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Pancake House Mystery #4
Yeast of Eden
In USA Today bestselling author Sarah Fox’s delicious new Pancake House Mystery, it’s up to Marley McKinney to discover the waffle truth behind a rival’s murder . . .
Winter has come to Wildwood Cove, and riding in on the chill is Wally Fowler. Although he’s been away for years, establishing his reputation as the self-proclaimed Waffle King, the wealthy blowhard has returned to the coastal community to make money, not friends—by pitting his hot and trendy Waffle Kingdom against Marley McKinney’s cozy pancake house, The Flip Side. Wally doesn’t see anything wrong in a little healthy competition, until he’s murdered in his own state-of-the art kitchen.
Marley isn’t surprised when the authorities sniff around The Flip Side for a motive, but it’s her best friend Lisa who gets grilled, given her sticky history with the victim. When a second murder rocks the town, it makes it harder than ever for Marley to clear Lisa’s name. Marley’s afraid that she’s next in line to die—and the way things are looking, the odds of surviving her investigation could be stacked against her.
Includes pancake recipes right from The Flip Side menu!
Winter has come to Wildwood Cove, and riding in on the chill is Wally Fowler. Although he’s been away for years, establishing his reputation as the self-proclaimed Waffle King, the wealthy blowhard has returned to the coastal community to make money, not friends—by pitting his hot and trendy Waffle Kingdom against Marley McKinney’s cozy pancake house, The Flip Side. Wally doesn’t see anything wrong in a little healthy competition, until he’s murdered in his own state-of-the art kitchen.
Marley isn’t surprised when the authorities sniff around The Flip Side for a motive, but it’s her best friend Lisa who gets grilled, given her sticky history with the victim. When a second murder rocks the town, it makes it harder than ever for Marley to clear Lisa’s name. Marley’s afraid that she’s next in line to die—and the way things are looking, the odds of surviving her investigation could be stacked against her.
Includes pancake recipes right from The Flip Side menu!
210 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 30, 2018
223 people are currently reading
892 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Fox
23 books738 followersSarah Fox, writer of cozy mysteries, was born and raised in Vancouver, British Columbia, where she developed a love for mysteries at a young age. When not writing novels or working as a legal writer she is often reading her way through a stack of books or spending time outdoors with her English Springer Spaniel.
Sarah is the author of the Literary Pub Mysteries, the Pancake House Mysteries, and the Music Lover's Mysteries.
Sarah is the author of the Literary Pub Mysteries, the Pancake House Mysteries, and the Music Lover's Mysteries.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews
November 30, 2018
Marley McKinney was fed up with finding flyers alluding to the probability of the upcoming Waffle Kingdom being the best café in town. Marley ran The Flip Side, Wildwood Cove’s own pancake house, which was filled with customers day in and day out. Now it seemed she had a rival – Wally Fowler had returned to the town he’d grown up in, and still he wasn’t liked.
After a bitter encounter at The Flip Side between Wally and Marley, the next time she saw him he was dead. An unfortunate accident in the kitchen of Waffle Kingdom? Or murder?
As Marley tried to find answers – especially as her best friend Lisa appeared high on the suspect list – the Sheriff told Marley to keep out of it. But how could she? And with her boyfriend Brett worried about his father’s health, she knew she couldn’t burden him with her suspicions. Would Marley discover who was at fault? Or was she putting herself in danger?
Yeast of Eden by Sarah Fox is a delightful, fun cosy mystery which I thoroughly enjoyed. 4th in A Pancake House Mystery series (and the first I’ve read) I had no idea who the killer was until the reveal. I was surprised to say the least! I’ll be going back to the beginning of this series now – I guess I’ve found another new author! Highly recommended. (oh, and grab the recipes at the end too - The Flip Side's very own!)
After a bitter encounter at The Flip Side between Wally and Marley, the next time she saw him he was dead. An unfortunate accident in the kitchen of Waffle Kingdom? Or murder?
As Marley tried to find answers – especially as her best friend Lisa appeared high on the suspect list – the Sheriff told Marley to keep out of it. But how could she? And with her boyfriend Brett worried about his father’s health, she knew she couldn’t burden him with her suspicions. Would Marley discover who was at fault? Or was she putting herself in danger?
Yeast of Eden by Sarah Fox is a delightful, fun cosy mystery which I thoroughly enjoyed. 4th in A Pancake House Mystery series (and the first I’ve read) I had no idea who the killer was until the reveal. I was surprised to say the least! I’ll be going back to the beginning of this series now – I guess I’ve found another new author! Highly recommended. (oh, and grab the recipes at the end too - The Flip Side's very own!)
November 16, 2021
To hear my thoughts on this book and other cozy mysteries subscribe to my YouTube channel @
https://youtube.com/channel/UCDn4HCNJ...
On December 8th at 6pm Eastern Sarah and a few other cozy mystery authors will be joining me for a holiday recipe swap. Come here about Marleys favorite holiday recipes and traditions! There will be live giveaways!
https://youtube.com/channel/UCDn4HCNJ...
On December 8th at 6pm Eastern Sarah and a few other cozy mystery authors will be joining me for a holiday recipe swap. Come here about Marleys favorite holiday recipes and traditions! There will be live giveaways!
November 29, 2018
*I received a free copy of this book which I voluntarily chose to write an honest review for.
Another great installment to this adorable culinary cozy mystery series. The Flip Side is doing great but Marley gets worried when he Waffle Kingdom decided to come to town. The owner is loud, crude, and self obsessed making things even more difficult. Before it can open though he is found dead with her friends as the main suspects. Though she tried to stay out of it she starts asking questions slowly figuring things out until she finds herself in danger. Add in some personal issues along with Brett's family issues to get a story that will keep you hooked. I highly recommend it to fans of genre. I really liked it so I give it 4/5 stars.
Another great installment to this adorable culinary cozy mystery series. The Flip Side is doing great but Marley gets worried when he Waffle Kingdom decided to come to town. The owner is loud, crude, and self obsessed making things even more difficult. Before it can open though he is found dead with her friends as the main suspects. Though she tried to stay out of it she starts asking questions slowly figuring things out until she finds herself in danger. Add in some personal issues along with Brett's family issues to get a story that will keep you hooked. I highly recommend it to fans of genre. I really liked it so I give it 4/5 stars.
November 3, 2018
This absolutely would have been a 4-star read if it had not been for the overwhelming, gushing, "I have a serious boyfriend and therefore have no life and will pine away when he isn't with me" romance aspect of the book. The mysteries were excellent [I did guess the killer, but had talked myself out of it so I was semi-surprised when I was correct! LOL] and I liked the twists and some of the very real family drama that Brett has to deal with - it was all very realistic and believable.
What was NOT believable was how mushy and gushy Marley has become; when she first came on the scene, she was a force to be reckoned with - she dealt with the death of her uncle, starting running the Pancake House and solved the murder! She was seriously kicking butt!!!
And then Brett enters the picture and things get serious and Marley all the sudden loses herself. Now, I like Brett as a character and in no way is he holding her back. He actually is a decent boyfriend as far as book boyfriends go, but Marley all of the sudden becomes this mush-laden "what WILL I do without him" kind of girl and it is really annoying. AS are all the mushy, gushy, romance scenes. IF I wanted a romantic mystery, THAT Is what I would have sought out on NetGalley, NOT a cozy mystery. But that is not what I wanted and by the end, I was totally and completely over the romance aspect of this book. Blech.
All that said, I will absolutely read another one of these should she write another one and I have her new series on deck to read as well. I like her as an author and I would like to see Marley and Brett's and the town of Wildwood Cove story continue. Though I will say that if the romance level continues like it was in this book, I might have to reconsider that statement.
A huge thank you to NetGalley and Lyrical Underground Publishing for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
What was NOT believable was how mushy and gushy Marley has become; when she first came on the scene, she was a force to be reckoned with - she dealt with the death of her uncle, starting running the Pancake House and solved the murder! She was seriously kicking butt!!!
And then Brett enters the picture and things get serious and Marley all the sudden loses herself. Now, I like Brett as a character and in no way is he holding her back. He actually is a decent boyfriend as far as book boyfriends go, but Marley all of the sudden becomes this mush-laden "what WILL I do without him" kind of girl and it is really annoying. AS are all the mushy, gushy, romance scenes. IF I wanted a romantic mystery, THAT Is what I would have sought out on NetGalley, NOT a cozy mystery. But that is not what I wanted and by the end, I was totally and completely over the romance aspect of this book. Blech.
All that said, I will absolutely read another one of these should she write another one and I have her new series on deck to read as well. I like her as an author and I would like to see Marley and Brett's and the town of Wildwood Cove story continue. Though I will say that if the romance level continues like it was in this book, I might have to reconsider that statement.
A huge thank you to NetGalley and Lyrical Underground Publishing for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 28, 2018
A fun & engaging murder mystery with wonderful characters!
September 21, 2018
Wally Fowler has returned to Wildwood Cove and he plans on opening a breakfast restaurant. He has been harnessing Marley and the crew at Flapjack. One evening Wally is found dead in his new restaurant and it appears he was murdered. Lisa and Ivan become a person of interest in the killing. Marley decides to explore Wally's death in order to clear her friends.
Brett's Father has a hearted attack and his family all go to Seattle. Marley looking to decorate for Christmas finds a set of journals from a relative who disappeared about twenty years ago. Marley is looking for more information about her relative. These various themes are skillfully brought together to form the story. I highly recommend this book and series.
Pancake recipes are included.
Disclosure: Many thanks to Lyrical Underground for a review copy. The opinions expressed are my own.
Brett's Father has a hearted attack and his family all go to Seattle. Marley looking to decorate for Christmas finds a set of journals from a relative who disappeared about twenty years ago. Marley is looking for more information about her relative. These various themes are skillfully brought together to form the story. I highly recommend this book and series.
Pancake recipes are included.
Disclosure: Many thanks to Lyrical Underground for a review copy. The opinions expressed are my own.
September 19, 2018
I've enjoyed this series from the start and thought this installment was just as enjoyable. The characters are all coming into their own, showing growth and development. I like Marley and think the author provides the reader with a likable and relatable protagonist. Marley has grown since we were first introduced to her both in her confidence in running the Pancake house as well as in her personal life. Her romance with Brett is progressing very nicely. However, she still has the uncanny ability to be in the wrong place at the wrong time - especially when a dead body is involved. Once again she puts on her sleuthing hat to try and clear the name of one of her friends suspected of two murders. I thought the mystery was well done. There are actually two mysteries in this book which I liked - one involving a mystery that happened in the past and the one in the present day. Both are wrapped up nicely, with the mystery in present coming to a rather climatic conclusion.
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy provided to me by the publisher through Netgalley.
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy provided to me by the publisher through Netgalley.
September 23, 2018
This is the fourth installment of the Pancake House series. When Wally the Waffle King's flyers announcing his upcoming grand opening are left on her restaurant's door step, Marley McKinney thought she had seen it all. When Wally parades through her restaurant, the Flip Side, like a proud peacock proclaiming that his food will be better than hers, Marley is afraid that her customers will desert her for the competition. But before the Waffle Kingdom opening, Wally is found murdered inside. There is no shortage of suspects, each having their own reason for wanting him dead. When someone else is killed, the stakes and the mystery grow even higher and everyone wonders who will be the next victim.
Although I haven't read the prior books in the series, it was easy for me to jump right into the storyline. The mystery was well-paced and held my interest until the very last page. The killer's identity was a complete surprise! There is also a subplot involving a family secret that comes to a satisfactory conclusion. There was just the right amount of a romantic element; it did not overshadow the mystery. At the conclusion of the book, the author includes recipes served at the Flip Side and they all sound delicious.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance digital copy of this book. My review is voluntary.
Although I haven't read the prior books in the series, it was easy for me to jump right into the storyline. The mystery was well-paced and held my interest until the very last page. The killer's identity was a complete surprise! There is also a subplot involving a family secret that comes to a satisfactory conclusion. There was just the right amount of a romantic element; it did not overshadow the mystery. At the conclusion of the book, the author includes recipes served at the Flip Side and they all sound delicious.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance digital copy of this book. My review is voluntary.
October 29, 2018
Sarah Fox writes a wonderful series set on the West Coast about a Pancake House that is one of the series I look most forward to reading, anxiously awaiting the next instalment, in Yeast of Eden, Sarah doesn't disappoint.
I love the cover, and the way Sarah writes the series it is so easy to picture and relate to the setting and the characters. This one tugged at my heart strings, the mystery as much as the history in this one was really touching and even though it is set around Christmas, it did not feel overly Christmasy or sickly sweet. A perfect blend! My mouth watered at the mention of the items offered in the Pancake house and I am grateful for the recipes at the end of the book. This one is out October 30th and is the fourth book in the series! I totally recommend this series for binge reading and a stack of pancakes to go with it!
I love the cover, and the way Sarah writes the series it is so easy to picture and relate to the setting and the characters. This one tugged at my heart strings, the mystery as much as the history in this one was really touching and even though it is set around Christmas, it did not feel overly Christmasy or sickly sweet. A perfect blend! My mouth watered at the mention of the items offered in the Pancake house and I am grateful for the recipes at the end of the book. This one is out October 30th and is the fourth book in the series! I totally recommend this series for binge reading and a stack of pancakes to go with it!
January 1, 2019
Yeast of Eden by Sarah Fox is the fourth tale in A Pancake House Mystery series. Marley McKinney owns The Flip Side in Wildwood Cove. The pompous Wally Fowler recently returned to town and is opening Wally’s Waffle Kingdom in a week which will put it in direct competition to The Flip Side. Wally visits The Flip Side and invites Marley along with her chef, Ivan Kaminski to a nitrogen ice cream demonstration that evening. Ivan gets upset when Wally insults his culinary expertise. That evening, Marley attends ladies’ night at the hardware enjoying the sales, giveaways and delicious treats. She encounters Lisa Morales who is upset at Wally’s return to town. Wally got Lisa’s brother, Carlos hooked on drugs years ago and is responsible for the death of another woman. Marley has yet to meet a person who likes Wally Fowler. On her way home, Marley walks by the Waffle Kingdom and notices that the tires on Wally’s van have been slashed. Marley goes into tell Wally about the incident and encounters Ivan walking out of the kitchen where Wally has cooked up his last waffle. Sheriff Georgeson focuses his investigation on Lisa and Ivan since they both had reason to harm Wally. Marley needs to whip together the clues and serve up the killer.
Yeast of Eden is a light-hearted cozy mystery. New readers to A Pancake House Mystery will have no problem delving into Yeast of Eden. There are friendly characters including the regulars who enjoy breakfast at The Flip Side every morning. The Flip Side is set in the small town of Wildwood Cove where the hardware store has a ladies’ night each month. With the giveaway, discounts and yummy treats, the woman of the town cannot help but drop in. There are two intertwining mysteries in Yeast of Eden. We have the death of obnoxious Wally Fowler and an older case. After stumbling upon some journals in an old trunk, Marley finds herself embroiled in another mystery. I liked how they tied together. I just wish they had been more of a challenge to solve. I am glad that Marley is happy with her boyfriend, Brett Collins. But must we have so much gushing and “what will I do without him” when Brett rushes out of town when his father falls ill. It was over-the-top sickly sweet (what happened the Marley in the first book). The romantic element needs to be dialed down a few notches (this is a cozy mystery, not a romance novel). I like that we get to experience real moments with Brett when his father is rushed to the hospital. There are recipes for Candy Cane Pancakes, Gingerbread Crepes, Eggnog Whipped Cream and French Toast at the end of the book. I am giving Yeast of Eden 3 out of 5 stars. Sarah Fox has whisked together family, friendship, romance, breakfast delicacies and murder into the jaunty and airy cozy mystery-Yeast of Eden.
Yeast of Eden is a light-hearted cozy mystery. New readers to A Pancake House Mystery will have no problem delving into Yeast of Eden. There are friendly characters including the regulars who enjoy breakfast at The Flip Side every morning. The Flip Side is set in the small town of Wildwood Cove where the hardware store has a ladies’ night each month. With the giveaway, discounts and yummy treats, the woman of the town cannot help but drop in. There are two intertwining mysteries in Yeast of Eden. We have the death of obnoxious Wally Fowler and an older case. After stumbling upon some journals in an old trunk, Marley finds herself embroiled in another mystery. I liked how they tied together. I just wish they had been more of a challenge to solve. I am glad that Marley is happy with her boyfriend, Brett Collins. But must we have so much gushing and “what will I do without him” when Brett rushes out of town when his father falls ill. It was over-the-top sickly sweet (what happened the Marley in the first book). The romantic element needs to be dialed down a few notches (this is a cozy mystery, not a romance novel). I like that we get to experience real moments with Brett when his father is rushed to the hospital. There are recipes for Candy Cane Pancakes, Gingerbread Crepes, Eggnog Whipped Cream and French Toast at the end of the book. I am giving Yeast of Eden 3 out of 5 stars. Sarah Fox has whisked together family, friendship, romance, breakfast delicacies and murder into the jaunty and airy cozy mystery-Yeast of Eden.
December 4, 2018
Marley McKinney lives in the seaside town of
Wildwood Cove on the Olympic Peninsula.
Marley owns and operates the Flip Side restaurant
With her chef, Ivan. The Flip Side specializes in
breakfast.
Marley lives nearby in a house on the beach
with Flapjack, the cat.
You will meet also met Bentley and Angel, the dogs.
You will get delicious recipes and mouthwatering
descriptions of foods while helping Marley
investigate two murders and a family mystery
where two women went missing years ago.
A very well written and plotted adventure to keep
the reader glued to the book. Plenty of twists and
turns and clues scattered throughout the story.
Colorful, vivid, quirky and well defined characters
provide an array of suspects.
This is book # 4 in the Pancake House Mystery
series. It can be read as a stand. The author
gives the reader the past and present effortlessly.
A Highly Recommended Read!!
I volunteered to read Yeast of Eden. Thanks to
Net Gallery and Alibi for the opportunity. My
opinion is my own.
Wildwood Cove on the Olympic Peninsula.
Marley owns and operates the Flip Side restaurant
With her chef, Ivan. The Flip Side specializes in
breakfast.
Marley lives nearby in a house on the beach
with Flapjack, the cat.
You will meet also met Bentley and Angel, the dogs.
You will get delicious recipes and mouthwatering
descriptions of foods while helping Marley
investigate two murders and a family mystery
where two women went missing years ago.
A very well written and plotted adventure to keep
the reader glued to the book. Plenty of twists and
turns and clues scattered throughout the story.
Colorful, vivid, quirky and well defined characters
provide an array of suspects.
This is book # 4 in the Pancake House Mystery
series. It can be read as a stand. The author
gives the reader the past and present effortlessly.
A Highly Recommended Read!!
I volunteered to read Yeast of Eden. Thanks to
Net Gallery and Alibi for the opportunity. My
opinion is my own.
April 12, 2022
Book 4. Marley and employees Leigh Tommy and Ivan the chef are getting worried about a new Waffle House Waffle King is going to put them out of business. But almost all of the people in town hate the owner Wally. He was a bad seed when he used to live there years ago. Dealing drugs to minors and killing a girl that was in the with him. And he seemed like it was nothing. Vicky his sis and a man Chester were going to work for him. He had come across some money so he found the Flip Side Pancake house was doing great so he wanted to compete. When Wally Was found deead by Ivan and Mallory suspicion rose. And Lisa one of Mallory friend was a suspect too. Because it was Lisa younger brother that got hooked on drugs. Ivan and Lisa were becoming a item so the police thought they were alibing each other. 2 people died in this book 4. Brett ( Marley boyfriend) dad had a heart attack in this book 4. I really like the series is great that Mallory and Brett have a sweet love for each other. I will read more
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 23, 2018
Yeast of Eden by Sarah Fox is the 4th book in A Pancake House Mystery Series, and another great addition. Marley McKinney is the owner of The Flip Side, a pancake house in beautiful Wildwood Cove, located on the coast. When the Waffle King plans to opens a waffle house right across the street from Marley's Flip Side, and is murdered, Ivan, the Flip Sides chef become the prime suspect. Marley is determined to find the real killer.
I found this book to be a quick read, with a well developed plot and characters. There are a lot of twists and turns that kept me reading. There is a wonderful mixture of mystery, suspense, friendship, and support for a well-balanced story. I can not wait until the next book in the series comes out. If you love cozy mysteries, I recommend this book.
I received this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I found this book to be a quick read, with a well developed plot and characters. There are a lot of twists and turns that kept me reading. There is a wonderful mixture of mystery, suspense, friendship, and support for a well-balanced story. I can not wait until the next book in the series comes out. If you love cozy mysteries, I recommend this book.
I received this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
July 13, 2020
I hadn't read anything in this series for quite some time now, so I grabbed this for a Christmas in July read. While it was an absolutely awesome book as are all the books I've read so far in the series, it was mainly pre-Christmas and not so much of it--just in case anyone else had the idea like I did by seeing the poinsettia on the cover. Marley was working on two mysteries this time, one from the past hoping to clear a local woman's brother of murder and one involving her beloved chef and his sort-of girlfriend who happened to be her bestie, Lisa.
Just for fun, I thought of who might be an unlikely killer. It turned out that I was right, but when I do that, I just randomly pick for the heck of it not knowing any reasons behind it. That was one nail biting showdown for sure! I really wasn't positive how Marley would get out of this one, but it was a good case of people being in the right place at the right time--and Marley driving a little crazy. I love how close she and Brett have become and can't wait to read on in the series. Maybe I'll get caught up before book 7 is released in January.
Just for fun, I thought of who might be an unlikely killer. It turned out that I was right, but when I do that, I just randomly pick for the heck of it not knowing any reasons behind it. That was one nail biting showdown for sure! I really wasn't positive how Marley would get out of this one, but it was a good case of people being in the right place at the right time--and Marley driving a little crazy. I love how close she and Brett have become and can't wait to read on in the series. Maybe I'll get caught up before book 7 is released in January.
October 25, 2018
Wildwood Cove's popular breakfast spot, The Flip Side, is getting some competition from a new waffle restaurant. And it's owner doesn't have friendly competition on his mind. Returning to town to open The Waffle King, Wally has more than maple syrup on his mind. His murder draws Marley McKinney into investigating to prove her chef and another friend are innocent.
Well written with engaging characters. I never read anything by Sarah Fox before, but I have her upcoming series debut, Wine and Punishment, on my To-Be-Read list already based on enjoying this one so much.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Well written with engaging characters. I never read anything by Sarah Fox before, but I have her upcoming series debut, Wine and Punishment, on my To-Be-Read list already based on enjoying this one so much.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 7, 2019
Yeast of Eden
A Pancake House Mystery, Book #4
Sarah Fox
5 Stars
Synopsis:
In USA Today bestselling author Sarah Fox’s delicious new Pancake House Mystery, it’s up to Marley McKinney to discover the waffle truth behind a rival’s murder . . .
Winter has come to Wildwood Cove, and riding in on the chill is Wally Fowler. Although he’s been away for years, establishing his reputation as the self-proclaimed Waffle King, the wealthy blowhard has returned to the coastal community to make money, not friends—by pitting his hot and trendy Waffle Kingdom against Marley McKinney’s cozy pancake house, The Flip Side. Wally doesn’t see anything wrong in a little healthy competition, until he’s murdered in his own state-of-the art kitchen.
Marley isn’t surprised when the authorities sniff around The Flip Side for a motive, but it’s her best friend Lisa who gets grilled, given her sticky history with the victim. When a second murder rocks the town, it makes it harder than ever for Marley to clear Lisa’s name. Marley’s afraid that she’s next in line to die—and the way things are looking, the odds of surviving her investigation could be stacked against her.
Includes pancake recipes right from The Flip Side menu! (Goodreads)
Review:
The characters are well rounded, well developed and three dimensional. Marley loves her job, her friends and her boyfriend. Life is good until there is a murder and two of her friends are suspected of being the culprit. She knows she has to solve the case before one of her friends is wrongly accused. I really enjoy the fact that Marley has such good friends and how much they all care about each other.
The writing style flows smoothly and defines the characters very clearly by their actions and words. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and it pulled me in from the beginning, and took me for a great adventurous ride.
The mystery was well plotted and had enough clues to sift through and suspects to consider. I had an inkling about the killer but I was not sure until the reveal.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. This whole series is great and you cannot go wrong reading these books.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, Kensington Books, and NetGalley, which I greatly appreciate.
A Pancake House Mystery, Book #4
Sarah Fox
5 Stars
Synopsis:
In USA Today bestselling author Sarah Fox’s delicious new Pancake House Mystery, it’s up to Marley McKinney to discover the waffle truth behind a rival’s murder . . .
Winter has come to Wildwood Cove, and riding in on the chill is Wally Fowler. Although he’s been away for years, establishing his reputation as the self-proclaimed Waffle King, the wealthy blowhard has returned to the coastal community to make money, not friends—by pitting his hot and trendy Waffle Kingdom against Marley McKinney’s cozy pancake house, The Flip Side. Wally doesn’t see anything wrong in a little healthy competition, until he’s murdered in his own state-of-the art kitchen.
Marley isn’t surprised when the authorities sniff around The Flip Side for a motive, but it’s her best friend Lisa who gets grilled, given her sticky history with the victim. When a second murder rocks the town, it makes it harder than ever for Marley to clear Lisa’s name. Marley’s afraid that she’s next in line to die—and the way things are looking, the odds of surviving her investigation could be stacked against her.
Includes pancake recipes right from The Flip Side menu! (Goodreads)
Review:
The characters are well rounded, well developed and three dimensional. Marley loves her job, her friends and her boyfriend. Life is good until there is a murder and two of her friends are suspected of being the culprit. She knows she has to solve the case before one of her friends is wrongly accused. I really enjoy the fact that Marley has such good friends and how much they all care about each other.
The writing style flows smoothly and defines the characters very clearly by their actions and words. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and it pulled me in from the beginning, and took me for a great adventurous ride.
The mystery was well plotted and had enough clues to sift through and suspects to consider. I had an inkling about the killer but I was not sure until the reveal.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. This whole series is great and you cannot go wrong reading these books.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, Kensington Books, and NetGalley, which I greatly appreciate.
November 3, 2018
Wally Fowler has returned to Wildwood Cove to open The Waffle Kingdom, direct competition with Marley and The Flip Side. He makes a lot of people unhappy with his return, least of all, Lisa, whose sister died and she was adamant that Wally was responsible. Then, one evening Wally is found dead in his new restaurant and it appears he was murdered. Lisa and Ivan, her chef, become persons of interest in the killing. Marley decides to explore Wally's death in order to clear her friends. There are other story lines going on in this story. Brett, Marley's boyfriend is dealing with a family situation when his father suffers a heart attack and must be revived. He and his family head off to Seattle while he has heart surgery leaving Marley worrying back home. The second mystery in this book has to do with a murder/disappearance from twenty years earlier. When Marley finds a set a journals from a relative, she reads about this mystery and with her curiosity in overdrive, she starts asking questions and gathering information about this long cold situation.
I have read all the books in this series and have watched the characters grow and develop. I like Marley, she is a likable and relatable protagonist. She has grown as a business woman running the restaurant and has developed many relationships around town. Her romance with Brett is progressing very nicely. I thought the mystery was well done and even though there were two storylines, they meshed well together. Both are wrapped up nicely, with the mystery in present coming to a rather climatic conclusion. I had my suspicions, but was not sure about the culprit until just before it was revealed by the author. I will continue to read this series and find out what else Marley stumbles into. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book to read upon my request. The rating, ideas and opinions are my own.
I have read all the books in this series and have watched the characters grow and develop. I like Marley, she is a likable and relatable protagonist. She has grown as a business woman running the restaurant and has developed many relationships around town. Her romance with Brett is progressing very nicely. I thought the mystery was well done and even though there were two storylines, they meshed well together. Both are wrapped up nicely, with the mystery in present coming to a rather climatic conclusion. I had my suspicions, but was not sure about the culprit until just before it was revealed by the author. I will continue to read this series and find out what else Marley stumbles into. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book to read upon my request. The rating, ideas and opinions are my own.
October 1, 2018
Yeast of Eden is Book 4 in A Pancake House Mystery Series. This book is part of a series, but is also a standalone book and you do not need to read the other books .
Did someone say pancakes? Or Waffles?
Marley has some competition when the waffle king, Wally Fowler moves into town and is some stiff competition with his opening of Waffle Kingdom, until he is found dead. Marley is questioned but when a second murder happens, its Marley's best friend Lisa that is a suspect and she has a past with the deceased Waffle King.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book so much! The characters are well developed with a great story line. I felt like I could smell the pancakes and waffles! As a bonus, there are some recipes in the book as well. If this is your first Pancake House Mystery, I highly suggest checking out the first three, they are equally as great.
Did someone say pancakes? Or Waffles?
Marley has some competition when the waffle king, Wally Fowler moves into town and is some stiff competition with his opening of Waffle Kingdom, until he is found dead. Marley is questioned but when a second murder happens, its Marley's best friend Lisa that is a suspect and she has a past with the deceased Waffle King.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book so much! The characters are well developed with a great story line. I felt like I could smell the pancakes and waffles! As a bonus, there are some recipes in the book as well. If this is your first Pancake House Mystery, I highly suggest checking out the first three, they are equally as great.
September 3, 2018
Yeast Of Eden is a fun, fast paced addition to this series.
Marley is a fun loving character and her determination to find the truth makes her easy to like.
As owner of The Flip Side, the local pancake house, Marley may have a little competition when the Waffle King decides to open his own restaurant.
Unfortunately for the Waffle King, he isn't well liked and when he's found dead, Marley has to get involved, especially when her chef and her best friend become suspects.
The story is well written and is full of surprises. I enjoyed reading this addition to the series and would recommend this book to any fan of cozy mysteries.
I volunteered to read and review an ARC of this book provided by the publisher and NetGalley.
Marley is a fun loving character and her determination to find the truth makes her easy to like.
As owner of The Flip Side, the local pancake house, Marley may have a little competition when the Waffle King decides to open his own restaurant.
Unfortunately for the Waffle King, he isn't well liked and when he's found dead, Marley has to get involved, especially when her chef and her best friend become suspects.
The story is well written and is full of surprises. I enjoyed reading this addition to the series and would recommend this book to any fan of cozy mysteries.
I volunteered to read and review an ARC of this book provided by the publisher and NetGalley.
July 10, 2022
Another great addition to the series. Marley is settling into life as a business owner in Pinewood Cove and life with Brett. A new business is threatening to cut into her business but then the owner is found dead and her chef, Ivan, and best friend, Lisa, become suspects. Marley is on the case and somehow acquires an apprentice Junior sleuth 😄😄. Meanwhile Brett is dealing with a family health crisis which also helps in some ways move his and Marley’s relationship along. During her “investigation” Marley encounters danger, discovers another cold case, uncovers family secrets and is slowly getting over her own fears.
October 28, 2018
Yeast Of Eden is the fourth book in the Pancake House Mystery series by Sarah Fox. I’m a long time fan of this series I was thrilled to read it.
The book is fast paced, well written with plenty of plot twists and red herrings to keep you guessing as to the motive and the murderer.
One of the things I enjoyed most about Yeast of Eden was the secondary mystery. I was as caught up in it as I was the primary one!
I always enjoy a visit to Wildwood Cove, and was sad to see this one come to an end! Already looking forward to the next book to see what’s in store for Marley and company!
Thank you Netgalley and publishers for ARC of this book
The book is fast paced, well written with plenty of plot twists and red herrings to keep you guessing as to the motive and the murderer.
One of the things I enjoyed most about Yeast of Eden was the secondary mystery. I was as caught up in it as I was the primary one!
I always enjoy a visit to Wildwood Cove, and was sad to see this one come to an end! Already looking forward to the next book to see what’s in store for Marley and company!
Thank you Netgalley and publishers for ARC of this book
July 20, 2019
Due misteri in questo libro, uno contemporaneo e uno risalente a diversi decenni prima. Naturalmente la protagonista arriva alla soluzione di entrambi, anche se ancora una volta rischia la vita. Beh, sarebbe successo anche a me perché ho capito chi fosse il colpevole 5 secondi prima di lei... Mi sono piaciute entrambe le storie gialle, quindi promozione piena.
August 29, 2018
Marley McKinney is getting ready for the winter holidays at her pancake house, The Flip Side. She finds a flyer stuck to her front window announcing the opening of a new waffle house by a resident who has a bad reputation, to say the least. Wally Fowler has come back to flaunt his wealth and put Marley out of business. But, somebody pushes Wally’s head into a vat of liquid nitrogen and kills him. When Marley’s friend and chef are suspected of the murder, she starts asking questions that may get her into trouble.
I loved this story and how Marley worked with not one mystery, but also figured out a mystery from the past. The plot was intense and I couldn’t figure out the culprit until the very end. I loved how Marley’s relationship with her boyfriend progressed. It was a great reprieve from the intense mystery. The townspeople were great characters and great red herrings. I have loved every book in this series and I can’t wait for the next one. I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing it.
I loved this story and how Marley worked with not one mystery, but also figured out a mystery from the past. The plot was intense and I couldn’t figure out the culprit until the very end. I loved how Marley’s relationship with her boyfriend progressed. It was a great reprieve from the intense mystery. The townspeople were great characters and great red herrings. I have loved every book in this series and I can’t wait for the next one. I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing it.
December 5, 2023
My daughter and I really enjoyed this one. The solution surprised us, and the wintery ambience in Wildwood Cove was a lot of fun. There was a lot of lovey dovey stuff which she doesn’t always like, but she really likes the characters. The addition of a mystery from the past was interesting too. Overall, this is a cozy series that we both really enjoy.
December 5, 2022
This is one of my favorite series! I really like the characters and I’d love to have breakfast at the Flip Side. I enjoyed both mysteries that went on in this book and enjoyed the resolution to both of them. Can’t wait to read more.
April 21, 2019
Book number four in the series is another winner!
I am never disappointed in this series. There are so many things I like about it, including the strong female lead character Marley, the small town setting and the inhabitants.
This latest offering has a strong plot, with a well written whodunit, which kept me guessing and engaged right until the reveal.
I highly recommend this book, and I look forward to reading the next in the series.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
I am never disappointed in this series. There are so many things I like about it, including the strong female lead character Marley, the small town setting and the inhabitants.
This latest offering has a strong plot, with a well written whodunit, which kept me guessing and engaged right until the reveal.
I highly recommend this book, and I look forward to reading the next in the series.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
October 30, 2018
I have enjoyed this series since the beginning, and it just keeps getting better! This is fourth in the Pancake House Mystery series and is my favorite; it can be read as a standalone. Watching the characters grow closer together and stronger is a delight. The beautifully described oceanside setting of Wildwood Cove makes me want to pack up and go there! The mystery kept me guessing throughout as the suspects grew in number.
Marley McKinney inherited The Flip Side, a pancake house started many years earlier by her grandmother’s cousin, who left it to Marley. It is the only restaurant in town that specializes in breakfasts. Marley and Ivan, the chef who almost always wears a scowl, develop seasonal recipes, currently signature dishes in preparation for Christmas.
Wally Fowler, a former resident of the Cove, inherited millions from his great-aunt, so he returned to Wildwood Cove to start a new breakfast restaurant, Wally’s Waffle Kingdom. Wally had few friends when he grew up there and is liked even less now. Shortly before his grand opening, Marley leaves Ladies’ Night at the hardware store and sees that the tires on Wally’s van are slashed. She goes into the waffle shop to tell Wally, and runs into Ivan, who was there to tell him the same thing. Unfortunately, Ivan found Wally dead in the kitchen, possibly murdered.
As Marley tries to help her friend, the prime suspect in the murder, she is caught up in another mystery. The wife of her late cousin had a sister who disappeared many years earlier. Marley finds the sister’s journals and an album of the newspaper clippings in the attic and is fascinated with the very cold case.
Brett, Marley’s boyfriend, helps his father with his remodeling business during the winter. Brett’s father collapsed on a job site, and he gives his father CPR until paramedics arrive. He is transferred to a hospital in Seattle for bypass surgery; Brett, his mother, and sister Chloe will stay there with him.
Each of the characters is defined well through actions and realistic dialog; Marley and her best friend, Lisa, are my favorites. Even the grumpy Ivan is a favorite in his own way. Sienna, a part-time waitress for Marley, is an enthusiastic friend and employee, who decides to be Marley’s sidekick as she listens for information about Wally. Few people liked Wally and several people despised him because of the things he did when living there before. Even so, he didn’t deserve the horrible death he died.
What a great mystery! The days are fraught with tension with so many people Marley cares about either ill or falsely suspected of murder. Even as she works hard at the Flip Side, Marley pores over old journals and tries to gently ask questions about Wally without sounding like she is accusing anyone. One family takes exception to the questions, even threatening Marley. She has good instincts, and may get ahead of herself at times, especially when led down a questionable path by a distraught teen…and almost ended up in jail. I was stunned to see who the real guy bad is, someone I would not have guessed. The end is satisfactory, leaving no loose ends. I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys well-written cozy mysteries set in the Pacific Northwest, breakfast restaurants (and recipes!) and realistic characters.
From a grateful heart: I received a copy of the e-arc from the publisher and NetGalley, and this is my honest review.
Marley McKinney inherited The Flip Side, a pancake house started many years earlier by her grandmother’s cousin, who left it to Marley. It is the only restaurant in town that specializes in breakfasts. Marley and Ivan, the chef who almost always wears a scowl, develop seasonal recipes, currently signature dishes in preparation for Christmas.
Wally Fowler, a former resident of the Cove, inherited millions from his great-aunt, so he returned to Wildwood Cove to start a new breakfast restaurant, Wally’s Waffle Kingdom. Wally had few friends when he grew up there and is liked even less now. Shortly before his grand opening, Marley leaves Ladies’ Night at the hardware store and sees that the tires on Wally’s van are slashed. She goes into the waffle shop to tell Wally, and runs into Ivan, who was there to tell him the same thing. Unfortunately, Ivan found Wally dead in the kitchen, possibly murdered.
As Marley tries to help her friend, the prime suspect in the murder, she is caught up in another mystery. The wife of her late cousin had a sister who disappeared many years earlier. Marley finds the sister’s journals and an album of the newspaper clippings in the attic and is fascinated with the very cold case.
Brett, Marley’s boyfriend, helps his father with his remodeling business during the winter. Brett’s father collapsed on a job site, and he gives his father CPR until paramedics arrive. He is transferred to a hospital in Seattle for bypass surgery; Brett, his mother, and sister Chloe will stay there with him.
Each of the characters is defined well through actions and realistic dialog; Marley and her best friend, Lisa, are my favorites. Even the grumpy Ivan is a favorite in his own way. Sienna, a part-time waitress for Marley, is an enthusiastic friend and employee, who decides to be Marley’s sidekick as she listens for information about Wally. Few people liked Wally and several people despised him because of the things he did when living there before. Even so, he didn’t deserve the horrible death he died.
What a great mystery! The days are fraught with tension with so many people Marley cares about either ill or falsely suspected of murder. Even as she works hard at the Flip Side, Marley pores over old journals and tries to gently ask questions about Wally without sounding like she is accusing anyone. One family takes exception to the questions, even threatening Marley. She has good instincts, and may get ahead of herself at times, especially when led down a questionable path by a distraught teen…and almost ended up in jail. I was stunned to see who the real guy bad is, someone I would not have guessed. The end is satisfactory, leaving no loose ends. I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys well-written cozy mysteries set in the Pacific Northwest, breakfast restaurants (and recipes!) and realistic characters.
From a grateful heart: I received a copy of the e-arc from the publisher and NetGalley, and this is my honest review.
October 22, 2018
Yeast of Eden is the fourth book in Sarah Fox’s Pancake House Mystery series. This is the first book I’ve read in this series; however, the author provided great character background, and I easily understood their backgrounds and relationships and didn’t feel lost jumping in this far into the series. The writing style flows smoothly, and the book is an easy read. The mystery was well plotted and had enough suspects, red herrings, and twists and turns to make it difficult to figure out who committed the murders.
Marley McKinney owns The Flip Side pancake house in Wildwood Cove, has an orange tabby named Flapjack, and the unfortunate habit of finding dead bodies. Her boyfriend, Brett Collins, has a Goldendoodle named Bentley, operates a lawn and garden care company, and works with his dad, Frank, in his home renovation business during the winter. Wally Fowler, an unwelcome returnee to town, has plans to open a breakfast restaurant, is placing flyers everywhere, and even taunted Marley in her restaurant. After attending the annual ladies night at the hardware store, Marley notices Wally’s Waffle Kingdom van in the alley, with two slashed tires, and decides the right thing to do is to tell him. She finds the front door unlocked, enters, and runs into Ivan Kaminski, Flip Side’s chef, who says he came inside to do the same thing, but that he found Wally’s body in the kitchen. Lisa Morales, her friend who holds a grudge against Wally, and Ivan become persons of interest in the killing. Marley decides to explore Wally's death in order to clear her friends. When a second body is discovered, Lisa and Ivan move up on Sheriff Ray Georgeson’s suspect list. While looking for Christmas decorations in the attic, Marley finds a set of journals written by a relative, Camelia Winslow, who disappeared many years ago. She also finds an album filled with articles about Camelia and another local girl, Tassy James, who disappeared weeks before Camelia did. Marley loves solving mysteries, and she’s determined to clear Lisa and Ivan’s names and is hopeful she’ll learn more about Camelia and Tassy’s disappearance. Marley and Brett’s relationship intensifies as Brett copes with his father’s heart attack on their job site.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.
Marley McKinney owns The Flip Side pancake house in Wildwood Cove, has an orange tabby named Flapjack, and the unfortunate habit of finding dead bodies. Her boyfriend, Brett Collins, has a Goldendoodle named Bentley, operates a lawn and garden care company, and works with his dad, Frank, in his home renovation business during the winter. Wally Fowler, an unwelcome returnee to town, has plans to open a breakfast restaurant, is placing flyers everywhere, and even taunted Marley in her restaurant. After attending the annual ladies night at the hardware store, Marley notices Wally’s Waffle Kingdom van in the alley, with two slashed tires, and decides the right thing to do is to tell him. She finds the front door unlocked, enters, and runs into Ivan Kaminski, Flip Side’s chef, who says he came inside to do the same thing, but that he found Wally’s body in the kitchen. Lisa Morales, her friend who holds a grudge against Wally, and Ivan become persons of interest in the killing. Marley decides to explore Wally's death in order to clear her friends. When a second body is discovered, Lisa and Ivan move up on Sheriff Ray Georgeson’s suspect list. While looking for Christmas decorations in the attic, Marley finds a set of journals written by a relative, Camelia Winslow, who disappeared many years ago. She also finds an album filled with articles about Camelia and another local girl, Tassy James, who disappeared weeks before Camelia did. Marley loves solving mysteries, and she’s determined to clear Lisa and Ivan’s names and is hopeful she’ll learn more about Camelia and Tassy’s disappearance. Marley and Brett’s relationship intensifies as Brett copes with his father’s heart attack on their job site.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.
October 21, 2018
YEAST OF EDEN by Sarah Fox
The Fourth Pancake House Mystery
Christmas is coming to Wildwood Cove and The Flip Side is ready for the holidays with new seasonal treats such as Candy Cane Pancakes and Gingerbread Crepes. Unfortunately, Santa isn't the only big man coming to town. Wally Fowler has returned after inheriting a fortune. Now's he's declared himself the Waffle King and is opening up Waffle Kingdom in direct competition to Marley's pancake house. With his brazen tactics and old history, not many people are pleased at his return so when Wally winds up murdered, there are plenty of suspects. But when the sheriff starts to concentrate on Marley's chef, Ivan, and her best friend, Lisa, Marley knows she's going to start investigating on her own!
I'm so happy to be back in Wildwood Cove. Vivid descriptions actually gave me chills, from the gusty winds to the dangerous characters. The penultimate encounter with the murderer was an action packed surprise which led to my pulse pounding, spine tingling, and rapid page turning.
YEAST OF EDEN is a book of dichotomy and Sarah Fox illustrates this with aplomb. From the warm, cozy, and cheerful Flip Side with its fireplace and handmade decorations to the clinical, yet still gaudy Waffle Kingdom. The book also showcases relationships, from the solidifying romance of Marley and Brett to the just starting romance between Ivan and Lisa, and the various relationships between the suspects. There's a lot of meaningful growth developing, which adds yet another layer to the story.
I love the characters here and am laughing at how Sienna is becoming Marley's co-sleuth, making Marley realize how Brett and others feel when she snoops! I always love reading more about Ivan and loved his part in this story, although I'm not sure how I feel about his budding romance.
YEAST OF EDEN is a delightful addition to the Pancake House Mystery series. The mystery is compelling, but there's more to the book that this well plotted mystery. The story also warms your heart and makes you hungry for some of Ivan's delicious creations!
The Fourth Pancake House Mystery
Christmas is coming to Wildwood Cove and The Flip Side is ready for the holidays with new seasonal treats such as Candy Cane Pancakes and Gingerbread Crepes. Unfortunately, Santa isn't the only big man coming to town. Wally Fowler has returned after inheriting a fortune. Now's he's declared himself the Waffle King and is opening up Waffle Kingdom in direct competition to Marley's pancake house. With his brazen tactics and old history, not many people are pleased at his return so when Wally winds up murdered, there are plenty of suspects. But when the sheriff starts to concentrate on Marley's chef, Ivan, and her best friend, Lisa, Marley knows she's going to start investigating on her own!
I'm so happy to be back in Wildwood Cove. Vivid descriptions actually gave me chills, from the gusty winds to the dangerous characters. The penultimate encounter with the murderer was an action packed surprise which led to my pulse pounding, spine tingling, and rapid page turning.
YEAST OF EDEN is a book of dichotomy and Sarah Fox illustrates this with aplomb. From the warm, cozy, and cheerful Flip Side with its fireplace and handmade decorations to the clinical, yet still gaudy Waffle Kingdom. The book also showcases relationships, from the solidifying romance of Marley and Brett to the just starting romance between Ivan and Lisa, and the various relationships between the suspects. There's a lot of meaningful growth developing, which adds yet another layer to the story.
I love the characters here and am laughing at how Sienna is becoming Marley's co-sleuth, making Marley realize how Brett and others feel when she snoops! I always love reading more about Ivan and loved his part in this story, although I'm not sure how I feel about his budding romance.
YEAST OF EDEN is a delightful addition to the Pancake House Mystery series. The mystery is compelling, but there's more to the book that this well plotted mystery. The story also warms your heart and makes you hungry for some of Ivan's delicious creations!
November 4, 2018
Protagonist Marley McKinney owns The Flip Side, a pancake diner that sounds very quaint and perfect for a small coastal town of Washington. She has the ideal support characters surrounding her, including friend Lisa and her chef extraordinaire, Ivan Kaminski. One of the town's old residents, Wally Flower (aka the Waffle King) has come back to create a state-of-the-art breakfast restaurant that would surely offer competition to Marley.
My first experience with both the author and the series but functions well as a standalone. Once brought up to date, discovered the author has carefully woven in a multi-layered plot that grabbed my interest and kept me engaged.
Wally is found murdered in a most bizarre way, and she is drawn in after her friend Lisa and Ivan are inexplicably viewed as persons of interest. Marley decides it is time to get up in the attic to retrieve some Christmas decorations and discovers a diary in an old trunk detailing what leads into a second mystery.
Even with two opposing threads going, it's not difficult to keep up with either and they each send in some hit and run herrings. The well-plotted storyline takes on some interesting hypotheses, most sounding plausible, and I must admit I did not guess who eventually emerged as the antagonist to the murder.
While the mystery of the murder was compelling, it was actually the sub-plot, that of her relative that I found of most interest, although both will have you speculating. I nailed it, albeit with just a slight twist. A satisfying outcome. So who killed Wally? I know, but..huh? A taut and head-spinning climax in the murder mystery!
I was given this download by the publisher and NetGalley and appreciated the opportunity to read and review. I'll be looking forward to the first of her new series and in the meantime recommend this one to any who enjoy an engaging cozy mystery you can work on solving.
See my full review on https://rosepointpublishing.com
My first experience with both the author and the series but functions well as a standalone. Once brought up to date, discovered the author has carefully woven in a multi-layered plot that grabbed my interest and kept me engaged.
Wally is found murdered in a most bizarre way, and she is drawn in after her friend Lisa and Ivan are inexplicably viewed as persons of interest. Marley decides it is time to get up in the attic to retrieve some Christmas decorations and discovers a diary in an old trunk detailing what leads into a second mystery.
Even with two opposing threads going, it's not difficult to keep up with either and they each send in some hit and run herrings. The well-plotted storyline takes on some interesting hypotheses, most sounding plausible, and I must admit I did not guess who eventually emerged as the antagonist to the murder.
While the mystery of the murder was compelling, it was actually the sub-plot, that of her relative that I found of most interest, although both will have you speculating. I nailed it, albeit with just a slight twist. A satisfying outcome. So who killed Wally? I know, but..huh? A taut and head-spinning climax in the murder mystery!
I was given this download by the publisher and NetGalley and appreciated the opportunity to read and review. I'll be looking forward to the first of her new series and in the meantime recommend this one to any who enjoy an engaging cozy mystery you can work on solving.
See my full review on https://rosepointpublishing.com
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