting character.
This book left me itching for more of Peridale.
This murder hit close to home and was really sad to whom it happened to. Barker's past comes to bite him in the booty when a past arrest moves into town. Hope he sticks around he looks like an interesting character.
This book left me itching for more of Peridale.
July 10, 2017
I enjoyed this book better than the last. The story moved quickly, almost too fast. The red herrings were good. However, I thought the romantic part of the cozy overshadowed the mystery.
July 13, 2017
*** Review Coming Soon ***
January 16, 2018
Short but funny. Small community minded but good loving, nosy people. Not someplace that there’s a murder happening. Someone wants to kill the new Detective Inspector but Julia’s not having it. All hints points to someone from the inspector detective’s past but the true killer I figured out almost midway through the book.
July 13, 2019
Deze was beter dan deel 3. Opnieuw vermakelijk, soms wat cliché maar toch lekker om te lezen.
June 4, 2017
Well, Agatha Frost has done it again! With this fourth installment in her Peridale Cafe series, she's transported me away from the day to day cares of my life, and filled me with warm feelings, and so much happiness :) When I finished reading, I honestly wanted to squeak and clap my hands together like a little girl. I love it so much when everything comes right - and that's why I gravitate to her stories; I can trust that everything will come right. I'm not a person who deliberately tries to figure out "whodunit" and I'm always so surprised when the culprit is unmasked! I find Julia to be so precious, so loving, so adorable! The way she just wants to look after everyone is so endearing, and whenever I'm reminded of what her selfish husband, Jerrad, did to her, it makes my blood boil. I'm so glad she has Barker, and Jessie, and her Gran. I laughed out loud when Gran finally succumbed to the siren song of yummy cake. I'm so glad I have Shortbread and Sorrow to start on straight away; I miss Peridale when I'm away!
October 16, 2020
This was a good read. Julia's boyfriend receives a funeral wreath. It was taken a death threat. Everyone thinks that his life is in danger but it was his boss that ends up murdered. Now Julia and everyone are on their toes trying to figure out who did it. Luckily it is solved and everything is fine for now.
January 17, 2021
The story is full of prejudices and irrational behaviors.
I gave this series another chance after a shaky beginning with book 1 and I was hoping to see better developed characters and relationships by book 4. Unfortunately, that's not the case, so I don't think I'll be checking in again. It's getting too superficial and brainless even for mindless reading.
I gave this series another chance after a shaky beginning with book 1 and I was hoping to see better developed characters and relationships by book 4. Unfortunately, that's not the case, so I don't think I'll be checking in again. It's getting too superficial and brainless even for mindless reading.
November 29, 2019
4.25 Stars
This is the fourth book in the Peridale Cafe mystery series by Agatha Frost.
In the last book, Julia’s boyfriend DI Barker Brown gets suspended from his job and is now waiting for the department to finish their investigation into his behavior during the string of homeless deaths where he did not exactly follow protocol.
Then a funeral wreath is delivered to his cottage saying “RIP Barker” leaving him to wonder who had it out for him. Not long later he realized that a man he had put into jail when he first started at the department is out and ready for revenge. That is when the find the body of Barker’s superior officer dead on Barker’s doorstep. Since his superior office has often been mistaken for him, Barker thinks the killer is definitely after him.
I thought this book was great. I was sorry to see Barker’s superior killed because I felt like he would have been an awesome recurring character.
Great story and I look forward to continue on in this series completing it in 2020.
This is the fourth book in the Peridale Cafe mystery series by Agatha Frost.
In the last book, Julia’s boyfriend DI Barker Brown gets suspended from his job and is now waiting for the department to finish their investigation into his behavior during the string of homeless deaths where he did not exactly follow protocol.
Then a funeral wreath is delivered to his cottage saying “RIP Barker” leaving him to wonder who had it out for him. Not long later he realized that a man he had put into jail when he first started at the department is out and ready for revenge. That is when the find the body of Barker’s superior officer dead on Barker’s doorstep. Since his superior office has often been mistaken for him, Barker thinks the killer is definitely after him.
I thought this book was great. I was sorry to see Barker’s superior killed because I felt like he would have been an awesome recurring character.
Great story and I look forward to continue on in this series completing it in 2020.
April 24, 2017
„Chocolate Cake and Chaos” is a fourth book in Peridale Cafe Mystery series by Agatha Frost.
Julia South is a baker in a small town, who also likes to „play” a detective in her free time - and she’s damn good at it, too. Due to problems with previous investigation Julia’s boyfriend, Barker is on temporary suspension, but that doesn’t mean he can let his guard down. Especially after funeral wreath is delivered to his cottage and he finds a dead body on his porch the next day.
I love this series so much! Another murder in Peridale had me reading „Chocolate Cake and Chaos" in one sitting. As always plot was so well written, that I couldn’t figure out the real murderer until the very end. Of course, thanks to Dot and few other neighbors, there are few funny moments and it makes this book even better. Excellent, brilliant and enjoyable!
Can’t wait to read the next one!
Recommended!
Julia South is a baker in a small town, who also likes to „play” a detective in her free time - and she’s damn good at it, too. Due to problems with previous investigation Julia’s boyfriend, Barker is on temporary suspension, but that doesn’t mean he can let his guard down. Especially after funeral wreath is delivered to his cottage and he finds a dead body on his porch the next day.
I love this series so much! Another murder in Peridale had me reading „Chocolate Cake and Chaos" in one sitting. As always plot was so well written, that I couldn’t figure out the real murderer until the very end. Of course, thanks to Dot and few other neighbors, there are few funny moments and it makes this book even better. Excellent, brilliant and enjoyable!
Can’t wait to read the next one!
Recommended!
October 8, 2019
This is such a cute series. Set in a small town where everyone knows everyone else's business, it's the perfect cozy read. In this installment, Barker is still suspended and Julia is feeling guilty for her part in it. When a dead body is found on Barker's doorstep, he and Julia need to figure out the who and perhaps more importantly the why.
I was pleased to see Barker have a significant role in this story. I felt like his character was overlooked in the last one. Barker's suspension is creating some tension and it was interesting witnessing he and Julia navigate through some disagreements for the first time in their budding relationship. As always, Dot brought some humor to the story to lighten things up.
A quick read, but an enjoyable one!
I was pleased to see Barker have a significant role in this story. I felt like his character was overlooked in the last one. Barker's suspension is creating some tension and it was interesting witnessing he and Julia navigate through some disagreements for the first time in their budding relationship. As always, Dot brought some humor to the story to lighten things up.
A quick read, but an enjoyable one!
April 29, 2017
Another amazing Peridale Cafe Mystery. Chocolate Cake and Chaos is the fourth book in this amazing series. In this book Barkers past comes back to haunt him, with the help of Julia they work to solve the murder of Barkers boss and try to find out who wants Barker dead. I really enjoy these books and highly recommend reading them.
December 8, 2021
In this installment: Barker receives a funeral wreath, which he views as a death threat, then someone close to Barker is discovered murdered at his home.
There were a lot of suspects and reasons why they might have done it. I thought a couple seemed suspicious, but never fully guessed who the culprit was.
Julia once again put herself in danger, but at least she survived.
Looking forward to the next book.
There were a lot of suspects and reasons why they might have done it. I thought a couple seemed suspicious, but never fully guessed who the culprit was.
Julia once again put herself in danger, but at least she survived.
Looking forward to the next book.
April 19, 2017
Can I say how much I love this series!!!!!! Back to Peridale we go, Julia and Barker seem to be hitting it off very well but threats from an unknown source shake things up. Barker being suspended due to the shenanigans in the last book have him at loose ends. Then the past shows up, murder and crime come back to the town. Julia needs to watch herself, she feels responsible for Barker being suspended. Can they solve this mystery without getting in the way of the police or will they become victims themselves??
I will say the mystery of this book really kept me wondering who done it, I was so wrong LOL and I loved it!!! Dot and Jessie are back too along with the nosey neighborhood of Peridale.
I will say the mystery of this book really kept me wondering who done it, I was so wrong LOL and I loved it!!! Dot and Jessie are back too along with the nosey neighborhood of Peridale.
April 23, 2017
I really feel like I'm getting to understand Julia and the way her mind works.
I wondered about the killer in this one early on gut Agatha gas a way if throwing you off and I found myself leaning in the wrong direction several times.
excellent
I wondered about the killer in this one early on gut Agatha gas a way if throwing you off and I found myself leaning in the wrong direction several times.
excellent
January 14, 2022
The cake on the cover got me ready to act up.
This one was a little harder to figure out imo.
This one was a little harder to figure out imo.
January 24, 2022
This one didn’t keep me as gripped as the previous one but I still enjoyed it. Guessed the killer just before it was revealed
June 25, 2020
A solid C. 2.5 stars
February 23, 2022
Such fun and interesting reads. Onto the next one!
February 20, 2019
This fourth book in the Peridale Cafe series finds Barker on suspension. Julia feels guilty because she was the one who encouraged him to unofficial investigate. Barker is worried he'll never get his job back, while Julia tries to soothe him with chocolate cake. When Barker learns an old nemesis has moved to Peridale, he's terrified. When last he saw the man, it was Barker's first murder case as a newly minted Detective and he felt great. That is, until the man maintained his innocence and swore to kill all those involved. Julia gets involved when Barker receives a gift of a funeral wreath with Barker's name on it. Barker is worried his past has come back to haunt him. The his boss, or old boss, is killed on Barker's doorstep and knowing the physical similarities between them, Barker is certain the dead man was meant to be him. Julia, knowing the villagers better than he does, sets out to ask some very pointed questions to find out who means her boyfriend harm.
This fourth book is much better in terms of characterization and cozy village setting. The mystery is much darker and scary. I'm liking Julia better so far. She's quirky and a bit old-fashioned. Julia seems a lot older than her 37 years with her love of all things vintage and quaint cafe. Her relationship with Barker is still new and sweet. Barker is showing more personality. He's not so arrogant and rude as he was when they first met but I don't feel that he really understands Julia or her love of baking yet. He likes to eat what she bakes but I don't think he appreciates the love and skill that goes into creating the perfect recipe. Their relationship is tested in this case and I like the way Julia stands by her man no matter what.
The secondary characters are better developed than in the first novel. The village is populated by some people who are a little more than odd and some who are rather more normal. I really like Julia's feisty lodger Jessie. She adds some humor to the dark story. Harriet Barnes, the florist, is a bit snippy but I don't blame her and I would react the same way. My favorite character is Evelyn. She's a muggle version of Professor Trelawney in Harry Potter with her long, flowing robes and firm belief in mysticism. Every time she utters "the universe foretold..." I giggle but I would roll my eyes if she did it too often to me in real life. Evelyn is a hoot. In second place is Julia's Gran, Dot. Dot is on a health kick in this book. Dot is a pistol and very very funny. Her 80s workout gear is screamingly funny. She's a great character.
I feel sorry for Billy Matthews, a thug from the Fern Moore Estate (sounds like a housing project) outside of Peridale. The locals are super snooty about the estate and don't do anything to try to help those in need. Where is child protective services? Don't they have laws about kids being in school? Billy has fallen through the cracks. He should be in juvie. Do they have juvie in England? Google says they do but Billy might be too old. He SHOULD have been in juvie and someone needs to straighten the kid out. Detective Sergeant Forbes is Barker's temporary replacement. He's plodding and more slow witted than Barker. He seems more like a bumbling cop that is usually found in cozy mysteries. Jeffrey Taylor is Barker's nemesis. He is a creepy, mysterious man and I don't blame Julia for being weirded out by him. Jim Austen, Barker's boss, was a fair man but probably rather narrow-minded. He sounds like a typical cop with a black and white view of the world and love of rules. He was also a loving family man and didn't deserve to die.
The one very big thing keeping me from giving this book a higher rating is the lack of recipes! I NEED recipes! There are so many chocolate cakes in this book I think I would feel like I had died and gone to heaven if I were in Peridale.
This is a cute series. Each book works as a stand alone but really does need recipes.
This fourth book is much better in terms of characterization and cozy village setting. The mystery is much darker and scary. I'm liking Julia better so far. She's quirky and a bit old-fashioned. Julia seems a lot older than her 37 years with her love of all things vintage and quaint cafe. Her relationship with Barker is still new and sweet. Barker is showing more personality. He's not so arrogant and rude as he was when they first met but I don't feel that he really understands Julia or her love of baking yet. He likes to eat what she bakes but I don't think he appreciates the love and skill that goes into creating the perfect recipe. Their relationship is tested in this case and I like the way Julia stands by her man no matter what.
The secondary characters are better developed than in the first novel. The village is populated by some people who are a little more than odd and some who are rather more normal. I really like Julia's feisty lodger Jessie. She adds some humor to the dark story. Harriet Barnes, the florist, is a bit snippy but I don't blame her and I would react the same way. My favorite character is Evelyn. She's a muggle version of Professor Trelawney in Harry Potter with her long, flowing robes and firm belief in mysticism. Every time she utters "the universe foretold..." I giggle but I would roll my eyes if she did it too often to me in real life. Evelyn is a hoot. In second place is Julia's Gran, Dot. Dot is on a health kick in this book. Dot is a pistol and very very funny. Her 80s workout gear is screamingly funny. She's a great character.
I feel sorry for Billy Matthews, a thug from the Fern Moore Estate (sounds like a housing project) outside of Peridale. The locals are super snooty about the estate and don't do anything to try to help those in need. Where is child protective services? Don't they have laws about kids being in school? Billy has fallen through the cracks. He should be in juvie. Do they have juvie in England? Google says they do but Billy might be too old. He SHOULD have been in juvie and someone needs to straighten the kid out. Detective Sergeant Forbes is Barker's temporary replacement. He's plodding and more slow witted than Barker. He seems more like a bumbling cop that is usually found in cozy mysteries. Jeffrey Taylor is Barker's nemesis. He is a creepy, mysterious man and I don't blame Julia for being weirded out by him. Jim Austen, Barker's boss, was a fair man but probably rather narrow-minded. He sounds like a typical cop with a black and white view of the world and love of rules. He was also a loving family man and didn't deserve to die.
The one very big thing keeping me from giving this book a higher rating is the lack of recipes! I NEED recipes! There are so many chocolate cakes in this book I think I would feel like I had died and gone to heaven if I were in Peridale.
This is a cute series. Each book works as a stand alone but really does need recipes.
January 28, 2020
From the cover: A funeral wreath is delivered to Barker’s cottage. Is it a prank, or a grim warning? Julia’s fears that somebody is trying to kill Barker are confirmed when a dead body with a striking resemblance to him is found on his doorstep the very next day, just as their romance is deepening. Barker might be on temporary suspension from his role as Detective Inspector at the village police station, but that doesn’t mean he’s short of enemies in Peridale, especially when a dark face from his past arrives in the small village to stir up painful memories. With an unclear list of suspects and motives, Julia vows to keep Barker safe, but can they figure out the puzzle as they work outside of the law in a race against time to stop Barker paying the ultimate price?
This is the fourth book in the series, but only the first one for me. I liked the main characters, Julia and Barker. They have an ongoing relationship. He is also suspended from his detective job. The story is fast packed and keeps a reader interested. It did take me awhile to figure out who the killer is, but it was great reading the story even after I had that person in my mind as the killer. A very good read for cozy mysteries lovers.
This is the fourth book in the series, but only the first one for me. I liked the main characters, Julia and Barker. They have an ongoing relationship. He is also suspended from his detective job. The story is fast packed and keeps a reader interested. It did take me awhile to figure out who the killer is, but it was great reading the story even after I had that person in my mind as the killer. A very good read for cozy mysteries lovers.
May 8, 2017
Chocolate Cake and Chaos by Agatha Frost is the fourth masterpiece in this series. I absolutely loved it. Once again, I was following the heroine, Julia, and her boyfriend, the suspended inspector. Here, I learned a lot of surprising twists. Inspector Barker finds that a man he put away for a murder case, has been released due to false charges...and that same man is now, in the same town as him. Talk about suspense, intrigue, and fear! As always there's a new murder investigation happening where Julia is involved. This time, it hits closer to home. A personal case that has everyone nervous and scared. The brewing romance between Julia and Inspector Barker is sweet as sugar. A man who loves chocolate as much as I do is a keeper. Chocolate Cake and Chaos is a hilarious, romantic, and engaging read. I was intrigued throughout the piece. Again, Agatha Forst has created another favorite book for me to always remember. I love her charcaters and sticky plots. Overall, I highly recommend this cozy mystery to all. (This is my honest review. I got the copy from the author.)
July 17, 2017
Each book gets better
In this installment of the Peridale Cafe Cozy mysteries. Our heroine, Julia South, has settled down to knowing she and Detective Inspector, Barker Brown, are truly in love with one another. Too bad Barker is on suspension for helping Julia out on her last case behind his bosses back. As they are anxiously awaiting the results of the investigation into his conduct, they arrive at his cottage to find a funeral wreath with his name on it. Learning that someone Barker out away for murder for life is now free. Julia and Barker are very concerned about the funeral wreath and it's supposed threat. When they find a dead body in Farmer's doorstep the next night and the victim looks similar to Barker, they know that his life is in serious danger. This is another delightful read with several twists and turns along the way. Add delicious chocolate cake and you can expect an enjoyable reading experience. I have found that the author is very good at surprising you with whom the murderer turns out to be.
In this installment of the Peridale Cafe Cozy mysteries. Our heroine, Julia South, has settled down to knowing she and Detective Inspector, Barker Brown, are truly in love with one another. Too bad Barker is on suspension for helping Julia out on her last case behind his bosses back. As they are anxiously awaiting the results of the investigation into his conduct, they arrive at his cottage to find a funeral wreath with his name on it. Learning that someone Barker out away for murder for life is now free. Julia and Barker are very concerned about the funeral wreath and it's supposed threat. When they find a dead body in Farmer's doorstep the next night and the victim looks similar to Barker, they know that his life is in serious danger. This is another delightful read with several twists and turns along the way. Add delicious chocolate cake and you can expect an enjoyable reading experience. I have found that the author is very good at surprising you with whom the murderer turns out to be.
May 30, 2021
When someone new arrives in town who has a bit of an unhappy history with Detective Inspector Barker, unfortunate things begin happening. First a funeral wreath is left on the doorstep of Barker's cottage addressed to him, then before long, another officer is found dead in that same spot.
It seems that someone wants Barker dead, and the obvious suspect is the recently released prisoner staying at the local Bed & Breakfast. But if it wasn't him, as the man claims, then who is it that seems to want Barker dead and why?
This was the fourth book in the series, and I enjoyed reading it every bit as much as I did the first three books. It was well written and the story was entertaining enough to make it hard to put down at night.
Anyone who has read and enjoyed the first 3 books in the series should also enjoy this one, as would anyone who enjoys reading cozy mysteries. I would say it's definitely worth giving it a try, even if you’re new to the series.
It seems that someone wants Barker dead, and the obvious suspect is the recently released prisoner staying at the local Bed & Breakfast. But if it wasn't him, as the man claims, then who is it that seems to want Barker dead and why?
This was the fourth book in the series, and I enjoyed reading it every bit as much as I did the first three books. It was well written and the story was entertaining enough to make it hard to put down at night.
Anyone who has read and enjoyed the first 3 books in the series should also enjoy this one, as would anyone who enjoys reading cozy mysteries. I would say it's definitely worth giving it a try, even if you’re new to the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 146 reviews