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Sweet Peach Bakery #1

A Dash of Peach

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It is well known that Momma Peach's bakery sells the best bread and peach pie in Pine Falls, Georgia. But what fewer people know is that Momma is also a bit of an amateur detective.

One bright morning, her friend Michelle Chan pays her a visit and tells her that a strange man has been poisoned by her famous pie. Of course, Momma Peach wants nothing more than to find the culprit. But it is a lot harder than it looks.

As Michelle and Momma's investigation goes on, more bodies begin to drop. Momma Peach and her loved ones are threatened by a dangerous killer with an agenda. It is up to the two ladies to keep the townsfolk safe from a murderer whose roots go deeper than either of them could ever imagine.

Can Momma Peach, Michelle and their friends uncover the truth about the murders? Or will their faith and determination not be enough and they find themselves faced with even more deaths?

Find out in this gripping cozy mystery by Wendy Meadows - and make sure to stock up on sweet tea and cobbler!

236 pages, ebook

First published September 3, 2017

571 people are currently reading
484 people want to read

About the author

Wendy Meadows

184 books436 followers
Wendy Meadows is a USA Today bestselling cozy mystery author who creates the perfect escape for readers who love amateur sleuths, small-town secrets, and mysteries you can solve with a cup of tea in hand.

Her beloved series—including Sweetfern Harbor, Alaska Cozy Mysteries, and Travel Writer Mysteries—feature quirky characters, family bonds, and charming whodunits with no gore, just gentle intrigue that keeps you guessing.

When she's not plotting her next puzzle, she's spoiling her pets, enjoying time with her two adult children, and hunting for the perfect hybrid tea rose to inspire her peaceful settings.

Join her cozy community and get a free ebook plus behind-the-scenes peeks into her stories and characters.

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5 stars
257 (46%)
4 stars
153 (27%)
3 stars
88 (16%)
2 stars
35 (6%)
1 star
15 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
120 reviews1 follower
November 26, 2020
Love Momma Peach

Mamma Peach is great character. She’s direct, bossy, and lovable. This cozy mystery is one I would recommend to my friends.
Profile Image for Tari.
3,667 reviews103 followers
September 5, 2017
Momma Peach is a hard working lady who owns a bakery that specializes in Momma's amazing peach pie. She never had kids of her own so everyone is "baby" to her. She's also known as an amateur sleuth in her town and the local police support her and use her as a consultant on cases. Michelle is her police officer friend that she usually takes along when she questions suspects.

This book was hilarious in places! I just had to keep reading. I love, love, love the character of Momma Peach, she's the kind of person everyone would love to know and have her in their life. She pulls no punches (literally, she hits them with her handbag instead lol), tells it like it is and if you are lying, well you better watch out.

I know some people will criticize the procedural parts of this but to me the best part is the action of Momma going after those that she thinks are guilty and Michelle having her back. This is, after all, a fun fiction story so I just don't get too caught up in details of procedures etc. I love the details of the story. This was one very twisty mystery but if you read carefully, you won't have any problems understanding what went on. My rating is based on an entertainment factor and I was thoroughly entertained by this fun book.

I got the biggest kick out of Momma Peach dealing with her aunt on the phone, going after the infamous fly that kept coming into her bakery to bother her or threatening some perp with her handbag. She is a real hoot! I really would be interested in seeing what her next adventure brings!

I was sent an ARC of this book by the author. I volunteered to read and provide my honest opinions.
Profile Image for Bonnie Drummond.
921 reviews19 followers
September 26, 2020
This was a heart warming book #1 A Dash of Peach in the series Sweet Peach Bakery by: Wendy Meadows. You fall in love with Momma Peach she owns the bakery and will grab your heart and never let go. She tells it like it is and that is it. And you better not say anything bad or you get her Purse up side your head. She is very protected of her 3 grown ( babies ) women and will go after anyone who threaten them. This book was a fun book to read and I can't wait to read book 2.
Profile Image for Barbara Tobey.
3,014 reviews86 followers
September 7, 2017
A charming southern dash of cozy mystery. Momma Peach became almost as offensive as the "f" word for me. No, there is no swearing in this book. Just way too many uses of the words "Momma Peach." Yes, that should have added cuteness to the story, but it got old for me fast. Can't help but wonder what MP will be cooking when peach season is over. It doesn't last long. Enjoyed getting to know her "babies," especially the detective.
Profile Image for Linda Rainey.
2,348 reviews21 followers
August 25, 2020
Lovely Book

This was a lovely book and an excellent start to a new series.
The suspense,twists and turns kept my eyes glued to the page.
I loved the storyline and the awesome , with Mama Peach being my favorite.
This book is recommended for those who love cozy mysteries.
11 reviews
December 17, 2020
So happy I took a chance on "different"!

This series doesn't follow the usual, but enjoyable, cozy formula - but I have grown to love, love, love everything about it! The main characters, especially Momma Peach, are fun, funny, smart, and most importantly to me, people of faith. I highly recommend it!!
167 reviews63 followers
April 3, 2020
A tasty treat

Fun and fiesta main character leads the story to a predictable yet satisfying climax. A good way to spend time in a cozy!
Profile Image for Donna.
1,385 reviews
January 15, 2019
When I started this book I wasn’t sure that I’d finish it because I just couldn’t warm to Momma Peach. She was too much - too loving, too supportive, too much acknowledged as a super sleuth, etc. Her reaction to the fly seemed a little over the top too. However, as the plot picked up momentum and the twists and turns kept coming, I found myself fully engaged with story. And, to my surprise, I found that I rather liked Momma Peach. She’s a unique main character and I’m looking forward to more of her adventures.
346 reviews3 followers
May 15, 2020
I'll start off with the name Momma Peach. I lost count of how many times the name appeared, but I finally just started reading Momma. I also didn't see how Momma Peach suddenly solved the crime with no real evidence. She suddenly pulled everything together and solved the case. I finished the book just to mark it off my list, but it'll be done time if I read more by this author.
Profile Image for Shannon.
503 reviews2 followers
December 12, 2017
Stereotypes and confusion

The overdone stereotyping in this too much. I did not Luke a single character in this book, and that's very unusual for me. If this continues, I won't be able to continue with the series.
Profile Image for Dharia Scarab.
3,255 reviews8 followers
December 4, 2017
Since I don't normally write reviews unless I have something specific to say, here's the break down of how I rate my books...

1 star... This book was bad, so bad I may have given up and skipped to the end. I will avoid this author like the plague in the future.

2 stars... This book was not very good, and I won't be reading any more from the author.

3 stars... This book was ok, but I won't go out of my way to read more, But if I find another book by the author for under a dollar I'd pick it up.

4 stars... I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be on the look out to pick up more from the series/author.

5 stars... I loved this book! It has earned a permanent home in my collection and I'll be picking up the rest of the series and other books from the author ASAP.
1,187 reviews4 followers
November 4, 2019
Momma Peach has the best bakery in Pine Falls, Georgia but she is also very intelligent, witty and curious making her an accomplished amateur detective. When she finds out a stranger has been poisoned by one of her amazing pies, well she just has to investigate.

This is the first in the cozy Sweet Bakery Mystery series filled creativity and wonderful crafted characters. The characters are filled with unique and interesting personalities that pull you into the story. I enjoyed the mystery, how Mamma went about solving it and all the twists and turns that kept it interesting. The humour was great. This book was easy to read but difficult to put down. It is a great introduction to the series and the fantastic characters. I can not wait to read more books from this series.
Profile Image for Janet Graham.
2,506 reviews12 followers
June 24, 2018
It's a Peach of a Mystery!
This is a fun, cozy mystery. The plot was very well executed. The characters are pretty quirky. Our hero, Momma Peach is truly unique! There is so much of the story that is flat-out unbelievable. As such, a little whimsy can be a good thing. In this story, it all works. I think I will enjoy the series, but probably wouldn't be able to binge on it due to how over-the-top Momma Peach can be. I do love her Christian ethic and outlook on life. Also, there are many touches of nature throughout the story. I received this book for free and voluntarily chose to post my honest review.
252 reviews1 follower
September 26, 2020
Momma Peaches is on the Case.

5 gold stars 20 million more. This first book A Dash Of Peach book #1 is a incredible read that will leave you wanting more of this series. From Momma Peach herself, to Michelle Chan homicide, to the two works that works there with her, and her friends that will help solve this case. No one gets past Momma Peaches unless you want her "Purse" up side the head. and lots of of Momma Peaches then this book and series is for you. Nothing wrong with any of the plot and no cussing. I would tell my friends and family that says you need to read this and laugh and be a little up set with the characters Know I can't wait for book #2.
Profile Image for Deb Quinn.
294 reviews2 followers
September 7, 2024
For me, the characters in this story were a bit over the top. The main character, Momma Peach, had some good characteristics, but she seemed to pick fights with people, and hit several characters with her pocketbook, something I don't believe would be tolerated as much as it was in this story. The police detective, Michelle, is a martial arts expert, who also seemed to pick fights, which again, would not be tolerated in a police officer. Setting that to the side, it was hard to figure out how Momma Peach solved some of the aspects of the case when there was no apparent evidence, and her train of thought was kept out of the story. It was a quick read, but not as engaging as I had hoped.
2,250 reviews44 followers
January 21, 2026
One of the things I like most about cozy mysteries is the eclectic mix of interesting characters. A Dash of Peach has plenty of them! Momma Peach is an African American woman in her mid-sixties. She is probably the best detective East of the Mississippi. She runs Sweet Peach Bakery in Pine Falls, Georgia with the help of Rosa Mendez (22) and Mandy Mayberry (20). Her good friend Detective Michelle Chan needs her help when a dead man is found hunched over a plate of Momma's peach pie. What ensues is major sleuthing that unearths some long hidden secrets. I really enjoyed this cozy. It held my attention from beginning to end and I'm looking forward to reading the next book.
Profile Image for Valerie.
738 reviews10 followers
June 28, 2018
Dangerous Desperados

Wow, I love this series. I got started reading them out of order and I'm so glad i decided to go backwards. Once you get started reading you can't stop. Momma Peach is your favorite grandma, and a dang good detective. If you're her family she will fight to the death for you.
She teams up with Det. Michelle Chen to solve a murder in their town. The further they look into it the more criminals they find and death threats start to follow.
If you love an awesome cozy mystery do not miss this series.
1,024 reviews19 followers
July 16, 2018
Mama Peach is so funny. She demands the respect she deserves and has earned. Her nosiness gets her in bad situations and has earned her a reputation as a talented sleuth. You cannot keep from laughing at her antics. As the first book in this series a lot of groundwork is laid for the future books. Michelle is one of the main characters along with Mama Peach. This is a fun series and I am looking forward to reading more of Ms. Meadows books. Gave the paperback to a friend and she thinks the book is great. A fun cozy mystery.
1,234 reviews11 followers
June 25, 2020
Momma Peach is a hoot!

Momma Peach owns the Sweet a Peach Bakery and is an off-the-books detective in her spare time! She is a Momma to half the town it sounds like, as well as being friends with Detective Michelle Chan. Together they are a winning detective team. This crime/murder is rather convoluted but you just know they’ll get it
figured out. I just love a Momma a Peach and her down home sayings, “Give me strength” being a frequent one. This is one enjoyable cozy mystery and I’d love to read more!
Profile Image for Christiana.
89 reviews23 followers
March 8, 2023
If you’re looking for a cute, over the top, quick solving,
over the top characters and a short read this just might be for you. It just wasn’t for me though, while the premise was nice with the bakery and the crime solving, I find it almost insulting a police officer basically had nothing much to do with solving the case and came to someone to do their job for them. Also Momma Peach is a hoot but everything to solve this case came out of nowhere and the authors logic to convolute the plot line of the mystery just made it fall short.
Profile Image for Sandra.
278 reviews3 followers
January 4, 2018
This charming cozy is filled with love. Mama Peach loves to bake; she loves her three babies; she loves her town; and she loves religion. She doesn't love snakes. And in this mystery she's faced with various species of criminals referred to as snakes. Mama Peach's babies are two young girls that work for her and the towns female karate cop. The town is small and filled with people who know each other well. This book is a mm easy, pleasant read.
201 reviews5 followers
February 4, 2019
A fun read. Mama Peach unofficially helps solves crimes in her small town. The deputy comes in one morning and tells her a person has been poisoned with her peach pie. Mama Peach immediately goes to work to help solve the crime. She gets herself into all kinds of hot water as she comes closer to the killer. Then he threatens the the girls who work for her, who she calls her babies. That really upsets her.So she lets him know that she will stamp him onto the ground. You really need to read the story to enjoy all the antics and suspense. You will not be sorry if you wants a fun mystery.
Profile Image for Sharon.
295 reviews
May 9, 2019
Set in southern Georgia this series promises to be filled with down home wisdom, the real meaning of family and respect of neighbors and friends. And in all this there will be a fierceness born out of love for God to stomp out evil. Mamma Peach is just the person to do the job. She is loving and encouraging to her family of friends yet fearless and relentless in stopping evil. Fun to read. Well written with good character development.
Profile Image for Denota.
153 reviews2 followers
March 5, 2020
This book was interesting

I have this book 4 stars because,the story was great, the characters weren't. I thought Momma Peach would be a hard person to be around. Sucky sweet. She has a good heart just overly sweet. The only real mystery was how she would catch the killer. The best part of the book was the last 10 pages. If you like busy bodies and sweet southern ladies you'll love it.
38 reviews
October 26, 2020
Okay plot and character development, but way too much hallelujah and women picking fights with everyone

Save me Lord from all this crap! Why would women in the South or any where else go around picking fights with people for "disrespecting" them then hit them with their purse? Then praise the Lord for beating down another bad breathed bum. Get rid of all that deal and you'd have a good story under there. Waste of my time and energy.
310 reviews2 followers
July 6, 2018
Momma Peach is amazing

Momma Peach has her own bakery and is an amateur sleuth. She gets a case from her detective adopted daughter Michelle. A man has died from eating her peach pie, she has no choice but to find out who would do such a thing before rumors start. The web's of lies and deceit she uncovers is crazy and is stuff of soap operas.
Profile Image for Cheryl A..
305 reviews31 followers
July 14, 2018
Oh my gosh, I have never enjoyed a series started more than this one. Great characters, lots of interesting descriptions of people, clothing, places and scenery. There is probably a Momma Peach in every small town. I laughed, almost cried, and had such a fun time with this story. Must read the whole series as I am sure it will be in the top of my favorites!
Profile Image for Cheryl.
1,170 reviews7 followers
January 25, 2020
This is the first in the series, The main characters are Momma Peach and Det. Michelle. When a body shows up next to a Momma Peach pie, Momma Peach and Michelle team up to figure out who did it and why before the killer comes after the ones Momma Peach's loves the most. Can Momma figure it all out in time ?
714 reviews5 followers
January 30, 2020
What a fun introduction to Momma Peach, Michelle, and the Sweet Peach Bakery gang. All from different backgrounds and ethnicities, comes together and becomes family. Nobody and I mean nobody messes with her babies as those who try comes to find out that Momma Bear does whatever it takes to protect her cubs as that pesky fly seems to be the only one that eludes her from beginning to end.
Profile Image for Naticia.
812 reviews17 followers
April 7, 2020
I had trouble coming up with a rating on this. I did not like the over the top characters, especially the impossibility of Momma Peach, the main character. There was a lot of violence for a cozy, and Momma's way of talking made me twitch. Will definitely not be reading any more of this series, though might try others by the author.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews

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