Sweet Revenge

Sweets Shop #1

by Maisy Morgan

The pastor did what?!?! And who killed him? After retiring from being a famous investigative reporter, Mary took a leap of faith and followed her dreams of opening a sweets shop in the small town of Brooks, Georgia. What she didn’t plan on was bringing Tripp, her less than thrilled fourteen-year-old grandson with her. Soon after their arrival, things start happening fast. First, Tripp gets attacked by a cat named Sweet Feet. Then the town reveals some of it’s deep, dark secrets, and, to Mary’s surprise, Preston, a local police officer, asks her out on a date. But, halfway through their date, they get interrupted…by a murder. And it wasn’t just any murder…it was the beloved local pastor. Turns out Mary and Preston make quite the detective duo. Even Tripp gets in on the detective work. But now he’s in danger. Who would want revenge on the local pastor? And will Mary be able to get to Tripp before he becomes the next victim? And how does Mary get that rainbow cake to taste so darn good?

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Amazon, Cozy, Mystery Thriller

189 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 9, 2019

About the author

Maisy Morgan is a retired nurse and single mother of a set of pre-teen twin boys. She has been an avid reader since she was a child. After retirement she tried writing and found mysteries fascinated her. Some of her best work came from real life stories when she had worked in the ER. Patients who find themselves in unplanned and serious situations didn't mind sharing their stories with a kind face that is willing to listen.

Reviews

[A.C.F. Bookens · Rating 3 out of 5]

A FUN compelling mystery. I enjoyed the older sleuth and her teenage grandson. And appreciated the portrayal of the young woman in a wheelchair as a fully developed character. A couple elements felt underdeveloped but still a good read.

[Srivalli (Semi-Hiatus) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good mix of desserts, detection, family and friends, emotions, and some laughter.

[M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this fun, quick cozy mystery! Downloaded the next book on my kindle already!

[Gary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fun story even though it's a murder mystery. Mary and her grandson Tripp have just relocated to a small town in Georgia where she has invested much of her retirement money in a house and a small business. She has custody of Tripp because his mother left him and his father and his dad recently died. Things are difficult between them because Tripp didn't want to leave Los Angeles, but Mary had no choice.

Much of the story involves the two of them having arguments and flaring tempers. Neither of them is really used to each other. And it's a small town where they don't know anybody and Tripp has no friends. Eventually that starts to change a little bit when Mary gets acquainted with the local lawman. And when they finally go "on a date", the evening is cut short when he receives a call to a crime scene. Mary goes along and they are shocked to see that it is a retired pastor of the church. Thus begins the mystery. Since Mary has a background in investigative journalism, she turns out to be a good partner for Preston.

Now for all the investigating and following up on possible suspects. At the same time Mary is trying to get her sweet shop ready to open. A secondary story involves a girl Tripp's age named Hannah. She is wheelchair bound because of a terrible accident two years ago. She and Tripp become best friends. Her life and story are an integral part of the whole story. Her mother Cindy is a warm and welcoming person who shows Mary real care and respect. Lenny, Hannah's father, however, is a real jerk and he took off after the accident. The author does a masterful job of tying everything together in the end. Enjoy reading!

[Krystyna · Rating 5 out of 5]

The masks we hide behind

A terrific read. Easy to read even if it made it just a little too obvious who the culprit was. Warm characters that effortlessly pull you into their story and lives. Okay there are a few proofing errors but the human aspect wins through.
She had retired but uneasy with all that free time she had invested in a small sweet shop and house. All set in a small community that didn't even have a grocery store. However she didn't expect to be moving down with her estranged grandson. An "orphan" who lost his father in a home invasion and mother too drugs. Their first friends are an antique owner and her wheelchair bound daughter. Their first community event had a film showing the retired pastor and a woman having an affair (he had been married for years). When his beaten body is found later that night everyone starts being a suspect even the new pastor. She together with a local officer start looking into the murder. Watch as they try to get a picture of the pastor that had hidden a secret life from the people involved. As the two newcomers try to build a relationship (not only with the people they meet but also each other). Can they find the killer? Can they discover the motive?

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mary and her fourteen-year-old grandson Tripp have moved to the small town of Brooks, Georgia to start a new life. Mary has purchased a storefront to open up her own sweets shop. What a dream come true! A local business owner and her fourteen-year-old daughter befriend Mary and Tripp helping them get acquainted with the town and all of its residents. Perhaps the change of scenery can help Tripp get over the sudden death of his father. At an event to introduce her new business, Mary meets a local police officer Preston, who soon asks her out on a date.

Everything seems to be going great in the town of Brooks until a local and very beloved retired pastor has been found murdered. Soon past hidden secrets are brought out in the open and Mary and Preston work together to solve the case. Can Mary solve a murder as well as she bakes a delectable rainbow cake?

This is a sweet new cozy series filled with lots of charm, mystery, delightful characters, humor, and adventure.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Sweet Revenge. It is a charming, well-written cozy that moves along at a steady pace. Mary and Tripp's relationship felt very realistic as they experienced many ups and downs. Preston was a competent detective. Cindy and Hannah also had a believable relationship. Once the clue was found at the murder scene I knew who did it but I didn't figure out why until the autopsy results were revealed. That didn't detract from the story. While I could suspend belief when Preston asked for Mary's help because of her investigative reporter background, I couldn't handle her being involved in carrying out a search warrant. Any evidence she found would be inadmissible in court. I have no idea why Draco was introduced to the story. He didn't move the plot along and he wasn't a red herring. He was simply unnecessary. I can't imagine why Mary would have moved from LA to a tiny town in GA that she had no ties to. That seemed a bit strange. I look forward to seeing what happens next in Brooks, GA.

[Julia Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet Revenge is a well done cozy mystery. Mary, a retired investigative reporter, moves across the country and opens a sweets shop in a small town in Georgia. At the time she plans on making this huge change, she is unaware that her 14-year-old grandson will soon be joining her after the death of his father. Tripp is a typical teenager who is not at all happy about the move not to mention dealing with the death of his Dad. As Mary is getting the new house and the sweet shop ready, the well-known Pastor of the church is found dead.

Mary can not help herself and gets involved in solving the murder. Along the way she meets Preston, a local police officer assigned to the case and they begin a romantic relationship as well as teaming up to solve the case. Town secrets are revealed, Mary and Tripp’s relationship solidifies and the sweet shop gets opened with rave success.

A terrific weekend read for those that love cozy mysteries!

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

The start of a new series Sweets Shop Cozy Mysteries by a new Author to me and it looks like this is her first book. A well written story that kept me on the edge of my seat, there is suspense, drama, danger, emotional highs and lows, and murder. Plus friendships growing between Mary a retired famous investigative reporter, her Grandson Tripp who has come to live with her after the murder of his Father his only parent and Preston, a local police officer, Cindy, Cindy's daughter Hannah, a cat called Sweet Feet and a new friend near the end Draco when Mary and Tripp move to Brooks, Georgia. I know I want to read the next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet Revenge

I am so glad to have been offered the privilege to review this mystery!The caracters surrounding this mystery are as vibrant as ever and writer really knows how to grab you by the heart and soul, when a gramma has been denied access to her grand son for fourteen years then has to step in as his guardian.Mary and Tripp nead to learn to connect with one another.But oh no a pastor has been found dead and Mary is asked to help find the person responsible.The mayhem and intreage that fallows will have you laughing and wandering if things will turn for the best or worst for Mary and Tripp.There is only one way to find out. Aquier a copy of "Sweet Revenge "I 'm sure you will enjoy this cozey mystery filled with charm as much as I have.

[Evelyn Grabas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read. I feel it really hit home as to what can happen to one's mind when your child's life is altered, and not for the good. The hate and rage that become a part of you and changes your whole being. Putting myself in this man's place and using one of my own child/children as an example, I know the anger, rage and demand for justice would be the same and I don't know if I would properly be at rest for the remainder of my life until that justice was satisfied. He did what he did, but I can't say I cannot feel sympathy for him and what he did. It is just an example of how one man's weakness, deceit and lack of conscience can effect so much more than his own life.
I look forward to reading more books in this series and highly recommend them.

[Shonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic read! The characters were so fun and quirky, even the kids! This was such a fun mystery with some clues along along the way. I loved that the author brought into the story the fact that no one has a perfect life and that there are lots of hurts in every family. There were some serious part but plenty of parts that had me laughing so hard I couldn’t stop. I wish I could have given this book a 10 because it definitely deserves it!
Was given a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.

[Nancy Silk · Rating 5 out of 5]

"A Wonderful Romance/Mystery Story"

In the small town of Brooks, Georgia, Mary has followed her dream and opened a sweets shop. She had retired from being a notable investigative reporter. Now she soon learns the local pastor in town has been murdered. Her 14-year old grandson, Tripp, is with her and he's having some social problems. Local police officer Preston asks grandma Mary out on a date. They also team up to solve the murder mystery. This novel is totally entertaining and will make you also grin. I loved it. Highly recommend.

[Debbie West · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great simple Mystery!

I liked reading about a grandma around my age, & who loves to bake. I kept wondering, though, what was so special about her rainbow cake! Ha! Good mystery, I never suspected the killer & motive. The characters were true & real, so I felt like I was there with them, antipcipating the next event. I was proud of Tripp when I saw him using his love of electronics for a great reason. I hope to read more by this author..loved the sweet cat, & thought the picture of Sweet Feet was adorable! And I love the name of the sweets shop!

[Evette Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

People can be hard to understand

I found this story to be more serious than I expected. The characters were interesting and complicated. The flaws and motivations of the people involved were described with a good amount of detail. They seemed more like real people I might know rather than just placeholders to get the plot to work. Thank you for an enjoyable and even educational experience.

[Carlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet cozy mystery, a new book in a series. I liked the characters, especially Mary. She acts just as one would expect being suddenly put in the position of being responsible for a 14 year old grandson with whom she had very little contact in his life. The story has a lot to say about forgiveness for hurts inflicted by others. And Sweet Feet, the cat, added whimsy to the story. I would read more by this author.

[Shannon Flynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mary is juggling a lot of balls: She's moved from California to Georgia to start a sweets shop and has her estranged grandson in tow. Before the two can settle in and get to know each other, they're drawn into a murder.
Mary's got to set up her new business. But she's caught the eye of the local sheriff, who enlists her skills as a former investigative journalist to find out who broke the Commandment: "Thou shalt not kill."
It's a well-paced mystery with likeable characters. .. including a cat.

[Charlyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Southern setting, Southern heart

I liked that this book showed the kindness and friendliness of a small Southern town where going to church was a Sunday tradition. Mary and her grandson Tripp are new to the town of Brooks, but Mary’s investigative journalism background aids Officer Preston in solving a homicide. And friend Cindy and her daughter Hannah help Tripp integrate into a new community. Some healing and some forgiveness in this initial book in the series.

[Bernadette Cinkoske · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed Sweet Revenge, the first of the Sweet Shop mysteries. The characters are well written and personable. The small town ambiance is great. In fact I am ready to make a trip to Brooks, GA and try that rainbow cake! The plot has numerous twists and many suspects. I did not figure it out which is always a plus. I highly recommend this book.

[Regina L Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Wonderful Cozy Mystery

This is a wonderful new series. The characters are well written. This book intrigued me, because my husband and I just moved to a small town in Georgia that could be Brooks. I am trying to adjust to small town living. I look forward to future offerings in the series. A great start.

[pam laporte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the book..a little romance ... A little mystery

Tripps father was killed in a break in so he had to go live with a grandma he barely knew. She moved them to Georgia and opened a sweet shop. A man gets murdered, her grandson is in trouble and the cop asks her out. Cant wait to read the second.

[Crystal Toller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet Shop Mysteries

This is the story of Mary and her grandson Tripp. They have just moved to Brooks, Georgia from Low Angeles where Mary is opening a sweets shop. When a local retired minister is killed Mary agrees to help a local officer, Preston. How they solve the case makes for an intriguing and delightful read.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet mystery

I like the story. The characters are well written and you come to care about their lives. You feel like you know them by the end of the book. There is a lot about understanding that not everything is black and white and that people deserve a second chance. A really good heartfelt novel.

[RJ · Rating 2 out of 5]

A quick cozy mystery to pass the time.
The author spent the first quarter of the book setting up the characters before the murder happens. So I felt connected to the characters.
I do wish the author proof read her book as I found two glaring grammar errors that really were distracting.
"Lenny answered the it."
Hannah felt out of ...

[Annette Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

an engaging read

With only a few errors this book still reads well. It has a very good plot, filled with all kinds of people that are interesting and fun, with some heartbreaking times, some a little shocking, some funny, it just covers a lot of emotions and being completely clean I found it to be very engaging. Well worth a read. Very entertaining.

[Michelle Custer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the book

I loved the book it was a very easy one to read and how the characters are wit each other I liked how Tripp gave his team a picture as a gift for the able shop I was shocked as to who did it til the end

[Beth Hirschenbein · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved It!

Enjoyed everything about this book. I like Tripp and Cindy and Hannah. I wished there’d been a recipe for the rainbow cake. It sounds very delicious. The name of the Shop is very original. I would like to have a shop like that in my neighborhood.

[Barb Nifong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mary and her teenage grandson have moved to a new small town and are opening a bake shop. Mary once was an investigative reporter and becomes Involved in helping solve a crime. I found the characters believable and was caught up in the story. It was a good easy and clean read.. A great book!

[Karyn Fuller · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is pretty good read a couple of misspell and words left out. But easy to correct in your mind but don't confuse the over all story.

It is pretty good read it does have some misspelled words or words left out. But still a good read

[Cheri Torres · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting new Series by a New Author

Thoroughly enjoyed this book. The characters are easy to remember and there is enough intrigue to keep you reading. Looking forward to the next books in the series.