What do you think?
Rate this book
Death by Chocolate Mystery #1
Death by Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake
Life just got a little sweeter in the island fishing village of Eastport, Maine. Jacobia “Jake” Tiptree and her best friend Ellie are opening a waterfront bake shop, The Chocolate Moose, where their tasty treats pair perfectly with the salty ocean breeze. But while Jake has moved on from fixing up houses, she still can't resist the urge to snoop into the occasional murder.
Jake and Ellie have been through a lot together, from home repair to homicide investigation. So when they decide to open a chocolate-themed bakery, they figure it’ll be a piece of cake. With Ellie’s old family recipes luring in customers, they expect to make plenty of dough this Fourth of July weekend. Having family home for the holiday only sweetens the deal for Jake—until the ill wind of an early-season hurricane blows up her plans. When the storm hits, Jake’s grown son Sam is stranded in a Boston bus station, and her husband Wade is stuck on a cargo ship. But as bitter as the storm is, something even more sinister is brewing in the kitchen of The Chocolate Moose—where health inspector Matt Muldoon is found murdered.
Ellie never made a secret of her distaste for Matt, who had been raining on their parade with bogus talk of health code violations. Now, with no alibi for the night of the murder, she’s in a sticky situation with the police—and it’s up to Jake to catch the real killer and keep Ellie living in the land of the free.
Includes a Recipe!
Jake and Ellie have been through a lot together, from home repair to homicide investigation. So when they decide to open a chocolate-themed bakery, they figure it’ll be a piece of cake. With Ellie’s old family recipes luring in customers, they expect to make plenty of dough this Fourth of July weekend. Having family home for the holiday only sweetens the deal for Jake—until the ill wind of an early-season hurricane blows up her plans. When the storm hits, Jake’s grown son Sam is stranded in a Boston bus station, and her husband Wade is stuck on a cargo ship. But as bitter as the storm is, something even more sinister is brewing in the kitchen of The Chocolate Moose—where health inspector Matt Muldoon is found murdered.
Ellie never made a secret of her distaste for Matt, who had been raining on their parade with bogus talk of health code violations. Now, with no alibi for the night of the murder, she’s in a sticky situation with the police—and it’s up to Jake to catch the real killer and keep Ellie living in the land of the free.
Includes a Recipe!
299 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 30, 2018
1143 people are currently reading
3062 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Graves
34 books794 followersSarah Graves lives with her husband John, a musician and luthier, and their black Labrador Retriever in a house very much like the one Jacobia Tiptree is remodeling in Eastport, Maine. When she's not writing Jake's adventures, Sarah works with her husband on the house and she plays the 5-string banjo.
Librarian’s note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Librarian’s note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 523 reviews
January 11, 2018
When picking up Death by Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake by Sarah Graves I was under the impression that this was an all new cozy mystery series and with that highly appetizing cheesecake on the cover I knew I needed to read it. But once starting to read the book I found that the “First in a new series” is a bit misleading with this one.
Sarah Graves has written the Home Repair is Homicide series which consists of sixteen books and what she has done is taken the characters from that particular series and come up with a spin off by moving them into a new setting. Now I for one am the type to do my best to avoid jumping into something mid series because I always get that feeling of something missing so imagine my disappointment when immediately starting this one that feeling arose thinking this was a true book one.
Starting off the story jumps right into the action and I became on alert when it was mentioned Jacobia “Jake” Tiptree had experience solving murders. So within the opening pages there really wasn’t an introduction to this character I’m supposed to connect with at all. Then after tossing the reader into action there was a bit of character development which at that point felt a bit out of place beginning to give the story a disjointed feel.
Now it’s rare for me to rate a cozy so low because it’s usually the characters and setting that I fall in love with so being a tad disconnected from the start wasn’t a good sign. But as I went on I was still expecting a 3 or 4 star read despite the rough beginning but what I found was quite often the story would get a little overly descriptive for my taste as in what they were baking etc etc but then fly through the actual mystery parts that should have gone a little deeper.
The flow just felt off to me throughout so in the end I wasn’t a huge fan of this one. I will say though that those that were fans of the author’s previous series and these characters will probably feel right at home and absolutely love the series but for me being a new reader this one just wasn’t my cup of tea leaving me to rate this at 2.5 stars.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
Sarah Graves has written the Home Repair is Homicide series which consists of sixteen books and what she has done is taken the characters from that particular series and come up with a spin off by moving them into a new setting. Now I for one am the type to do my best to avoid jumping into something mid series because I always get that feeling of something missing so imagine my disappointment when immediately starting this one that feeling arose thinking this was a true book one.
Starting off the story jumps right into the action and I became on alert when it was mentioned Jacobia “Jake” Tiptree had experience solving murders. So within the opening pages there really wasn’t an introduction to this character I’m supposed to connect with at all. Then after tossing the reader into action there was a bit of character development which at that point felt a bit out of place beginning to give the story a disjointed feel.
Now it’s rare for me to rate a cozy so low because it’s usually the characters and setting that I fall in love with so being a tad disconnected from the start wasn’t a good sign. But as I went on I was still expecting a 3 or 4 star read despite the rough beginning but what I found was quite often the story would get a little overly descriptive for my taste as in what they were baking etc etc but then fly through the actual mystery parts that should have gone a little deeper.
The flow just felt off to me throughout so in the end I wasn’t a huge fan of this one. I will say though that those that were fans of the author’s previous series and these characters will probably feel right at home and absolutely love the series but for me being a new reader this one just wasn’t my cup of tea leaving me to rate this at 2.5 stars.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
January 30, 2018
I give this book 4.5 out of 5 Delicious Stars! The reason I picked up this book is because I love a good cozy and the author sounded rather familiar! I must also admit to myself, that I chose this title due to that yummy looking cover! I mean doesn't this book scream YUUMmmm! After re-reading the premise and starting the story I realized that I have read a few of Sarah Graves' previous titles in her Home Repair is Homicide series which I loved! I will jump in here and say the main reason I gave it 4.5 stars instead of 5 was because I feel this book should be marketed more as a spin-off because it was very helpful knowing some of the character's stories at before reading this novel. I do think this book could be read on a standalone basis but probably best if you have a feel for things first. I highly enjoyed this fun murder mystery that was filled with so much adventure! This was exciting and I enjoyed the pace while catching up with some of the characters! I actually loved the characters and the baking gave me the super munchies! I think this is a great edition to Sarah Graves's collection of stories! I am sure I will enjoy the following book in this series as well and I am definitely ready for a new adventure!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review from Kensington Books and all views and opinions expressed are my own.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review from Kensington Books and all views and opinions expressed are my own.
February 10, 2018
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Sarah Graves ended her Home Repair is Homicide Mysteries back in 2013. To her fans delight, she has brought the characters back in this new Death by Chocolate Mystery series. Jake and Ellie have opened up a bake shop on the waterfront and the town of Eastport still has a murder problem and this murder happens right in their business, The Chocolate Moose. Matt Muldoon has been after them since they opened with one complaint after another, even saying he would report them to his “friends at the Maine State Health Department”. Ellie couldn’t stand the man, but she can’t be the only one. She didn’t kill him but she and Jake will have to find out who did or Ellie may find herself working in the prison kitchen.
These characters were very well developed in the previous series but are now facing new situations as they try to get their new business off the ground. Enough background is given so new readers should not feel lost. They do mention the crimes they have solved before but it is not too much to take over this new story. Jake and Ellie are both strong women and work together very well.
In addition to the dead man in the kitchen, there is a hurricane headed toward Eastport and the town is planning for their huge 4th of July celebration. Jake and Ellie have a huge order for Chocolate Cherry Cheesecakes for the silent auction. Also, Jake’s dad is in the hospital when the story begins. To say these ladies have their hands full is an understatement.
The story rolls along at a great pace as Jake and Ellie find themselves in some dire situations. Twists and turns aplenty keep us readers on our toes. I did enjoy the interaction between the ladies and chief of police Bob Arnold, he trusted them enough to be able to accept their input because they have a history with this type of situation. Jake’s family life added a nice subplot and I was so surprised by Sam’s announcement.
Fans of the previous series will love this spin-off, new readers will fall for these characters too after reading this book. I have to say spin-offs are rare and hard to do in cozy mysteries but Sarah Graves has done a fine job. I am looking forward to future stories with Jake and Ellie.
Sarah Graves ended her Home Repair is Homicide Mysteries back in 2013. To her fans delight, she has brought the characters back in this new Death by Chocolate Mystery series. Jake and Ellie have opened up a bake shop on the waterfront and the town of Eastport still has a murder problem and this murder happens right in their business, The Chocolate Moose. Matt Muldoon has been after them since they opened with one complaint after another, even saying he would report them to his “friends at the Maine State Health Department”. Ellie couldn’t stand the man, but she can’t be the only one. She didn’t kill him but she and Jake will have to find out who did or Ellie may find herself working in the prison kitchen.
These characters were very well developed in the previous series but are now facing new situations as they try to get their new business off the ground. Enough background is given so new readers should not feel lost. They do mention the crimes they have solved before but it is not too much to take over this new story. Jake and Ellie are both strong women and work together very well.
In addition to the dead man in the kitchen, there is a hurricane headed toward Eastport and the town is planning for their huge 4th of July celebration. Jake and Ellie have a huge order for Chocolate Cherry Cheesecakes for the silent auction. Also, Jake’s dad is in the hospital when the story begins. To say these ladies have their hands full is an understatement.
The story rolls along at a great pace as Jake and Ellie find themselves in some dire situations. Twists and turns aplenty keep us readers on our toes. I did enjoy the interaction between the ladies and chief of police Bob Arnold, he trusted them enough to be able to accept their input because they have a history with this type of situation. Jake’s family life added a nice subplot and I was so surprised by Sam’s announcement.
Fans of the previous series will love this spin-off, new readers will fall for these characters too after reading this book. I have to say spin-offs are rare and hard to do in cozy mysteries but Sarah Graves has done a fine job. I am looking forward to future stories with Jake and Ellie.
April 13, 2020
I was so excited about finding this series in my library's digital collection. Two of my favourite things -- chocolate and mysteries -- and Death by Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake is the first book in the series...but wait, is it? Because it sure sounded like Jake and Ellie have a lot of off page history that left me feeling like the odd man out.
It bugged me enough that I had to double check only to discover that while this is the first book in a new series, these characters have been solving crimes in Sarah Graves' Home Repair is Homicide series to the tune of 16 books! So it really felt like I was missing out on a lot of history. Especially since the author alludes to past mysteries and relationships a lot. Or sometimes stops short and says 'no time for that now' which got to be really frustrating.
And maybe, if I had read the previous 16 books, I wold have understood the connection they had with the local police who pretty much gave them carte blanche to investigate however they wanted. But I will never understand a few of the TSTL things they did. Just...no...shaking my head.
I did enjoy the actual mystery and the complexity of it and the way the author portrayed so many possible suspects while still holding back some shocking revelations. And the Maine setting is divinely described. I'll definitely listen to the next book -- the narration is great -- but I can't help feeling discombobulated over this new series that really isn't. :-)
It bugged me enough that I had to double check only to discover that while this is the first book in a new series, these characters have been solving crimes in Sarah Graves' Home Repair is Homicide series to the tune of 16 books! So it really felt like I was missing out on a lot of history. Especially since the author alludes to past mysteries and relationships a lot. Or sometimes stops short and says 'no time for that now' which got to be really frustrating.
And maybe, if I had read the previous 16 books, I wold have understood the connection they had with the local police who pretty much gave them carte blanche to investigate however they wanted. But I will never understand a few of the TSTL things they did. Just...no...shaking my head.
I did enjoy the actual mystery and the complexity of it and the way the author portrayed so many possible suspects while still holding back some shocking revelations. And the Maine setting is divinely described. I'll definitely listen to the next book -- the narration is great -- but I can't help feeling discombobulated over this new series that really isn't. :-)
June 21, 2018
I picked this book up as it was advertised as the first in a new series. What I didn't know was that these characters were well loved in another series, so there was a lot of character development and relationship information that I was lacking, through no mistake of my own. Jake and Ellie have opened up a bake shop on the waterfront of town Eastport, called Chocolate Moose. Apparently, Jacobia (Jake) has experience helping to solve murders, so when the annoying town inspector ends up murdered in their shop, Ellie is the main suspect. Matt Muldoon has been after them since they opened with one complaint after another, even saying he would report them to his “friends at the Maine State Health Department”. Ellie didn’t kill him but she and Jake will have to find out who did or Ellie may find herself under arrest. In addition to the dead man in the kitchen, there is a hurricane headed toward Eastport and the town is planning for their huge 4th of July celebration. Jake and Ellie have a huge order for Chocolate Cherry Cheesecakes for the silent auction. Also, Jake’s dad checks himself out of the hospital after having a heart attack. There is so much going on that I am not sure how it all gets sorted out.
Jake and Ellie are both strong women and work together very well. Jake's husband, Wade, makes a few appearances in the story, but is not a major player. Bob the sheriff is another good character and he does not want Jake and Ellie investigating on one hand, but feeds Jake information on another. The story rolls along at an okay pace with Jake and Ellie getting themselves in several sticky and dire situations. There were a lot of twists and turns and the conclusion pulling everything together was well done, but I found I did not really get invested in the story. If you are familiar with Sarah Graves' other series and these characters, you will probably love this book. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book via Netgalley.
Jake and Ellie are both strong women and work together very well. Jake's husband, Wade, makes a few appearances in the story, but is not a major player. Bob the sheriff is another good character and he does not want Jake and Ellie investigating on one hand, but feeds Jake information on another. The story rolls along at an okay pace with Jake and Ellie getting themselves in several sticky and dire situations. There were a lot of twists and turns and the conclusion pulling everything together was well done, but I found I did not really get invested in the story. If you are familiar with Sarah Graves' other series and these characters, you will probably love this book. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book via Netgalley.
January 30, 2018
Eastport, Maine and Jacobia "Jake" Tiptree are back! I was so excited to see that Sarah Graves has a new series out featuring one of my favorite protagonists.
Seeing Jake and Ellie together again was incredible. Having this series featured around their new bakery is brilliant. The name of their shop is delightful, aptly named The Chocolate Moose.
Getting ready for the town's 4th of July celebration has Jake and Ellie running ragged, they are busy baking chocolate cherry cheesecakes to be auctioned off and the proceeds used for their fireworks display. Jake is used to working under pressure, but when the body of the health inspector is found in the shop'd kitchen, it seems that Elli has the biggest motive for wanting him dead.
Jake is no stranger to murders so it comes as no surprise when she becomes involved in the investigation.
Fans of the series by Sarah Graves that first introduced us to Jake, will absolutely love this fantastic story.
I cannot wait to read more in this top notch series.
I voluntarily read an ARC of this book provided by the publisher and NetGalley.
#DeathByChocolateCherryCheesecake #NetGalley
Seeing Jake and Ellie together again was incredible. Having this series featured around their new bakery is brilliant. The name of their shop is delightful, aptly named The Chocolate Moose.
Getting ready for the town's 4th of July celebration has Jake and Ellie running ragged, they are busy baking chocolate cherry cheesecakes to be auctioned off and the proceeds used for their fireworks display. Jake is used to working under pressure, but when the body of the health inspector is found in the shop'd kitchen, it seems that Elli has the biggest motive for wanting him dead.
Jake is no stranger to murders so it comes as no surprise when she becomes involved in the investigation.
Fans of the series by Sarah Graves that first introduced us to Jake, will absolutely love this fantastic story.
I cannot wait to read more in this top notch series.
I voluntarily read an ARC of this book provided by the publisher and NetGalley.
#DeathByChocolateCherryCheesecake #NetGalley
December 22, 2017
The first book in a new series. Sarah Graves has long been a favorite author and she does not disappoint. This book is full of suspense and continues the life of Jacobica Tiptree and her friend, Ellie. The pair has open a bakery featuring chocolate 'goodies' in Eastpoint, Maine. It is the 4 of July and they are baking Chocolate Cherry Cheesecakes to be auction off at the town's celebration. The body of the health inspector Matt Muldoon is found in their bakery. Ellie has made it clear she did not like him. The clues point to her as the killer. Jake's attempts to clear Ellie from suspicion will take on thrilling boat rides, hidden tunnels, the appearance of large amounts of cash, betrayal by friends, and the arrival of a hurricane. Jake's father is recovering from a heart attack, her son, Sam is stranded in Boston and Wade, her husband is guiding ships into the harbor. I highly recommend this book.
Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake recipe is included.
Disclosure: I received a free copy from Kennington Books through NetGalley for an honest review. I would go thank them for this opportunity to read and review this book. The opinions expressed are my own.
Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake recipe is included.
Disclosure: I received a free copy from Kennington Books through NetGalley for an honest review. I would go thank them for this opportunity to read and review this book. The opinions expressed are my own.
April 28, 2025
After reading a few reviews, I knew going in that this wasn't "really" a true first in series, instead a spinoff of the Home Repair is Homicide series which I haven't read. I decided to read it anyway as it is on KU and I was interested in the setting and theme (culinary/bakery mysteries are usually enjoyable for me). I didn't feel too lost despite not having read the earlier series, although there were quite a few "that's another story..." type asides.
~On the whole, this was an enjoyable cozy mystery. I thought there was a great sense of place for the island fishing village at the 4th of July. I thought the shop The Chocolate Moose was a great name. I mostly enjoyed Jake as a narrator. The style reminded me a little of Betty Hechtman's crochet mysteries which I also enjoy. I liked that Jake was already married (and not to the cop) and clearly has a good relationship with her husband.
~I liked that there was quite a bit of action and suspense in this story, but the pace was unbelievable at times. A lot of things were crammed into just a couple of days. Some of the action was frustrating because it was caused by stupid decisions on the character's parts. Leaving the cheesecakes in the oven unattended all the time also seemed like a really bad idea!!! The breaking and entering type "snooping" usually strains my suspension of disbelief (especially when )
~I was distracted by a few editing issues. Particularly, one character was originally introduced as "Lenny Crenshaw" but was then called Roscoe instead of Lenny for the rest of the book. Also, at one point she used "Mika" when she clearly meant "Marla" (it made no sense as written).
~There is a little more swearing in this one compared to some other cozies (I know some readers are sensitive about it). Personally I don't mind because it makes the dialogue seem more realistic rather than cheesy. There is also one implied sex scene (fade to black/closed door).
The mystery was intriguing, but I ultimately felt confused by some details/plot holes?, and was bothered by a few loose ends.
Diversity report: All the characters appear to be white and straight. Maybe realistic for rural Maine, but a bit boring.
I may continue the series... not sure. It's probably not a high priority as there are others I enjoy more.
~On the whole, this was an enjoyable cozy mystery. I thought there was a great sense of place for the island fishing village at the 4th of July. I thought the shop The Chocolate Moose was a great name. I mostly enjoyed Jake as a narrator. The style reminded me a little of Betty Hechtman's crochet mysteries which I also enjoy. I liked that Jake was already married (and not to the cop) and clearly has a good relationship with her husband.
~I liked that there was quite a bit of action and suspense in this story, but the pace was unbelievable at times. A lot of things were crammed into just a couple of days. Some of the action was frustrating because it was caused by stupid decisions on the character's parts. Leaving the cheesecakes in the oven unattended all the time also seemed like a really bad idea!!! The breaking and entering type "snooping" usually strains my suspension of disbelief (especially when )
~I was distracted by a few editing issues. Particularly, one character was originally introduced as "Lenny Crenshaw" but was then called Roscoe instead of Lenny for the rest of the book. Also, at one point she used "Mika" when she clearly meant "Marla" (it made no sense as written).
~There is a little more swearing in this one compared to some other cozies (I know some readers are sensitive about it). Personally I don't mind because it makes the dialogue seem more realistic rather than cheesy. There is also one implied sex scene (fade to black/closed door).
The mystery was intriguing, but I ultimately felt confused by some details/plot holes?, and was bothered by a few loose ends.
Diversity report: All the characters appear to be white and straight. Maybe realistic for rural Maine, but a bit boring.
I may continue the series... not sure. It's probably not a high priority as there are others I enjoy more.
January 10, 2018
This is the first in Sarah Graves' new Death by Chocolate Mystery series. Jake (Jacobia) and Ellie are friends who decided to open a bakery together in a small town in Maine. I enjoyed both characters, but I went into this book not knowing that it and the characters were a spin off from another series by this author. Having said that, once I found that out it made sense why I felt like I was missing something with these characters. They had a backstory that was already established and at time I felt like I stepped into the middle of something. The story had a fast pace, the murder happening in the very beginning. Jake and Emily have to prove that she did not kill the victim, with whom she did not like as was trying to make trouble for the bakery. There was so much going on that at times it was hard for me to keep up and the story felt a bit muddled. There were definitely some twists and turns that I didn't anticipate and I didn't realize the full identity of all the culprits involved.
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book provided to me by the publisher through Netalley.
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book provided to me by the publisher through Netalley.
December 23, 2018
Jacobia "Jake" and Ellie open a new bakery in Eastport, Maine. When they arrive to make cherry cheesecakes for a town celebration, they find someone in their chocolate. The state police suspect Ellie. Jake and Ellie set out to find the real person responsible. Although the first in a series, I felt lost on this one because the characters referred to other mysteries they solved. Only after reading another review did I realize the same characters appeared in a previous cozy series and just "got a new job." Unfortunately for those of us who did not read the previous series, nothing helped warm us to the characters, and we missed out on a lot of character development. The plot seemed quite convoluted. The persons who did it were far too obvious as well. While I may eventually read future installments, I will not rush to do so.
May 24, 2019
Let me start with saying I rate my cozy mysteries different than all other genres of books I read. I still use a five star rating system (or with cozies I like to think instead of stars how many cups of coffee/tea.….which is my idea of cozy). The following is how I rate my cozies:
1 cup of coffee- did not finish or will not continue on in series.
2 cups of coffee- this book has potential, but on the fence whether I will read the next book.
3 cups of coffee- good- will definitely continue series, but did have some issues
4 cups of coffee- great- will definitely continue series- minor issues
5 cups of coffee-EXCEPTIONAL!
What I think about when I give my ratings:
1.) There called cozies for a reason, and that being said I know they are not for everybody. I love them. Therefore the first thing I think about is how cozy/cheesy are they? The more cheese the better for me…lol. The horrible puns in the titles…LOVE THEM. Yes…if you’re wondering I am the person who loves laffy taffy jokes.
2.) Characters/ and relationships with secondary characters
3.) Setting
4.) The mystery
Im not really sure what's going on. Another ok book for me. I did think the author did a great job with the setting. I love the small town setting, and especially when there is a lot of community involvement. I also liked the chocolate shop. However I thought the title was boring, the characters were blah, and I did not like the details about boating.
I will try the 2nd book since I did love the concept and setting of the book.
1 cup of coffee- did not finish or will not continue on in series.
2 cups of coffee- this book has potential, but on the fence whether I will read the next book.
3 cups of coffee- good- will definitely continue series, but did have some issues
4 cups of coffee- great- will definitely continue series- minor issues
5 cups of coffee-EXCEPTIONAL!
What I think about when I give my ratings:
1.) There called cozies for a reason, and that being said I know they are not for everybody. I love them. Therefore the first thing I think about is how cozy/cheesy are they? The more cheese the better for me…lol. The horrible puns in the titles…LOVE THEM. Yes…if you’re wondering I am the person who loves laffy taffy jokes.
2.) Characters/ and relationships with secondary characters
3.) Setting
4.) The mystery
Im not really sure what's going on. Another ok book for me. I did think the author did a great job with the setting. I love the small town setting, and especially when there is a lot of community involvement. I also liked the chocolate shop. However I thought the title was boring, the characters were blah, and I did not like the details about boating.
I will try the 2nd book since I did love the concept and setting of the book.
January 29, 2018
In this first book of the series we are re-introduced to characters from a previous series that the author has written. I liked the change because I got to visit with old friends but life has changed up a bit for them which brought a freshness to everything. Jake has finally finished with all the renovations on her home and is looking for something new to sink her teeth into. Enter her best friend Ellie, together they decided to open up The Chocolate Moose, a bake shop filled with lots of chocolate treats. When Jake finds a local dead in the shop, his head in their chocolate melting pot, she's not sure who it is or how they got there. When she finds out that it is a local who has been giving them nothing but trouble, especially Ellie, she knows that it's time to figure out just what happened and why. Along the way the ladies have to deal with baking dozens of cheesecakes, being almost ran over by another boat, and an oncoming storm. With all that is going on will they be able to keep Ellie out of jail and the bake shop open? Will all the cheesecakes get done in time for the auction? Follow along and see. This was truly a wonderful read, I loved seeing the move these characters made and look forward to what happens with them next.
I received an ARC of this book, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
I received an ARC of this book, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 11, 2018
I received this book as part of a Goodreads giveaway, thanks to Kensington Books and Goodreads for the opportunity. This book started out as an interesting cozy mystery, but just lost me along the way with some crazy fixations (the tracking device on Ellie’s boat) and some far-fetched storylines (being chased and shot at without the police being involved and the whole escapade with Marla and the hospital) that just made the story seem disjointed overall. I like a good cozy mystery, but it has to be realistic to keep me engaged.
July 21, 2023
First book in another cozy mystery series I'm starting. It's definitely a bit different than other cozy mysteries I've read. It didn't feel as warm and...well, cozy. It just didn't have the same feel so to speak. I was getting a bit bored toward the end. There's so much extra wording, it could have been shorter. Sentences such as "Probably the wind had damaged a cell tower. Even way out here it didn't happen often. But it did sometimes, mostly in the middle of bad storms, and now it had." Just one example. I would have much rather extra details and wording in the characters, themselves. I wanted to know more about them! I feel like in cozy mysteries, they almost overdo it with all the characters' history, personality, family life... but that's how I really connect with the characters! The introduction to everyone felt rushed. I mixed up the names Ellie and Bella a few times in the beginning, forgetting who was who. I didn't hate this book. The writing was just a bit different from what I am used to. I have the second book ready. Not giving up on the series. This is a good book, just not my favorite cozy mystery. 3 & 1/2 stars. Fingers crossed for the second book. I love the cover art on these. As always, happy reading, friends! 🎂☕️
January 23, 2018
Death by Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake by Sarah Graves is the first book in A Death by Chocolate Mystery series. Jacobia “Jake” Tiptree co-owns The Chocolate Moose in Eastport, Maine with her best friend, Ellie White. They have agreed to make a dozen chocolate cherry cheesecakes to be auctioned off by the Coast Guard to pay for the town’s fireworks. Jake received an early morning call from Miss Halligan who owns Second Hand Rose that the door to the chocolate shop was ajar. When Jake arrives at The Chocolate Moose, she finds Matt Muldoon dead in the kitchen with his head in a pot of melted chocolate (what a waste of good chocolate). Matt had been trying to get the ladies out of their shop with baseless (and ridiculous) accusations that he would report to the health department as violations. Ellie is at the top of the suspect list thanks to her recent altercation with the victim. Jake needs to prove that Ellie is innocent of the crime while trying to get the cheesecakes baked in time for the auction without their commercial ovens. Then they discover a hurricane is heading towards Maine, and they need to batten down the hatches. Jake is also worried about her son, Sam who failed to arrive home from Boston (afraid he fell off the wagon) and her father who has left the hospital against medical advice (and he refuses to stay in bed). Even with a hurricane heading their way and the threat of Ellie being arrested, they must get the cheesecakes done. Thanks to overwhelming demand, they now need to make twenty-eight instead of twelve (the town is not canceling their Fourth of July celebration). Can Jake prove that Ellie did not kill Matt Muldoon? Will they get the cheesecakes done in time for the auction?
Death by Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake is the first book in A Death by Chocolate Mystery series, but it is technically a continuation of A Home Repair is Homicide Mystery series (there are sixteen books in that series). I was not aware of this until I started the book, and I felt like I had been plopped into the middle of a series. I wish the author had taken the time to introduce her readers to her characters in the beginning of the book, because I felt lost and confused. We are given more details on the characters as the book progresses (thankfully). However, I never fully connected with the characters and I felt out of step (there were still holes not filled in). Death by Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake is packed full of action. There is one situation after another throughout the story. The action starts with the murder in the first chapter, then Jake and Ellie almost get hit by another boat when fog strands them in the water, Jake’s father disappearing from hospital, Jake’s father takes off with car (and with his medications, he should not be driving), Marla and her dog attacked, lack of chocolate to make cheesecakes, Jake and Ellie breaking into Marla’s house, someone shoots at the duo, Sam is missing, Hurricane Amber and so much more. I wish the author had cut down on the zany incidents. It was too much and I beginning to wonder if Jake had a death wish. I wanted more solid content. I did find some aspects of the book to be unrealistic. Most mystery readers will have no problem figuring out the identity of the culprit long before it is revealed in the book. There is a repetition of information in the story especially regarding the stepmom’s attitude towards cleaning (the same details are repeated over and over). I know it is a culinary mystery, but the author did not need to include so many scenes on the baking of the cheesecakes. The ending felt rushed (take away a baking scene and the ending could have been less abrupt). For readers who love Sarah Graves A Home Repair is Homicide Mystery series, you will enjoy the continuing antics of Ellie and Jake.
Death by Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake is the first book in A Death by Chocolate Mystery series, but it is technically a continuation of A Home Repair is Homicide Mystery series (there are sixteen books in that series). I was not aware of this until I started the book, and I felt like I had been plopped into the middle of a series. I wish the author had taken the time to introduce her readers to her characters in the beginning of the book, because I felt lost and confused. We are given more details on the characters as the book progresses (thankfully). However, I never fully connected with the characters and I felt out of step (there were still holes not filled in). Death by Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake is packed full of action. There is one situation after another throughout the story. The action starts with the murder in the first chapter, then Jake and Ellie almost get hit by another boat when fog strands them in the water, Jake’s father disappearing from hospital, Jake’s father takes off with car (and with his medications, he should not be driving), Marla and her dog attacked, lack of chocolate to make cheesecakes, Jake and Ellie breaking into Marla’s house, someone shoots at the duo, Sam is missing, Hurricane Amber and so much more. I wish the author had cut down on the zany incidents. It was too much and I beginning to wonder if Jake had a death wish. I wanted more solid content. I did find some aspects of the book to be unrealistic. Most mystery readers will have no problem figuring out the identity of the culprit long before it is revealed in the book. There is a repetition of information in the story especially regarding the stepmom’s attitude towards cleaning (the same details are repeated over and over). I know it is a culinary mystery, but the author did not need to include so many scenes on the baking of the cheesecakes. The ending felt rushed (take away a baking scene and the ending could have been less abrupt). For readers who love Sarah Graves A Home Repair is Homicide Mystery series, you will enjoy the continuing antics of Ellie and Jake.
February 9, 2018
What a whirlwind of a mystery! I definitely never saw the solution coming, lots of clever plot twists and schemes too as well as murder.
Jacobia better known as Jake, owns a specialty bakery with her friend Ellie. Imagine her surprise at finding a dead guy in her shop with his face planted in melted chocolate, chocolate that had been melted to use on the dozens of chocolate cherry cheesecakes she and Ellie had promised the 4th of July fireworks committee for their annual auction. All fingers point to Ellie, especially when she was there and did have the motive that the dead guy, who turned out to be health inspector Muldoon, was harrassing her about fake health code infractions.
Jake knows she has to clear her friend's name, there's a big hurricane storm coming, she's not heard from her grown son in days and there are all these cheesecakes that need baking. Everything of course works out in the end but boy was it a fun ride getting there.
I loved the humor and banter between Jake and Ellie as well as their friend Bob, the police chief who always managed to look the other way when they were investigating but still gave them his usual "don't go around snooping" line. It was awesome that there were a couple of abandoned dogs that found homes, one with Jake and her family (its owner was in the hospital) and another with a local challenged man who picked up odd jobs here and there.
It was pretty fun reading about the fourth of July in the middle of winter! I'm anxious to see what the next installment brings!
Jacobia better known as Jake, owns a specialty bakery with her friend Ellie. Imagine her surprise at finding a dead guy in her shop with his face planted in melted chocolate, chocolate that had been melted to use on the dozens of chocolate cherry cheesecakes she and Ellie had promised the 4th of July fireworks committee for their annual auction. All fingers point to Ellie, especially when she was there and did have the motive that the dead guy, who turned out to be health inspector Muldoon, was harrassing her about fake health code infractions.
Jake knows she has to clear her friend's name, there's a big hurricane storm coming, she's not heard from her grown son in days and there are all these cheesecakes that need baking. Everything of course works out in the end but boy was it a fun ride getting there.
I loved the humor and banter between Jake and Ellie as well as their friend Bob, the police chief who always managed to look the other way when they were investigating but still gave them his usual "don't go around snooping" line. It was awesome that there were a couple of abandoned dogs that found homes, one with Jake and her family (its owner was in the hospital) and another with a local challenged man who picked up odd jobs here and there.
It was pretty fun reading about the fourth of July in the middle of winter! I'm anxious to see what the next installment brings!
March 9, 2023
Easy read and entertaining. I’ll look into the next book.
June 26, 2018
I was looking for a cozy, easy read to enjoy on an evening off. This wasn't it, unfortunately. I'm assuming we are supposed to like the main characters but I couldn't get past how annoyingly idiotic their decisions were time after time after time. (For the record, I did like the supporting characters. It is just Jake and Ellie that were too annoying to enjoy.) And somehow the police mysteriously don't get involved with all the shootings, car chases, kidnapping, etc? Please! Aside from the far-fetched mystery portion, even the every day life parts didn't make sense. Why would your fund raiser for the 4th of July fireworks take place on July 3rd? And if you are freaking out over getting 4 more cheesecakes done in time, why would you be so easily talked into another dozen (and then 4 more even more last minute?) There were also several inconsistencies that stood out and didn't make any sense. It felt like the author was trying to force circumstances that allowed for plot twists. It's never a good thing when what the author is trying to do is overshadowing the actual story.
April 1, 2020
I listened to the unabridged MP3 book DEATH BY CHOCOLATE CHERRY CHEESECAKE written by Sarah Graves and read by Susan Boyce. This is the first novel in a new series.
The story takes place in the island fishing village of Eastport, Maine, where Jake and Ellie opened The Chocolate Moose. The chocolate-themed bakery features old family recipes Ellie has collected. An early season hurricane and a murder disrupt plans for a happy and profitable Fourth of July weekend.
Familiar place names such as Deer Island, and Halifax, Nova Scotia added to my pleasure reading this cozy mystery. Jake, Ellie, Wade and Marlene's dog are my favourite characters.
Due to the volatile relationship between Ellie and the murder victim, she is the police's prime suspect. Will Jake be able to find the real killer and evidence to prove her innocence? Where is Jake and Wade's son, Sam?
With a bit of humour, and lots of twists and turns, DEATH BY CHOCOLATE CHERRY CHEESECAKE was 3.5 stars.
⭐️️⭐️️⭐️️💫
The story takes place in the island fishing village of Eastport, Maine, where Jake and Ellie opened The Chocolate Moose. The chocolate-themed bakery features old family recipes Ellie has collected. An early season hurricane and a murder disrupt plans for a happy and profitable Fourth of July weekend.
Familiar place names such as Deer Island, and Halifax, Nova Scotia added to my pleasure reading this cozy mystery. Jake, Ellie, Wade and Marlene's dog are my favourite characters.
Due to the volatile relationship between Ellie and the murder victim, she is the police's prime suspect. Will Jake be able to find the real killer and evidence to prove her innocence? Where is Jake and Wade's son, Sam?
With a bit of humour, and lots of twists and turns, DEATH BY CHOCOLATE CHERRY CHEESECAKE was 3.5 stars.
⭐️️⭐️️⭐️️💫
Want to read
February 2, 2018An entertaining first in series cozy! I did not read this author's previous series with the same characters but I wasn't too lost since the author did a good job of giving the reader background information. A well plotted mystery with several twists and turns that had me guessing until the end. I enjoyed reading this book and it made me want to go back to the author's previous series.................................................
May 1, 2020
Great mystery! Nice town to visit with a main character I enjoyed. There are lots of twists to keep you on your toes. I'm ready for more Jacobia and her cheesecakes.
August 2, 2021
It's a cozy. I don't read many of them , so for me 3 stars.
January 31, 2018
While this is the first in the Death by Chocolate mystery series, it is a continuation of the Home Repair is Homicide mystery series.
"Jake" and her friend Ellie have opened up a bakery called "The Chocolate Moose," full of chocolate goodies. With her husband and son both away from home, Jake has plenty of time to focus on the bakery. However, when a health inspector meets a grisly (and delicious" end in their kitchen, Jake and Ellie suddenly have more on the plate than chocolate cherry cheesecakes.
I love new series', so I am always anxious to grab a book 1 when I see it to find out if it is something I will fall in love with. While the cover says this is a book one, I was sad to find that it's really a continuation of the author's previous series. Yes, they are baking now instead of fixing up houses, but as a reader I felt like I was walking into a class in the middle of the semester. Worse, after I realized that, I also realized that I had tried to read the Home Repair is Homicide series, and didn't like it, so I was oh for two. The author is a great writer, but sometimes you just don't click with certain authors for no good reason, and this is the case here. I'm sure I am in the minority because her other books have sold well, and I'm sure this one will, too, but it just wasn't for me. I received an ARC from NetGalley to read before the book's release.
"Jake" and her friend Ellie have opened up a bakery called "The Chocolate Moose," full of chocolate goodies. With her husband and son both away from home, Jake has plenty of time to focus on the bakery. However, when a health inspector meets a grisly (and delicious" end in their kitchen, Jake and Ellie suddenly have more on the plate than chocolate cherry cheesecakes.
I love new series', so I am always anxious to grab a book 1 when I see it to find out if it is something I will fall in love with. While the cover says this is a book one, I was sad to find that it's really a continuation of the author's previous series. Yes, they are baking now instead of fixing up houses, but as a reader I felt like I was walking into a class in the middle of the semester. Worse, after I realized that, I also realized that I had tried to read the Home Repair is Homicide series, and didn't like it, so I was oh for two. The author is a great writer, but sometimes you just don't click with certain authors for no good reason, and this is the case here. I'm sure I am in the minority because her other books have sold well, and I'm sure this one will, too, but it just wasn't for me. I received an ARC from NetGalley to read before the book's release.
February 22, 2022
“Death by Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake” the first instalment in the "Death By Chocolate" mystery series by Sarah Graves.
Did you know this is actually a continuation of Sarah's other series "A Home Repair Is Homicide" I think I read them but just to be sure i will freshen up on it as it will tell you how the characters came to be together.
Murder is the guiltiest pleasure at a Down East Maine bakeshop in this cozy mystery series debut by the author of the Home Repair is Homicide novels.
I enjoy stories set in coastal locations, and the village of Eastport, Maine is a perfect setting from the description of harbor, the shops, the people. The protagonist Jake and her BFF Ellie have a wonderful friendship, always got each other’s back, and in this story they really need to have each others backs!
I had read a later installment so it was nice to go back and read book one for a group discussion this week. It was like visiting old friends and there were a few hair raising moments throughout the book.
There were a handful of suspects and lots of twists and turns to keep me wanting to find out what will happen next. I did suspect the killer early on but then second guessed myself.
I highly recommend this series to all my cozy friends.
Did you know this is actually a continuation of Sarah's other series "A Home Repair Is Homicide" I think I read them but just to be sure i will freshen up on it as it will tell you how the characters came to be together.
Murder is the guiltiest pleasure at a Down East Maine bakeshop in this cozy mystery series debut by the author of the Home Repair is Homicide novels.
I enjoy stories set in coastal locations, and the village of Eastport, Maine is a perfect setting from the description of harbor, the shops, the people. The protagonist Jake and her BFF Ellie have a wonderful friendship, always got each other’s back, and in this story they really need to have each others backs!
I had read a later installment so it was nice to go back and read book one for a group discussion this week. It was like visiting old friends and there were a few hair raising moments throughout the book.
There were a handful of suspects and lots of twists and turns to keep me wanting to find out what will happen next. I did suspect the killer early on but then second guessed myself.
I highly recommend this series to all my cozy friends.
March 26, 2019
This is book #1 in the Death by Chocolate Mystery series but it kind of felt like I was missing something then I read that it is a flow on from another series. Jake and Ellie are meant to be cooking 12 cheesecakes for an auction, while backing for and running their shop The Chocolate Moose. But when a dead body is discovered in the shop the pair just go off trying to solve the mystery and clear Ellie's name as she is the prime suspect. The order for 12 cheesecakes soon becomes 24 then 28 and the time line for the auction gets moved forward to to warnings of a cyclone type storm is headed their way. Despite Jake thinking there is no way they can get the cheesecakes made in time. Jake and Ellie go off breaking into homes and questioning the people they consider suspects all while they keep running back to the shop to take baked goods out of the oven. The story is so far fetched its unbelievable.
December 24, 2018
It was a bright summer morning, the first day of July in the remote island village of Eastport, Maine---three hours from Bangor, light-years from anywhere else---with a salty breeze snapping in the banners over the seawall and the sun glittering on the bay.
Jacobia (Jake) Tiptree and Ellie White have opened a bakery in Eastport, Maine called the Chocolate Moose. They have been tasked to make a dozen chocolate cherry cheesecakes for the Coast Guard to auction off for the town's firework display. Jake is shocked to find local trouble maker, Matt Muldoon dead in the bakery's kitchen. The local police are convinced that Ellie is the killer. Jake and Ellie work to find the true murderer.
It was nice to catch up with Jake and Ellie. I enjoyed meeting them in the Home Repair is Homicide series. I like the new venue of the bakery as a backdrop for the story. Jake is married to Wade and her son, Sam is now in his twenties. In addition to the murder, the island is on target to be hit by a hurricane and Jake's father has checked out of the hospital against medical advice following a heart attack.
I enjoyed the storyline and thought this was a good introduction to the series. There were a lot of twists and turns with a number of shady characters. Any time spent in Ellie's boat freaks me out. It seems there is always some issue that makes the trip a challenge.
This was a book that I stayed up to read because I wanted to see what was going to happen next. It was definitely a wild ride. I look forward to the next book in the series.
3.5 stars
Jacobia (Jake) Tiptree and Ellie White have opened a bakery in Eastport, Maine called the Chocolate Moose. They have been tasked to make a dozen chocolate cherry cheesecakes for the Coast Guard to auction off for the town's firework display. Jake is shocked to find local trouble maker, Matt Muldoon dead in the bakery's kitchen. The local police are convinced that Ellie is the killer. Jake and Ellie work to find the true murderer.
It was nice to catch up with Jake and Ellie. I enjoyed meeting them in the Home Repair is Homicide series. I like the new venue of the bakery as a backdrop for the story. Jake is married to Wade and her son, Sam is now in his twenties. In addition to the murder, the island is on target to be hit by a hurricane and Jake's father has checked out of the hospital against medical advice following a heart attack.
I enjoyed the storyline and thought this was a good introduction to the series. There were a lot of twists and turns with a number of shady characters. Any time spent in Ellie's boat freaks me out. It seems there is always some issue that makes the trip a challenge.
This was a book that I stayed up to read because I wanted to see what was going to happen next. It was definitely a wild ride. I look forward to the next book in the series.
3.5 stars
June 11, 2021
I loved this book! As a fan of Barbara Ross' Maine Clambake series, I expected to enjoy this story from the Death by Chocolate series author, Sarah Graves - and I wasn't disappointed.
The main characters, Jake (Jacobia) Tiptree and Ellie White, proprietors and owners of The Chocolate Moose bakery/chocolate shop, are smart, sassy, and a total delight. Murder comes calling when Matt Muldoon, the health inspector who slapped bogus health code violations on Jake's shop at every opportunity, is found dead in the bakery.
Jake has no alibi, and dozens of cherry chocolate cheesecakes to bake for the upcoming Fourth of July weekend. With Ellie's help, she sets out to clear her name...and bake a LOT of cheesecakes.
The main characters, Jake (Jacobia) Tiptree and Ellie White, proprietors and owners of The Chocolate Moose bakery/chocolate shop, are smart, sassy, and a total delight. Murder comes calling when Matt Muldoon, the health inspector who slapped bogus health code violations on Jake's shop at every opportunity, is found dead in the bakery.
Jake has no alibi, and dozens of cherry chocolate cheesecakes to bake for the upcoming Fourth of July weekend. With Ellie's help, she sets out to clear her name...and bake a LOT of cheesecakes.
February 9, 2022
LOOKING FOR A THRILLING CONCLUSION TO YOUR COZY? THIS JUST MAY BE THE BOOK FOR YOU.
For the longest time while reading this book, I seriously thought it would receive 3 Stars. Not enough culinary (in this culinary cozy) and the plot was (in my opinion) so-so. But then the lead-up to the reveal happened and boy can Sarah Graves write a thrilling ending! I upgraded my rating at once.
4 Stars! xoxo.
For the longest time while reading this book, I seriously thought it would receive 3 Stars. Not enough culinary (in this culinary cozy) and the plot was (in my opinion) so-so. But then the lead-up to the reveal happened and boy can Sarah Graves write a thrilling ending! I upgraded my rating at once.
4 Stars! xoxo.
August 31, 2023
3.5 stars
Displaying 1 - 30 of 523 reviews