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Chocolate Centered Mystery #13
Picnics, Pies and Lies
Ally and Charlotte Sweet are excited to be supplying chocolates and other chocolate goodies for a local picnic. It is turning into a beautiful day and Arnold and Peaches are joining them. There are numerous fun and exciting events planned for the day. But things come to a grinding halt when a canoeist lands up dead. Ally and Charlotte find themselves right in the middle of the murder investigation. With the suspect list getting longer Ally and Charlotte, with the help of their pot-bellied pig, and their feline friend, wade through the murky water in search of the truth. They land up right in the line of fire. Will their final shot at finding the murderer prove fatal? Recipe Chocolate Pie
230 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 22, 2018
275 people are currently reading
164 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
September 22, 2020
My first book by this author which I read for a challenge (picnic basket on the cover!) Challenges certainly introduce you to new authors:)
I enjoyed this one. Grandma is young at heart and still active in the chocolate shop she operates with her granddaughter. Together they investigate the latest murder and make delicious chocolates at the same time.
It did not matter that I came in at book 13, I still enjoyed the book very much. However I can see that following the series from the beginning would be a nice thing to do. One day when I have time.......
I enjoyed this one. Grandma is young at heart and still active in the chocolate shop she operates with her granddaughter. Together they investigate the latest murder and make delicious chocolates at the same time.
It did not matter that I came in at book 13, I still enjoyed the book very much. However I can see that following the series from the beginning would be a nice thing to do. One day when I have time.......
May 18, 2024
3.5 stars, rounded up
Those who know my reading habits know that I'm a read-in-order person when it comes to series books, so it was very hard for me to jump into a new series at book #13, but I needed it for a challenge so I could move on to the next task, so... I jumped into the middle.
Without having the background that's established in the first books of a series, some of what happened in the book was a bit confusing, but not terribly so. I might have appreciated the characters more had I known more of their backstories, but I don't think that really made much of a difference. There didn't appear to be many realistic possible suspects, which may be why I was able to figure out who the killer was far before it was revealed in the book. I intend to go back and start this series with book #1 before deciding whether to continue beyond that.
Those who know my reading habits know that I'm a read-in-order person when it comes to series books, so it was very hard for me to jump into a new series at book #13, but I needed it for a challenge so I could move on to the next task, so... I jumped into the middle.
Without having the background that's established in the first books of a series, some of what happened in the book was a bit confusing, but not terribly so. I might have appreciated the characters more had I known more of their backstories, but I don't think that really made much of a difference. There didn't appear to be many realistic possible suspects, which may be why I was able to figure out who the killer was far before it was revealed in the book. I intend to go back and start this series with book #1 before deciding whether to continue beyond that.
May 26, 2018
E-Reader. Cozy Mystery
Charlotte Sweet (Mee-Maw) & her granddaughter Ally work most days at the chocolate shop.
Charlotte lives a Freely Lakes, Retirement Community. Ally lives in in the cottage, with her cat Peaches & Arnold the pot belly pig.
This cottage is where she used live with her grandmother.
Ally is still dating Luke, a police detective. They love each a lot. But hard to be together due hours that he needs work.
They both excited about a picnic at Blue River Park. They'll be supplying chocolates and other sweet treats. There will be many vendors setting booths too.
There will be contest to see who can shoot the best using bows & arrows. Another contest will be a canoe race.
Well everything comes a stop when they see a young man slumped over in his canoe.
Because the police don't know if is was accident or not. They evacuate everyone from the park as a precaution.
Once they decide the young man Josh was murdered with arrow shot into his back. Charlotte & Ally will start to do their own investigation.
There's so much more to this story you need to read this book.
There's danger too will Charlotte & Ally lives be danger?
I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did!
Charlotte Sweet (Mee-Maw) & her granddaughter Ally work most days at the chocolate shop.
Charlotte lives a Freely Lakes, Retirement Community. Ally lives in in the cottage, with her cat Peaches & Arnold the pot belly pig.
This cottage is where she used live with her grandmother.
Ally is still dating Luke, a police detective. They love each a lot. But hard to be together due hours that he needs work.
They both excited about a picnic at Blue River Park. They'll be supplying chocolates and other sweet treats. There will be many vendors setting booths too.
There will be contest to see who can shoot the best using bows & arrows. Another contest will be a canoe race.
Well everything comes a stop when they see a young man slumped over in his canoe.
Because the police don't know if is was accident or not. They evacuate everyone from the park as a precaution.
Once they decide the young man Josh was murdered with arrow shot into his back. Charlotte & Ally will start to do their own investigation.
There's so much more to this story you need to read this book.
There's danger too will Charlotte & Ally lives be danger?
I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did!
March 22, 2022
Once again, Arnold got the girls out of deep…cold… trouble! From the get go I had my suspicions of the person responsible for getting Ally and her Mee-maw, Charlotte involved in yet another investigation. My hope was that it wasn’t them, because I like when new characters are added into future stories in a book series. Sigh.
Unfortunately, Josh was the victim in this when shot with a bow. I tell ya, Ally is bad luck! If I knew she was involved in assisting with 13, or so, investigations of murder, I’d definitely move out of town immediately and get as far away from her as possible! “I ain’t got time for that!” Lol.
Next in this series is Devil’s Food Cake and Drama (A Chocolate Centered Cozy Mystery Book 14). All this reading about Chocolate motivated me to make some espresso fudge and boy is it delicious!
Unfortunately, Josh was the victim in this when shot with a bow. I tell ya, Ally is bad luck! If I knew she was involved in assisting with 13, or so, investigations of murder, I’d definitely move out of town immediately and get as far away from her as possible! “I ain’t got time for that!” Lol.
Next in this series is Devil’s Food Cake and Drama (A Chocolate Centered Cozy Mystery Book 14). All this reading about Chocolate motivated me to make some espresso fudge and boy is it delicious!
May 26, 2018
Book 13 in the Chocolate Centered Cozy Mystery series has Ally and her grandmother, Charlotte, hot on the trail of another murderer. Their relationship is one of my favorite things because they always have each other's backs. It was interesting to read about the history of Blue River and it's founding families. The local characters are a total hoot but they are loyal to their own even if that isn't a good thing. I loved that there was little physical evidence to go on because it truly came down to the suspects and their possible motivations. If you haven't read any of Ms. Bell's book, I highly recommend that you do. Enjoy!
May 29, 2018
A murder and a town full of suspects...
Cindy Bell has delivered book 13, yet another fantastic addition to the Chocolate Centered Cozy Mystery series. Ally and Charlotte were going to the Blue River Park for a town picnic with chocolates and sweets. After they set up, they noticed something happened in the water. A young man slumped over in his canoe. Ally and Charlotte set their investigation under way. Suspect after suspect make this a great mystery. This is definitely a read to put on the top of your list.
Cindy Bell has delivered book 13, yet another fantastic addition to the Chocolate Centered Cozy Mystery series. Ally and Charlotte were going to the Blue River Park for a town picnic with chocolates and sweets. After they set up, they noticed something happened in the water. A young man slumped over in his canoe. Ally and Charlotte set their investigation under way. Suspect after suspect make this a great mystery. This is definitely a read to put on the top of your list.
May 27, 2018
This was a really cute, fun read. I've enjoyed this series although, I must admit I get horrible chocolate cravings while reading! I love the the relationship Ally has with her MeeMaw, as they work together in their chocolate shop as well as solving crimes together. This story was no different. I'm happy to see an older woman portrayed as vibrant and healthy. Teaming her up with her granddaughter who worries about her and I'm delighted when Charlotte calls Ally out on it. I love the small town and residents, as well as I feel as if I'm visiting. I appreciate the recipes that are included as well. Yum! 🍫
May 28, 2018
Very good
Great story with great characters. I never tire of Ally and her grandmother. The candy store is a great setting where those three ladies come in daily for their chocolates. I love Arnold the pig and I was hoping he would some how save them. Very enjoyable. Please write more stories about these people. Thank you. Stay well.
Great story with great characters. I never tire of Ally and her grandmother. The candy store is a great setting where those three ladies come in daily for their chocolates. I love Arnold the pig and I was hoping he would some how save them. Very enjoyable. Please write more stories about these people. Thank you. Stay well.
June 5, 2018
Great twists!!
Love this author and al the trouble Ally and Charlotte get into. This book is full of twist and turns and they try to discover who shot a man with an arrow during a canoe race! I was stumped until the end. My biggest question is ‘When is Luke gonna pop the question??!!’
Love this author and al the trouble Ally and Charlotte get into. This book is full of twist and turns and they try to discover who shot a man with an arrow during a canoe race! I was stumped until the end. My biggest question is ‘When is Luke gonna pop the question??!!’
June 16, 2018
Oh I love Arnold!!
I cried at the end of this book. Mee Maw, Ally, Luke and Arnold I love reading about them. It makes me want to have a pot bellied pig as a pet. Even Christian is turning out to be ok. I hope that Ally and Luke get married one day. I love this series and can't wait for the next one!!
I cried at the end of this book. Mee Maw, Ally, Luke and Arnold I love reading about them. It makes me want to have a pot bellied pig as a pet. Even Christian is turning out to be ok. I hope that Ally and Luke get married one day. I love this series and can't wait for the next one!!
June 25, 2018
Picnic pies and lies
I have enjoyed an read all 13 of this series and have come to enjoy meemaw and Ally as well as Luke, tis story left me hanging. Does ally marry Luke? Does Meemaw and Jeff have a future. None of that is answered and now the series ends. Cindy Bell I think you owe your readers a conclusion.
I have enjoyed an read all 13 of this series and have come to enjoy meemaw and Ally as well as Luke, tis story left me hanging. Does ally marry Luke? Does Meemaw and Jeff have a future. None of that is answered and now the series ends. Cindy Bell I think you owe your readers a conclusion.
May 25, 2018
Great read
Wow book 13. I love this series by Cindy Bell if you love a great cozy with characters you will love and a story that will keep you turning the page then this is a must read I can't wait till the next one
Wow book 13. I love this series by Cindy Bell if you love a great cozy with characters you will love and a story that will keep you turning the page then this is a must read I can't wait till the next one
June 3, 2018
Another Good Cozy Mystery
Ally and Charlotte are at it again helping solve a mystery.
I loved the storyline and the quirky cast of characters including Peaches,the cat and Arnold,the pig.
This book is recommended for cozy mystery lovers.
Ally and Charlotte are at it again helping solve a mystery.
I loved the storyline and the quirky cast of characters including Peaches,the cat and Arnold,the pig.
This book is recommended for cozy mystery lovers.
October 6, 2019
Charlotte and Ally solve another murder
This is one of my favorite series. Charlotte and her granddaughter, Ally, own a chocolate shop in the small town of Blue River. When a murder occurs at a fundraiser picnic, they jump in to help solve it.
This is one of my favorite series. Charlotte and her granddaughter, Ally, own a chocolate shop in the small town of Blue River. When a murder occurs at a fundraiser picnic, they jump in to help solve it.
June 11, 2018
Another Puzzle and Surprise
Another success for Cindy Bell. And I had no idea who the murderer was until that person was revealed. Surprise!
Another success for Cindy Bell. And I had no idea who the murderer was until that person was revealed. Surprise!
September 8, 2018
The trouble with lies
I liked this one better than the last one. The characters worked together. A nice series. Going to check out some of the authors other series.
I liked this one better than the last one. The characters worked together. A nice series. Going to check out some of the authors other series.
December 18, 2019
A delightful read. Ally and Charlotte are great characters. When the town picnic ends in murder, the ladies set out to find the culprit.
February 8, 2020
Wow
Great story. Must read this entire series to know the characters. Good thing they are quick reads, and they are real page turners.
Great story. Must read this entire series to know the characters. Good thing they are quick reads, and they are real page turners.
May 9, 2020
Another cozy mystery, but this time I figured out the killer early. Still enjoyable read. You just shake your head with the situations that Ally and Mee Maw get themselves into.
July 9, 2021
Never saw the villian coming. Although when you find out the reason why, the clues were there along the way. Enjoyed this story. Looking forward to more.
September 25, 2021
couldn’t put it down great read
Great story , every time I thought I figured it out there was another plot change, I was hooked and it never disappoints
Great story , every time I thought I figured it out there was another plot change, I was hooked and it never disappoints
December 10, 2022
Excellent
I enjoyed this one very much. I had an inkling all along who the killer was but just couldn't figure out the motive. In the end I was right.
I enjoyed this one very much. I had an inkling all along who the killer was but just couldn't figure out the motive. In the end I was right.
January 13, 2023
Who killed Josh and why??? Old furniture??? Luckily Arnold was there, wasn't it??? I enjoyed this story and recommend the book.
June 1, 2023
Sweet
Fast pace cute easy read.I will read more from this series. If you don't want a drawn out and really scary mystery this is for you.
Fast pace cute easy read.I will read more from this series. If you don't want a drawn out and really scary mystery this is for you.
November 9, 2025
I loved it!!!
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May 30, 2018This is the 13th book in the Chocolate Centered Cozy Mystery Series by Cindy Bell.
Ally's Mee-Maw, Charlotte, has turned her shop, Charlotte's Chocolate Heaven, over to Ally. Charlotte works part-time during the busy times to assist Ally. They both also enjoy working together.
The town of Freely Lakes is excited to begin the festivities at the Blue River Park that were arranged by Anita.
The canoe race only has three entries but they are anxious to get the race going. The entries included Josh Maylin, Frank Stinkup and Christian Pelo. Before the race can even begin, Josh is struck in the back by an arrow. There are many suspects including Frank and Christian.
Charlotte and Ally pull out all of the stops to find the person who has murdered Josh. The town gossips, Mrs. Bing, Mrs. White and Mrs. Cole also want to help all they can. Ally's boyfriend is a local detective assigned to the case.
This is another great cozy mystery by Cindy. The characters including Peaches, the cat and Arnold, the pot bellied pig, are so real you can picture them while reading. I look forward to the next book in this series.
I received an ARC in return for an honest review.
Ally's Mee-Maw, Charlotte, has turned her shop, Charlotte's Chocolate Heaven, over to Ally. Charlotte works part-time during the busy times to assist Ally. They both also enjoy working together.
The town of Freely Lakes is excited to begin the festivities at the Blue River Park that were arranged by Anita.
The canoe race only has three entries but they are anxious to get the race going. The entries included Josh Maylin, Frank Stinkup and Christian Pelo. Before the race can even begin, Josh is struck in the back by an arrow. There are many suspects including Frank and Christian.
Charlotte and Ally pull out all of the stops to find the person who has murdered Josh. The town gossips, Mrs. Bing, Mrs. White and Mrs. Cole also want to help all they can. Ally's boyfriend is a local detective assigned to the case.
This is another great cozy mystery by Cindy. The characters including Peaches, the cat and Arnold, the pot bellied pig, are so real you can picture them while reading. I look forward to the next book in this series.
I received an ARC in return for an honest review.
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June 1, 2018Ratings not working..5 stars
I loved this story, the characters where wonderful as always. The author used suspense, mystery,adventure, and of course romance. Beautiful!
I loved this story, the characters where wonderful as always. The author used suspense, mystery,adventure, and of course romance. Beautiful!
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews