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Chocolate Shoppe Mysteries #1
Double Fudge Murder
Join Jillian Green in the enchanting town of Moss Hollow, Georgia, as she mixes up a batch of mystery and intrigue. After twenty years away, a career detour, and a large helping of heartbreak, she returns to the land of sweet tea and Southern charm to help her grandmother run the family business, The Chocolate Shoppe Bakery. Along the way, Jillian is surprised to find that what she lacks in culinary skill, she more than makes up for in amateur detective work!.
203 pages, Hardcover
Published January 1, 2017
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132 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
August 22, 2019
People read cozy mysteries because they like the formula -- female main characters who becomes a casual sleuth because someone near to her or her is accused of a crime. Using just her ability to learn gossip and think rationally, she solves the case even if the police seem to be a few steps behind. That's true for book one of the Chocolate Shoppe Mysteries, too. Much time is spent on the details of life in Moss Hollow Georgia and returning native Jillian Green's adapting to living there again.
Lovers of hardcore mysteries may find cozy mysteries a bit weak -- I figured out the murderer within a few sentences of meeting them -- but that's not why people love the books. They want the friendly comfort of small town life with an added murder to stir things up. No small town has this number of deaths and survives for long. This book gives the cozy mystery lover enough of the tropes to be familiar. There is even one recipe in the back but not the chapter or dozen recipes that other foodie themed cozy mysteries may have. I liked that; too much time on the food and it reads like a cookbook not a mystery.
I was concerned that the book would fall into two traps that turn me off to some cozy mysteries. There is a hint of romance but it is not the focus of Jillian or even her maybe lover. There is also a hint of paranormal but it is not part of the reason Jillian uncovered the truth about the murder and attempted murders in town. Neither of those need to be a strong element so I am glad they weren't.
Lovers of hardcore mysteries may find cozy mysteries a bit weak -- I figured out the murderer within a few sentences of meeting them -- but that's not why people love the books. They want the friendly comfort of small town life with an added murder to stir things up. No small town has this number of deaths and survives for long. This book gives the cozy mystery lover enough of the tropes to be familiar. There is even one recipe in the back but not the chapter or dozen recipes that other foodie themed cozy mysteries may have. I liked that; too much time on the food and it reads like a cookbook not a mystery.
I was concerned that the book would fall into two traps that turn me off to some cozy mysteries. There is a hint of romance but it is not the focus of Jillian or even her maybe lover. There is also a hint of paranormal but it is not part of the reason Jillian uncovered the truth about the murder and attempted murders in town. Neither of those need to be a strong element so I am glad they weren't.
January 1, 2024
I actually really loved this story. I only read it for a book bingo prompt but ended up falling in love with the town, the people, the bakery and I definitely want to continue in this series. Aunt Cornelia had me cracking up throughout the story.
May 29, 2020
Light reading. Enjoyed the mystery!
July 26, 2020
This is the first book in the chocolate shoppe mysteries. I have a new favorite series. Loved it! I can't wait to read the next one.
January 3, 2024
I really enjoyed this quick read, but now I really want to find a hometown bakery with all the goodness that they speak about in this book.
October 20, 2017
My thoughts are @ Bridget Blogs Books (right click to open in new window)
August 11, 2025
A charming start to a cozy murder mystery series. From the cooky great aunt, to the small southern town charm, it felt perfect for the Hallmark channel! I pegged the murderer very early on. I doubted myself a few times, but ended up correct at the end. We aren't really here for intense intrigue anyway.
Jillian finds herself needing to go back home. California ended up being a dud. Her fiance embezzled money, and now she is blacklisted in the professional world. So, after 20 years away, she returns home to Georgia to help her grandma at the family bakery. This return just so happens to coincide with her 20th high school reunion. Her grandma just so happens to be catering it. So...Jillian is forced to be there. The "mean girl" is still mean, so Jillian shoved a cupcake in her face--a cupcake that didn't come from her grandma's bakery, and just so happened to be poisoned! Let the small town mystery ensue.
I liked this book overall, and the books are adorable. I'm happy to have found them at my library, and hope to read more. Jillian's investigation into this particular case seemed less interfering since she was the initial suspect. It all flowed well. I wonder if that will continue in future installments.
The main "problem" I have with this series is the great-aunt's obsession with the "spiritual" realm. She insists her late husband's spirit communicates with her through the cat. She sees the "haint" in the hall. She tries to get some of the deceased woman's hair to be able to better communicate with her...all of this is viewed as "nutty aunty and her coo-coo nature", but I hope it doesn't become too much of a focus in these books since I don't think that stuff should be messed with.
Spice: nothing in this one other than hints at affairs being possible motive.
Violence: nothing detailed
Language: none
Spiritual element: Jillian, her grandma, and great-aunt attend church and Jillian mentions how calm and peaceful she feels there. The aforementioned weird "reading of hairballs".
Jillian finds herself needing to go back home. California ended up being a dud. Her fiance embezzled money, and now she is blacklisted in the professional world. So, after 20 years away, she returns home to Georgia to help her grandma at the family bakery. This return just so happens to coincide with her 20th high school reunion. Her grandma just so happens to be catering it. So...Jillian is forced to be there. The "mean girl" is still mean, so Jillian shoved a cupcake in her face--a cupcake that didn't come from her grandma's bakery, and just so happened to be poisoned! Let the small town mystery ensue.
I liked this book overall, and the books are adorable. I'm happy to have found them at my library, and hope to read more. Jillian's investigation into this particular case seemed less interfering since she was the initial suspect. It all flowed well. I wonder if that will continue in future installments.
The main "problem" I have with this series is the great-aunt's obsession with the "spiritual" realm. She insists her late husband's spirit communicates with her through the cat. She sees the "haint" in the hall. She tries to get some of the deceased woman's hair to be able to better communicate with her...all of this is viewed as "nutty aunty and her coo-coo nature", but I hope it doesn't become too much of a focus in these books since I don't think that stuff should be messed with.
Spice: nothing in this one other than hints at affairs being possible motive.
Violence: nothing detailed
Language: none
Spiritual element: Jillian, her grandma, and great-aunt attend church and Jillian mentions how calm and peaceful she feels there. The aforementioned weird "reading of hairballs".
July 27, 2018
I don't think this book was very aptly named, ('Pink Icing Cupcake Murder' may have been a better title) but it was interesting nonetheless. It kept me guessing until the end--probably because there wasn't much relevant information revealed to lead me in the right direction, but that's okay.
I did have a few quibbles, that generally didn't influence my opinion of the book:
(1) It's a contemporary story! Meaning, Jillian drives a Toyota Prius. (I shudder to think)
(2) Cornelia is really off her rocker. I was glad that no one actually believed all her talk about 'haints' and spirits living inside a cat, but it was still annoying to read about.
(3) The antagonist spilling the whole plan of murder to Jillian. Kind of unrealistic, but hey! It kept everybody busy until the deputy arrived!
(4) I was sort of half-liking the sheriff's deputy; I do want to like law enforcement, when they're not participating in illegalities, or plain boneheads. Gooder, though, leaned a little too far in both of those categories. I was this close to liking him!
There were some points I appreciated, though. The main thing was Bertie's and Cornelia's relationship. Although Cornelia was a little far-fetched (hopefully ...), their conversations with each other were startlingly accurate between one's grandmother and great-aunt. (Believe me, I would know. We all have those family members)
I also liked the fact that Jillian wasn't interested in romance. I didn't need that dose of contemporary romance in this otherwise-good mystery book. We'll see what happens in the next book, though.
We will see what happens in the next book, (written by a different author--curious) because the Chocolate Shoppe Mysteries certainly peaked my interest!
I did have a few quibbles, that generally didn't influence my opinion of the book:
(1) It's a contemporary story! Meaning, Jillian drives a Toyota Prius. (I shudder to think)
(2) Cornelia is really off her rocker. I was glad that no one actually believed all her talk about 'haints' and spirits living inside a cat, but it was still annoying to read about.
(3) The antagonist spilling the whole plan of murder to Jillian. Kind of unrealistic, but hey! It kept everybody busy until the deputy arrived!
(4) I was sort of half-liking the sheriff's deputy; I do want to like law enforcement, when they're not participating in illegalities, or plain boneheads. Gooder, though, leaned a little too far in both of those categories. I was this close to liking him!
There were some points I appreciated, though. The main thing was Bertie's and Cornelia's relationship. Although Cornelia was a little far-fetched (hopefully ...), their conversations with each other were startlingly accurate between one's grandmother and great-aunt. (Believe me, I would know. We all have those family members)
I also liked the fact that Jillian wasn't interested in romance. I didn't need that dose of contemporary romance in this otherwise-good mystery book. We'll see what happens in the next book, though.
We will see what happens in the next book, (written by a different author--curious) because the Chocolate Shoppe Mysteries certainly peaked my interest!
October 20, 2019
Thank you to Annie's Fiction Series for this free copy to review!
This was an easy, delightful read! I loved the setting of a small, southern town with a cast of colorful characters who are eccentric, sassy and humorous. The plot is well developed and it had me guessing until the end. I can really see the appeal of cozy mysteries like this one, They are as comforting as sweet tea on a hot day. Annie's Fiction is a publisher I discovered here on bookstagram. They have 12 different cozy mystery series to chose from and they're written with the creative reader in mind. For example, this series centers around those who might love to bake, but others are geared towards, antique lovers, knitters, quilters, book lovers, etc . This edition has a nicely illustrated dust jacket protecting a hardbound book the color of buttercream frosting and pink icing, and there's a ribbon bookmark attached. It seems this has been my year to discover cozy mysteries and I've quite enjoyed them. They remind me of my early love of Nancy Drew.
This was an easy, delightful read! I loved the setting of a small, southern town with a cast of colorful characters who are eccentric, sassy and humorous. The plot is well developed and it had me guessing until the end. I can really see the appeal of cozy mysteries like this one, They are as comforting as sweet tea on a hot day. Annie's Fiction is a publisher I discovered here on bookstagram. They have 12 different cozy mystery series to chose from and they're written with the creative reader in mind. For example, this series centers around those who might love to bake, but others are geared towards, antique lovers, knitters, quilters, book lovers, etc . This edition has a nicely illustrated dust jacket protecting a hardbound book the color of buttercream frosting and pink icing, and there's a ribbon bookmark attached. It seems this has been my year to discover cozy mysteries and I've quite enjoyed them. They remind me of my early love of Nancy Drew.
May 24, 2020
Jillian: "I thought you said these double-fudge brownies were foolproof."
Bertie: "I underestimated your ability to commit double-fudge murder." 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Jillian has returned home to Miss Hollow, GA after much nagging from her grandmother, Bertie. Bertie owns the Chocolate Shoppe Bakery and it's time train up Jillian to take over someday.
Before Jillian can even settle in and get back into the swing of small town life she is thrown into a murderous scandal. While attending her high school reunion she has an altercation with Nadine, her old nemesis, and smooshes a cupcake in her face. Nadine ends up dead soon after.
The residents believe the cupcake was poisoned and orders at the bakery are getting cancelled left and right. Jillian is determined to find out the truth behind Nadine's murder, save her good name and Bertie's bakery.
First in the Chocolate Shoppe Mysteries, Double Fudge Murder will have you laughing throughout while enjoying a good cozy mystery. I think I have another new favorite series.
Bertie: "I underestimated your ability to commit double-fudge murder." 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Jillian has returned home to Miss Hollow, GA after much nagging from her grandmother, Bertie. Bertie owns the Chocolate Shoppe Bakery and it's time train up Jillian to take over someday.
Before Jillian can even settle in and get back into the swing of small town life she is thrown into a murderous scandal. While attending her high school reunion she has an altercation with Nadine, her old nemesis, and smooshes a cupcake in her face. Nadine ends up dead soon after.
The residents believe the cupcake was poisoned and orders at the bakery are getting cancelled left and right. Jillian is determined to find out the truth behind Nadine's murder, save her good name and Bertie's bakery.
First in the Chocolate Shoppe Mysteries, Double Fudge Murder will have you laughing throughout while enjoying a good cozy mystery. I think I have another new favorite series.
September 25, 2022
I love cozy mysteries and when I saw this story I thought it’d be a good read. And I wasn’t disappointed.
The story focuses on Jillian who returns home to work in her grandmother’s bakery after she loses her job and her boyfriend. Jillian’s life faces more trouble during a catering job at her high-school reunion where she runs into her former nemesis Nadine. After Nadine dies, Jillian becomes the prime suspect and works to clear her name.
The books does a great job of combining the cozy aspects with the mystery. I loved the small town feel and some of my favorite scenes are in the bakery where Jillian’s lack of cooking skills shine. Cornelia, Jillian’s aunt steals the show with her paranormal rituals and belief that her deceased husband has been reincarnated as her cat.
The book is suspenseful with a number of suspects who wanted to murder Nadine. You’ll keep guessing until the very end who the culprit was.
The story focuses on Jillian who returns home to work in her grandmother’s bakery after she loses her job and her boyfriend. Jillian’s life faces more trouble during a catering job at her high-school reunion where she runs into her former nemesis Nadine. After Nadine dies, Jillian becomes the prime suspect and works to clear her name.
The books does a great job of combining the cozy aspects with the mystery. I loved the small town feel and some of my favorite scenes are in the bakery where Jillian’s lack of cooking skills shine. Cornelia, Jillian’s aunt steals the show with her paranormal rituals and belief that her deceased husband has been reincarnated as her cat.
The book is suspenseful with a number of suspects who wanted to murder Nadine. You’ll keep guessing until the very end who the culprit was.
August 31, 2025
This was such a cute cozy who-dun-it mystery. The writing gets you hooked from the very first page and made for such as quick and cozy read for a rainy day.
Double Fudge Murder follows Jillian Green has she leaves California and moves back home to Georgia after being away for 20 years. Her grandmother, Bertie needs help with her Chocolate Shoppe and secretly wants Jillian to someday take over. There is just one problem Jillian cannot bake. And upon her return Jillian’s high school nemesis is murdered and everyone within Moss Hollow thinks Jillian is the culprit. Now to save her grandmothers bakery she must not only learn to bake but solve the murder of Nadine Belmont.
I would definitely pick up more Jan Fields cozy mysteries. This one was so good and didn’t drag for a second. This was a book I could not put down.
Double Fudge Murder follows Jillian Green has she leaves California and moves back home to Georgia after being away for 20 years. Her grandmother, Bertie needs help with her Chocolate Shoppe and secretly wants Jillian to someday take over. There is just one problem Jillian cannot bake. And upon her return Jillian’s high school nemesis is murdered and everyone within Moss Hollow thinks Jillian is the culprit. Now to save her grandmothers bakery she must not only learn to bake but solve the murder of Nadine Belmont.
I would definitely pick up more Jan Fields cozy mysteries. This one was so good and didn’t drag for a second. This was a book I could not put down.
October 28, 2018
I love a good mystery. Yet, when you add a chocolate shop to the mix this get deliciously interesting. When Jillian arrives back in her town after 20 years she thought life would be simple. However, a high school reunion gone wrong and Jillian finds herself in the middle of a murder. This is a cute, fast read, if you are into mysteries and who done-it's this is a book for you.
October 4, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this cozy sweet mystery. Jillian Green moves back home to Moss Hollow, Georgia after a disastrous relationship. She finds her new “quiet” life is anything but, when a woman dies and she is blamed. My favorite character was Aunt Cornelia and her crazy cat. Can’t wait to read more in this series.
August 17, 2019
If you’ve read 1 culinary mystery, you’ve pretty much read them all. I got a free copy of this book so why not read it? But it was pretty predictable. Just different names and a different town anywhere USA.
May 31, 2025
Jillian is having a bad year. Her ex has been arrested for embezzlement. So she retreats to her home town only to be accused of murder. Who killed Nadine, there should be plenty of people… but the main evidence currently points to Jillian…
I enjoy reading this can’t wait to pick up the next book
I enjoy reading this can’t wait to pick up the next book
August 10, 2017
Ghosts/Haints aren't my thing....not reading
December 8, 2017
A nice easy read, but entertaining.
December 26, 2017
Cute little read- it had a cat on the front cover so I checked that off the 2017 reading list!
January 20, 2020
Surprisingly good!
July 13, 2020
A hit
January 12, 2022
I didn't like this one and won't be continuing the series. It has too many similarities to the Victorian Mansion Flower Shoppe Mysteries but is not as well done.
June 13, 2023
Even though I found out who did it , it was a cute and cozy mystery story.
July 21, 2023
So lighthearted! I simply couldn’t put this down!
February 4, 2024
Another fun book from Annie's fiction!
July 28, 2024
A cute and sweet murder mystery. Bakery worker suspected of murder. It was nice its a series of books I dont have them all but I hope they are ones that can just be read on their own.
August 22, 2024
Georgia
Summer
This is a fun, light cozy mystery. It has magic, gardening, murder, and chocolate.
Summer
This is a fun, light cozy mystery. It has magic, gardening, murder, and chocolate.
October 15, 2024
This was a great book, would love to read more from the series. It was funny, and suspenseful.
December 24, 2022
A fun read, a wonderful book to relax with.
August 21, 2020
This book was recommended by a young neighbor and she let me borrow her book. I find it funny that this book main character was my age instead of hers. I enjoyed the characters, writing, and mystery. It was a quick read, but entertaining. I guessed the ending, but still enjoyed the journey.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews