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Cookies & Chance Mystery #7
Sprinkled in Malice
From USA Today bestselling author Catherine Bruns comes another deliciously deadly culinary mystery...
Spring has officially arrived, and while the weather outside may still be frightful, Sally Muccio is feeling especially delightful as she prepares a homemade family dinner in honor of her husband’s birthday. Sal’s determined to make it an unforgettable night for Mike and even includes homemade fortune cookies like the ones her bakery serves, with messages personalized for each guest.
The evening is memorable, but not as Sal had hoped, when Mike and a family friend find themselves in the middle of an armed robbery...and only one will make it out alive. It’s just the beginning of more grief for Sal, who soon discovers the robbery is related to a scheme that spells financial ruin for her family. Add in her morbid father’s book signing at the bakery complete with coffin shaped cookies, a sister who won’t stop eating them, and an accidental gig at a local strip club, and Sal once again finds herself in deep dough. Only this time, there may not be a way out...
*Recipes Included!*
What critics are
"A fantastic cozy mystery!"
—InD'Tale Magazine
"I want to visit more with all of the quirky characters just to see what crazy and outrageous things they will do next!"
—Fresh Fiction
"The Cookies and Chance Mystery series is more than just a series....it's a family !! Once you read the first book, you are hooked and feel like a member of the crazy Muccio family."
—Cozy Mystery Book Reviews
Spring has officially arrived, and while the weather outside may still be frightful, Sally Muccio is feeling especially delightful as she prepares a homemade family dinner in honor of her husband’s birthday. Sal’s determined to make it an unforgettable night for Mike and even includes homemade fortune cookies like the ones her bakery serves, with messages personalized for each guest.
The evening is memorable, but not as Sal had hoped, when Mike and a family friend find themselves in the middle of an armed robbery...and only one will make it out alive. It’s just the beginning of more grief for Sal, who soon discovers the robbery is related to a scheme that spells financial ruin for her family. Add in her morbid father’s book signing at the bakery complete with coffin shaped cookies, a sister who won’t stop eating them, and an accidental gig at a local strip club, and Sal once again finds herself in deep dough. Only this time, there may not be a way out...
*Recipes Included!*
What critics are
"A fantastic cozy mystery!"
—InD'Tale Magazine
"I want to visit more with all of the quirky characters just to see what crazy and outrageous things they will do next!"
—Fresh Fiction
"The Cookies and Chance Mystery series is more than just a series....it's a family !! Once you read the first book, you are hooked and feel like a member of the crazy Muccio family."
—Cozy Mystery Book Reviews
- GenresCozy MysteryMystery
205 pages, Paperback
Published February 28, 2019
152 people are currently reading
334 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Bruns
61 books907 followersCatherine is the USA Today bestselling author of the Cookies & Chance mysteries. She lives in Upstate New York with her very patient husband, three sons and several spoiled pets. She holds a dual B.A. in English and Performing Arts and is a former newspaper reporter and press release writer. Catherine also writes the Italian Chef, Maple Syrup, and Cindy York mysteries. Her book, For Sale by Killer, won the Daphne du Maurier award for Mainstream Mystery/Suspense.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
October 7, 2019
Thank goodness for writers like this! Not only does Ms. Bruns make the readers want to keep reading (and reading and reading…) but she also manages to engage the taste buds simply through words.
Read full review in the 2019 September issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2019 September issue of InD'tale Magazine.
February 15, 2019
Sally has planned a birthday party for her husband, Mike. Unfortunately, this day becomes one of her worst nightmares. This is one of the best books in this series and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for an emotional read.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
May 31, 2019
Catherine Bruns has pulled out all the stops with this book in the series, within the first few pages you are gasping and it doesn't stop there!
Sally is making a family dinner, mainly for her husband Mike's birthday but also because her sister Gianna is due to give birth in the next few weeks and so this is a chance to get everyone together before that happens. She is in the process of finishing a few bits off when she realises she needs a final ingredient and asks Mike to get it on the way home. When he hasn't arrived she starts to get a little worried, then VERY worried when she hears of a shooting at the store he will have gone to. At first the thought is that Mike is dead, but "luckily" he was only wounded, it was his employee Trevor who was killed.
A few days later they discover he wasn't quite the model employee they thought, and so that needs sorting out, add in Sally's father doing a book signing (and wanting Coffin Cookies for it!), her mother modeling skimpy wake wear (!) and Gianna going into labour a couple of weeks early and Sally has a lot on her plate, but she and Josie can cope with the kitchen and the sleuthing and so they do!
Sally is making a family dinner, mainly for her husband Mike's birthday but also because her sister Gianna is due to give birth in the next few weeks and so this is a chance to get everyone together before that happens. She is in the process of finishing a few bits off when she realises she needs a final ingredient and asks Mike to get it on the way home. When he hasn't arrived she starts to get a little worried, then VERY worried when she hears of a shooting at the store he will have gone to. At first the thought is that Mike is dead, but "luckily" he was only wounded, it was his employee Trevor who was killed.
A few days later they discover he wasn't quite the model employee they thought, and so that needs sorting out, add in Sally's father doing a book signing (and wanting Coffin Cookies for it!), her mother modeling skimpy wake wear (!) and Gianna going into labour a couple of weeks early and Sally has a lot on her plate, but she and Josie can cope with the kitchen and the sleuthing and so they do!
February 16, 2019
SPRINKLED IN MALICE, the seventh book in the Cookies & Chance Mystery series by Catherine Bruns captured my attention from the very first page with its endearing introduction to protagonist Sally Muccio Donovan. We also meet her best friend, sidekick, and baker all rolled into one feisty woman: Josie. I was lulled into a sense of well-being, reading with a smile on my face, enjoying the fun Sally is planning to celebrate her husband’s birthday when wham… the action starts and it was an edge of your seat read from then on out. Ms. Bruns has written a well-plotted mystery that brings the reader on a rollercoaster ride of emotions. There are plenty of suspects that kept me guessing and the subplots add to the layers of entertainment. The conclusion and wrap up of the story left me cheering and made SPRINKLED IN MALICE one of my new favorites in this series so far.
I also greatly enjoy how the author expertly inserts just enough humor to lighten the mood at the right times using Sally’s parents and grandmother. In particular her father, Domenic Muccio, brings outrageous shenanigans to the page. His “Father of Death” blog and his new book covering the subject of death, had me laughing out loud. Sally’s Grandma Rosa is adorable as she manages to mix up cliché sayings with cute results. I never knew there were so many clichés out there, but Ms. Bruns provides ample examples over the course of this series.
In addition to the free fortune cookies (whose fortunes have a strange way of coming true) handed out at Sally’s Samples, many mouthwatering treats are baked by Josie for Sally’s bakery. Be prepared to drool frequently while reading! Fortunately, the author provides several yummy recipes at the back of the book so the reader can try some of the treats at home.
I was provided an advance copy with the hopes I would review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I also greatly enjoy how the author expertly inserts just enough humor to lighten the mood at the right times using Sally’s parents and grandmother. In particular her father, Domenic Muccio, brings outrageous shenanigans to the page. His “Father of Death” blog and his new book covering the subject of death, had me laughing out loud. Sally’s Grandma Rosa is adorable as she manages to mix up cliché sayings with cute results. I never knew there were so many clichés out there, but Ms. Bruns provides ample examples over the course of this series.
In addition to the free fortune cookies (whose fortunes have a strange way of coming true) handed out at Sally’s Samples, many mouthwatering treats are baked by Josie for Sally’s bakery. Be prepared to drool frequently while reading! Fortunately, the author provides several yummy recipes at the back of the book so the reader can try some of the treats at home.
I was provided an advance copy with the hopes I would review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 6, 2019
It is always fun to return to Colwestern, New York to see what kind of trouble that Sally and her sidekick Josie can get into. Sally is preparing a birthday meal for hubby Mike and her family when she hears on the police scanner of a robbery at a local market where she had asked Mike to pick up some sprinkles for cookies that she is baking. She was afraid that he might be involved in the robbery and that he might be hurt. She quickly drove to the market to discover that Mike had been shot and taken to the hospital. His employee Trevor was not so lucky. Mike is okay after surgery and recovering in a room. When Mike asked Sally to pay a couple of bills for him, the amount and job billing looked suspicious. Trevor's name was on the job and she decided to find out what was going on. She put on her sleuthing hat, grabbed Josie from the bakery, Sally's Samples, and started investigating.
Sally and Josie had lots of people to check out and have a way of getting into some scary and yet funny situations. Sally's wacky family always add some laughs too. Her sister Gianna and boyfriend Johnny are expecting a baby and Grandma Rosa is working on crocheting something for him while staying with Mike. There is a happy ending to the story but lots of action until the end. This is a great addition to the series and I am looking forward to another in the future.
I received a complimentary ARC from Gemma Halliday Publishing. All thoughts and opinions are mine only.
Sally and Josie had lots of people to check out and have a way of getting into some scary and yet funny situations. Sally's wacky family always add some laughs too. Her sister Gianna and boyfriend Johnny are expecting a baby and Grandma Rosa is working on crocheting something for him while staying with Mike. There is a happy ending to the story but lots of action until the end. This is a great addition to the series and I am looking forward to another in the future.
I received a complimentary ARC from Gemma Halliday Publishing. All thoughts and opinions are mine only.
March 19, 2019
The best yet
This has to be the best book yet in this wonderful series. I couldn't ask for a better cozy read. Sure hope another installment is not far off
This has to be the best book yet in this wonderful series. I couldn't ask for a better cozy read. Sure hope another installment is not far off
March 31, 2019
“Sprinkled in Malice” earns 5/5 Sparkled G-Strings…Sooo Clever & Engaging!
“Today is a day you will always remember,” says the fortune cookie. This could be the best Cookies & Chance mystery yet! Catherine Bruns’ well-written story illustrates that Karma comes in all forms. It’s Mike’s birthday, but he's late, not answering his phone, and over the police scanner given to Mike for Christmas, Sally hears there's a shooting at the mini mart Mike would have gone to run an errand for Sally’s dinner plans…still not answering his phone. Sally isn't waiting and heads out in the harsh weather to find Mike. At the store, she sees police, coroner, blood, and a body covered with a tarp. “Mike!” Mike survives his injuries, but the victim, Mike’s friend and valued worker for his construction company, was not so lucky. Sally is personally spurred on to investigate discovering that several things don't add up. Their businesses and their family may be in peril. She'll definitely remember this day!
I thoroughly enjoyed the first-person narrative sharing Sally’s inner thoughts and laying out clues, scenarios, and personal perspectives. You get caught up in the realistic manner the characters interact, and the daily life that goes on around the central drama: Sally’s sister is expecting, her father is promoting his new “Father Death” blog and book, unrequited love finds resolutions, cookies continue to be baked in large numbers, and Sally and BFF Josie, in true Lucy and Ethel fashion are…well, they get themselves into quite a tight spot at Bottoms Up!, the local strip club. All of this with Catherine’s signature page-turning excitement, perilous predicaments, tight knit family and friends, and fun romantic banter between Sally and her husband. Fans, like me, are thrilled with this new book, but newbies shouldn't shy away, even though a lot has already passed, there are enough references made to character connections and background, sans spoilers, to keep any newbie engaged. I highly recommend this series, and this book is one of the best!
Bonus delights! Catherine always includes a few easy-to-follow recipes for cookies you’d bet Josie created for the shop. She says she gets permission from good friends to share their recipes, but many of the rest are her own creation. It's delicious we get to enjoy her efforts: Sprinkled With Fun Cookies, Raspberry Cheesecake Cookies, Chocolate Brownie Cookies! The signature fortune cookie recipe can be found in book one, Tastes Like Murder. A great reason to pick it up!
"Disclosure: I received an ARC. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments."
“Today is a day you will always remember,” says the fortune cookie. This could be the best Cookies & Chance mystery yet! Catherine Bruns’ well-written story illustrates that Karma comes in all forms. It’s Mike’s birthday, but he's late, not answering his phone, and over the police scanner given to Mike for Christmas, Sally hears there's a shooting at the mini mart Mike would have gone to run an errand for Sally’s dinner plans…still not answering his phone. Sally isn't waiting and heads out in the harsh weather to find Mike. At the store, she sees police, coroner, blood, and a body covered with a tarp. “Mike!” Mike survives his injuries, but the victim, Mike’s friend and valued worker for his construction company, was not so lucky. Sally is personally spurred on to investigate discovering that several things don't add up. Their businesses and their family may be in peril. She'll definitely remember this day!
I thoroughly enjoyed the first-person narrative sharing Sally’s inner thoughts and laying out clues, scenarios, and personal perspectives. You get caught up in the realistic manner the characters interact, and the daily life that goes on around the central drama: Sally’s sister is expecting, her father is promoting his new “Father Death” blog and book, unrequited love finds resolutions, cookies continue to be baked in large numbers, and Sally and BFF Josie, in true Lucy and Ethel fashion are…well, they get themselves into quite a tight spot at Bottoms Up!, the local strip club. All of this with Catherine’s signature page-turning excitement, perilous predicaments, tight knit family and friends, and fun romantic banter between Sally and her husband. Fans, like me, are thrilled with this new book, but newbies shouldn't shy away, even though a lot has already passed, there are enough references made to character connections and background, sans spoilers, to keep any newbie engaged. I highly recommend this series, and this book is one of the best!
Bonus delights! Catherine always includes a few easy-to-follow recipes for cookies you’d bet Josie created for the shop. She says she gets permission from good friends to share their recipes, but many of the rest are her own creation. It's delicious we get to enjoy her efforts: Sprinkled With Fun Cookies, Raspberry Cheesecake Cookies, Chocolate Brownie Cookies! The signature fortune cookie recipe can be found in book one, Tastes Like Murder. A great reason to pick it up!
"Disclosure: I received an ARC. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments."
March 12, 2019
The Cookies and Chance Mystery series by Catherine Bruns should come with a warning label..... Readers should be warned that there may be times throughout this series you may unknowingly hold your breathe. I know that while reading the latest in this series, Sprinkled in Malice, there were a few times that I had to stop and breathe.....
It is no secret that I am a HUGE fan of this series. I have read every book in this series and I feel like the Donovan's and the Muccio's are close neighbors. I FEEL everything that they go through...the good, the bad and the scary !! Reading this series is more to me than just reading a book.
And Bruns does not disappoint with Sprinkled in Malice. If anything, I think she took this one over the bar !! When I started reading this book, I knew it was going to be a good story. It starts off with Josie, Sally's best friend and business partner, questioning Sally. And with Sally you know she is always up to something. Even though she is just planning a family dinner to celebrate her husbands birthday with her cooking the entire meal, you know there is going to be more to it. And boy was there !!! Even though the complete extent of it doesn't come to light until the very last page everything in between is just as amazing !!!
We all know that Sally doesn't have the best of luck and unfortunately in this book the bad luck happens to Mike....the good thing (??) is that it stays in the family. And even though the unfortunate situation floors Mike in more ways than one, Sally is determined to lift him up and bring down the bad guys.....
I would LOVE to say more about the story and really give some spoilers away but that is not my style. I will, however, insist that you pick up Sprinkled in Malice and read it.....and make sure you remember to breathe..... I started reading this book holding my breathe and ended up crying at the end.....good tears I assure you !!! Bruns will make you a fan and you will also feel like you gained a great family and wish that they were real !!!
It is no secret that I am a HUGE fan of this series. I have read every book in this series and I feel like the Donovan's and the Muccio's are close neighbors. I FEEL everything that they go through...the good, the bad and the scary !! Reading this series is more to me than just reading a book.
And Bruns does not disappoint with Sprinkled in Malice. If anything, I think she took this one over the bar !! When I started reading this book, I knew it was going to be a good story. It starts off with Josie, Sally's best friend and business partner, questioning Sally. And with Sally you know she is always up to something. Even though she is just planning a family dinner to celebrate her husbands birthday with her cooking the entire meal, you know there is going to be more to it. And boy was there !!! Even though the complete extent of it doesn't come to light until the very last page everything in between is just as amazing !!!
We all know that Sally doesn't have the best of luck and unfortunately in this book the bad luck happens to Mike....the good thing (??) is that it stays in the family. And even though the unfortunate situation floors Mike in more ways than one, Sally is determined to lift him up and bring down the bad guys.....
I would LOVE to say more about the story and really give some spoilers away but that is not my style. I will, however, insist that you pick up Sprinkled in Malice and read it.....and make sure you remember to breathe..... I started reading this book holding my breathe and ended up crying at the end.....good tears I assure you !!! Bruns will make you a fan and you will also feel like you gained a great family and wish that they were real !!!
February 5, 2019
Sal’s Fortune of the Day: Today is a day you will always remember.
Sprinkled in Malice is the seventh book in Catherine Bruns’ Cookies & Chance Mystery series. The storyline flows smoothly in this fast-paced cozy whodunit. The three-dimensional are affable, the well-plotted mystery is interesting, and there’s a great mix of mystery, family, friendship, romance, and lots of humor. There are plenty of twists and turns, red herrings, and suspects to keep the reader engaged. I recommend this delightful series to readers who enjoy well-crafted cozy mysteries.
Sally ‘Sal’ Donovan owns Sally’s Samples in Colwestern, New York, and Josie Sullivan, her best friend since childhood, is the shop’s talented baker. Josie and her husband, Rob, have four boys age three to twelve years old. Sal’s husband, Mike, owns a small construction company and recently hired his first full-time employee, Trevor Parks. Sal has one sister, Gianna, who is a successful attorney, is engaged to Johnny Gavelli, and expecting their first child. Sal and Gianna’s parents, Domenic and Maria Muccio, are often an embarrassment, but their escapades always seem to distract people from life’s problems. Grandma Rosa lives with Domenic and Maria, has an adorable habit of mixing up the words in everyday clichés, and, as always, gives Sal sage advice and helps hold the family together.
It’s Mike’s thirty-first birthday and Sal, who seldom cooks, is making a birthday dinner for him. She invites her family, Josie and her boys for dessert, and, at the last minute, Mike invites Trevor for dinner. When Sally realizes she doesn’t have any sprinkles for the cookies she’s baking, she asks Mike to stop at the store on his way home. Sadly, an armed robbery takes place while Mike and Trevor are at the Colwestern Mini-Mart. The robbers get away, leaving one person dead and another rushed to the hospital. Sal has a need to get to the bottom of a crime and is determined to find the culprits in this devastating crime. While asking questions and tracking down witnesses and suspects, Sal and her sleuthing pal, Josie, discover Trevor wasn’t the man Mike thought he was.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Sprinkled in Malice is the seventh book in Catherine Bruns’ Cookies & Chance Mystery series. The storyline flows smoothly in this fast-paced cozy whodunit. The three-dimensional are affable, the well-plotted mystery is interesting, and there’s a great mix of mystery, family, friendship, romance, and lots of humor. There are plenty of twists and turns, red herrings, and suspects to keep the reader engaged. I recommend this delightful series to readers who enjoy well-crafted cozy mysteries.
Sally ‘Sal’ Donovan owns Sally’s Samples in Colwestern, New York, and Josie Sullivan, her best friend since childhood, is the shop’s talented baker. Josie and her husband, Rob, have four boys age three to twelve years old. Sal’s husband, Mike, owns a small construction company and recently hired his first full-time employee, Trevor Parks. Sal has one sister, Gianna, who is a successful attorney, is engaged to Johnny Gavelli, and expecting their first child. Sal and Gianna’s parents, Domenic and Maria Muccio, are often an embarrassment, but their escapades always seem to distract people from life’s problems. Grandma Rosa lives with Domenic and Maria, has an adorable habit of mixing up the words in everyday clichés, and, as always, gives Sal sage advice and helps hold the family together.
It’s Mike’s thirty-first birthday and Sal, who seldom cooks, is making a birthday dinner for him. She invites her family, Josie and her boys for dessert, and, at the last minute, Mike invites Trevor for dinner. When Sally realizes she doesn’t have any sprinkles for the cookies she’s baking, she asks Mike to stop at the store on his way home. Sadly, an armed robbery takes place while Mike and Trevor are at the Colwestern Mini-Mart. The robbers get away, leaving one person dead and another rushed to the hospital. Sal has a need to get to the bottom of a crime and is determined to find the culprits in this devastating crime. While asking questions and tracking down witnesses and suspects, Sal and her sleuthing pal, Josie, discover Trevor wasn’t the man Mike thought he was.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
August 17, 2023
Sally Muccio is feeling especially delightful as she prepares a homemade family dinner in honor of her husband’s birthday. Sal’s determined to make it an unforgettable night for Mike and even includes homemade fortune cookies like the ones her bakery serves, with messages personalized for each guest. The evening is memorable, but not as Sal had hoped, when Mike and a family friend find themselves in the middle of an armed robbery...and only one will make it out alive. It’s just the beginning of more grief for Sal, who soon discovers the robbery is related to a scheme that spells financial ruin for her family. [amazon synopsis]
Sally's father is so very weird. He is obsessed with death and has written a book about it. And Sally has made coffin-shaped cookies for the book signing {or at least Josie has made them] Can you imagine Sally and Josie at a strip club - dressed to perform? She leaves her grandmother to care for her recuperating husband while she "helps" with the investigation. Was Trevor really the good friend they thought he was? Includes recipes - sometimes the only saving factor.
Sally's father is so very weird. He is obsessed with death and has written a book about it. And Sally has made coffin-shaped cookies for the book signing {or at least Josie has made them] Can you imagine Sally and Josie at a strip club - dressed to perform? She leaves her grandmother to care for her recuperating husband while she "helps" with the investigation. Was Trevor really the good friend they thought he was? Includes recipes - sometimes the only saving factor.
February 12, 2020
sal was making a birthday dinner for her husband. she asked him to bring home sprinkles on the way home. he was bringing the person he hired to help him work home for dinner. they stopped at the store and 2 masked people came in, shot and killed his friend and shot him in the arm
sal went to the market and saw it wasnt her husband that was dead, but went to the hospital where he was being operated on
her cop friend helped out
her husband was going to be ok, just out of work for a few months. meanwhile her dad wanted to do his book signing at her cookie shop and have them make coffin shaped cookies (it was a big hit)
her and josie, her sidekick at the cookie shop went on a hunt to find the killers and hopefully the money her husbands 'friend' embezzled from him (turns out her husband found the money in his toolbox and turned it into the police). they caught the killers and at the end she held the b day dinner for her husband and handed out special fortune cookies to her family. she saved the last one for her husband and told him he was going to be a dad
sal went to the market and saw it wasnt her husband that was dead, but went to the hospital where he was being operated on
her cop friend helped out
her husband was going to be ok, just out of work for a few months. meanwhile her dad wanted to do his book signing at her cookie shop and have them make coffin shaped cookies (it was a big hit)
her and josie, her sidekick at the cookie shop went on a hunt to find the killers and hopefully the money her husbands 'friend' embezzled from him (turns out her husband found the money in his toolbox and turned it into the police). they caught the killers and at the end she held the b day dinner for her husband and handed out special fortune cookies to her family. she saved the last one for her husband and told him he was going to be a dad
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 11, 2020
Sprinkled in Malice (Cookies & Chance Mystery #7). I really don't know how this book has received such high marks! I wanted to scream more than once and I almost stopped reading multiple times. The main character Sal drove me crazy with her immaturity! She has her almost full term pregnant sister fill in for her a few times so she can try to find her husband's shooter. And, the policeman (who of course has a crush on Sal) has no problem with her interviewing people about the shooting even asking for her opinion. Not at all telling her to "leave it to the trained professionals"! Sal continually leaves her recuperating husband to her older grandmother to cook and take care of him. Don't forget Sal and her friend's trip to the strip club to question one of the murder suspects. They went as far as being in a room by themselves with him in their newly acquired stripper clothing! I'm at a loss for the high ratings for this book. I sincerely hope I didn't pay money for this! I'm still shaking my head.
June 20, 2019
I love all of the books written by this author, but I must say, this is the best in this series yet! No spoilers in this review! The story takes you on a super fun journey until you discover who the killer is. The story is full of characters that everyone can relate to, even if you are not a member of an Italian Family! lol. So unpredictable until near the end, this book is entertaining and well written AND it has recipes at the end! What more could you ask for? Sal and Josie are definitely on the job both in the bakery and out in the street as their taste for amateur sleuthing get the better of them. Sal's parents are two loony tune parents that make you throw your hands up in the air, and you can't forget the rest of the family as you swipe your way through this book that you just won't be able to put down. I received a copy for review from the publisher and am providing my honest, unsolicited opinion. This series is completely the sprinkles on top of the cookies!
August 22, 2021
This book has taken the skills of this author up a notch.
The characters are getting wackier. Especially Dominic. There is no boring people in this book that are anywhere in a spotlight.
The pacing is sound. The action is very good.
The dialogue gets funnier with each book. I never get tired of Rosa’s cliches.
The suspects are plentiful and all of them seem so legit for the killer. Alas, I have yet to figure out one before the reveal. But as soon as I see the name, I hit my head and say “of course!” The clues and red herrings are very clear, as soon as the killer is exposed. Bravo Ms. Bruns!
I have moved up to 5 stars for this one because I am finally getting the town setting real in my head. But I am sure many of her fans got it books ago.
The characters are getting wackier. Especially Dominic. There is no boring people in this book that are anywhere in a spotlight.
The pacing is sound. The action is very good.
The dialogue gets funnier with each book. I never get tired of Rosa’s cliches.
The suspects are plentiful and all of them seem so legit for the killer. Alas, I have yet to figure out one before the reveal. But as soon as I see the name, I hit my head and say “of course!” The clues and red herrings are very clear, as soon as the killer is exposed. Bravo Ms. Bruns!
I have moved up to 5 stars for this one because I am finally getting the town setting real in my head. But I am sure many of her fans got it books ago.
February 1, 2019
When Mike gets shot and his employee is killed, Sally discovers Trevor was not the model friend and employee Mike thought he was.
Sally's dad is hosting a book signing, and Gianna is now 8 1/2 months pregnant and ready to drop any day.
This is another fun story from Catherine Bruns. She has well developed characters, a good bit of humor, and a working knowledge of how to spin a story that will keep the pages turning.
Sally's dad is hosting a book signing, and Gianna is now 8 1/2 months pregnant and ready to drop any day.
This is another fun story from Catherine Bruns. She has well developed characters, a good bit of humor, and a working knowledge of how to spin a story that will keep the pages turning.
March 12, 2019
Love <3
This is one fun series! And this installment doesn’t disappoint. Sally goes through some pretty tragic things. Heartbreaking!
I love the characters, and I love the humor. I really felt the drama, and worried alongside Sally. Sally has managed to own this little place inside my heart and I’m looking forward to reading more about her! If you like quirky, fun, easy-to-read cozy mysteries with a clever case, you’re at the right address here!
This is one fun series! And this installment doesn’t disappoint. Sally goes through some pretty tragic things. Heartbreaking!
I love the characters, and I love the humor. I really felt the drama, and worried alongside Sally. Sally has managed to own this little place inside my heart and I’m looking forward to reading more about her! If you like quirky, fun, easy-to-read cozy mysteries with a clever case, you’re at the right address here!
February 25, 2019
Poor Mike has an awful birthday - he is involved in a shooting and then finds out that he has been cheated out of money from his business. Sal takes it upon herself to investigate both the shooting and the money problem.
It was well written, you can really feel Sal's emotions, especially with the shooting. Her father and his whole book signing is hilarious. This was a fun, easy read.
It was well written, you can really feel Sal's emotions, especially with the shooting. Her father and his whole book signing is hilarious. This was a fun, easy read.
March 12, 2019
Sally is a wonderful, fun, imperfect character that you can relate to. Bruns excellent storytelling weaves in and out of the lives of the characters and the mystery keeps me turning the page. This is book #7 in the Cookies and Chance series and each one gets better and better. I voluntarily reviewed a copy I received from the publisher
March 13, 2019
Sprinkled in Malice may just be the best book in the series. I have read them all. Sally and her crazy family and friends feel like my extended family. You can read the blurb. I am not going to rehash the plot. As always, Ms. Bruns characters sparkle and there are a ton of plot twists that keep the reader guessing. You simply must read this book!
September 22, 2020
I bought this at some point a few months ago when it was on sale, and it's the first I've read of the series, but I plan on going back and reading the others (although I guess I'll know about a few relationships/plot points). As often happens with cozy mysteries, it's the characters that made the story rather than the mystery. 3.5 stars, bumped up because of the scene at the strop club :)
March 11, 2019
Each book is awesome. After reading each book, I think it's my favorite one of the series until the next one comes out. Pick them all up & leave plenty of time for reading, you will enjoy them all. Looking forward to the next one!!
March 18, 2019
Awesome
I am so happy to see how things turned out in this one. I completely had it wrong as to who the killer was. What a surprising twist at the end. Looking forward to the next book very much.
I am so happy to see how things turned out in this one. I completely had it wrong as to who the killer was. What a surprising twist at the end. Looking forward to the next book very much.
March 29, 2020
Great mystery
Love a book that includes recipes and one I can't put down until I am finished. Just kept yet to g better and better. A have to read. Can't wait to read more of Catherine's books!
Love a book that includes recipes and one I can't put down until I am finished. Just kept yet to g better and better. A have to read. Can't wait to read more of Catherine's books!
March 12, 2019
Great book and series. I love following Sally and Josies adventures
March 18, 2019
Oh my - loved this book. Josie and Sally are such great friends. The story had several twists and turns that were not expected. Great book and great read.
March 25, 2019
I received an ARC to review this book. I’ve not had a chance to read others in this series but I will. Likable characters and a twist I didn’t see coming.
September 3, 2019
This was much better than book 6 but Sal and Mike need to learn to work/communicate better. I bine read all 7 books the last two days and am eagerly waiting for book #8!
April 2, 2020
Enjoyable mystery
Several very nice characters that I was rooting for. Also, of course, some truly awful people that I was happy to see get what they deserved.
Several very nice characters that I was rooting for. Also, of course, some truly awful people that I was happy to see get what they deserved.
November 23, 2021
Another great story in this series (would recommend reading in order). Love her grandma in this story.
June 10, 2023
Cookies and chance #7
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