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Candy Store #2
A Shot of Bitterness
This candy shop mystery series can be read in one to two hours. It is perfect for those moments when you are waiting at an appointment or want to enjoy a quick read. Join Margaret and the gang in the next inhabitant to hit the street!
Margaret is living the dream running her sweet shop alongside her son, Zach and her good friend, Patti – not to mention having a budding friendship with David. With new construction work going on around one of the vacant units is hurting the business – and other tenants are beginning to feel the tension. Usually, everyone treats each other with a degree (of sorts) with respect, but it seems that everyone wants to be rid of the new coffee shop chain that has opened.
It has damaged business for the tea shop, the bakery, and the small mobile coffee stop. To make matters worse, Scott Freeman, the owner is an arrogant sod who has managed to insult various customers in the short time he has opened the shop. When Margaret decides to get a coffee one morning – she finds his dead body on the floor.
David is assigned to investigate the suspicious death – warning Margaret to keep her distance after the injuries she'd sustained from in the last case. Tensions rise in both her personal and business life and Margaret finds herself struggling to get this mystery out of her head.
With a pinch of homemade sweetness (with or without the apron) Margaret intends to become close to Scott’s widow to get to the bottom of this bitter cup of coffee. Can a sweet tooth handle a shot of bitterness?
Margaret is living the dream running her sweet shop alongside her son, Zach and her good friend, Patti – not to mention having a budding friendship with David. With new construction work going on around one of the vacant units is hurting the business – and other tenants are beginning to feel the tension. Usually, everyone treats each other with a degree (of sorts) with respect, but it seems that everyone wants to be rid of the new coffee shop chain that has opened.
It has damaged business for the tea shop, the bakery, and the small mobile coffee stop. To make matters worse, Scott Freeman, the owner is an arrogant sod who has managed to insult various customers in the short time he has opened the shop. When Margaret decides to get a coffee one morning – she finds his dead body on the floor.
David is assigned to investigate the suspicious death – warning Margaret to keep her distance after the injuries she'd sustained from in the last case. Tensions rise in both her personal and business life and Margaret finds herself struggling to get this mystery out of her head.
With a pinch of homemade sweetness (with or without the apron) Margaret intends to become close to Scott’s widow to get to the bottom of this bitter cup of coffee. Can a sweet tooth handle a shot of bitterness?
- GenresCozy MysteryFoodMystery
118 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2018
About the author
Wendy Meadows
200 books444 followersWendy Meadows is a USA Today bestselling cozy mystery author who creates the perfect escape for readers who love amateur sleuths, small-town secrets, and mysteries you can solve with a cup of tea in hand.
Her beloved series—including Sweetfern Harbor, Alaska Cozy Mysteries, and Travel Writer Mysteries—feature quirky characters, family bonds, and charming whodunits with no gore, just gentle intrigue that keeps you guessing.
When she's not plotting her next puzzle, she's spoiling her pets, enjoying time with her two adult children, and hunting for the perfect hybrid tea rose to inspire her peaceful settings.
Join her cozy community and get a free ebook plus behind-the-scenes peeks into her stories and characters.
Her beloved series—including Sweetfern Harbor, Alaska Cozy Mysteries, and Travel Writer Mysteries—feature quirky characters, family bonds, and charming whodunits with no gore, just gentle intrigue that keeps you guessing.
When she's not plotting her next puzzle, she's spoiling her pets, enjoying time with her two adult children, and hunting for the perfect hybrid tea rose to inspire her peaceful settings.
Join her cozy community and get a free ebook plus behind-the-scenes peeks into her stories and characters.
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
June 6, 2018
Nut brittle
A much better read. The plot is tighter (I guessed the store) and it definitely has more twists. A new store is opening up - a coffee house. When she discovers the owner dead she wants to investigate, even though it means going against her boyfriend's wishes. But when she is hired, she feels justified in doing so. What will they both learn about the dead man? Was he one face for some people and another face for anyone he felt should in his way or his business. Threats and an attack follow. Will this finally show them the killer? The characters are become more real and their private lives are more part of the story now.
A much better read. The plot is tighter (I guessed the store) and it definitely has more twists. A new store is opening up - a coffee house. When she discovers the owner dead she wants to investigate, even though it means going against her boyfriend's wishes. But when she is hired, she feels justified in doing so. What will they both learn about the dead man? Was he one face for some people and another face for anyone he felt should in his way or his business. Threats and an attack follow. Will this finally show them the killer? The characters are become more real and their private lives are more part of the story now.
May 3, 2018
Margaret, Zach and Peggy run a lovely candy shop, Nichols Candy. AND what goes perfect with candy, why murder of course. Margaret has a nose for following clues and her boyfriend David, who is detective, is not particularly happy that Margaret keeps putting herself in dangerous situations. In order to keep her safe, he needs to keep her close. This story is both entertaining and fun to read. A mystery worth spending some time with. Enjoy Wendy Meadows books and will continue to keep following her work.
June 9, 2019
First book was better
The main character went from being endearing to flat out disrespectful. She insists on interfering with the police investigation despite clear orders not too due to the risks she faces after being injured in the first book. I cannot fathom why David puts up with her and wants to date her. I don't know that I will read anymore books in this series because of how self centered the main character has become with this attitude towards her potential boyfriend and the police at large.
The main character went from being endearing to flat out disrespectful. She insists on interfering with the police investigation despite clear orders not too due to the risks she faces after being injured in the first book. I cannot fathom why David puts up with her and wants to date her. I don't know that I will read anymore books in this series because of how self centered the main character has become with this attitude towards her potential boyfriend and the police at large.
May 20, 2018
Margaret is back with another murder case to solve. Of course Detective David doesn't want her to get especially after what happened last time. But Margaret not going to let that stop her. Her gang is there to lend support but she's kinda on her own.
This was a great, little quick read. I really enjoyed it.
I voluntarily agreed to review this book. My review is my own honest opinion.
This was a great, little quick read. I really enjoyed it.
I voluntarily agreed to review this book. My review is my own honest opinion.
May 14, 2019
Sweet pralines and murder
A very enjoyable mystery, clean and refreshing. I found it hard to put
down. I read it in about two hours. Great characters very realistic life
In a small town. With all the twists and turns it keep you reading.
Even teens will enjoy this mystery series. Read it today.
Debra H.
A very enjoyable mystery, clean and refreshing. I found it hard to put
down. I read it in about two hours. Great characters very realistic life
In a small town. With all the twists and turns it keep you reading.
Even teens will enjoy this mystery series. Read it today.
Debra H.
May 3, 2018
The second book in this light hearted cozy mystery series is out and was a quick fun read. I thought it was funny that Margaret ends up finding a dead body and must solve the crime. Plus the interactions between the other shop owners is always cute. I liked the story and read it in one sitting.
May 11, 2018
Love This Series
Another great book with Margaret, Zach and their friends. I like how the shop owners look out for each other. Margaret and David make a good team. The homemade candies made me want some. Wish there were recipes for those candies.
Another great book with Margaret, Zach and their friends. I like how the shop owners look out for each other. Margaret and David make a good team. The homemade candies made me want some. Wish there were recipes for those candies.
May 14, 2018
Very good
Great characters in a small town. Didn't see that guy as the murderer. Hopefully the relationship between Margaret and David will grow in a future book. I thoroughly enjoyed the mystery. Thank you and stay well.
Great characters in a small town. Didn't see that guy as the murderer. Hopefully the relationship between Margaret and David will grow in a future book. I thoroughly enjoyed the mystery. Thank you and stay well.
May 19, 2018
I enjoyed reading this small town murder mystery, with lovely characters. Margaret is such a busy body, wanting to solve the murder, it makes you smile. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
May 25, 2019
The perfect beach read. The characters are developing nicely. Even though this is part of a series, the books are stand alones. This is the third series I'm reading by Wendy Meadows. I just love her cozy mysteries.
May 8, 2018
Great read
Wendy Meadows has another great series in the Candy Store Mysteries only book two and I can't wait till the next one if your a cozy reader then this is a must read
Wendy Meadows has another great series in the Candy Store Mysteries only book two and I can't wait till the next one if your a cozy reader then this is a must read
May 11, 2018
Great book
I love quick reads when I have a busy day. A new business has come to town but there is a murder before he opens.
I love quick reads when I have a busy day. A new business has come to town but there is a murder before he opens.
May 22, 2018
Very quick read with an ending that you never see coming.
June 11, 2018
I love a good murder mystery and Wendy Meadows proves that you don't need blood and guts to create a great page turner. Good read that will keep you guessing until the end!
June 12, 2018
Did not finish.
May 6, 2019
Love this author
Although another poisoning, this story held the murderer until the end, which is my kind of mystery. Looking forward to the next book.
Although another poisoning, this story held the murderer until the end, which is my kind of mystery. Looking forward to the next book.
July 21, 2018
Lots going on in this book!
I think this series is fast becoming one of my Fave series, with interesting characters and all this candy talk 😀
I think this series is fast becoming one of my Fave series, with interesting characters and all this candy talk 😀
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews