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Sundae Afternoon Cozy Mysteries #2
Melt Down Murder
Two friends. One cabin at the lake. One very dead body.
When murder hits too close to home, ice cream shop manager, Yvette Lockhart, finds herself wrapped up in drama and intrigue.
Whom does she trust?
Who might be the killer?
Is she next?
When murder hits too close to home, ice cream shop manager, Yvette Lockhart, finds herself wrapped up in drama and intrigue.
Whom does she trust?
Who might be the killer?
Is she next?
- GenresCozy Mystery
126 pages, Paperback
Published August 27, 2018
56 people are currently reading
83 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
April 28, 2020
Yvette Lockhart, manager of Sundae Afternoon ice cream shop, is looking forward to fall season. She's already dreaming of the flavors she'll order and amazing ice cream creations she'll create. She's also eager to meet her new neighbors, Evan and Jamie, an engaged couple who will be moving in next month. First, however, is some much needed r&r with her best friend Amelia at Amelia's lake house. Upon arriving, Yvette discovers a decomposing corpse hidden upstairs in the house. Amelia worries the body belongs to her ex-fiance, Mark, who appears to be missing. If it's not Mark, who else could it be and why were they in the house? Yvette is determined to get to the bottom of the mystery.
This is a pleasant little diversion for a bit of light bedtime reading. It wasn't too difficult to compile a list of suspects and come up with the least obvious but most plausible. The ending is a bit anti-climatic compared to the first book in the series.
I didn't really understand why Yvette kept investigating in spite of being told numerous times not to. She's super nosy. Being a people person, I suppose she can't help it. I like her landlord, Gavin, he's a great guy but overworked. I like how she's making him do things around the house to pay her back for his last minute ice cream sundae party! Vanessa is not as much of a people pleaser as Yvette. She lacks the patience to train someone as stupid as Max. Max just needs more structure and guidance. Who is Henry, the manager of the other shop, that he's so lazy and incapable of running a neighborhood hangout? Tonya seems nice enough but I don't quite trust her. She puts friends ahead of her job and Tonya is a very loyal friend. Yvette's parents are kind and helpful. Her dad is very sweet. Millie at the farm is passionate about ice cream. She seems to enjoy working at the farm.
Amelia is essentially a good person. I understand why she broke up with Mark. Her hysterics were understandable and I like how she is not on board with Yvette's snooping. Deputy Rodney Calhoun is pretty tough on Amelia. Heath is kinder and a little more understanding of their shock. Mark seems a bit unpleasant. He's very black and white and not sympathetic to Yvette's nosiness. I don't understand why he did what he did so randomly. There's more at stake than valuables. A new character we may get to know better in the future is eight-year-old Jerry Pursley. If his manners were not impeccable, I'd think he was a hustler for sure. He's a sweet kid and his parents have done an amazing job with him. I'd like to trade Jerry for my nephew!
Marissa has something to hide. I'm not sure I like or trust her. She does not behave as she should in this situation but she can be forgiven, maybe, because of the shock. Jordan does not sound like much of a prince. His horrible temper is scary and his methods of pleasing his woman are not honorable. Just talk to people ok? Darla sounds like a nightmare. Talk about momzilla. Yikes! She's really terrifying and if I were the happy couples, to stay happy, I'd elope! Jamie and Evan seem like a nice couple but they let someone else dictate their wedding plans and if I were Jamie, I'd think twice about marrying Evan. The small world coincidence is SO New England! In other stories it would seem a bit contrived but that stuff happens all the time here. Everyone is related to someone who knows someone...
I read this book mainly for the ice cream. While I don't care for any of the flavors mentioned, it made me crave ice cream and look at the online order form for the neighborhood cafe. That led to a slippery slope of other sweet shops in the neighborhood. Oh dear! I wish there had been more unique creations as there were in the first book but I did enjoy seeing the farm to table approach to ice cream making. That was a nice touch, especially here in New England where that sort of thing is trendy.
This book needs editing by someone who understands English grammar. Parent's house- the house belonging to one parent, i.e. mom's house, dad's house. Parents' house = the house belonging to both parents, i.e. mom AND dad's house. This is one of my big pet peeves and I wish authors would actually look up the rules for writing BEFORE publishing their books. There are free online manuals of style and every good library should have at least one. MLA is preferred for literature, I believe.
I enjoyed this story as a bit of light reading but I wouldn't go out of my way to actually buy these books.
This is a pleasant little diversion for a bit of light bedtime reading. It wasn't too difficult to compile a list of suspects and come up with the least obvious but most plausible. The ending is a bit anti-climatic compared to the first book in the series.
I didn't really understand why Yvette kept investigating in spite of being told numerous times not to. She's super nosy. Being a people person, I suppose she can't help it. I like her landlord, Gavin, he's a great guy but overworked. I like how she's making him do things around the house to pay her back for his last minute ice cream sundae party! Vanessa is not as much of a people pleaser as Yvette. She lacks the patience to train someone as stupid as Max. Max just needs more structure and guidance. Who is Henry, the manager of the other shop, that he's so lazy and incapable of running a neighborhood hangout? Tonya seems nice enough but I don't quite trust her. She puts friends ahead of her job and Tonya is a very loyal friend. Yvette's parents are kind and helpful. Her dad is very sweet. Millie at the farm is passionate about ice cream. She seems to enjoy working at the farm.
Amelia is essentially a good person. I understand why she broke up with Mark. Her hysterics were understandable and I like how she is not on board with Yvette's snooping. Deputy Rodney Calhoun is pretty tough on Amelia. Heath is kinder and a little more understanding of their shock. Mark seems a bit unpleasant. He's very black and white and not sympathetic to Yvette's nosiness. I don't understand why he did what he did so randomly. There's more at stake than valuables. A new character we may get to know better in the future is eight-year-old Jerry Pursley. If his manners were not impeccable, I'd think he was a hustler for sure. He's a sweet kid and his parents have done an amazing job with him. I'd like to trade Jerry for my nephew!
Marissa has something to hide. I'm not sure I like or trust her. She does not behave as she should in this situation but she can be forgiven, maybe, because of the shock. Jordan does not sound like much of a prince. His horrible temper is scary and his methods of pleasing his woman are not honorable. Just talk to people ok? Darla sounds like a nightmare. Talk about momzilla. Yikes! She's really terrifying and if I were the happy couples, to stay happy, I'd elope! Jamie and Evan seem like a nice couple but they let someone else dictate their wedding plans and if I were Jamie, I'd think twice about marrying Evan. The small world coincidence is SO New England! In other stories it would seem a bit contrived but that stuff happens all the time here. Everyone is related to someone who knows someone...
I read this book mainly for the ice cream. While I don't care for any of the flavors mentioned, it made me crave ice cream and look at the online order form for the neighborhood cafe. That led to a slippery slope of other sweet shops in the neighborhood. Oh dear! I wish there had been more unique creations as there were in the first book but I did enjoy seeing the farm to table approach to ice cream making. That was a nice touch, especially here in New England where that sort of thing is trendy.
This book needs editing by someone who understands English grammar. Parent's house- the house belonging to one parent, i.e. mom's house, dad's house. Parents' house = the house belonging to both parents, i.e. mom AND dad's house. This is one of my big pet peeves and I wish authors would actually look up the rules for writing BEFORE publishing their books. There are free online manuals of style and every good library should have at least one. MLA is preferred for literature, I believe.
I enjoyed this story as a bit of light reading but I wouldn't go out of my way to actually buy these books.
September 20, 2018
I enjoyed reading this book by Gretchen Allen. She kept my attention the whole way. Nothing like a good murder mystery. I never guessed who the murderer was. I can’t wait to read the next book.
October 7, 2018
This is the second book in a new series and it’s even better than the first. The storyline is detailed enough to keep you interested and it has a unique business setting. The characters are fun and somewhat quirky. They are becoming more fully developed as the series grows.
Yvette and her best friend are taking a weekend away at the lake. Well they were until they discovered a dead body in the house. Yvette can’t resist nosing around to try and solve the mystery despite being plenty busy overseeing the second ice cream shop while the manager is away.
Yvette and her best friend are taking a weekend away at the lake. Well they were until they discovered a dead body in the house. Yvette can’t resist nosing around to try and solve the mystery despite being plenty busy overseeing the second ice cream shop while the manager is away.
July 20, 2019
A quick easy read
I love icecream and I love icecream shops. Read this in under an hour. Perfect for a wait a a drs office or the like. Gretchen Allen is on a winner with series. Book #1 made me want to read book #2 and now I want to read #3 to see what happens in the new location.
I love icecream and I love icecream shops. Read this in under an hour. Perfect for a wait a a drs office or the like. Gretchen Allen is on a winner with series. Book #1 made me want to read book #2 and now I want to read #3 to see what happens in the new location.
September 10, 2020
Yvette is finally taking a weekend break at her best friend's lake house. They are very excited to have a weekend together, relaxing and sitting in the sun. Unfortunately an unidentified man is found dead and that ends their relaxing weekend. Yvette digs in to solve the murder in hopes that is not someone both she and Amelia love.
August 28, 2018
Only the second book and I am hooked. Love the characters and the setting. Yvette is a fun person and has that little bit of adventurer in her that makes the story fun.
Can't wait for the next installment.
Can't wait for the next installment.
August 29, 2018
So many characters.
I didn’t know where to turn in this book. So many possibilities as to who the murderer was. But I was surprised when it was revealed. Really great characters. And great writing.
I didn’t know where to turn in this book. So many possibilities as to who the murderer was. But I was surprised when it was revealed. Really great characters. And great writing.
August 29, 2018
Awesome
WOW I totally didn't see that ending coming. I knew it wasn't who they initially arrested for the murder but had no clue as to who the killer was. Fascinating. Can't wait for book 3
WOW I totally didn't see that ending coming. I knew it wasn't who they initially arrested for the murder but had no clue as to who the killer was. Fascinating. Can't wait for book 3
August 30, 2018
Great book!
This is book 2 in a new series and it certainly doesn't disappoint! The book is well written and the characters are interesting. I'm definitely looking forward to book 3 in this series!
This is book 2 in a new series and it certainly doesn't disappoint! The book is well written and the characters are interesting. I'm definitely looking forward to book 3 in this series!
October 7, 2018
Delicious
The second one is as good as the first!!! I like Yvette with her family and friends. All the ice cream flavors are making my mouth water. Am enjoying this series very much. The author does a great job in making everyone believable and normal. Thanks.
The second one is as good as the first!!! I like Yvette with her family and friends. All the ice cream flavors are making my mouth water. Am enjoying this series very much. The author does a great job in making everyone believable and normal. Thanks.
April 26, 2021
Murder at the lake house
A weekend getaway with a friend turns tragic when a body is found. First they have to figure out who died, then who did it and why. Yvette and friends work to solve the mystery. Small town mystery.
A weekend getaway with a friend turns tragic when a body is found. First they have to figure out who died, then who did it and why. Yvette and friends work to solve the mystery. Small town mystery.
October 24, 2023
Cute Story
I know that my title sounds weird, but the way these gals put everything together was something that sounded like Barbie did the deed. I really enjoyed Yvette's story and would highly recommend.
I know that my title sounds weird, but the way these gals put everything together was something that sounded like Barbie did the deed. I really enjoyed Yvette's story and would highly recommend.
August 29, 2018
Yvette is at it again!
I really enjoyed the little twist at the end! Cant wait for book three! I wonder what will happen while shes working at the other shop!
I really enjoyed the little twist at the end! Cant wait for book three! I wonder what will happen while shes working at the other shop!
August 31, 2018
5 stars!!
Book 2 by this brand new author is awesome!! I really did not pick the right person as the murderer!! Can't wait for the next book in this series!!
Book 2 by this brand new author is awesome!! I really did not pick the right person as the murderer!! Can't wait for the next book in this series!!
August 31, 2018
Truly enjoyed Gretchen's second book in the Sundae Afternoon series. Such a good start for a New Author.
September 6, 2018
Loved it.
I loved the second one best. I can't wait to read the next book. Thank you Gretchen for such a great book. It is well written and worth the read.
I loved the second one best. I can't wait to read the next book. Thank you Gretchen for such a great book. It is well written and worth the read.
October 29, 2018
Cute quick read
Cute story that made me want ice cream. Love the characters and the killer is not who you th I k it should be
Cute story that made me want ice cream. Love the characters and the killer is not who you th I k it should be
January 14, 2019
enjoyed the book, looking forward to reading the next...
March 10, 2019
A short read perfect for a rainy Sunday afternoon
July 14, 2024
It was a quick read
3.75 stars
This was a very quick and easy read. This had a good vibe to it. The mystery was okay. It didn’t blow me out of the water, but it was still decent.
3.75 stars
This was a very quick and easy read. This had a good vibe to it. The mystery was okay. It didn’t blow me out of the water, but it was still decent.
September 20, 2019
Amazing Read
I give this book 5 stars! It is a quick read that will keep you glued to your seat. You won't want to put it down. Thank you Mrs Allen for keeping me entertained. I highly recommend!
I give this book 5 stars! It is a quick read that will keep you glued to your seat. You won't want to put it down. Thank you Mrs Allen for keeping me entertained. I highly recommend!
February 2, 2019
Yvette Lockhart leads a happy life. She lives in a lovely small town in Massachusetts where she manages a popular ice cream shop. She is surrounded by friends and family. She also have a bit of a reputation for being nosy. She can’t help that she is a curious person.
Her best friend Amelia asks her to join her for a getaway at her lake cabin. Yvette can’t say no to this mini trip away, especially since she will be busy at another ice cream shop. When the two arrive they find something they never imagined and must begin the search for the responsible party.
This is the second book in the Sundae Afternoon Cozy Mysteries Series. This book is even better than the first. The plot is engaging and kept me interested from beginning to end. The characters are interesting and realistic. I look forward to reading the next book and I recommend this book. It could probably stand alone, but I recommend going back to book one.
Her best friend Amelia asks her to join her for a getaway at her lake cabin. Yvette can’t say no to this mini trip away, especially since she will be busy at another ice cream shop. When the two arrive they find something they never imagined and must begin the search for the responsible party.
This is the second book in the Sundae Afternoon Cozy Mysteries Series. This book is even better than the first. The plot is engaging and kept me interested from beginning to end. The characters are interesting and realistic. I look forward to reading the next book and I recommend this book. It could probably stand alone, but I recommend going back to book one.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews