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Comfort Cakes Cozy Mysteries #4
Bodies & Bundt Cake
How exciting!
Rachel is off to spend a weekend serving as a judge for a baking contest! She’s ready to fill her belly with delicious desserts and clear her mind of everything to do with work. But there’s just one problem…
Someone has just been murdered and one of the contestants just may be the killer! And there’s reason to believe that one of Rachel’s closest friends may be next on the criminal’s list!
Now, all thoughts of selecting the most talented baker have been replaced by trying to catch the culprit before he or she strikes again!
And the clock is ticking…
Join Rachel Rowan in her latest culinary cozy mystery adventure, Bodies & Bundt Cake!
Bodies & Bundt Cake is the 4th installment in Nancy McGovern’s “Comfort Cakes Cozy Mysteries” series.
Sign up for Nancy’s newsletter inside to receive updates & special offers on future books, PLUS a FREE STORY as a Thank You for joining the family!
Rachel is off to spend a weekend serving as a judge for a baking contest! She’s ready to fill her belly with delicious desserts and clear her mind of everything to do with work. But there’s just one problem…
Someone has just been murdered and one of the contestants just may be the killer! And there’s reason to believe that one of Rachel’s closest friends may be next on the criminal’s list!
Now, all thoughts of selecting the most talented baker have been replaced by trying to catch the culprit before he or she strikes again!
And the clock is ticking…
Join Rachel Rowan in her latest culinary cozy mystery adventure, Bodies & Bundt Cake!
Bodies & Bundt Cake is the 4th installment in Nancy McGovern’s “Comfort Cakes Cozy Mysteries” series.
Sign up for Nancy’s newsletter inside to receive updates & special offers on future books, PLUS a FREE STORY as a Thank You for joining the family!
- GenresCozy MysteryMysteryCozy
148 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 18, 2018
201 people are currently reading
199 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 35 reviews
February 4, 2019
Rachel Rowan has been asked to judge the town's fundraising cake-off. She's excited but nervous. When judge Gina Graham, a local boutique owner, fails to show up with the cakes, Rachel and her friend Tricia head over to Gina's house to get her. They find Mrs. Bingham, winner of the best cake for several years in a row, sitting in her car and then driving off like a bat out of hell right over Tricia's foot. When the friends enter the home, they find a disaster and Gina's dead body lying on the floor. The cake-off is cancelled but Tricia is eager to investigate. Rachel is determined to stay out the investigation and let Scott do his job. Emily is pushing Rachel towards things Rachel doesn't want to do and Scott may be hiding a big secret from Rachel. What the heck is happening to the sleepy town of Swaddle?
I have numerous issues with this book that made me enjoy it a lot less than the others. My biggest problem is with the library. I was happy to see some of my concerns addressed in the next paragraph but the rest left me disappointed. First, no Annie can't let you see Gina's records. Not even the police can see a patron's (not a customer) records without a warrant. Annie can't do this for you, her dear friends. It goes against the Library Code of Ethics. Also, there's no way a librarian OUGHT to dress. Librarians come in all shapes, sizes, colors and genders! Please check your prejudices and preconceptions at the door of the library. Thank you. This Is What a Librarian Looks Like: A Celebration of Libraries, Communities, and Access to Information
Second: the records get wiped from the computer once books are returned and whatever Gina researchers on the computer or microfilm is her business. Ah but wait-Swaddle's library is so antiquated they still have paper records! In 2018?! I went to library school 10 years ago and they didn't even teach paper records and barely taught book reference research. Yes, it's a plot point but a really bad and unrealistic one. My second big problem is the murderer let a few things slip so I figured out who did it long before Rachel did. Rachel acts like a complete moron and confront a murder suspect on her own without Scott or anyone knowing where she is and what's going on.
Finally, I dislike the relationship subplot. Rachel acts like a brat around Scott. I figured out his secret. I'm not sure why it's secret but OK whatever. Also, the author needs a good proofreader and no auto correct. She seems to have her computer set to make cake into cake-off so whenever the text should read cake off (as in take the cake off the counter) it reads cake-off.
I don't really enjoy the characters in this novel except for Scott. Poor Scott is doing the best he can to love prickly Rachel AND do his job catching killers. She turns mean and defensive and then just bratty. If an officer of the law tells you not to investigate, don't do it! She is awful to Scott. He has to push her to tell her what she's thinking and feeling, all the while she' s second guessing him. isn't ready for a committed relationship and he's too good for her. I don't see what Scott sees in Rachel, especially after this book. Scott is wonderful, however, I find Scott's telling off Emily showing his bias again. Another cop would have had her taken up for breaking and entering and possibly intent to do harm. Emily acts even more stupid than her young son. I really hate her in this book. I loathe witch hunts. Rachel's friend Tricia has a larger but not better role in this novel. I like her loyalty to her friend but she goes to too many great lengths to prove her friend's innocence, not trusting the law. Tricia's reason comes out of thin air. I did not see that coming.
There are quite a few new characters to keep track of. We're getting to see more of Swaddle and to know the inhabitants. Annie Pegg is a semi-ethical librarian who has dedicated her life to staying home and caring for her family instead of following her dreams. That's tough but no one forced her to do that. Gina Graham had no morals and was obvious about it. She was pretty much the most hated woman in town and obviously unlikable. Mrs. Bingham and her famous lemon bundt cake are well known and liked around Swaddle. She's a sweet lady and her secret is kind of silly. Mia Harris is the chief suspect. She has every reason to hate Gina. Gina deliberately put Mia's boutique out of business by copying everything Mia did. Mia is not easy to like. She has a very hasty temper and is quick to act on her anger. Tricia keeps talking up Mia's good qualities but we only have Tricia's word for it. Mia's secret is crazy and I think some mystery authors have been watching too much reality TV. Tilly Wood seems like a timid, nice woman but her husband Ethan is menacing and rude. I don't trust him.
This book has a lot of issues and doesn't have a recipe to make up for it. It does sort of have a recipe in the text that most home bakers can follow easily.
I have numerous issues with this book that made me enjoy it a lot less than the others. My biggest problem is with the library. I was happy to see some of my concerns addressed in the next paragraph but the rest left me disappointed. First, no Annie can't let you see Gina's records. Not even the police can see a patron's (not a customer) records without a warrant. Annie can't do this for you, her dear friends. It goes against the Library Code of Ethics. Also, there's no way a librarian OUGHT to dress. Librarians come in all shapes, sizes, colors and genders! Please check your prejudices and preconceptions at the door of the library. Thank you. This Is What a Librarian Looks Like: A Celebration of Libraries, Communities, and Access to Information
Second: the records get wiped from the computer once books are returned and whatever Gina researchers on the computer or microfilm is her business. Ah but wait-Swaddle's library is so antiquated they still have paper records! In 2018?! I went to library school 10 years ago and they didn't even teach paper records and barely taught book reference research. Yes, it's a plot point but a really bad and unrealistic one. My second big problem is the murderer let a few things slip so I figured out who did it long before Rachel did. Rachel acts like a complete moron and confront a murder suspect on her own without Scott or anyone knowing where she is and what's going on.
Finally, I dislike the relationship subplot. Rachel acts like a brat around Scott. I figured out his secret. I'm not sure why it's secret but OK whatever. Also, the author needs a good proofreader and no auto correct. She seems to have her computer set to make cake into cake-off so whenever the text should read cake off (as in take the cake off the counter) it reads cake-off.
I don't really enjoy the characters in this novel except for Scott. Poor Scott is doing the best he can to love prickly Rachel AND do his job catching killers. She turns mean and defensive and then just bratty. If an officer of the law tells you not to investigate, don't do it! She is awful to Scott. He has to push her to tell her what she's thinking and feeling, all the while she' s second guessing him. isn't ready for a committed relationship and he's too good for her. I don't see what Scott sees in Rachel, especially after this book. Scott is wonderful, however, I find Scott's telling off Emily showing his bias again. Another cop would have had her taken up for breaking and entering and possibly intent to do harm. Emily acts even more stupid than her young son. I really hate her in this book. I loathe witch hunts. Rachel's friend Tricia has a larger but not better role in this novel. I like her loyalty to her friend but she goes to too many great lengths to prove her friend's innocence, not trusting the law. Tricia's reason comes out of thin air. I did not see that coming.
There are quite a few new characters to keep track of. We're getting to see more of Swaddle and to know the inhabitants. Annie Pegg is a semi-ethical librarian who has dedicated her life to staying home and caring for her family instead of following her dreams. That's tough but no one forced her to do that. Gina Graham had no morals and was obvious about it. She was pretty much the most hated woman in town and obviously unlikable. Mrs. Bingham and her famous lemon bundt cake are well known and liked around Swaddle. She's a sweet lady and her secret is kind of silly. Mia Harris is the chief suspect. She has every reason to hate Gina. Gina deliberately put Mia's boutique out of business by copying everything Mia did. Mia is not easy to like. She has a very hasty temper and is quick to act on her anger. Tricia keeps talking up Mia's good qualities but we only have Tricia's word for it. Mia's secret is crazy and I think some mystery authors have been watching too much reality TV. Tilly Wood seems like a timid, nice woman but her husband Ethan is menacing and rude. I don't trust him.
This book has a lot of issues and doesn't have a recipe to make up for it. It does sort of have a recipe in the text that most home bakers can follow easily.
May 15, 2018
Rachel Rowan has been asked to be a judge for the annual Home-baked Cake Contest in Swaddle. Being a professional baker, she is obviously ineligible to participate.
Due to an issue with ants at the contest the previous year, all cakes were to be delivered to Gina Graham, who would transport them to the contest. Finding that Gina is running late, Annie Pegg, the local librarian and event coordinator, asks Rachel to go check on her. Rachel asks her friend, Tricia, to accompany her. When they arrive at Gina's house, they find the front door open, the living room torn up, and Gina in the kitchen - DEAD!!
Suspicion immediately falls on Mia Harris, who had been forced out of business by Gina a few years earlier. Tricia insists that Mia is innocent and asks Rachel to help clear her. Unfortunately, when Rachel goes to speak with her, Mia loses her temper and punches Rachel, giving her a black eye.
Did Mia let her temper get the better of her resulting in Gina's death? If not Mia, who killed Gina? Why was she killed? Can Rachel unravel the puzzle without jeopardizing her friendship with Tricia?
Nancy McGovern does a wonderful job of looking into people's character and how quickly they can jump to conclusions. This is a quick story with plenty of twists and turns regarding the culprit and the motives.
Due to an issue with ants at the contest the previous year, all cakes were to be delivered to Gina Graham, who would transport them to the contest. Finding that Gina is running late, Annie Pegg, the local librarian and event coordinator, asks Rachel to go check on her. Rachel asks her friend, Tricia, to accompany her. When they arrive at Gina's house, they find the front door open, the living room torn up, and Gina in the kitchen - DEAD!!
Suspicion immediately falls on Mia Harris, who had been forced out of business by Gina a few years earlier. Tricia insists that Mia is innocent and asks Rachel to help clear her. Unfortunately, when Rachel goes to speak with her, Mia loses her temper and punches Rachel, giving her a black eye.
Did Mia let her temper get the better of her resulting in Gina's death? If not Mia, who killed Gina? Why was she killed? Can Rachel unravel the puzzle without jeopardizing her friendship with Tricia?
Nancy McGovern does a wonderful job of looking into people's character and how quickly they can jump to conclusions. This is a quick story with plenty of twists and turns regarding the culprit and the motives.
December 19, 2025
3.5! Little bit of drama, lotta murder, decent amount of yummy treats!!
A lot more things to keep up with. Like new characters and a whole different direction in plot twists. I enjoy as always, keeping up with the main characters that have somehow made surprises to the storyline.
As pages and chapters go by, I’ve notice how I feel about one of the main characters that took me back a few books and helped me realized how childish or I guess how much of a nuance she may be.
As per usual the suspects aren’t who you assume them to be base of your interactions, but nonetheless was a good nonsensical read.
A lot more things to keep up with. Like new characters and a whole different direction in plot twists. I enjoy as always, keeping up with the main characters that have somehow made surprises to the storyline.
As pages and chapters go by, I’ve notice how I feel about one of the main characters that took me back a few books and helped me realized how childish or I guess how much of a nuance she may be.
As per usual the suspects aren’t who you assume them to be base of your interactions, but nonetheless was a good nonsensical read.
January 22, 2022
Great cozy mystery
A quick read with good character development and a storyline that held my interest. Some unexpected twists and multiple suspects kept me guessing. Glad I gave this series a try. There are some editing errors that have to be ignored, if you can vet past them though, the story is good.
A quick read with good character development and a storyline that held my interest. Some unexpected twists and multiple suspects kept me guessing. Glad I gave this series a try. There are some editing errors that have to be ignored, if you can vet past them though, the story is good.
March 4, 2024
Ok. I know what’s been irking me about the books. They are formulaic. Maybe it was intended but it makes for a boring series. That and it’s super PG. two grown adults together for a year and haven’t shared a bed? That’s not reality.
I’m going to bet in the next book…
There will be a conflict between Scott and Rachel. It will be solved about the time the murders are solved
Yes, murders…there will be two.
Rachel will bumble-f her way through, accusing someone only to get a look on her face and solve the murders in an absurd way.
Scott and Rachel will take the final step in their relationship.
The end.
I’m going to bet in the next book…
There will be a conflict between Scott and Rachel. It will be solved about the time the murders are solved
Yes, murders…there will be two.
Rachel will bumble-f her way through, accusing someone only to get a look on her face and solve the murders in an absurd way.
Scott and Rachel will take the final step in their relationship.
The end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 25, 2019
Hidden secrets
You think you know someone ,I mean you've known them your hole life thier your friend, but do you really, do you know thier most deepest thoughts. People start dying in this small town and not by natural causes. Who could be responsible and why. There are so many secrets being kept,so many friends being accused, will Rachel figure things out before i'ts to late. This cozeymystery is full of amazing colourful caracters and well written mysterys to challenge one's thirst for puzzling out the who done it. So enjoy. 🙄 Kat
You think you know someone ,I mean you've known them your hole life thier your friend, but do you really, do you know thier most deepest thoughts. People start dying in this small town and not by natural causes. Who could be responsible and why. There are so many secrets being kept,so many friends being accused, will Rachel figure things out before i'ts to late. This cozeymystery is full of amazing colourful caracters and well written mysterys to challenge one's thirst for puzzling out the who done it. So enjoy. 🙄 Kat
May 13, 2018
Cake-Off with Murder
Another enjoyable cute mystery, with loving characters, wonderful community and yummy cakes.
Rachel is off to spend a weekend serving as a judge for a baking contest but someone has just been murdered and one of the contestants just may be the killer. Everyone turns to Rachel to find the culprit. And who that little boy who called Scott “Dad” was, and why Scott had never told her about him..
Another enjoyable cute mystery, with loving characters, wonderful community and yummy cakes.
Rachel is off to spend a weekend serving as a judge for a baking contest but someone has just been murdered and one of the contestants just may be the killer. Everyone turns to Rachel to find the culprit. And who that little boy who called Scott “Dad” was, and why Scott had never told her about him..
September 26, 2018
Small town Swaddle's annual Cake-Off contest was about to begin when someone realized that not all of the cakes had been dropped off. Rachel, who was nervous about being a judge, and her friend Tricia were sent to Gina's house to hurry her up. They found her alright. In a town the size of Swaddle there shouldn't have been so many suspects but there were. You'll be super surprised to find out "who dunnit". This is a great cozy mystery that you don't want to miss!
October 2, 2018
Book #4 in the wonderful Comfort Cakes series! This was a little deeper regarding relationships but had all the characteristics of a cozy mystery - likeable interesting characters, an intriguing mystery, friendship, and romance. Rachel owns Comfort Cakes and is a judge for a cake competition. When one of the judges dies on the day of the competition, Rachel and friends set to work to solve the mystery. Very enjoyable!
March 20, 2021
Another seriously cute book. I love the mysteries in this series and the line of clues Rachel always follows (at first) to the wrong person. Then to the right one. She's one smart cookie. And her and Scott make quite the pair. Really find the confession of Mrs. Bingham's secret Lemon Bundt cake funny too ;)
May 13, 2018
Great story
I really enjoyed this story. It kept me guessing right up until the end. This was actually the first book I've read in this series. Now I have to go back and read the others.
I really enjoyed this story. It kept me guessing right up until the end. This was actually the first book I've read in this series. Now I have to go back and read the others.
May 16, 2018
Another Great Series
I've really enjoyed reading another great series by this author. The characters are diverse, the plot is interesting and a pleasure to read! I'm looking forward to the next book in this series!!
I've really enjoyed reading another great series by this author. The characters are diverse, the plot is interesting and a pleasure to read! I'm looking forward to the next book in this series!!
May 28, 2018
A step up
Some of this actually made for very good misdirection and not an obvious killer. Nice to see some real secondary character development too. Also impressive to have someone NOT just rush through the lovey dovey nonsense.
Some of this actually made for very good misdirection and not an obvious killer. Nice to see some real secondary character development too. Also impressive to have someone NOT just rush through the lovey dovey nonsense.
June 9, 2018
Bodies & Bundt cake
Just like the other books in the series this one met all my expectations. It was all the others were. Can not wait for the next one. Hope everyone that reads these books will enjoy them as much as I have and will.
Just like the other books in the series this one met all my expectations. It was all the others were. Can not wait for the next one. Hope everyone that reads these books will enjoy them as much as I have and will.
July 15, 2018
I'm really loving this series!
Who doesn't love a cake contest? So much going on with little clues all over the place, but as per usual Rachel was able to piece it all together and solve the murders.
Who doesn't love a cake contest? So much going on with little clues all over the place, but as per usual Rachel was able to piece it all together and solve the murders.
May 4, 2020
Great cozy mystery
I enjoyed reading this cozy culinary mystery. I liked how the characters interacted with each other and helped to solve the mystery. I would recommend culinary cozy mysteries to any one who likes food related mysteries.
I enjoyed reading this cozy culinary mystery. I liked how the characters interacted with each other and helped to solve the mystery. I would recommend culinary cozy mysteries to any one who likes food related mysteries.
December 28, 2023
well that escalated quickly. can't say that I find any of these stories -believable- necessarily, but this one less so. small details missed in editing. characters acting unnaturally stupid. things that just didnt make sense. the weakest link in the set.
May 14, 2018
Nice easy read
Very easy to get into the story. Characters are well developed and likable. It was a bit predictable but I really enjoyed reading this book.
Very easy to get into the story. Characters are well developed and likable. It was a bit predictable but I really enjoyed reading this book.
May 15, 2018
another great read with great characters. a real page turner that will keep you reading until the end
June 23, 2018
What a soury story.
This was a great story. It sure had lots of twist and turns. I enjoyed it very much. I can't wait for the next one.
This was a great story. It sure had lots of twist and turns. I enjoyed it very much. I can't wait for the next one.
July 25, 2018
Loved It!
I loved this book! I have quickly become a big fan of these novels! Can’t wait for the next one to come out!
I loved this book! I have quickly become a big fan of these novels! Can’t wait for the next one to come out!
February 11, 2019
was good.
February 14, 2019
Entertaining!
This is a great mystery with plenty of characters and a lite plot. It will keep your interest to the very end.
This is a great mystery with plenty of characters and a lite plot. It will keep your interest to the very end.
February 19, 2019
A delightful cozy filled with cake, love and murder!
Well written
Well written
June 5, 2019
This book was interesting and kept me reading. I recommend it.
September 8, 2019
Review under box set
June 17, 2020
Rachel is asked to judge the cake off. Then a judge is murdered. Will she be next? Good storyline. Love this series.
September 5, 2023
Excellent!
Loved this book! So refreshing that the gals weren't all chummy and sweet all the time. Story was not predictable!
Loved this book! So refreshing that the gals weren't all chummy and sweet all the time. Story was not predictable!
April 3, 2024
The story was cute surrounding the cake bake competition, but the ending was too predictable
October 3, 2024
Great story
The story kept me guessing who the killer was. I liked the plot and twist. The ending was a good one.
The story kept me guessing who the killer was. I liked the plot and twist. The ending was a good one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews