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Comfort Cakes Cozy Mysteries #3
Strangulation & Strawberry Cake
When Rachel Rowan is hired to bake a special strawberry cake for Sheriff Scott’s
grandmother’s 90th birthday, she works extra hard to make it as perfect as possible. After all, the sharp-eyed millionaire is known to have a hot temper & a short fuse. But, despite all of her hard work, there’s no way Rachel could have prevented this party from going awry.
Not when someone is murdered right before dinner!
Grandma Mallory’s accountant is the victim. It seems he’d learned something that someone wished to keep secret and, with nobody at the party other than members of the family, one of them must be the killer.
Unless, that is, it’s the ghost in the attic…
Meet Rachel Rowan as she strives to prove her innocence in her latest culinary cozy mystery adventure, Strangulation & Strawberry Cake!
“Comfort Cakes Cozy Mysteries” is a new series by bestselling author, Nancy McGovern. Sign up for her newsletter inside to receive updates & special offers, PLUS a FREE BOOK as a Thank You for joining the family!
grandmother’s 90th birthday, she works extra hard to make it as perfect as possible. After all, the sharp-eyed millionaire is known to have a hot temper & a short fuse. But, despite all of her hard work, there’s no way Rachel could have prevented this party from going awry.
Not when someone is murdered right before dinner!
Grandma Mallory’s accountant is the victim. It seems he’d learned something that someone wished to keep secret and, with nobody at the party other than members of the family, one of them must be the killer.
Unless, that is, it’s the ghost in the attic…
Meet Rachel Rowan as she strives to prove her innocence in her latest culinary cozy mystery adventure, Strangulation & Strawberry Cake!
“Comfort Cakes Cozy Mysteries” is a new series by bestselling author, Nancy McGovern. Sign up for her newsletter inside to receive updates & special offers, PLUS a FREE BOOK as a Thank You for joining the family!
168 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 2, 2018
185 people are currently reading
211 people want to read
About the author
Nancy McGovern
83 books173 followersI'm a mother, wife, homemaker, pet lover, teacher, student, reader, writer, drinker of tea & wine (depending on the time of day) and sleep-deprived dreamer. I live in Syracuse, NY, with my husband, Doug (also a writer with books available on Amazon), our three children and too many furred & feathered friends to list!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
September 7, 2019
Review under box set
February 1, 2019
Family is everything to Sheriff Scott Tanner. His sister Emily and nephew Ollie are the only blood relatives he has left in the world, aside from a collection of estranged maternal relations. He is surprised to receive an invitation to his Grandma Mallory's 90th birthday party. Scott is prepared to let bygones be bygones and meet his family but Emily is incensed he would even consider it. Rachel convinces him to go and since she is baking the cake, he invites her to stay for moral support. Rachel is shocked to discover Scott's family is more toxic than he believes but she stands by him no matter what. When Grandma Mallory's lawyer arrives suddenly with urgent news and is then murdered, once again ruining Rachel's cake, the investigation is handed over to the neighboring police. That doesn't stop Scott and Rachel from investigating the crime! Their new romance, however, may be ending just as Rachel has realized she loves Scott.
This story is less charming than the previous mystery but still engaging. Grandma Mallory and her family belong in an English country Manor mystery! The story is somewhat gothic until secrets are revealed. I never guessed which one of them was the killer or why. Rachel has a knack for figuring out obscure clues. There is one MAJOR error in this novel. Tyler's sweatshirt is first described as maroon. Then it is described as green. Which is it or is it both? This is a big mistake not to catch. I was wondering at first if it was a clue that affected the mystery but it wasn't. An editor should have caught that. I didn't like the romantic stumbling block. I wished to see more of Scott trying to get Rachel to date him and their falling in love instead of misunderstanding and miscommunication. There also isn't enough Scooter in this book. In fact, Rachel seems to forget all about him after the first day!
Grandma Mallory is evil and toxic. Emily was right to stay far far away. Grandma Mallory runs Mulberry Mansion like she's a Duchess and the rest of the family her servants. She is horrid to her children, grandchildren and servants. Mallory is an evil genius at work. The rest of the family isn't much better but all but the killer lack her brains. Uncle Sidney is a professor, living outside the family home with his 20-something son Tyler. (Is Tyler 21 or 23? Another proofreading error). Uncle Sidney may be living independently but he still dances to his mother's tune. Tyler comes across as kind of a loser but he's at a tough age trying to figure out what he wants to do with his life and under pressure from his father.
I feel sorry for Aunt Paris. She's been emotionally abused by her own mother and Mallory's toxic ways have influenced Paris's behavior. Paris is a grown woman who acts like a teenager because she isn't allowed to be an independent adult. Uncle Jordan isn't any better than his mother. He once tried to kill Emily and Scott's mother, his little sister, and refuses to apologize. He's lazy, arrogant, spoiled and evil. His wife, Bethany seems all right but allows Mallory to take over her company more or less and spends 30 years living with her evil mother-in-law.
Zizka, the Ukrainian maid, puts up with being treated like a slave by the evil Mallory. I felt sorry for her yet not because she chooses to stay. Johnny Hayes was a sycophant and possibly terrified of his most prominent client. No amount of money or prestige is worth breaking the law. He didn't deserve to be murdered and certainly not for the killer's motive.
Rachel's character is developing nicely. She's loosened up some and is more willing to express her feelings. She is still incredibly stubborn and refuses to confront conflict head on in the moment when it comes to relationships. Scott has grown on me but here he's reduced to second fiddle to Rachel because of the way his awful grandmother treats everyone. He states he is unwilling to "bend" the rules, even for family, but that has not been true in the past. Maybe now he'll believe someone if they accuse someone from his family of a crime.
I'm really disappointed the author didn't include Rachel's recipe for strawberry cake. Rachel makes two different frostings and figures out how to make a pink cake without using food coloring. That's worth a recipe!
This story is less charming than the previous mystery but still engaging. Grandma Mallory and her family belong in an English country Manor mystery! The story is somewhat gothic until secrets are revealed. I never guessed which one of them was the killer or why. Rachel has a knack for figuring out obscure clues. There is one MAJOR error in this novel. Tyler's sweatshirt is first described as maroon. Then it is described as green. Which is it or is it both? This is a big mistake not to catch. I was wondering at first if it was a clue that affected the mystery but it wasn't. An editor should have caught that. I didn't like the romantic stumbling block. I wished to see more of Scott trying to get Rachel to date him and their falling in love instead of misunderstanding and miscommunication. There also isn't enough Scooter in this book. In fact, Rachel seems to forget all about him after the first day!
Grandma Mallory is evil and toxic. Emily was right to stay far far away. Grandma Mallory runs Mulberry Mansion like she's a Duchess and the rest of the family her servants. She is horrid to her children, grandchildren and servants. Mallory is an evil genius at work. The rest of the family isn't much better but all but the killer lack her brains. Uncle Sidney is a professor, living outside the family home with his 20-something son Tyler. (Is Tyler 21 or 23? Another proofreading error). Uncle Sidney may be living independently but he still dances to his mother's tune. Tyler comes across as kind of a loser but he's at a tough age trying to figure out what he wants to do with his life and under pressure from his father.
I feel sorry for Aunt Paris. She's been emotionally abused by her own mother and Mallory's toxic ways have influenced Paris's behavior. Paris is a grown woman who acts like a teenager because she isn't allowed to be an independent adult. Uncle Jordan isn't any better than his mother. He once tried to kill Emily and Scott's mother, his little sister, and refuses to apologize. He's lazy, arrogant, spoiled and evil. His wife, Bethany seems all right but allows Mallory to take over her company more or less and spends 30 years living with her evil mother-in-law.
Zizka, the Ukrainian maid, puts up with being treated like a slave by the evil Mallory. I felt sorry for her yet not because she chooses to stay. Johnny Hayes was a sycophant and possibly terrified of his most prominent client. No amount of money or prestige is worth breaking the law. He didn't deserve to be murdered and certainly not for the killer's motive.
Rachel's character is developing nicely. She's loosened up some and is more willing to express her feelings. She is still incredibly stubborn and refuses to confront conflict head on in the moment when it comes to relationships. Scott has grown on me but here he's reduced to second fiddle to Rachel because of the way his awful grandmother treats everyone. He states he is unwilling to "bend" the rules, even for family, but that has not been true in the past. Maybe now he'll believe someone if they accuse someone from his family of a crime.
I'm really disappointed the author didn't include Rachel's recipe for strawberry cake. Rachel makes two different frostings and figures out how to make a pink cake without using food coloring. That's worth a recipe!
December 12, 2025
Truly enjoyed reading this. I love how this one got more out of the comfort of the mystery aspect of it all and went more into the roots of the characters. I enjoyed the heartfelt side of it that made me not sure of where my suspicious should turn!
Overall, lovely and short. Yummy and cozy!
Overall, lovely and short. Yummy and cozy!
May 2, 2018
Aha family!!! In the case of this story, a very manipulative and uncaring family is drawn into a murder mystery. Most of them look guilty to Rachel and Scott, even though they happen to be Scotts estranged family. This book was a lot of fun. The interactions of the family members and how they were played like puppets was very interesting. It just goes to prove that money does not buy love. However, I would love to try the strawberry cake mentioned in the story, it sounds fantastic. Really enjoyed the book and will continue to read books by Ms. McGovern.
May 6, 2018
Sheriff Scott Tanner and his sister, Emily, have been invited to attend their estranged grandmother's 90th birthday. They have had no contact with the family for over 30 years, so why now? Scott is ready to attend in an effort to reconnect with other family members, but Emily refuses to even consider going. Coincidentally, Rachel Rowan has been hired to bake the special strawberry birthday cake. In the end, Scott and Rachel attend the family gathering together.
Grandma Mallory is a tyrant who insists on controlling the lives of everybody around her. When Johnny Hayes, Grandma Mallory's accountant, shows up just before dinner, he is told to wait in the parlor until after dinner. Before dinner, Uncle Jordan decides to take a walk in the garden. His wife, Aunt Bethany, goes to their room to freshen up. Uncle Sidney, along with his wife, Aunt Paris and their son, Tyler, also go to clean up for dinner. This leaves only Scott, Rachel, and Grandma Mallory in the family room when the lights go out.
When the lights come back on, Johnny Hayes is dead. He has been strangled and it appears that the only suspects are members of the family.
Who killed Johnny Hayes? Why was he killed? Can Scott and Rachel uncover the killer and the motive?
This book is full of people you love to hate and some you feel sorry for. The characters are very realistic and remind me of some I have met over the years. The clues are there, but you have to be extra sharp to pick them out. Have Fun!!
Grandma Mallory is a tyrant who insists on controlling the lives of everybody around her. When Johnny Hayes, Grandma Mallory's accountant, shows up just before dinner, he is told to wait in the parlor until after dinner. Before dinner, Uncle Jordan decides to take a walk in the garden. His wife, Aunt Bethany, goes to their room to freshen up. Uncle Sidney, along with his wife, Aunt Paris and their son, Tyler, also go to clean up for dinner. This leaves only Scott, Rachel, and Grandma Mallory in the family room when the lights go out.
When the lights come back on, Johnny Hayes is dead. He has been strangled and it appears that the only suspects are members of the family.
Who killed Johnny Hayes? Why was he killed? Can Scott and Rachel uncover the killer and the motive?
This book is full of people you love to hate and some you feel sorry for. The characters are very realistic and remind me of some I have met over the years. The clues are there, but you have to be extra sharp to pick them out. Have Fun!!
December 18, 2022
3.5 stars, rounded up
When I first started this series, I wasn’t sure I would read more than one book, but I’m glad I stuck with it. Rachel is growing on me, although things in her world seem to be either black or white, there isn’t much room for the gray things in life. Part of that is likely due to the books in the series being on the short side, so there isn’t much time for waffling, but it does make her seem rather inflexible at times.
This book dealt with the family reunion and birthday celebration of one of her friends, so we didn’t get the regular recurring characters that we met in the first two books, and I missed them. I was appalled at the spinelessness of most of the family members toward their matriarch, but did a little happy dance when a couple of them grew backbones before the book ended.
There was a murder in the book, and it took place relatively early on, again possibly due to how short the book is – there isn’t much time to fritter away setting the stage. I was surprised that Rachel was given so much leeway to conduct her investigation, but then realized that the police who had jurisdiction probably weren’t aware of what she was doing. There were quite a few people on my list of suspects, each with a different motive, although the motives were all essentially variations on a theme. I did not figure out who the killer was, although I should have, just by process of elimination. There are only two books left in the series, and I plan to read both of them.
When I first started this series, I wasn’t sure I would read more than one book, but I’m glad I stuck with it. Rachel is growing on me, although things in her world seem to be either black or white, there isn’t much room for the gray things in life. Part of that is likely due to the books in the series being on the short side, so there isn’t much time for waffling, but it does make her seem rather inflexible at times.
This book dealt with the family reunion and birthday celebration of one of her friends, so we didn’t get the regular recurring characters that we met in the first two books, and I missed them. I was appalled at the spinelessness of most of the family members toward their matriarch, but did a little happy dance when a couple of them grew backbones before the book ended.
There was a murder in the book, and it took place relatively early on, again possibly due to how short the book is – there isn’t much time to fritter away setting the stage. I was surprised that Rachel was given so much leeway to conduct her investigation, but then realized that the police who had jurisdiction probably weren’t aware of what she was doing. There were quite a few people on my list of suspects, each with a different motive, although the motives were all essentially variations on a theme. I did not figure out who the killer was, although I should have, just by process of elimination. There are only two books left in the series, and I plan to read both of them.
April 12, 2018
Rachel Rowan is making a birthday cake for her boyfriend's relative Mallory Mutton. Scott is also the sheriff in the small town they live in. Scott's sister, Emily is fuming that he dare go to Mallory's birthday celebration after what that family did to their mother! While at the Mutton Manison, Johnny Hayes, the accountant for the family dares to interrupt wanting to talk to Miss Mutton. Then he winds up dead! There is a many family secrets going on in this big house and among the relatives. Can Rachel find out who killed the accountant and why? Mallory Mutton tries her best to run the family as she wishes, but things get out of control. You will need to read the book to find out what happens. I voluntarily read a copy of this book and this is my opinion of it.
April 8, 2018
Sweet cozy
This was the first book I read in the series and that was fine but I do wish that I had read previous books first. It was well written, and though parts seem silly or maybe predictable, it was a lot of fun. I especially liked how Rachel drove herself crazy after telling Scott she loved him. It just made it seem more realistic and true to life. There was a lot to the story and at times felt like it was going in every direction possible, but, I love how smart Rachel was and how she was able to solve the mystery. I am looking forward to the next book.
This was the first book I read in the series and that was fine but I do wish that I had read previous books first. It was well written, and though parts seem silly or maybe predictable, it was a lot of fun. I especially liked how Rachel drove herself crazy after telling Scott she loved him. It just made it seem more realistic and true to life. There was a lot to the story and at times felt like it was going in every direction possible, but, I love how smart Rachel was and how she was able to solve the mystery. I am looking forward to the next book.
September 30, 2018
I really like this series but book #3 had Scott's Grandmother, Aunts & Uncles and they weren't very likable. Scott & Emily were invited to their Grandmother's for her 90th birthday but they hadn't seen her in 30 years due to a family feud. Emily wouldn't go, so Scott invited Rachel who was also bringing a strawberry cake that was ordered for the occasion. During dinner, the family accountant is murdered. There were a few twists and turns that kept it interesting. I like how Scott & Rachel work togethwr to solve the mystery. These are awesome cozy mysteries.
March 20, 2021
So far, this book has been my favorite book. We see another side of Emily - fiery hot, instead of slightly icy. Scott and Rachel are in a-whole-nother world during this book. A mansion owned and run by his millionaire grandmother. Who, let me just say, is a HORRIBLE PERSON!!! If she was written just for us to hate, that has been achieved. Every time she said something I wanted to reach through the book and punch her in her 90 year old mouth. She was an evil, entitled, controlling, abusive, nasty, nasty person. And I absolutely loved hating her. Totally my favorite book so far, lol!
April 29, 2024
Pretty basic. Baker Rachel , dating local sheriff of Swaddle, named Scott. She bakes a strawberry cake for Scott's estranged grandmother's 90th birthday. Murder: the accountant who burst into the party with an emergency declaration. His last words are long horses. That was the clue.. And one of the family members is the murderer. Sets the stage for a new cast of characters- the long lost family members- who aren't deranged or criminals!
April 5, 2018
Engaging cozy mystery. Family issues. Age and wealth do not guarantee wisdom and happiness. Frustrating adult (childish) behavior. Still living under the control of one's parent at age fifty seems irresponsible. Love and respect are one thing, but dependency is quite another. Sure glad the main couple of characters have brains and backbones. I look forward to reading the next one in this series.
December 28, 2023
I guess it's realistic in that people are complex and challenging and no matter what you do, not every relationship will have healing, closure, or morph into what it should have been.
I liked the ending, but the majority of the story was aggravating to read for the insufferable nature of some people.
I liked the ending, but the majority of the story was aggravating to read for the insufferable nature of some people.
December 8, 2024
Cleverly Written
I thought for sure I had solved the mystery, but I was wrong about the murderer, motive, means, and opportunity. There were many twists and surprises in this book drawing me into the story page after page. While you could read this as a stand alone, I recommend starting with the first one in the series. You won’t regret it!
I thought for sure I had solved the mystery, but I was wrong about the murderer, motive, means, and opportunity. There were many twists and surprises in this book drawing me into the story page after page. While you could read this as a stand alone, I recommend starting with the first one in the series. You won’t regret it!
April 13, 2018
Great story....
I enjoyed the authors story of adventure and suspense, the story was a great way to spend some time. I found the characters were a very entertaining group, the mystery had me guessing till the end. Good read.
I enjoyed the authors story of adventure and suspense, the story was a great way to spend some time. I found the characters were a very entertaining group, the mystery had me guessing till the end. Good read.
May 28, 2018
Great Book
I loved this book. Scott and Rachel are so good together. The book was really good and I love how they solved the murders. Anyone that enjoy a mystery, this is the book to read. Thank you.
I loved this book. Scott and Rachel are so good together. The book was really good and I love how they solved the murders. Anyone that enjoy a mystery, this is the book to read. Thank you.
July 19, 2018
Family Family Family!
I'm so glad I started reading this series I love the main characters, I had no idea who the murderer was so many suspects it could have been anyone. I must start the next book in the series NOW!
I'm so glad I started reading this series I love the main characters, I had no idea who the murderer was so many suspects it could have been anyone. I must start the next book in the series NOW!
September 18, 2025
2.5 stars (Kindle). The writing is getting better but MAN these characters are emotionally immature. On to the next one.
Also, side note, who took care of the puppy while Rachel spent 3 days at the mansion?
Also, side note, who took care of the puppy while Rachel spent 3 days at the mansion?
April 8, 2018
Family Dynamic and Dessert.
Absolutely loved it. I enjoyed reading this book and losing myself in the story with a smile. If only the recipes included. I'm dying for it now.
Absolutely loved it. I enjoyed reading this book and losing myself in the story with a smile. If only the recipes included. I'm dying for it now.
April 5, 2018
another baker's mystery. lots of twist. an overbearing mother and a murder finds her downfall.
April 13, 2018
Fantastic book
We all have that family member we dread coming for holidays but we have to invite. This book is about that-those family members, with a murder thrown in.
We all have that family member we dread coming for holidays but we have to invite. This book is about that-those family members, with a murder thrown in.
April 17, 2018
Sweet
I really enjoyed this mystery. I plan to read more of the stories in this series. Now to find books 1 and 2.
I really enjoyed this mystery. I plan to read more of the stories in this series. Now to find books 1 and 2.
April 24, 2018
Nice, easy read.
I Love a murder mystery! This was cute and entertaining! And I want some of that delicious sounding cake, now!!
I Love a murder mystery! This was cute and entertaining! And I want some of that delicious sounding cake, now!!
May 6, 2018
Story of Rachel & Scott
Story moves easily and is a fast read. It’s quick to draw a person in and identify with the characters.
Story moves easily and is a fast read. It’s quick to draw a person in and identify with the characters.
May 25, 2018
Comfort Cakes Cozy Mystery
I am enjoying this series very much. These books make you want to keep reading to see what happens next. Everyone needs to read this series.
I am enjoying this series very much. These books make you want to keep reading to see what happens next. Everyone needs to read this series.
May 28, 2018
Four stars
I really enjoyed this book.I love Scott and Rachel.I enjoyed all the characters .The twist and turns were pretty good.Thank you
I really enjoyed this book.I love Scott and Rachel.I enjoyed all the characters .The twist and turns were pretty good.Thank you
May 29, 2018
Good
the young people in this story are part of a dysfunction family and the evil mother and grandmother.she ruined lives.
the young people in this story are part of a dysfunction family and the evil mother and grandmother.she ruined lives.
June 9, 2018
Well done
Part of a series, but can be read on its own. Well written and definitely an intriguing murder mystery. You'll want to read more my this author.
Part of a series, but can be read on its own. Well written and definitely an intriguing murder mystery. You'll want to read more my this author.
September 5, 2018
Nice mystery
I love a good mystery, this didn't disappoint. Characters stood out nicely. I would love a slice of that strawberry cake! ...bummer that there wasn't a recipe.
I love a good mystery, this didn't disappoint. Characters stood out nicely. I would love a slice of that strawberry cake! ...bummer that there wasn't a recipe.
February 10, 2019
was good.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews