What do you think?
Rate this book
The Vangie Vale Mysteries #3
Vangie Vale & the Strangled Strudel
I should have just Googled it. Will I go to jail if someone dies in my bakery? How hard would that have been?
Instead, this small town sheriff is about to handcuff and manhandle me into his cruiser. Small wrinkle: I didn't kill anyone.
But someone is convinced that I did, and if I don't find out who the real killer is, I'll get exiled. Again. Can't have that. It's time to find out who really strangled this strudel, before the victim's secrets cost me more than my livelihood...
Pre-order your copy today and find out what Vangie's got herself into now. Book Three of the Matchbaker Mysteries.
Instead, this small town sheriff is about to handcuff and manhandle me into his cruiser. Small wrinkle: I didn't kill anyone.
But someone is convinced that I did, and if I don't find out who the real killer is, I'll get exiled. Again. Can't have that. It's time to find out who really strangled this strudel, before the victim's secrets cost me more than my livelihood...
Pre-order your copy today and find out what Vangie's got herself into now. Book Three of the Matchbaker Mysteries.
- GenresMysteryCozy MysteryCozy
338 pages, ebook
Published January 4, 2018
23 people are currently reading
92 people want to read
About the author
R.L. Syme
26 books395 followersR.L. Syme is a USA Today best-selling author. She writes mysteries and cozy mysteries, as well as nonfiction. R.L. grew up reading Nancy Drew mysteries passed on by her grandmother.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
February 10, 2018
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Vangie has had a rough time making herself at home in Montana, being part of two police investigations, but she has been offered a contract by her church so some of the pressure is off. That is until a woman dies after eating at her bakery. Crime scene tape marks the spot across the door and that is not going to make the church council happy. She knows she didn’t kill anyone but someone with access to her place apparently did. Now she just needs to figure out who before the investigation puts her out of business and behind bars.
This third installment of this series is packed to the brim. In the last book, Vangie told the church council about what brought her to Montana. In this story, we learn much more as people from back in North Carolina are contacting Vangie. People she is not supposed to have contact with. She is also dealing with the death of a mother who looks to have died after eating at Vangie’s shop. Malcolm knows she isn’t responsible, but he has to find proof and find the person who is and that is not easy. He has to admit, that while he doesn’t want Vangie involved in the investigation, people do open up and talk to her in a way they never do with him. Maybe together they can get to the truth, that is if Vangie can survive long enough.
Vangie Vale & the Strangled Strudel is a roller coaster ride from start to finish with corkscrew twists and turns. Vangie is absolutely wonderful. She has such a big heart, wanting to help everyone she can and this time puts her in a lot of danger. While figuring out “the how” of the murder early on, “the who” and “the why” was really tough. I was clearly taken aback as they were revealed. I sure didn’t see the “WHY” at all.
This author has a talent for drawing readers in, holding on tight, and then giving us a shocking twist. She gives her characters many layers that are slowly pulled away. For Vangie, that means secrets she has been keeping from her friends in Montana. They are being revealed sparingly on top of trying to solve the murders. She also has two complicated men in her life. One that she is dating and one that she probably should be dating. Both have ways of making her a little nuts, but this triangle is so much fun to read and speculate about which one she will actually choose.
Well written, fast-paced, great characters, intriguing, relevant, fresh, entertaining, all words that can be used to describe this story. I was sad to see it end. I am anxiously awaiting Vangie Vale and the Larcenous Lava Cake.
Vangie has had a rough time making herself at home in Montana, being part of two police investigations, but she has been offered a contract by her church so some of the pressure is off. That is until a woman dies after eating at her bakery. Crime scene tape marks the spot across the door and that is not going to make the church council happy. She knows she didn’t kill anyone but someone with access to her place apparently did. Now she just needs to figure out who before the investigation puts her out of business and behind bars.
This third installment of this series is packed to the brim. In the last book, Vangie told the church council about what brought her to Montana. In this story, we learn much more as people from back in North Carolina are contacting Vangie. People she is not supposed to have contact with. She is also dealing with the death of a mother who looks to have died after eating at Vangie’s shop. Malcolm knows she isn’t responsible, but he has to find proof and find the person who is and that is not easy. He has to admit, that while he doesn’t want Vangie involved in the investigation, people do open up and talk to her in a way they never do with him. Maybe together they can get to the truth, that is if Vangie can survive long enough.
Vangie Vale & the Strangled Strudel is a roller coaster ride from start to finish with corkscrew twists and turns. Vangie is absolutely wonderful. She has such a big heart, wanting to help everyone she can and this time puts her in a lot of danger. While figuring out “the how” of the murder early on, “the who” and “the why” was really tough. I was clearly taken aback as they were revealed. I sure didn’t see the “WHY” at all.
This author has a talent for drawing readers in, holding on tight, and then giving us a shocking twist. She gives her characters many layers that are slowly pulled away. For Vangie, that means secrets she has been keeping from her friends in Montana. They are being revealed sparingly on top of trying to solve the murders. She also has two complicated men in her life. One that she is dating and one that she probably should be dating. Both have ways of making her a little nuts, but this triangle is so much fun to read and speculate about which one she will actually choose.
Well written, fast-paced, great characters, intriguing, relevant, fresh, entertaining, all words that can be used to describe this story. I was sad to see it end. I am anxiously awaiting Vangie Vale and the Larcenous Lava Cake.
February 8, 2018
VANGIE VALE AND THE STRANGLED STRUDEL drew me in with its fast moving plot, and interesting characters.
Death by rice pudding! Or was it? Protagonist Vangie sure looks good to the police for this murder. Of course, she knows she didn’t do it, and struggles to find the killer, while trying to clear her name.
Author R.L. Syme really kept me on my toes during this fast moving read. The story kept me guessing from the beginning to the reveal. And the ending was one I certainly didn’t see coming.
This was my first book in the Matchbaker Mysteries, but I don’t see VANGIE VALE AND THE STRANGLED STRUDEL being my last last!
Death by rice pudding! Or was it? Protagonist Vangie sure looks good to the police for this murder. Of course, she knows she didn’t do it, and struggles to find the killer, while trying to clear her name.
Author R.L. Syme really kept me on my toes during this fast moving read. The story kept me guessing from the beginning to the reveal. And the ending was one I certainly didn’t see coming.
This was my first book in the Matchbaker Mysteries, but I don’t see VANGIE VALE AND THE STRANGLED STRUDEL being my last last!
February 7, 2018
For complete review check out my blog at https://booksaplentybookreviews.blogs...
April 17, 2021
This is the third book in The Matchbaker Mysteries series. After I just read a cozy mystery that missed the mark for me, I decided to return to this series as I really enjoyed the first two books. Luckily book 3 was just as good. It took a bit of time for the mystery to get started, but once it did I was hooked.
I really like how this author writes mysteries. They are just a tad different than most cozies and this makes it feel fresh. I also like how I can never predict how things are going to go. This mystery is filled with twists and turns. It doesn't start with a bunch of suspects, instead the main character has to dive deeper to find possible motives and uncover more from the victim's life. I like how it almost has an exploratory vibe with the main character learning more about the victim and their family and possible suspects. It was engaging to see the mystery progress and see the direction it took. The only thing that bothered me was a clue that to seemed obvious and important to me, but everyone seemed to forget about and it turned out to explain part of the how. I liked seeing how it all played out. It's a bit sad when the whole truth comes to light, but it also made sense.
I like reading about Vangie, she makes for a great main character. I like how likable she is and how her curiosity gets her into trouble. She also has her flaws and I think those make her feel even more real. Something from her past turns up and seeing her deal with it shows a lot about her as well and how much it still haunts her.
I was curious to see how her romance would be now that they started their relationship, but sadly I am a bit mixed about it. In some scenes I really liked them together, their romance isn't perfect, but I like that they both are working on it. And there are some great scenes that really show they care and are there for one another. In other scenes I didn't feel their romance at all and I have my suspicions that she'll end up with someone else after all. He could be a bit controlling at times and while I am sure he means well, the whole interaction between them got old quick with him wanting to protect her and be safe and Vangie wanting to have the space to do her own thing. It didn't help that half the interactions with the sheriff are similar. Yes Vangie does get herself into danger a few times, but most of the time she is reasonable smart about it.
To summarize: I really enjoyed this one and the mystery kept me guessing. The mystery had plenty of twists and turns and I really liked seeing it all play out. I like how these mysteries feel just a tad different than the ones in most books and I am never sure what's going happen. I like Vangie and how real she feels. I am not sure yet about her new romance, but guess we'll see how that develops in future books. Another great read in this series!
I really like how this author writes mysteries. They are just a tad different than most cozies and this makes it feel fresh. I also like how I can never predict how things are going to go. This mystery is filled with twists and turns. It doesn't start with a bunch of suspects, instead the main character has to dive deeper to find possible motives and uncover more from the victim's life. I like how it almost has an exploratory vibe with the main character learning more about the victim and their family and possible suspects. It was engaging to see the mystery progress and see the direction it took. The only thing that bothered me was a clue that to seemed obvious and important to me, but everyone seemed to forget about and it turned out to explain part of the how. I liked seeing how it all played out. It's a bit sad when the whole truth comes to light, but it also made sense.
I like reading about Vangie, she makes for a great main character. I like how likable she is and how her curiosity gets her into trouble. She also has her flaws and I think those make her feel even more real. Something from her past turns up and seeing her deal with it shows a lot about her as well and how much it still haunts her.
I was curious to see how her romance would be now that they started their relationship, but sadly I am a bit mixed about it. In some scenes I really liked them together, their romance isn't perfect, but I like that they both are working on it. And there are some great scenes that really show they care and are there for one another. In other scenes I didn't feel their romance at all and I have my suspicions that she'll end up with someone else after all. He could be a bit controlling at times and while I am sure he means well, the whole interaction between them got old quick with him wanting to protect her and be safe and Vangie wanting to have the space to do her own thing. It didn't help that half the interactions with the sheriff are similar. Yes Vangie does get herself into danger a few times, but most of the time she is reasonable smart about it.
To summarize: I really enjoyed this one and the mystery kept me guessing. The mystery had plenty of twists and turns and I really liked seeing it all play out. I like how these mysteries feel just a tad different than the ones in most books and I am never sure what's going happen. I like Vangie and how real she feels. I am not sure yet about her new romance, but guess we'll see how that develops in future books. Another great read in this series!
January 11, 2018
Great third installment. Vangie seems to be in the thick of things with her cafe being the center of a murder investigation. I like the character development and the relationship development.
February 11, 2018
This time round Vangie is a suspect in a crime. Derek and Malcolm have her back but are as usual at loggerheads with each other. Eventually, in order to save her from the hidden suspects that are trying to pin a murder on her, they realize they will have to work together.
Also, much about the situation that she has left behind her is finally revealed, so it looks like Vangie will be travelling for the next book. I'm really curious to know who will be following her to be a part of her backup team.
I received an Advanced Reviewers Copy from the author for voluntary review consideration.
Also, much about the situation that she has left behind her is finally revealed, so it looks like Vangie will be travelling for the next book. I'm really curious to know who will be following her to be a part of her backup team.
I received an Advanced Reviewers Copy from the author for voluntary review consideration.
January 4, 2018
VANGIE VALE AND THE STRANGLED STRUDEL, the third book in the Matchbaker Mystery series by R.L. Syme starts out with the town of Saint Agnes, Montana under extreme fire danger with a wildfire in the area threatening them. Given the recent fires in Southern California, I could totally relate to the anxiety that Vangie (Evangeline) Vale is experiencing in this story. Vangie, owner of the Matchbaker bakery and a part-time pastor, is finally feeling connected to the town and accepted by the folks who live there. Having recently completed her six-month probation with her church, she’s starting to breathe just a little easier, no longer worrying that she might be fired. That is until a mother is found dead, poisoned while eating Vangie’s pudding. With both her bakery reputation and personal reputation on the line, Vangie starts asking questions, trying to piece together who would have wanted the mother out of the way… and the answers she finds are shocking.
This newest installment grabs the reader’s attention from the beginning with a tragic death. While murder is never acceptable, I’m always a bit more comfortable with a storyline when the super mean person is done in. The fact that a mother is killed off made the story feel heartbreakingly real… but the author, through Vangie, handles the situation with sensitivity and I found myself glued to the pages, waiting for the murderer to be revealed and arrested. I found Vangie’s self-introspection quite interesting regarding finding the killer. She obviously wants to find justice for the victim, yet feels guilty because at the same time, wants to clear her own name and save her bakery business. Her emotional conflict brings a depth to the story as does her blossoming relationship with Derek. I cracked up when a character remarks that the big biker guy is dating a woman pastor. You would think they are an unlikely pair, yet their qualities seem to complement each other. This is a terrific addition to a great series and I enjoy how Vangie’s compassion helps solve a crime and brings comfort to the town.
I was provided an advance copy with the hopes I would review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This newest installment grabs the reader’s attention from the beginning with a tragic death. While murder is never acceptable, I’m always a bit more comfortable with a storyline when the super mean person is done in. The fact that a mother is killed off made the story feel heartbreakingly real… but the author, through Vangie, handles the situation with sensitivity and I found myself glued to the pages, waiting for the murderer to be revealed and arrested. I found Vangie’s self-introspection quite interesting regarding finding the killer. She obviously wants to find justice for the victim, yet feels guilty because at the same time, wants to clear her own name and save her bakery business. Her emotional conflict brings a depth to the story as does her blossoming relationship with Derek. I cracked up when a character remarks that the big biker guy is dating a woman pastor. You would think they are an unlikely pair, yet their qualities seem to complement each other. This is a terrific addition to a great series and I enjoy how Vangie’s compassion helps solve a crime and brings comfort to the town.
I was provided an advance copy with the hopes I would review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 18, 2018
I discovered this series last year, when the first book came out. This is book three in the series and they really keep getting better.
I love the humor in the Vangie books. This time Vangie is prime suspect in another murder. This one happened at her bakery, which makes her staying on the good side of her church people kind of hard. I have to say that her parish didn't really play a huge part in this story.
A client died after eating a pudding at her bakery. That's just the start of it, as all things point to someone tampering with the pudding that Vangie made.
R.L. Syme has crafted a mystery that will definitely keep you guessing. Karin Dekker isn't a woman that you'd think anyone would want dead, but it seems like members of her family have a lot of secrets. Just when you think that it might be one character, another clue points you in another direction.
All this is going on and Vangie is getting phone calls from people from her past, that she doesn't want to hear from.
I love how the relationships are developing in this story. Vangie is dating Derek now and things are going smoothly for the most part. I also like the fact that Vangie and Sheriff Malcolm have a comfortable friendship too.
This is one cozy that you won't be able to put down. Heck the other two books were just as good, so go grab them as well, because this series just gets better and better.
I love the humor in the Vangie books. This time Vangie is prime suspect in another murder. This one happened at her bakery, which makes her staying on the good side of her church people kind of hard. I have to say that her parish didn't really play a huge part in this story.
A client died after eating a pudding at her bakery. That's just the start of it, as all things point to someone tampering with the pudding that Vangie made.
R.L. Syme has crafted a mystery that will definitely keep you guessing. Karin Dekker isn't a woman that you'd think anyone would want dead, but it seems like members of her family have a lot of secrets. Just when you think that it might be one character, another clue points you in another direction.
All this is going on and Vangie is getting phone calls from people from her past, that she doesn't want to hear from.
I love how the relationships are developing in this story. Vangie is dating Derek now and things are going smoothly for the most part. I also like the fact that Vangie and Sheriff Malcolm have a comfortable friendship too.
This is one cozy that you won't be able to put down. Heck the other two books were just as good, so go grab them as well, because this series just gets better and better.
January 5, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed the third book in the Vangie Vale series. Our intrepid pastor was enjoying a Thursday in the Match Bakery with her regulars when she hears that one of her patrons died after eating her rice pudding. This brings Chief Malcom to her door investigating the crime and warning her not to meddle but let him do his job.
It was interesting to see the progression of Vangie and Derrick’s relationship throughout the story. After her past experiences she really tried to hold him at arms length sometimes. Vangie also showed a real stubborn streak about allowing people (Beth, Emma, Derrick and Malcolm) to look after her or look out for her in any way. This got tiresome after a while because she was being needlessly bullheaded with Malcolm and I felt it was disrespectful of her to get so belligerent with him when he was doing his job and looking out for her welfare. It seems to me she should have learned from past mistakes. I guess that’s part of what I like about her, she’s a real person with flaws as well as many good qualities.
The mystery itself was perplexing and kept me guessing till near the end. And boy what an ending, lots of action for Vangie!
Looking forward to the next installment in the series to find out what Vangie gets up to next!
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for my honest review, all opinions are my own.
It was interesting to see the progression of Vangie and Derrick’s relationship throughout the story. After her past experiences she really tried to hold him at arms length sometimes. Vangie also showed a real stubborn streak about allowing people (Beth, Emma, Derrick and Malcolm) to look after her or look out for her in any way. This got tiresome after a while because she was being needlessly bullheaded with Malcolm and I felt it was disrespectful of her to get so belligerent with him when he was doing his job and looking out for her welfare. It seems to me she should have learned from past mistakes. I guess that’s part of what I like about her, she’s a real person with flaws as well as many good qualities.
The mystery itself was perplexing and kept me guessing till near the end. And boy what an ending, lots of action for Vangie!
Looking forward to the next installment in the series to find out what Vangie gets up to next!
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for my honest review, all opinions are my own.
October 20, 2018
It's official. I adore all of the characters in R.L. Syme's Matchbaker series. And each book just keeps getting better and better. There were twists and surprises in every chapter, some of which made my jaw drop (in a good way). I don't want to get into much detail because I don't want to give away any spoilers, but gosh, I love Sheriff Malcolm Dean. He's got a bunch of secrets that we're just starting to learn in this book, and I'm convinced he's got a crush on Vangie Vale. Who can blame him, really? Vangie is wonderful, empathetic, and always has very good reason to solve the mystery of the strangled strudel, because if she doesn't, she might get run out of town and lose everything she has. If you like small towns full of intrigue, brawny strong silent types, and heroines who are strong enough to save themselves, DEFINITELY read every Vangie Vale book you can! I adore this series.
January 20, 2018
Part-time Pastor or Bakery Entrepreneur? Poor Evangeline (Vangie)is trying to be both, but murder has gotten in the way and this time, she is the likely suspect.
After a patron dies shortly after eating her regular order of rice pudding from The Matchbaker bakery, Vangie is stunned to learn that she and her food could be the likely culprit.
Not content to let Sheriff Malcom do all the investigating, Vangie does some snooping on her own.
After-all, she can’t afford to have the Church Council think she’s a murderer, plus she needs to save her bakery too.
I received an ARC of this book and the first I have read by R L Symes This is a very enjoyable read and I look forward to reading what kind of trouble Vangie can get into next time.
December 27, 2017
I received a ebook copy from the author in exchange for the honest review
This is the third book in the Matchbaker Mystery series. It is about a part time pastor and bakery owner Evangeline Vale also known as Vangie. Due to her involvement in a court case Vangie had to move to Montana. Somehow Vangie gets entangled in murders and she helps Malcolm, the Sheriff also her neighbor catch the killers.
The Dekker family visits Matchbakery every Thursday. Karin, the mother always has rice pudding, as it is gluten free. But later in the day Karin is found dead, with the pudding. In this book Vangie's product is found at the crime scene, which makes her the prime suspect. In the mean time Vangie is also getting calls from people in her old life.
Will Vangie be exonerated?
Who killed Karin?
Why is Vangie getting calls from her past?
Read to find out
I love culinary cozy mysteries, maybe desserts and books are my favorites. I love Vangie, Derek and Malcolm. Vangie is so much fun at times Though I had a doubt in the starting, I was not able to wholly find the killer. Looking forward to read the next book
This is the third book in the Matchbaker Mystery series. It is about a part time pastor and bakery owner Evangeline Vale also known as Vangie. Due to her involvement in a court case Vangie had to move to Montana. Somehow Vangie gets entangled in murders and she helps Malcolm, the Sheriff also her neighbor catch the killers.
The Dekker family visits Matchbakery every Thursday. Karin, the mother always has rice pudding, as it is gluten free. But later in the day Karin is found dead, with the pudding. In this book Vangie's product is found at the crime scene, which makes her the prime suspect. In the mean time Vangie is also getting calls from people in her old life.
Will Vangie be exonerated?
Who killed Karin?
Why is Vangie getting calls from her past?
Read to find out
I love culinary cozy mysteries, maybe desserts and books are my favorites. I love Vangie, Derek and Malcolm. Vangie is so much fun at times Though I had a doubt in the starting, I was not able to wholly find the killer. Looking forward to read the next book
January 3, 2018
Vangie has had better weeks. Nothing seems to go well for her. A patron is murdered and Angie is setup to take the fall. Her bakery is shut down a few times, Emma is having issues with her husband, and of course there is Malcom and Derrick to content with. Everyone want her safe & sound and Vangie wants to get to the bottom of this incident. Read this book- it is worth the effort.
I enjoyed the characters, the interplay and the plot. This is a great cozy.
I was given an ARC of this book and these are my own opinions. Cannot wait for the next one.
I enjoyed the characters, the interplay and the plot. This is a great cozy.
I was given an ARC of this book and these are my own opinions. Cannot wait for the next one.
September 3, 2018
The Matchmaker Mysteries and Vangie Vale are new to me. But after reading and enjoying Vangie Vale and the Strangled Strudel, I am eager to read the other books in the series! This book will appeal to readers who like to read fun cozy mysteries. Vangie Vale is a likable bakery owner/sleuth. There are fun secondary characters, mysteries in Vangie's past, and a love interest. This book kept me guessing until the end!
January 5, 2018
Another amazing book in The Matchmaker Mysteries Series. Mystery and murder along with the yummy food makes for a great book. I love the mystery of whodunit and the way R.L. Syme's books pull you in every time. I look forward to more of R.L. Syme's murder mystery books in the future!!! Read and enjoy!!!
June 12, 2018
3.5/5.0
Another cozy addition to “The Matchbaker Mysteries” series, pastor and baker Vangie Vale takes on a murder.
Read full review in the 2018 June issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Another cozy addition to “The Matchbaker Mysteries” series, pastor and baker Vangie Vale takes on a murder.
Read full review in the 2018 June issue of InD'tale Magazine.
January 4, 2018
Vangie Vale & the Strangled Strudel is the third novel in this fun series . RL Syme brings mystery , excitement & fun to this read , she captures the reader & keeps you hooked . A most enjoyable read ! If you haven't read this author , you definitely should try on of her books .
January 8, 2018
Always a lot of action and a good story line
Vangie is a part time Pastor and owns a small bake shop in a small town in Montana. She finds herself involved in complicated relationships that involve murder.
Vangie is a part time Pastor and owns a small bake shop in a small town in Montana. She finds herself involved in complicated relationships that involve murder.
November 19, 2020
Better and better!
I loved this series from the first book, but I adore it even more with each new one. The characters are becoming more real, and the plots even more twisty! Can’t wait for the next one!
I loved this series from the first book, but I adore it even more with each new one. The characters are becoming more real, and the plots even more twisty! Can’t wait for the next one!
January 3, 2018
The newest Vangie Vale is the best one yet. Vangie finds herself in a new role: murder suspect.
January 4, 2018
I read an Advanced Reader copy of this book. It was excellent, a real page turner. When a customer dies shortly after eating a rice pudding at the MatchBakery Vangie is again embroiled in a death investigation. Of course the sherif closes the bakery. When the night baker becomes ill a few hours after the customers death, Vangie knows her bakery is involved but isn’t sure how as she is they one who prepared the lethal rice pudding and it was fine when she taste tested it. On top of all that it is fire season and someone was smoking behind the store! And who keeps getting into the bakery? Things come to a head when Vangie finds Emma nearly strangled on her shop floor. An excellent mystery! I highly recommend getting this book as soon as it is available in early January.
January 5, 2018
Vangie Vale And The Strangled Strudel by R.L. Syme (Book Three in the Matchbaker Mysteries) is amazing! I truly savored The Strangled Strudel. The fast-moving plot is captivating, with never a dull moment. Author R.L. Syme blended equal parts of humor and mystery together, then folded in the perfect amount of suspense, to create a deliciously sweet treat of a book.
Vangie is a compelling character to read about. She is curious, caring, clever, and compassionate. She is also full of contradictions. Here are two examples.
Despite how despicable Edward's deeds were, The Strangled Strudel concludes with these thoughts from Vangie.
Author R.L. Syme has sprinkled The Strangled Strudel with red herrings and clues to the mysteries. I was very surprised by whodunit and also whydunit. I was astonished by the lengths that person went to, for [?????]. I can't give you any more details without revealing spoilers — and I never reveal spoilers — but I think you'll enjoy Vangie Vale And The Strangled Strudel as much as I do.
I recommend Vangie Vale And The Strangled Strudel to all cozy mystery fans, especially those who are residents of Montana, travelers or armchair travelers to the Big Sky Country, lovers of strudels and Danish pastries, fans of Becca Boyd's books, and fans of R.L. Syme's other books. I absolutely adore Vangie Vale And The Strangled Strudel by R.L. Syme, and bestow upon it the highest rating of Five Stars!
Note: I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of Vangie Vale And The Strangled Strudel. All opinions shared are 100% my own.
Originally published on Jane Reads.
Vangie is a compelling character to read about. She is curious, caring, clever, and compassionate. She is also full of contradictions. Here are two examples.
• Vangie, in her role as pastor, worries about other people. But she doesn't want others to worry about her.
•Vangie can persuade possible suspects and persons of interest to reveal relevant information to her, after they have refused to speak with the sheriff and deputies. But she keeps many secrets from her family and friends, telling almost no one "about Edward. Or Melissa. Or the Money. Or the case in Raleigh."The Edward Archer case in Raleigh is alluded to in The Murdered Macaron. In The Corpseless Custard, Vangie tells her parish council about the case, while giving the reader only a few details. More is divulged in The Strangled Strudel, when she finally tells Derek. I suspect (and hope!) that all will be revealed in Book #4 of The Matchbaker Mysteries, when Vangie returns to Raleigh, North Carolina for the court trial.
Despite how despicable Edward's deeds were, The Strangled Strudel concludes with these thoughts from Vangie.
What a satisfying ending!Count today among the myriad of days that I had wished I'd never met Edward Archer.
But when I looked at Emma and Derek and Nadine, and thought about what my life would have been like without them, I had to admit...
Since it was his fault I'd come to Saint Agnes, where I felt so much love and belonging, then maybe Edward Archer wasn't so bad after all.
Author R.L. Syme has sprinkled The Strangled Strudel with red herrings and clues to the mysteries. I was very surprised by whodunit and also whydunit. I was astonished by the lengths that person went to, for [?????]. I can't give you any more details without revealing spoilers — and I never reveal spoilers — but I think you'll enjoy Vangie Vale And The Strangled Strudel as much as I do.
I recommend Vangie Vale And The Strangled Strudel to all cozy mystery fans, especially those who are residents of Montana, travelers or armchair travelers to the Big Sky Country, lovers of strudels and Danish pastries, fans of Becca Boyd's books, and fans of R.L. Syme's other books. I absolutely adore Vangie Vale And The Strangled Strudel by R.L. Syme, and bestow upon it the highest rating of Five Stars!
Note: I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of Vangie Vale And The Strangled Strudel. All opinions shared are 100% my own.
Originally published on Jane Reads.
May 7, 2020
Truth is often stranger than fiction, so a good book often seems strange and improbable.
Although there have been women clergy for many, many years, a female pastor still seems to be unconventional. Evangeline "Vangie" Vale fits the bill better than most. She is a people person as well as a small business owner. She is personally strong and loyal to her friends and charitable to people she meets. She is still relatively new to her community, yet has been involved in several mysterious criminal events, including murder. One of her best friends is in a difficult personal relationship and Vangie wants to shake her and wake her up, yet knows people must come to their senses in their own time. However if Vangie can make significant other people aware of the warning signs, she is not betraying her clerical confidentiality.
Murder once again steps across Vangie's doorstep, spilling several other secrets along with it.
The community is already on edge, fearing fire evacuation at any moment. Plus we hear more about Vangie's secret past when phone calls she dread begin to occur repeatedly.
One small detail in this book touched me close to home - Vollrath pots! I have a hometown connection. I bet they never thought they would be publicized in connection with murder!
An interesting collection of people make for an intriguing small town mystery.
Although there have been women clergy for many, many years, a female pastor still seems to be unconventional. Evangeline "Vangie" Vale fits the bill better than most. She is a people person as well as a small business owner. She is personally strong and loyal to her friends and charitable to people she meets. She is still relatively new to her community, yet has been involved in several mysterious criminal events, including murder. One of her best friends is in a difficult personal relationship and Vangie wants to shake her and wake her up, yet knows people must come to their senses in their own time. However if Vangie can make significant other people aware of the warning signs, she is not betraying her clerical confidentiality.
Murder once again steps across Vangie's doorstep, spilling several other secrets along with it.
The community is already on edge, fearing fire evacuation at any moment. Plus we hear more about Vangie's secret past when phone calls she dread begin to occur repeatedly.
One small detail in this book touched me close to home - Vollrath pots! I have a hometown connection. I bet they never thought they would be publicized in connection with murder!
An interesting collection of people make for an intriguing small town mystery.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews