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A Kensington Palace Chef Mystery #2
Lord of the Pies
When Carrie Ann Cole bakes a lemon meringue pie to die for that actually kills someone, she must find out who the real killer is before her time at the Kensington Palace expires.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 10, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 163 reviews
July 30, 2022
When I read the first book in the Kensington Palace Chef mystery series, I was immediately hooked by author Nell Hampton's style and characters. In this second book, Lord of the Pies, I've found another fantastic winner. American transplant Carrie Ann Cole is chef for the Duke and Duchess of York in Kensington Palace. Everything points to them being Will and Kate, but you're never 100% certain. It's really not important who they are as much as the fact that readers know it's English royalty.
Carrie Ann runs one of the 4 separate palace kitchens and finds herself often in competition both in and out of the kitchen with her colleagues. In this caper, someone spying on her is found dead after apparently eating one of her pies. When she's tossed into a televised competition for charity purposes, another mishap occurs leading to someone's eventual death down the line. Carrie's just trying to keep her job, but someone seems to want her gone from the palace. Luckily, the sexy chief of security and the hunky head of gardening protect her in the background as she tries to decide which ones she really wants. Unfortunately one has a serious girlfriend, but something's about to change there soon. Throw in some affairs, rogue reporters and crazy colleagues looking to get ahead in the game, Hampton's got another fine story for us to devour.
The two dicey concerns... I absolutely need to make a pie right now as there were too many references throughout the book. (I'll get you for that, Hampton!) The other -- the ending was too quick. The story was driving closely to reaching 5 stars because it was just so intricate and well-paced, but then there was a rush in the last 20 pages to push through finding the culprit(s) and backstory. It was good, but it could have been a bit more evenly covered, as well as a total wrap-up on what happened with a character who seemed in the midst of things and then disappeared. That said, I adore the main character. She may be in my top 5 of cozy sleuths. The background and setting are well-developed and I like the intrigue behind her boss and the royalty she rarely interacts with... you know one day they will beg Carrie Ann to help them solve a crime for someone close. And I can't wait to read about it... many thanks to the publisher, Crooked Lane, for sending me a copy of this book, as they know I love my cozy mysteries!
Carrie Ann runs one of the 4 separate palace kitchens and finds herself often in competition both in and out of the kitchen with her colleagues. In this caper, someone spying on her is found dead after apparently eating one of her pies. When she's tossed into a televised competition for charity purposes, another mishap occurs leading to someone's eventual death down the line. Carrie's just trying to keep her job, but someone seems to want her gone from the palace. Luckily, the sexy chief of security and the hunky head of gardening protect her in the background as she tries to decide which ones she really wants. Unfortunately one has a serious girlfriend, but something's about to change there soon. Throw in some affairs, rogue reporters and crazy colleagues looking to get ahead in the game, Hampton's got another fine story for us to devour.
The two dicey concerns... I absolutely need to make a pie right now as there were too many references throughout the book. (I'll get you for that, Hampton!) The other -- the ending was too quick. The story was driving closely to reaching 5 stars because it was just so intricate and well-paced, but then there was a rush in the last 20 pages to push through finding the culprit(s) and backstory. It was good, but it could have been a bit more evenly covered, as well as a total wrap-up on what happened with a character who seemed in the midst of things and then disappeared. That said, I adore the main character. She may be in my top 5 of cozy sleuths. The background and setting are well-developed and I like the intrigue behind her boss and the royalty she rarely interacts with... you know one day they will beg Carrie Ann to help them solve a crime for someone close. And I can't wait to read about it... many thanks to the publisher, Crooked Lane, for sending me a copy of this book, as they know I love my cozy mysteries!
March 28, 2018
The first Kensington Palace Chef Mystery, Kale to the Queen, established newcomer Private Chef Carrie Ann Cole into the kitchen for the Royal Family at Kensington Palace. In that book characters were introduced and setting established, but even though I recommend usually reading sequels in order, this one will serve fine to read out of sync if you only have the follow-up book.
Carrie is no longer a newbie to the kitchen but she’s still making waves and battling the lead head chef, this time through a cooking contest that’s filmed for charity on TV. When murder takes place and fingers start pointing toward Carrie’s pie, she has to solve the crime not only to clear up her reputation, but to prevent the body count from climbing. There’s multiple murders in this one, which pushes the mystery and the clues out through action rather than just introspective dialogue and detective skills. Carrie has clearly become a better detective since her first crime, but she still depends on the interesting and somewhat colorful staff in the Royal Palace.
As with most cozies, the violence isn’t graphic and there is humor. For the foodie fans, this is among the best since it digs into detail on various recipes, emphasizes all sorts of dishes and types, and gives a generous portion of recipes at the end of the book.
Must try that pie!
As with the first novel, while the mystery is interesting enough to dig into, it’s the setting and the characters who really bring out the novel’s memorable flavor. The budding romance isn’t cheesy but it’s certainly plausible, Carrie is likable as a heroine, and the staff she employs shows realistic hardships when it comes to finding dependable chefs who put up with difficult situations.
Fortunately this one didn’t let the reader sit too long either, dishing out more action that I figured it would. I didn’t guess the villains exactly, but the twists weren’t a huge surprise – although there were some things that made me raise my eyebrows and layered the motive behind the poisonings more than I expected.
If you’re a fan of cozies that retain cute humor but that avoid going overboard on being too cutesy, that keep some realism and seriousness mixed into the story – you’ll like this one. Top it off with recipes and a genuine enthusiasm for cooking, and you’ll see why Carrie is so cherished among the Royal Palace staff.
Received from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Carrie is no longer a newbie to the kitchen but she’s still making waves and battling the lead head chef, this time through a cooking contest that’s filmed for charity on TV. When murder takes place and fingers start pointing toward Carrie’s pie, she has to solve the crime not only to clear up her reputation, but to prevent the body count from climbing. There’s multiple murders in this one, which pushes the mystery and the clues out through action rather than just introspective dialogue and detective skills. Carrie has clearly become a better detective since her first crime, but she still depends on the interesting and somewhat colorful staff in the Royal Palace.
As with most cozies, the violence isn’t graphic and there is humor. For the foodie fans, this is among the best since it digs into detail on various recipes, emphasizes all sorts of dishes and types, and gives a generous portion of recipes at the end of the book.
Must try that pie!
As with the first novel, while the mystery is interesting enough to dig into, it’s the setting and the characters who really bring out the novel’s memorable flavor. The budding romance isn’t cheesy but it’s certainly plausible, Carrie is likable as a heroine, and the staff she employs shows realistic hardships when it comes to finding dependable chefs who put up with difficult situations.
Fortunately this one didn’t let the reader sit too long either, dishing out more action that I figured it would. I didn’t guess the villains exactly, but the twists weren’t a huge surprise – although there were some things that made me raise my eyebrows and layered the motive behind the poisonings more than I expected.
If you’re a fan of cozies that retain cute humor but that avoid going overboard on being too cutesy, that keep some realism and seriousness mixed into the story – you’ll like this one. Top it off with recipes and a genuine enthusiasm for cooking, and you’ll see why Carrie is so cherished among the Royal Palace staff.
Received from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
March 30, 2018
As an American Chef in a Royal British household, Carrie Ann Cole faces bias every day, especially from the other chefs at the palace. Carrie is undeniably an excellent chef and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge love her cooking.
As the book begins, a Peeping Tom is caught taking photos of Carrie as she works late making pies in her kitchen. When he falls victim to a killer, some of the photos hint at suspicious exchanges taking place near another kitchen on the palace grounds.
Secrets, jealous lover’s, and scandals all play a part in the mix of ingredients that make this cozy mystery one to indulge in. There’s a plethora of juicy suspects and gossip to delight and entertain, plus a romance begins for Carrie. The author does a great job of concealing the murdering foe until the reveal. I truly enjoy this yummy series which includes recipes.
I reviewed an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher.
As the book begins, a Peeping Tom is caught taking photos of Carrie as she works late making pies in her kitchen. When he falls victim to a killer, some of the photos hint at suspicious exchanges taking place near another kitchen on the palace grounds.
Secrets, jealous lover’s, and scandals all play a part in the mix of ingredients that make this cozy mystery one to indulge in. There’s a plethora of juicy suspects and gossip to delight and entertain, plus a romance begins for Carrie. The author does a great job of concealing the murdering foe until the reveal. I truly enjoy this yummy series which includes recipes.
I reviewed an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher.
April 12, 2018
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Pies! Pies! Pies! Carrie Ann Cole is baking pies for a bridal shower to be held in the Orangery at the palace. She has one pie left over and leaves it for the chef usually in charge of the Orangery. When a waiter is found dead with his face in her pie she knows someone tampered with it. All the evidence points to Carrie Anne and when another chef is murdered she realizes it is up to her to find the real killer before she loses her dream of being the chef for the Duke and Duchess and their wonderful family.
Carrie Ann Cole is an American chef in charge of one of the palace’s four kitchens. Her kitchen prepares meals and teas for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. She also is asked to do the food for events her royals host like the bridal shower in this story. In addition to her normal duties, she has been asked to participate in a televised cooking competition for charity. After that event concludes several people on one of the other teams get sick and again Carrie Ann is a suspect. She does have two men watching out of her, the kitchen gardener and the palace’s chief of security. She also has a new assistant that is determined to help her clear her name.
All of Ms. Hampton’s characters leap off the pages. Carrie Ann is getting comfortable in her new position but is worried about being terminated with all these dead bodies that just seem to pile up around her. She is starting a romantic relationship with Jasper, the gardener but there is also romantic vibes between Carrie and Ian, the security chief. I also liked the way she and her new assistant got along and her friend that tries to show Carrie Ann some of the area’s nightlife.
There is never a dull moment at the palace or in Carrie Ann’s life. The story has a fast pace, the pages on my Kindle where flying. Twists and turns, peeping Tom’s, a cheating chef, a cranky chef, murders, secrets and lies and or so many pies held my attention from word one. Cleverly written, Nell Hampton gives readers a mystery we can sink our teeth into. An inside look at palace life is just the meringue on the top of the pie.
Readers of Julie Hyzy’s White House Chef Mysteries will love these characters and their story. I recommend this book/series to all cozy mystery fans!
Pies! Pies! Pies! Carrie Ann Cole is baking pies for a bridal shower to be held in the Orangery at the palace. She has one pie left over and leaves it for the chef usually in charge of the Orangery. When a waiter is found dead with his face in her pie she knows someone tampered with it. All the evidence points to Carrie Anne and when another chef is murdered she realizes it is up to her to find the real killer before she loses her dream of being the chef for the Duke and Duchess and their wonderful family.
Carrie Ann Cole is an American chef in charge of one of the palace’s four kitchens. Her kitchen prepares meals and teas for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. She also is asked to do the food for events her royals host like the bridal shower in this story. In addition to her normal duties, she has been asked to participate in a televised cooking competition for charity. After that event concludes several people on one of the other teams get sick and again Carrie Ann is a suspect. She does have two men watching out of her, the kitchen gardener and the palace’s chief of security. She also has a new assistant that is determined to help her clear her name.
All of Ms. Hampton’s characters leap off the pages. Carrie Ann is getting comfortable in her new position but is worried about being terminated with all these dead bodies that just seem to pile up around her. She is starting a romantic relationship with Jasper, the gardener but there is also romantic vibes between Carrie and Ian, the security chief. I also liked the way she and her new assistant got along and her friend that tries to show Carrie Ann some of the area’s nightlife.
There is never a dull moment at the palace or in Carrie Ann’s life. The story has a fast pace, the pages on my Kindle where flying. Twists and turns, peeping Tom’s, a cheating chef, a cranky chef, murders, secrets and lies and or so many pies held my attention from word one. Cleverly written, Nell Hampton gives readers a mystery we can sink our teeth into. An inside look at palace life is just the meringue on the top of the pie.
Readers of Julie Hyzy’s White House Chef Mysteries will love these characters and their story. I recommend this book/series to all cozy mystery fans!
March 27, 2018
Late last night I finished Lord of the Pies the second in the Kensington Place Chef Mystery series.This was a very fun read. I have long been a fan of the Royal Family and while I love that this is centered around their palace home, it actually has nothing to do with the Royals really themselves and is an absolutely brilliant concept. As much as I love the Royals, I often wonder about those who dedicate their lives to working for the family and to those who work in such a proximity to them. Even though I know this book is fiction it is still fun to imagine and picture everything author Nell Hampton describes so well to us in the books. This is a great read and a fun cozy mystery. I really look forward to reading the next one and many more to come!
This book is out April 10th and is published by Crooked Lane Books.
This book is out April 10th and is published by Crooked Lane Books.
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February 9, 2018Review coming soon
April 11, 2018
Lord of the Pies by Nell Hampton is the second tale in A Kensington Palace Chef Mystery series. Carrie Ann Cole is the personal chef to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in Kensington Palace. Carrie Ann is busy preparing for a pie themed bridal shower being hosted by the Duchess for Penny Nethercott’s sister on Saturday. The gathering gets moved to the Orangery and Carrie Ann will be using Chef Wright’s kitchen. After the event, Carrie Ann leaves a lemon meringue pie as a thank you to the chef and his staff. Early the next morning, Penny awakens Carrie Ann because there are police at the Orangery. A waiter was found face down in Carrie Ann’s pie. The pie was poisoned, and Carrie Ann is the prime suspect in the man’s death. Carrie Ann sets out to clear her name and reputation before she loses the job she loves. After competing in a pie competition, Chef Butterbottom and his staff end up severely ill. Carrie Ann is the runner up, and she is once again under suspicion and in the tabloids. While at the Orangery talking to the sous chef, Carrie Ann learns that Chef Wright has disappeared. They find the flirtation chef dead in the walk-in freezer. The bodies are piling up and the common denominator is Carrie Ann. Can Carrie Ann find the person responsible before she ends up in the tower?
While Lord of the Pies is the second book in the series, it can be read alone. Lord of the Pies is a busy book. What I mentioned above in my summary is just a drop in the bucket. There is a stalker, clubbing, baking, another new assistant for Carrie Ann, pie competition, tabloid photographs, Carrie Ann goes out for drinks with Jasper, cooking, chatting, eating and gallons of tea. I thought Lord of the Pies contained good writing, has a steady pace and a great theme (working for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at Kensington). The author has a conversational writing style that engages the reader and soon has them engrossed in the story. I like Carrie Ann as the main character. She is well-developed and has excellent cooking skills. She does, though, need to wise up to the ways of the world and proper etiquette (rules) when working in a royal household. I am not so enamored with Penny. I am amazed she can get out of bed for work after a night of drinking and dancing (returning home in the wee hours). The mystery is intriguing. You never knew who the next victim would be (I kept hoping Chef Butterbottom would not recover). Many readers will be surprised when the solution is revealed. There was, though, too much supposition. Carrie Ann with Agnes (her latest assistant) and Penny speculating on the crimes. Some of the same details kept getting repeated. I could have done with less romance between Carrie Ann and Jasper. Her falling into his arms after a harrowing ordeal did not seem believable since the pair have yet to go one a real date (only went out for drinks once). I did not feel any spark between them. Now Carrie Ann and Ian are another story. I am giving Lord of the Pies 4 out of 5 stars (I liked it). The mouthwatering descriptions of pies along with the recipes at the end of the book will have you digging out your pie pans. If you are looking for an entertaining cozy mystery to read, then look no further than Lord of the Pies.
While Lord of the Pies is the second book in the series, it can be read alone. Lord of the Pies is a busy book. What I mentioned above in my summary is just a drop in the bucket. There is a stalker, clubbing, baking, another new assistant for Carrie Ann, pie competition, tabloid photographs, Carrie Ann goes out for drinks with Jasper, cooking, chatting, eating and gallons of tea. I thought Lord of the Pies contained good writing, has a steady pace and a great theme (working for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at Kensington). The author has a conversational writing style that engages the reader and soon has them engrossed in the story. I like Carrie Ann as the main character. She is well-developed and has excellent cooking skills. She does, though, need to wise up to the ways of the world and proper etiquette (rules) when working in a royal household. I am not so enamored with Penny. I am amazed she can get out of bed for work after a night of drinking and dancing (returning home in the wee hours). The mystery is intriguing. You never knew who the next victim would be (I kept hoping Chef Butterbottom would not recover). Many readers will be surprised when the solution is revealed. There was, though, too much supposition. Carrie Ann with Agnes (her latest assistant) and Penny speculating on the crimes. Some of the same details kept getting repeated. I could have done with less romance between Carrie Ann and Jasper. Her falling into his arms after a harrowing ordeal did not seem believable since the pair have yet to go one a real date (only went out for drinks once). I did not feel any spark between them. Now Carrie Ann and Ian are another story. I am giving Lord of the Pies 4 out of 5 stars (I liked it). The mouthwatering descriptions of pies along with the recipes at the end of the book will have you digging out your pie pans. If you are looking for an entertaining cozy mystery to read, then look no further than Lord of the Pies.
May 3, 2018
Loved it!!
April 7, 2018
4.5 stars, actually.
Although I've never been a huge fan of cozy mysteries, they're perfect for when I've grown weary of blood, gore, shoot-'em-ups and books with "girl" in the title. But usually, by the 50 percent mark - sometimes even sooner - the heroine has annoyed me so much by poking her nose (and the rest of her body) where it doesn't belong that I'm more inclined to smack her upside the head than finish the book. What a joy it was, then, to read about the delightful, entertaining and very capable Carrie Ann Cole, an American chef who works for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (think: William and Kate) at Kensington Palace.
It is, I must add, not the first in the series; but I had no problem whatsoever following this one despite not having read the other. In fact, Chef Cole isn't a stranger to murder - she once found an assistant dead under a bed of kale. Here, though, everything seems to be going smoothly, at least until she sees a man peeking into her kitchen window. Not long thereafter, that man is found not only dead, but apparently from an unusual cause: Poisoning by eating one of Carrie Ann's delicious pies. He was found in the Orangery at Kensington Palace following a bridal shower that Carrie Ann had been called in to cater.
Readers, of course, know Carrie Ann is innocent; still, with her fingerprints on the pie pan, she's got to find a way to prove she's not a murderer lest the Royal Family sends her packing. For the moment, she's got support from a couple of hunky guys (oh, did I mention Carrie Ann is beautiful and single?), namely the palace head of security, Ian Gordon, and Jasper Feldman, the kitchen gardener. But following a pie-making contest that generates jealousy from her chef peers, her primary rival and a few of his staff become ill (another suspected poisoning). And when yet another chef is iced, guess who becomes a prime suspect once again?
Through it all, Carrie Ann's behavior never once insulted her intelligence (or mine), nor did the story challenge credibility (though I do wish the characters could find another way to react to situations besides wincing - roll their eyes once in a while, perhaps?) And if I must nitpick, I'd say there was an overabundance of the characters' speculating about whodunit and why. But the twists, turns and kneads were plentiful and fun (no, I didn't guess the ending), to the point that unquestionably, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Many thanks to the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to read it in exchange for an honest review.
Although I've never been a huge fan of cozy mysteries, they're perfect for when I've grown weary of blood, gore, shoot-'em-ups and books with "girl" in the title. But usually, by the 50 percent mark - sometimes even sooner - the heroine has annoyed me so much by poking her nose (and the rest of her body) where it doesn't belong that I'm more inclined to smack her upside the head than finish the book. What a joy it was, then, to read about the delightful, entertaining and very capable Carrie Ann Cole, an American chef who works for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (think: William and Kate) at Kensington Palace.
It is, I must add, not the first in the series; but I had no problem whatsoever following this one despite not having read the other. In fact, Chef Cole isn't a stranger to murder - she once found an assistant dead under a bed of kale. Here, though, everything seems to be going smoothly, at least until she sees a man peeking into her kitchen window. Not long thereafter, that man is found not only dead, but apparently from an unusual cause: Poisoning by eating one of Carrie Ann's delicious pies. He was found in the Orangery at Kensington Palace following a bridal shower that Carrie Ann had been called in to cater.
Readers, of course, know Carrie Ann is innocent; still, with her fingerprints on the pie pan, she's got to find a way to prove she's not a murderer lest the Royal Family sends her packing. For the moment, she's got support from a couple of hunky guys (oh, did I mention Carrie Ann is beautiful and single?), namely the palace head of security, Ian Gordon, and Jasper Feldman, the kitchen gardener. But following a pie-making contest that generates jealousy from her chef peers, her primary rival and a few of his staff become ill (another suspected poisoning). And when yet another chef is iced, guess who becomes a prime suspect once again?
Through it all, Carrie Ann's behavior never once insulted her intelligence (or mine), nor did the story challenge credibility (though I do wish the characters could find another way to react to situations besides wincing - roll their eyes once in a while, perhaps?) And if I must nitpick, I'd say there was an overabundance of the characters' speculating about whodunit and why. But the twists, turns and kneads were plentiful and fun (no, I didn't guess the ending), to the point that unquestionably, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Many thanks to the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to read it in exchange for an honest review.
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January 13, 2018With a title like that, there was no way I was passing it up.
Glad I gave in to instinct, too.
This turned out to be the second in a series, in which an American chef has been hired by the Duke and Duchess of Kensington. She's trying to live down the sensational events early in her new position, a prospect made a lot more difficult because of the fishbowl nature of royal lives, and the relentless and insatiable craving for any sort of clue on which to hang a (usually preposterous) story by the paparazzi.
Cranky cooks abound--one who resent a Yankee interloper, another who is a married player--in and around a mystery that starts off with someone peering in the kitchen window at Carrie, and ends up with a couple of murders. The twists and turns lead the reader in a maze, accelerating gradually to a whole lot more action than I'd expected.
Between times we gets descriptions of luscious food, a chef contest for charity, notes on presentation, and a host of colorful characters as well as a couple of handsome chaps among the staff.
All in all it was a real page turner, thoroughly enjoyable.
Copy provided by NetGalley
Glad I gave in to instinct, too.
This turned out to be the second in a series, in which an American chef has been hired by the Duke and Duchess of Kensington. She's trying to live down the sensational events early in her new position, a prospect made a lot more difficult because of the fishbowl nature of royal lives, and the relentless and insatiable craving for any sort of clue on which to hang a (usually preposterous) story by the paparazzi.
Cranky cooks abound--one who resent a Yankee interloper, another who is a married player--in and around a mystery that starts off with someone peering in the kitchen window at Carrie, and ends up with a couple of murders. The twists and turns lead the reader in a maze, accelerating gradually to a whole lot more action than I'd expected.
Between times we gets descriptions of luscious food, a chef contest for charity, notes on presentation, and a host of colorful characters as well as a couple of handsome chaps among the staff.
All in all it was a real page turner, thoroughly enjoyable.
Copy provided by NetGalley
October 6, 2018
Chef Carrie Ann Cole is the private chef for Prince William’s Family. Unfortunately since arriving at the palace, poor Chef Cole seems to have Murder follow her around. Someone has been poisoned and found face down in her Lemon Merangue pie. The tabloids are smearing her. Somehow, someway she needs to find out who is killing the people that work in the Orangery.
The book is well written and a fun read. You really don’t know who did it until the end. I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it highly to all of my Cozy Mystery reading friends and there are a lot of us!
The book is well written and a fun read. You really don’t know who did it until the end. I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it highly to all of my Cozy Mystery reading friends and there are a lot of us!
May 5, 2018
I really love this series! I’m not sure who I’m rooting for, Ian or Jasper, but I’m liking this triangle.
May 16, 2018
I enjoyed the first book in the series, Kale to the Queen, and this installment did not disappoint. American Chef Carrie Ann is finally settling into her duties of preparing nutritious meals for Prince William, Duchess Kate and their children. But when one of her pies kills a peeping Tom lurking about the grounds, she is suspected of poisoning him. After one chef become ill and another murdered, there are more questions than answers and Carrie Ann is determined to find the killer's identity. But will she be on the next plane back to America or be the killer's next victim?
The mystery itself was fairly well-paced; there were a few slow spots for me. Carrie Ann's friendly character continues to develop as well as a romantic angle. I've never been to London but like anything associated with the Royal Family. The author's great attention to detailing life in the palace and descriptions of the city also made the book shine. And what great timing to read this book--just a few days before Prince Harry's wedding!
**Thanks to the author and Crooked Lane books for a complimentary copy of this book. My review is voluntary.
The mystery itself was fairly well-paced; there were a few slow spots for me. Carrie Ann's friendly character continues to develop as well as a romantic angle. I've never been to London but like anything associated with the Royal Family. The author's great attention to detailing life in the palace and descriptions of the city also made the book shine. And what great timing to read this book--just a few days before Prince Harry's wedding!
**Thanks to the author and Crooked Lane books for a complimentary copy of this book. My review is voluntary.
March 8, 2018
Chef Carrie Ann Cole fears losing her job as a personal chef to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge when a waiter at a wedding shower she catered is found face down in her lemon meringue pie - a victim of poisoning. She needs to clear her name and prove that she is not a murderer.
When Chef Butterbottom, a rival who doesn't think Carrie Ann is worthy of working for royalty, is poisoned at a pie cook-off for charity where Carrie Ann is also a contestant, suspicions rise again. And when another Kensington Palace chef - Chef Wright - is found stabbed to death in the walk-in freezer of his kitchen, Carrie Ann becomes even more determined to clear her name.
As she investigates, she discovers a lot she didn't know about the denizens of Kensington Palace. Married Chef Wright seems to have made a habit of having affairs with the various personal assistants who work there and seems to be targeting Carrie Ann as his next conquest which makes two of his earlier conquests jealous of her. Another personal assistant, who may or may not have had an affair with Chef Wright, is caught selling recipes to a visitor who has a contract to write a cookbook showing the famous dishes he's eaten at Kensington Palace. And it turns out that the waiter may have been planning a second career as a blackmailer.
Between investigations, Carrie Ann is also juggling her friendships with a handsome gardener and the head of palace security. Oh, and she is cooking for her employers too. The story does end with a couple of recipes for pies that sound tempting but a little above my skill level.
This was a lovely cozy with a great setting and interesting characters. I can't wait for Carrie Ann's next adventure.
When Chef Butterbottom, a rival who doesn't think Carrie Ann is worthy of working for royalty, is poisoned at a pie cook-off for charity where Carrie Ann is also a contestant, suspicions rise again. And when another Kensington Palace chef - Chef Wright - is found stabbed to death in the walk-in freezer of his kitchen, Carrie Ann becomes even more determined to clear her name.
As she investigates, she discovers a lot she didn't know about the denizens of Kensington Palace. Married Chef Wright seems to have made a habit of having affairs with the various personal assistants who work there and seems to be targeting Carrie Ann as his next conquest which makes two of his earlier conquests jealous of her. Another personal assistant, who may or may not have had an affair with Chef Wright, is caught selling recipes to a visitor who has a contract to write a cookbook showing the famous dishes he's eaten at Kensington Palace. And it turns out that the waiter may have been planning a second career as a blackmailer.
Between investigations, Carrie Ann is also juggling her friendships with a handsome gardener and the head of palace security. Oh, and she is cooking for her employers too. The story does end with a couple of recipes for pies that sound tempting but a little above my skill level.
This was a lovely cozy with a great setting and interesting characters. I can't wait for Carrie Ann's next adventure.
April 17, 2018
In Nell Hampton's Lord of the Pies, the second installment in the Kensington Palace Chef Cozy Mystery, this caper was a bit warped and twisted in every sense of the word. For Chef Carrie Ann Cole, her new life brimmed with new mysteries on her full plate. When she received a new assistant chef named Agnes, she appeared to fit right in and work with Carrie Ann to serve meals to the duchess and the prince at the place. First she had to contend with a Peeping Tom who took her photo. And when she discovered it was, she reported it in to Security Chief Gordon. And when she had the opportunity to serve a bridal shower at the Orangery, she had to contend with Chef Wright, someone who has the way with the ladies. But besides all that, she found out who spied on her and how he was poisoned with one of her pies. And that leaves her as the prime suspect once again. Then, she competed on a reality cooking show for charity, and things turn up awry, when her arch-nemesis ended up poisoned somehow. Carrie Ann believes something was fishy with the production crew, since she's been the main focus with the British tabloids. Lastly, while she skated on thin ice, she came across the slain body of Chef Wright. Now it was up to her to deal with the possibilities of one or two killers who wanted to do her in as she fought for her own life.
July 30, 2021
I really like this series. I don't often like series set in England and especially by American authors. Though all I know about Nell Hampton is that they now live in Virginia. I love the characters and the story telling is great and kept me guessing till almost the end and I really didn't see the ending at all. I kind of wish Carrie Ann would just decide what she wants with the men in her life. If you don't want Jasper then don't be with him and if you want Ian then tell him how you feel but don't date Jasper while dreaming of Ian or vice versa.
April 30, 2018
American Carrie Ann Cole returns for her second adventure as a chef at Kensington Palace. She's working late one night when she sees someone looking in the window of her kitchen. When they discover who it is he is warned, but he does it again. Days later he's found dead, with his head in a pie that Carrie Ann baked.
When a second body turns up, authorities look at Carrie Ann, who knows she has to get to the bottom of things before her dream job in London ends all too soon.
This series has become one of my favorite in the cozy mystery genre. I love Carrie Ann. She is down to earth, independent, and all to ready to stick up for herself. But she does it without acting as if she is better than everyone else, which is one of the things I like about her. Watching her serve the royal family and solve mysteries is great entertainment.
One of my favorite parts of this book was the pie competition. Ms. Hampton wrote it wonderfully and I could imagine spending the day watching the filming and soaking in the atmosphere.
I thought I had the mystery figured out partway through, but it turns out I was wrong, which always impresses me when I'm reading a book. As much as I like solving the mystery, it is always good to me when I'm surprised at the end.
I eagerly await the next entry in this series. I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
When a second body turns up, authorities look at Carrie Ann, who knows she has to get to the bottom of things before her dream job in London ends all too soon.
This series has become one of my favorite in the cozy mystery genre. I love Carrie Ann. She is down to earth, independent, and all to ready to stick up for herself. But she does it without acting as if she is better than everyone else, which is one of the things I like about her. Watching her serve the royal family and solve mysteries is great entertainment.
One of my favorite parts of this book was the pie competition. Ms. Hampton wrote it wonderfully and I could imagine spending the day watching the filming and soaking in the atmosphere.
I thought I had the mystery figured out partway through, but it turns out I was wrong, which always impresses me when I'm reading a book. As much as I like solving the mystery, it is always good to me when I'm surprised at the end.
I eagerly await the next entry in this series. I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
July 29, 2018
I enjoyed "Lord of the Pies" way, way more than "Lord of the Flies," so there's that. :D
The last couple chapters got pretty ridiculous with the amount of action, peril, and criminal confessions, but I suppose that's the nature of the genre. Unfortunately, this edition does have a lot of typos, punctuation errors, etc. But it was a pretty fun read.
The last couple chapters got pretty ridiculous with the amount of action, peril, and criminal confessions, but I suppose that's the nature of the genre. Unfortunately, this edition does have a lot of typos, punctuation errors, etc. But it was a pretty fun read.
November 8, 2022
Ecco un'altra di quelle serie che finiscono dopo solo due libri, lasciandoti per altro in sospeso con qualche questione. La principale delle quali è: chi sceglierà la protagonista fra il giardiniere e il capo della sicurezza? E soprattutto, perché si parla di un viaggio in Inghilterra coi duchi di Cambridge, lasciandoti immaginare un libro successivo ambientato fuori da Londra, ma poi un seguito non c'è?
Per quanto riguarda questo libro, trovo snervante che la protagonista sia considerata un po' da tutti la possibile colpevole solo perché straniera. E il finale è troppo breve e veloce, alla fine non si capisce cosa succederà ai colpevoli (e non riesco a capire quale sia la colpa di una persona a parte essere chiaramente fuori di testa...). C'era bisogno di qualche pagina in più.
Per quanto riguarda questo libro, trovo snervante che la protagonista sia considerata un po' da tutti la possibile colpevole solo perché straniera. E il finale è troppo breve e veloce, alla fine non si capisce cosa succederà ai colpevoli (e non riesco a capire quale sia la colpa di una persona a parte essere chiaramente fuori di testa...). C'era bisogno di qualche pagina in più.
February 13, 2020
Another fun entry in the series. These books are like a British version of Julie Hyzy's White House Chef series and I love it. There was so much going on in this book and I especially enjoyed the pie competition. The mystery kept me guessing and I was totally surprised a couple of times at the end. I like Carrie Ann and really want to see what happens next for her, which means this series needs more books in it! Recipes were included at the end, always a plus in my book even if I never make them.
May 12, 2018
I cannot state enough how much I love this series! Carrie Ann is still the chef for the Duke and Duchess and is tapped to cater a bridal shower by the Duchess. With a new assistant and the murder of the past behind her, Carrie Ann is finally starting to feel like the palace is home. When a waiter turns up dead, seemingly poisoned by one of her pies, Carrier Ann is in a race to clear her name and solve the mystery before any one else bites the dust, or pie.
The details in this book, from the characters, to the story, to the setting are just perfection of words. Carrie Ann is so lovable and strong, anyone can relate to her. The author does a great job of showing the relationships of the main characters and the dialogue and story are never slow or boring. The mystery and murder are set up fantastically, never knowing why they took place until the very end. This is a book you can read again and again.
The details in this book, from the characters, to the story, to the setting are just perfection of words. Carrie Ann is so lovable and strong, anyone can relate to her. The author does a great job of showing the relationships of the main characters and the dialogue and story are never slow or boring. The mystery and murder are set up fantastically, never knowing why they took place until the very end. This is a book you can read again and again.
May 6, 2018
If you are going to write about the royal family, get your facts straight. There is no duchess Anne, its princess Anne, the duke of york does not have a wife he is divorced. This book is a rehash of the first, someone dies, her kitchen is closed and she is a suspect. Usually in a cozy the main character is only a suspect in the first book, not on going. Also, she puts in 17 hour days????? She gets to her kitchen at 5:30 and at 10:30PM she is still cleaning up?????????? Where is the editor for these books
December 23, 2018
In the first book in the Kensington Palace Chef Mysteries, we met Chef Carrie Ann Cole who had been hired by the Duchess of York to be the family chef at Kensington Palace. Although this is the second book in the series, it will work fine as a standalone. Carrie is no longer a newbie to the palace, but there are some who still think an American has no business cooking at Kensington Palace. She is still trying to prove herself to the head chef and he is still giving her a hard time. She recently put on a wedding shower and one of other chefs allowed her to use his kitchen. As a thank-you, she left him a lemon meringue pie. When one of the servers ends up dead in the pie and it is found to be poisoned, Carrie is an immediate suspect. In order to save her reputation, she needs to solve the murder. There’s multiple murders in this one, which provides a lot of clues and avenues to pursue. Carrie has clearly become a better detective since her first crime, but she still depends on the interesting and somewhat colorful staff in the Royal Palace.
ONe of the things I like about cozies is that even though there are a couple of murders, there is not graphic violence. If you enjoy culinary cozies, this is a series for you. There is a lot of eating, baking and discussing food, as well as a bit of romance, some humour and wonderful character development. The setting of this series is quite interesting. There are four different kitchens at the palace and the murder in this one takes place in the Orangery. I enjoyed the descriptions of the various areas of the palace. Carrie is likable as a heroine, and the staff she employs respect her and want her to be successful. The formality and security at the palace are quite stringent and at one point, Carrie has to take classes to make sure she understands the staff manual after meeting with someone from the press. I enjoyed the plot and story of this book. I didn't figure out who the culprit was until the end of the book, but had a few inklings here and there. I did find that the ending was fast and furious with the reveal coming quickly after a longer buildup. The motive of the killings was believable and the other characters involved were also interesting and added much to the story.
If you’re a fan of cozy mysteries that are more realistic, with a more serious storyline, then pick this book up, in fact, you might want to go back and start with the first one in this series. There are some recipes included at the end that sound wonderful. I listened to the audiobook of this story and the narrator, Romy Nordlinger, and she did a fantastic job with the voices, accents and dialogue. I will watch for more audiobooks she narrates.
ONe of the things I like about cozies is that even though there are a couple of murders, there is not graphic violence. If you enjoy culinary cozies, this is a series for you. There is a lot of eating, baking and discussing food, as well as a bit of romance, some humour and wonderful character development. The setting of this series is quite interesting. There are four different kitchens at the palace and the murder in this one takes place in the Orangery. I enjoyed the descriptions of the various areas of the palace. Carrie is likable as a heroine, and the staff she employs respect her and want her to be successful. The formality and security at the palace are quite stringent and at one point, Carrie has to take classes to make sure she understands the staff manual after meeting with someone from the press. I enjoyed the plot and story of this book. I didn't figure out who the culprit was until the end of the book, but had a few inklings here and there. I did find that the ending was fast and furious with the reveal coming quickly after a longer buildup. The motive of the killings was believable and the other characters involved were also interesting and added much to the story.
If you’re a fan of cozy mysteries that are more realistic, with a more serious storyline, then pick this book up, in fact, you might want to go back and start with the first one in this series. There are some recipes included at the end that sound wonderful. I listened to the audiobook of this story and the narrator, Romy Nordlinger, and she did a fantastic job with the voices, accents and dialogue. I will watch for more audiobooks she narrates.
May 24, 2018
Lord of the Pies is the second Kensington Palace Chef Mystery by Nell Hampton. I have to begin by stating that I did not read the first in the series, so I was a little lost about some background information. It also caused a problem for me in the sheer number of characters that were introduced in the book. Presumably, many of the characters were introduced in the first book, however, I felt as if there were simply too many characters to keep track of. I was forced to keep a list and by page 60 or so there were already 20 characters. Why did we need to hear about Sally, the cashier in the grocery store with her short white hair, puffy round face, pale blue eyes, sweater, dark slacks and green and white striped apron? She played no part in the book whatsoever, so why include details about her?
Another major issue I had in regards to this book was the dialogue. It was extremely stilted in places, almost like someone reading out loud from a formal script, not someone speaking to a friend. When Carrie Ann says she sends simple texts, they are far from. “Saw Wentworth peeing in my window again. I confronted him, and he ran away. I think he may have had a camera. Anyway, all is quiet now”. That’s simple?! The only American character is Carrie Ann, but somehow all her characters seem to slip into American vernacular. Penny repeatedly calls biscuits “cookies” which is an American word. Even Ian Gordon uses American speech patterns, and he is supposed to be Scottish. I feel if the author cannot correctly represent speech patterns and vocabulary from another country she should not write about it!
The author also seems to toggle back and forth with the idea about the murder weapon – the poison pie. At first Carrie Ann decides that she only baked 1 lemon pie, then she decides she baked 2, then back to 1 etc. It made the detail very confusing, and it was an important detail! The author also seems to repeat the points about the pies throughout the book. I felt 20-30 pages could have been shaved off the length of the book had the author not repeated herself so much, especially towards the end of the book.
The final issue I had with this book was down to the editing. Things like “After making the Danishes, I put THEN in the fridge to wait…” on page 176 should not slip by the editor. A few pages later is “I could see my breath and a shiver struck , me running down my spine.” This is just sloppy editing and frustrating. Simple mistakes should not make it into a published book. While the book showed some promise for the next in the series, I think overall, based on the stilted dialogue, general repetition, the unending list of unimportant characters, the sloppy ending and the general sense of being unbelievable I will not read the next book written by Nell Hampton.
Another major issue I had in regards to this book was the dialogue. It was extremely stilted in places, almost like someone reading out loud from a formal script, not someone speaking to a friend. When Carrie Ann says she sends simple texts, they are far from. “Saw Wentworth peeing in my window again. I confronted him, and he ran away. I think he may have had a camera. Anyway, all is quiet now”. That’s simple?! The only American character is Carrie Ann, but somehow all her characters seem to slip into American vernacular. Penny repeatedly calls biscuits “cookies” which is an American word. Even Ian Gordon uses American speech patterns, and he is supposed to be Scottish. I feel if the author cannot correctly represent speech patterns and vocabulary from another country she should not write about it!
The author also seems to toggle back and forth with the idea about the murder weapon – the poison pie. At first Carrie Ann decides that she only baked 1 lemon pie, then she decides she baked 2, then back to 1 etc. It made the detail very confusing, and it was an important detail! The author also seems to repeat the points about the pies throughout the book. I felt 20-30 pages could have been shaved off the length of the book had the author not repeated herself so much, especially towards the end of the book.
The final issue I had with this book was down to the editing. Things like “After making the Danishes, I put THEN in the fridge to wait…” on page 176 should not slip by the editor. A few pages later is “I could see my breath and a shiver struck , me running down my spine.” This is just sloppy editing and frustrating. Simple mistakes should not make it into a published book. While the book showed some promise for the next in the series, I think overall, based on the stilted dialogue, general repetition, the unending list of unimportant characters, the sloppy ending and the general sense of being unbelievable I will not read the next book written by Nell Hampton.
May 21, 2018
This was the second book in the series, but the first one for me. I was given a copy in exchange for an honest review. Reading this one without the other wasn't a problem as the author fills in all the details and backstory. Chef Carrie Ann Cole is a 26-year-old American who comes to England as personal chef for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (known to Americans as William and Kate). I read this just as Harry and Meghan were getting married, so royal news was all over the media. The mystery is set when first one, then two deaths occur in Kensington Palace and Carrie Ann feels compelled to solve the murders in order to clear her name since she is one of the suspects. There are plenty of suspicious characters, clues, and red herrings, as well as two men who provide romantic opportunities for Carrie Ann. It's a fun read, as light as the lemon meringue pie which turns out to be poisonous.
I have two complaints though. While the food, dishes, and recipes are described in delicious detail, there are only two pie recipes listed at the end of the book. How about a recipe at the end of each chapter, especially since the author is an acknowledged "avid foodie"? Plus the instances where money is mentioned it's referred to as dollars, not pounds. This seemed like a major blunder for a book that takes place just outside of London, and refers to other British attributes such as tea and wet weather/fog.
But overall it's a fun mystery which will keep you guessing - and craving pie!
I have two complaints though. While the food, dishes, and recipes are described in delicious detail, there are only two pie recipes listed at the end of the book. How about a recipe at the end of each chapter, especially since the author is an acknowledged "avid foodie"? Plus the instances where money is mentioned it's referred to as dollars, not pounds. This seemed like a major blunder for a book that takes place just outside of London, and refers to other British attributes such as tea and wet weather/fog.
But overall it's a fun mystery which will keep you guessing - and craving pie!
March 27, 2018
This is the second in this yummy series! Carrie Ann is a long way from her American home. Having lucked out with a job as personal chef for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. And while Carrie is thrilled, not everyone in the kitchens is happy.
When Carrie is asked to cater a shower for a close friend of the Duchess at The Orangery, she goes all out on a pie theme. Baking late into the night, when she looks up to see a face in the window. When she sees the man again at the Orangery she tries to find out what he is doing snooping on her, and with a camera no less!
When the peeping tom is found face down in one of Carrie's pies, poisoned no less, she needs to figure out what is going on and who would want pictures of her and her kitchen?
With jealous chefs, cheating spouses, cat fights and murder, the palace is not looking so hot right now. With a plateful of suspects the author had me going and guessing to the very end! Did not see that one!
This is one delicious cozy mystery!
NetGalley/Crooked Lane Books
April 10th 2018 by Crooked Lane Books
When Carrie is asked to cater a shower for a close friend of the Duchess at The Orangery, she goes all out on a pie theme. Baking late into the night, when she looks up to see a face in the window. When she sees the man again at the Orangery she tries to find out what he is doing snooping on her, and with a camera no less!
When the peeping tom is found face down in one of Carrie's pies, poisoned no less, she needs to figure out what is going on and who would want pictures of her and her kitchen?
With jealous chefs, cheating spouses, cat fights and murder, the palace is not looking so hot right now. With a plateful of suspects the author had me going and guessing to the very end! Did not see that one!
This is one delicious cozy mystery!
NetGalley/Crooked Lane Books
April 10th 2018 by Crooked Lane Books
April 6, 2018
This is book 2 in the Kensington Palace Chef series and it's a great addition to the series. Carrie Ann is not a newbie any longer and she's loving cooking for the Prince William and his family. When an employee of the palace is murdered with one of Carrie Ann's pies she must prove her innocence or leave in disgrace. When another chef is murdered and another is poisoned Carrie Ann is the only chef left. Intrigue and "politics" in the kitchens make for a fun read. Can't wait for book three, this is becoming one of my favorite series. I received this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
May 21, 2018
Lord of the Pies is a wonderful book about Carrie Ann Cole and her dream job as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's personal chef at Kensington Palace. The reader gets a glimpse at the behind the scenes goings on at the Palace, which I thought were fascinating and intriguing. This second book in the Kensington Palace Chef Mysteries has wedding showers, cooking competitions (bringing to mind The Great British Bake-Off, which I love), rivalries, and an apparent plot to eliminate the Kensington Palace chefs! Carrie Ann, with the help of her best friend, Penny, is determined to solve the murders of a creepy, stalking waiter as well as The Orangery Chef and lothario, Chef Wright. She is not afraid to put herself right into the middle of the investigation, as she might be the next chef targeted.
I really enjoy reading about Carrie Ann and of her friends, co-workers, and superiors at the Palace, and this book draws you right into the action. Lord of the Pies is an enjoyable and engaging read that I highly recommend.
I voluntarily received a copy of this book, and all thoughts and opinions are solely my own.
I really enjoy reading about Carrie Ann and of her friends, co-workers, and superiors at the Palace, and this book draws you right into the action. Lord of the Pies is an enjoyable and engaging read that I highly recommend.
I voluntarily received a copy of this book, and all thoughts and opinions are solely my own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 6, 2018
I enjoyed this second installment in the Kensington Palace Chef mysteries, though not quite as much as I did the first one. The first one swept me away and I was never bored. There were a couple times with this one where I was just plowing through and not completely enjoying it. I can't say for sure what was different though.
The characters are great. I love Carrie Ann, Penny, Jasper, Ian and the rest of them. Ms. Hampton really makes them come alive.
Being set in London is great. I'd love to visit one day. Until then, I'll enjoy books like this and Jenn McKinlay's Hat Shop Mysteries.
All in all it was a good book, just not quite as great as the first one, but I do recommend it!
The characters are great. I love Carrie Ann, Penny, Jasper, Ian and the rest of them. Ms. Hampton really makes them come alive.
Being set in London is great. I'd love to visit one day. Until then, I'll enjoy books like this and Jenn McKinlay's Hat Shop Mysteries.
All in all it was a good book, just not quite as great as the first one, but I do recommend it!
June 15, 2018
Lord of the Pies by Nell Hampton is a charming and delightful mystery. In this second installment in the series we find more character development with, Carrie Ann, Penny, Jasper and Ian. The mystery plot had me guessing throughout the entire book. The delicious recipe descriptions made me want to bake a pie. And the London and Royal Family setting was a lovely fantasy.
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