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Sweet Baked Mysteries #1
Cupcakes and Conspiracies
Alternate cover edition of ASIN B077CLF9SP
Welcome to Hanmer Springs. Small town. Big secrets.
With a divorce pending and her career hanging in the balance, Holly Waterston returns to her hometown of Hanmer Springs to lick her wounds. According to her accountant, she also needs to sell the cupcake bakery owned and operated by her family for three generations. The bakery is the only place Holly's younger sister Crystal has ever worked.
But when their mortgage holder suffers anaphylactic shock after eating a cupcake, Crystal is chief suspect for the attempted murder. Despite being labeled allergy-free, the cake was chock full of peanuts.
Holly must dig in her heels and don an apron if she's to clear her sister's name, uncover the real culprit, and find out why their booming business is hemorrhaging money. If she can't, then Holly might lose Crystal to prison and lose the one place she can truly call home.
This Sweet Baked Mystery is certified allergy-free of the following ingredients:
No Swearing
No Gore
No Graphic Scenes
and absolutely No Cliffhangers!
Warning: May contain traces of danger and good humor.
Welcome to Hanmer Springs. Small town. Big secrets.
With a divorce pending and her career hanging in the balance, Holly Waterston returns to her hometown of Hanmer Springs to lick her wounds. According to her accountant, she also needs to sell the cupcake bakery owned and operated by her family for three generations. The bakery is the only place Holly's younger sister Crystal has ever worked.
But when their mortgage holder suffers anaphylactic shock after eating a cupcake, Crystal is chief suspect for the attempted murder. Despite being labeled allergy-free, the cake was chock full of peanuts.
Holly must dig in her heels and don an apron if she's to clear her sister's name, uncover the real culprit, and find out why their booming business is hemorrhaging money. If she can't, then Holly might lose Crystal to prison and lose the one place she can truly call home.
This Sweet Baked Mystery is certified allergy-free of the following ingredients:
No Swearing
No Gore
No Graphic Scenes
and absolutely No Cliffhangers!
Warning: May contain traces of danger and good humor.
180 pages, ebook
First published November 27, 2017
1613 people are currently reading
888 people want to read
About the author
Katherine Hayton
64 books497 followersI'm a middle-aged woman who works in insurance, doesn't have children or pets, can't drive, has lived in Christchurch my entire life, and currently reside a two-minute walk from where I was born.
For some reason, I've developed a rich fantasy life.
I like to write mysteries, some set in my hometown of Christchurch, others ninety minutes up the road in the beautiful township of Hanmer Springs, or in the quasi-fictional town of Pinetar. These mysteries range from hard-hitting psychological thrillers, through to police procedurals, or the lighter adventure of a cozy mystery.
For some reason, I've developed a rich fantasy life.
I like to write mysteries, some set in my hometown of Christchurch, others ninety minutes up the road in the beautiful township of Hanmer Springs, or in the quasi-fictional town of Pinetar. These mysteries range from hard-hitting psychological thrillers, through to police procedurals, or the lighter adventure of a cozy mystery.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews
July 31, 2020
For my full review, visit me at https://mrsbrownsbooks.wordpress.com/...
I love baking. I like to read cozy mysteries. So why not give this one a go, then? Alas, this was not the sweet success I was hoping for. I was left with a bittersweet taste in my mouth, a “soggy bottom” (a reference for any Bake Off fans out there), and a sunken middle. Yes, readers, this book was not my favourite.
For my full review, visit me at https://mrsbrownsbooks.wordpress.com/...
I love baking. I like to read cozy mysteries. So why not give this one a go, then? Alas, this was not the sweet success I was hoping for. I was left with a bittersweet taste in my mouth, a “soggy bottom” (a reference for any Bake Off fans out there), and a sunken middle. Yes, readers, this book was not my favourite.
For my full review, visit me at https://mrsbrownsbooks.wordpress.com/...
September 20, 2018
Cupcakes and conspiracies
This was a mystery with a bakery as the basis and two sisters as the main characters. Holly has come home to her childhood home where her sister is living alone. She has just separated from her husband after he has asked for a divorce. Crystal has been trying to hold the bakery together by herself and isn’t turning a profit. Humphrey, the accountant for the bakery sent Holly the figures because he thinks Crystal is going to lose the bakery. The story fills in background history of the sisters and their lives when Crystal goes on a run to deliver cupcakes and a man nearly dies after eating a cupcake with peanuts in it, Crystal is arrested for attempted murder and Holly’s life takes a strange twist. The story keeps you guessing almost to the last paragraph as to “who dunnit”.
This was a mystery with a bakery as the basis and two sisters as the main characters. Holly has come home to her childhood home where her sister is living alone. She has just separated from her husband after he has asked for a divorce. Crystal has been trying to hold the bakery together by herself and isn’t turning a profit. Humphrey, the accountant for the bakery sent Holly the figures because he thinks Crystal is going to lose the bakery. The story fills in background history of the sisters and their lives when Crystal goes on a run to deliver cupcakes and a man nearly dies after eating a cupcake with peanuts in it, Crystal is arrested for attempted murder and Holly’s life takes a strange twist. The story keeps you guessing almost to the last paragraph as to “who dunnit”.
January 21, 2019
I read this through Amazon Prime. It sounded interesting and fun. This is a cozy mystery with a little more weight. It has the element of the inexperienced person trying to solve the crime, in this case it's Holly trying to clear her little sister of attempted murder. Crystal owns and operates a Bakery that is not doing as well as it appears. Or so Holly thinks. But, what I really like about this is that it also talks about addiction recovery. While that aspect is used to throw more suspicion onto Crystal, it is handled decently. I cannot speak from personal experience, but it touches on the lifelong process healing from addiction is. It's not glossed over or sensationalized.
I also really like the characters and the small town atmosphere. I look forward to continuing on with this series.
I also really like the characters and the small town atmosphere. I look forward to continuing on with this series.
May 1, 2020
Holly Waterston heads back to her home township of Hamner Springs to see her sister after their father's death. Holly is bringing bad news. Their family bakery is losing money and it's time to close and sell the bakery and their house to pay their debts. How can she break the news to her sister Crystal who runs the bakery singlehandedly? It is the only place Crystal had ever worked and been in their family for four generations. After arriving in Hamner Springs, Holly learns a surprising secret about her sister and discovers her sister's unique relationship with Derek Masters. Derek's father, a wealthy businessman, is angry with the Waterstons for interfering in what he sees as private, family business. He vows to ruin them if they interfere again but before Mr. Masters can confront the Waterstons again, he collapses from anaphylactic shock after eating one of Crystal's cupcakes. Naturally the police suspect Cyrstal. Holly knows her sister may have made mistakes in the past but she's not a murderer. Holly is determined to clear her sister's name and sets out to investigate before Mr. Masters dies and Crystal is charged with murder.
This mystery is quick and easy to read, aside from grammatical errors. (Derek Masters, Mr. Masters, Masters's house) The New Zealand setting was different and I liked learning about Hamner Springs. The backstories of some of the characters are darker than I expected. I successfully guessed at one of the final revelations but not all of them. I was surprised at the slightly dark tinge to the mystery.
I like Crystal and think she's a sympathetic character. She's kind to everyone she meets and clearly is passionate about carrying on the family tradition. Holly, having lived in the big city, is more cynical and based in reality. I understand the importance of family tradition and the idea of them losing their bakery is heartbreaking.
Hamner Springs is full of unique characters. Derek Masters, a young man trying to recover from an alcohol addiction, is embarrassed the entire township knows his business. It's difficult to recover with so many prying eyes on him and an angry father who has his own way of helping his son. Mr. Masters is not a nice person. He's a successful businessman for a reason and he seems to have an anger management problem. I hate the way he treats his son. Poor Derek! I wouldn't be surprised if Derek hurt his father in anger. He certainly knows his father is allergic to peanuts. Ben next door helps out in the shop when Crystal has to make deliveries. I'm not sure why she's making deliveries herself and not having Ben do it because he may not know the difference between putting money in the till and taking it out. No wonder the bakery is losing money! Did he find out Crystal is on to him and frame her for intending to kill Mr. Masters?
Among the quirky townspeople is Harriet, an annoying, indecisive lady. She is snippy and rude to everyone. More important is Meggie who is quick to snap back at Harriet and tell it like she sees it. Meggie is generous, kind, helpful and fast becoming a good friend to Holly. I don't quite trust her, being more cynical than Holly. Meggie is also a small business owner and she has a good reason to want Mr. Masters out of the picture. Then there's Esmeralda, an elderly lady with sneaky motives. She looks like a witch and acts like one too. I don't trust her. Alice, who runs the cafe across the courtyard, is not at all sympathetic or kind to Crystal when Mr. Masters collapses. Where else is she going to get baked goods from recipes perfected over 4 generations? Has anyone ever had a reaction to peanuts before? It may just be an accident or something else entirely. Alice doesn't give Crystal the benefit of the doubt. However, she is probably worried about her own business losses. Humphrey, who handles the bakery's accounts, seems suspicious to me but that might be too obvious. He seems incompetent at best or stupid if he's a villain. Wendy Tahoe, a new character introduced late in the story, is a harried mother-of-the-bride. She comes to the bakery with a tall order- one that could make or break the shop. She seems oblivious of the expense and time involved in such a thing. Does her daughter even WANT what she wants? This story sets the stage for book 2.
I liked this book well enough but not enough to want to read more of the series.
At the police station, there's PC Dale Raggorn who seems to be into Holly. He's funny and charming but she's technically married so their flirting is not quite kosher with me. Also, every time she visits, he seems to have a card game up on his computer screen. I don't know about NZ, but here in the U.S. that could get you in hot water or fired at work. Sergeant Matthewson aka Andrew aka Andy is fair as far as detectives go. He doesn't want to accuse Crystal but he has to follow the evidence. He's kind enough to let Holly wait but isn't intimidated by her bulldog stance at protecting her sister. Matthewson is a good guy compared to most cozy detectives.
This mystery is quick and easy to read, aside from grammatical errors. (Derek Masters, Mr. Masters, Masters's house) The New Zealand setting was different and I liked learning about Hamner Springs. The backstories of some of the characters are darker than I expected. I successfully guessed at one of the final revelations but not all of them. I was surprised at the slightly dark tinge to the mystery.
I like Crystal and think she's a sympathetic character. She's kind to everyone she meets and clearly is passionate about carrying on the family tradition. Holly, having lived in the big city, is more cynical and based in reality. I understand the importance of family tradition and the idea of them losing their bakery is heartbreaking.
Hamner Springs is full of unique characters. Derek Masters, a young man trying to recover from an alcohol addiction, is embarrassed the entire township knows his business. It's difficult to recover with so many prying eyes on him and an angry father who has his own way of helping his son. Mr. Masters is not a nice person. He's a successful businessman for a reason and he seems to have an anger management problem. I hate the way he treats his son. Poor Derek! I wouldn't be surprised if Derek hurt his father in anger. He certainly knows his father is allergic to peanuts. Ben next door helps out in the shop when Crystal has to make deliveries. I'm not sure why she's making deliveries herself and not having Ben do it because he may not know the difference between putting money in the till and taking it out. No wonder the bakery is losing money! Did he find out Crystal is on to him and frame her for intending to kill Mr. Masters?
Among the quirky townspeople is Harriet, an annoying, indecisive lady. She is snippy and rude to everyone. More important is Meggie who is quick to snap back at Harriet and tell it like she sees it. Meggie is generous, kind, helpful and fast becoming a good friend to Holly. I don't quite trust her, being more cynical than Holly. Meggie is also a small business owner and she has a good reason to want Mr. Masters out of the picture. Then there's Esmeralda, an elderly lady with sneaky motives. She looks like a witch and acts like one too. I don't trust her. Alice, who runs the cafe across the courtyard, is not at all sympathetic or kind to Crystal when Mr. Masters collapses. Where else is she going to get baked goods from recipes perfected over 4 generations? Has anyone ever had a reaction to peanuts before? It may just be an accident or something else entirely. Alice doesn't give Crystal the benefit of the doubt. However, she is probably worried about her own business losses. Humphrey, who handles the bakery's accounts, seems suspicious to me but that might be too obvious. He seems incompetent at best or stupid if he's a villain. Wendy Tahoe, a new character introduced late in the story, is a harried mother-of-the-bride. She comes to the bakery with a tall order- one that could make or break the shop. She seems oblivious of the expense and time involved in such a thing. Does her daughter even WANT what she wants? This story sets the stage for book 2.
I liked this book well enough but not enough to want to read more of the series.
At the police station, there's PC Dale Raggorn who seems to be into Holly. He's funny and charming but she's technically married so their flirting is not quite kosher with me. Also, every time she visits, he seems to have a card game up on his computer screen. I don't know about NZ, but here in the U.S. that could get you in hot water or fired at work. Sergeant Matthewson aka Andrew aka Andy is fair as far as detectives go. He doesn't want to accuse Crystal but he has to follow the evidence. He's kind enough to let Holly wait but isn't intimidated by her bulldog stance at protecting her sister. Matthewson is a good guy compared to most cozy detectives.
January 20, 2021
A short and sweet mystery story. I love that it takes place in a small town. I also love the relationship between the two sisters. Grab this book if you like mysteries because this one was well written.
February 26, 2021
I love cupcakes and mysteries so this was the perfect series to start. Cute cozy mystery, definitely will be continuing to read these.
November 2, 2023
Okay Read
This was an alright read. This is the first book of the Sweet Baked Mysteries series. In this book, Holly Waterston comes back to her hometown of Hanmer Springs with a divorce pending and her career on the line. Her accountant tells her that she has to sell the cupcake bakery owned by her family for three generations. Her sister Crystal works at the bakery, the only place where she ever felt like she had a sense of purpose and belonging. Then, their mortgage holder, Mr. Masters, suffers anaphylactic shock after eating a cupcake with peanuts from their bakery. Crystal is the prime suspect, and Holly has to try and clear her name. I thought the story was good, but it could have been less complicated. Also, I loved the sister dynamic between Crystal and Holly. I would have liked to know more about their childhood and their father. Also, I thought the book could have been longer to expand on the story because I think the ideas could have been better expressed. I thought the ending was good. I am interested to see what else happens in this series. I cannot wait to read book 2. Overall, an okay read.
This was an alright read. This is the first book of the Sweet Baked Mysteries series. In this book, Holly Waterston comes back to her hometown of Hanmer Springs with a divorce pending and her career on the line. Her accountant tells her that she has to sell the cupcake bakery owned by her family for three generations. Her sister Crystal works at the bakery, the only place where she ever felt like she had a sense of purpose and belonging. Then, their mortgage holder, Mr. Masters, suffers anaphylactic shock after eating a cupcake with peanuts from their bakery. Crystal is the prime suspect, and Holly has to try and clear her name. I thought the story was good, but it could have been less complicated. Also, I loved the sister dynamic between Crystal and Holly. I would have liked to know more about their childhood and their father. Also, I thought the book could have been longer to expand on the story because I think the ideas could have been better expressed. I thought the ending was good. I am interested to see what else happens in this series. I cannot wait to read book 2. Overall, an okay read.
October 28, 2023
Hanmer Springs, South Island, New Zealand
Summer
This story involves attempted murder, recipes, allergies, and fraud. The mystery was different. I haven't read many cozy mysteries with this kind of ending. The story also involves addiction and family. It was handled well, and I like that it wasn't the sole focus of the story. I also like the location. It's one that I haven't read about before. Most of the cozy mysteries I read take place in the USA or England.
Summer
This story involves attempted murder, recipes, allergies, and fraud. The mystery was different. I haven't read many cozy mysteries with this kind of ending. The story also involves addiction and family. It was handled well, and I like that it wasn't the sole focus of the story. I also like the location. It's one that I haven't read about before. Most of the cozy mysteries I read take place in the USA or England.
August 23, 2020
A yummy cozy mystery
Interesting storyline and intriguing characters. Add in the description of yummy desserts and you’ll be drooling. Just wish there were a few of those top secret bakery recipes included!
Interesting storyline and intriguing characters. Add in the description of yummy desserts and you’ll be drooling. Just wish there were a few of those top secret bakery recipes included!
April 7, 2022
I really loved it! Such a great book!
I love how the sisters are working together at the bakery and Holly was a perfect Jon to find the suspect who killed Brain by the cupcake accident..So good!
Looking forward to read another book series soon…
I love how the sisters are working together at the bakery and Holly was a perfect Jon to find the suspect who killed Brain by the cupcake accident..So good!
Looking forward to read another book series soon…
December 11, 2022
3.5 but rounded to 4 because it was a strong 3.5.
September 1, 2020
Enjoyable
I watched thru the pages as Holly and Crystal sorted all the hits they were taking from a hidden source. Holly was still trying to come to grips with the fallout from her crumbling marriage. I am sure that will be reckoned with in some upcoming books. Thank you, Katherine Hayton, for giving us a glimpse of your homeland.
I watched thru the pages as Holly and Crystal sorted all the hits they were taking from a hidden source. Holly was still trying to come to grips with the fallout from her crumbling marriage. I am sure that will be reckoned with in some upcoming books. Thank you, Katherine Hayton, for giving us a glimpse of your homeland.
November 5, 2022
3.5 stars I got the 6-book series free from a Book Bub Daily Deal email and read the first one since it was conveniently already on my Kindle when I finished my last book. While this wasn't a spectacular book by any means, there was still something about it that drew me to it and made me keep going back to it to see how it ends.
Holly Waterson is living in Christchurch and on the the verge of divorce. After a bit of a meltdown, she returns to her small hometown of Hanmer for a bit of a vacation and to talk to her sister about selling their family home and bakery (which her sister, Crystal, is running) to get out of the debt their father's death has saddled them with. But when the town's banker is almost killed with a peanut-laced cupcake following an argument with Crystal, it's up to Hannah to prove her sister didn't do it, even though all signs pointed to it being one of Crystal's cupcakes.
The writing is a bit uneven at times and the ending was a bit of a surprise. But the sisters are written as very real and the author did not include a lot of extraneous characters to keep track of or to use as red herrings, which I appreciated. The book also ended in a way that made for an easy segue way in to the second book (which I've already started). Overall, it was pretty standard for a cozy mystery and was a quick and fun read.
Holly Waterson is living in Christchurch and on the the verge of divorce. After a bit of a meltdown, she returns to her small hometown of Hanmer for a bit of a vacation and to talk to her sister about selling their family home and bakery (which her sister, Crystal, is running) to get out of the debt their father's death has saddled them with. But when the town's banker is almost killed with a peanut-laced cupcake following an argument with Crystal, it's up to Hannah to prove her sister didn't do it, even though all signs pointed to it being one of Crystal's cupcakes.
The writing is a bit uneven at times and the ending was a bit of a surprise. But the sisters are written as very real and the author did not include a lot of extraneous characters to keep track of or to use as red herrings, which I appreciated. The book also ended in a way that made for an easy segue way in to the second book (which I've already started). Overall, it was pretty standard for a cozy mystery and was a quick and fun read.
March 16, 2023
This is a series, but I have only read Book 1, Cupcakes and Conspiracies. It's pretty good! The setting is a small town named Hamner Springs. The two main characters are sisters. Holly is returning to town; Crystal never left. Crystal is running their family-owned bakery which the accountant says is about to go under. When Holly sees the booming business, there is no way the bakery should be in financial trouble. Then, there is murder. Crystal is the prime suspect. Holly must help determine who the killer is to get her sister freed from jail, and they also need to work out those pesky finances.
It's a fun book. I wish the author had given me more background on the sisters, but I'm hopeful that each book will reveal new details about their personalities. There are some edge-of-your-seat moments, and all the while the author is leaving little hints and clues like sprinkles on a cupcake. The absolute best thing about this book is no cliffhanger! The author has pledged not to use them, thankfully. Nothing ruins a good book more than a cliffhanger!
Some books in this genre tend to be what I call "hokey" (noticeably contrived). This one isn't as "cheesy" or "corny" as most. This is a cozy mystery that is easy and enjoyable to read.
It's a fun book. I wish the author had given me more background on the sisters, but I'm hopeful that each book will reveal new details about their personalities. There are some edge-of-your-seat moments, and all the while the author is leaving little hints and clues like sprinkles on a cupcake. The absolute best thing about this book is no cliffhanger! The author has pledged not to use them, thankfully. Nothing ruins a good book more than a cliffhanger!
Some books in this genre tend to be what I call "hokey" (noticeably contrived). This one isn't as "cheesy" or "corny" as most. This is a cozy mystery that is easy and enjoyable to read.
February 11, 2019
Great cozy mystery
Holly is facing a divorce, and possibly being fired from the law firm she currently works at. She decides to go home to reflect on the life decisions she's facing. While helping her sister run the family bakery, a man her sister had argued with just the night before, ends up being rushed to the hospital from a severe anaphylaxis shock. The culprit is of course the cupcake he had just eaten, a cupcake everyone was him but at the sister's family bakery just moments ago. Can Holly find the real person responsible and clear her sister's name before she loses the family home, bakery and her sister along with her husband and job.
A great cozy mystery full of interesting characters, a great storyline, lots of gossipy townsfolk, New friendships, New beginnings, creepy coincidences, and a surprise twist most mysteries don't have! I enjoyed this first book of the sweet baked mysteries series, and look forward to reading the rest.
Holly is facing a divorce, and possibly being fired from the law firm she currently works at. She decides to go home to reflect on the life decisions she's facing. While helping her sister run the family bakery, a man her sister had argued with just the night before, ends up being rushed to the hospital from a severe anaphylaxis shock. The culprit is of course the cupcake he had just eaten, a cupcake everyone was him but at the sister's family bakery just moments ago. Can Holly find the real person responsible and clear her sister's name before she loses the family home, bakery and her sister along with her husband and job.
A great cozy mystery full of interesting characters, a great storyline, lots of gossipy townsfolk, New friendships, New beginnings, creepy coincidences, and a surprise twist most mysteries don't have! I enjoyed this first book of the sweet baked mysteries series, and look forward to reading the rest.
January 5, 2020
Cupcakes and Conspiracies is the first offering in the Sweet Baked Mysteries by Katherine Hayton.
Holly Waterston has had a rude awakening. Her husband has left her. She decides to visit her sister Crystal in Hammer Springs just 90 minutes from her home in Christ Church, New Zealand.
She has come to see if she can help in the bakery that their father has left them. When a prominent landholder’s health is endangered from eating one of their cupcakes, accusations fly. Will they be arrested? Can Holly get to the bottom of the crime and what is she to do when she uncovers some shady dealings?
This was a clean read with a great mystery that didn’t include death. There were a few mild swear words. All in all a pretty interesting look at a small town in New Zealand.
*I borrowed this ebook from Prime Reading. All opinions are my own.*
Holly Waterston has had a rude awakening. Her husband has left her. She decides to visit her sister Crystal in Hammer Springs just 90 minutes from her home in Christ Church, New Zealand.
She has come to see if she can help in the bakery that their father has left them. When a prominent landholder’s health is endangered from eating one of their cupcakes, accusations fly. Will they be arrested? Can Holly get to the bottom of the crime and what is she to do when she uncovers some shady dealings?
This was a clean read with a great mystery that didn’t include death. There were a few mild swear words. All in all a pretty interesting look at a small town in New Zealand.
*I borrowed this ebook from Prime Reading. All opinions are my own.*
March 3, 2020
I liked this fine, but I didn't love it. I liked the mystery; I thought it was something interesting that I haven't seen before, though, to be honest, I haven't read a ton of cozy mysteries. The characters didn't feel developed to me, likely in part because the book was so short. This book also did something I feel like I see pretty often that often bothers me. The law enforcement officer invited Holly to come along while he was essentially checking her sister's alibi. That seems very farfetched to me, but maybe police officers are more lenient with inviting civilians to be involved in New Zealand. I'm not from New Zealand, so I can't speak to that. Overall, I liked how this was resolved, and it was a light little mystery. I'm not compelled to continue with the series, but I wouldn't be opposed to it.
July 16, 2020
Promising
This has the potential to be a delightful cozy series. The characters are likable for the most part, law enforcement is reasonable and competent, the village offers plenty of scope for future installments, and the mystery is well-written. However, the descriptive imagery needed to offer an introduction to the reader is lacking. Where is Hanmer Springs? How old are Holly and Crystal, and what do they look like? What about Meggie and Matthewson? Are cupcakes the only confections? The most description is wasted on an unlikable peripheral character, Esmerelda. The basics should come automatically at the beginning; further details, such as the why of Holly's estrangement and Crystal's issues, come with further acquaintance. I would recommend this for cozy buffs who can appreciate potential.
This has the potential to be a delightful cozy series. The characters are likable for the most part, law enforcement is reasonable and competent, the village offers plenty of scope for future installments, and the mystery is well-written. However, the descriptive imagery needed to offer an introduction to the reader is lacking. Where is Hanmer Springs? How old are Holly and Crystal, and what do they look like? What about Meggie and Matthewson? Are cupcakes the only confections? The most description is wasted on an unlikable peripheral character, Esmerelda. The basics should come automatically at the beginning; further details, such as the why of Holly's estrangement and Crystal's issues, come with further acquaintance. I would recommend this for cozy buffs who can appreciate potential.
January 9, 2019
As good as the cupcakes
Although this is a standard cozy mystery set in a small town with the main characters in a bit of trouble, there are interesting twists that make it even better. The sisters adventures lead them into life threatening danger and lots of bodily injuries. At last all the puzzle pieces fit together and the police nab the true criminals. This doesn’t solve problems for the sisters, but set up a sequel in a adept literary fashion.
The best part is the crimes were solved by math. I love that, math and logic puzzles are my favorite things. Definitely recommend to everyone.
Although this is a standard cozy mystery set in a small town with the main characters in a bit of trouble, there are interesting twists that make it even better. The sisters adventures lead them into life threatening danger and lots of bodily injuries. At last all the puzzle pieces fit together and the police nab the true criminals. This doesn’t solve problems for the sisters, but set up a sequel in a adept literary fashion.
The best part is the crimes were solved by math. I love that, math and logic puzzles are my favorite things. Definitely recommend to everyone.
January 15, 2019
Good start to another bakery based cozy series
I enjoyed this book. The characters are likeable and developed well enough for the first of a series. I love the setting Down Under and the use of colloquial dialogue. Of course, it doesn't hurt that the main character Holly and I share the same first name.☺ She and sister Crystal make a good team. The story was pretty good. I had part of it figured out early on, but not all of it. As with most cozies, there isn't any bad language or sex, and not much in the way of romance in this one. Quick read and a nice way to spend a few hours.
I enjoyed this book. The characters are likeable and developed well enough for the first of a series. I love the setting Down Under and the use of colloquial dialogue. Of course, it doesn't hurt that the main character Holly and I share the same first name.☺ She and sister Crystal make a good team. The story was pretty good. I had part of it figured out early on, but not all of it. As with most cozies, there isn't any bad language or sex, and not much in the way of romance in this one. Quick read and a nice way to spend a few hours.
June 23, 2018
I had a hard time getting into this book. I normally love culinary mystery books but this one did not grab me. I did finish the book, but compared to other culinary mystery books, it fell short. The one sister comes back home after her father dies . According to the accountant both the house and bakery shop are about to be lost, but the figures are not adding up.
I noticed some loose ends in the book that wasn't tied up neatly at the end of the story. Will not be reading any more in the series.
I noticed some loose ends in the book that wasn't tied up neatly at the end of the story. Will not be reading any more in the series.
July 31, 2018
Murder, larceny and deception in small town New Zealand.
This book Has an interesting story lines with a number of plot twists that keep it Interesting. I admit that the supposedly successful sister returning home to lick her wounds when her world falls apart is not unusual. It is what happens to the two sisters and how they react to one another during the stressful times that make this an interesting read. I do hope that Ms Hatton plans to write other books about the ongoing adventures of these sisters.
This book Has an interesting story lines with a number of plot twists that keep it Interesting. I admit that the supposedly successful sister returning home to lick her wounds when her world falls apart is not unusual. It is what happens to the two sisters and how they react to one another during the stressful times that make this an interesting read. I do hope that Ms Hatton plans to write other books about the ongoing adventures of these sisters.
February 13, 2021
Kindle unlimited, maybe
Understand red herrings etc when mystery, but the part about the guy with peanut allergies versus the 4 people what gamble still no not see connection, and if was, how come nothing about him and law, nothing substantial much as to how he was involved, nor how he got so much property, much less credits versus debits, nor why the conspirators ran the other off the road. As of Amazon 3 considered bad not just average, I can live with this time, except goodreads means higher, so 2 it is.
Understand red herrings etc when mystery, but the part about the guy with peanut allergies versus the 4 people what gamble still no not see connection, and if was, how come nothing about him and law, nothing substantial much as to how he was involved, nor how he got so much property, much less credits versus debits, nor why the conspirators ran the other off the road. As of Amazon 3 considered bad not just average, I can live with this time, except goodreads means higher, so 2 it is.
December 4, 2021
Not worth your time. The main characters are presented as female dunderheads incapable of questioning their accountant because understanding their business ledger is too complex for their simple minds (not kidding). There also is no logic behind the culprit having keys to all the businesses. Additionally, once the “mystery” is solved, no explanation for why one of the main characters is run off the road is offered… and based on what the author does choose to reveal, it makes no sense. Take a hard pass on this - there are better cozies.
April 17, 2018
Attempted murder in more than one form.
After separating from her husband , she returns home to the family bakery, the family home, and he younger sister. Thinking she was going to be closing it down and selling it due to losses. She finds a thriving business that doesn't match with the paperwork given her. Then a man almost does eating one of their cupcakes and the plot gets thicker. A page turner.
After separating from her husband , she returns home to the family bakery, the family home, and he younger sister. Thinking she was going to be closing it down and selling it due to losses. She finds a thriving business that doesn't match with the paperwork given her. Then a man almost does eating one of their cupcakes and the plot gets thicker. A page turner.
September 5, 2019
Small town
Very well written. A great book. Lots of fun and loads of suspects. Some you won't guess or will think you are wrong. Enjoyed it very much and had a great time reading it. Just bought second one I like first so much. I have a lot of books to read but wAnted more of the sisters and what's going on. Lots of great characters and it's funny and has suspense and drama. I highly recommend it.
Very well written. A great book. Lots of fun and loads of suspects. Some you won't guess or will think you are wrong. Enjoyed it very much and had a great time reading it. Just bought second one I like first so much. I have a lot of books to read but wAnted more of the sisters and what's going on. Lots of great characters and it's funny and has suspense and drama. I highly recommend it.
August 7, 2021
Pretty good start to a series. The MC, Holly seems fairly level headed and I like that while she investigated, she didn't particularly overstep and just take over from the cops. I also liked that the victim wasn't murdered, as you don't see a lot of mysteries where there isn't a body. Overall, it struck me that this kind of mystery/investigation could really happen, reasons behind suspects, lies and cover ups, etc. Looking forward to seeing what goes on in the rest of the books.
May 13, 2024
Very enjoyable first book in a cozy mystery series. It takes place in New Zealand, which is kind of interesting. Until I realized that, however, there were a few phrases that didn't make sense - like "I'll shout you dinner" meaning (in America) "my treat" or "I'm buying".
Anyway, I liked this book quite a lot. It was a good quick read with likeable characters and an interesting mystery. I'd like a bit more about the characters, so it's a little shy of a 4-star rating for me.
Anyway, I liked this book quite a lot. It was a good quick read with likeable characters and an interesting mystery. I'd like a bit more about the characters, so it's a little shy of a 4-star rating for me.
December 4, 2025
Cupcakes and Conspiracies by Katherine Hayton follows Holly's younger sister Crystal who has worked at the bakery her whole life. But when their mortgage holder suffers anaphylactic shock after eating a cupcake, Crystal is chief suspect for the attempted murder, and Holly must find the real killer.
The cozy mystery was cute, but the main character was kind of annoying. I was surprised by the ending!
The cozy mystery was cute, but the main character was kind of annoying. I was surprised by the ending!
February 26, 2018
Home is Where the Hearth is!
Fast-paced whodunnit with several interlocking crimes and motives that don’t know when to quit. The small-town backdrop to two sisters’ personal drama and grief over their father’s death gives rise to unexpected mayhem. The only thing that might improve this book would be the addition of a recipe or two!
Fast-paced whodunnit with several interlocking crimes and motives that don’t know when to quit. The small-town backdrop to two sisters’ personal drama and grief over their father’s death gives rise to unexpected mayhem. The only thing that might improve this book would be the addition of a recipe or two!
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