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Bakeshop Mystery #7

Another One Bites the Crust

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Torte―the beloved small-town bakeshop run by Jules Capshaw―is set to hit the stage. But who would have guessed that murder would makes a surprise appearance?

It’s the role of a lifetime for Jules. The Shakespeare Festival has returned to Ashland, Oregon, for the season and Torte has been cast as the supplier of Elizabethan-era treats for the main event. But on the eve of opening night, a brawl between Jules’s friend Lance, the artistic director, and a strapping young thespian named Anthony almost brings down the house. . .and the next morning, Anthony is dead. Jules knows that Lance loves his drama―and his just desserts―but she also knows that murder is way off-script for him. Now it’s up to Jules to cut through a bevy of backstage betrayals and catty co-stars who all have their own secrets―before the curtain drops on someone else. . .

313 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 2, 2018

309 people are currently reading
2281 people want to read

About the author

Ellie Alexander

77 books3,002 followers
Ellie is a voracious storyteller and a lover of words and all things bookish. She believes that stories have the ability to transport and transform us. With over forty published novels and counting, her goal is to tell stories that provide points of connection, escape, and understanding.

She loves inhabiting someone else’s skin through the pages of a book and is passionate about helping writers find their unique storytelling lens. As a writing teacher and coach, she guides writers in crafting the story they’ve always wanted to tell while navigating the path to publication that’s right for them.

Find out more about Ellie and her books by visiting her website at: http://www.elliealexander.co/ or following her on social media—
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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 283 reviews
Profile Image for Tina.
433 reviews144 followers
December 12, 2019
Love this one and I love Lance. He's the best character.
Profile Image for Karen.
503 reviews66 followers
December 6, 2017
The new year is going to be off to an amazing start for cozy lovers with Another One Bites The Crust by Ellie Alexander! I finished reading this last night and I was on egg shells the entire book. I was so worried the whole time that something terrible was going to happen to one of my most favorite characters in the series and I found myself holding my breath through much of the book. Ellie does a great job with character building and makes you care so much about fictional characters that you come to think of them as real. While the place is real it is so hard to not think that I could just get in my car and drive 10 hours and be sitting in Torte while visiting Ashland. Having driven through and reading about it throughout this series I can tell you first hand that the setting feels as realistic as it looks, with a few exceptions that is. I loved this one. It was suspenseful, it was nail biting and it was fun. I loved it and I think you will too.
Profile Image for LORI CASWELL.
2,839 reviews329 followers
October 31, 2020
Dollycas’s Thoughts

We arrive in Ashland, Oregon just in time for the return of the Shakespeare Festival. Jule’s friend and artistic director of the festival should be over the moon but he is acting stranger than his normal strange. He has decided he needs to hold a start of the season party with authentic desserts from the 1500s which he expects Jules to bake. Jules already has a lot on her plate with the construction at Torte and planning her mother’s upcoming nuptials. She knows she can’t say no to Lance, especially when she knows something is going on with him.

The party is going great until a fight breaks out. A fight between Lance and the young actor playing Antony in the play, who is a method actor so he only answers to that name. Lance thinks Anthony is bad-mouthing him to the festival board and trying to get him fired. The party breaks up but later when Anthony is found dead Jules knows Lance is in a world of trouble.

Jules, her mom, Lance, Andy, Sterling, Bethany, Stephanie, Thomas, and the Professor come together in this 7th installment of this fun and entertaining series. I truly feel like I am visiting old friends every time I open a Bakeshop Mystery. All the characters are genuine and because of Helen, Jules’s mom’s huge heart they are all truly a family.

We are introduced to a new character when Doug needs to take a step back from the investigation due to his friendship with Lance. Detective Kerry’s attitude pushes Jules hard to help her friend in any way she can. For me, the jury is still out on Detective Kerry.

Along with the opening of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Torte is doing a big expansion and Helen and Doug, the Professor are engaged and want to get married right away, as soon as they can find an available venue large enough for all their guests. Then there is the mess Lance finds himself in. I love the way Ms. Alexander blends the mystery with all the real-life happenings of the entire cast along with the yummy food and Andy’s signature beverages and recipes.

The mystery has a quick pace and is so well-plotted. Twists and some exciting moments made this a very fast read as the pages flying, there should have been smoke coming out of my Kindle.

Another One Bites the Crust contains everything I love about cozy mysteries. Fun characters, an entertaining mystery, just enough drama, and some romance thrown in too. The current mystery is solved but the author teases us with just enough information to excite us for the next Bakeshop Mystery. The one good thing about being late to the party for this series is that I don’t have to wait months for the next book. Watch for my review of Till Death Do Us Tart coming soon.
Profile Image for Lisa Ks Book Reviews.
842 reviews139 followers
Want to read
February 20, 2018
I have loved this series since the first book. I truly enjoy each and every character. They mystery is always so well plotted. I want to see this be a very long running series.
Profile Image for Whitney.
137 reviews61 followers
December 4, 2020
Love this whole series but think this one and #3 have been my favorites so far
Profile Image for Courtny.
Author 3 books506 followers
July 23, 2023
This has been my most favorite installment of The Bakeshop Mystery series ever. Seriously, hands down. I wish there was an option to give this book more than 5 Stars on my GoodReads account. 

Another One Bites the Crust starts with Jules getting ready for the day at Torte. She has just gotten back from the cruise with the Professor and her mom. She knows that this is where her heart belongs. She is home. 

As she is getting prepared for the day, her flamboyant and sassy best friend Lance comes into the shop looking for a favor. He has seemed very much out of sorts lately. Claiming that the Oregon Shakespeare Festival is trying to usurp him as director and that the lead actor in Antony and Cleopatra is helping them. Is this paranoia? Is Lance going crazy? Or does he just need a vacation?

Lance has come up with a way to prove his importance and show that he isn't going without a fight. Or at least without a fabulous party for the entire cast! Jules and the crew of Torte have been given the chance to be the supplier for this Elizabethan-era shindig. On opening night, Lance and Anthony come to fist-a-cuffs. Something that shook the whole crowd. 

Lance shows up to Jules' house that night after the party, covered in blood, and with a knife in hand. Anthony is dead. Jules knows that Lance would never do this. Is this a stunt? Publicity? Has Lance lost it? You'll have to read to figure it out. 

This book gave me everything that I wanted and more with Lance and Jules' friendship. I need myself a Lance. Every time he has been on stage in the books I have loved his sassy, blunt, and honest dialogue. Their relationship reminds me of Will & Grace. I can't wait for the next book in the series, Til Death Do Us Tart coming out in July 2018. 
Profile Image for Ell.
523 reviews66 followers
February 7, 2018
I can sum Another One Bites the Crust up in one word- likable. The cast of characters are likable. The writing is likable. The way the story unfolds is likable. In fact, there was nothing I didn’t like about this 7th installment in A Bakeshop Mystery series. The dialogue is smooth. The characters are well-developed. The story line flows. The interest builds. This book ticks all the boxes for this cozy mystery lover. I enjoyed the setting, the relationships, the evolution of the characters and of course, the mystery and distractions sprinkled throughout. I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy provided to me by the publisher through NetGalley. This did not affect my rating. I have provided an unbiased and honest review.
Profile Image for Carla.
7,507 reviews175 followers
February 9, 2018
Juliet "Jules" Capshaw is back again, bringing with her the wonderful Torte staff and the colorful characters of Ashland, Oregon. In the seventh book in "A Bakeshop Mystery" series, Jules once again showcases her baking skills as well as her sleuthing ones. The Shakespeare Festival is ready to open for the season and the eccentric and over the top Lance wants Jules to create mouth watering desserts from the Shakespeare period. He is trying to show everyone that he can throw the best party to showcase OSF, after the board had their gala at the Merry Windsor on the cheap. He is sure "The Board" wants to fire him. He is also feuding with the leading man in Antony and Cleopatra, who he is sure is behind the Board's apparent feelings. When "Antony" ends up dead and Lance is the one to find the body, the first time, he is arrested for the murder. The Professor excuses himself due to his friendship with Lance, and brings in a detective from the nearby town. Suffice it to say, Lance wants Jules to investigate and get him off the hook.

I really like Jules as the protaganist in these books. Not only is she a strong character but she is smart, caring, compassionate and an excellent chef and baker. She is dealing with a lot in this story. Her mom is remarrying, but she still feels the loss of her father and her memories are strong and heart wrenching in this book. She is still working on renovations to Torte with her mother and now her friend has been arrested. The other characters that work at Torte also had their own smaller storylines and it was nice to see a bit more of them in other situations. Overall, this was a good addition to this series with a surprising ending that is sure to bring a new dimension to this series. I recommend this book to any cozy mystery lovers. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book via Netgalley.
Profile Image for Ellen Hamilton.
Author 1 book22 followers
January 20, 2019
I started out at the tail-end of the series, but honestly, I did not feel out of place for one single moment. I actually loved this murder mystery and found the characters satisfyingly well-developed. I loved the small town, the colourful and caring characters, the warmth that exuded from the good friends and apprentices. I also liked that the murder was due to a commonplace and stupid reason that is very life-like and saddening, and that the protagonist expresses that sentiment.

And guess what? These guys have Shakespeare! Suddenly, I find myself being surrounded by Shakespeare. The coincidences are startling. But never mind. Now I will tell you about what did bother me.

These contemporary cozies have one aspect that is now beginning to get on my nerves: the female protagonists are always unstable in their romantic relationships!!! In this book, Jules is estranged from her husband Carlos, whom she still loves. In A Sheetcake Named Desire, Rita is separated from her husband Phillipe and is in the process of getting a divorce. In Pies and Prejudice, Ella Mae LaFaye finds her husband cheating on her and leaves him. In Death by Espresso, Krissy dissolves her relationship with her boyfriend when he has to go away and isn't sure what to do about Paul, who obviously has feelings for her. In The Peppermint Mocha Murder, Hayden sickeningly swings back and forth between two men like a pendulum.

Could one person write a contemporary cozy where the protagonist is happily married to the love of her life? Or is that too much to ask in today's modern world? 🙄 Or am I, perhaps, the one who is "out of joint"?
Profile Image for Patrizia.
1,914 reviews41 followers
February 26, 2018
Altro buon libro, anche se la storia gialla non mi ha preso un granché; mi è piaciuta di più la rimpatriata con un gruppo di personaggi che ormai mi sono familiari come vecchi amici. Mi sembra di capire che se ne aggiungerà un altro che pare interessante...
Profile Image for Wendi Lee.
Author 1 book480 followers
December 20, 2017
*3.5 stars*

In this seventh helping from Torte, Jules Capshaw is busy getting ready for the Shakespeare Festival. The play of the season is Antony and Cleopatra, but her bff Lance (and director of the playhouse) is having a lot of issues with the man playing Antony. So when Antony is found dead, Lance is the obvious suspect. It's up to Jules, and the refreshingly competent police department, to find out who really killed Antony.

There's a lot of positive things to say about this book. It's my first introduction to the Bakeshop Mystery series, but I was able to start reading with no problem. The characters are interesting and zany, and I love the fact that Torte is a business passed to Jules from her parents (and that her mother is still alive and very much involved!).

Another pleasant surprise is how Jules seems like an actual pastry chef and foodie. I have read many cozy mysteries where the protagonist is the owner of a bakery or coffee shop, but seems to know nothing about baking or brewing coffee. Jules is the opposite! There are many wonderful descriptions about food, and the process of finding ingredients/merging flavors.

I also liked that the police department is competent, as I mentioned above. There are a lot of dopey police officers in cozy mysteries, but the detectives in this book seem intelligent and capable of solving crime. Yay!

I wasn't that sold on the actual mystery, however. There was no way I could have solved it on my own, and it was wrapped up very tidily. I don't actually read cozy mysteries for the whodunnits, however; it's more because they're comfortable, cute reads. And in that case, Another One Bites the Crust is the perfect book.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for an ARC.
Profile Image for Christine.
541 reviews35 followers
July 20, 2022
Juliet has returned from her trip to the start of the Shakespeare festival. Her friend, Lance, enlists her and her team at Torte to cater the annual dinner. Lance has a disagreement with one of the actors, Antony. When Antony is late3r murdered, Lance becomes a suspect. Juliet does not believe Lance is a killer, so she sets out to clear his name. I have been listening to this series on audio and I am absolutely loving it. The narrator brings the characters to life and really makes you feel like you are in the story. Juliet is such a strong character and I love the side characters of her team at Torte and the side story with Stephanie and her dormmate. I can't wait to continue this series.
Profile Image for Nicky Nunney .
243 reviews58 followers
August 1, 2024
CW: grief, discussions of deceased parent, hateful language

This was a great installment. I couldn't believe that Lance was a suspect in the murder and I was pretty sure he was innocent.

I liked how the team rallied around Stephanie and tried to help her through her problem.

That ending with Jules and Richard Lord being business partners! I can tell that's gonna be a bumpy ride for Jules, I'd hate to work with him 😂

I'm looking forward to reading the next installment in the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Annu.
238 reviews36 followers
March 4, 2021
It was fun to catch up with Jules and the gang. Lance gets embroiled in a murder when the lead actor in his play is murdered. And Jules being the ever-good friend, assures Lance to clear his name. There is a new detective in this book, as the Professor has decided to take a step back. But he's still involved in solving the murder. The equation of Jules and Sterling is just great with their heart-to-heart talks. And that ending was just as dramatic as Lance.
Profile Image for Heidi.
1,396 reviews158 followers
January 11, 2018

Three and half stars: A delightful cozy brimming with comfort food and bakeshop coziness, but the mystery is weak.

Jules has been exceptionally busy since she returned from her cruise. Her bakeshop, Torte, is busier than ever. Jules is also in the middle of renovating the basement area in order to expand the shop. It is a wonderful time to be Ashland, spring is right around the corner, which means the opening of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. Lance should be in his element, but something is wrong. He is stressed, erratic and acting strangely. Things take a disastrous turn when Lance shows up on the eve of opening night covered in blood. The lead actor in the upcoming play is dead, and Lance is the prime suspect since he was since fighting with the deceased shortly before he disappeared. Can Jules clear Lance’s name while balancing her busy baking schedule?
What I Liked:
I can never resist a trip back to Ashland, Oregon to spend time at Torte with Jules and the gang. The Bakeshop Mysteries are always delightful filled with scrumptious baked goods, terrific characters and the feel good vibe I crave in a cozy. This latest book, Another One Bites the Crust delivers plenty of comfort food and coziness. This read is perfect for a cold, stormy day.
I love that this book features plenty of baking descriptions. Reading about warm, comfort food preparation whether it be soups or delicious pastries is so relaxing and soothing. This book is brimming with yummy food. I am a big fan of all things food, and I love that the author also incorporates lots of baking tips and tricks. The only downfall is that these books always make me hungry.
I continue to enjoy the cast of characters and the camaraderie that they share in the bakeshop. The core group of players continue to grow and evolve. I love spending time with all of these characters.
I appreciate that the mysteries are interesting. Jules manages to always lend a hand when it comes to the sleuthing, but the law enforcement characters are capable, smart and they are on top of the cases. No incompetent police work.
The ending is satisfactory. The mystery is done up, no big loose ends, though there is a tempting tease for the next book.
And The Not So Much:
*I found the mystery in this one to be rather weak. It wasn’t possible to guess the motives for the murder. There is a lot of distraction and plenty of red herrings. When the killer and the reasons were revealed, I thought they didn’t make much sense. I also found the deductions on who the killer and why a bit far fetched. It was disappointing, but I didn’t mind so much because I don’t read this series for the mystery. I am all about the bake shop and the food.
*Even though I love this series, it is stretching believability to continue to have so many murders in this small town in such a short time span. I wish the books would branch out and do something else beside a murder mystery.
*I wasn’t a fan of the female detective, and I was confused on her role. I could do without her unless she has a big attitude adjustment.
*I loved the recipes that are usually included, but my advanced copy didn’t have any recipes. I am hoping that there are recipes are in the final copy because the recipes are always one of the highlights.
*I was wanting more movement in the romance, but alas, absolutely nothing happens with Jules’ romantic conflict.
*There was a story line involving Stephanie suffering from insomnia due to a noisy neighbor. I felt this story angle wasn’t developed well, and I didn’t like the supposed resolution. Why didn’t she complain or do something?

Another One Bites the Crust was a yummy, cozy food adventure. I loved all the food descriptions and spending time in the bakery. I was disappointed though in that there was no change in the ongoing romantic conflict. I also thought the mystery was weak. Still I love spending time in Oregon with the fun cast of characters and all the scrumptious treats. If you want a light, cozy read, this is one to grab especially on a winter day.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review.
Posted@Rainy Day Ramblings.

Profile Image for Kristina Anderson.
4,015 reviews83 followers
December 29, 2017
Another One Bites the Crust by Ellie Alexander is the seventh book in A Bakeshop Mystery series. Jules Capshaw co-owns Torte with her mother (Helen) in Ashland, Oregon. The new season of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival is getting ready to start which will greatly increase the traffic to their bakery. They are also busy with the remodeling of their new space, planning Helen’s wedding to Doug (aka the Professor) and preparing treats for opening night of Antony and Cleopatra. Then Lance, artistic director for OSF, enters with a new request and some drama. Lance is acting a little stranger than normal (an understatement). He feels that the actor playing Antony (who will only answer to Antony) is attempting to oust him and he wants to hold a preseason party with authentic Shakespearean dessert buffet (oh boy). While they really do not have the time for Lance’s party, Jules cannot deny his request (even though he wants to her to use recipes from the 1500s and have the party in one week). The party is a hit, but there is altercation between a tipsy (again an understatement) Lance and Antony. Later that night, Lance arrives at Jules home with blood on his hands and clutching a dagger. Antony is dead (not a shocker) and Lance stumbled upon his body. Lance is the prime suspect (of course) and is arrested. Jules with assistance from the Professor and Thomas work to prove his innocence. Someone is setting Lance up for the crime. Who could have wanted Antony dead? And what is the actor’s real name?

Another One Bites the Crust is nicely written, has a good pace, contains well developed characters and a charming town. While Another One Bites the Crust is the sixth installment in the series, it can be read alone. The author provides the needed background details. The cozy elements that readers of this genre love are present. A charming town, quirky yet lovable characters, someone to dislike, a bakery with delicious descriptions of baked goods, a Shakespearean play with accounts of the beautiful costumes, Jules creating delectable delights for Lance’s party, a hint of romance, Stephanie’s lack of sleep, Lance acting nuttier than usual and a wedding is being planned. I do feel that we do not need the details on every item that Jules decides to create (it can become tedious after the third, fourth, then fifth time). I was thrilled that Carlos was not featured in this story (I am tired of his storyline). It does seem, though, that Carlos’ story is not finished. There is a hint of what is to come (hint: remember what Carlos gave Jules). The mystery is medium level. The killer can be discerned before the reveal (just follow the clues). The investigation consists of questioning people, our sleuth sharing information (with Lt. Kerry, the Professor, Thomas), and Jules thinking and speculating. I appreciate that the author gives us competent police officers and detectives. While Lt. Kerry is a rule follower (and intelligent), she is not rude, dislikeable or idiotic (or all three). There is just the right amount of humor in the story. While Lance is an over-the-top character, he is the only one (thank heavens). I liked Thomas and Jules getting to spend some quality time together with a little flirting (can you tell I am Team Thomas). Another One Bites the Crust is a light, entertaining cozy mystery.
Profile Image for Deb.
1,321 reviews64 followers
January 5, 2018
The Bakeshop Mysteries have become one of my favorite cozy series--I love the characters and the Ashland, Oregon setting. It's such a great town and I love how Ellie Alexander brings it to life. Without giving spoilers if you haven't read the previous six books, I can tell you that in Another One Bites the Crust, we are starting the busy season as the Shakespeare Festival is kicking off and also at Torte--the bakeshop run by Jules and her mother, Helen. The festival's flamboyant artistic director, Lance, has become a close friend and Jules is concerned when he seems out of sorts and it only gets worse when the lead actor of Anthony and Cleopatra ends up dead and Lance is the chief suspect. Of course Jules is going to help him and she finds herself caught up in another mystery, while expanding the bakery and other 'life stuff' (no spoilers) ;-) she is involved in.

The usual cast of characters is in play--Torte's college-age staff, Helen and the Professor, Ashland's head of police, Thomas (deputy and Jules's old boyfriend), plus there is a new doughnut-loving investigator called in on the case from the 'big city' of Medford, who we may see more of. The food descriptions don't stop--something I love in a foodie cozy and I like the cooking and baking details and tips that the author works in. The pacing and how the mystery unfolded is good--I like that Jules has a fairly level head most of the time and although it wouldn't be a cozy if she didn't take some risks in the name of mystery solving, I don't find myself 'yelling' at her in my head as much as the leads in other cozies. I also was happy that Jules's estranged husband Carlos was not a big factor in this book. I like Jules best when she is independent and not focused on romantic tangles.

Although you could read this book without reading the first six as Alexander does a great job in layering in the backstory, I wouldn't recommend it. You get more of the details and the evolution of the characters by reading the series in order and you get to taste Torte's and Jules's creations vicariously by reading them--just don't do it on an empty stomach. (Here's my blog review of the first five books.) Although I am reading an advanced reader's copy e-book and have not officially confirmed it, there are usually some of Jules's sweet and savory recipes at the end of each book and plenty of food inspiration along the way. Another One Bites the Crust is a fun way to start 2018 and a great book to curl up with a cup of tea and a muffin and enjoy--or, if it's lunch time or late night and you have a hankering for savory comfort food, try Jules's Grown-Up Grilled Cheese--recipe on the blog.

You can see my review and a recipe from the book on my blog post here: https://kahakaikitchen.blogspot.com/2...

Note: A review copy of "Another One Bites the Crust" was provided to me by the publisher. I was not compensated for this review and as always, my thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Linda.
2,290 reviews57 followers
December 27, 2023
I love the gang from Torte. This was a lot of fun and there seems to be many changes coming to Ashland. The mystery was fun, kept me guessing and I loved that it was set in the theater. The characters are like family and I can’t wait to see what happens next.
Profile Image for Cozybooklady .
2,161 reviews112 followers
December 26, 2017
Jules Capshaw is back again, bringing with her all our favorite Torte friends and of course, the colorful characters of Ashland, Oregon
The Shakespeare Festival has returned and the wild and zany Lance is ready for Jules to create some mouth watering desserts.
Unfortunately for Lance, he doesn't get to enjoy much of the events when he becomes a prime suspect in the death of the leading man.
Rumors begin to fly and it is up to Jules and her high school sweetheart, Thomas, to put the puzzle pieces together.

I have enjoyed all the books in this series and this one was no different. Jules is a strong character and she really blossoms in this story.
She is so happy that her mom is remarrying, but she struggles with the loss of her father. This topic points toward reality and it was interesting to see how it played out. The author portrayed it in a sensitive way and left room for Jules to continue to heal after her father's death.

Fans of this series will love this book. I look forward to reading the next in this series by the talented Ellie Alexander.
I voluntarily read an ARC of this book provided by the publisher and NetGalley.
#AnotherOneBitesTheCrust #NetGalley
Profile Image for Jenna.
687 reviews44 followers
December 28, 2017
Place:  Ashland, Oregon

People:  The usual gang from Torte is back! Jules and her mom, Andy, Sterling, Stephanie, Bethany, and Lance. And, since it is a murder mystery, the Professor and Thomas are involved, as well. New characters for this story include OSF set designer Thad, actors Tracy, Brock, and Antony, and costume designer Vera MacBohn (more about her later!).

Plot:  Jules is happy to be back on solid ground and at Torte after a week at sea. Spring is right around the corner in Ashland; the bakery is expanding, the theater season is running previews, and Jules is helping her mom plan for her wedding to the Professor. The trouble is that Lance (the theater's Artistic Director and Jules's friend) seems high-strung and out of sorts. After hiring Juliet and the crew at Torte to provide theme desserts for a party, Lance shows up at Jules's apartment in the middle of the night carrying a dagger and covered in blood. But Jules knows that her friend can't be a killer - even if the victim is the prima donna actor who has been antagonizing Lance for weeks. Lance begs Juliet for help and, of course, she can't turn him down. 

Pacing:  Steady

Predictability:  Low

Perspective:  Another One Bites the Crust is the seventh book in Ellie Alexander's Bakeshop Mystery series. I've been a fan since the first book, but I must admit that this one has a special place in my heart. I had the opportunity to name a character in this story - Vera MacBohn. Vera is named after my niece (Vera - a Dutch bunny) and my nephew (Macca - a spaniel hound mix), both of whom passed away in 2016. It was delightful to have them immortalized on the page!

Aside from that particular delight, the story itself is Ellie Alexander at her best. She weaves together tempting recipes, tantalizing mystery, and irresistible characters expertly. 
Profile Image for Hilary (A Wytch's Book Review).
881 reviews
July 17, 2018
Lance is getting stressed, very stressed, a young actor seems to be trying to get Lance fired from his position as the director of the OSF (Oregon Shakespeare Festival) and this leads to a rather nasty fight on opening night.  This should have cleared the air between Lance and Antony, unfortunately Antony winds up dead and Lance has ended up at Torte covered in blood and clutching a dagger! With the Professor having to take a step back from the proceedings (due to the fact that he is friends with Lance) a Detective Kelly is brought in and she is doing everything by the book, and the book is being thrown at Lance! With Jules being certain that Lance is not a killer (however dramatic he acts) she (and Thomas along with the Professor) work behind the scenes to make sure that Lance's show goes on!

This is a series that keeps getting better, we have a wonderful cast of characters that make Ashland a place I would love to visit (if only the body count would go down a bit *grin*) with theatrics and baking who could ask for more - please keep them coming Ms Alexander!
Profile Image for Melissa  P..
277 reviews28 followers
March 15, 2025
I really liked that this story took place back in their hometown. A body is found in the park, then it's missing. Was it a hoax? Did someone move it? I really didn't know until the end. So while the mystery ended up being not over the top exciting, I still really enjoyed reading this one and had to give it 5 stars. The recipes are always good in these books but the ones in this one really did make me hungry. Jules' grilled cheese sandwich with the honey is something I will have to try and the macarons sounded so delicious, especially the peanut butter and jelly ones. Happy to continue this series. I hope Lance is in the next book as he said he is taking a trip. He's one of the most fun characters. Happy reading! 🫓🍞
Profile Image for Elise.
439 reviews4 followers
March 6, 2020
This book just didn't work for me for a few reasons:

-The mystery was solved It also wrapped up way too quickly for my taste.
-Stephanie's sleep-deprivation story line fell flat. I thought for sure something more was going on with her, but in the end she was fine? This didn't make sense.
-I know a lot of people really love Lance as a character, but I find him to be over-the-top dramatic, so I can't say I enjoyed an entire book focused on him!

I'll of course continue reading this series--Ellie Alexander has created layered characters and a beautiful town. I also am tempted by the twist in Jules' life that was dropped at the very end of the book! But this was not my favorite in the series by a long shot.
Profile Image for Robin.
1,588 reviews35 followers
November 18, 2017
These are a fun and easy-to-read cozy mystery series set in the appealing setting of Ashland, Oregon, home of the year-round Shakespearean festival, a magnet for tourists from all over the world. The author expertly incorporates the town's theater culture with the adventures of "Jules" Capshaw as she creates drool-worthy desserts and food in her bakeshop and solves a mystery or two.

Perfect for fans of Diane Mott Davidson (without the violence and language), Joanne Fluke, and other cozy mystery writers who involve food with solving murders.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for allowing access to the advance digital reading copy.
Profile Image for K.A. Davis.
Author 4 books483 followers
January 2, 2018
ANOTHER ONE BITES THE CRUST by Ellie Alexander is a worthy addition to a very enjoyable series! This seventh book in her Bake Shop Mystery series builds on the characters and strengthens the protagonist, Jules (Juliet) Capshaw’s ties to Ashland, Oregon. And yes, she was named after “that” Juliet. Ashland is known for its Shakespearean Festival each summer (it really is a real-life event!) and the setting provides so many opportunities for drama and small-town connections. Jules and her mother own Torte, a delightfully yummy bakeshop. I would dearly love to spend time in her shop every day, enjoying the close-knit banter between the staff, the incredibly decadent smells and tastes coming from the kitchen, and the sweet kindness from the proprietress. If I could describe this series in just a couple of words, it would be character connection. I love how Jules and her staff at Torte really are like family, despite their many differences. I think one of the things that can make a cozy mystery series successful is the connection the author can create between the reader and the characters. Ms. Alexander definitely brings the reader directly into Jules’ life and helps us experience Torte, Ashland, and the mystery first hand.

In ANOTHER ONE BITES THE CRUST, Jules’ friend, Lance, who is the artistic director of The Shakespeare Festival, has been arrested for murder of the leading man. There are several suspects since actors and actresses lend themselves easily to the drama of the situation. However, Lance himself seems to be hiding something, which brings tension to the plot. Jules finds out just how much her friendship to Lance means and gets involved to prove his innocence. Ms. Alexander brings an emotional level to this new book that hasn’t been quite so evident before. It begins by examining what friendship means, especially when a person’s presence has been taken for granted. Jules also begins to acknowledge her buried feelings about her mother’s pending remarriage and the feelings associated with her deceased father. This conveys a vulnerability and an emotional connection to the story. The ending brings a satisfying conclusion to the murder mystery but I will be impatiently waiting to see what’s next in store for Jules and her friends!

Spending any time reading about Jules at Torte will leave you drooling and ready to raid the pantry. Fortunately the author provides recipes at the back of the book so you can experience some of the treats at home.

I was provided an advance copy with the hopes I would review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Marie McNary.
268 reviews11 followers
January 15, 2018
Another solid book in one of my favorite series. Just when I think I couldn’t love an installment more, Ellie Alexander keeps surprising me with new twists and turns. A great one for sure!

Name: Another One Bites the Crust (7th in the Bakeshop Mystery Series)

Author: Ellie Alexander

Publisher: St. Martin’s Press

A Little About the Book

It is Shakespeare season once again in Ashland. A new season of the theater brings new drama to the life of Jules and the other Ashland residents. Jules’ friend Lance, who is also the artistic director of the OSF takes center stage when he finds a dead body. When Lance then starts to act strangely (even for him) Jules knows it’s up to her to find out what really happened and clear her friend’s name.


Stuff You Should Know

Sub-Themes: Baking, bakeshop, quant scenic towns, love triangle, multi-generational family

Can You Start the Series in the Middle: You can. The author always gives a little context at the beginning so you can start with any installment. However, it has a great back-story, so I would recommend stating this series at book one.

Marie’s Thoughts
This is such a fun series. It is one I always look forward to. Jules is a hard working, fun loving main character, but comes with a history and scars that make her very relatable. Ellie Alexander does a wonderful job of painting imagery with her words that have you glued to the pages. I always have to pace myself with these books because I read them so fast, but want to savor the experience at the same time!

https://cozyexperience.com/another-on...
Profile Image for Cat Freeman.
188 reviews12 followers
December 10, 2017
I've been waiting oh-so-impatiently to get my hands on this book. I finished the 6th one a few months ago and have been anticipating this one since. Jules and the crew at Torte were my first cozy mystery friends, and still my best cozy mystery friends, so waiting for this book was sort of like waiting for a letter with all the latest news to arrive.

The focus of the book is Lance, the theatre director, and he's possibly the most fun character in the series. His friendship with Jules was one of my favorite parts of the previous 6 books. Although he was a little out of character for part of the book, his charm and personality still shone through.

The mystery was definitely a big surprise ending for me. It was very timely, for the era we are living in, and much more currently relevant than any other cozy mystery I've read. I wasn't expecting that, and I really enjoyed it.

This is the 7th installment in this series, and I have absolutely adored all of them. It's going to be a long, long wait for book 8. I rarely stick with a series past 2 or 3 books, but I'm still going strong in this one. They just keep getting better!

This one is officially being released Jan 2, 2018, and I recommend making it your first gift to yourself in the new year.

5 Stars

*ARC provided by St Martin's Press in exchange for an honest review. Thank you so much for making it available!
Profile Image for Jackie.
757 reviews57 followers
June 26, 2022
I absolutely loved this book! There were so many things going on with different characters, I was sucked in from the very beginning.

My heart broke for Lance as he started to break down from stress and then being a suspect in the murder. It was sad to see how unlike himself he was. I'm glad Jules was so determined to help find out what really happened and clear her friend. Their friendship is one of my many favorite things about this series.

As for the murder mystery, this one was a little different so that was definitely interesting to see play out. There were a number of suspects to choose from. My suspicion kept bouncing around and I had no clue who the murderer was going to end up being, so the reveal was a shock!

I am so excited for Helen and the Professor's wedding. I can't wait to see the plans come together for that. And that reveal at the end of the book? Oh. My. Gosh. I got chills! I'm looking forward to seeing how things turn out with that as well.
Profile Image for Carlymor .
488 reviews32 followers
November 17, 2022
Jules is called upon to help her friend and artistic director of the Shakespeare Festival after he's accused of murder. The victim is an egotistical method actor who demands to be called Antony at all times, since he is the star of the upcoming Antony and Cleopatra. I suspected who the real murderer was early on but wasn't sure of the motive. I do admit that the motive fell a little bit flat this time, but it was still a good read. I really enjoy this series and am definitely going to read the next one.
Profile Image for librarybythebeach.
514 reviews45 followers
September 20, 2024
Ahhhh a cliffhanger for an ending!!! I’m ready for the next book already! Lance has grown on me as a character and I think, finally, I’m rooting for him!

There were a lot of side stories in this one and trying to piece together what was pertinent to the murder was tricky! Alas, I didn’t get a sleuthing badge with this one but it sure was for good reason!

Detective Kerry….I think I like her and I’m curious if she wil stick around!

Anyways, onto the next!
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