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Peridale Cafe #11
Cupcakes and Casualties
The residents of Peridale don't like change, so when the famous actress, Candy Bennett, rolls into the village to demolish a historic cottage, things don't go as smoothly as she would have hoped. With the 'Peridale Preservation Society' protesting her plans to build a modern home on the land, things quickly turn sour. Days into the project, Candy's lead builder, Shane, is murdered and the task to solve the mystery once again falls into Julia's lap. Did one of the protestors kill the builder to make a statement, or was he murdered by someone from within his own team? With the preservation society, the actress, the architect, and the builders all keeping secrets, Julia soon has her hands full gathering evidence, but it's a familiar-looking new arrival in the village that commands her attention. Julia's life is torn apart when she learns of the stranger's true identity, but will she be able to focus on the challenging case before another body turns up? The only certainty is that Julia's life will never be the same again. Book 11 in the Peridale Cafe Cozy Mystery series! Can be read as a standalone but will be enjoyed more as part of the series. A light, cozy mystery read with a cat loving and cafe-owning amateur female sleuth, in a small village setting with quirky characters. Written in British English. No cliffhanger, swearing, gore or graphic scenes! Other books in the 1. Pancakes and Corpses 2. Lemonade and Lies 3. Doughnuts and Deception 4. Chocolate Cake and Chaos 5. Shortbread and Sorrow 6. Espresso and Evil 7. Macarons and Mayhem 8. Fruit Cake and Fear 9. Birthday Cake and Bodies 10. Gingerbread and Ghosts 11. Cupcakes and Casualties
272 pages, Paperback
First published March 27, 2018
1115 people are currently reading
429 people want to read
About the author
Agatha Frost
75 books595 followersAGATHA FROST, an Amazon bestselling author, has written over thirty mystery novels. She lives in the North West English county of Lancashire with her two cuddly beagles and one cat.
When Agatha isn’t writing, she loves reading head-scratching mysteries and thrillers, coffee, baking, and exploring her local countryside on long dog walks.
From a young age, Agatha devoured the great British murder mystery books and television shows, ample inspiration for her Peridale Café and Claire’s Candles series. She loves writing about family women who juggle their ordinary village lives with the challenges of amateur sleuthing.
Add in some good food, close friends and family, cute pets, and plenty of twists and turns, and you have a classic Agatha Frost mystery.
Sign up to the newsletter at www.agathafrost.com
When Agatha isn’t writing, she loves reading head-scratching mysteries and thrillers, coffee, baking, and exploring her local countryside on long dog walks.
From a young age, Agatha devoured the great British murder mystery books and television shows, ample inspiration for her Peridale Café and Claire’s Candles series. She loves writing about family women who juggle their ordinary village lives with the challenges of amateur sleuthing.
Add in some good food, close friends and family, cute pets, and plenty of twists and turns, and you have a classic Agatha Frost mystery.
Sign up to the newsletter at www.agathafrost.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews
April 9, 2023
It just keeps getting better and better. There is a new addition to the series and I’m here for it.
April 29, 2018
Another brilliant addition to the Peridale Cafe mysteries, this one's definitely on my favourites list as it combines every thing I've enjoyed about this series in one.
We have a well plotted out murder mystery in which the culprit is only obvious right at the end and we have more emotional drama with Julia and her ever expanding family.
These books are just a great easy read without much in the way of unpleasantness - outside of the crime that is!
#ARC kindly provided by the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
We have a well plotted out murder mystery in which the culprit is only obvious right at the end and we have more emotional drama with Julia and her ever expanding family.
These books are just a great easy read without much in the way of unpleasantness - outside of the crime that is!
#ARC kindly provided by the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
March 27, 2018
*arc received in exchange for an honest review*
Miss Frost has done it again! I seriously don’t know how it’s possible but these books just keep getting better and better. Other cozy mystery series I’ve read I’ve normally got bored of the formulaic, rot your teeth sweetness that happens in them by the fifth book but that is not the case when we go to Peridale! It’s exciting every single time. I absolutely loved this one and I definitely love the family storyline that unraveled around the murder case. It was a great touch that made this novel stand out in an already amazing series. Highlight of this novel was that I didn’t guess who the killer was but all the signs were there once Julia did her big reveal and that’s definitely a sign of good writing. Fantastic addition to the Peridale series and I can’t wait to return to the village in the next book once its released.
Miss Frost has done it again! I seriously don’t know how it’s possible but these books just keep getting better and better. Other cozy mystery series I’ve read I’ve normally got bored of the formulaic, rot your teeth sweetness that happens in them by the fifth book but that is not the case when we go to Peridale! It’s exciting every single time. I absolutely loved this one and I definitely love the family storyline that unraveled around the murder case. It was a great touch that made this novel stand out in an already amazing series. Highlight of this novel was that I didn’t guess who the killer was but all the signs were there once Julia did her big reveal and that’s definitely a sign of good writing. Fantastic addition to the Peridale series and I can’t wait to return to the village in the next book once its released.
April 30, 2018
4 stelle e mezza
Più che la storia gialla in questo libro mi è piaciuta la novità che interviene nella vita di Julia e Jessie.
Più che la storia gialla in questo libro mi è piaciuta la novità che interviene nella vita di Julia e Jessie.
May 7, 2018
A return to Peridale is always a joy. This is one of my favourite cozy series.
This series just keeps getting better.
I love the characters and their development over the series.
The whodunit was top notch, intriguing and kept me interested and guessing!
This latest offering is one of the best yet and I cannot wait to read the next one!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
This series just keeps getting better.
I love the characters and their development over the series.
The whodunit was top notch, intriguing and kept me interested and guessing!
This latest offering is one of the best yet and I cannot wait to read the next one!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
June 22, 2022
As always, a fantastic read. I wasn't expecting the twist regarding Jessie.
April 7, 2021
This was another good mystery in the series. An actress moves to town and wants to build something. This causes a mess and then someone ends up dead. Julia spends the time trying to figure out who did it. Of course she solves it and all is well for now.
March 28, 2018
Julia does it again. Why they haven't hired Julia to work on the police force as a consultant yet is mind boggling. DS Christie is so annoying. hahaha
A murder occurs once again in Peridale to an outsider. Then there is a second murder. Julia actually did a pretty good job of trying to stay on the periphery while still asking her questions. She, of course, figures out what is going on. I have to admit that I had an inkling about the killer at one point. I didn't get all the details right, but I am getting better at thinking it through.
I love the mystery, but I love the family story line that continues throughout the books. It is so fulfilling to watch the relationships between Jessie, Julia and Barker's relationship strengthen, and to see Julia repair her relationship with her father and his wife. Despite all of the cozy mystery type drama, I love the relationship realism.
I am continuing to love these stories!
I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC I received from the author
A murder occurs once again in Peridale to an outsider. Then there is a second murder. Julia actually did a pretty good job of trying to stay on the periphery while still asking her questions. She, of course, figures out what is going on. I have to admit that I had an inkling about the killer at one point. I didn't get all the details right, but I am getting better at thinking it through.
I love the mystery, but I love the family story line that continues throughout the books. It is so fulfilling to watch the relationships between Jessie, Julia and Barker's relationship strengthen, and to see Julia repair her relationship with her father and his wife. Despite all of the cozy mystery type drama, I love the relationship realism.
I am continuing to love these stories!
I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC I received from the author
July 7, 2020
4.5 stars
This is the eleventh book in the Peridale Cafe mystery series by Agatha Frost.
A new Hollywood starlet is in town and has bought Barker’s old flat to remodel into a big mansion. One of the builders that have come in to bring this starlet’s vision to life is found dead.
As a secondary storyline, we are introduced to a new recurring character that will show up in other books. I don’t want to give too much away but I was happy to see this character open up and reveal his secrets.
If you love a good cozy mystery, check this one out. What a fun read!
This is the eleventh book in the Peridale Cafe mystery series by Agatha Frost.
A new Hollywood starlet is in town and has bought Barker’s old flat to remodel into a big mansion. One of the builders that have come in to bring this starlet’s vision to life is found dead.
As a secondary storyline, we are introduced to a new recurring character that will show up in other books. I don’t want to give too much away but I was happy to see this character open up and reveal his secrets.
If you love a good cozy mystery, check this one out. What a fun read!
June 17, 2020
5*
Well, murder is the name of the game again and this one has Julia stumped. Until one clue kicks everything into place and now she has to stop the person from running. And before it's too late for someone else. This series is so so good.
Well, murder is the name of the game again and this one has Julia stumped. Until one clue kicks everything into place and now she has to stop the person from running. And before it's too late for someone else. This series is so so good.
March 27, 2018
This is my favorite series of mystery and fun!!! When some rich famous woman wants to build in Peridale, the people aren’t happy. But what can you do? Then construction worker Shane ends up dead, the lost of people who could have done it is long. Julia tries to figure it out, but a surprise person who’s helping with construction has big news for Julia and Jessie.
Come visit Peridale and enjoy their quirkiness and fun!! Will Julia figure out who murdered Shane? Will new information about Jessie put a wrinkle in the adoption plan? You must read to find out.
I’m going to say, I always think I have it figured out, not even close lol. Agatha is an amazing writer who leaves the reader on the edge of their seat!!! Awesome books and series!!
Come visit Peridale and enjoy their quirkiness and fun!! Will Julia figure out who murdered Shane? Will new information about Jessie put a wrinkle in the adoption plan? You must read to find out.
I’m going to say, I always think I have it figured out, not even close lol. Agatha is an amazing writer who leaves the reader on the edge of their seat!!! Awesome books and series!!
March 25, 2018
Absolutely brilliant! Love the added twist in Julia and Jessie's story and can't wait for the next instalment! Keep them coming Agatha, you're a genius!
March 26, 2018
I just returned from my latest visit to Peridale and I had a fantastic time!! The eleventh book in the series will not disappoint. I was still guessing who the murderer was right up until Julia's reveal. This book will get you right in the feels with its added twists to the Julia/Jessie story. Thank you Agatha Frost for another wonderful trip.
* I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review *
* I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review *
March 27, 2018
A fun, enjoyable read that kept me guessing right up to the final reveal.
This was my first Peridale Cafe book, but that didn’t matter as it was explained who all the characters were and their relationships to each other.
Loved the characters (apart from the hateful Candy) and can’t wait to visit Peridale again.
This was my first Peridale Cafe book, but that didn’t matter as it was explained who all the characters were and their relationships to each other.
Loved the characters (apart from the hateful Candy) and can’t wait to visit Peridale again.
March 28, 2018
Just keeps getting better
Julia is back to her sleuthing ways again trying to solve the latest murder of Peridale. I really enjoy all of the Characters and storyline in the Peridale Cafe Cozy Mysteries. I highly recommend reading Cupcakes and Casualties.
Julia is back to her sleuthing ways again trying to solve the latest murder of Peridale. I really enjoy all of the Characters and storyline in the Peridale Cafe Cozy Mysteries. I highly recommend reading Cupcakes and Casualties.
March 29, 2018
A Feel Good Ending
I love this series of mysteries which keeps pulling you back book after book. A real good mystery that keeps you guessing till the end. Lots of plot twists throughout the book. I can't wait until the next book!
I love this series of mysteries which keeps pulling you back book after book. A real good mystery that keeps you guessing till the end. Lots of plot twists throughout the book. I can't wait until the next book!
March 29, 2018
Another interesting visit with Julia and family in Peridale. I really enjoy this series and look forward to each new book.
March 30, 2018
What a diva
Great storyline as usual
Loved the twist about Jessie
Who can't help loving Julia and all her sensitivities
Brill, can't wait for the next book
Great storyline as usual
Loved the twist about Jessie
Who can't help loving Julia and all her sensitivities
Brill, can't wait for the next book
March 28, 2018
Cupcakes and Casualties
Another great book in the life of Julia! Barker is a saint and the rest of the town is crazy! They’ll need to start advertising their town as a murder mystery experience!
Another great book in the life of Julia! Barker is a saint and the rest of the town is crazy! They’ll need to start advertising their town as a murder mystery experience!
March 29, 2018
I got to read this book before it came out to review it for minor editing details that the author may have missed. It was a great book. I can’t wait for book 12 in this series.
March 26, 2018
I really enjoyed the book! Love Julia, Barker, and all the other characters in Peridale! Fun read!
March 20, 2021
This takes place in February. The story involves flowers, infidelity, lost siblings, and murder. I liked the mystery. It jumped around a bit and took some turns, which was interesting. I didn't like family drama. I was hoping something like that wouldn't happen.
April 2, 2018
This is the 11th book in the Peridale Cafe Mystery Series.
Big changes are in store for the quiet town of Peridale. Many aren't happy that a famous actress comes into town intending to demolish Barker's historic cottage in order to build an obscenely large house. The Peridale Preservation Society is protesting this build, however, it is clear that their attempts are futile. There is no stopping this construction.
However, days within the start of construction, the crew's foreman, Shane, is murdered. As per usual, the town turns to Julia to try and solve this murder, at it is clear, the detective in charge has no clue. Between the actress, preservation society and the architect keeping their own secrets, Julia is finding it difficult to uncover the truth. Most challenging to her is that what she does uncover ends up turning her own life upside down and threatens to disrupt the life she has worked hard to build in Peridale.
Holy cow what a mystery this turned out to be. I was not expecting it turn out as it did. Excellent work by Ms. Frost for bringing this mystery to life. Reading this series has me loving cozy mysteries, when I usually would not have given them much thought or priority. Well done!!
Big changes are in store for the quiet town of Peridale. Many aren't happy that a famous actress comes into town intending to demolish Barker's historic cottage in order to build an obscenely large house. The Peridale Preservation Society is protesting this build, however, it is clear that their attempts are futile. There is no stopping this construction.
However, days within the start of construction, the crew's foreman, Shane, is murdered. As per usual, the town turns to Julia to try and solve this murder, at it is clear, the detective in charge has no clue. Between the actress, preservation society and the architect keeping their own secrets, Julia is finding it difficult to uncover the truth. Most challenging to her is that what she does uncover ends up turning her own life upside down and threatens to disrupt the life she has worked hard to build in Peridale.
Holy cow what a mystery this turned out to be. I was not expecting it turn out as it did. Excellent work by Ms. Frost for bringing this mystery to life. Reading this series has me loving cozy mysteries, when I usually would not have given them much thought or priority. Well done!!
April 16, 2018
*~~*ARC kindly provided by the author to me in exchange for an honest review *~~*
We are already 11 books in the series and without being exaggerating the books are getting better and better.
This time we have a celebrity visiting Peridale which causes a hazy buzz in the small village.
The crime case was well delivered and I loved how the characters were fleshed out. They had depth and you could relate to their different relationships. It had a nice twist when it came to the discoveries and for a while you had a different suspect.
I especially loved that - again - we had a new layer added to the daily life of Julia, Barker & Jess.
It was so charming to get new information but to see how they are with each other. Barker and Julia are super cozy together but also Jess and her boyfriend Billy are a nice sight. :3
I'm always in awe how a book which isn't that long can captivate you totally and I am engrossed when I start the first lines. :3 Agatha Frost always adds interesting and controverse topics in her books, making them realitic.
With Julia as the baker who is investigating and Barker who is the (skilled) inspector but is more relying on her and her stills - in fact accepts he can't stop her - it's funny and sometimes hilarious how the dynamics are shifted between the two but how well they complete each other. :D
I really can't wait to read the next books, I bet book 12 won't be the last. ;)
Review originally posted on my blog with added content Mikku-chan / A world full of words
We are already 11 books in the series and without being exaggerating the books are getting better and better.
This time we have a celebrity visiting Peridale which causes a hazy buzz in the small village.
The crime case was well delivered and I loved how the characters were fleshed out. They had depth and you could relate to their different relationships. It had a nice twist when it came to the discoveries and for a while you had a different suspect.
I especially loved that - again - we had a new layer added to the daily life of Julia, Barker & Jess.
It was so charming to get new information but to see how they are with each other. Barker and Julia are super cozy together but also Jess and her boyfriend Billy are a nice sight. :3
I'm always in awe how a book which isn't that long can captivate you totally and I am engrossed when I start the first lines. :3 Agatha Frost always adds interesting and controverse topics in her books, making them realitic.
With Julia as the baker who is investigating and Barker who is the (skilled) inspector but is more relying on her and her stills - in fact accepts he can't stop her - it's funny and sometimes hilarious how the dynamics are shifted between the two but how well they complete each other. :D
I really can't wait to read the next books, I bet book 12 won't be the last. ;)
Review originally posted on my blog with added content Mikku-chan / A world full of words
February 9, 2023
Julia found her Gran listening for gossip. Julia said to her, Curtain twitching again, Gran?” I’ve never heard the expression curtain twitching. Funny! And another thing about her Gran:
She had already admitted to Julia that she did not care much for the cause she was protesting, but she enjoyed shouting in a group, especially if they had their own printed t-shirts.
Gran is quite the character! She definitely adds spice to this series.
This tale had the usual murder, but there was also a major happening that will surely change not only Julia and Barker’s lives forever but Jessie’s as well.
There was also a horrible character named Candy that I wish would get curb stomped due to her ugly attitude and sense of entitlement. And why Julia’s same-age-as-she-is step-mother considers Candy a good friend is beyond me. Obviously Candy is not a friend based on the way she acted. Is Candy the killer though? Perhaps. It wouldn’t surprise anyone who knows her.
We are also introduced to a new character that will be in future books and quite an influence on Billy. The question is whether or not that influence is a good one or a bad one. Ugh.
Next is book 12 of 26 in the Peridale Cafe Cozy Mystery series: Blueberry Muffins and Misfortune. I’m only 14% through it and there’s already a body! Ut-oh! Don’t worry though because Julia’s on it!
She had already admitted to Julia that she did not care much for the cause she was protesting, but she enjoyed shouting in a group, especially if they had their own printed t-shirts.
Gran is quite the character! She definitely adds spice to this series.
This tale had the usual murder, but there was also a major happening that will surely change not only Julia and Barker’s lives forever but Jessie’s as well.
There was also a horrible character named Candy that I wish would get curb stomped due to her ugly attitude and sense of entitlement. And why Julia’s same-age-as-she-is step-mother considers Candy a good friend is beyond me. Obviously Candy is not a friend based on the way she acted. Is Candy the killer though? Perhaps. It wouldn’t surprise anyone who knows her.
We are also introduced to a new character that will be in future books and quite an influence on Billy. The question is whether or not that influence is a good one or a bad one. Ugh.
Next is book 12 of 26 in the Peridale Cafe Cozy Mystery series: Blueberry Muffins and Misfortune. I’m only 14% through it and there’s already a body! Ut-oh! Don’t worry though because Julia’s on it!
March 27, 2018
So Many Secrets Revealed!
I am really addicted to this series! It has everything a cozy mystery could want - intrigue, memorable characters, a small town setting. What makes this series even more delightful, is it’s a British Cozy. There is just a difference in a British Cozy - it’s like stepping into an episode of Midsomer Murders on the BBC. The village of Peridale is a picturesque, & seemingly peaceful place on the outside but one filled with many secrets & murders. Julia South, aka The Cake Lady, has never met a mystery she could walk away from. So when a bludgeoned body is found at the construction site down the road from her cottage, Julia finds herself once again drawn into investigating. As Julia races to find the murderer she brings to light several other secrets, including one that will impact her personally. While I enjoy the mystery part of the story, what draws me back is the incredible relationship between the characters, especially between Julia, her fiancé Barker, & their soon to be adopted daughter Jessie. Author Agatha Frost has another winner in Cupcakes & Casualties!
I am really addicted to this series! It has everything a cozy mystery could want - intrigue, memorable characters, a small town setting. What makes this series even more delightful, is it’s a British Cozy. There is just a difference in a British Cozy - it’s like stepping into an episode of Midsomer Murders on the BBC. The village of Peridale is a picturesque, & seemingly peaceful place on the outside but one filled with many secrets & murders. Julia South, aka The Cake Lady, has never met a mystery she could walk away from. So when a bludgeoned body is found at the construction site down the road from her cottage, Julia finds herself once again drawn into investigating. As Julia races to find the murderer she brings to light several other secrets, including one that will impact her personally. While I enjoy the mystery part of the story, what draws me back is the incredible relationship between the characters, especially between Julia, her fiancé Barker, & their soon to be adopted daughter Jessie. Author Agatha Frost has another winner in Cupcakes & Casualties!
April 2, 2018
*arc received in exchange for an honest review*
Another great whodunit - I kept "choosing" different people for the culprit while reading, didn't actually get it right until the very end - this for me makes it a really captivating book. I loved the twist story in Jessie's life - Alfie is a really interesting character that I think will bring yet another dimension to the book series (I did quite dislike him at some point though).
I didn't like the second murder though, it is not some main or important to the story character but it felt like the village lost a lot by it. I thought it could be delved a bit more into it, not just mentioned in passing (at least this is how it felt).
Overall, another incredible book by Agatha Frost. You would think that when books from a series are coming out so quickly, their stories would be rushed and somehow incomplete (I have quite a few examples) but this is absolutely nothing like it. Peridale series are intriguing, captivating and holding your interest until the very end. You see characters and their stories evolving in front of you and you just can't wait for the next book to 'see' more of them.
Another great whodunit - I kept "choosing" different people for the culprit while reading, didn't actually get it right until the very end - this for me makes it a really captivating book. I loved the twist story in Jessie's life - Alfie is a really interesting character that I think will bring yet another dimension to the book series (I did quite dislike him at some point though).
I didn't like the second murder though, it is not some main or important to the story character but it felt like the village lost a lot by it. I thought it could be delved a bit more into it, not just mentioned in passing (at least this is how it felt).
Overall, another incredible book by Agatha Frost. You would think that when books from a series are coming out so quickly, their stories would be rushed and somehow incomplete (I have quite a few examples) but this is absolutely nothing like it. Peridale series are intriguing, captivating and holding your interest until the very end. You see characters and their stories evolving in front of you and you just can't wait for the next book to 'see' more of them.
April 6, 2018
This is the 11th book in Agatha Frost’s “Peridale Cozy Mystery” series and I think it is the best! It was wonderful to go back to the quaint village of Peridale! Frost writes so very descriptively that the reader is able to “see” the village, the shops, people and scenes. The plots are unpredictable and I have never been able to guess who the murderer is. The best part of this series is watching the development of the characters and the relationships between them. Even the minor characters are well drawn. The people talk like real people. Nothing forced or unbelievable about them. I could barely put this book down! Now I can’t wait to read the next book in the series! If you have never read a cozy mystery, you must try this one! This book can be read as a stand-alone but once you read it, you will want to go back and read the entire series! Fabulous book and series! Kudos to Agatha Frost!
April 26, 2024
I enjoyed the book as much as I did the previous books. Among many things that entertained me, I particularly liked the drama surrounding Jessie. The emergence of her long-lost brother added an extra layer, and complexity to the drama and kept me intrigued about what was to come till the end.
One niggle that I had with this book is that Alfie, Jessie's brother, got away without even a light slap on the wrist for all the blackmailing he had done throughout the story. As touched on in the plot, none of us humans are perfect, we all have flaws and so do Jessie and Alfie, but turning a blind eye to blackmailing and pretending as if nothing had happened doesn't sit well with me.
Other than that, I enjoyed it quite a lot.
One niggle that I had with this book is that Alfie, Jessie's brother, got away without even a light slap on the wrist for all the blackmailing he had done throughout the story. As touched on in the plot, none of us humans are perfect, we all have flaws and so do Jessie and Alfie, but turning a blind eye to blackmailing and pretending as if nothing had happened doesn't sit well with me.
Other than that, I enjoyed it quite a lot.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews