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Frosted Love Cozy Mystery #3
Half Baked Murder
You'll want to sample more and more of this delightful series!
Cupcake shop owner, Melissa Gladstone returns to her hometown of LaChance, Louisiana, after participating in a glamorous cupcake competition in Vegas. With the huge amount of publicity that she received as a result of the competition, she’s had lines outside the door at her little shop, and is considering expanding her business. Strange things start to happen that seem a little too close for coincidence, and when a local is murdered, Missy wonders if she might be next. Can the enterprising woman crack the case and find the culprit before it’s too late?
Cupcake shop owner, Melissa Gladstone returns to her hometown of LaChance, Louisiana, after participating in a glamorous cupcake competition in Vegas. With the huge amount of publicity that she received as a result of the competition, she’s had lines outside the door at her little shop, and is considering expanding her business. Strange things start to happen that seem a little too close for coincidence, and when a local is murdered, Missy wonders if she might be next. Can the enterprising woman crack the case and find the culprit before it’s too late?
89 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 2, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
August 8, 2017
This nearly got 5 stars... but when you've nearly been killed twice, I fell like you would probably be a little more cautious when you are investigating. Missy must be a real glutton for punishment because she doesn't learn.
We do get a new shop assistant, but sadly we really don't get any background to her yes. I really hope the we get more information about her in future books.
The mystery and story in this book is very interesting and not completely linear. Though the murder mystery wasn't exactly the hardest thing to figure out. I still really enjoyed the build up. There was a little twist in the end that made the story even more interesting. This was a good addition to the series.
We do get a new shop assistant, but sadly we really don't get any background to her yes. I really hope the we get more information about her in future books.
The mystery and story in this book is very interesting and not completely linear. Though the murder mystery wasn't exactly the hardest thing to figure out. I still really enjoyed the build up. There was a little twist in the end that made the story even more interesting. This was a good addition to the series.
September 18, 2018
Business is booming for Melissa Gladstone after she and Det. Chas Beckett solved the murder in Las Vegas. She is actually considering opening a second location and has been talking with Real Estate Agent, Stuart Cline. Stuart had two locations to show her. The first was the donut shop previously owned by former rival, Daryl Davis. Knowing its history, Missy would not even consider locating there. The second was a former diner in nearby town of Dellville. The location had been vacant for a while, but it looked good and already had a commercial kitchen.
When her offer is accepted, Missy sets about to clean up the new location and get ready it for painting. While working in the new location, she is approached by a large man with a heavy accent who tries to bully her into buying her dry goods through his organization. When she refuses, he leaves, only to return later with a companion and more threats.
When Missy goes to confront the organization's leader, she finds the body of an elderly gentleman floating in the water and calls the authorities. Unfortunately, the sheriff does not seem very interested in investigating the murder.
Who is behind the threats to Melissa? Who killed the old man? Can Missy and Chas figure out what is happening? Can they solve the murder?
This is a very fast paced story with plenty of twists and turns. The ending will also catch you by surprise.
Who killed Bobby Lee? Why was he killed? Can Mark and Donna find any time for themselves on their honeymoon? Can they help the sheriff solve the murder?
Morgan Scott has another winner in the Painted Lady Inn series. Her characters are like good friends who are always willing to help and who can't seem to avoid finding trouble everywhere they turn. She always includes plenty of twists, turns, and surprises and this book is no exception.
When her offer is accepted, Missy sets about to clean up the new location and get ready it for painting. While working in the new location, she is approached by a large man with a heavy accent who tries to bully her into buying her dry goods through his organization. When she refuses, he leaves, only to return later with a companion and more threats.
When Missy goes to confront the organization's leader, she finds the body of an elderly gentleman floating in the water and calls the authorities. Unfortunately, the sheriff does not seem very interested in investigating the murder.
Who is behind the threats to Melissa? Who killed the old man? Can Missy and Chas figure out what is happening? Can they solve the murder?
This is a very fast paced story with plenty of twists and turns. The ending will also catch you by surprise.
Who killed Bobby Lee? Why was he killed? Can Mark and Donna find any time for themselves on their honeymoon? Can they help the sheriff solve the murder?
Morgan Scott has another winner in the Painted Lady Inn series. Her characters are like good friends who are always willing to help and who can't seem to avoid finding trouble everywhere they turn. She always includes plenty of twists, turns, and surprises and this book is no exception.
August 5, 2020
Melissa Gladstone is happy to be back home in LaChance, La. after a brief attempt at competing in a baking competition in Las Vegas. Her shop is doing so well she's thinking of expanding. When real estate agent Stuart Cline shows Missy the most perfect location for her new shop, just over the town line in Delville, Missy snaps it up. She looks forward to making the former diner as bright and cheery as her first shop and baking up delicious new treats. Before she can even get started on renovations, two thugs arrive to inform her she needs to place her dry goods order through them... or else. Missy scoffs at the bullies and is determined to reprimand their boss. When she arrives at the location she was given, Missy is horrified to find the dead body of an elderly man floating in the water. The local sheriff sets his sights on nailing Missy for the crime. She's determined to clear her name any way she can. Detective Chas Beckett has feelings for Missy beyond mere friendship but never having been in a relationship before, he's wary of committing to something but one thing he does know, Missy is no killer. Though the case is out of his jurisdiction, he'll find a way to sort out the fishy sheriff's office and free Missy.
Snooze. This story is too short and simple. We know who and why right away but there is a little twist that was a bit of a surprise. I was horrified by the identity of the victim. Good people are not supposed to die in cozy mysteries. Also be aware that this book ends on a cliffhanger to set up the next one.
Missy is waaaayyyy too naïve and stupid for my tastes. She just barges in and tries to solve problems with criminals on her own. She's already been nearly killed twice and this time she's already been warned that she's dealing with seasoned criminals. She doesn't stop to think or consider the danger. When her home and shop are vandalized, she wonders who and why! DUH! I don't know how Chas can put up with her. She should stick to baking cupcakes. The Purple People Pleaser sounded pretty good. Chas is a tough guy, married to his work but he lets jealousy get in the way of his friendship and it leads Missy into trouble as it did in Las Vegas. It's not a good look for him. He needs to learn to communicate.
Jeb Boudreaux and Louis Abshire are the villains. They're thugs who threaten Missy when she refuses to give in to the Cajun Mafia. (Cajun Mafia? For real?) These guys don't have the brain cells to be running such an operation. They're obviously just the brute force to make people comply. Since when are dry ingredients called dry goods? If someone walked into my bakery and asked me to place an order for dry goods, I'd explain this is a bakery. I don't sell clothes or cloth and sewing supplies. She should order her ingredients from local sources and not a wholesaler anyway but that's another story for another day. The power behind the thugs is someone named Thibideaux. Who is Thibideaux and why are they threatening local shop owners?
Clara and Elmer Clements, Missy's new neighbors, seem like a lovely couple. They run an ice cream shop so they have to be nice! Elmer is smart and won't give in to extortion but that has a terrible cost. I was heartbroken for Clara! She loved Elmer so much and loved their shop. Those villains are utterly depraved. Their son Robbie feels their shop is failing and doesn't want to work there with them. What's wrong with him? He's in business but doesn't tell Missy what kind of business. I suspect it's shady business. He wants her to have a drink with him in the middle of the day? What the heck? She takes a motherly interest in the man.
Calvin Goines, Lausanne Parish sheriff has got to be the most idiotic man in the book. He is certain Missy is the killer and claims he has evidence. I think he's stupid and lazy. The deputies sent to Missy's house are also incredibly brainless. Not to mention sexist. I HATE that Chas plays along with their sexism and pretends to be that way and lies. I would think twice about him if I were Missy. I know he was trying to protect her but it would hurt me if a man I liked a lot said those things, even in jest.
This series is not for me. I only read this because I needed something super short.
Snooze. This story is too short and simple. We know who and why right away but there is a little twist that was a bit of a surprise. I was horrified by the identity of the victim. Good people are not supposed to die in cozy mysteries. Also be aware that this book ends on a cliffhanger to set up the next one.
Missy is waaaayyyy too naïve and stupid for my tastes. She just barges in and tries to solve problems with criminals on her own. She's already been nearly killed twice and this time she's already been warned that she's dealing with seasoned criminals. She doesn't stop to think or consider the danger. When her home and shop are vandalized, she wonders who and why! DUH! I don't know how Chas can put up with her. She should stick to baking cupcakes. The Purple People Pleaser sounded pretty good. Chas is a tough guy, married to his work but he lets jealousy get in the way of his friendship and it leads Missy into trouble as it did in Las Vegas. It's not a good look for him. He needs to learn to communicate.
Jeb Boudreaux and Louis Abshire are the villains. They're thugs who threaten Missy when she refuses to give in to the Cajun Mafia. (Cajun Mafia? For real?) These guys don't have the brain cells to be running such an operation. They're obviously just the brute force to make people comply. Since when are dry ingredients called dry goods? If someone walked into my bakery and asked me to place an order for dry goods, I'd explain this is a bakery. I don't sell clothes or cloth and sewing supplies. She should order her ingredients from local sources and not a wholesaler anyway but that's another story for another day. The power behind the thugs is someone named Thibideaux. Who is Thibideaux and why are they threatening local shop owners?
Clara and Elmer Clements, Missy's new neighbors, seem like a lovely couple. They run an ice cream shop so they have to be nice! Elmer is smart and won't give in to extortion but that has a terrible cost. I was heartbroken for Clara! She loved Elmer so much and loved their shop. Those villains are utterly depraved. Their son Robbie feels their shop is failing and doesn't want to work there with them. What's wrong with him? He's in business but doesn't tell Missy what kind of business. I suspect it's shady business. He wants her to have a drink with him in the middle of the day? What the heck? She takes a motherly interest in the man.
Calvin Goines, Lausanne Parish sheriff has got to be the most idiotic man in the book. He is certain Missy is the killer and claims he has evidence. I think he's stupid and lazy. The deputies sent to Missy's house are also incredibly brainless. Not to mention sexist. I HATE that Chas plays along with their sexism and pretends to be that way and lies. I would think twice about him if I were Missy. I know he was trying to protect her but it would hurt me if a man I liked a lot said those things, even in jest.
This series is not for me. I only read this because I needed something super short.
August 23, 2018
Simple novel and short too ... Sweet ... Wish could read the first one .. need to it more I think .....
June 13, 2023
What could possibly go wrong, Missy was ready to expand her business and she found the perfect store but when she was cleaning the store to get ready for her opening a suspicious looking man walks in and tells her he's ready for her order thankfully Chas shows up in time to help escort the man out the door but Missy later finds out that he may be connected to the Cajun Mafia and that anyone who doesn't order their paper goods from him suffers harassment and vandalism according to the sweet older woman who owns the ice cream store. Missy goes to confront his boss and finds a body instead and things go downhill fast from there. Lots of suspicious activity, twists, turns and surprises but with some help from Chas he finds out who the killer is and rushes to arrest them and rescue Missy. Great read.
July 8, 2018
Opening a new shop might be harder than she thinks
A good read, but i have read something like this before and the actual characters in the ones I read were better. When an opportunity presents itself to buy a new property she is delighted especially when her first offer is accepted. However all is not well in the area as thugs come and tell her she has to buy stock from them only. A death, arson, threats and intimidation follow. Plus she is being set up to take the fall for the murder. Will she and her detective overcome these and bring down the gang? A good plot but I won't be reading any more as it's just to similar to what I have read before with no new takes or twists. Therefore I already know what will follow.
A good read, but i have read something like this before and the actual characters in the ones I read were better. When an opportunity presents itself to buy a new property she is delighted especially when her first offer is accepted. However all is not well in the area as thugs come and tell her she has to buy stock from them only. A death, arson, threats and intimidation follow. Plus she is being set up to take the fall for the murder. Will she and her detective overcome these and bring down the gang? A good plot but I won't be reading any more as it's just to similar to what I have read before with no new takes or twists. Therefore I already know what will follow.
June 24, 2023
Another cute entry in the frosted love cozy mystery series. Missy purchased a new shop in a neighboring town for a second cupcake shop and is immediately harassed by locals who insist that she must buy her dry goods from them and that she has no choice in the matter. She orders them to leave and tells them that she won’t be doing any business with them. She goes to see the “boss” and discovers a dead body floating in the bayou. Turns out it was the man that owned the ice cream shop across the street from her new shop and the local sheriff tries to frame her. Of course Chas comes to the rescue. Looking forward to the next adventure.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 26, 2025
“Murder So Sweet” is a short by the numbers cosy which has plenty of potential that is never realised.
Baker Missy has expanded and bought a new premises in a nearby town.
All is fine and dandy until local thugs come calling and demand that she buy her dry goods from them at extortionate prices – or face the consequences.
Missy, of course, throws a hissy fit and vows to take them down.
Towards the end, when it is actually interesting for a bit, the authors opt for a race to the finish approach to a conclusion.
It's not badly written, though it is quite stilted in parts and given to repetition, it's just not very good.
2 Stars.
Baker Missy has expanded and bought a new premises in a nearby town.
All is fine and dandy until local thugs come calling and demand that she buy her dry goods from them at extortionate prices – or face the consequences.
Missy, of course, throws a hissy fit and vows to take them down.
Towards the end, when it is actually interesting for a bit, the authors opt for a race to the finish approach to a conclusion.
It's not badly written, though it is quite stilted in parts and given to repetition, it's just not very good.
2 Stars.
March 11, 2019
Two thumbs up
*some spoilers*
This was a delightfully sad mystery cozy. I look forward to the next book. While I love cozy mysteries, romance novels are my favorite and I love when the two genres pair together in just the right way. So for me, while the mystery was intriguing, what hooked me more so in this book was the evolving nature of Chas and Missy’s relationship. I hope and suspect I’m not alone in saying, “it’s about damn time.” Two thumbs up from this reader.
*some spoilers*
This was a delightfully sad mystery cozy. I look forward to the next book. While I love cozy mysteries, romance novels are my favorite and I love when the two genres pair together in just the right way. So for me, while the mystery was intriguing, what hooked me more so in this book was the evolving nature of Chas and Missy’s relationship. I hope and suspect I’m not alone in saying, “it’s about damn time.” Two thumbs up from this reader.
August 29, 2018
There are cozy mysteries and then there are COZY mysteries... This one falls into the latter category.
There is no mystery. There is no suspense. There's as much surprise as a rerun of America's Most Wanted that you've just watched three times in a row.
The book is all summary. There is only one suspect and, surprise, surprise, surprise... They did it.
There is no mystery. There is no suspense. There's as much surprise as a rerun of America's Most Wanted that you've just watched three times in a row.
The book is all summary. There is only one suspect and, surprise, surprise, surprise... They did it.
February 3, 2019
Another fun read!
Just finished reading and enjoyed this one even more than the previous one in the series. Melissa and Chas are great together! They are my favorite part. Looking forward to reading more about Ben’s new relationship. I would like to see more baking and talk about making the cupcakes, ingredients etc. Now to get book number four...
Just finished reading and enjoyed this one even more than the previous one in the series. Melissa and Chas are great together! They are my favorite part. Looking forward to reading more about Ben’s new relationship. I would like to see more baking and talk about making the cupcakes, ingredients etc. Now to get book number four...
May 11, 2018
Delightful
It is really a lot of fun revisiting the Frosted Love series. The characters become like family and I find myself totally invested in their lives and the mystery that needs to be solved. I can't wait to stroll down memory lane with book 4!
It is really a lot of fun revisiting the Frosted Love series. The characters become like family and I find myself totally invested in their lives and the mystery that needs to be solved. I can't wait to stroll down memory lane with book 4!
July 15, 2018
A great little series
These are short books like novellas or a serial which is not bad really, they go by fast but each book is well written and never rushed. I enjoyed the mystery and the way the romance is going.
These are short books like novellas or a serial which is not bad really, they go by fast but each book is well written and never rushed. I enjoyed the mystery and the way the romance is going.
May 5, 2019
Half Baked Murder
Another exciting book in this series. I am really enjoying the plots and characters and I can’t wait to read the next book. Thank you for a delightful, cozy mystery series.
Another exciting book in this series. I am really enjoying the plots and characters and I can’t wait to read the next book. Thank you for a delightful, cozy mystery series.
May 2, 2021
Half Baked Murder
A quick fun read. I love the characters in this book. Missy and Chas are thrown into solving who is harassing Missy when she purchases a building in a neighboring town to open a second business. A must read if you enjoy cozy mysteries.
A quick fun read. I love the characters in this book. Missy and Chas are thrown into solving who is harassing Missy when she purchases a building in a neighboring town to open a second business. A must read if you enjoy cozy mysteries.
August 14, 2022
Best one yet!
Suspenseful and charming all at one time! I read it in one sitting instead of doing the things needing doing on my “list”. I love the characters and the progression of the stories from one book to the next.
Suspenseful and charming all at one time! I read it in one sitting instead of doing the things needing doing on my “list”. I love the characters and the progression of the stories from one book to the next.
October 2, 2017
Missy opens a new shop but nothing runs smooth
May 18, 2018
Cajun mafia
Dragged a bit characters not as developed as compared to later characters in other stories by Me Prescott. Waiting for the next adventure.
Dragged a bit characters not as developed as compared to later characters in other stories by Me Prescott. Waiting for the next adventure.
September 19, 2018
Love it!
Each book gets more and more interesting! More and more enjoyable honestly! I love the stand adore the budding romance between missy and chas! More please!
Each book gets more and more interesting! More and more enjoyable honestly! I love the stand adore the budding romance between missy and chas! More please!
December 31, 2018
Thank you
I absolutely love this series. Thank you so much. I had forgotten how much fun it was to read a great book.. Thank you again, Sherry Rollins
I absolutely love this series. Thank you so much. I had forgotten how much fun it was to read a great book.. Thank you again, Sherry Rollins
May 19, 2019
This is your typical cozy murder mystery. The series is a very fast read and it's nice seeing the relationship Blossom between our lead characters.
October 11, 2021
Fun quick read. G oes great with a cup of coffee at break time
June 22, 2023
Murder and cupcakes.....what else do you need. Great, fun, read.
May 2, 2025
Great mindless mystery
Missy gets into such situations! If you want a sweet story, a bit mystery and a bit romance, this is the series for you. Quick easy reads!
Missy gets into such situations! If you want a sweet story, a bit mystery and a bit romance, this is the series for you. Quick easy reads!
May 2, 2025
Missy gets into such situations! If you want a sweet story, a bit mystery and a bit romance, this is the series for you. Quick easy reads!
May 5, 2015
This is the third book in the Frosted Love Mystery series by Carol Durand and Summer Prescott. Melissa Gladstone (Missy), owns Missy's Muffins and More, a family muffin and cupcake shop in Louisiana. Missy has returned to Louisiana for this adventure. Following her adventure in Las Vegas, Missy’s popularity and business have grown to the point that she needs to expand her bakery business. After searching for the ideal location, Missy purchases Darryl "The Donut Man" Davis's old shop. However, Missy quickly realizes that something is amiss and suspects foul play when one a neighboring shop owner is murdered. Is it possible the Cajun thugs who tried to strong-arm her into using their suppliers got a little too carried away and now someone is dead? Is there a larger degree of corruption in this town involved?
Having read the previously released books in the series and can honestly state this there is significant improvement and growth in the authors writing ability! There is far more attention to detail, character and plot. Although similar to the earlier books, the ending does seem rushed. The characters development has markedly improved and the plot is tighter and well integrated. The elements of a clean, cozy mystery are included; rivalry, food, a hint of romance are all included. I wish the authors would include a recipe or two after describing the tasty muffins I like this short cozy, a novella in length, it's is perfect for a nice afternoon or evening read. This book would also be ideal for a teen or young adult reader that is interested in the cozy mystery genre. Overall, a good book with the potential to transition from a novella to a full length cozy mystery with enhanced character and plot development. I look forward to reading additional books in the series. The ending definitely left me wanting to know more (I won’t give a spoiler) and I’m thankful that there is a brief statement that the next book
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author to provide an unbiased review. That did not affect my ability to write and post an honest review. I believe anyone who appreciates a well written clean mystery novella will enjoy this book
Having read the previously released books in the series and can honestly state this there is significant improvement and growth in the authors writing ability! There is far more attention to detail, character and plot. Although similar to the earlier books, the ending does seem rushed. The characters development has markedly improved and the plot is tighter and well integrated. The elements of a clean, cozy mystery are included; rivalry, food, a hint of romance are all included. I wish the authors would include a recipe or two after describing the tasty muffins I like this short cozy, a novella in length, it's is perfect for a nice afternoon or evening read. This book would also be ideal for a teen or young adult reader that is interested in the cozy mystery genre. Overall, a good book with the potential to transition from a novella to a full length cozy mystery with enhanced character and plot development. I look forward to reading additional books in the series. The ending definitely left me wanting to know more (I won’t give a spoiler) and I’m thankful that there is a brief statement that the next book
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author to provide an unbiased review. That did not affect my ability to write and post an honest review. I believe anyone who appreciates a well written clean mystery novella will enjoy this book
May 7, 2015
This is the third book in the Frosted Love Mystery series, and I found it to be even better than the first two. The author has put in more detail and more character development, but there still seems to be a rush to wind things up. I know she prefers to keep the books relatively short (it took less than an hour to read), but perhaps making them slightly longer would give more time to wrap up the mystery, giving us more clues so that we have some ideas about who might be the murderer. It would also be fun if some recipes were included for the cupcakes mentioned in each story. I'd LOVE to be able to make a batch of the Purple People Pleaser!
There is a teaser at the end of this book which has me anxious to read the next one, which I hope will continue to show signs of improvement. There is incredible potential for the future of this series.
There is a teaser at the end of this book which has me anxious to read the next one, which I hope will continue to show signs of improvement. There is incredible potential for the future of this series.
May 7, 2015
The third book in the Frosted Love Mystery series finds Missy Gladstone wanting to expand her cupcake business. Unfortunately, major problems begin after she finds the perfect location in the nearby town of Dellville, Louisiana. I loved the characters in this book and the blossoming romantic relationship between Missy and the local police detective, Chas Beckett is very sweet. I haven't read the first two books in this series but I did not feel lost in reading them out of order. I will, however, be going back to read the others because I thoroughly enjoyed this cozy!
May 7, 2015
The 3rd in the series, but my 1st time with the author/ series. read it in one nite!!I know have the first 2 and am eagerly awaiting book 4. Missy and Dec.beckett are back from Vegas and missy invents a cupcake . looking to expand , she gets a building in a neighboring town, where there is trouble. Missy stands up for herself, and her relanship with Dec. beckett gets strained. Highly recommend this little book for anyone!!!!Great read!!!
September 19, 2015
Missy is so popular in her little town after her past ordeals that she is opening a new bakery but someone is not happy about her success and is doing everything they can to stop her.
I love this series. I struggle with each book whether I should give a 4 or 5 rating. 5 for fun in a cozy mystery! 5 for the characters but I do wish that the authors could give us a little more detail about solving the case. Now off to read Book 4!
I love this series. I struggle with each book whether I should give a 4 or 5 rating. 5 for fun in a cozy mystery! 5 for the characters but I do wish that the authors could give us a little more detail about solving the case. Now off to read Book 4!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews