What do you think?
Rate this book
Peridale Cafe #9
Birthday Cake and Bodies
The 9th book in the BESTSELLING Peridale Cafe Cozy Mystery series!
When Julia gathered Barker's family at Peridale Manor for his surprise birthday party, she did not expect it to result in murder! Minutes before the celebration is scheduled to begin, Barker's nephew, Luke, is found strangled in his bed, putting an end to Julia's dream of a quiet family get together. Only one of Barker's family could have murdered the young man, but which one?
Thanks to a botched burglary in the village, the police station is clogged up, forcing Barker to go rogue with Julia. He shuts down the manor, vowing to solve the murder before sunrise, but will he be able to pin the murder on one of his brothers or their wives? Julia quickly discovers that each member of his family has a secret, but which one led to Luke's death? In a race against the clock, Julia must dig up the past, but can she uncover the truth without tearing Barker's family apart forever?
Book 9 in the Peridale Cafe Cozy Mystery series! Can be read as a standalone but will be enjoyed more as part of the series. A light, cozy mystery read with a cat loving and cafe-owning amateur female sleuth, in a small village setting with quirky characters. Written in British English. No cliffhanger, swearing, gore or graphic scenes!
When Julia gathered Barker's family at Peridale Manor for his surprise birthday party, she did not expect it to result in murder! Minutes before the celebration is scheduled to begin, Barker's nephew, Luke, is found strangled in his bed, putting an end to Julia's dream of a quiet family get together. Only one of Barker's family could have murdered the young man, but which one?
Thanks to a botched burglary in the village, the police station is clogged up, forcing Barker to go rogue with Julia. He shuts down the manor, vowing to solve the murder before sunrise, but will he be able to pin the murder on one of his brothers or their wives? Julia quickly discovers that each member of his family has a secret, but which one led to Luke's death? In a race against the clock, Julia must dig up the past, but can she uncover the truth without tearing Barker's family apart forever?
Book 9 in the Peridale Cafe Cozy Mystery series! Can be read as a standalone but will be enjoyed more as part of the series. A light, cozy mystery read with a cat loving and cafe-owning amateur female sleuth, in a small village setting with quirky characters. Written in British English. No cliffhanger, swearing, gore or graphic scenes!
136 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 17, 2017
1031 people are currently reading
490 people want to read
About the author
Agatha Frost
75 books596 followersAGATHA FROST, an Amazon bestselling author, has written over thirty mystery novels. She lives in the North West English county of Lancashire with her two cuddly beagles and one cat.
When Agatha isn’t writing, she loves reading head-scratching mysteries and thrillers, coffee, baking, and exploring her local countryside on long dog walks.
From a young age, Agatha devoured the great British murder mystery books and television shows, ample inspiration for her Peridale Café and Claire’s Candles series. She loves writing about family women who juggle their ordinary village lives with the challenges of amateur sleuthing.
Add in some good food, close friends and family, cute pets, and plenty of twists and turns, and you have a classic Agatha Frost mystery.
Sign up to the newsletter at www.agathafrost.com
When Agatha isn’t writing, she loves reading head-scratching mysteries and thrillers, coffee, baking, and exploring her local countryside on long dog walks.
From a young age, Agatha devoured the great British murder mystery books and television shows, ample inspiration for her Peridale Café and Claire’s Candles series. She loves writing about family women who juggle their ordinary village lives with the challenges of amateur sleuthing.
Add in some good food, close friends and family, cute pets, and plenty of twists and turns, and you have a classic Agatha Frost mystery.
Sign up to the newsletter at www.agathafrost.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
October 17, 2017
Julia's at it again, only this time things are much closer to home as Barker's nephew Luke is strangled during the preparations for his surprise birthday party.
There's all kinds of secrets coming to light and the twists and turns take the story off into some unexpected directions. As usual, I didn't guess what had happened until almost at the big reveal and it was done with the usual Peridale flair.
These books are just straight up enjoyable, for all that they involve murders, and have a real lightness to them to stop all the death from becoming too oppressive.
There's all kinds of secrets coming to light and the twists and turns take the story off into some unexpected directions. As usual, I didn't guess what had happened until almost at the big reveal and it was done with the usual Peridale flair.
These books are just straight up enjoyable, for all that they involve murders, and have a real lightness to them to stop all the death from becoming too oppressive.
November 2, 2017
Julia is secretly planning a surprise birthday part for Barker which means meeting his family. Everything is going well for the most part until someone ends up dead. Julia's need to investigate unravels with her need to be by Barker's side. As she investigates secrets are revealed and can she catch the killer before it is too late?
I had not read any of the other books in the series but found this one delightful. I am going to have to pick up the first one to get the full background of the characters. I liked Julia a lot and found I wanted to know more about all the characters introduced. Great read.
I had not read any of the other books in the series but found this one delightful. I am going to have to pick up the first one to get the full background of the characters. I liked Julia a lot and found I wanted to know more about all the characters introduced. Great read.
November 1, 2017
4 stelle e mezza
Io pensavo che la nonna della protagonista fosse pazza come un cavallo, ma dopo aver conosciuto la famiglia del suo fidanzato mi devo ricredere! Detto questo, bella storia con molto pathos. E stavolta non avevo capito chi fosse il colpevole.
Una annotazione sul numero delle pagine. Stando ad Amazon il kindle ha, se ben ricordo i numeri, 136 pagine ed il cartaceo 252. Questa discrepanza è incomprensibile. Dal tempo che ci ho messo a leggerlo, direi che sono almeno 200 pagine, come i libri precedenti. Sarò fissata, ma vorrei avere il giusto numero di pagine...
Io pensavo che la nonna della protagonista fosse pazza come un cavallo, ma dopo aver conosciuto la famiglia del suo fidanzato mi devo ricredere! Detto questo, bella storia con molto pathos. E stavolta non avevo capito chi fosse il colpevole.
Una annotazione sul numero delle pagine. Stando ad Amazon il kindle ha, se ben ricordo i numeri, 136 pagine ed il cartaceo 252. Questa discrepanza è incomprensibile. Dal tempo che ci ho messo a leggerlo, direi che sono almeno 200 pagine, come i libri precedenti. Sarò fissata, ma vorrei avere il giusto numero di pagine...
March 21, 2023
Can’t get enough of this series. Oh how I miss UK!
October 17, 2017
This is the 9th book in the Peridale Cafe Mystery Series.
Julia is planning a surprise party for Barker. She hates lying to him, but she knows in the end he will love his surprise. Julia had no idea that surprising Barker by having his family there would start a chain reaction that will lead to murder.
At his surprise party, before celebrations can start, a murder is discovered leaving all festivities forgotten. Julia had no idea what she gotten herself into when she invited Barker's family to his party. Tensions are high as Barker figures that one of his family members is responsible for the murder and he refuses to have anyone one of them leave until the murder is solved. He enlists the help of Julia, but she is reluctant to because of her love for Barker, but at the same time, she can't help feel the need to figure out who the killer could be.
Julia quickly realizes that Barker is nothing like his family and has a hard time reconciling his relation to the people she sees before her. She works tirelessly to get to the bottom of this murder.
This book was my favorite in the series. We finally get a little more background on Barker, which I was looking forward to, as he is a favorite character of mine. It is amazing how the author has me so engrossed in the story and I find myself trying to figure out the killer alongside Julia and Barker. I can usually figure out the mystery, but I will be damned if Agatha has be guessing the whole time and I never figure it out until the killer is revealed at the end. Truly a mind blowing series and I always look forward to seeing if I can figure out the next one.
Julia is planning a surprise party for Barker. She hates lying to him, but she knows in the end he will love his surprise. Julia had no idea that surprising Barker by having his family there would start a chain reaction that will lead to murder.
At his surprise party, before celebrations can start, a murder is discovered leaving all festivities forgotten. Julia had no idea what she gotten herself into when she invited Barker's family to his party. Tensions are high as Barker figures that one of his family members is responsible for the murder and he refuses to have anyone one of them leave until the murder is solved. He enlists the help of Julia, but she is reluctant to because of her love for Barker, but at the same time, she can't help feel the need to figure out who the killer could be.
Julia quickly realizes that Barker is nothing like his family and has a hard time reconciling his relation to the people she sees before her. She works tirelessly to get to the bottom of this murder.
This book was my favorite in the series. We finally get a little more background on Barker, which I was looking forward to, as he is a favorite character of mine. It is amazing how the author has me so engrossed in the story and I find myself trying to figure out the killer alongside Julia and Barker. I can usually figure out the mystery, but I will be damned if Agatha has be guessing the whole time and I never figure it out until the killer is revealed at the end. Truly a mind blowing series and I always look forward to seeing if I can figure out the next one.
May 1, 2023
Julia plans a surprise birthday party for Barker and invites all his family. Once everyone gets together, but before the party, tragedy strikes and someone is murdered. As Julia tries to help solve the mystery, others are in harms way.
I enjoyed meeting all of Barker's siblings and their families. I felt badly for some of them and not at all for
I enjoyed meeting all of Barker's siblings and their families. I felt badly for some of them and not at all for
February 19, 2021
This story involves a birthday party at a fancy B&B. The party is for Barker and was planned by Julia. There is a break-up and a make-up, murder, cheating, and secrets. Everyone involved has a secret. I was surprised by how crazy Barker's family is. I also was surprised by the ending. I thought it was going to be someone else.
February 17, 2021
This was another good mystery in the series. In this one Barker's family is town for his surprise party. Unfortunately, someone in his family ends up dead. Now Julia tries to figure out who did it. Of course she solves it and everything is well for now.
August 14, 2020
Favorite one so far
I enjoyed this story and read it pretty much straight through. Good mystery with lots of family drama. Written so you really feel all the craziness but don’t have to deal with graphic violent scenes.
I enjoyed this story and read it pretty much straight through. Good mystery with lots of family drama. Written so you really feel all the craziness but don’t have to deal with graphic violent scenes.
December 22, 2020
Big plot hole:
May 9, 2022
I cried with this one!!
October 20, 2017
I get excited every time a new Peridale books comes out and this latest installment is another fantastic addition to this series! I absolutely love Julia and her ability to get herself in the middle of all kinds of crazy situations. In this latest addition Julia brings Barker's family together in attempt to throw him a surprise party for his birthday. Although once this highly disfunctional group is together, it's clear to see why they don't get together often and the surprise for Barker isn't one he wants when a family member ends up murdered. Once again, Julia ends up right in the middle of the investigation, with limited time and access to the crime scene she's on the case, determined to solve the terrible crime.
This was a great story, not only do we get to see Julia in action again, we really get to know more of the characters as well as a lot more about Barker and his family. I loved that new addition to this group, although they are not a warm-fuzzy, hugs all around family. Jessie plays a great role in this book too, seeing her growing up just makes my heart happy. I love this series and the books just get better and better! I'm definitely attached to this group and am already looking forward to what Julia finds herself in the middle of next time!
If you haven't picked up this series, I highly recommend it! It is one of my all time favorites.
This was a great story, not only do we get to see Julia in action again, we really get to know more of the characters as well as a lot more about Barker and his family. I loved that new addition to this group, although they are not a warm-fuzzy, hugs all around family. Jessie plays a great role in this book too, seeing her growing up just makes my heart happy. I love this series and the books just get better and better! I'm definitely attached to this group and am already looking forward to what Julia finds herself in the middle of next time!
If you haven't picked up this series, I highly recommend it! It is one of my all time favorites.
October 18, 2017
There's a murder at Peridale Manor, the plot of another Peridale mystery but that's where the similarity stops; there's an attempted murder, suicide attempt, relationship breakdown, cementing of another relationship, romance reconcilliation and a birthday to celebrate.
It's all happening in Peridale when Julia organises a surprise birthday celebration for Barker, all of his family are invited but on the evening of the party one of his family members murders another family member, his nephew. Barker takes charge and asks Julia to help solve this very personal case, and it all happens over several hours.
Another good mystery from Agatha Frost, I've already pre ordered the next one, as well as the 2nd in the new series from this cozy mystery author.
It's all happening in Peridale when Julia organises a surprise birthday celebration for Barker, all of his family are invited but on the evening of the party one of his family members murders another family member, his nephew. Barker takes charge and asks Julia to help solve this very personal case, and it all happens over several hours.
Another good mystery from Agatha Frost, I've already pre ordered the next one, as well as the 2nd in the new series from this cozy mystery author.
October 18, 2017
From beginning to end...stunning and surprising
While most of us must admit to family HOOrah, Julia's love, Barker Brown, has a family that's incredibly dysfunctional, and one a little mad (as in crazy). Agatha has caught so many nuances that discovering the murderer is impossible until Julia unravels the entire sorry sequences. As usual, I was enthralled from beginning to end, delighted with the final scenes, and completely enjoyed Julia and Barker's experience with a rainbow-colored cake. Congratulations again, Agatha, for another completely amazing day in Peridale. Waiting for the next in the series until December is just too long, but I guess, like the rest of your readers, we have no choice. Looking forward....squeeee!
While most of us must admit to family HOOrah, Julia's love, Barker Brown, has a family that's incredibly dysfunctional, and one a little mad (as in crazy). Agatha has caught so many nuances that discovering the murderer is impossible until Julia unravels the entire sorry sequences. As usual, I was enthralled from beginning to end, delighted with the final scenes, and completely enjoyed Julia and Barker's experience with a rainbow-colored cake. Congratulations again, Agatha, for another completely amazing day in Peridale. Waiting for the next in the series until December is just too long, but I guess, like the rest of your readers, we have no choice. Looking forward....squeeee!
October 17, 2017
i was given an ARC of the book in return for an honest review. This has got to be one of the best series out now. The story is always extremely interesting and well written, and the characters are amazing as we get to know them better with each new addition to the series. This book was lively and the drama never stops, and yet at the same time, I can't help but feel it's a new beginnin.g. I really loved this book in particular, and Jessie never ceases to amaze me as she is growing into the young woman she is becomming. I really love how this book really ended, feeling like a complete story was told, mystery solved but at the same time I am really looking forward to the story continuing.
July 7, 2020
4.5 stars
This is the ninth book in the Peridale Cafe mystery series by Agatha Frost.
Julia brings in all of Barker’s family to surprise him for his birthday. Then one of the younger relatives is killed right off the bat and you don’t know whodunit since so many people are new to all us readers.
This is one of my favorite books so far. Definitely loved the family dynamic and getting to see who Barker is compared to his family. The murder is pretty complex and it draws out a secret from the past that is revealed as well by the end of the book.
The people of Peridale always intrigue me. Loved this.
If you love a good cozy mystery, check this one out. What a fun read!
This is the ninth book in the Peridale Cafe mystery series by Agatha Frost.
Julia brings in all of Barker’s family to surprise him for his birthday. Then one of the younger relatives is killed right off the bat and you don’t know whodunit since so many people are new to all us readers.
This is one of my favorite books so far. Definitely loved the family dynamic and getting to see who Barker is compared to his family. The murder is pretty complex and it draws out a secret from the past that is revealed as well by the end of the book.
The people of Peridale always intrigue me. Loved this.
If you love a good cozy mystery, check this one out. What a fun read!
March 10, 2021
What a great storyline. Agatha Frost didnt hold much back with Barker's family. All the sneaking around and betrayal had me on my toes.
In this book we meet Barker's family. He has all brothers, all have different dads except the twins of course. They have created this web of secrets and lies in the dark and when it came to light it was just too much to handle. This family is one sick bunch. The mystery was great and it tied it all together that it will just live you with your mouth open.
One again I can not wait to read the next book in this series.
In this book we meet Barker's family. He has all brothers, all have different dads except the twins of course. They have created this web of secrets and lies in the dark and when it came to light it was just too much to handle. This family is one sick bunch. The mystery was great and it tied it all together that it will just live you with your mouth open.
One again I can not wait to read the next book in this series.
October 18, 2017
Excellent book
This is well written with a strong plot that will keep the reader involved in the story. It brings Jack together with his brothers for the first time in three years. Julia is surprised how the family interacts with each other and how they deal with a murder of one of their own. Good mystery that will keep the pages turning.
This is well written with a strong plot that will keep the reader involved in the story. It brings Jack together with his brothers for the first time in three years. Julia is surprised how the family interacts with each other and how they deal with a murder of one of their own. Good mystery that will keep the pages turning.
May 30, 2020
5*
I adore this series. But this one was a lot messed up. Who knew so many skeletons were in the closet with Barker 's family. And Julia just can't help but to get to the bottom of things, even though it almost costs her her life several times over. Can't wait for the next one!
I adore this series. But this one was a lot messed up. Who knew so many skeletons were in the closet with Barker 's family. And Julia just can't help but to get to the bottom of things, even though it almost costs her her life several times over. Can't wait for the next one!
October 17, 2017
Love these books
The Peridale gang is at it again. Julia has planned a birthday party for Barker and has invited all his family. Before the celebration begins a member of his family is murdered. Julia is left to do what she does best and figure out who did it. I love the Peridale Cafe Cozy Mysteries they are all amazing and I highly recommend reading them.
The Peridale gang is at it again. Julia has planned a birthday party for Barker and has invited all his family. Before the celebration begins a member of his family is murdered. Julia is left to do what she does best and figure out who did it. I love the Peridale Cafe Cozy Mysteries they are all amazing and I highly recommend reading them.
July 3, 2020
Not so Happy Birthday
Another exciting book in the Parkdale Cafe series. Julia has invited all of Barker's family to a surprise birthday party but there is no celebration just murder and mayhem.
Another exciting book in the Parkdale Cafe series. Julia has invited all of Barker's family to a surprise birthday party but there is no celebration just murder and mayhem.
January 21, 2022
Rounded up from 2.5 * I'm honestly shocked so many people gave this book 5*. I doubt I'll read any more from the series.
February 27, 2022
This one kept me guessing and slightly disappointed we didn’t get to know Heather a bit more. Nice to meet Barkers family but not my fave of this series. Looking forward to the next one
April 13, 2025
Cute & cozy mystery that I devoured in a day!! I loved it so much!
October 16, 2017
Another absolutely brilliant Peridale cozy mystery...
Dot is being her usual self the words just fly out from her mouth and I am in stitches.
Julia is wanting to surprise Barker and does she does?
The banter between Dot and Julia about Barkers midlife crisis is hilarious.
I honestly don't know who the murderer is until its written !
Jessie and Billy between themselves things are worked out.
This whole series is breathtaking so many congratulations to Agatha Frost
Dot is being her usual self the words just fly out from her mouth and I am in stitches.
Julia is wanting to surprise Barker and does she does?
The banter between Dot and Julia about Barkers midlife crisis is hilarious.
I honestly don't know who the murderer is until its written !
Jessie and Billy between themselves things are worked out.
This whole series is breathtaking so many congratulations to Agatha Frost
October 11, 2017
I think this was my favorite of the series (how do you pick really, they are all so great!) but this one I really loved!! Making plans for a surprise party for Barker has been a lot of work for Julia and Jessie but hopefully well worth it!! Bringing in his family for his birthday, that’s got to be a huge hit or not????
As the family gathers, murder comes calling. Barker ask Julia to help him figure out who done it. Amid all this chaos, Jessie is going through her own heartbreak and will there be a baby born??
I am not giving anything away but that you must read this book!!! Agatha had me thinking one way then another then another. Really I was so intrigued and into the book I read it in one setting!!!! Awesome book, awesome series!!!
As the family gathers, murder comes calling. Barker ask Julia to help him figure out who done it. Amid all this chaos, Jessie is going through her own heartbreak and will there be a baby born??
I am not giving anything away but that you must read this book!!! Agatha had me thinking one way then another then another. Really I was so intrigued and into the book I read it in one setting!!!! Awesome book, awesome series!!!
October 17, 2017
This is my favourite in the series!
Meeting Barker's family, the ensuing conflicts and the discovery of a dead body lead the reader on a journey.
These characters are among my favourites and the whodunit always keeps me guessing!
I highly recommend this series!!
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book
Meeting Barker's family, the ensuing conflicts and the discovery of a dead body lead the reader on a journey.
These characters are among my favourites and the whodunit always keeps me guessing!
I highly recommend this series!!
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book
October 14, 2017
Wow... There was a lot of mystery & suspense in this book. I loved it! I devoured the book in one sitting again, it's that good! So can't wait for next book!
October 14, 2017
This has been a year of cozy mysteries for me. I am strictly fantasy/fiction but man oh man am I glad I got into these books. This series is by far one of my favorites in any genre! (and this book is my favorite so far of the series... although I said that about the last one, and I will probably say it about the next one) I am not ashamed to say I can never figure out "who done it" until the murderer is revealed.
Agatha Frost does such a fantastic job writing these characters, I have NO problem believing Julia is just an everyday woman who happens to stumble upon these cases and through a series of fortunate coincidences, gathers enough information to figure it out. I also love to bake but would not want to find myself in her shoes with the trouble she gets herself in.
If you are looking for a fun and well written read.. this series is for you! It is full of fun, heartbreak, mystery and sweets!!! I hope Ms. Frost keeps writing all about Julia and her adventures!!
Agatha Frost does such a fantastic job writing these characters, I have NO problem believing Julia is just an everyday woman who happens to stumble upon these cases and through a series of fortunate coincidences, gathers enough information to figure it out. I also love to bake but would not want to find myself in her shoes with the trouble she gets herself in.
If you are looking for a fun and well written read.. this series is for you! It is full of fun, heartbreak, mystery and sweets!!! I hope Ms. Frost keeps writing all about Julia and her adventures!!
October 17, 2017
I absolutely love these visits to Peridale and this book did not disappoint, in fact I read the whole book in one sitting.
Julia is planning a surprise party for Barker for his 39th birthday and she thinks it would be a good opportunity to meet all of his family, so unbeknown to Barker she gets in touch with his brothers and invites them to Peridale manor. On Barker’s birthday Julia is awaiting a phone call to get Barker to his suppose party but instead the phone call let’s Julia and Barker know that Barker’s nephew has been found dead in his bed. With all of the family at odds with each other and they are all holding on to secrets, will Julia and Barker be able to solve the mystery before the night is over?
I can not get enough of theses books and I can’t wait for the next instalment.
Julia is planning a surprise party for Barker for his 39th birthday and she thinks it would be a good opportunity to meet all of his family, so unbeknown to Barker she gets in touch with his brothers and invites them to Peridale manor. On Barker’s birthday Julia is awaiting a phone call to get Barker to his suppose party but instead the phone call let’s Julia and Barker know that Barker’s nephew has been found dead in his bed. With all of the family at odds with each other and they are all holding on to secrets, will Julia and Barker be able to solve the mystery before the night is over?
I can not get enough of theses books and I can’t wait for the next instalment.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews