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Kylie Berry Mysteries #1
A Berry Deadly Welcome
Welcome to Sarah’s Eatery, where the food is to-die-for!
Escaping a dreadful marriage and an angry ex-husband, Kylie Berry moves to the small town of Camden Falls, Kentucky, to run her cousin’s café, Sarah’s Eatery. Only one problem: Kylie can’t cook to save her life, and the longtime chef walks out on Kylie’s first day.
Answering the call for a new chef, in walks lovely Rachel Summers, a friendly local brownie-addict who immediately gets the job. But when Rachel is found dead a few hours later, all fingers point to Kylie and her killer brownies.
Could Kylie have made a major kitchen blunder and poisoned the woman? Did a bitter former employee tamper with her pantry? Or was there more to Rachel than the kind smile and eager-to-please attitude she sported at the interview?
With the help of the few remaining café regulars, Kylie sets out on a journey to uncover the truth behind who killed Rachel Summers!
Escaping a dreadful marriage and an angry ex-husband, Kylie Berry moves to the small town of Camden Falls, Kentucky, to run her cousin’s café, Sarah’s Eatery. Only one problem: Kylie can’t cook to save her life, and the longtime chef walks out on Kylie’s first day.
Answering the call for a new chef, in walks lovely Rachel Summers, a friendly local brownie-addict who immediately gets the job. But when Rachel is found dead a few hours later, all fingers point to Kylie and her killer brownies.
Could Kylie have made a major kitchen blunder and poisoned the woman? Did a bitter former employee tamper with her pantry? Or was there more to Rachel than the kind smile and eager-to-please attitude she sported at the interview?
With the help of the few remaining café regulars, Kylie sets out on a journey to uncover the truth behind who killed Rachel Summers!
246 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 14, 2018
3760 people are currently reading
1517 people want to read
About the author
A.R. Winters
188 books397 followersA.R. Winters is a cozy mystery writer who loves writing about crazy characters and vibrant locations. And food, lots of delicious food!
When not writing, A.R. Winters is usually busy eating too much cake...
You can also find her on Facebook
When not writing, A.R. Winters is usually busy eating too much cake...
You can also find her on Facebook
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 232 reviews
February 8, 2019
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This is the first book of the 'Kylie Berry Mysteries'. It opens with Kylie Berry sneaking off to her cousin's café in the small town of Camden Falls in Kentucky -- in a hurry to escape her cheating ex-husband, who has sullied her reputation with false accusations. But she ran out of money and gas before she made it to her destination. So she ditches the car and walks on toward her new life, carrying the few possessions she was able to recover after the divorce that left her destitute since she had signed a prenup.
This is a cozy mystery with the pov from the protagonist. From a practical point of view, she is a total failure as the new boss and in her personal life as well. She owns a restaurant, yet she is not able to cook any edible food. Her ex-Aunt-in-law hates her profusely and has spread ugly rumors to keep people away from her newly acquired restaurant.
After a bit of schmoozing with the locals, she suddenly becomes popular with some of the inhabitants and even makes a best friend. True to cozy mystery formula, the murderer was caught by the heroine. The culprit revealed herself quite by accident, allowing these two friends to get her confession, without the police department being involved.
The story didn't make much logical sense. However, I did appreciate the bits of humor that were sprinkled on top of the burnt food. The abrupt conclusion provided a necessary twist in order to keep the series alive. I was not overly thrilled with this installment, but will definitely be trying book 2 to discover whether or not I want to complete this light series since I did like it, just didn't love it.
This is the first book of the 'Kylie Berry Mysteries'. It opens with Kylie Berry sneaking off to her cousin's café in the small town of Camden Falls in Kentucky -- in a hurry to escape her cheating ex-husband, who has sullied her reputation with false accusations. But she ran out of money and gas before she made it to her destination. So she ditches the car and walks on toward her new life, carrying the few possessions she was able to recover after the divorce that left her destitute since she had signed a prenup.
This is a cozy mystery with the pov from the protagonist. From a practical point of view, she is a total failure as the new boss and in her personal life as well. She owns a restaurant, yet she is not able to cook any edible food. Her ex-Aunt-in-law hates her profusely and has spread ugly rumors to keep people away from her newly acquired restaurant.
After a bit of schmoozing with the locals, she suddenly becomes popular with some of the inhabitants and even makes a best friend. True to cozy mystery formula, the murderer was caught by the heroine. The culprit revealed herself quite by accident, allowing these two friends to get her confession, without the police department being involved.
The story didn't make much logical sense. However, I did appreciate the bits of humor that were sprinkled on top of the burnt food. The abrupt conclusion provided a necessary twist in order to keep the series alive. I was not overly thrilled with this installment, but will definitely be trying book 2 to discover whether or not I want to complete this light series since I did like it, just didn't love it.
November 10, 2020
A cute cozy witty mystery. After a divorce that left her broke Kylie moves to Camden Falls, Kentucky. Her cousin leaves her with a business deal to own her building and restaurant. Which is really nice except she can't cook, her ex- aunt-in-law has ruined her reputation and she is a person of interest in a murder. This story is fast-paced, witty, a diverse cast of fun characters, and a new kitten named Sage. I think I will enjoy this series. My only complaint is the many grammar errors. That is the reason for 3 stars instead of 4.
November 26, 2019
She can't cook.
I loved it. A new series. Kylie has been through a rough divorce and has nothing but the clothes on her back. Her cousin signs over a restaurant to her but her cook quits.
A fun story, a good plot, introductions to the premier characters. I am going to be following this series.
I loved it. A new series. Kylie has been through a rough divorce and has nothing but the clothes on her back. Her cousin signs over a restaurant to her but her cook quits.
A fun story, a good plot, introductions to the premier characters. I am going to be following this series.
March 14, 2018
A Fun Whodunnit!
This is a brand new series for Winters. Main character Kylie Berry marries her husband at the very young age of 18. Not knowing any better she signs a terrible prenup. Eleven years later she takes off from her ever cheating louse of a husband with nothing but a small suitcase. She heads for the small town of Camden Falls hoping to start fresh. Unfortunately things do not work in any way shape or form. She buys a cafe, loses almost all her staff, & oh, yeah, one of her customers ends up dead after eating her brownies. Did I mention that Kylie can’t cook or bake, not at all!! She is probably the worst cook on the planet! Her cooking/baking attempts had my laughing out loud! The poor girl is completely in over her head. But I really liked Kylie. I just wanted to give her a hug & some cooking lessons! The story is loaded with some really colorful characters both good & evil. I can’t wait to see what the future has in store for Kylie & Little Sage.
This is a brand new series for Winters. Main character Kylie Berry marries her husband at the very young age of 18. Not knowing any better she signs a terrible prenup. Eleven years later she takes off from her ever cheating louse of a husband with nothing but a small suitcase. She heads for the small town of Camden Falls hoping to start fresh. Unfortunately things do not work in any way shape or form. She buys a cafe, loses almost all her staff, & oh, yeah, one of her customers ends up dead after eating her brownies. Did I mention that Kylie can’t cook or bake, not at all!! She is probably the worst cook on the planet! Her cooking/baking attempts had my laughing out loud! The poor girl is completely in over her head. But I really liked Kylie. I just wanted to give her a hug & some cooking lessons! The story is loaded with some really colorful characters both good & evil. I can’t wait to see what the future has in store for Kylie & Little Sage.
August 9, 2018
This is the first book in a new series. I was fortunate enough to get a free copy of the 2nd book before I received this one. That said, this book is really good but I think the series gets better and better. The characters get more fleshed out and their relationships develop. In this one everyone is just getting to know each other so it may feel a little awkward but that soon dissipates and the laughs start and you have to root for Kylie. She tries so hard and is so good hearted. The mystery is good and you don't figure it out until the end. Really good first book.
I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
July 18, 2021
A nice and easy read about newly-divorced Kylie Berry. Kylie has moved to a new town to help out at her cousin Sarah's cafe, even though Kylie cannot cook to save her life. Kylie quickly realises that her cuz Sarah is actually leaving town, and is handing the keys to Kylie as an act of good will. A downturn in staff quickly leaves Kylie without a chef, so she advertises for a cook. In comes Rachel Summers, who also can't cook, but 'really wants to learn'; Kylie makes a rash decision to hire Rachel (which shows that perhaps her business skills need some work as well), and she gives Rachel a batch of brownies as a way of saying thank you. Rachel is quickly found dead with a plate of brownies beside her ... it seems as though Kyle's cooking is so bad that it kills! Not a great way to get customers in the door at her desolate Cafe.
While Kylie is trying to convince the town folk that she's not a killer, she's also trying really hard to move on from her douche of an ex husband. Turns out that this is going to be more difficult than anticipated, as her ex's aunt Dorothy (who I think is actually the wicked witch of this story) is telling everyone who will listen what an awful human being Kylie is. Kylie quickly learns that not only does Dorothy live in Camden Falls, but she's also the 'pillar of society' type, and as such, thinks that EVERYONE will side with her, and while a lot do, Kylie quickly realises that she has her fair share of friends and admirers. Kylie's ability to build relationships plays an important role in her solving who really killed Rachel Summers.
An enjoyable read. The pace of the book was pretty good. There was a lot of characterisation, but this is to be expected in the first novel of a series. I look forward to reading more of Kylie Berry's adventures in solving crimes.
While Kylie is trying to convince the town folk that she's not a killer, she's also trying really hard to move on from her douche of an ex husband. Turns out that this is going to be more difficult than anticipated, as her ex's aunt Dorothy (who I think is actually the wicked witch of this story) is telling everyone who will listen what an awful human being Kylie is. Kylie quickly learns that not only does Dorothy live in Camden Falls, but she's also the 'pillar of society' type, and as such, thinks that EVERYONE will side with her, and while a lot do, Kylie quickly realises that she has her fair share of friends and admirers. Kylie's ability to build relationships plays an important role in her solving who really killed Rachel Summers.
An enjoyable read. The pace of the book was pretty good. There was a lot of characterisation, but this is to be expected in the first novel of a series. I look forward to reading more of Kylie Berry's adventures in solving crimes.
October 19, 2024
A quick, cozy and easy read. Cute story.
September 10, 2025
I read a book from another series by this author over a decade ago and wasn't especially impressed. A reading friend keeps raving about yet another of the author's series, so when a challenge prompted me to find a book with a strawberry on the cover (!), I decided to give this one a shot.
I think the reader is supposed to feel sorry for Kylie, the MC, who has left her husband and has practically nothing with which to start a new life. I found it hard to dredge up any sympathy for her, especially after letting her cousin railroad her into taking ownership of the eatery (I hate that word!) where she was supposed to be lending a hand. And I will never understand how anyone, male or female, gets to adulthood without learning how to cook at least a few basics. Add in the vengeful 'ex'-aunt, and Kylie just lets life run her over time and time again.
The murder victim was one of the few people Kylie had met in her new town, but when she became the primary suspect and decided to clear her name, she met and befriended several people in the course of her investigation. The list of possible suspects grew longer as more was learned about the victim, and I wasn't sure who might be most likely to commit the crime. I didn't figure it out until it became obvious in the book, but the motive made me roll my eyes.
I have several more books from this series in my audible library, but I doubt I will listen to the next one anytime soon. Besides not caring for or about the MC, the books are narrated by Audible's Virtual Voice, and I'm learning that I would much prefer to listen to a human being than a machine.
I think the reader is supposed to feel sorry for Kylie, the MC, who has left her husband and has practically nothing with which to start a new life. I found it hard to dredge up any sympathy for her, especially after letting her cousin railroad her into taking ownership of the eatery (I hate that word!) where she was supposed to be lending a hand. And I will never understand how anyone, male or female, gets to adulthood without learning how to cook at least a few basics. Add in the vengeful 'ex'-aunt, and Kylie just lets life run her over time and time again.
The murder victim was one of the few people Kylie had met in her new town, but when she became the primary suspect and decided to clear her name, she met and befriended several people in the course of her investigation. The list of possible suspects grew longer as more was learned about the victim, and I wasn't sure who might be most likely to commit the crime. I didn't figure it out until it became obvious in the book, but the motive made me roll my eyes.
I have several more books from this series in my audible library, but I doubt I will listen to the next one anytime soon. Besides not caring for or about the MC, the books are narrated by Audible's Virtual Voice, and I'm learning that I would much prefer to listen to a human being than a machine.
April 9, 2024
Quick read, it was cute but didn't entertain me enough to want to continue with the series.
did-not-finish
February 18, 2020Dreadful writing, an implausible plot, ridiculously stupid heroine and crazy ex-aunt. The murderer was a surprise, at least. Won't be reading any more of this series.
October 25, 2019
A very shallow story
I failed to see the humour in this supposedly "laugh out loud" book. It didn't raise a smile in me. The heroine hadn't even got near to solving the mystery when the culprit revealed herself as the murderer. Surely that defeats the whole object of a "who done it". Why are so many would-be authors jumping on the overdone themes of restaurants, diners, bakeries, chefs, witches and the ludicrous psychic cats and dogs. Let's have some refreshing originality - not the same old rubbish.
I failed to see the humour in this supposedly "laugh out loud" book. It didn't raise a smile in me. The heroine hadn't even got near to solving the mystery when the culprit revealed herself as the murderer. Surely that defeats the whole object of a "who done it". Why are so many would-be authors jumping on the overdone themes of restaurants, diners, bakeries, chefs, witches and the ludicrous psychic cats and dogs. Let's have some refreshing originality - not the same old rubbish.
November 9, 2020
This book felt like it had no thought put into it. It had some likable characters, but the story bounced around with no rhyme or reason and then just cut off.
July 26, 2021
DNF. Just not for me. Owns restaurant without a clue about cooking. Has it open with only one option to eat. Just seemed far fetched and can’t believe it’s a series.
December 30, 2023
Dumb, dumb, dumb
One and done with author and series. Read Elle Alexander instead!
One and done with author and series. Read Elle Alexander instead!
April 26, 2024
Cute small town murder mystery.
January 23, 2022
cute story
Love this beginning book of a new series by this author. Kylie’s life is in turmoil when her marriage ends and she goes to help her friend with her cafe. There the fun starts…she is now the owner of said cafe and can’t boil an egg. When she does try to cook, her brownies poison the new cook! Looking forward to continuing the series.
Love this beginning book of a new series by this author. Kylie’s life is in turmoil when her marriage ends and she goes to help her friend with her cafe. There the fun starts…she is now the owner of said cafe and can’t boil an egg. When she does try to cook, her brownies poison the new cook! Looking forward to continuing the series.
May 7, 2023
3.75 rounded up!
Very very cute story! This whole book was a pleasure to read, and I will definitely be reading the rest of this series. One thing I’d like to add, however, is that it isn’t the best descriptor to call Asian women “exotic,” as the book did numerous times. As an Asian person myself, I felt like the one Asian character in the book was othered by that description, and it really took me out of the book. But besides that, this was a splendid read and I think the author did a great job with writing a cozy mystery!
Very very cute story! This whole book was a pleasure to read, and I will definitely be reading the rest of this series. One thing I’d like to add, however, is that it isn’t the best descriptor to call Asian women “exotic,” as the book did numerous times. As an Asian person myself, I felt like the one Asian character in the book was othered by that description, and it really took me out of the book. But besides that, this was a splendid read and I think the author did a great job with writing a cozy mystery!
May 18, 2018
Super cute!
This was a very fun, funny and overall cute summer read. It kept my attention, and frankly I never wanted to put it down. I look forward to book number 2.
This was a very fun, funny and overall cute summer read. It kept my attention, and frankly I never wanted to put it down. I look forward to book number 2.
June 21, 2024
I picked this one up for a scavenger hunt challenge. I loved Kylie but I can't imagine not being able to even make eggs. Eeek I think I would die if I couldn't even make brownies. This one totally made me crave brownies and I may be making some tonight with the munchkin.
A Berry Deadly Welcome is a cute whirlwind cozy romance. Kylie has to start over and instead of a warm welcome she's the number one suspect for murder. This is a quick fast paced story I ended up finishing it in one reading session. I liked the characters and I'll continue the story, because I got to know if Kylie ever learns to cook.
A Berry Deadly Welcome is a cute whirlwind cozy romance. Kylie has to start over and instead of a warm welcome she's the number one suspect for murder. This is a quick fast paced story I ended up finishing it in one reading session. I liked the characters and I'll continue the story, because I got to know if Kylie ever learns to cook.
February 5, 2022
Delightful mystery, suspense story! Easy to read with enjoyable characters. This is my first A.R. Winters book. It seemed like there were a few grammatical errors but all in all I enjoyed this cute story.
July 7, 2019
Quick and easy
New author. Not sure if this is a stand alone but would enjoy seeing how the characters devolop. Look forward to reading more from this author
New author. Not sure if this is a stand alone but would enjoy seeing how the characters devolop. Look forward to reading more from this author
September 29, 2020
Fun and fast
An entertaining read. Easy to finish in one sitting. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
An entertaining read. Easy to finish in one sitting. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
February 19, 2021
Good read!
Love your books. They are very entertaining. I love a good mystery 🤩 keeps me guessing and smiling at the same time.
Love your books. They are very entertaining. I love a good mystery 🤩 keeps me guessing and smiling at the same time.
April 6, 2021
A Berry Delight
First book by thus author I read and really enjoyed it. Good characters Ang good story line. Would recommend this book and author to anyone who loves cozy mysteries.
First book by thus author I read and really enjoyed it. Good characters Ang good story line. Would recommend this book and author to anyone who loves cozy mysteries.
March 19, 2018
Solid 4.5 star
I just love cozy mysteries and I was not disappointed with A Berry Deadly Welcome, Kylie Berry is at rock bottom as in she has no job, recently divorced by her pig of a husband, not a penny to her name and all she now owns fits inside suit case. Due to also having no internet nor phone Kylie doesn't realise her Cousin Sarah is not only going to let her stay at her apartment but also sell her the whole bakery, woohoo things are looking up until her Crazy Aunt in law turns up (yup the exes family live here) and next thing someone is dead and all fingers point to her. I just loved how Kylie manages to get her self in suck a pickle with things but also has some new good friends to help her out. There are plenty of laughs, surprises and a good wee twist to keep you entertained and wanting book 2.
I just love cozy mysteries and I was not disappointed with A Berry Deadly Welcome, Kylie Berry is at rock bottom as in she has no job, recently divorced by her pig of a husband, not a penny to her name and all she now owns fits inside suit case. Due to also having no internet nor phone Kylie doesn't realise her Cousin Sarah is not only going to let her stay at her apartment but also sell her the whole bakery, woohoo things are looking up until her Crazy Aunt in law turns up (yup the exes family live here) and next thing someone is dead and all fingers point to her. I just loved how Kylie manages to get her self in suck a pickle with things but also has some new good friends to help her out. There are plenty of laughs, surprises and a good wee twist to keep you entertained and wanting book 2.
June 7, 2019
Liked sthes story, but it pushed the limits of reality when it puts forth the idea of someone having been married for 11 years, that's 4,015 days, and NEVER having cooked anything in her life. This might work if that person had married a millionaire and had a cook, maid, and housekeeper - but that was not the case. The author contends that this couple ate 3 meals a day for the aforementioned amount of days outside their home. That would be cost prohibitive among other things. But it does set up Kylie as a harebrained, incompetent idiot. So, right there the story is killed as Kylie has to go through the book in the manner she was described.
Additionally, a bit of proof reading would have helped.
In any case, I will not be reading any more of this series as I don't suffer stupid, whether it is the character or the author.
Additionally, a bit of proof reading would have helped.
In any case, I will not be reading any more of this series as I don't suffer stupid, whether it is the character or the author.
January 6, 2020
Overview:
Blurb: Kylie Berry moves to Camden Falls, Kentucky to get away from her no-good, dirty, rotten, cheater of an ex-husband. She's offered a job at her cousin's cafe and jumps at the chance. Unfortunately for her, she now owns the cafe and a reputation for being a harlot thanks to her ex-husband's harridan aunt Dorothy. Things don't get any better when her admittedly terrible cooking apparently kills her new cook! Life in the tiny town of Camden Falls looks to be trying to take Kylie out at the knees before she can even fully stand up.
Trigger Warnings:
Bullying, Death, Drug Use (Non-Consensual), Emotional Abuse, Food, Gun Violence, Infidelity, Murder, Off Screen Infidelity, Poor Coping Mechanisms, Violence
Body Count: 1
Overall review:
Thoughts:
Overall, it's not a bad book. The pacing is good and Kylie has a decent sense of humor. The character rolls with the punches of being a penniless divorcee, being accused of murder, and having a harridan of an ex-aunt-in-law trying to destroy her reputation in her new home.
I suppose it's the mark of a good writer that I wanted to punch Aunt Dorothy in her stuck-up nose. And I do like the variety of people the story portrays. It was a decent romp into the world of Camden Falls with steady world-building, but it seemed a touch tepid. I'm going to read the next book in the series to see if I can connect better with the next one.
Was it engaging?
Yes
Favorite Character:
Sage, the kitten.
The Specs:
• Series
◦ Series Name: Kylie Berry Mysteries
◦ Book Number: 1 of 8
• Genre
◦ Technical Genre: Cozy Culinary Mysteries, Cozy Animal Mystery
◦ Theo Genre: Cozy Mystery
• Page count: 246 pages
• POV: 1st Person
• Publication information:
◦ Publisher: CreateSpace Publishing/Amazon Digital Services LLC
◦ Language: English
◦ ISBN-13: 9781986333641
◦ ASIN: B07BBCWDZ4
Other Fun Stuff:
To Read or Not To Read (Again):
Donated, but I'll read more of the series
Rating out of five: 2.5 out of 5
Representation, Morality, and Sexism Tests:
• Bechdel–Wallace Test:
◦ Purpose: to establish actual female characters that act independently of male characters in a story.
▪ Do two female characters talk about something other than a male character?
◦ Pass or Fail: Pass
• DuVernay Test:
◦ Purpose: to establish characters of color in a story.
▪ Are there fully actualized characters of color?
◦ Pass or Fail: Pass
• Ellen Willis Test:
◦ Purpose: to show balance in characters regardless of gender.
▪ Would two related characters still work to carry the story if their genders were reversed?
◦ Pass or Fail: Pass
• Hays Code Test:
◦ Purpose: to ignore outdated and queer-degrading/punishing standards that once were the standard for produced mass media.
◦ Part One: outdated moral guidelines
▪ Are there any outdated "moral content" rules gloriously kicked in the teeth by this story?
▪ Are there people of color allowed a happy ending?
▪ Is there an interracial couple?
▪ Is there profanity used at all?
▪ Is there one or more homicidal acts and/or murder?
◦ Part Two: queer representation
▪ Are there queer characters that get a happy ending?
▪ Is there an illegal or otherwise distasteful age gap between characters, queer or otherwise?
▪ Do the queer characters die tragically, violently, or at all?
◦ Pass or Fail: Half Pass
• Mako Mori Test:
◦ Purpose: to assure that in the story there is at least one female character independent of a male character's story.
▪ Is there a female character?
▪ Does she get her own arc?
▪ Does it do anything other than serve to support a man’s story?
◦ Pass or Fail: Pass
• Sexy Lamp Test:
◦ Purpose: to assure that a female character in the story serves as an active protagonist, not just a device to be used by the male main character.
▪ Would the plot fall apart if the female character was replaced by a sexy looking lamp?
◦ Post-It Note Caveat:
▪ Would the character be able to be replaced by a Sexy Lamp with a sticky note on it for information conveyance?
◦ Pass or Fail: Pass
• Tauriel Test:
◦ Purpose: to help support the existence of competent, independent female characters regardless of a romantic sub-plot.
▪ Is there at least one woman in the story?
▪ Is this woman competent in her chosen occupation and not immediately shown up by a newcomer male character?
▪ If she has or develops a love interest during the story, either implied or explicitly stated, does she suddenly abandon her job and/or chosen path to support or pursue said love interest?
◦ Pass or Fail: Pass
• Vito Russo Test:
◦ Purpose: to establish more characters that are on the SAGA (Sexuality And Gender Acceptance), QTPOC (Queer and Trans People of Color) or LGBTQIAP+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual/Biromantic/Bigender, Transgender, Queer/Genderqueer, Intersex, Asexual/Aromantic/Agender, Pansexual/Panromantic, and others not listed here) spectrum.
▪ Is there a character on the queer spectrum?
▪ Are they a character beyond their orientation?
▪ Do they actually affect the plot?
▪ Is the character something beyond a punchline?
◦ Pass or Fail: Half Pass
Review format updated 10 June 2019
Blurb: Kylie Berry moves to Camden Falls, Kentucky to get away from her no-good, dirty, rotten, cheater of an ex-husband. She's offered a job at her cousin's cafe and jumps at the chance. Unfortunately for her, she now owns the cafe and a reputation for being a harlot thanks to her ex-husband's harridan aunt Dorothy. Things don't get any better when her admittedly terrible cooking apparently kills her new cook! Life in the tiny town of Camden Falls looks to be trying to take Kylie out at the knees before she can even fully stand up.
Trigger Warnings:
Bullying, Death, Drug Use (Non-Consensual), Emotional Abuse, Food, Gun Violence, Infidelity, Murder, Off Screen Infidelity, Poor Coping Mechanisms, Violence
Body Count: 1
Overall review:
Thoughts:
Overall, it's not a bad book. The pacing is good and Kylie has a decent sense of humor. The character rolls with the punches of being a penniless divorcee, being accused of murder, and having a harridan of an ex-aunt-in-law trying to destroy her reputation in her new home.
I suppose it's the mark of a good writer that I wanted to punch Aunt Dorothy in her stuck-up nose. And I do like the variety of people the story portrays. It was a decent romp into the world of Camden Falls with steady world-building, but it seemed a touch tepid. I'm going to read the next book in the series to see if I can connect better with the next one.
Was it engaging?
Yes
Favorite Character:
Sage, the kitten.
The Specs:
• Series
◦ Series Name: Kylie Berry Mysteries
◦ Book Number: 1 of 8
• Genre
◦ Technical Genre: Cozy Culinary Mysteries, Cozy Animal Mystery
◦ Theo Genre: Cozy Mystery
• Page count: 246 pages
• POV: 1st Person
• Publication information:
◦ Publisher: CreateSpace Publishing/Amazon Digital Services LLC
◦ Language: English
◦ ISBN-13: 9781986333641
◦ ASIN: B07BBCWDZ4
Other Fun Stuff:
To Read or Not To Read (Again):
Donated, but I'll read more of the series
Rating out of five: 2.5 out of 5
Representation, Morality, and Sexism Tests:
• Bechdel–Wallace Test:
◦ Purpose: to establish actual female characters that act independently of male characters in a story.
▪ Do two female characters talk about something other than a male character?
◦ Pass or Fail: Pass
• DuVernay Test:
◦ Purpose: to establish characters of color in a story.
▪ Are there fully actualized characters of color?
◦ Pass or Fail: Pass
• Ellen Willis Test:
◦ Purpose: to show balance in characters regardless of gender.
▪ Would two related characters still work to carry the story if their genders were reversed?
◦ Pass or Fail: Pass
• Hays Code Test:
◦ Purpose: to ignore outdated and queer-degrading/punishing standards that once were the standard for produced mass media.
◦ Part One: outdated moral guidelines
▪ Are there any outdated "moral content" rules gloriously kicked in the teeth by this story?
▪ Are there people of color allowed a happy ending?
▪ Is there an interracial couple?
▪ Is there profanity used at all?
▪ Is there one or more homicidal acts and/or murder?
◦ Part Two: queer representation
▪ Are there queer characters that get a happy ending?
▪ Is there an illegal or otherwise distasteful age gap between characters, queer or otherwise?
▪ Do the queer characters die tragically, violently, or at all?
◦ Pass or Fail: Half Pass
• Mako Mori Test:
◦ Purpose: to assure that in the story there is at least one female character independent of a male character's story.
▪ Is there a female character?
▪ Does she get her own arc?
▪ Does it do anything other than serve to support a man’s story?
◦ Pass or Fail: Pass
• Sexy Lamp Test:
◦ Purpose: to assure that a female character in the story serves as an active protagonist, not just a device to be used by the male main character.
▪ Would the plot fall apart if the female character was replaced by a sexy looking lamp?
◦ Post-It Note Caveat:
▪ Would the character be able to be replaced by a Sexy Lamp with a sticky note on it for information conveyance?
◦ Pass or Fail: Pass
• Tauriel Test:
◦ Purpose: to help support the existence of competent, independent female characters regardless of a romantic sub-plot.
▪ Is there at least one woman in the story?
▪ Is this woman competent in her chosen occupation and not immediately shown up by a newcomer male character?
▪ If she has or develops a love interest during the story, either implied or explicitly stated, does she suddenly abandon her job and/or chosen path to support or pursue said love interest?
◦ Pass or Fail: Pass
• Vito Russo Test:
◦ Purpose: to establish more characters that are on the SAGA (Sexuality And Gender Acceptance), QTPOC (Queer and Trans People of Color) or LGBTQIAP+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual/Biromantic/Bigender, Transgender, Queer/Genderqueer, Intersex, Asexual/Aromantic/Agender, Pansexual/Panromantic, and others not listed here) spectrum.
▪ Is there a character on the queer spectrum?
▪ Are they a character beyond their orientation?
▪ Do they actually affect the plot?
▪ Is the character something beyond a punchline?
◦ Pass or Fail: Half Pass
Review format updated 10 June 2019
July 24, 2019
Kylie is escaping a bad marriage with nothing and her cousin basically gives her a business and apartment
What I enjoyed:
* Supporting characters - I am intrigued by Zoey
* Quick read
What could have been better:
* There is going to be a love triangle or square, every man she met was gorgeous
* People in this small town were surprisingly ok with a virtual stranger asking them personal questions
* Editing issues - Rachel's sister's name changed from Veronica to Nancy at the end
* She is the worst cook ever and seems convinced she should be the cook at her new café and people still go there
* The ex-aunt-in-law was over the top with her hate
What I enjoyed:
* Supporting characters - I am intrigued by Zoey
* Quick read
What could have been better:
* There is going to be a love triangle or square, every man she met was gorgeous
* People in this small town were surprisingly ok with a virtual stranger asking them personal questions
* Editing issues - Rachel's sister's name changed from Veronica to Nancy at the end
* She is the worst cook ever and seems convinced she should be the cook at her new café and people still go there
* The ex-aunt-in-law was over the top with her hate
August 30, 2021
Unrealistic
Entertaining? Yes. Realistic? No. I wanted to give this book a higher rating, but just couldn't when too many things didn't make sense, like serving the same one dish to customers everyday or baking a cake from scratch with no recipe when you know you can't even bake from a box mix or thinking you killed someone by poisoning when you ate the same brownies as the deceased and didn't even get sick.
Entertaining? Yes. Realistic? No. I wanted to give this book a higher rating, but just couldn't when too many things didn't make sense, like serving the same one dish to customers everyday or baking a cake from scratch with no recipe when you know you can't even bake from a box mix or thinking you killed someone by poisoning when you ate the same brownies as the deceased and didn't even get sick.
November 23, 2021
I think this is one of those books where technically it has the important parts…but still doesn’t quite drag you in.
The story of the book is okay. A woman trying to get onto her feet again after leaving her shitty ex-husband and taking over a cafe. Being framed for murder and trying to find answers. All kinda logical. There was just not a lot of build-up to the reveal of the murderer? At least that’s how I felt. It wasn’t boring or anything.
The main character, I forgot her name already, sadly, was okay. She sometimes rushed into stupid actions and honestly didn’t seem quite as business savvy as she presented herself, but okay, she learned. Though still running after answers when a policeman tells you it’ll be too dangerous…
Zoey was nice, but I have to say I was confused how fast she became the darling of so many people, especially with such an ex-aunt poisoning everybody against her?
The setting was okay. Seh takes over a Café which seems like the worst thing you can do when completely without money or any resources, given how they’re often not profitable. She does some stupid stuff. People dislike her after listening to some old woman. Some people decide to like her. She gets a cat and doesn’t do any research on her own 🤦🏻♀️ She cooks for the cafe even tho she can’t cook (and is stupid about it-you can’t just combine random recipes and expect it to work out?)
Small town business for the most part.
The style was…sometimes okay, sometimes nearly nice, and sometimes a little cringe.
All in all, it’s not a bad book, but it also didn’t excite me that much. It’s entertaining enough tho.
The story of the book is okay. A woman trying to get onto her feet again after leaving her shitty ex-husband and taking over a cafe. Being framed for murder and trying to find answers. All kinda logical. There was just not a lot of build-up to the reveal of the murderer? At least that’s how I felt. It wasn’t boring or anything.
The main character, I forgot her name already, sadly, was okay. She sometimes rushed into stupid actions and honestly didn’t seem quite as business savvy as she presented herself, but okay, she learned. Though still running after answers when a policeman tells you it’ll be too dangerous…
Zoey was nice, but I have to say I was confused how fast she became the darling of so many people, especially with such an ex-aunt poisoning everybody against her?
The setting was okay. Seh takes over a Café which seems like the worst thing you can do when completely without money or any resources, given how they’re often not profitable. She does some stupid stuff. People dislike her after listening to some old woman. Some people decide to like her. She gets a cat and doesn’t do any research on her own 🤦🏻♀️ She cooks for the cafe even tho she can’t cook (and is stupid about it-you can’t just combine random recipes and expect it to work out?)
Small town business for the most part.
The style was…sometimes okay, sometimes nearly nice, and sometimes a little cringe.
All in all, it’s not a bad book, but it also didn’t excite me that much. It’s entertaining enough tho.
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