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A Domestic Diva Mystery #12
The Diva Sweetens the Pie
In New York Times bestselling author Krista Davis’s new Domestic Diva mystery, Old Town’s annual Pie Festival crumbles into chaos after a celebrity judge is murdered, leaving it up to entertaining maven and sometime-sleuth Sophie Winston to dole out justice . . . Nothing heats up Old Town quite like the annual Pie Festival, and this year is no exception, especially since Sophie’s professional rival, Natasha Smith, is barred from participating. Sophie, meanwhile, has been asked to oversee the pie-eating contest. But the drama really rolls out when celebrity judge, Patsy Lee Presley, host of television’s most popular cooking show, bites the crust during the competition, and Sophie’s friends are suspected of the crime. As the folks of Old Town dish, the tough truth about Patsy’s meteoric rise to domestic stardom begins to leak. It turns out that Patsy’s sweet exterior hid a secret sour side, which alienated many of her closest allies, including a jilted ex-husband, a bitter ex-mentor, and a jaded ex-best friend. With the festival falling apart, and her friends in danger of being boxed up for murder, Sophie must cobble together the clues and stop a flakey fiend from serving up any more deadly desserts. Includes delicious recipes and entertaining tips! Praise for Krista Davis “Loaded with atmosphere and charm.” —Library Journal “A tasty whodunit, which keeps the reader fascinated until the killer is iced.”—Richmond Times-Dispatch “Reader Tasty descriptions may spark intense cupcake cravings.”—The Washington Post
336 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 30, 2019
347 people are currently reading
3896 people want to read
About the author
Krista Davis
36 books3,255 followersKrista Davis lives in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia where she writes mysteries. She lived in Northern Virginia for many years and resided for a time in Old Town Alexandria where her Domestic Diva Mysteries take place.
Krista also writes the Paws and Claws Mysteries, which debuted with MURDER, SHE BARKED. Her Pen & Ink Mysteries featured covers that can be colored! Read the book and have fun coloring the cover.
WEBSITE: https://www.kristadavis.com
NEWSLETTER: https://bit.ly/3Wi0jcR
FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/KristaDavisAu...
INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/kristadavisauthor
Krista also writes the Paws and Claws Mysteries, which debuted with MURDER, SHE BARKED. Her Pen & Ink Mysteries featured covers that can be colored! Read the book and have fun coloring the cover.
WEBSITE: https://www.kristadavis.com
NEWSLETTER: https://bit.ly/3Wi0jcR
FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/KristaDavisAu...
INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/kristadavisauthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 286 reviews
March 17, 2020
In Old Town, U.S.A, it is time for the annual pie festival. Sophie Winston has been asked to oversee the pie eating contest. Because of previous suspect antics Natasha Smith, a professional rival of Sophie’s is banned from participating. Celebrity judge Patsy Lee Presley, host of television’s most popular cooking show is on hand but she is acting rather peculiarly. The pie festival is sent reeling when Patsy Lee collapses and dies. Police are quick to cordon off the area as they gather clues for what they believe is murder. Sophie can’t help but be drawn in to investigate especially when a friend is implicated. As she investigates she finds Patsy Lee is not quite the charmer the public believe her to be. On her way to the top of her profession she managed with some underhand tactics to get several people offside. Was one of them so annoyed that they wanted to kill her? Around the same time Sophie, who has solved cases in the past, is approached by the child Aly Stokes who wants Sophie to investigate a case. Her mother Nellie was convicted and imprisoned for the murder of Grainger Gibbard. Both Aly and Nellie’s ex-husband Dooley insist she could not have done it. Can Sophie help with this old case? Could there be a link between the two murders? Or is Sophie looking for more than one murderer?
I had no idea when I picked this up that is was no 12 in a series, so it took me a little while to sort out who was who and the relationships between them. A cast of characters at the front helps. Told in a gently humorous tone, this is an easy read, cosy mystery. Those into baking, which I am not, will no doubt appreciate the baking tips that introduce each chapter. I skipped over them and the same with the recipes at the back. But if that is your thing, I’m sure it will add to the sweet flavour. Suspicion falls on a number of people. Red herrings and secret relationships abound. I liked that Sophie and her ex-husband Mars Winston remain such good friends. Plus Sophie has a network of other supportive friends around her which, as it turns out, is just as well.
This was a sweet read and I enjoyed the characters and the tone of the novel. While it is a novel centred on a mystery or two and baking, it is also a novel about friendships, the way people treat others and relationships. Patsy Lee Presley isn’t the only victim in this story as other lives are endangered. I really liked how principled Sophie, even when it costs, which we find out as the story progresses. I’d recommend this as an enjoyable read and one that should prove popular with cosy mystery fans and well as foodaholics. Even Sophie’s pets have their own cute and distinct personalities which adds to the fun. I'd be keen to read more books by this author.
I had no idea when I picked this up that is was no 12 in a series, so it took me a little while to sort out who was who and the relationships between them. A cast of characters at the front helps. Told in a gently humorous tone, this is an easy read, cosy mystery. Those into baking, which I am not, will no doubt appreciate the baking tips that introduce each chapter. I skipped over them and the same with the recipes at the back. But if that is your thing, I’m sure it will add to the sweet flavour. Suspicion falls on a number of people. Red herrings and secret relationships abound. I liked that Sophie and her ex-husband Mars Winston remain such good friends. Plus Sophie has a network of other supportive friends around her which, as it turns out, is just as well.
This was a sweet read and I enjoyed the characters and the tone of the novel. While it is a novel centred on a mystery or two and baking, it is also a novel about friendships, the way people treat others and relationships. Patsy Lee Presley isn’t the only victim in this story as other lives are endangered. I really liked how principled Sophie, even when it costs, which we find out as the story progresses. I’d recommend this as an enjoyable read and one that should prove popular with cosy mystery fans and well as foodaholics. Even Sophie’s pets have their own cute and distinct personalities which adds to the fun. I'd be keen to read more books by this author.
April 30, 2019
Dollycas’s Thoughts
What a sweet mystery!!
Hometown foodie celebrity Patsy Lee Presley has come back to Old Town to be a judge for the annual Pie Festival. A festival diva Natasha Smith has been banned from participating in and that Sophie has been a key assistant to the organizer. As the pies are about to be judged Patsy tumbles right into a pie and dies. The police secure the scene quickly and many of Sophie’s friends are pieces of interest in the investigation’s pie. Patsy’s ex-husband also makes the list. As Sophie starts to sift through the clues she learns that Patsy isn’t the sweetheart she thought and that most of the people suspected of her death have the big three ingredients – Motive – Means – Opportunity. Sophie just needs to break through their crusts and find which one has baked their last pie.
Sophie is also approached by a 12-year-old girl asking for help for her mom. Her mother had been convicted of a murder that according to her daughter she didn’t commit. Nellie Stokes has been in prison for 5 years, 3 months and 4 days. Daughter Aly marks each day on the calendar to keep track. Sophie looked at a picture of the woman and decided she had to help.
What I really love about this series is the friendships. The way the people of Old Town come together to help and support each other but also to have a lot of fun. There seems to always be something happening, sadly some of the times a murder breaks up the fun. When that happens Sophie is usually drawn right in the middle of the case. This time a subsequent event makes things personal for Sophie even drawing attention to her in an unexpected way. Thankfully, her stellar friends, Nina Reid Norwood, Bernie Frei, and her ex-husband, Mars Winston always have her back.
All the series regulars have continued to evolve realistically. Natasha is still the prickly and sometimes clueless diva and Sophie is usually the voice of calm and reason. Mars now divorced from Natasha is around even more and still a great friend for Sophie. Boyfriend Alex is nervous about Sophie’s involvement in all the murder queries but tries to understand her need to be involved. We do meet Patsy Lee Presley who had she lived could have really given Natasha a run for her money. Patsy had the life of Natasha dreams.
I really enjoy the way Ms. Davis twists things up. Characters new and old are all involved. Clues are deliberately sprinkled throughout and red herring are mixed right in. Stirred within the mysteries to solve, the daily life of Old Town residents soldiers on. All blended together with a dollop of humor and a dash of romance. Krista Davis is an excellent storyteller. So well-written and well-plotted. I was kept guessing right up to the end.
I highly recommend this whole series! It is best to read them in order but there is plenty of background in this story so don’t hesitate to jump in with this book.
Bonus – Scrumptious recipes and baking and entertaining tips!
What a sweet mystery!!
Hometown foodie celebrity Patsy Lee Presley has come back to Old Town to be a judge for the annual Pie Festival. A festival diva Natasha Smith has been banned from participating in and that Sophie has been a key assistant to the organizer. As the pies are about to be judged Patsy tumbles right into a pie and dies. The police secure the scene quickly and many of Sophie’s friends are pieces of interest in the investigation’s pie. Patsy’s ex-husband also makes the list. As Sophie starts to sift through the clues she learns that Patsy isn’t the sweetheart she thought and that most of the people suspected of her death have the big three ingredients – Motive – Means – Opportunity. Sophie just needs to break through their crusts and find which one has baked their last pie.
Sophie is also approached by a 12-year-old girl asking for help for her mom. Her mother had been convicted of a murder that according to her daughter she didn’t commit. Nellie Stokes has been in prison for 5 years, 3 months and 4 days. Daughter Aly marks each day on the calendar to keep track. Sophie looked at a picture of the woman and decided she had to help.
What I really love about this series is the friendships. The way the people of Old Town come together to help and support each other but also to have a lot of fun. There seems to always be something happening, sadly some of the times a murder breaks up the fun. When that happens Sophie is usually drawn right in the middle of the case. This time a subsequent event makes things personal for Sophie even drawing attention to her in an unexpected way. Thankfully, her stellar friends, Nina Reid Norwood, Bernie Frei, and her ex-husband, Mars Winston always have her back.
All the series regulars have continued to evolve realistically. Natasha is still the prickly and sometimes clueless diva and Sophie is usually the voice of calm and reason. Mars now divorced from Natasha is around even more and still a great friend for Sophie. Boyfriend Alex is nervous about Sophie’s involvement in all the murder queries but tries to understand her need to be involved. We do meet Patsy Lee Presley who had she lived could have really given Natasha a run for her money. Patsy had the life of Natasha dreams.
I really enjoy the way Ms. Davis twists things up. Characters new and old are all involved. Clues are deliberately sprinkled throughout and red herring are mixed right in. Stirred within the mysteries to solve, the daily life of Old Town residents soldiers on. All blended together with a dollop of humor and a dash of romance. Krista Davis is an excellent storyteller. So well-written and well-plotted. I was kept guessing right up to the end.
I highly recommend this whole series! It is best to read them in order but there is plenty of background in this story so don’t hesitate to jump in with this book.
Bonus – Scrumptious recipes and baking and entertaining tips!
April 21, 2019
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to read this book!
Krista Davis has another series I've enjoyed, but this one has never come across my radar before. Jumping in at book 12 you would htink I'd be lost, but Krista has excellent writing skills and I soon found myself at home with all the characters. So at home in fact I was getting hungry every time they ate! The food described in this book is so good, so many awesome sounding pies! Fruit pies aren't really a big thing in Australia, except maybe apple, so I enjoyed all the different varieties.
There are a couple of mysteries at play, and you need to follow the clues closely to work out the killer and the motive. I had my suspicions, but I kept getting proved wrong! I did enjoy the ending as the result, because I just wasn't sure the whole time.
Another fun mystery series to sink your teeth into! Five stars.
Krista Davis has another series I've enjoyed, but this one has never come across my radar before. Jumping in at book 12 you would htink I'd be lost, but Krista has excellent writing skills and I soon found myself at home with all the characters. So at home in fact I was getting hungry every time they ate! The food described in this book is so good, so many awesome sounding pies! Fruit pies aren't really a big thing in Australia, except maybe apple, so I enjoyed all the different varieties.
There are a couple of mysteries at play, and you need to follow the clues closely to work out the killer and the motive. I had my suspicions, but I kept getting proved wrong! I did enjoy the ending as the result, because I just wasn't sure the whole time.
Another fun mystery series to sink your teeth into! Five stars.
April 17, 2019
Series: Domestic Diva - Book 12
Author: Krista Davis
Genre: Cozy Mystery/Business/Culinary
Publisher: Kensington Books
Page Count: 336
New from Kensington Books comes Krista Davis’ latest addition “The Diva Sweetens the Pie” in her Domestic Diva cozy mystery book series. A fun, easy-to-read, and exceedingly entertaining book from beginning to end.
Krista Davis knows how to keep her audience’s attention while giving them hours of delight. Her characters are well thought out, striking, and filled with comical, as well as exasperating quirks, which makes them all the more endearing. The plot stays consistent, and although not necessarily unique on its own the twist and turns make it fresh and stimulating.
Sophie is tolerant, forgiving of most things, she picks her battles. She is a modern woman with a tendency to be compassionate with just a touch of stubbornness. She loves her animals and pies. Her advice column is filled with helpful tips that have her audience clamoring for more. But… she sticks her nose into murder investigations and has a way of almost getting it cut off every time. Sophie is lovable, and her friends are wonderful individuals. Even her ex-husband gets a warm welcome and a slice of pie.
The location of Old Town is a picture-perfect setting for a murder mystery series. Old Town is a real neighborhood in Alexandria, it is picturesque, with buildings dating back to 1749. It boasts hundreds of restaurants, shops, and museums. Yet Old Town retains its rustic charm with cobblestone streets and red brick sidewalks. Giving visitors and residents the feel of a small town where everyone knows everyone.
This cozy mystery book has a full helping of mischievous characters, non-traditional relationships, and murder. The killer is smart and resourceful. Many readers will not guess who the killer is until the unveiling, the reveal leaving readers with a sense of satisfaction. Sophie’s pets are delectable, their antics make you want to curl up on a couch and cuddle.
I happily recommend The Diva Sweetens the Pie and the “Domestic Diva” series to readers who love baking, amateur sleuths, busybodies, and highly competitive divas. The baking tips and recipes are scrumptious and make you really want a slice of pie! Fans of Krista Davis will enjoy other authors and series such as Bree Baker’s “Sea Side Mysteries” or Mary Lee Ashford’s “A Sugar & Spice Mystery”.
Author: Krista Davis
Genre: Cozy Mystery/Business/Culinary
Publisher: Kensington Books
Page Count: 336
New from Kensington Books comes Krista Davis’ latest addition “The Diva Sweetens the Pie” in her Domestic Diva cozy mystery book series. A fun, easy-to-read, and exceedingly entertaining book from beginning to end.
Krista Davis knows how to keep her audience’s attention while giving them hours of delight. Her characters are well thought out, striking, and filled with comical, as well as exasperating quirks, which makes them all the more endearing. The plot stays consistent, and although not necessarily unique on its own the twist and turns make it fresh and stimulating.
Sophie is tolerant, forgiving of most things, she picks her battles. She is a modern woman with a tendency to be compassionate with just a touch of stubbornness. She loves her animals and pies. Her advice column is filled with helpful tips that have her audience clamoring for more. But… she sticks her nose into murder investigations and has a way of almost getting it cut off every time. Sophie is lovable, and her friends are wonderful individuals. Even her ex-husband gets a warm welcome and a slice of pie.
The location of Old Town is a picture-perfect setting for a murder mystery series. Old Town is a real neighborhood in Alexandria, it is picturesque, with buildings dating back to 1749. It boasts hundreds of restaurants, shops, and museums. Yet Old Town retains its rustic charm with cobblestone streets and red brick sidewalks. Giving visitors and residents the feel of a small town where everyone knows everyone.
This cozy mystery book has a full helping of mischievous characters, non-traditional relationships, and murder. The killer is smart and resourceful. Many readers will not guess who the killer is until the unveiling, the reveal leaving readers with a sense of satisfaction. Sophie’s pets are delectable, their antics make you want to curl up on a couch and cuddle.
I happily recommend The Diva Sweetens the Pie and the “Domestic Diva” series to readers who love baking, amateur sleuths, busybodies, and highly competitive divas. The baking tips and recipes are scrumptious and make you really want a slice of pie! Fans of Krista Davis will enjoy other authors and series such as Bree Baker’s “Sea Side Mysteries” or Mary Lee Ashford’s “A Sugar & Spice Mystery”.
May 2, 2019
I absolutely loved this book! I've come to really care about Sophie and all her friends and love that the books aren't just about solving mysteries, but they also show how much she and her friends care for one another and stick together. This adventure had Sophie pulled into a murder investigation and then into a murder that happened five years ago. Who could resist an adorable little girl who asks her to help get her wrongly-accused mom out of prison? When Sophie started getting too close to the truth, someone she cared for a lot was brutally attacked and left for dead. Later, she found out some information that gave her a new perspective on some things in her life.
I hadn't suspected the killer until all the clues started coming together. As usual in this author's books, the list of suspects was impressive and so were the red herrings. The showdown was epic! Sophie and her friends were all there for it, and I think I like that a lot as opposed to perp and sleuth one-on-one, which is what happens most of the time. It was great how things were wrapped up nice and neat at an end-of-summer party at Sophie's house. All the little details that may or may not have added to the murder were explained, and Sophie's belief that she did the right thing by investigating the old case was definitely confirmed.
I hadn't suspected the killer until all the clues started coming together. As usual in this author's books, the list of suspects was impressive and so were the red herrings. The showdown was epic! Sophie and her friends were all there for it, and I think I like that a lot as opposed to perp and sleuth one-on-one, which is what happens most of the time. It was great how things were wrapped up nice and neat at an end-of-summer party at Sophie's house. All the little details that may or may not have added to the murder were explained, and Sophie's belief that she did the right thing by investigating the old case was definitely confirmed.
September 10, 2020
This is one of my favorite installments in the series. It really kept me guessing. I love these characters and look forward to seeing what trouble Sophie can get herself into.
November 16, 2019
No cozy mystery is complete without recipes at the end, or a knitting or crochet pattern. If I read one without that little bonus I automatically knock one star off its rating.
If course, the recipes have to follow the theme of the story, so the ones at the end of "The Diva Sweetens the Pie" are for pies or things that can be enjoyed with pies. I am going to try "TiJuana Odum's Easy Chicken Pot Pie" with leftover turkey after Thanksgiving.
Now, on to the story. I don't know why I like cozy mysteries. They are insipid, impossible and inconceivably contrived (I like aliteration).
This book is no exception. Busybody event planner Sophie Winston gets herself and her friends into trouble when a big-time TV celebrity chef returns to their hometown to host a pie festival. Instead of judging the best pie competition, she gets herself bumped off instead, and the finger of suspicion points at just about everybody in turn.
Soon it all gets entangled with a murder case from long ago, and another resident of the town is attacked. The police even suspect Sophie for a while!
There's a case of mistaken identity in there somewhere, too.
Oh, and someone gets smacked in the puss with a cream pie. I tell you, this story uses all the old chestnuts.
And,I loved it.
You get what you pay for with Krista Davis, a light, engaging who-dun-it, and some decent recipes.
I received this book free from Kensington Books in exchange for an honest review on Goodreads.
If course, the recipes have to follow the theme of the story, so the ones at the end of "The Diva Sweetens the Pie" are for pies or things that can be enjoyed with pies. I am going to try "TiJuana Odum's Easy Chicken Pot Pie" with leftover turkey after Thanksgiving.
Now, on to the story. I don't know why I like cozy mysteries. They are insipid, impossible and inconceivably contrived (I like aliteration).
This book is no exception. Busybody event planner Sophie Winston gets herself and her friends into trouble when a big-time TV celebrity chef returns to their hometown to host a pie festival. Instead of judging the best pie competition, she gets herself bumped off instead, and the finger of suspicion points at just about everybody in turn.
Soon it all gets entangled with a murder case from long ago, and another resident of the town is attacked. The police even suspect Sophie for a while!
There's a case of mistaken identity in there somewhere, too.
Oh, and someone gets smacked in the puss with a cream pie. I tell you, this story uses all the old chestnuts.
And,I loved it.
You get what you pay for with Krista Davis, a light, engaging who-dun-it, and some decent recipes.
I received this book free from Kensington Books in exchange for an honest review on Goodreads.
April 17, 2021
This series just keeps getting better and better! I haven't been able to read for a while and this was the perfect one to get me back on track.
February 7, 2019
Old Town is getting ready for the Pie Festival. When a celebrity judge is killed, everything else starts to fall apart like a bad crust.
Lots of suspects and twists in this Diva Mystery. Sophie will be kept busy trying to solve this one.
Love the Diva Mysteries!
I received an ARC prior to publication and decided to voluntarily review it. Opinions are my own.
Lots of suspects and twists in this Diva Mystery. Sophie will be kept busy trying to solve this one.
Love the Diva Mysteries!
I received an ARC prior to publication and decided to voluntarily review it. Opinions are my own.
May 9, 2019
Took a little bit to get into but once I did-wow! Such a good mystery within a mystery and another little surprise! I LOVE how principled Sophie is! (You'll see what I mean) excellent series ❤️
June 9, 2021
The 12 book in this series is with a baker Patsy Ann a famous television baking show has come to has come to Virginia. She had many secrets.Sophie the main character and Nina her best friend and neighbor see a dark shadows figure running away from Sophie houuse. At The Pie Contest fest Patsy Ann was introducing herself and she keeled over. The man Dooley was seen with a young girl about 12 were spotted that Sophie that was trying to harm her. But Dooley had heard from people that Sophie solved murders. His 12year daughter came to Sophie house and told her about her mom was in prison and she knew she did not murder the man she was having affair with. Is the murdered man connected with Patsy Ann death too.There was all kinds of excitement in this book. The 12th book has to do with it you honor your work or friends and family.
March 27, 2019
Thanks to the publisher, via Netgalley, for an advance e-galley for honest review!
Sophie once again finds herself in the middle of all the action in Old Town- she's busy helping with the Pie Festival, as well as entertaining and running her business- when the celebrity judge of the contest dies mid-introduction. Sophie naturally starts sleuthing- into Patsy Lee's death, and by special request, into the imprisonment of a woman whose family believes is innocent of the murder that's put her behind bars for five years. Unfortunately, the danger in this story comes really close to home to Sophie and affects her loved ones.
I really enjoy this series- it has charm and great characters who are well established now that we're up to book 12- and found this to be another well told cozy. Sophie is also just a great lead for the series- she's not overly quirky, she has an interesting job, and I always look forward to the descriptions of her entertaining her friends (unsure where she stores what seems to be a never ending supply of linens and dishes, but that might be jealousy talking). She's a confident, successful woman who focuses on the things and people she loves- even if it means getting too involved in the police investigations. As always, I'm already eager for the next one.
Sophie once again finds herself in the middle of all the action in Old Town- she's busy helping with the Pie Festival, as well as entertaining and running her business- when the celebrity judge of the contest dies mid-introduction. Sophie naturally starts sleuthing- into Patsy Lee's death, and by special request, into the imprisonment of a woman whose family believes is innocent of the murder that's put her behind bars for five years. Unfortunately, the danger in this story comes really close to home to Sophie and affects her loved ones.
I really enjoy this series- it has charm and great characters who are well established now that we're up to book 12- and found this to be another well told cozy. Sophie is also just a great lead for the series- she's not overly quirky, she has an interesting job, and I always look forward to the descriptions of her entertaining her friends (unsure where she stores what seems to be a never ending supply of linens and dishes, but that might be jealousy talking). She's a confident, successful woman who focuses on the things and people she loves- even if it means getting too involved in the police investigations. As always, I'm already eager for the next one.
May 7, 2019
Sophie has her hands full when a celebrity judge is murdered at the Old Town’s annual Pie Festival. With its charming setting and even more charming characters, I think this is a good series for someone who is just starting out with Cozy Mysteries.
Krista Davis’ straightforward style of writing makes it easy to follow. I never had a problem with getting in tune with Sophie or the other characters. However, I’m not sure that this was one of my favorites in the series. While it is still enjoyable, it doesn’t have the same punch as some of the other books. However, I think that might just be the subject that I’m not crazy about. I’ve read plenty of other Cozies that feature pie and have not fully committed to the story. I sense that could be the reason why I feel this way. Nevertheless, I do think the book is worth the read, especially is you’re a loyal fan of the series.
May 11, 2019
Thanks to #NetGalley for the opportunity to read this one! I may have said in the past that Krista Davis is one of my VERY favorite cozy authors. This offering does nothing to disprove that fact! All my favorite characters are back and, once again, Sophie gets pulled into an investigation. Actually, more than one, including a case that's supposedly been solved and tried. All the talk about pie in this one had me pulling out my recipe box and making a couple of my own. Sophie's caught up in the murder of a famous TV chef and then gets roped into looking into another murder, one that might have seen the wrong person convicted. The investigations have long reaching fingers that touch those close to her. I was pretty sure who done it partway into the book, but that didn't take away anything from the story. Another great mystery and some really tasty sounding recipes to boot! RECOMMEND!
April 12, 2019
THE DIVA SWEETENS THE PIE, the twelfth book in the Domestic Diva Mystery series, is a sweet, satisfying cozy mystery! I love how the author starts each chapter off with a pie advice column question. You can always count on the protagonist, Sophie Winston, to provide a great answer while her nemesis, Natasha (who claims to be top Diva) provides advice that is best not followed. Sophie is one of those sweet, caring women who anyone would love to call a friend. Natasha, on the other hand, is abrasive and self-absorbed. However, I’ll have to admit over the course of the series, she’s grown on me and made me more likely to overlook her faults. Ms. Davis has created several memorable characters which have made this such an endearing and enduring series to her fans!
With the annual Pie Festival in full swing, Sophie finds herself involved in yet another murder when the celebrity chef falls face first into a butterscotch cream pie. Her good friend, the organizer of the festival, wants the crime solved so that the show can go on. Ms. Davis weaves a tight tale of long ago slights, an old murder, a young girl who begs Sophie to free her mother from prison, and pies galore. The author draws the reader in and keeps you turning pages with well-sprinkled clues and suspects to keep you guessing. A suspenseful conclusion wrapped up the threads of the story with a satisfying and sweet ending!
If you’re a “people of the pie vs. clan of the cake” like I am, then this book is for you! Filled with mouthwatering descriptions of all sorts of pies, the author satisfies the reader’s cravings with several pie recipes at the back of the book, both dessert pies and savory pies.
I was provided an advance copy via Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
With the annual Pie Festival in full swing, Sophie finds herself involved in yet another murder when the celebrity chef falls face first into a butterscotch cream pie. Her good friend, the organizer of the festival, wants the crime solved so that the show can go on. Ms. Davis weaves a tight tale of long ago slights, an old murder, a young girl who begs Sophie to free her mother from prison, and pies galore. The author draws the reader in and keeps you turning pages with well-sprinkled clues and suspects to keep you guessing. A suspenseful conclusion wrapped up the threads of the story with a satisfying and sweet ending!
If you’re a “people of the pie vs. clan of the cake” like I am, then this book is for you! Filled with mouthwatering descriptions of all sorts of pies, the author satisfies the reader’s cravings with several pie recipes at the back of the book, both dessert pies and savory pies.
I was provided an advance copy via Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 2, 2019
I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Sophie has her hands full when a celebrity judge is murdered at the Old Town’s annual Pie Festival. With its charming setting and even more charming characters, I think this is a good series for someone who is just starting out with Cozy Mysteries.
Krista Davis’ straightforward style of writing makes it easy to follow. I never had a problem with getting in tune with Sophie or the other characters. However, I’m not sure that this was one of my favorites in the series. While it is still enjoyable, it doesn’t have the same punch as some of the other books. However, I think that might just be the subject that I’m not crazy about. I’ve read plenty of other Cozies that feature pie and have not fully committed to the story. I sense that could be the reason why I feel this way. Nevertheless, I do think the book is worth the read, especially is you’re a loyal fan of the series.
*ARC provided by publisher
Reviewed by Ann❤ ♡ Don't want to miss any of our posts? Subscribe to our blog by email! ♡ ❤
April 23, 2019
A fabulous addition to the Diva series! The characters in this series are so well developed with unique personalities that you really feel as if you know them. You quickly get invested in their stories as well as the mystery that they are trying to unravel. If you haven't read any books from the series, I really do suggest that you start at book one and work your way through as your enjoyment will be enhanced 10 fold, but you can read just this individual book and not feel like you are lost in the storyline as the book could work as a stand alone. This particular mystery or mysteries are layered and intertwined in a manner that keeps you guessing at who could be the guilty party. The only bad thing about the book is that I have finished it and now I must go back to waiting for the author to write the next one so I can find out what the characters will be doing next! I definitely have this on my list as a "must read" series!
April 29, 2020
This is a good one for me. PIES!
June 9, 2019
Had me guessing until the end!
October 6, 2022
3.6 stars
I'm mostly hiding this review for comments about Sophie's love life, not the murder mystery itself.
For context, after reading and really enjoying the first two or three books, the series moved to my "book for when I need a really good read" category, which means the book I take with me on a trip or after having read a really bad book and I need a guaranteed palate cleanser, etc., so I only read the series sporadically despite enjoying it.
Then I read The Diva Haunts the House as part of my fall-themed reading and got hooked on the private lives of the characters. I've been binging straight through ever since, especially after Sophie's steamy kiss with her ex, the end of her relationship with Wolf, and the introduction of Alex.
I fully support the resolution of the mystery of what happened to Wolf's wife (The Diva Digs Up the Dirt) and I am THRILLED that Mars FINALLY broke up with Natasha a few books ago. I honestly don't know how Mars put up her as long as he did. Sophie also has the patience of a saint in dealing with Natasha. I know the character is supposed to be a foil for Sophie but she is so extreme in her narcissism, even though I know it comes from Natasha's wounds of having been abandoned as a child, it's still sometimes very hard to forgive and it rather boggles my mind that Sophie can continually forgive Natasha yet couldn't forgive Alex for something he was required to do by law.
I was charmed by the introduction of Alex and a bit conflicted because I wouldn't mind it if Sophie and Mars got back together, but then Alex's appearances in later books were rather frustrating. I can understand a new beau being a bit intimidated by Sophie's friendship with Mars and ongoing interactions with Wolf but a few times Alex reacted at the most ridiculous times. Then in Diva Serves High Tea, Alex is utterly oblivious to what his "friend" is doing. OK, men can sometimes be clueless about the games some women play but he greeted Sophie coolly in once instance and then is surprised when she is cool to him when he tries to kiss her the next time he runs into her. He let the other woman manipulate him into giving her a sapphire necklace he bid on for Sophie? Come on.
Then in The Diva Cooks Up a Storm, Sophie is constantly having Nina, Mars, Bernie and often Francie over for meals but never seems to call Alex and ask if he wants to join them. That doesn't make sense and does actually finally feed Alex's jealousy. It also started to make Alex feel more like a plot device than her beau.
Then at the end of this book Sophie breaks up with Alex because she discovers that he had a client who confessed to him that they had killed a person and Alex didn't say anything even though another person went to jail for the crime. The thing is Alex is correct -- he could lose his law license for breaking client confidentiality. The only exception is if the lawyer does so to prevent the person from committing another murder, and Alex had no evidence that the person would do that or had committed another crime so he couldn't act. Also, if you look up real-life cases, even when an attorney has breached attorney-client privilege for exactly those reasons, sometimes the attorney has been penalized and it has sometimes jeopardized the prosecution of those cases.
I know that morally, it's a terrible situation. Sophie has every reason to be upset about that, but her anger should be mostly targeted against the situation. I could see her needing time to reconcile to the circumstances but the woman who has repeatedly forgiven every cruel, malicious, narcissistic thing Natasha has done can't reconcile that the law puts an attorney like Alex into an impossible situation? Really?
But Sophie and Alex's relationship was never fully developed so that takes the sting out of the breakup in a bad way. After the depth of Sophie's relationship with Wolf and how clearly she has solid ride-or-die relationships with Nina, Mars, and Bernie, the whole relationship with Alex was a disappointment. I expected better.
All of that said, the actual murder mystery and all of its twists and turns was well done and the final confrontation had a sense of real jeopardy so the rest of the book was good. It's a shame that Sophie's relationship with Alex failed to match it.
But now maybe the path is clear for Sophie and Mars to reconcile? That would be very cool -- and I'd love to see Natasha's reaction. And then I'd probably want to slap Natasha for whatever awful thing she would do next.
I'm mostly hiding this review for comments about Sophie's love life, not the murder mystery itself.
For context, after reading and really enjoying the first two or three books, the series moved to my "book for when I need a really good read" category, which means the book I take with me on a trip or after having read a really bad book and I need a guaranteed palate cleanser, etc., so I only read the series sporadically despite enjoying it.
Then I read The Diva Haunts the House as part of my fall-themed reading and got hooked on the private lives of the characters. I've been binging straight through ever since, especially after Sophie's steamy kiss with her ex, the end of her relationship with Wolf, and the introduction of Alex.
I fully support the resolution of the mystery of what happened to Wolf's wife (The Diva Digs Up the Dirt) and I am THRILLED that Mars FINALLY broke up with Natasha a few books ago. I honestly don't know how Mars put up her as long as he did. Sophie also has the patience of a saint in dealing with Natasha. I know the character is supposed to be a foil for Sophie but she is so extreme in her narcissism, even though I know it comes from Natasha's wounds of having been abandoned as a child, it's still sometimes very hard to forgive and it rather boggles my mind that Sophie can continually forgive Natasha yet couldn't forgive Alex for something he was required to do by law.
I was charmed by the introduction of Alex and a bit conflicted because I wouldn't mind it if Sophie and Mars got back together, but then Alex's appearances in later books were rather frustrating. I can understand a new beau being a bit intimidated by Sophie's friendship with Mars and ongoing interactions with Wolf but a few times Alex reacted at the most ridiculous times. Then in Diva Serves High Tea, Alex is utterly oblivious to what his "friend" is doing. OK, men can sometimes be clueless about the games some women play but he greeted Sophie coolly in once instance and then is surprised when she is cool to him when he tries to kiss her the next time he runs into her. He let the other woman manipulate him into giving her a sapphire necklace he bid on for Sophie? Come on.
Then in The Diva Cooks Up a Storm, Sophie is constantly having Nina, Mars, Bernie and often Francie over for meals but never seems to call Alex and ask if he wants to join them. That doesn't make sense and does actually finally feed Alex's jealousy. It also started to make Alex feel more like a plot device than her beau.
Then at the end of this book Sophie breaks up with Alex because she discovers that he had a client who confessed to him that they had killed a person and Alex didn't say anything even though another person went to jail for the crime. The thing is Alex is correct -- he could lose his law license for breaking client confidentiality. The only exception is if the lawyer does so to prevent the person from committing another murder, and Alex had no evidence that the person would do that or had committed another crime so he couldn't act. Also, if you look up real-life cases, even when an attorney has breached attorney-client privilege for exactly those reasons, sometimes the attorney has been penalized and it has sometimes jeopardized the prosecution of those cases.
I know that morally, it's a terrible situation. Sophie has every reason to be upset about that, but her anger should be mostly targeted against the situation. I could see her needing time to reconcile to the circumstances but the woman who has repeatedly forgiven every cruel, malicious, narcissistic thing Natasha has done can't reconcile that the law puts an attorney like Alex into an impossible situation? Really?
But Sophie and Alex's relationship was never fully developed so that takes the sting out of the breakup in a bad way. After the depth of Sophie's relationship with Wolf and how clearly she has solid ride-or-die relationships with Nina, Mars, and Bernie, the whole relationship with Alex was a disappointment. I expected better.
All of that said, the actual murder mystery and all of its twists and turns was well done and the final confrontation had a sense of real jeopardy so the rest of the book was good. It's a shame that Sophie's relationship with Alex failed to match it.
But now maybe the path is clear for Sophie and Mars to reconcile? That would be very cool -- and I'd love to see Natasha's reaction. And then I'd probably want to slap Natasha for whatever awful thing she would do next.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 3, 2019
The Diva Sweetens The Pie
By
Krista Davis
What it's all about...
Sophie and her group of friends seem to love making pies, eating pies and solving crimes. In this book there is a Pie Making Contest and two new murders as well as an old murder. This is the 12th book in the series so although I wasn’t confused in a major way..I was confused in a mild way until I got a good grip on these characters...and there are a ton of characters...including Mochi and Daisy...Sophie’s cat and dog.
My thoughts after reading this book...
The book was fun. I loved the relationships that Sophie had with all of her friends...she had a ton of friends. Everyone seemed to cluster at Sophie’s house. This clustering involved lots of eating and lots of pie eating. Sophie was always either making a pie or pulling one out of her refrigerator.
What I loved best...
I really liked Sophie’s character and I would read many more in this series.
What potential readers might want to know...
Readers who love fun cozies with recipes and lots and lots of food descriptions as well as a touch of danger and mystery...should enjoy this book and this series!
I received this book from the publisher through NetGalley. It was my choice to read and review it.
By
Krista Davis
What it's all about...
Sophie and her group of friends seem to love making pies, eating pies and solving crimes. In this book there is a Pie Making Contest and two new murders as well as an old murder. This is the 12th book in the series so although I wasn’t confused in a major way..I was confused in a mild way until I got a good grip on these characters...and there are a ton of characters...including Mochi and Daisy...Sophie’s cat and dog.
My thoughts after reading this book...
The book was fun. I loved the relationships that Sophie had with all of her friends...she had a ton of friends. Everyone seemed to cluster at Sophie’s house. This clustering involved lots of eating and lots of pie eating. Sophie was always either making a pie or pulling one out of her refrigerator.
What I loved best...
I really liked Sophie’s character and I would read many more in this series.
What potential readers might want to know...
Readers who love fun cozies with recipes and lots and lots of food descriptions as well as a touch of danger and mystery...should enjoy this book and this series!
I received this book from the publisher through NetGalley. It was my choice to read and review it.
April 27, 2019
I am a huge fan of Krista Davis and all of her series, but this one will always be my favorite. I love the characters and the story-line never fails to entertain and keep me guessing.
This go round involves pie, old friends and enemies and of course, murder. It also involves a little girl who just wants her mom home and people who are willing to do anything to be at the top. And Sophie [AND Nina - who s in this book way more than she has been before and I love how she and Sophie work together. They are a good example of what real friendship looks like] finds herself in quite a bit of hot water in this one before she works it all out. And while the end is good [I do love how she wraps up a story - you never feel like you are left hanging], there is some definite sadness in this book. But I agree with what Sophie both did and said. Once you read it, you will know EXACTLY what I mean and I sure hope that you too agree.
As always, this was an excellent and engaging read - once I got started, I could not put it down. I loved it.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This go round involves pie, old friends and enemies and of course, murder. It also involves a little girl who just wants her mom home and people who are willing to do anything to be at the top. And Sophie [AND Nina - who s in this book way more than she has been before and I love how she and Sophie work together. They are a good example of what real friendship looks like] finds herself in quite a bit of hot water in this one before she works it all out. And while the end is good [I do love how she wraps up a story - you never feel like you are left hanging], there is some definite sadness in this book. But I agree with what Sophie both did and said. Once you read it, you will know EXACTLY what I mean and I sure hope that you too agree.
As always, this was an excellent and engaging read - once I got started, I could not put it down. I loved it.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Want to read
May 8, 2019I may have said in the past that Krista Davis is one of my VERY favorite cozy authors. This offering does nothing to disprove that fact! All my favorite characters are back and, once again, Sophie gets pulled into an investigation. Actually, more than one, including a case that's supposedly been solved and tried. All the talk about pie in this one had me pulling out my recipe box and making a couple of my own. Sophie's caught up in the murder of a famous TV chef and then gets roped into looking into another murder, one that might have seen the wrong person convicted. The investigations have long reaching fingers that touch those close to her. I was pretty sure who done it partway into the book, but that didn't take away anything from the story. Another great mystery and some really tasty sounding recipes to boot! RECOMMEND!
April 15, 2019
Love Sophie and the gang. Sophie is helping with a pie baking contest when the star judge is murdered. Next thing you know, Sophie's boyfriend is attacked and Sophie is blamed. When a little girl comes to Sophie to ask her to help clear her mom's name, Sophie can't refuse her. The more Sophie and friends look into the murders and attack, the more she is convinced that they are all connected. It all circles back to a group of friends. Which one of them is guilty? Sophie needs to find out before she is a victim too.
May 24, 2019
This series gets better with each yummy addition. I’m not sure what I enjoy more, the mystery, the baking/cooking tips or recipes. I’m now in the mood to bake pies especially a strawberry pie.
I enjoy how Davis does not let romance overshadow her mysteries. There is just enough to make it interesting and real. I still think her and Mars make a great couple.
If you are looking for a delicious, sweet read this is the book for you.
I received a complimentary copy from Kensington through NetGalley. Any and all opinions expressed in the above review are entirely my own.
I enjoy how Davis does not let romance overshadow her mysteries. There is just enough to make it interesting and real. I still think her and Mars make a great couple.
If you are looking for a delicious, sweet read this is the book for you.
I received a complimentary copy from Kensington through NetGalley. Any and all opinions expressed in the above review are entirely my own.
November 18, 2022
Please tell me Mars and Sophie get back together in the next book! I need for this to happen!
October 26, 2022
Am I the only one missing this series being in chronological order? It seems all the recent books have been in spring or summer. Sophie must be nearing fifty by now.
December 5, 2022
Sophie Winston is working overtime on all things pie. Not only is she organizing Piepalooza, a weeklong event for home cooks and pie fans, she's also learning to make pies from a professional. Sophie is surprised to learn from her mentor, Tommy Earl that celebrity chef Patsy Lee Presley stole his story! She seems nice enough and sincere when Sophie meets her in passing as the celebrity chef comes to Old Town to judge a pie contest. Pasty Lee even knows just how to deal with Natasha, whose ego is bruised for being banned from the pie contest. The contest doesn't quite go as planned and turns into a disaster when Patsy Lee topples over on stage and is later pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital! Wolf and Wong are on the case quickly and will figure out what happened. It seems Patsy Lee was murdered! Gossip runs rampant through Old Town and not everyone was enamored with Patsy Lee. It seems she made a number of enemies along the way, including her estranged husband, Peter. Could someone from her past have reason to want her dead now? Then Sophie is shocked to be asked to solve a 5-year-old murder that will free a woman from prison and return her to the loving arms of her now 12-year-old daughter and awkward ex-husband. Sophie can't make any promises but when her beau, Alex, disapproves of her investigation, claiming it could be dangerous, that makes Sophie all that more determined. As she starts asking questions, she soon discovers a link between the two murder victims and the accused criminal. Is there a killer still out there waiting to enact revenge on someone else from their past? Can Sophie figure it out before SHE ends up in jail for a crime she didn't commit?
Krista Davis has done it again and written another engaging mystery with yummy food. All those pies! There are so many good recipes in the back and even more yummy pies in the story. I'm normally "clan of the cake" but I think after reading this I may join "tribe of the pie." The mystery was somewhat complicated but not overly so. I had a short list of suspects and it turns out I was totally wrong. The murderer was someone I never expected. There are also some major cozy developments happening in this story with our main characters.
Sophie is a little less of a doormat this time and has learned to invite her friends in and how to assess for danger. She's sympathetic towards Natasha and doesn't let Natasha's comments get to her. Natasha manages not to be super annoying and I even felt sorry for her. She's obtuse and I don't think she's all that intelligent. She lacks understanding of sarcasm and subtilties and doesn't understand how she comes across as bat guano crazy to normal people. She lost Mars and Sophie is her only friend. While Sophie doesn't quite see it that way, she tolerates Natasha and puts up with her because Sophie knows the real reason Natasha is the way she is. I guess I can admire that about Sophie. The one thing I didn't like about Sophie in this book is how stubborn she got with Alex. I did especially like the decision Sophie made at the end. She made the right call and I would have done the same. Nina is Sophie's sidekick throughout the whole book. No new rescue furbabies right now so she can concentrate on judging pies and solving murders. I was surprised to learn Nina has a sensitive palate and can taste things no one else can. It drives me CRAZY when people say "you can't taste it". YES I CAN! I feel for Nina having to judge Natasha's nasty creations! Yikes! Avocado in coconut cream pie? Um what?
Mars has left Natasha which surprised me. I thought for sure he would feel guilty and stay. I think he's a little callous and cruel though. What about her feelings? He's moved in with Bernie but hasn't renewed his attentions to Sophie other than deep and true friendship. He would do anything for her and to keep her safe. Mars will always have her back. Bernie too loves Sophie, in a platonic way, and would do anything for her. He's a good friend and a good person to know. As a pub owner, he knows everyone and everything that goes on in town. Wolf still has feelings for Sophie but remains married to his wife. It's complicated and he's trying to be respectful of his wife's feelings and mind his manners so he doesn't get in trouble on the job. He allows her a lot of leeway though. Officer Wong is her usual funny, smart self and this time she has her own subplot! I miss Humphrey. He's so weird and awkward but a good friend. What happened to him? There's also not been any follow-up about Sophie's sister, unless I missed it.
I really don't like Alex. He's somewhat patronizing to Sophie. I don't think he knows her that well or wants to know her the way Mars and even Bernie do. Their relationship seems superficial to me. He sees everything in black and white and doesn't bend easily. Still, I don't loathe him or want him to die. What happened to his adorable godson? I want follow-up, especially since there is a kid's division in the pie baking competition.
There are many newcomers to the story, all pastry chefs or involved in the food scene. Patsy Lee Presley is a Paula Deen type. She's a down home southern girl who learned to bake from her Meemaw and turned it into a career. Or did she? She seems nice on the surface but Sophie notices there are certain people Patsy Lee tries to avoid spending time with other than a perfunctory hello. She's all smiles in public but Sophie saw Patsy Lee running from someone late at night. She also noticed Patsy Lee not where she was supposed to be late at night. Was she meeting with someone who later killed her? Several people claim Patsy Lee stole their stories or recipes or is a phony in every way. Is that enough to want her dead? If so, why now? Chief on the suspect list is her ex-husband, Peter Lee. He's a down home southern guy who turned Patsy Lee into a TV star. Now she's rich and famous, a "brand" in her own right, she's dumped him. Did he get his revenge? Where would that leave him though? He's broke because she dumped him. It makes more sense for Peter to want Patsy Lee alive. However, he latches on to Natasha pretty quickly and tries to make her into the next Patsy Lee. Natasha comes up with a self-centered motive for murder which actually doesn't sound that far fetched. Could she be right? The more gossip about Peter, the more likely he appears to be the chief suspect.
Tommy Lee Felts, a professional pie baker, puts Sophie's amateur skills to shame. He makes the most beautiful pies and teaches classes on how to make the perfect pies. He seems a bit bitter towards Pasty Lee, claiming she stole his story. Is he telling the truth? What would be his motive for murder? He's a professional baker now and seems pretty successful. A rumor around town says Tommy Lee is an unreliable drunk. Sophie and Nina have never seen him buzzed but that doesn't mean the rumor isn't true. Perhaps he's an angry drunk who finally took revenge on Patsy Lee for taking all he thought would be his? Roger Mackenzie is another professional pastry chef and Sophie's client. He seems nice, mild mannered and kind- until he too makes accusations against Pasty Lee. He then becomes angry and seems a bit volatile. He's also willing to lie and cheat his way to the top. Could he have toppled Patsy Lee in revenge in order to claim her spot as the top pastry chef? Patsy Lee's assistant, Brock Anderson, comes to town to watch over her and keep rabid fans away. Patsy Lee manages to give him the slip - or so he says - and he feels guilty she was murdered. He seems very nice and maybe too nice for the job. Sophie is quick to accept him as a friend and she doesn't always show the best judgement.
Patsy Lee's biggest fan is Honey Armbruster. She's a Pasty Lee wannabe and eager to get close to her idol. Brock keeps her away after a patronizing false promise from the chef. Could Honey have found out how Patsy Lee wants nothing to do with her and murdered Patsy Lee? Honey seems to have several strong motives. Remy Tarwick, bartender and bouncer at The Laughing Hound, quickly becomes another new friend for Sophie but he becomes a suspect after something he says doesn't check out. Why did he lie? Does he know more than he is telling? Willa Staminski, yet another pastry chef and someone from Patsy Lee's past, works for Bernie now but years ago she was Patsy Lee's best friend. She says Patsy Lee has changed since those days and has some sad stories to tell. I like Willa. She's had some tough times but gotten through them. She works hard and befriends Sophie. Even though she had beef with Patsy Lee, she seems to mourn the loss of her old friend.
Willa is also connected to the long ago murder. 12-year-old Aly Stokes comes to Sophie with a sad story. Her mom, Nellie, was convicted of murdering her then-boyfriend Grainger Gibbard, owner of a pie shop in Old Town. Aly is certain her mother didn't do it and longs for her mother's return but old enough and smart enough to understand what life sentence means. The poor child! Her mother has been in prison half her life and will be for the rest of her life. Aly had to grow up fast. She's precocious and serious. Aly's mom was connected to the other pastry chefs including Patsy Lee. They once all worked together until Grainger's murder. Sophie believes the case was bungled from the start, especially when she learns the name of the detective on the case. If Wolf had been on the job... could he reopen the case? Sadly not. Sophie's prime suspect is Aly's dad, Dooley Stokes. Dooley appears to be a mild-mannered, awkward entomologist. He seems to love Nellie even though she left him. He hasn't accepted that Nellie might actually be guilty. Does he feel guilty she's in jail for a crime he committed? Come on Sophie! He's a nerdy scientist not a killer! He's like Humphrey but a bit more normal. I like this family. Nellie is complicated. She would be a good partner for Alex because she liked to have fun and she sees life in absolutes. I hope she is innocent and freed.
It sure looks to me like Grainger's father is the murderer in this case. Known as "the Sergeant" because he's retired from the military but doesn't act like it, he's a terrible, abusive father. He was always yelling at his kids and yells at his employees. He doesn't tolerate anybody doing anything that he doesn't personally approve of first and doesn't give second chances. He fired Remy for being noble and no Remy shouldn't have done what he did, he did it outside at least and for a good reason. Even the family matriarch, Martha, believes her husband is guilty. That's pretty bad! She's lovely and tries her best but with 9 children, she was often busy and worn out. For some reason she's still married to this bully she believes murdered her son! Some of the other suspects in the first murder and connected to this one too so Martha COULD be wrong. Everything does seem to circle back to Apex Pies. Find out what happened and find your murderer. Maybe?
There are several pie recipes- savory and sweet, plus pie cocktails to try! Bring on the s'mores pie!
Update: Notes on the Salted Caramel Apple Pie
1.Don't use pre-made pie crust. If you do, ignore the package and blind bake the bottom crust to avoid the dredded soggy bottom.
2. Make your lattice top and bake it separately .
or bake the pie at a lower temperature if your oven is new and runs hot. Bake the pie for the whole length of time without the top crust.
3. The salt doesn't come through. Maybe add it into the caramel sauce?
4. Don't put the sugar on the top crust. It just burns.
The filling is very tasty even if it is slightly undercooked and the top crust slightly burned! No one else noticed and everyone who tried it thought it was good. It wouldn't win me any competitions.
Krista Davis has done it again and written another engaging mystery with yummy food. All those pies! There are so many good recipes in the back and even more yummy pies in the story. I'm normally "clan of the cake" but I think after reading this I may join "tribe of the pie." The mystery was somewhat complicated but not overly so. I had a short list of suspects and it turns out I was totally wrong. The murderer was someone I never expected. There are also some major cozy developments happening in this story with our main characters.
Sophie is a little less of a doormat this time and has learned to invite her friends in and how to assess for danger. She's sympathetic towards Natasha and doesn't let Natasha's comments get to her. Natasha manages not to be super annoying and I even felt sorry for her. She's obtuse and I don't think she's all that intelligent. She lacks understanding of sarcasm and subtilties and doesn't understand how she comes across as bat guano crazy to normal people. She lost Mars and Sophie is her only friend. While Sophie doesn't quite see it that way, she tolerates Natasha and puts up with her because Sophie knows the real reason Natasha is the way she is. I guess I can admire that about Sophie. The one thing I didn't like about Sophie in this book is how stubborn she got with Alex. I did especially like the decision Sophie made at the end. She made the right call and I would have done the same. Nina is Sophie's sidekick throughout the whole book. No new rescue furbabies right now so she can concentrate on judging pies and solving murders. I was surprised to learn Nina has a sensitive palate and can taste things no one else can. It drives me CRAZY when people say "you can't taste it". YES I CAN! I feel for Nina having to judge Natasha's nasty creations! Yikes! Avocado in coconut cream pie? Um what?
Mars has left Natasha which surprised me. I thought for sure he would feel guilty and stay. I think he's a little callous and cruel though. What about her feelings? He's moved in with Bernie but hasn't renewed his attentions to Sophie other than deep and true friendship. He would do anything for her and to keep her safe. Mars will always have her back. Bernie too loves Sophie, in a platonic way, and would do anything for her. He's a good friend and a good person to know. As a pub owner, he knows everyone and everything that goes on in town. Wolf still has feelings for Sophie but remains married to his wife. It's complicated and he's trying to be respectful of his wife's feelings and mind his manners so he doesn't get in trouble on the job. He allows her a lot of leeway though. Officer Wong is her usual funny, smart self and this time she has her own subplot! I miss Humphrey. He's so weird and awkward but a good friend. What happened to him? There's also not been any follow-up about Sophie's sister, unless I missed it.
I really don't like Alex. He's somewhat patronizing to Sophie. I don't think he knows her that well or wants to know her the way Mars and even Bernie do. Their relationship seems superficial to me. He sees everything in black and white and doesn't bend easily. Still, I don't loathe him or want him to die. What happened to his adorable godson? I want follow-up, especially since there is a kid's division in the pie baking competition.
There are many newcomers to the story, all pastry chefs or involved in the food scene. Patsy Lee Presley is a Paula Deen type. She's a down home southern girl who learned to bake from her Meemaw and turned it into a career. Or did she? She seems nice on the surface but Sophie notices there are certain people Patsy Lee tries to avoid spending time with other than a perfunctory hello. She's all smiles in public but Sophie saw Patsy Lee running from someone late at night. She also noticed Patsy Lee not where she was supposed to be late at night. Was she meeting with someone who later killed her? Several people claim Patsy Lee stole their stories or recipes or is a phony in every way. Is that enough to want her dead? If so, why now? Chief on the suspect list is her ex-husband, Peter Lee. He's a down home southern guy who turned Patsy Lee into a TV star. Now she's rich and famous, a "brand" in her own right, she's dumped him. Did he get his revenge? Where would that leave him though? He's broke because she dumped him. It makes more sense for Peter to want Patsy Lee alive. However, he latches on to Natasha pretty quickly and tries to make her into the next Patsy Lee. Natasha comes up with a self-centered motive for murder which actually doesn't sound that far fetched. Could she be right? The more gossip about Peter, the more likely he appears to be the chief suspect.
Tommy Lee Felts, a professional pie baker, puts Sophie's amateur skills to shame. He makes the most beautiful pies and teaches classes on how to make the perfect pies. He seems a bit bitter towards Pasty Lee, claiming she stole his story. Is he telling the truth? What would be his motive for murder? He's a professional baker now and seems pretty successful. A rumor around town says Tommy Lee is an unreliable drunk. Sophie and Nina have never seen him buzzed but that doesn't mean the rumor isn't true. Perhaps he's an angry drunk who finally took revenge on Patsy Lee for taking all he thought would be his? Roger Mackenzie is another professional pastry chef and Sophie's client. He seems nice, mild mannered and kind- until he too makes accusations against Pasty Lee. He then becomes angry and seems a bit volatile. He's also willing to lie and cheat his way to the top. Could he have toppled Patsy Lee in revenge in order to claim her spot as the top pastry chef? Patsy Lee's assistant, Brock Anderson, comes to town to watch over her and keep rabid fans away. Patsy Lee manages to give him the slip - or so he says - and he feels guilty she was murdered. He seems very nice and maybe too nice for the job. Sophie is quick to accept him as a friend and she doesn't always show the best judgement.
Patsy Lee's biggest fan is Honey Armbruster. She's a Pasty Lee wannabe and eager to get close to her idol. Brock keeps her away after a patronizing false promise from the chef. Could Honey have found out how Patsy Lee wants nothing to do with her and murdered Patsy Lee? Honey seems to have several strong motives. Remy Tarwick, bartender and bouncer at The Laughing Hound, quickly becomes another new friend for Sophie but he becomes a suspect after something he says doesn't check out. Why did he lie? Does he know more than he is telling? Willa Staminski, yet another pastry chef and someone from Patsy Lee's past, works for Bernie now but years ago she was Patsy Lee's best friend. She says Patsy Lee has changed since those days and has some sad stories to tell. I like Willa. She's had some tough times but gotten through them. She works hard and befriends Sophie. Even though she had beef with Patsy Lee, she seems to mourn the loss of her old friend.
Willa is also connected to the long ago murder. 12-year-old Aly Stokes comes to Sophie with a sad story. Her mom, Nellie, was convicted of murdering her then-boyfriend Grainger Gibbard, owner of a pie shop in Old Town. Aly is certain her mother didn't do it and longs for her mother's return but old enough and smart enough to understand what life sentence means. The poor child! Her mother has been in prison half her life and will be for the rest of her life. Aly had to grow up fast. She's precocious and serious. Aly's mom was connected to the other pastry chefs including Patsy Lee. They once all worked together until Grainger's murder. Sophie believes the case was bungled from the start, especially when she learns the name of the detective on the case. If Wolf had been on the job... could he reopen the case? Sadly not. Sophie's prime suspect is Aly's dad, Dooley Stokes. Dooley appears to be a mild-mannered, awkward entomologist. He seems to love Nellie even though she left him. He hasn't accepted that Nellie might actually be guilty. Does he feel guilty she's in jail for a crime he committed? Come on Sophie! He's a nerdy scientist not a killer! He's like Humphrey but a bit more normal. I like this family. Nellie is complicated. She would be a good partner for Alex because she liked to have fun and she sees life in absolutes. I hope she is innocent and freed.
It sure looks to me like Grainger's father is the murderer in this case. Known as "the Sergeant" because he's retired from the military but doesn't act like it, he's a terrible, abusive father. He was always yelling at his kids and yells at his employees. He doesn't tolerate anybody doing anything that he doesn't personally approve of first and doesn't give second chances. He fired Remy for being noble and no Remy shouldn't have done what he did, he did it outside at least and for a good reason. Even the family matriarch, Martha, believes her husband is guilty. That's pretty bad! She's lovely and tries her best but with 9 children, she was often busy and worn out. For some reason she's still married to this bully she believes murdered her son! Some of the other suspects in the first murder and connected to this one too so Martha COULD be wrong. Everything does seem to circle back to Apex Pies. Find out what happened and find your murderer. Maybe?
There are several pie recipes- savory and sweet, plus pie cocktails to try! Bring on the s'mores pie!
Update: Notes on the Salted Caramel Apple Pie
1.Don't use pre-made pie crust. If you do, ignore the package and blind bake the bottom crust to avoid the dredded soggy bottom.
2. Make your lattice top and bake it separately .
or bake the pie at a lower temperature if your oven is new and runs hot. Bake the pie for the whole length of time without the top crust.
3. The salt doesn't come through. Maybe add it into the caramel sauce?
4. Don't put the sugar on the top crust. It just burns.
The filling is very tasty even if it is slightly undercooked and the top crust slightly burned! No one else noticed and everyone who tried it thought it was good. It wouldn't win me any competitions.
April 27, 2019
Sophie is looking forward to the upcoming Pie Festival, who wouldn't want to sample such a wonderful treat. She is also happy to be the overseer of the pie eating contest. The festival seems to start off well that is until Peggy Lee Presley, the celebrity judge for the contest, dies during the competition. Things start looking worse when some of Sophie's friends become suspects in Peggy's death. As she starts to look into things Sophie realizes that there are a core group of people who keep overlapping when it comes to past history. Peggy seemed to have stepped on a bunch of toes but out of everyone one who was angry enough to kill. With so many questions that need to be answered and so many of her friends in the line of fire will Sophie be able to put the puzzle together before someone she cares about ends up in jail? Meanwhile a young girl has come to Sophie for her help, her mother is in jail for murder but the young girl doesn't believe that she is guilty. Her father and herself have heard about all the crimes that Sophie has been involved in solving are looking to her for help in their own case. She doesn't have the heart to turn them down but she doesn't want to get anyone's hopes up. Does she even have the time to look into this old murder with a fresh one on her plate? Follow along as she tries to figure out both, will she come to a conclusion to both or will she run out of time. I can tell you I didn't figure it out until the end and that just made it all the more exciting to read! I also love the wonderful letters the author puts at the beginning of each new chapter addressed to either Sophie or Natasha and the oh so different replies that they each hand out.
I received an ARC of this book, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
I received an ARC of this book, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 2, 2019
I have no idea how this phenomenal series continues to get better but Krista Davis makes it happen. I had caught up with the series back in December and it reading this installment made me feel like I was reuniting with old friends. I cannot say enough about the core characters of this series. Not only are they extremely well developed but you actually feel like you are a part of their world.
In this installment of the series, Old Town Alexandria is getting ready to host the annual Pie Festival. Things take a terrible turn when one of the judges collapses face first into one of the pies, but was this due to natural causes or foul play? With Sophie, Nina, and the gang on the case, you know anything can happen. Sophie is also approached and asked to look into a closed case that the family thinks was handled unjustly. If that isn't enough, there is an accident that hits really close to home for the gang. Thank goodness there are a ton of pies around for all that stress eating and late night gathering around the kitchen table.
This is by far my favorite Cozy series and in my top 5 overall. I cannot sing the praises for these books any louder. I recommend them to anyone and everyone, cozy readers or not. If you have never tried audiobooks and don't know if you would like them, this is the series to do it. I have the digital copy from NetGalley of this book and the audible version. Hillary Huber, is as phenomenal of a narrator as Krista Davis is a writer.
I am have no idea how I am supposed to go on now for another year without more Diva!!
In this installment of the series, Old Town Alexandria is getting ready to host the annual Pie Festival. Things take a terrible turn when one of the judges collapses face first into one of the pies, but was this due to natural causes or foul play? With Sophie, Nina, and the gang on the case, you know anything can happen. Sophie is also approached and asked to look into a closed case that the family thinks was handled unjustly. If that isn't enough, there is an accident that hits really close to home for the gang. Thank goodness there are a ton of pies around for all that stress eating and late night gathering around the kitchen table.
This is by far my favorite Cozy series and in my top 5 overall. I cannot sing the praises for these books any louder. I recommend them to anyone and everyone, cozy readers or not. If you have never tried audiobooks and don't know if you would like them, this is the series to do it. I have the digital copy from NetGalley of this book and the audible version. Hillary Huber, is as phenomenal of a narrator as Krista Davis is a writer.
I am have no idea how I am supposed to go on now for another year without more Diva!!
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