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Lickety Splits Ice Cream Shoppe Mystery #1
Murder with a Cherry on Top
Kate McKay had doubts about swapping her high-powered life in Manhattan for Wolfert's Roost, the quaint Hudson Valley village where she grew up. But when she moves back to care for her ailing grandmother, Kate decides to start fresh and indulge her dream of running an ice cream shop. All goes smoothly--until she's reunited with old acquaintances nuttier than a vat of rocky road . . .
Kate should be thrilled about opening Lickety Splits Ice Cream Shoppe in the heart of town. Instead her spirits melt like soft serve in the summer when she learns that her childhood frenemy, Ashley Winthrop, has started selling frozen treats in the bakery across the street. Turns out, Ashley hasn't sweetened since high school. And, once again, she's game for some very unfriendly competition . . .
But before Ashley can kill Kate's new business, someone kills Ashley--stabbing her to death inside the bakery. Worse, the murder occurs right after the two rivals drew crowds with a heated argument, leaving half of Wolfert's Roost speculating that Kate was finally pushed over the edge . . .
With rumors swirling and her reputation in serious trouble, Kate is determined to get the real scoop on the crime--even if it means joining forces with a former flame. As she pieces together clues to a chilling scandal, Kate soon realizes that she'll need way more than a sprinkle of wit if she wants to expose the killer and live to see another sundae . . .
Includes mouthwatering ice cream recipes from the Lickety Splits Ice Cream Shoppe!
Kate should be thrilled about opening Lickety Splits Ice Cream Shoppe in the heart of town. Instead her spirits melt like soft serve in the summer when she learns that her childhood frenemy, Ashley Winthrop, has started selling frozen treats in the bakery across the street. Turns out, Ashley hasn't sweetened since high school. And, once again, she's game for some very unfriendly competition . . .
But before Ashley can kill Kate's new business, someone kills Ashley--stabbing her to death inside the bakery. Worse, the murder occurs right after the two rivals drew crowds with a heated argument, leaving half of Wolfert's Roost speculating that Kate was finally pushed over the edge . . .
With rumors swirling and her reputation in serious trouble, Kate is determined to get the real scoop on the crime--even if it means joining forces with a former flame. As she pieces together clues to a chilling scandal, Kate soon realizes that she'll need way more than a sprinkle of wit if she wants to expose the killer and live to see another sundae . . .
Includes mouthwatering ice cream recipes from the Lickety Splits Ice Cream Shoppe!
256 pages, Hardcover
Published March 27, 2018
98 people are currently reading
2491 people want to read
About the author
Cynthia Baxter
22 books216 followers(from author's website)
Dear Reader,
Thanks for taking the time to check out my web site! I love the fact that the Internet makes it so easy to "talk" to readers (and to hear from them, too - my email address is below).
My favorite thing to do is read - and my second favorite is to write. Since 2003, I've been writing The Reigning Cats & Dogs Mystery Series, which features veterinarian Jessica Popper. The books also include the antics of Jessie's menagerie: her rambunctious Westie, Max; his shy sidekick, Lou the Dalmatian; aging pussycat Catherine the Great; newcomer Tinkerbell, a tiger kitten with the personality of a diva; mouthy Prometheus, a Blue and Gold Macaw with attitude; and last but not least, the silent yet seemingly wise chameleon Leilani. The newest book in the series is CROSSING THE LION.
I also launched a second mystery series, The Murder Packs a Suitcase Mystery Series, which will run concurrently with Reigning Cats & Dogs. The first book, also titled MURDER PACKS A SUITCASE, introduces Mallory Marlowe. Recently widowed at the age of 45, Mallory is still struggling to find her old self when she falls into a new job as a travel writer. In addition to researching exciting destinations, she happens upon the occasional murder - and she can't help getting involved in finding out whodunnit. The first book is set in Orlando, where she goes to discover whether or not the "old Florida," with alligator farms and pink plastic flamingoes and seashell jewelry, still exists despite the proliferation of glitzy theme parks. The second book in the series, TOO RICH AND TOO DEAD, is set in glamorous Aspen, where Mallory is trying to find out if even a non-skier can have a fun vacation.
Working on two different mystery series has been an interesting challenge. I've tried to make the two series different - but at the same time to include the same elements in the new series that readers of the original series seemed to enjoy. That means a likeable heroine, a compelling mystery with some quirky suspects and a few surprises, a touch of romance, and lots of humor. I'm really looking forward to seeing how readers respond to my new character and her adventures!
I always enjoy hearing from readers, so please don't hesitate to write and say hello. In the meantime, I hope you continue to enjoy my books!
Best wishes, Cynthia Baxter
Contact Cynthia: Cynthiab1@optonline.net
Dear Reader,
Thanks for taking the time to check out my web site! I love the fact that the Internet makes it so easy to "talk" to readers (and to hear from them, too - my email address is below).
My favorite thing to do is read - and my second favorite is to write. Since 2003, I've been writing The Reigning Cats & Dogs Mystery Series, which features veterinarian Jessica Popper. The books also include the antics of Jessie's menagerie: her rambunctious Westie, Max; his shy sidekick, Lou the Dalmatian; aging pussycat Catherine the Great; newcomer Tinkerbell, a tiger kitten with the personality of a diva; mouthy Prometheus, a Blue and Gold Macaw with attitude; and last but not least, the silent yet seemingly wise chameleon Leilani. The newest book in the series is CROSSING THE LION.
I also launched a second mystery series, The Murder Packs a Suitcase Mystery Series, which will run concurrently with Reigning Cats & Dogs. The first book, also titled MURDER PACKS A SUITCASE, introduces Mallory Marlowe. Recently widowed at the age of 45, Mallory is still struggling to find her old self when she falls into a new job as a travel writer. In addition to researching exciting destinations, she happens upon the occasional murder - and she can't help getting involved in finding out whodunnit. The first book is set in Orlando, where she goes to discover whether or not the "old Florida," with alligator farms and pink plastic flamingoes and seashell jewelry, still exists despite the proliferation of glitzy theme parks. The second book in the series, TOO RICH AND TOO DEAD, is set in glamorous Aspen, where Mallory is trying to find out if even a non-skier can have a fun vacation.
Working on two different mystery series has been an interesting challenge. I've tried to make the two series different - but at the same time to include the same elements in the new series that readers of the original series seemed to enjoy. That means a likeable heroine, a compelling mystery with some quirky suspects and a few surprises, a touch of romance, and lots of humor. I'm really looking forward to seeing how readers respond to my new character and her adventures!
I always enjoy hearing from readers, so please don't hesitate to write and say hello. In the meantime, I hope you continue to enjoy my books!
Best wishes, Cynthia Baxter
Contact Cynthia: Cynthiab1@optonline.net
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 133 reviews
March 27, 2018
Murder with a Cherry on Top by Cynthia Baxter is the first book in the cozy A Lickety Splits Mystery series. Kate McKay had left her hometown after high school and gone onto college and then a career in Manhattan but when she gets news that her grandmother needs someone to come care for her Kate quickly returns to Wolfert’s Roost giving up her career.
Growing up Kate has fond memories of her family and their love for ice cream from birthdays to times of sorrow the frozen treat was always right there. So now that Kate needs a new path to follow in her life she decides an ice cream shop is just what her small town needs and all the creative ideas she’s had can finally be brought to life.
Opening up her shop in a prime space in Wolfert’s Roost Kate unfortunately finds that the bakery across the street belongs to none other than her old school rival Ashley Winthrop. Ashley always had a habit of wanting to one up Kate and it seems times haven’t changed when she posts a sign in the bakery that she now plans one selling ice cream too. Of course this leads to a very public argument between Kate and Ashley but Kate never expected her next visitor to be the police informing her of Ashley’s murder and the fact that Kate is now a suspect.
Murder with a Cherry on Top was an enjoyable cozy mystery right from the very start. Kate had an endearing quality to me when it was told she immediately volunteered to care for her grandmother. Putting family first certainly won me over but the delicious treats described in the new shop was also right up there at the top of my likes too.
Then we move onto the murder in the small town and it really was a fun one to follow. There were plenty of people on Kate’s list of possibilities but it was also a nice surprise to find the creative motive I wasn’t expecting at all. And there is also a potential to have a nice romance for the character with an old flame being in the picture. I’ll definitely be looking forward to more from this fun series in the future.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
Growing up Kate has fond memories of her family and their love for ice cream from birthdays to times of sorrow the frozen treat was always right there. So now that Kate needs a new path to follow in her life she decides an ice cream shop is just what her small town needs and all the creative ideas she’s had can finally be brought to life.
Opening up her shop in a prime space in Wolfert’s Roost Kate unfortunately finds that the bakery across the street belongs to none other than her old school rival Ashley Winthrop. Ashley always had a habit of wanting to one up Kate and it seems times haven’t changed when she posts a sign in the bakery that she now plans one selling ice cream too. Of course this leads to a very public argument between Kate and Ashley but Kate never expected her next visitor to be the police informing her of Ashley’s murder and the fact that Kate is now a suspect.
Murder with a Cherry on Top was an enjoyable cozy mystery right from the very start. Kate had an endearing quality to me when it was told she immediately volunteered to care for her grandmother. Putting family first certainly won me over but the delicious treats described in the new shop was also right up there at the top of my likes too.
Then we move onto the murder in the small town and it really was a fun one to follow. There were plenty of people on Kate’s list of possibilities but it was also a nice surprise to find the creative motive I wasn’t expecting at all. And there is also a potential to have a nice romance for the character with an old flame being in the picture. I’ll definitely be looking forward to more from this fun series in the future.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
April 20, 2018
Dollycas’s Thoughts
I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream and Cynthia Baxter has scooped up a tasty mystery for us readers to enjoy!!
Kate McKay has returned to Wolfert’s Roost to take care of her grandmother and to follow her dream of opening an ice cream shoppe. Lickety Splits has a prime location but it is directly across the street from a bakery owned by Ashley Winthrop, a woman Kate knew in school and wishes she could just avoid. When Ashley becomes her competition by selling ice cream Kate has no choice but to confront her. Their argument was loud and very public with no clear resolution until Ashley is found stabbed to death in her bakery. Katy wishes she could have frozen time, back before the war of words. Things really start to melt she becomes the prime suspect. To make things even chillier, her old high school boyfriend comes to her rescue. Maybe together they can clear her name before her dream is crushed and her ice cream shoppe is just a memory.
This series is off to a delicious start!
Kate McKay is so dedicated to getting her business up and running. She has created unique ice cream combinations that will keep her customers coming back for more. I wish the book came with free samples. Her friend Willow has been helping out but she really needs a full-time person. Her niece, Emma, arrives looking for a job at the perfect time. Plus she can move in to help with grams. We also meet others from Kate’s past including her high school boyfriend, Jake Pratt. They haven’t seen each other since he failed to pick her up on prom night. Their reunion is pretty icy. These characters are all very interesting and we are just getting to know them.
The author’s descriptive writing style really drew me into the store. Descriptions of Grams Victorian home and Kate shop made me feel like I was right on the scene. The descriptions of the ice cream flavors, sundaes, and other treats had me practically drooling. It also lent well as Kate went around asking questions, trying to find the real killer. It was very easy to visualize everyone she talked to and where they were. The mystery portion of the story wrapped up in a way I was not expecting and was surprised by who the real criminal turned out to be.
I love ice cream so this theme is one I am excited about. Cynthia Baxter has peaked my curiosity with this first installment. I can’t wait for the next Lickety Splits Mystery!
I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream and Cynthia Baxter has scooped up a tasty mystery for us readers to enjoy!!
Kate McKay has returned to Wolfert’s Roost to take care of her grandmother and to follow her dream of opening an ice cream shoppe. Lickety Splits has a prime location but it is directly across the street from a bakery owned by Ashley Winthrop, a woman Kate knew in school and wishes she could just avoid. When Ashley becomes her competition by selling ice cream Kate has no choice but to confront her. Their argument was loud and very public with no clear resolution until Ashley is found stabbed to death in her bakery. Katy wishes she could have frozen time, back before the war of words. Things really start to melt she becomes the prime suspect. To make things even chillier, her old high school boyfriend comes to her rescue. Maybe together they can clear her name before her dream is crushed and her ice cream shoppe is just a memory.
This series is off to a delicious start!
Kate McKay is so dedicated to getting her business up and running. She has created unique ice cream combinations that will keep her customers coming back for more. I wish the book came with free samples. Her friend Willow has been helping out but she really needs a full-time person. Her niece, Emma, arrives looking for a job at the perfect time. Plus she can move in to help with grams. We also meet others from Kate’s past including her high school boyfriend, Jake Pratt. They haven’t seen each other since he failed to pick her up on prom night. Their reunion is pretty icy. These characters are all very interesting and we are just getting to know them.
The author’s descriptive writing style really drew me into the store. Descriptions of Grams Victorian home and Kate shop made me feel like I was right on the scene. The descriptions of the ice cream flavors, sundaes, and other treats had me practically drooling. It also lent well as Kate went around asking questions, trying to find the real killer. It was very easy to visualize everyone she talked to and where they were. The mystery portion of the story wrapped up in a way I was not expecting and was surprised by who the real criminal turned out to be.
I love ice cream so this theme is one I am excited about. Cynthia Baxter has peaked my curiosity with this first installment. I can’t wait for the next Lickety Splits Mystery!
March 5, 2018
It has been awhile since I read a book by this author and I always enjoyed her writing. The overwhelming reaction, I had when I finished that was an amusing and a relaxing read. I am not fan of ice cream, I can eat it or leave it alone. Some of the recipes sound great and others I wouldn't touch.
Kate McKay returned to Wolfert's Roost to help her Grandmother as her health is declining Kate has opened her dream ice cream shop called Lickety Spilt. Kate is pleased with the decorations of the store but it is not excited as her high school enemy has open bakery shop across the road. It is now selling ice cream. The next day The high school enemy is stabbed to death. The cops are suggesting Kate as a person of interest until her ex-boyfriend showed as her attorney. Kate is determined to find the killer. She begins to explore the facts in the case. Secrets began to unravel and Kate is shocked to realize the reasons for the murder. There is a romance being reunited. I highly recommend the book and looking forward to the next book.Delicious sounding ice cream recipes are included.
Disclosure: Many thanks to Kensington Books for a review copy The opinions expressed are my own.
Kate McKay returned to Wolfert's Roost to help her Grandmother as her health is declining Kate has opened her dream ice cream shop called Lickety Spilt. Kate is pleased with the decorations of the store but it is not excited as her high school enemy has open bakery shop across the road. It is now selling ice cream. The next day The high school enemy is stabbed to death. The cops are suggesting Kate as a person of interest until her ex-boyfriend showed as her attorney. Kate is determined to find the killer. She begins to explore the facts in the case. Secrets began to unravel and Kate is shocked to realize the reasons for the murder. There is a romance being reunited. I highly recommend the book and looking forward to the next book.Delicious sounding ice cream recipes are included.
Disclosure: Many thanks to Kensington Books for a review copy The opinions expressed are my own.
April 26, 2020
Quick, fun read.
March 29, 2018
Murder with a Cherry on Top by Cynthia Baxter is the first book in A Lickety Splits Mystery series, and it is off to a great start. Kate McKay has left her high powered job in New York to return home to care for her grandmother. Kate open up her dream shop, which sells ice cream, but trouble finds her right away in the form of an old nemesis.
I really love this book, and can't wait to continue Kate's adventures in the next book. Not only is this book fun, it has a great mystery also. There are twists and turns around every corner. I found this book to be a quick read, with a well developed plot and characters. If you love fun cozy mysteries, I strongly recommend this book.
I received this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I really love this book, and can't wait to continue Kate's adventures in the next book. Not only is this book fun, it has a great mystery also. There are twists and turns around every corner. I found this book to be a quick read, with a well developed plot and characters. If you love fun cozy mysteries, I strongly recommend this book.
I received this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
December 8, 2020
Let me begin this review by stating that I bought "Murder With A Cherry On Top" at the Dollar Tree on a whim for a dollar. I have read almost all of the Hannah Swenson Mystery series so I am familiar with this "foodie" kind of genre. Well, it doesn't take the reader long to figure out that Kate McKay likes ice cream.....really, really likes ice cream. As I was reading this book I jotted down a couple of thoughts and would like to share them (and wish Cynthia Baxter's editor had done the same) in no particular order:
1-Why did Kate get SO UPSET when she saw that Ashley was going to start selling ice cream? Kate went off to college for four years, travelled around the world and lived/worked in New York for about 10 years yet when she sees that Ashley is going to sell ice cream at her bakery she immediately freaks out and goes all the way back to the paint stealing episode in kindergarten involving Ashley and everything bad that happened in high school. In 15 years Kate has had no personal growth? She didn't realize that she sells homemade gourmet ice cream as opposed to a bakery that just happened to sell ice cream?
2-When she sees Jake after 15 years she immediately goes back to her high school prom and again starts to freak out. Naturally, she would think about the prom, but her reaction is like it happened yesterday instead of 15 years ago.
3-When Ashley is murdered Kate decides she will investigate the murder. She recently moved back to Wolfert's Roost and has no one on the inside on the police force, but she thinks she can do this. No crime scene photos, no forensic information, no list of witnesses, but she's gonna do it. Gonna take the time from her new business to investigate the murder of someone she didn't even like. Kind of farfetched.
4-When Jake finally explained about his no-show for the prom, once again she acted like it happened last weekend and that in 15 years she has had no personal growth. Kate did not take into account that this action was taken by a 17 or 18 year old. It was like she has obsessed about it for 15 years. She did not look at it from his point of view of an alcoholic father and how his actions effected his life. She was furious with his explanation.
5-On page 124 out of 241 pages Kate has only spoke to her 2nd "person of interest" and in 117 pages she is going to solve this murder with no police help.
6-Kate sees Ashley with some basic bake goods in an old newspaper photo and from there she can take the leap that Ashley is running an escort service?? Lazy writing.
7-Kate reflects that "the list of people who might have wanted Ashley dead was certainly long"? Up to that point I don't know that we thought any body wanted Ashley dead. Didn't get that.
8-On page 235 Kate reflected that "the bottom line, I guess, was that I still couldn't bring myself to forgive". OMG Kate, it was 15 years ago. Get over girl. Move on already.
9-Jake and Kate attending the High School Graduation Dance. It seems weird to me that Jake would ask the high school principal if they could attend (even though they had no connection to anyone attending the dance) and he said yes.
10-Okay Cynthia Baxter, we get it......Kate McKay loves and is obsessed with ice cream!!
With all this being said, I would not recommend this book to being added to anyone's reading list. Maybe it gets better as the series goes on, but "Lickety Splits Mysteries" are not for me.
1-Why did Kate get SO UPSET when she saw that Ashley was going to start selling ice cream? Kate went off to college for four years, travelled around the world and lived/worked in New York for about 10 years yet when she sees that Ashley is going to sell ice cream at her bakery she immediately freaks out and goes all the way back to the paint stealing episode in kindergarten involving Ashley and everything bad that happened in high school. In 15 years Kate has had no personal growth? She didn't realize that she sells homemade gourmet ice cream as opposed to a bakery that just happened to sell ice cream?
2-When she sees Jake after 15 years she immediately goes back to her high school prom and again starts to freak out. Naturally, she would think about the prom, but her reaction is like it happened yesterday instead of 15 years ago.
3-When Ashley is murdered Kate decides she will investigate the murder. She recently moved back to Wolfert's Roost and has no one on the inside on the police force, but she thinks she can do this. No crime scene photos, no forensic information, no list of witnesses, but she's gonna do it. Gonna take the time from her new business to investigate the murder of someone she didn't even like. Kind of farfetched.
4-When Jake finally explained about his no-show for the prom, once again she acted like it happened last weekend and that in 15 years she has had no personal growth. Kate did not take into account that this action was taken by a 17 or 18 year old. It was like she has obsessed about it for 15 years. She did not look at it from his point of view of an alcoholic father and how his actions effected his life. She was furious with his explanation.
5-On page 124 out of 241 pages Kate has only spoke to her 2nd "person of interest" and in 117 pages she is going to solve this murder with no police help.
6-Kate sees Ashley with some basic bake goods in an old newspaper photo and from there she can take the leap that Ashley is running an escort service?? Lazy writing.
7-Kate reflects that "the list of people who might have wanted Ashley dead was certainly long"? Up to that point I don't know that we thought any body wanted Ashley dead. Didn't get that.
8-On page 235 Kate reflected that "the bottom line, I guess, was that I still couldn't bring myself to forgive". OMG Kate, it was 15 years ago. Get over girl. Move on already.
9-Jake and Kate attending the High School Graduation Dance. It seems weird to me that Jake would ask the high school principal if they could attend (even though they had no connection to anyone attending the dance) and he said yes.
10-Okay Cynthia Baxter, we get it......Kate McKay loves and is obsessed with ice cream!!
With all this being said, I would not recommend this book to being added to anyone's reading list. Maybe it gets better as the series goes on, but "Lickety Splits Mysteries" are not for me.
March 26, 2018
Murder with a Cherry on Top by Cynthia Baxter is the first installment in A Lickety Splits Ice Cream Shoppe Mystery series. Katherine “Kate” McKay has opened Lickety Splits Ice Cream Shoppe in Wolfert’s Roost, New York. It is a dream come true for Kate and the start of a new chapter in her life. Then she notices Ashley Winthrop of Sweet Things Pastry Palace posting a sign in her window stating that they are now selling homemade ice cream. It seems Ashley is continuing the rivalry that started between them in kindergarten. After having a public argument with Ashley in front of the store, Kate heads out to Juniper Hill Organic Dairy where she encounters her old high school boyfriend, Jake Pratt. The sight of him still makes her heart skip a beat. The next day Kate is awakened to pounding on her door and Officer Pete Bonano on her doorstep. Ashley was killed in her bakery the night before, and Kate is at the top of the suspect list courtesy of her vocal disagreement with the victim. With gossip causing a decline in business, Kate sets out to find Ashley’s killer before her dream melts away.
I liked the premise for A Lickety Splits Ice Cream Shoppe Mystery series. Ice cream and mystery in one book (I love ice cream). The author created an adorable shop for Kate McKay to sell her homemade ice cream treats in a charming small town. Readers are entertained with delectable descriptions of ice cream throughout the book (the Tahitian Vanilla sounds scrumptious). Every ice cream that Kate sells to a customer is described in detail. The book is nicely written and has a steady pace. The author has an easy, breezy writing style. There are some quirky characters like Willow Baines, Kate’s best friend. I liked Grams and Kate’s niece, Emma. I fell in love with Gram’s beautiful Victorian home (I want it). The mystery, though, was lacking and it was not the primary focus of the book. The investigation consists of Kate asking questions and speculating on the identity of the guilty party (no action or suspense). Instead of Kate identifying the killer, she stumbles upon the solution. I wish the author had put as much effort into the mystery as she did into coming up with the ice cream flavors. Of course, there is are requisite cliché nasty detective (thankfully we do not see much of him). My rating for Murder with a Cherry on Top is 3 out of 5 stars. Murder with a Cherry on Top is a cute and entertaining cozy mystery that will have readers opening their freezers for their favorite frozen treat.
I liked the premise for A Lickety Splits Ice Cream Shoppe Mystery series. Ice cream and mystery in one book (I love ice cream). The author created an adorable shop for Kate McKay to sell her homemade ice cream treats in a charming small town. Readers are entertained with delectable descriptions of ice cream throughout the book (the Tahitian Vanilla sounds scrumptious). Every ice cream that Kate sells to a customer is described in detail. The book is nicely written and has a steady pace. The author has an easy, breezy writing style. There are some quirky characters like Willow Baines, Kate’s best friend. I liked Grams and Kate’s niece, Emma. I fell in love with Gram’s beautiful Victorian home (I want it). The mystery, though, was lacking and it was not the primary focus of the book. The investigation consists of Kate asking questions and speculating on the identity of the guilty party (no action or suspense). Instead of Kate identifying the killer, she stumbles upon the solution. I wish the author had put as much effort into the mystery as she did into coming up with the ice cream flavors. Of course, there is are requisite cliché nasty detective (thankfully we do not see much of him). My rating for Murder with a Cherry on Top is 3 out of 5 stars. Murder with a Cherry on Top is a cute and entertaining cozy mystery that will have readers opening their freezers for their favorite frozen treat.
July 4, 2019
Kate McKay has returned to her hometown of Wolfet’s Roost in the Hudson River Valley of New York, and she has opened her own ice cream shop. Her only possibly concern is that it is across the street from the bakery owned by Ashley Winthrop. The two have known each other all their lives, and they have never gotten along. Sadly, Kate hasn’t even been opened a week before she gets proof that Ashley intends to continue their feud. But when Ashley is murdered the day after the two have a very public fight, Kate finds herself questioned by the police. Can she figure out what really happened before she is arrested for a crime she didn’t commit?
First books in series walk a fine line between introducing us to characters and giving us a good mystery. This one errs on the side of character backstory, which makes the first quarter very slow plot wise. Things do pick up as we go along, and by the second half the mystery is in full swing. Once it got going, I found the mystery good with an ending I didn’t suspect yet one that made sense. Kate, her Gran, and her niece are all solid characters and I enjoyed spending time with them. I am curious where Kate’s love life will go after what we learned and the characters we met here. The suspects don’t get much page time, but they seem real from the little bit of time we did get to spend with them. And there is plenty of talk about ice cream, which made me crave one of my favorite desserts. There are four delicious sounding recipes at the end, so you can bring a bit of Kate’s shop home with you. If you are looking for a new series to help you cool off as the summer heats up, this debut is for you.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
First books in series walk a fine line between introducing us to characters and giving us a good mystery. This one errs on the side of character backstory, which makes the first quarter very slow plot wise. Things do pick up as we go along, and by the second half the mystery is in full swing. Once it got going, I found the mystery good with an ending I didn’t suspect yet one that made sense. Kate, her Gran, and her niece are all solid characters and I enjoyed spending time with them. I am curious where Kate’s love life will go after what we learned and the characters we met here. The suspects don’t get much page time, but they seem real from the little bit of time we did get to spend with them. And there is plenty of talk about ice cream, which made me crave one of my favorite desserts. There are four delicious sounding recipes at the end, so you can bring a bit of Kate’s shop home with you. If you are looking for a new series to help you cool off as the summer heats up, this debut is for you.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
March 6, 2018
This is the first in a new series by an author who is new to me. I liked the premise of the Ice Cream Shoppe owner and who could resist an ice cream parlor called Lickety Splits. I thought this was an entertaining read and has wonderfully likable characters. It was fun to watch Kate realize her life long dream and share it with her Grams and niece. For me, I thought the mystery was a bit lacking. While there are plenty of suspects to choose from, I thought Kate's sleuthing was a bit sparse and took a back seat to the characters. I am interested to see where this author takes the series and will be back to see what she has in store next.
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy provide to me by the publisher through Netgalley.
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy provide to me by the publisher through Netgalley.
April 19, 2018
This book is heavy on the ice cream, not so much on the murder. Once you finally get to the investigation you are 3/4 through the book and barely get to dig in! It seems rushed and glossed over, focusing more on describing ice cream flavors and not on the mystery. In theory, the plot is a great idea but I just can’t get behind how it played out. This might be better suited for a younger audience, but it just wasn’t my flavor (see what I did there?). A cute read, but don’t expect a great mystery.
April 1, 2022
Cute, quick read. Murder with a Cherry on Top is the first in a series, the Lickety Splits Ice Cream Shoppe Mystery series. I'm not a series reader but may check out the rest. Unlike many cozies I've read, this one wasn't over-the-top cute. There were some cleverly humorous parts and it was a nice break from my normal dark thriller/suspense choices.
One thing to note: I wanted to eat ice cream. Lots and lots of ice cream. If you're an emotional eater this might not be the cozy for you.
One thing to note: I wanted to eat ice cream. Lots and lots of ice cream. If you're an emotional eater this might not be the cozy for you.
April 19, 2019
Kate McKay has recently returned to her hometown of Wolfert's Roost, New York, located in the Hudson Valley, after 10 years on her own. She has returned to care for her ailing Grams as Grams cared for Kate and her older sisters when their parents died. Through all the ups and downs of Kate's life, the one constant has been ice cream. So what better to do when she returns home than open an ice cream shop? Kate can't wait for her shop to become famous as she dreams up new flavors and creations. Her joy doesn't last long when the bakery across the street advertises homemade ice cream. WHAT? How can that BE? Kate is incensed because the owner of the bakery, Sweet Bites, is her longtime nemesis Ashley Winthrop. All through school Ashley made Kate's life a living nightmare and now she's at it again. Kate won't stand for it this time and lets Ashley know in uncertain times that she won't win this time. Early the next morning a policeman, and former schoolmate, arrives on Kate's doorstep to inform her Ashley is dead and Kate is needed at the station for questioning. Kate is shocked the detective on the case seems to think she did it! She is also surprised when her high school boyfriend who broke her heart arrives to be her legal counsel. She hasn't talked to him, except for earlier the day before, in 15 years. She didn't even know he was back in town. There is a lot of unresolved history between them but first Kate must solve the murder. Leaving the shop in the hands of her newly arrived in town niece Emma, Kate sets off to discover who killed Ashley.
This story had great potential. I love the ice cream shop setting and the creation of new flavors, albeit, Kate has odd tastes and only seems to make 2 flavors I would love. The book even contains recipes! The mystery is great. I never guessed who killed Ashley and WHY was a huge shock. It was actually a pretty dark secret that brought the tone of the book way down. Kate never figures it out on her own, she just accidentally confronts a murder suspect and is nearly killed. This book suffers from too much information at times. While I like the ice cream details, I don't think it is necessary to include the history of the towns in the Hudson Valley and detail the name change. That is incidental to the plot.
Where this book really suffers is the characters. They are all so two-dimensional. I have a real problem with Kate. She holds onto a grudge from Kindergarten! She can't forgive Ashley for stealing the yellow finger paint. Yes, a five year old selfishly took something she wanted. Is that a surprise? No. Kate has two older sisters so perhaps as the youngest, she was used to getting what she wanted? Rather than share, Kate set Ashley up as her nemesis. The rivalry heated up in second grade when Ashley stole Kate's "boyfriend." Give me a break! Now, I AM willing to sympathize with Kate on Ashley's behavior in high school (Mean Girls the Sequel). If I had a shop and a high school mean girl started selling the same product I would be mad too but I'd like to think I could behave like an adult and not scream at her in public. As I was reading the book and Kate kept coming up with new ice cream creations I kept thinking how pointless her feud with Ashley was because Kate's shop goes beyond homemade ice cream! She thinks outside the box and that would one-up Ashley. Kate also holds a grudge against Jake, her high school sweetheart who abandoned her on prom night and hasn't been in touch since. When he explains himself finally, she takes offense and is incredibly rude to him.
Obviously Kate is quite immature. She is somehow a super amazing ice cream artist despite having no culinary training. She isn't a good businesswoman, however. Who can open a new business in 11 weeks? Who opens an ice cream shop without employees? She somehow managed to do all this and whenever a friend or family member is around, she abandons the shop. Kate can close the shop in 15 minutes! What the heck? Isn't there cleaning and counting money involved? Shouldn't she have a safe for her money or take it to the bank right away? She has a tips jar but who are the tips going to when she doesn't have any employees? How does her business work? I found the whole shop owner thing unrealistic even though I know this is a trope in cozy mysteries.
Kate's 18-year-old niece Emma shows up unexpectedly after fighting with her parents about college. Sorry kid, I felt the same way at 18 but when your parents are paying for college, they expect you to go on their timetable and live your life according to their plans. Emma shows up and cheerfully goes to work in the ice cream shop mastering everything they do in only a half hour. What the heck? Then Emma pretty much runs the shop herself on her own while Kate is investigating. Emma comes up with many of the great ideas and helps Kate with marketing. What 18 year old gladly does all this and possibly for free? I like her better than Kate but she's unrealistic. Grams is kind and loving and always supportive. Her revelations about her marriage are interesting and give her slightly more depth than just loving grandma.
Jake is a super nice guy who had a tough childhood. His excuse for not calling or contacting Emma works both ways. She could have looked him up online and contacted him too. He is nothing but kind and caring now. He transformed his family's farm into an organic dairy which is commendable. He should get over Kate and find someone else who will treat him nicely.
Ashley was a mean girl and a super *itch adult but that doesn't mean she deserved to be killed. Suspects include her loser ex-husband, Billy, who is not scary just a sadsack and her current boyfriend, Tad, a restaurateur. Tad is too slick and sleazy for me. He pretty much hits on Kate the second he meets her while he is supposedly grieving Ashley. I also wouldn't put it past Ashley's wannabe who has been Ashley's sidekick for years. Perhaps she wants what Ashley has and will do anything to get it. Kate's informants and possible suspects are women down on their luck. I found their stories unbelievable and the way Kate gets information from people completely ridiculous. I have a lot of sympathy for Lindsay. It can't be easy having three children under 5 and have you and your spouse be unemployed. This was the perfect opportunity for Kate to say "Oh your husband is a whiz with drywall? I have a large open space in my work area that needs drywall" or "I may be expanding my shop. Can I have your husband's contact information?" Kate misses the opportunity to make connections in the community because she's too focused on her investigation and not her shop.
I would not recommend this novel to any but the most dedicated cozy mystery readers.
This story had great potential. I love the ice cream shop setting and the creation of new flavors, albeit, Kate has odd tastes and only seems to make 2 flavors I would love. The book even contains recipes! The mystery is great. I never guessed who killed Ashley and WHY was a huge shock. It was actually a pretty dark secret that brought the tone of the book way down. Kate never figures it out on her own, she just accidentally confronts a murder suspect and is nearly killed. This book suffers from too much information at times. While I like the ice cream details, I don't think it is necessary to include the history of the towns in the Hudson Valley and detail the name change. That is incidental to the plot.
Where this book really suffers is the characters. They are all so two-dimensional. I have a real problem with Kate. She holds onto a grudge from Kindergarten! She can't forgive Ashley for stealing the yellow finger paint. Yes, a five year old selfishly took something she wanted. Is that a surprise? No. Kate has two older sisters so perhaps as the youngest, she was used to getting what she wanted? Rather than share, Kate set Ashley up as her nemesis. The rivalry heated up in second grade when Ashley stole Kate's "boyfriend." Give me a break! Now, I AM willing to sympathize with Kate on Ashley's behavior in high school (Mean Girls the Sequel). If I had a shop and a high school mean girl started selling the same product I would be mad too but I'd like to think I could behave like an adult and not scream at her in public. As I was reading the book and Kate kept coming up with new ice cream creations I kept thinking how pointless her feud with Ashley was because Kate's shop goes beyond homemade ice cream! She thinks outside the box and that would one-up Ashley. Kate also holds a grudge against Jake, her high school sweetheart who abandoned her on prom night and hasn't been in touch since. When he explains himself finally, she takes offense and is incredibly rude to him.
Obviously Kate is quite immature. She is somehow a super amazing ice cream artist despite having no culinary training. She isn't a good businesswoman, however. Who can open a new business in 11 weeks? Who opens an ice cream shop without employees? She somehow managed to do all this and whenever a friend or family member is around, she abandons the shop. Kate can close the shop in 15 minutes! What the heck? Isn't there cleaning and counting money involved? Shouldn't she have a safe for her money or take it to the bank right away? She has a tips jar but who are the tips going to when she doesn't have any employees? How does her business work? I found the whole shop owner thing unrealistic even though I know this is a trope in cozy mysteries.
Kate's 18-year-old niece Emma shows up unexpectedly after fighting with her parents about college. Sorry kid, I felt the same way at 18 but when your parents are paying for college, they expect you to go on their timetable and live your life according to their plans. Emma shows up and cheerfully goes to work in the ice cream shop mastering everything they do in only a half hour. What the heck? Then Emma pretty much runs the shop herself on her own while Kate is investigating. Emma comes up with many of the great ideas and helps Kate with marketing. What 18 year old gladly does all this and possibly for free? I like her better than Kate but she's unrealistic. Grams is kind and loving and always supportive. Her revelations about her marriage are interesting and give her slightly more depth than just loving grandma.
Jake is a super nice guy who had a tough childhood. His excuse for not calling or contacting Emma works both ways. She could have looked him up online and contacted him too. He is nothing but kind and caring now. He transformed his family's farm into an organic dairy which is commendable. He should get over Kate and find someone else who will treat him nicely.
Ashley was a mean girl and a super *itch adult but that doesn't mean she deserved to be killed. Suspects include her loser ex-husband, Billy, who is not scary just a sadsack and her current boyfriend, Tad, a restaurateur. Tad is too slick and sleazy for me. He pretty much hits on Kate the second he meets her while he is supposedly grieving Ashley. I also wouldn't put it past Ashley's wannabe who has been Ashley's sidekick for years. Perhaps she wants what Ashley has and will do anything to get it. Kate's informants and possible suspects are women down on their luck. I found their stories unbelievable and the way Kate gets information from people completely ridiculous. I have a lot of sympathy for Lindsay. It can't be easy having three children under 5 and have you and your spouse be unemployed. This was the perfect opportunity for Kate to say "Oh your husband is a whiz with drywall? I have a large open space in my work area that needs drywall" or "I may be expanding my shop. Can I have your husband's contact information?" Kate misses the opportunity to make connections in the community because she's too focused on her investigation and not her shop.
I would not recommend this novel to any but the most dedicated cozy mystery readers.
February 22, 2018
This is a first in a hopefully long running series.
This was a delightfully delicious book.
"A Lickety Splits Mystery" was already a big selling point to me, and the writing lived up to my expectations!
The characters were written realistically and were entertaining. I have to admit I groaned at first at the thought of a childhood rival being killed off and the subsequent blame being pinned on our protagonist, but this storyline was well written and did not feel overused.
I was entertained from start to finish and look forward to reading the next in the series.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
This was a delightfully delicious book.
"A Lickety Splits Mystery" was already a big selling point to me, and the writing lived up to my expectations!
The characters were written realistically and were entertaining. I have to admit I groaned at first at the thought of a childhood rival being killed off and the subsequent blame being pinned on our protagonist, but this storyline was well written and did not feel overused.
I was entertained from start to finish and look forward to reading the next in the series.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
March 26, 2018
In this book we meet Kate who has decided to make a huge change in her life and open an ice cream shop. She was working a very stressed filled job but took time away to help care for her ailing grandmother in the town where she grew up. Things are going well until Kate's rival from school, who owns a bakery across from her shop, decides she is going to sell ice cream too. When her rival, Ashley, is murdered Kate decides she must find out who the culprit is before she herself ends up behind bars. During a trip to a local dairy farm Kate runs into her ex from high school and is shocked to find him living back in their home town. Follow along as she stealthy investigates while also drumming up new business and selling her awesome flavored sweets. Find out what happened between her ex and herself and will they be able to move forward as friends or forever be stuck in the past. This new book was an amusing treat, it had me craving ice cream the whole way through, and I'm not much of an ice cream person. The author really knows how to tantalize the taste buds with a variety of tasty delightful treats. I can't wait to find some of the flavors mentioned and try them for myself!!!
February 24, 2018
Murder With A Cherry On Top
A Lickety Splits Mystery, Book #1
Cynthia Baxter
5 Stars
Synopsis:
Kate McKay had doubts about swapping her high-powered life in Manhattan for Wolfert's Roost, the quaint Hudson Valley village where she grew up. But when she moves back to care for her ailing grandmother, Kate decides to start fresh and indulge her dream of running an ice cream shop. All goes smoothly--until she's reunited with old acquaintances nuttier than a vat of rocky road . . .
Kate should be thrilled about opening Lickety Splits Ice Cream Shoppe in the heart of town. Instead her spirits melt like soft serve in the summer when she learns that her childhood frenemy, Ashley Winthrop, has started selling frozen treats in the bakery across the street. Turns out, Ashley hasn't sweetened since high school. And, once again, she's game for some very unfriendly competition . . .
But before Ashley can kill Kate's new business, someone kills Ashley--stabbing her to death inside the bakery. Worse, the murder occurs right after the two rivals drew crowds with a heated argument, leaving half of Wolfert's Roost speculating that Kate was finally pushed over the edge . . .
With rumors swirling and her reputation in serious trouble, Kate is determined to get the real scoop on the crime--even if it means joining forces with a former flame. As she pieces together clues to a chilling scandal, Kate soon realizes that she'll need way more than a sprinkle of wit if she wants to expose the killer and live to see another sundae . . .
Includes mouthwatering ice cream recipes from the Lickety Splits Ice Cream Shoppe! (Goodreads)
Review:
The characters are well rounded and well developed. I really enjoyed getting to meet Kate, her grandma and her niece, Emma. Kate is a hard working woman who knows what she wants and is not afraid to go for it. Opening her own ice cream shop is a dream come true for her since she is obsessed with everything ice cream. And when her rival is found murdered and she is a person of interest, she will become obsessed with finding the culprit, before she’s put into the deep freeze for life.
The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and through much of the book I felt like I was right there watching all of the action taking place. I almost felt like I could taste all of the wonderful ice cream concoctions that she was serving at Lickety Splits. I really liked the interesting facts and tidbits that the author included at the beginning of each chapter, as well as the recipes found at the end.
The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. The mystery was fast paced and kept me entertained. There were enough characters to consider and clues to sift through. Throw in some red herrings along the way and it was not an easy mystery to solve. I really liked how Kate methodically went through all of the clues and did her snooping without putting herself in very much danger. The culprit was a surprise to me and I like when I am surprised.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. I really liked the premise of an ice cream shop owner being the protagonist. Who does not like ice cream? I am looking forward to reading more books in the delectable series.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, Kensington Books, and NetGalley, which I greatly appreciate.
A Lickety Splits Mystery, Book #1
Cynthia Baxter
5 Stars
Synopsis:
Kate McKay had doubts about swapping her high-powered life in Manhattan for Wolfert's Roost, the quaint Hudson Valley village where she grew up. But when she moves back to care for her ailing grandmother, Kate decides to start fresh and indulge her dream of running an ice cream shop. All goes smoothly--until she's reunited with old acquaintances nuttier than a vat of rocky road . . .
Kate should be thrilled about opening Lickety Splits Ice Cream Shoppe in the heart of town. Instead her spirits melt like soft serve in the summer when she learns that her childhood frenemy, Ashley Winthrop, has started selling frozen treats in the bakery across the street. Turns out, Ashley hasn't sweetened since high school. And, once again, she's game for some very unfriendly competition . . .
But before Ashley can kill Kate's new business, someone kills Ashley--stabbing her to death inside the bakery. Worse, the murder occurs right after the two rivals drew crowds with a heated argument, leaving half of Wolfert's Roost speculating that Kate was finally pushed over the edge . . .
With rumors swirling and her reputation in serious trouble, Kate is determined to get the real scoop on the crime--even if it means joining forces with a former flame. As she pieces together clues to a chilling scandal, Kate soon realizes that she'll need way more than a sprinkle of wit if she wants to expose the killer and live to see another sundae . . .
Includes mouthwatering ice cream recipes from the Lickety Splits Ice Cream Shoppe! (Goodreads)
Review:
The characters are well rounded and well developed. I really enjoyed getting to meet Kate, her grandma and her niece, Emma. Kate is a hard working woman who knows what she wants and is not afraid to go for it. Opening her own ice cream shop is a dream come true for her since she is obsessed with everything ice cream. And when her rival is found murdered and she is a person of interest, she will become obsessed with finding the culprit, before she’s put into the deep freeze for life.
The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and through much of the book I felt like I was right there watching all of the action taking place. I almost felt like I could taste all of the wonderful ice cream concoctions that she was serving at Lickety Splits. I really liked the interesting facts and tidbits that the author included at the beginning of each chapter, as well as the recipes found at the end.
The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. The mystery was fast paced and kept me entertained. There were enough characters to consider and clues to sift through. Throw in some red herrings along the way and it was not an easy mystery to solve. I really liked how Kate methodically went through all of the clues and did her snooping without putting herself in very much danger. The culprit was a surprise to me and I like when I am surprised.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. I really liked the premise of an ice cream shop owner being the protagonist. Who does not like ice cream? I am looking forward to reading more books in the delectable series.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, Kensington Books, and NetGalley, which I greatly appreciate.
February 3, 2021
I loved all unusual flavors of ice cream that owner of Lickety Split. She also loved helping people
March 3, 2018
Murder with a Cherry on Top is the debut of the Lickety Splits Ice Cream Shoppe mystery series set in the small town of Wolfert's Roost, NY and featuring ice cream shop owner, Kate McKay. Having left her Manhattan PR job to come back home and take care of her ailing Grandmother, Kate follows a dream and opens Lickety Splits, an ice cream shop featuring Kate's new and inventive flavors.
The shop is off to a great start thanks to the help of best friend Willow Baines, until Kate realizes that her high school nemesis, Ashley Winthrop, owner of the bakery, Sweet Things, located across the main street has put a sign up in her window proclaiming the new addition of ice cream to the menu. Ashley has been a thorn in Kate's side since kindergarten and determined not to let her ruin her new business, Kate engages Ashley in a loud verbal altercation out on the sidewalk. When Ashley is discovered dead the next morning, all spoons point to Kate.
A fun, easy read with ice cream descriptions that will have your mouth watering and your freezer door open. Interesting characters and relationships that hopefully will continue to develop in future installments.
I received an advanced copy of Murder with a Cherry on Top from NetGalley via Kensington Publishing. While not required to write a review I am more than happy to offer my honest opinion.
The shop is off to a great start thanks to the help of best friend Willow Baines, until Kate realizes that her high school nemesis, Ashley Winthrop, owner of the bakery, Sweet Things, located across the main street has put a sign up in her window proclaiming the new addition of ice cream to the menu. Ashley has been a thorn in Kate's side since kindergarten and determined not to let her ruin her new business, Kate engages Ashley in a loud verbal altercation out on the sidewalk. When Ashley is discovered dead the next morning, all spoons point to Kate.
A fun, easy read with ice cream descriptions that will have your mouth watering and your freezer door open. Interesting characters and relationships that hopefully will continue to develop in future installments.
I received an advanced copy of Murder with a Cherry on Top from NetGalley via Kensington Publishing. While not required to write a review I am more than happy to offer my honest opinion.
March 10, 2018
This is a new series and a new to me author.
First books in a new series are always a challenge.
The author has to pack a lot knowledge into a first book and making it flow smoothly is an amazing talent.
Murder with a Cherry on Top has the potential to become a great new series.
The story did hit a few bumps where the mystery fell a little flat, but the strong characters kept it interesting.
High school rivalry flows into adulthood, leading to murder and mayhem.
I think mystery fans will enthuse story.
I'm looking forward to seeing how this story grows.
I voluntarily read an ARC of this book provided by the publisher and NetGalley.
First books in a new series are always a challenge.
The author has to pack a lot knowledge into a first book and making it flow smoothly is an amazing talent.
Murder with a Cherry on Top has the potential to become a great new series.
The story did hit a few bumps where the mystery fell a little flat, but the strong characters kept it interesting.
High school rivalry flows into adulthood, leading to murder and mayhem.
I think mystery fans will enthuse story.
I'm looking forward to seeing how this story grows.
I voluntarily read an ARC of this book provided by the publisher and NetGalley.
August 28, 2018
I liked the story idea. A cosy mystery and ice cream. Delicious. I, however, found both the narrator and the main character a little annoying. The story had some logical holes towards the end as well.
June 29, 2020
My advice is to have ice cream on hand when you are reading this book. You’re bound to crave some!
August 23, 2022
Ok this book was kinda boring. The premise is good but the main character’s obsession with high school wrongs just sort of ruined the book. For a professional woman in her thirties still stuck in HS.. I’m out
January 25, 2021
2.5 stars - somewhere between "it was ok" and "liked it"
to begin this new series, Kate moves back to her hometown to help her grandmother when her health takes a turn and she needs some assistance. giving up her fast-paced life in NYC, Kate now owns an ice cream store in this small town and shortly after opening manages to get into a nasty public fight with an old classmate who has the nerve to get murdered shortly thereafter, making Kate look big suspicious.
there's a lot of exposition, and a lot of the characters are only partially realized or have a really tenuous sort of motivation. with a background in PR, it seems like Kate would have had a lot of skills that she didn't demonstrate (e.g. planning some PR stuff for her grand opening for her actual grand opening, rather than when she's unexpectedly investigating a murder or knowing how to use a computer). she has friends/relatives who can easily step in to take over the day-to-day activities in her store while she randomly investigates a murder - convenient. Jake's reason for disappearing was also whack. I get that cozies are not even trying to be realistic most of the time, it was just that this kind of thing repeatedly happened throughout the narrative.
the romance with Jake was not interesting to me at all.
the mystery also took a weird turn.
I do like reading about the ice cream flavors and there are just a few books in this series, so I'll give at least one more try.
to begin this new series, Kate moves back to her hometown to help her grandmother when her health takes a turn and she needs some assistance. giving up her fast-paced life in NYC, Kate now owns an ice cream store in this small town and shortly after opening manages to get into a nasty public fight with an old classmate who has the nerve to get murdered shortly thereafter, making Kate look big suspicious.
there's a lot of exposition, and a lot of the characters are only partially realized or have a really tenuous sort of motivation. with a background in PR, it seems like Kate would have had a lot of skills that she didn't demonstrate (e.g. planning some PR stuff for her grand opening for her actual grand opening, rather than when she's unexpectedly investigating a murder or knowing how to use a computer). she has friends/relatives who can easily step in to take over the day-to-day activities in her store while she randomly investigates a murder - convenient. Jake's reason for disappearing was also whack. I get that cozies are not even trying to be realistic most of the time, it was just that this kind of thing repeatedly happened throughout the narrative.
the romance with Jake was not interesting to me at all.
the mystery also took a weird turn.
I do like reading about the ice cream flavors and there are just a few books in this series, so I'll give at least one more try.
February 23, 2018
Murder with a Cherry on Top is the debut book in Cynthia Baxter’s A Lickety Splits Mystery series and is a fun and easy read. The characters are well developed and likeable. There isn’t any gratuitous adult situations, no graphic violence, and just a small amount of adult language, with an interesting mystery and sprinkled with humor and a touch of romance. The reveal surprised me.
After attending college and then spending the past ten years in Manhattan, Katherine “Kate” McKay returns to her childhood home in Wolfert’s Roost, New York, a quaint Hudson Valley village, to help her grandmother who suffers from arthritis in her knees and had taken a fall. Kate loves any and everything related to ice cream and is the proud owner of the only ice cream parlor in town, Lickety Splits Ice Cream Shoppe. The week of the grand opening, she has a loud and public confrontation with her childhood frenemy, Ashley Winthrop, the owner of Sweet Things Pastry Palace, who announced she’s now selling ice cream in her bakery which is just across the street from Lickety Splits. Her best friend and yoga instructor, Willow Baines, who’s helping in the ice cream parlor that afternoon, encourages her to take the rest of the day off and Kate decides to look into the possibility of creating ice cream treats made with organic products. She drives to Juniper Hill Organic Dairy and is shocked when she learns Jake Pratt is in charge. Jake was supposed to be her prom date fifteen years ago, but he never showed up or even called and suddenly left town, but had returned to run the family business after his uncle passed away. When Ashley is murdered in her bakery the night of their confrontation, Kate becomes Detective Stoltz’s prime suspect. During her interrogation, Jake shows up and announces he’s an attorney and that he represents her. While attending Ashley’s funeral, she overhears several people talking about the police questioning her and her possible involvement in the murder and decides to take it upon herself to investigate. She uncovers illicit activities and multiple suspects.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.
After attending college and then spending the past ten years in Manhattan, Katherine “Kate” McKay returns to her childhood home in Wolfert’s Roost, New York, a quaint Hudson Valley village, to help her grandmother who suffers from arthritis in her knees and had taken a fall. Kate loves any and everything related to ice cream and is the proud owner of the only ice cream parlor in town, Lickety Splits Ice Cream Shoppe. The week of the grand opening, she has a loud and public confrontation with her childhood frenemy, Ashley Winthrop, the owner of Sweet Things Pastry Palace, who announced she’s now selling ice cream in her bakery which is just across the street from Lickety Splits. Her best friend and yoga instructor, Willow Baines, who’s helping in the ice cream parlor that afternoon, encourages her to take the rest of the day off and Kate decides to look into the possibility of creating ice cream treats made with organic products. She drives to Juniper Hill Organic Dairy and is shocked when she learns Jake Pratt is in charge. Jake was supposed to be her prom date fifteen years ago, but he never showed up or even called and suddenly left town, but had returned to run the family business after his uncle passed away. When Ashley is murdered in her bakery the night of their confrontation, Kate becomes Detective Stoltz’s prime suspect. During her interrogation, Jake shows up and announces he’s an attorney and that he represents her. While attending Ashley’s funeral, she overhears several people talking about the police questioning her and her possible involvement in the murder and decides to take it upon herself to investigate. She uncovers illicit activities and multiple suspects.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.
August 4, 2018
This storyline is very familiar to readers of cozy mysteries. Kate McKay gives up a high powered public relations job in NYC to return to her picturesque town to help care for her grandmother and open an ice cream store. Her niece, Emma, takes time off school to discover what she really wants out of live, to pursue one of her passions, either art or computers. She joins Kate in her new store and quickly makes herself indispensable, as well as a joy to have around. Nice characters who make you want to root for them.
Kate's childhood rival, Ashley, who just happens to own the bakery directly across the street from Kate, decides to make life difficult for her by also selling ice cream in her store. They have a very public argument over this and the next morning another former classmate, now a policeman, is pounding on Kate's door. Ashley has been killed and Kate is the obvious suspect.
Kate soon realizes she is not the only one to return to her hometown. Jake, the boy who stood her up on prom night and disappeared without a word, is also back and running the family dairy. It turns out that he was a successful criminal lawyer in NYC who also decided to return home (she discovers this only once she is being held in the police station for questioning).
Following the tried and true method of all cozy mystery protagonists, Kate leaves her business in the capable hands of her niece while she goes around town questioning all the murder suspects. When warned that this could be dangerous, she gives the usual inane response that she is "just asking a few questions". It comes as no surprise to anyone but her when she is cornered by the killer in the back of her shop. She did not have a clue until the gun appeared.
Do authors really feel they have to make their protagonists look so stupid? It is possible to write a mystery where the characters find themselves in danger, but not because of their own stupidity.
Kate's childhood rival, Ashley, who just happens to own the bakery directly across the street from Kate, decides to make life difficult for her by also selling ice cream in her store. They have a very public argument over this and the next morning another former classmate, now a policeman, is pounding on Kate's door. Ashley has been killed and Kate is the obvious suspect.
Kate soon realizes she is not the only one to return to her hometown. Jake, the boy who stood her up on prom night and disappeared without a word, is also back and running the family dairy. It turns out that he was a successful criminal lawyer in NYC who also decided to return home (she discovers this only once she is being held in the police station for questioning).
Following the tried and true method of all cozy mystery protagonists, Kate leaves her business in the capable hands of her niece while she goes around town questioning all the murder suspects. When warned that this could be dangerous, she gives the usual inane response that she is "just asking a few questions". It comes as no surprise to anyone but her when she is cornered by the killer in the back of her shop. She did not have a clue until the gun appeared.
Do authors really feel they have to make their protagonists look so stupid? It is possible to write a mystery where the characters find themselves in danger, but not because of their own stupidity.
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April 10, 2023
I don't know how to feel about this one... I want to give it 4 stars but by the end I was 100% on the murderer's side. It was a weird choice on the author's part to villainize a victim of SA. The main character is snippy and kind of irritating. There was exactly ONE interaction with the police, so there was no real reason for the MC to go snooping around at all, and the interactions w Jake felt very underdeveloped. It's rare I come across a book that I wanted to be longer, but this could have benefitted from another 20 or 30 pages of info, or perhaps the action could have started a little earlier in the story.
To its credit, I did enjoy reading this and it was one of the more unexpected twists I've come across in murder mystery cozies. I just don't think the author did a good job of selling the characters in the role they were meant to play.
To its credit, I did enjoy reading this and it was one of the more unexpected twists I've come across in murder mystery cozies. I just don't think the author did a good job of selling the characters in the role they were meant to play.
June 12, 2022
I liked the ending the most because there was finally some excitement there with a twist I didn’t see coming plus what Jake did at the end was very sweet and romantic. As for the rest, I was underwhelmed by it. Nothing stood out about it. It felt like the dozen or so foodie cozy mysteries that I have read before with the same setup. Aside from Kate being a suspect, there really wasn’t an urgency to solve the murder. There weren’t really stakes because it didn’t seem like the cops were on her butt, putting on the pressure to either find the real murderer or Kate was going to jail. It was like time wasn’t the essence as Kate slowly investigated the crime. It make it kind of lackluster because of that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 16, 2019
This isn't necessarily a bad book, it just wasn't for me. Honestly, you know how people say you can't judge a book by it's cover? I think in this case you can. It is light on murder, heavy on ice cream. I did like the quotes about ice cream at the beginning of each chapter, but the rest was too much. Not sure why a woman who held a high powered job in NYC and traveled the word for 10 years would still hold a grudge that included 'stealing' the yellow paint in pre-school/K by getting there first. Then why that same person would be reckless and start investigating a murder, or why she would figure things out (like finding a website) before the police could.
March 15, 2018
I was a First Read Winner of this book and it was a lovely cozy mystery. Not much action, some mystery and the characters where likable and the storyline moved along nicely, there was also the possibility of a rekindled romance, got my fingers crossed for that one. However there is a problem with the book, it made me crave ice cream like crazy. Forget your diet while reading this charming book. It also includes some recipes at the end of the book, which I think I might just try out. Overall a very entertaining read.
March 24, 2019
Wow. Just wow.
I finally did it. My first dive into the world of adult and I loved it.
Murder With A Cherry On Top is a mystery with a fun twist of ice cream on the side. I love the characters, and the crazy family dynamic. I love how Kate was rediscovering everyone from her high school now as adults, and I love that she took the time to investigate what had happened. I never expected the twist or the true killer and this was just wonderfully written. I can’t wait to pick up Hot Fudge Murder and see what else these characters can get into.
I finally did it. My first dive into the world of adult and I loved it.
Murder With A Cherry On Top is a mystery with a fun twist of ice cream on the side. I love the characters, and the crazy family dynamic. I love how Kate was rediscovering everyone from her high school now as adults, and I love that she took the time to investigate what had happened. I never expected the twist or the true killer and this was just wonderfully written. I can’t wait to pick up Hot Fudge Murder and see what else these characters can get into.
March 6, 2018
Murder with a Cherry on Top, I haven't read this author before, I wasn't to sure what to expect going into this one. The cover alone is cute as pie, I just adore covers like this one. This was a cute murder/mystery, I will be definitely checking out the authors other work. The characters were fun to read about, I was surprisingly spooked, I enjoyed it. The writing flowed nicely and come release day I hope everyone who likes this genre will give this guy a go!
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