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A Sugar & Spice Mystery #1
Game of Scones
As co-owner of Sugar and Spice Cookbooks, Sugar Calloway has seen simple confections bring friends together and spark fiery feuds. Except this time, the recipe truly is to die for . . .
After losing her job as food editor at a glossy magazine, Rosetta Sugarbaker Calloway—aka “Sugar” to friends—isn’t sweet on accepting defeat and crawling back to her gossipy southern hometown. So when she has an opportunity to launch a community cookbook business with blue-ribbon baker Dixie Spicer in peaceful St. Ignatius, Iowa, she jumps at the chance to start over from scratch . . .
But as Sugar assembles recipes for the local centennial celebration, it’s not long before she’s up to her oven mitts in explosive threats, too-hot-to-handle scandals, and a dead body belonging to the moody matriarch of the town’s first family. With suspicions running wild, Sugar and Spice must solve the murder before someone innocent takes the heat—and the real culprit gathers enough ingredients to strike again . . .
* Includes delicious recipes! *
After losing her job as food editor at a glossy magazine, Rosetta Sugarbaker Calloway—aka “Sugar” to friends—isn’t sweet on accepting defeat and crawling back to her gossipy southern hometown. So when she has an opportunity to launch a community cookbook business with blue-ribbon baker Dixie Spicer in peaceful St. Ignatius, Iowa, she jumps at the chance to start over from scratch . . .
But as Sugar assembles recipes for the local centennial celebration, it’s not long before she’s up to her oven mitts in explosive threats, too-hot-to-handle scandals, and a dead body belonging to the moody matriarch of the town’s first family. With suspicions running wild, Sugar and Spice must solve the murder before someone innocent takes the heat—and the real culprit gathers enough ingredients to strike again . . .
* Includes delicious recipes! *
254 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 4, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews
November 24, 2018
Game of Scones by Mary Lee Ashford is the first book of the cozy A Sugar & Spice Mystery series. This series introduces Rosetta Sugarbaker Calloway who prefers to just be called Sugar by her friends. After losing her job at a magazine Sugar teamed up with baker Dixie Spicer, the other half of Sugar and Spice, to start a cookbook in the small town of St. Ignatius, Iowa.
Sugar and Dixie came up with the idea of making the cookbook a community effort but as they are gathering recipes for the centennial celebration they find out pleasing everyone is not as easy as it sounds. As much as they knew there were bickering and threats they never expect to find a dead body and have a murder to be solved on their hands.
Yes, it’s another small town cozy with quirky characters and lots of culinary delights for the foodies out there, there are even some yummy recipes included in case the book gives readers cravings. This was a solid start to the new series I'd rate at 3.5 stars with decent mystery to solve to clear the aunt of one of the characters of a murder charge. I’ll be looking forward to seeing what happens with the characters in the next installment of the series.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
Sugar and Dixie came up with the idea of making the cookbook a community effort but as they are gathering recipes for the centennial celebration they find out pleasing everyone is not as easy as it sounds. As much as they knew there were bickering and threats they never expect to find a dead body and have a murder to be solved on their hands.
Yes, it’s another small town cozy with quirky characters and lots of culinary delights for the foodies out there, there are even some yummy recipes included in case the book gives readers cravings. This was a solid start to the new series I'd rate at 3.5 stars with decent mystery to solve to clear the aunt of one of the characters of a murder charge. I’ll be looking forward to seeing what happens with the characters in the next installment of the series.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
November 11, 2018
I have to admit it was the yummy photo of scones on the cover for this book that led me to read it. The photo looks so good! mmmm. I'm a sucker for culinary cozy mysteries anyway...so I didn't need too hard of a push to read Game of Scones.
Rosetta "Sugar'' Calloway recently left behind her career as a senior food editor for a magazine. When profits started declining she was downsized. So, she has relocated to the small town of St. Ignatius and started a cookbook business with her friend, Dixie Spicer. Sugar & Spice Publishing. Now this isn't a Martha Stewart or Paula Deen type cookbook publisher, but one that centers on community cookbooks.....ones with recipes gathered by local organizations, churches, schools, etc. Their first project is the St. Ignatius Founders Day Commemorative Cookbook. Unfortunately, drama has taken over the planning. Elsie Farmer is at war with the owner of the local B&B over which scone recipe will be included in the book, hers or Bertie's. Small town nonsense turns much more serious when Sugar discovers Elsie's dead body on the ground near her house. The dead woman is found clutching a scone. When Dixie's Aunt Bertie faces arrest for murder, Sugar knows she needs to ferret out the real killer!
I really enjoyed this first book in the Sugar & Spice Mystery series. I grew up in a small town....and live in one now....and the characters, gossip, and little oddities of St. Ignatius made me smile. So much like real life in any small town. From disputes over falling leaves to fights over family recipes.....small town life has its own set of peculiarities. Everyone knows everybody's business. And gossip passes through town at the speed of light. I like the setting for this new series, the characters and the background theme of a small community cookbook publishing business.
All in all, a quick entertaining read. The front cover is engaging....and yummy! There are recipes at the end of the book -- two scone recipes (so you can make a choice between Elsie and Bertie's recipes) and a broccoli dish as well. I will definitely be reading more books in this series!
The second book in this series, Risky Biscuits, will publish in July 2019.
**I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy of this book from Kensington via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**
Rosetta "Sugar'' Calloway recently left behind her career as a senior food editor for a magazine. When profits started declining she was downsized. So, she has relocated to the small town of St. Ignatius and started a cookbook business with her friend, Dixie Spicer. Sugar & Spice Publishing. Now this isn't a Martha Stewart or Paula Deen type cookbook publisher, but one that centers on community cookbooks.....ones with recipes gathered by local organizations, churches, schools, etc. Their first project is the St. Ignatius Founders Day Commemorative Cookbook. Unfortunately, drama has taken over the planning. Elsie Farmer is at war with the owner of the local B&B over which scone recipe will be included in the book, hers or Bertie's. Small town nonsense turns much more serious when Sugar discovers Elsie's dead body on the ground near her house. The dead woman is found clutching a scone. When Dixie's Aunt Bertie faces arrest for murder, Sugar knows she needs to ferret out the real killer!
I really enjoyed this first book in the Sugar & Spice Mystery series. I grew up in a small town....and live in one now....and the characters, gossip, and little oddities of St. Ignatius made me smile. So much like real life in any small town. From disputes over falling leaves to fights over family recipes.....small town life has its own set of peculiarities. Everyone knows everybody's business. And gossip passes through town at the speed of light. I like the setting for this new series, the characters and the background theme of a small community cookbook publishing business.
All in all, a quick entertaining read. The front cover is engaging....and yummy! There are recipes at the end of the book -- two scone recipes (so you can make a choice between Elsie and Bertie's recipes) and a broccoli dish as well. I will definitely be reading more books in this series!
The second book in this series, Risky Biscuits, will publish in July 2019.
**I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy of this book from Kensington via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**
June 15, 2019
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Rosetta Sugarbaker Calloway and Dixie Spicer aka “Sugar” and “Spice” have teamed up and opened a community cookbook business, Sugar & Spice Publishing. Former food editor Sugar handles the logistics and blue-ribbon baker Spice tests the recipes.
Their first client is the committee for the local Founder’s Day Centennial Celebration. Sugar meets with the committee to discuss a duplicate scone recipe. Working with adult women, Dixie’s Aunt Bertie and Ellie Farmer, she is sure they can work it out. What happens is a shouting match that almost comes to blows. The meeting ends with no resolution. Hoping individual meetings with the bakers will solve the issue Sugar sets up a meeting with Ellie. But she finds the woman dead clutching a scone. With the ladies’ ongoing feud Bertie quickly becomes the prime suspect. When Bertie leaves town telling no one of her plans Sheriff Terrance Griffin turns up the heat while Sugar and Dixie worry if someone has hurt Bertie too.
___
This was a delightful cozy mystery. I have been on a few fundraiser cookbook committees so this story excited me from the start. Thankfully our cookbooks were completed without any dead bodies but there were some heated conversations. People take their recipes seriously! The author includes 3 recipes at the end of the book.
Sugar and Dixie have their work cut out for them in making a business like this flourish, especially if this one is any indication. Both women have the expertise needed except they need to bring in a photographer. Enter Max Windsor, a friend of Dixie’s brother. We also meet Sugar’s pain-in-the-butt neighbor and her landlord who recently moved to a senior living community. There is a palpable tension between Dixie and the sheriff, which plays out throughout the story. These characters have a real small-town feel with gossip running rampant and a bit of Southern charm from Dixie. The dialogue is strong. While we have been given a great introduction to these characters, the author has left a lot of room for them to grow.
A little cooperation from Bertie would have removed her from the suspect list but in lieu of that Sugar and Dixie find themselves right in the middle of the investigation. It was easy to find additional suspects because the victim rubbed several people the wrong way. I enjoyed tagging along for each clue, twist, and turn. The pace had a couple of dips but quickly got back on track. The ending was exciting.
I love that this series is set in Iowa. Not too far from home for me and not a common setting for cozy mysteries even though it is full of small towns that could host this genre.
I found Game of Scones to be a very entertaining story. I am excited to see where Ms. Ashford takes her character next. Risky Biscuits will be out July 9.
Rosetta Sugarbaker Calloway and Dixie Spicer aka “Sugar” and “Spice” have teamed up and opened a community cookbook business, Sugar & Spice Publishing. Former food editor Sugar handles the logistics and blue-ribbon baker Spice tests the recipes.
Their first client is the committee for the local Founder’s Day Centennial Celebration. Sugar meets with the committee to discuss a duplicate scone recipe. Working with adult women, Dixie’s Aunt Bertie and Ellie Farmer, she is sure they can work it out. What happens is a shouting match that almost comes to blows. The meeting ends with no resolution. Hoping individual meetings with the bakers will solve the issue Sugar sets up a meeting with Ellie. But she finds the woman dead clutching a scone. With the ladies’ ongoing feud Bertie quickly becomes the prime suspect. When Bertie leaves town telling no one of her plans Sheriff Terrance Griffin turns up the heat while Sugar and Dixie worry if someone has hurt Bertie too.
___
This was a delightful cozy mystery. I have been on a few fundraiser cookbook committees so this story excited me from the start. Thankfully our cookbooks were completed without any dead bodies but there were some heated conversations. People take their recipes seriously! The author includes 3 recipes at the end of the book.
Sugar and Dixie have their work cut out for them in making a business like this flourish, especially if this one is any indication. Both women have the expertise needed except they need to bring in a photographer. Enter Max Windsor, a friend of Dixie’s brother. We also meet Sugar’s pain-in-the-butt neighbor and her landlord who recently moved to a senior living community. There is a palpable tension between Dixie and the sheriff, which plays out throughout the story. These characters have a real small-town feel with gossip running rampant and a bit of Southern charm from Dixie. The dialogue is strong. While we have been given a great introduction to these characters, the author has left a lot of room for them to grow.
A little cooperation from Bertie would have removed her from the suspect list but in lieu of that Sugar and Dixie find themselves right in the middle of the investigation. It was easy to find additional suspects because the victim rubbed several people the wrong way. I enjoyed tagging along for each clue, twist, and turn. The pace had a couple of dips but quickly got back on track. The ending was exciting.
I love that this series is set in Iowa. Not too far from home for me and not a common setting for cozy mysteries even though it is full of small towns that could host this genre.
I found Game of Scones to be a very entertaining story. I am excited to see where Ms. Ashford takes her character next. Risky Biscuits will be out July 9.
January 15, 2019
New Author Mary Lee Ashford stirs together a delicious culinary concoction for cozy readers! I was delighted to read this fun, fast-paced Mystery. Rosetta ‘Sugar’ Sugarbaker Calloway has a food editor background and has recently partnered with fantastic cook, Dixie Spicer to publish cookbooks. Project One—Put together a tempting cookbook for their town—St. Ignatius Founders’ Day Commemorative Cookbook—that will please sponsors, committee members, and the community. Wouldn’t you know, however; a dispute crops up over whose scone recipe will go in the cookbook and one of the disputees turns up dead! Sugar and Dixie put their sleuthing skills to test to nab the killer and must be getting close to the truth because threatening messages and vandalism begin to occur to warn them off. More than one mystery is examined in this plot and I found the story quite enjoyable. The characters are easy to get to know and the killer may just surprise readers! Delicious recipes included.
April 29, 2025
After losing her job at a food magazine, Rosetta Sugarbaker Calloway, “Sugar” to friends, opens a new business with award winning baker Dixie Spicer. Together, the two will shepherd community cookbooks through the publishing process. Their first project is for the centennial of the town where they live, St. Ignatius, Iowa. However, this cookbook has heated up the feud between Elsie, a member of the most prominent family in town, and Bertie, Dixie's aunt. The two are fighting over which of their scone recipes should be included in the book. When Sugar goes to meet with Elsie to attempt to reach a resolution, she finds Elsie's dead body. Bertie is the prime suspect, but she has disappeared. Is she in danger as well, or is she the killer?
This book gets this new series off to a fun start. Sugar and Dixie are a great duo, and they are surrounded by a fun group of family and friends. I enjoyed getting to know them here, and I'm looking forward to getting to know them better in future books. The town is wonderful, with all the hallmarks of a delightful cozy setting, and I enjoyed the fact that it is in Iowa, not some place we typically go for cozies. I did feel the pacing of the mystery was a bit off, but this never lasted for long, and we had a great climax. We get a total of three recipes at the end of the book, including both scone recipes.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
This book gets this new series off to a fun start. Sugar and Dixie are a great duo, and they are surrounded by a fun group of family and friends. I enjoyed getting to know them here, and I'm looking forward to getting to know them better in future books. The town is wonderful, with all the hallmarks of a delightful cozy setting, and I enjoyed the fact that it is in Iowa, not some place we typically go for cozies. I did feel the pacing of the mystery was a bit off, but this never lasted for long, and we had a great climax. We get a total of three recipes at the end of the book, including both scone recipes.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
November 12, 2018
Thanks to Netgalley for a free advance copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
Rosetta Sugarbaker Calloway aka Sugar left her southern Mama's matchmaking schemes behind and took off for a high falutin' job at a publishing company in the Midwest, where she worked in marketing. Since the publisher went belly up, Sugar now works in partnership with Dixie "Spice" Spicer, the best cook in Jameson County, Iowa to publish community cookbooks. After two local elderly ladies become embroiled in a war over whose scone recipe will be included in the St. Ignatius Founders' Day cookbook, Sugar must summon all her marketing skills to appease the ladies. When she tries to approach Elise Farmer, wife of a prominent businessman, Sugar is horrified to find Elsie lying dead with a scone in her hand. Worse, the police suspect Elsie's rival, Dixie's aunt Bertie. Dixie is spitting mad. Her Aunt Bertie would never harm a soul and her rivalry with Elsie was just show. The local sheriff isn't convinced. Now Sugar and Spice have a mystery to solve in addition to making preparations for the cookbook, including hiring hunky photographer Max to do the photoshoot. Sugar also has to deal with an elderly landlady who can't let go of her old home and possessions and a cranky neighbor who hates Sugar for no good reason. Good thing she has her cat Ernest to rely on.
This is a cute new mystery. I like the punny title and since I love scones, I knew I had to read this. I enjoyed the story a lot but guessed right away who the murderer was. It seemed obvious to me because that character was a stereotype. I knew it couldn't be too obvious so I wasn't positive but the clues did point in that direction at times. The writing style is fine. It isn't great but it isn't terrible. There are some tedious moments when the characters' actions are described in every minute detail. I liked the small town charm, especially the diner, and got a good sense of community.
There's a lot of crime in this story and I was left unsatisfied when loose ends were not tied up. I had a theory about a certain character but nothing came of it. I also felt there were too many subplots going on, including lengthy details of what it takes to publish a community cookbook. I did appreciate some of the details, having participated in publishing such a cookbook but it made the story unnecessarily long. I liked the hint of romance between Sugar and Max and possibly Dixie and the sheriff. I didn't really care for the subplot about landlady Greer and her possessions. Her son had a right to be concerned because elder abuse is common but I felt that subplot didn't belong in this murder mystery.
Sugar is an enjoyable and relatable protagonist. I certainly understand her desire to leave behind her hometown and go somewhere new. Her sweet personality helps her make friends in the tight knit community and also helps her in her job dealing with the people of St. Ignatius. I was a bit disappointed she is a cat person whereas I prefer dogs. I liked her chemistry with Max. They form a real connection instead of love at first sight or hate at first sight. I love his passion for whatever subject he is photographing at the moment. It shows his dedication to his craft. Dixie is a bit more interesting to read about than Sugar because of her fiery temper and mysterious antipathy towards the sheriff. I also loved that she has a Cairn Terrier mix puppy, Moto. He stole my heart even though he is hardly in the story.
The townspeople consist of ;primarily older women. Greer, Sugar's landlady, a sweet little old lady with a love for murder mysteries and antiques. I feel she imposes too much on Sugar and should have either taken her treasured possessions or left them with her son. Sugar is a sweetheart to put up with her. Mrs. Pickett, Sugar's neighbor, is a stereotypical cranky old lady. She's nosy and rude in contrast to Sugar's sweet personality. Another rude lady is the murder victim, Elsie Farmer. She sounds like a nasty, controlling woman. Her husband Kenny isn't very likable either. Dixie's Aunt Bertie sounds like a hoot. She's spry enough to run a B&B but a bit secretive. I can see why Dixie loves her, despite the clash with Elsie. Tina Martin runs the local real estate office. I didn't really care for her obsession with looks and her constant chugging of energy drinks. Minnie, Kenny Farmer's personal assistant, is a quiet, mousy little woman who seems afraid of her own shadow. Sheriff Terry is trying his hardest to do his job. He didn't seem incompetent, just a bit frustrated that Dixie keeps hindering his investigation. There's also Disco, real name Dick Fusco, who runs a kitschy shop next to the office of Sugar & Spice Publishing. I didn't like how he was always looking for a handout. He seems like a loser.
The book contains two scone recipes. Aunt Bertie's seems to be adapted from Mary Berry's scone recipe and Elsie's Irish scones are similar to the Scottish ones I make. I hope to try them both!
I enjoyed this first book in this new series. I would recommend this book to cozy mystery fans.
Rosetta Sugarbaker Calloway aka Sugar left her southern Mama's matchmaking schemes behind and took off for a high falutin' job at a publishing company in the Midwest, where she worked in marketing. Since the publisher went belly up, Sugar now works in partnership with Dixie "Spice" Spicer, the best cook in Jameson County, Iowa to publish community cookbooks. After two local elderly ladies become embroiled in a war over whose scone recipe will be included in the St. Ignatius Founders' Day cookbook, Sugar must summon all her marketing skills to appease the ladies. When she tries to approach Elise Farmer, wife of a prominent businessman, Sugar is horrified to find Elsie lying dead with a scone in her hand. Worse, the police suspect Elsie's rival, Dixie's aunt Bertie. Dixie is spitting mad. Her Aunt Bertie would never harm a soul and her rivalry with Elsie was just show. The local sheriff isn't convinced. Now Sugar and Spice have a mystery to solve in addition to making preparations for the cookbook, including hiring hunky photographer Max to do the photoshoot. Sugar also has to deal with an elderly landlady who can't let go of her old home and possessions and a cranky neighbor who hates Sugar for no good reason. Good thing she has her cat Ernest to rely on.
This is a cute new mystery. I like the punny title and since I love scones, I knew I had to read this. I enjoyed the story a lot but guessed right away who the murderer was. It seemed obvious to me because that character was a stereotype. I knew it couldn't be too obvious so I wasn't positive but the clues did point in that direction at times. The writing style is fine. It isn't great but it isn't terrible. There are some tedious moments when the characters' actions are described in every minute detail. I liked the small town charm, especially the diner, and got a good sense of community.
There's a lot of crime in this story and I was left unsatisfied when loose ends were not tied up. I had a theory about a certain character but nothing came of it. I also felt there were too many subplots going on, including lengthy details of what it takes to publish a community cookbook. I did appreciate some of the details, having participated in publishing such a cookbook but it made the story unnecessarily long. I liked the hint of romance between Sugar and Max and possibly Dixie and the sheriff. I didn't really care for the subplot about landlady Greer and her possessions. Her son had a right to be concerned because elder abuse is common but I felt that subplot didn't belong in this murder mystery.
Sugar is an enjoyable and relatable protagonist. I certainly understand her desire to leave behind her hometown and go somewhere new. Her sweet personality helps her make friends in the tight knit community and also helps her in her job dealing with the people of St. Ignatius. I was a bit disappointed she is a cat person whereas I prefer dogs. I liked her chemistry with Max. They form a real connection instead of love at first sight or hate at first sight. I love his passion for whatever subject he is photographing at the moment. It shows his dedication to his craft. Dixie is a bit more interesting to read about than Sugar because of her fiery temper and mysterious antipathy towards the sheriff. I also loved that she has a Cairn Terrier mix puppy, Moto. He stole my heart even though he is hardly in the story.
The townspeople consist of ;primarily older women. Greer, Sugar's landlady, a sweet little old lady with a love for murder mysteries and antiques. I feel she imposes too much on Sugar and should have either taken her treasured possessions or left them with her son. Sugar is a sweetheart to put up with her. Mrs. Pickett, Sugar's neighbor, is a stereotypical cranky old lady. She's nosy and rude in contrast to Sugar's sweet personality. Another rude lady is the murder victim, Elsie Farmer. She sounds like a nasty, controlling woman. Her husband Kenny isn't very likable either. Dixie's Aunt Bertie sounds like a hoot. She's spry enough to run a B&B but a bit secretive. I can see why Dixie loves her, despite the clash with Elsie. Tina Martin runs the local real estate office. I didn't really care for her obsession with looks and her constant chugging of energy drinks. Minnie, Kenny Farmer's personal assistant, is a quiet, mousy little woman who seems afraid of her own shadow. Sheriff Terry is trying his hardest to do his job. He didn't seem incompetent, just a bit frustrated that Dixie keeps hindering his investigation. There's also Disco, real name Dick Fusco, who runs a kitschy shop next to the office of Sugar & Spice Publishing. I didn't like how he was always looking for a handout. He seems like a loser.
The book contains two scone recipes. Aunt Bertie's seems to be adapted from Mary Berry's scone recipe and Elsie's Irish scones are similar to the Scottish ones I make. I hope to try them both!
I enjoyed this first book in this new series. I would recommend this book to cozy mystery fans.
January 14, 2019
Game of Scones is a shining new gem in the world of cozy mysteries! I was pulled into the story from the get-go by the author’s charming prose and flowing style. The characters were so well-described that they leaped off the page for me. Sugar Calloway captured my heart by the kindnesses she extended to others, but she was also a dogged sleuth, determined to ferret out a devious killer. I’m looking forward to the next installment in this delightful new series.
January 10, 2019
Game of Scones by Mary Lee Ashford takes us to St. Ignatius, Iowa. After the publishing company Rosetta Sugarbaker Calloway aka Sugar worked for downsized, she moved to St. Ignatius, Iowa. Sugar joined her friend, Dixie Spicer to open Sugar and Spice Publishing to produce community cookbooks. Their first project is the St. Ignatius Founders’ Day Commemorative Cookbook which is due to the printer in six weeks. Unfortunately, a scone war has broken out between Elsie Farmer and Bertie Sparks. Only one scone recipe is needed for the book, but neither women is about to back down. The next day Sugar heads over to Elsie’s house to talk to her about the scone situation. When no one answers her knock, Sugar heads around to the back yard. She notices someone disappearing through the bushes and finds Elsie dead on the ground with a scone in her hand. Elsie was poisoned, and the evidence leads straight to Dixie’s Aunt Bertie who has disappeared. Someone is setting up Bertie to take the fall which angers Dixie. Sugar and Dixie start sifting through the clues and suspects. Can they serve up the killer before he strikes again? While investigating the murder, the pair need to continue working on the cookbook. Dixie cooks up the recipes from the upcoming cookbook for handsome photographer, Max Windsor to snap. Sugar is also dealing with a cranky neighbor and her elderly landlady who seems to need something she stowed in her attic daily (lonely for company at the senior living facility). Will Sugar and Dixie get the cookbook completed in time while trying to crack the whodunit?
Game of Scones is a lighthearted cozy mystery with a charming small town and a variety of quirky characters. I did feel like the book could have used a little reworking. Sometimes the story moved along and other times it dragged from the amount of detail especially on how a cookbook is published (you have to wonder how Dixie and Sugar stay in business with only one client). There were a couple of subplots in addition to the main mystery. There is the cantankerous neighbor who seems to nitpick (I had a grandmother like that). Greer, Sugar’s landlady, who has moved into the local senior living facility. She left a number of her possessions in the attic of her home that she has rented to Sugar and calls Sugar frequently for a miscellaneous knickknack. Then Greer’s son gets it in his head that Sugar is taking advantage of his mother. There is a hint of romance between Max and Sugar plus Dixie and Sheriff Griffin. Numerous townspeople are introduced in Game of Scones. All the characters felt superficial and flat. I wanted more character development to bring our main characters to life. I did like the description of St. Ignatius. The mystery is straightforward with the guilty party easily identified. There are a limited number of suspects and little investigating. The story follows Sugar on her day-to-day activities and her interactions with the people she encounters. Though Game of Scones is not set in the South, it reminds me of a certain authors Southern cozy mysteries. I am giving Game of Scones 3 out of 5 stars. There are two scone recipes at the end of the book. Game of Scones contains a great deal of cooking and eating along with a cat, a dog, nosy townspeople, plenty of gossip, a mysterious aunt, a make-up maven, flirting, and thorny whodunit.
Game of Scones is a lighthearted cozy mystery with a charming small town and a variety of quirky characters. I did feel like the book could have used a little reworking. Sometimes the story moved along and other times it dragged from the amount of detail especially on how a cookbook is published (you have to wonder how Dixie and Sugar stay in business with only one client). There were a couple of subplots in addition to the main mystery. There is the cantankerous neighbor who seems to nitpick (I had a grandmother like that). Greer, Sugar’s landlady, who has moved into the local senior living facility. She left a number of her possessions in the attic of her home that she has rented to Sugar and calls Sugar frequently for a miscellaneous knickknack. Then Greer’s son gets it in his head that Sugar is taking advantage of his mother. There is a hint of romance between Max and Sugar plus Dixie and Sheriff Griffin. Numerous townspeople are introduced in Game of Scones. All the characters felt superficial and flat. I wanted more character development to bring our main characters to life. I did like the description of St. Ignatius. The mystery is straightforward with the guilty party easily identified. There are a limited number of suspects and little investigating. The story follows Sugar on her day-to-day activities and her interactions with the people she encounters. Though Game of Scones is not set in the South, it reminds me of a certain authors Southern cozy mysteries. I am giving Game of Scones 3 out of 5 stars. There are two scone recipes at the end of the book. Game of Scones contains a great deal of cooking and eating along with a cat, a dog, nosy townspeople, plenty of gossip, a mysterious aunt, a make-up maven, flirting, and thorny whodunit.
February 14, 2020
Lovely first book
What an awesome first book in a new series by a new to me author. It takes place in the state i live in And I actually recognized some of the small towns. It's the story of a transplant to Iowa who with befriend are starting a cook book publishing company. Not the big books but Hometown cook books with family recipes in them. I have a few of those family type books. This specifically stirs up a rivalry between two of the town's citizens and whose scone recipe is best and should be added to the cook book. As with most mysteries, there is a murder or two. There is also a possibility of a new romance starting and maybe even an flame coming back to life.....I hope so anyway. The characters are interesting and fun to visit with. I'm looking forward to reading the second book in the series and I hope there will be many more to come.
What an awesome first book in a new series by a new to me author. It takes place in the state i live in And I actually recognized some of the small towns. It's the story of a transplant to Iowa who with befriend are starting a cook book publishing company. Not the big books but Hometown cook books with family recipes in them. I have a few of those family type books. This specifically stirs up a rivalry between two of the town's citizens and whose scone recipe is best and should be added to the cook book. As with most mysteries, there is a murder or two. There is also a possibility of a new romance starting and maybe even an flame coming back to life.....I hope so anyway. The characters are interesting and fun to visit with. I'm looking forward to reading the second book in the series and I hope there will be many more to come.
December 13, 2018
“Game of Scones” earns 5/5 Sugar & Spice Scones…Deliciously Fun!
I am always eager to check out first-in-a-series cozy, so when I saw “Scones” and “Mystery” in Mary Lee Ashford’s new book, I was eager to check this out…and I was not disappointed! “Sugar” is Rosetta Sugarbaker Calloway and “Spice” is Dixie Spicer, and although they start out creating Sugar & Spice Publishing, a cookbook company, “Mystery” ends up being their game. Sugar and Spice have a unique mission for their company; they publish community cookbooks much like those that charities or local groups would create as a fund-raiser. Their first project will be the St. Ignatius Founder’s Day Commemorative Cookbook, but it turns out to be more murder than meringue!
Culinary-themed cozies are a favorite, and Mary Lee’s book checked all the boxes to be one I'll continue reading. I really enjoyed all the sweet and savory references and three bonus recipes, but keeping me entertained was the clever mystery challenging my detective skills, quirky characters providing a few giggles, and a satisfying end that made me eager for more. Mary Lee penned well the first-person narrative of Rosetta “Sugar” sharing her inner thoughts and perspective along with laying out the clues, suspects, and motives. And my two favorite words, not “it’s murder,” but “recipes included”! Along with two easy-to-follow scone recipes for Bertie Spark’s Proper English Scones and Elsie Farmer’s Irish Scones, Mary Lee has included Betty Bailey’s Broccoli Gratin. I recommend this book for cozy fans!
"Disclosure: I received an ARC from Net Galley. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments."
I am always eager to check out first-in-a-series cozy, so when I saw “Scones” and “Mystery” in Mary Lee Ashford’s new book, I was eager to check this out…and I was not disappointed! “Sugar” is Rosetta Sugarbaker Calloway and “Spice” is Dixie Spicer, and although they start out creating Sugar & Spice Publishing, a cookbook company, “Mystery” ends up being their game. Sugar and Spice have a unique mission for their company; they publish community cookbooks much like those that charities or local groups would create as a fund-raiser. Their first project will be the St. Ignatius Founder’s Day Commemorative Cookbook, but it turns out to be more murder than meringue!
Culinary-themed cozies are a favorite, and Mary Lee’s book checked all the boxes to be one I'll continue reading. I really enjoyed all the sweet and savory references and three bonus recipes, but keeping me entertained was the clever mystery challenging my detective skills, quirky characters providing a few giggles, and a satisfying end that made me eager for more. Mary Lee penned well the first-person narrative of Rosetta “Sugar” sharing her inner thoughts and perspective along with laying out the clues, suspects, and motives. And my two favorite words, not “it’s murder,” but “recipes included”! Along with two easy-to-follow scone recipes for Bertie Spark’s Proper English Scones and Elsie Farmer’s Irish Scones, Mary Lee has included Betty Bailey’s Broccoli Gratin. I recommend this book for cozy fans!
"Disclosure: I received an ARC from Net Galley. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments."
October 1, 2018
Game of Scones by Mary Lee Ashford was a delight to read. Ms. Ashford is a "new to me" author but this book had everything that I look for in a cozy mystery.
I enjoyed this setting as it was quite different from the usual small tourist town setting. St. Ignatius, IA is a small rural community that has survived through hardships by working together. I loved both Sugar and Dixie as they both seem to be strong, smart and capable young women who have begun their own business publishing community cookbooks. I found this to a unique career choice that I've never seen in other books.
The plot moves quickly and drew me in from the first chapter. After the death of the town matriarch (who had created plenty of enemies), there were several suspects that had a motive to want the troublesome woman dead. Then a second death occurs and the sheriff has his hands full and Sugar and Dixie keep asking questions. There were also a couple of secondary threads throughout the story that weren't directly related to the murders but did show how small towns thrive on gossip as well as how they come together to help each other.
I enjoyed the book and look forward to more books from this author.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Lyrical Underground via NetGalley. All of the above opinions are my own.
I enjoyed this setting as it was quite different from the usual small tourist town setting. St. Ignatius, IA is a small rural community that has survived through hardships by working together. I loved both Sugar and Dixie as they both seem to be strong, smart and capable young women who have begun their own business publishing community cookbooks. I found this to a unique career choice that I've never seen in other books.
The plot moves quickly and drew me in from the first chapter. After the death of the town matriarch (who had created plenty of enemies), there were several suspects that had a motive to want the troublesome woman dead. Then a second death occurs and the sheriff has his hands full and Sugar and Dixie keep asking questions. There were also a couple of secondary threads throughout the story that weren't directly related to the murders but did show how small towns thrive on gossip as well as how they come together to help each other.
I enjoyed the book and look forward to more books from this author.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Lyrical Underground via NetGalley. All of the above opinions are my own.
June 9, 2019
The first book in the Sugar and Spice series is relaxing read. I adored the second book so much I decided to read the first one. Sugar Callaway and Dixie Slicer are co-owner of a community cookbook publishing company. They are getting ready to publish a cookbook for the Centennial Foundation Day of St. Ignatius. At a meeting of the board, 2 members have a loud heated discussion of which scone recipe would be used in the cookbook. It ended the member of the leading family of the town saying her family would no longer support the cookbook. The board member is found in a suspicious death. It up to Sugar to straighten out the mess. There is a love interest for both girls and Sugar has a hostile neighbor. I highly recommend this book. Delicious sounding recipes from Spice's kitchen are included.
December 12, 2018
Game of Scones was a quick, light cozy read, but I found it a bit light on the mystery and detecting aspect. I also found myself wondering how Sugar and Dixie could actually stay in business producing money raising cookbooks for organizations. Granted they're just getting started, but only one client organization with 2 full time salaries, one photographer and one graphics artist to pay? Sorry, sometimes these common sense things pop up and I can't let go.
The killer does something not unusual in a small town, but pretty silly which allowed capture.
So, it was OK and I'd give the next book ago, but not a big thumbs up.
I got my copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
The killer does something not unusual in a small town, but pretty silly which allowed capture.
So, it was OK and I'd give the next book ago, but not a big thumbs up.
I got my copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
October 8, 2018
This book has not been published at the time of this review, so I am being lenient about all the grammatical errors in the book (normally I would deduct a star for the numerous errors that are found throughout the book). Hopefully these errors will be fixed in the very near future.
As for the story, I was wishing there was more mystery to it. Twenty percent of the way through and it still felt like it was a story about putting a cookbook together. The making of the cookbook was the entree while the mystery was more like an appetizer sample that finally took front stage at the very end. I also wish the cat and dog were in more scenes (they felt like afterthoughts-- oh, there's Dixie's dog, let's give it a dog treat and not mention it for another several chapters, or here's my cat, he wants food). Give me more. If they are characters, let them purr or growl at some point. Give them more personality.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
As for the story, I was wishing there was more mystery to it. Twenty percent of the way through and it still felt like it was a story about putting a cookbook together. The making of the cookbook was the entree while the mystery was more like an appetizer sample that finally took front stage at the very end. I also wish the cat and dog were in more scenes (they felt like afterthoughts-- oh, there's Dixie's dog, let's give it a dog treat and not mention it for another several chapters, or here's my cat, he wants food). Give me more. If they are characters, let them purr or growl at some point. Give them more personality.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
October 10, 2018
A nice, easy read about murder-mystery in a small town. Sugar and Dixie get caught up in a murder mystery while producing a community cookbook and try to get to the bottom of the matter themselves.
While not along the lines of my usual reads, it was enjoyable. It's not an on-the-edge-of-your-seat type mystery, but seems like the perfect thing to read bundled up with a scone and coffee of (my personal favorite) hot chocolate. I would have liked a little more character depth, but all in all, I enjoyed it.
** Received an e-copy in advance of it's release through a Goodreads giveaway **
While not along the lines of my usual reads, it was enjoyable. It's not an on-the-edge-of-your-seat type mystery, but seems like the perfect thing to read bundled up with a scone and coffee of (my personal favorite) hot chocolate. I would have liked a little more character depth, but all in all, I enjoyed it.
** Received an e-copy in advance of it's release through a Goodreads giveaway **
November 12, 2018
GAME OF SCONES is the first book in the brand new Sugar & Spice Mystery series by Mary Lee Ashford! The premise of Sugar & Spice is cleverly based on the names of the protagonist, Rosetta Sugarbaker Calloway, aka Sugar, and her friend, Dixie Spicer, aka Spice. Together they own Sugar and Spice Publishing Company, which publishes community cookbooks for fundraisers in St. Ignatius, Iowa. I truly enjoyed the insight the author provides about the details of creating the cookbook for their first client, the St. Ignatius Founder Day Committee fundraiser. The mouthwatering descriptions of the dishes Spice tests for the cookbook will leave the reader drooling, along with some interesting regional dishes mention that had me running to Pinterest to find out exactly what it was.
Ms. Ashford has created some fun, well-developed characters for this new series. Sugar and Spice work well together and have great interaction. I like the potential for romantic developments between Spice and the local sheriff (although something happened between them long ago that has caused a riff). And the handsome food photographer might just be interested in Sugar. The action starts right off the bat with a huge dispute between two elderly committee members, almost a cat fight, over whose scone recipe will be included in the cookbook. After Sugar finds one of the women murdered and Spice’s aunt is considered a suspect, they decide to start asking questions to get to the bottom of the mystery. There are plenty of suspects to keep the reader guessing and as the two women sift through the clues, the stakes turn even higher when their fledgling business is vandalized. The exciting reveal has some twists and turns that I didn’t see coming and I look forward to future installments in this delicious new series!
So many yummy dishes are described as Spice tests the recipes and styles them for the photographer. Ms. Ashford has a delicious way of helping the reader practically see, smell, and taste the dishes prepared. Fortunately, she includes a few recipes at the back of the book that all sound amazing!
I was provided an advance copy with the hopes I would review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Ms. Ashford has created some fun, well-developed characters for this new series. Sugar and Spice work well together and have great interaction. I like the potential for romantic developments between Spice and the local sheriff (although something happened between them long ago that has caused a riff). And the handsome food photographer might just be interested in Sugar. The action starts right off the bat with a huge dispute between two elderly committee members, almost a cat fight, over whose scone recipe will be included in the cookbook. After Sugar finds one of the women murdered and Spice’s aunt is considered a suspect, they decide to start asking questions to get to the bottom of the mystery. There are plenty of suspects to keep the reader guessing and as the two women sift through the clues, the stakes turn even higher when their fledgling business is vandalized. The exciting reveal has some twists and turns that I didn’t see coming and I look forward to future installments in this delicious new series!
So many yummy dishes are described as Spice tests the recipes and styles them for the photographer. Ms. Ashford has a delicious way of helping the reader practically see, smell, and taste the dishes prepared. Fortunately, she includes a few recipes at the back of the book that all sound amazing!
I was provided an advance copy with the hopes I would review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 5, 2018
3.5 Stars
Game of Scones is the first book in Mary Lee Ashford’s Sugar & Spice Mystery series and is an entertaining read with well-developed characters and an interesting mystery.
Rosetta Sugarbaker Calloway (Sugar) lost her job as a senior food editor for a magazine when they downsized, relocated to the small town of St. Ignatius, and started Sugar and Spice Publishing, a community cookbook publishing company for fundraisers in St. Ignatius, Iowa, with her friend, Dixie Spicer. Sugar handles the business end, and Dixie takes care of testing the recipes. Their first project, the St. Ignatius Founders’ Day Commemorative Cookbook, hit a snag when two elderly committee members, Elsie Farmer and Bertie Sparks, the owner of Jefferson Street B&B, can’t agree on whose scone recipe to put in the cookbook. Elsie threatens to have her family pull their support from the Founders’ Day celebration. Sugar discovers Elsie’s body in her backyard, clutching a scone, and when Bertie. Dixie’s aunt faces arrest for murder, Sugar and Dixie start asking questions to figure out who the murderer is. Bertie is being less than cooperative, and Sheriff Terrance Griffin refuses to remove her from his suspect list. Sugar and Dixie learn the victim wasn't well liked and believe several others have valid motives.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.
Game of Scones is the first book in Mary Lee Ashford’s Sugar & Spice Mystery series and is an entertaining read with well-developed characters and an interesting mystery.
Rosetta Sugarbaker Calloway (Sugar) lost her job as a senior food editor for a magazine when they downsized, relocated to the small town of St. Ignatius, and started Sugar and Spice Publishing, a community cookbook publishing company for fundraisers in St. Ignatius, Iowa, with her friend, Dixie Spicer. Sugar handles the business end, and Dixie takes care of testing the recipes. Their first project, the St. Ignatius Founders’ Day Commemorative Cookbook, hit a snag when two elderly committee members, Elsie Farmer and Bertie Sparks, the owner of Jefferson Street B&B, can’t agree on whose scone recipe to put in the cookbook. Elsie threatens to have her family pull their support from the Founders’ Day celebration. Sugar discovers Elsie’s body in her backyard, clutching a scone, and when Bertie. Dixie’s aunt faces arrest for murder, Sugar and Dixie start asking questions to figure out who the murderer is. Bertie is being less than cooperative, and Sheriff Terrance Griffin refuses to remove her from his suspect list. Sugar and Dixie learn the victim wasn't well liked and believe several others have valid motives.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.
July 24, 2020
*2.5
Admittedly, this was a cover buy because I am a sucker for a cozy involving food. This definitely didn't lack in its descriptions of food. It did, however, lack in being much of a mystery and needed another round of editing as there were a few obvious mistakes.
The plot was just kind of weak, even in its attempts to toss in a red herring or two. I know there were times when I skimmed but i also feel there were things missing that were maybe at one time included but eventuality edited out but still left as reference points later in the book.
It also took a long time to build and then ended quite suddenly with everything wrapped so nearly in a bow that I just felt like there had really been no true detective work and a lot of dumb luck and odd coincidence.
This is just meh and I would consider it a borrow not buy read if you still want to read it.
Admittedly, this was a cover buy because I am a sucker for a cozy involving food. This definitely didn't lack in its descriptions of food. It did, however, lack in being much of a mystery and needed another round of editing as there were a few obvious mistakes.
The plot was just kind of weak, even in its attempts to toss in a red herring or two. I know there were times when I skimmed but i also feel there were things missing that were maybe at one time included but eventuality edited out but still left as reference points later in the book.
It also took a long time to build and then ended quite suddenly with everything wrapped so nearly in a bow that I just felt like there had really been no true detective work and a lot of dumb luck and odd coincidence.
This is just meh and I would consider it a borrow not buy read if you still want to read it.
January 19, 2019
More than just a recipe-based cozy, this is a charming mystery with a clever plot, interesting setting and great cast of characters.
Sugar has lost her job in publishing, and decided to start a business with Spice (cute nicknames based on their real ones) putting out community cookbooks. Their first is to be for a group in their town of St. Ignatius, Iowa. Who would think that an argument over scone recipes might escalate into murder?
To save their business and keep the cookbook project going (not to mention shifting suspicion away from Spice's aunt, the two heroines are on their way. I really loved spending time in St. Ignatius with these characters and look forward to the next book in the series.
Sugar has lost her job in publishing, and decided to start a business with Spice (cute nicknames based on their real ones) putting out community cookbooks. Their first is to be for a group in their town of St. Ignatius, Iowa. Who would think that an argument over scone recipes might escalate into murder?
To save their business and keep the cookbook project going (not to mention shifting suspicion away from Spice's aunt, the two heroines are on their way. I really loved spending time in St. Ignatius with these characters and look forward to the next book in the series.
May 2, 2025
Sugar, who hails from Georgia, and who has recently lost her position in a big city marketing firm, teams up with Spice to start a community cookbook company. They help communities gather recipes, photos history as appropriate and format the books and get them printed so communities can raise funds. When two ladies start feuding over whose scone recipe is best and should be included in the book and then one dies, of course the other is suspected. Of course the husband could also be a suspect. An intertwining first in series.
September 9, 2024
This was just an okay book. I liked the characters, but several important pieces of the plot did not come to light in this book. I was mystified by that, because these details are not ones that would matter to later books in the series.
October 19, 2018
Very enjoyable read. Enjoyed the small town feel of the setting. Loved all the little side stories. Very enjoyable cast of characters. Didn't see the killer until the end. Excited to read more of this series!
January 14, 2019
Great start for a new series! I love the characters and the midwestern charm. This is a fun read, and I'm looking forward to book 2!
January 24, 2019
A brand new series.... with a fun protagonist who never does what she probably should... delightful! Looking forward to meeting more of the characters (family) that are alluded to in book 1.
April 14, 2025
A mystery of killings ,but many turns ans twists.
September 20, 2025
A good easy fun read. Love the cover.
August 8, 2024
Very cute book.
January 14, 2026
Good read
The book was a good light read. The story had just enough twists to keep me interested until the end.
The book was a good light read. The story had just enough twists to keep me interested until the end.
February 3, 2019
I am hooked. I love the interplay of the characters and see the chance for a development in a couple of relationships. The mystery plot was interesting and their investigation was reasonable; they didn't always make the best decisions but they did better than in many cozy mysteries. I like that Debra H. Goldstein built a community that I can enjoy and offered enough of the busyness of life to give me a chance to connect with the characters. I look forward to the next book with anticipation.
November 18, 2020
Loved this book! I'm so excited to dig into the next one in the series!
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