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Holly Holmes #4
Cherry Cream and Murder
Ruined reputations, romance, and rivalry abound in this riveting new murder mystery.
When Holly is tasked with preventing a death, she's in a bind. She has no idea who's about to die and how they'll meet a sticky end!
When the killer strikes during a longbow shooting competition, Holly investigates. As she hunts for the truth, she discovers work rivals, a neglected girlfriend, and intense jealousy surrounding the victim.
Risking her safety, and ignoring the warning from castle security to stay out of the investigation, Holly is determined to find the truth. If she fails, a killer will go free, and justice won't prevail.
With the odds stacked against her, and a second castle guest falling prey to the longbow killer, Holly is running out of time.
Welcome back to Audley St. Mary. The stories are always full of desserts, murder, and puzzles. Enjoy mystery, friendship, twists and turns, and lots of tasty treats as you indulge in this delicious book.
This is a fun, twisty page-turner that will delight dessert lovers, cozy mystery fans, and anyone who has a soft spot for a cute dog!
More books in the series:
Book 1 – Cream Caramel and Murder
Book 2 – Chocolate Swirls and Murder
Book 3 – Vanilla Whip and Murder
Book 4 - Cherry Cream and Murder
When Holly is tasked with preventing a death, she's in a bind. She has no idea who's about to die and how they'll meet a sticky end!
When the killer strikes during a longbow shooting competition, Holly investigates. As she hunts for the truth, she discovers work rivals, a neglected girlfriend, and intense jealousy surrounding the victim.
Risking her safety, and ignoring the warning from castle security to stay out of the investigation, Holly is determined to find the truth. If she fails, a killer will go free, and justice won't prevail.
With the odds stacked against her, and a second castle guest falling prey to the longbow killer, Holly is running out of time.
Welcome back to Audley St. Mary. The stories are always full of desserts, murder, and puzzles. Enjoy mystery, friendship, twists and turns, and lots of tasty treats as you indulge in this delicious book.
This is a fun, twisty page-turner that will delight dessert lovers, cozy mystery fans, and anyone who has a soft spot for a cute dog!
More books in the series:
Book 1 – Cream Caramel and Murder
Book 2 – Chocolate Swirls and Murder
Book 3 – Vanilla Whip and Murder
Book 4 - Cherry Cream and Murder
- GenresCozy MysteryMystery
222 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 13, 2019
119 people are currently reading
96 people want to read
About the author
K.E. O'Connor
177 books193 followersK.E. O’Connor is the author of the Witch Haven mystery series, the Crypt Witch cozy mysteries, the Lorna Shadow ghost mysteries, the Holly Holmes baking mysteries, the Zee Town paranormal cozy series, and the Old Sarum mystery series, along with other titles available if you cast the right spell. She can imagine dragons, taste cookies when they aren’t even there, and hear the crack of a witch’s broom at a hundred paces.
K.E. (the K stands for Karen) lives in the United Kingdom (it isn’t very united, but that’s a mystery for another time) among the mystical stones and fairy creatures of Somerset. She graduated from the Universities of Southampton and Reading, where she received degrees in Archaeology and Cognitive Evolution (both highly entertaining to take part in, but with the career options of a ground witch’s toe bone.)
If you’re of the curious persuasion and want to know more, visit her website at www.keoconnor.com for enlightening knowledge on all things cozy mystery, book news, and a peek into the magical world of a writer who believes animals talk and magic is just a finger click away.
To contact her, visit her Facebook page – www.facebook/keoconnorauthor, join her email list, or dust off that haunted mirror in your cellar and speak the ancient magical words to transport yourself into her lounge. There may be tea and cookies waiting, or there may be giants – it depends on her mood.
K.E. (the K stands for Karen) lives in the United Kingdom (it isn’t very united, but that’s a mystery for another time) among the mystical stones and fairy creatures of Somerset. She graduated from the Universities of Southampton and Reading, where she received degrees in Archaeology and Cognitive Evolution (both highly entertaining to take part in, but with the career options of a ground witch’s toe bone.)
If you’re of the curious persuasion and want to know more, visit her website at www.keoconnor.com for enlightening knowledge on all things cozy mystery, book news, and a peek into the magical world of a writer who believes animals talk and magic is just a finger click away.
To contact her, visit her Facebook page – www.facebook/keoconnorauthor, join her email list, or dust off that haunted mirror in your cellar and speak the ancient magical words to transport yourself into her lounge. There may be tea and cookies waiting, or there may be giants – it depends on her mood.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
August 10, 2024
In the latest entry in the Holly Holmes cozy mystery series, a history conference is taking place at the castle, and everyone participating seems to have a secret. When a murder occurs, most of the attendees seem to have a motive for murder. Holly, of course, begins to investigate along with her friend Princess Alice (and I still have no idea why she's a princess and her brother is not a prince), much to the chagrin of Campbell, the head of palace security (again, why don't the local police ever investigate anything).
Setting aside the puzzling issues about royalty and the local police, I liked the mystery itself, and was happy with the ending. I just wish at some point we'd get an explanation for the oddities with the royals.
Setting aside the puzzling issues about royalty and the local police, I liked the mystery itself, and was happy with the ending. I just wish at some point we'd get an explanation for the oddities with the royals.
August 6, 2024
Holly is excited to exercise her inner history nerd for a historical conference taking place at Audley Castle. She hopes to catch some of the talks after she finishes baking. Holly is especially eager to listen to a talk on medieval weapons by Professor Stephen Maguire. Holly's friend Louise is eager to help Holly cater the event in order to bat her eyelashes at Campbell. Then Lady Philippa makes a startling premonition - again - someone is going to die! She predicts Professor Maguire's assistant, Ben, is going to die, somehow, somewhere, on the grounds and charges Holly with protecting the young man. Holly tries her best but while cheering on Princess Alice at the archery contest and arguing over women's rights, someone shoots Ben with a crossbow from a distance. No one can find the shooter or the weapon. Campbell uses and dumps Holly as usual, making her mad and Princess Alice is eager to find out who killed the student. Can Holly and Alice figure it out before Campbell and the security team?
This is a good mystery. I figured out who based on process of elimination. I thought it was someone else at first though. I was on the right track with the motive but not quite there yet. There were enough twists to keep me in suspense. I enjoyed the foray into Tudor baking but I've tried Tudor gingerbread and it was not amazing but maybe it is for someone? It's literally spicy bread! My quibble is the characters sound American, even with the class snobbery and the princess, Duke and Duchess references, they don't sound British in my head. "Princess" keeps throwing me off because in the UK, Princess is only for direct descendants of the monarch and the wife of the Prince of Wales. I guess Alice's family could be foreign and she was raised in Britain.
My favorite character is Meatball. He IS adorable and the bestest good boy! Yes he is! He deserves a treat for finding evidence even if he drooled on it. My favorite human is Lady Philippa! She's a riot even with her death predictions. I relate to Holly being a fellow history nerd. I, too, would geek out if a history conference came right to my workplace and I had the opportunity to bake historical recipes from the family archive! That would be amazing! Holly is growing a backbone and standing up for herself and her friends while still being empathetic and kind. She's aware of her feelings for Lord Rupert but also aware it can not be, something he seems clueless about. I don't like her friendship with Louise. Louise is not a good friend. She is using Holly to eat pastry and get to Campbell. Her idea of a hunky, strong, authoritative man is not mine. Like Holly, I'd rather date Lord Rupert. He's sweet and kind. Princess Alice seems to feel she has the monopoly on Holly's friendship. This is not healthy or a true friendship. She does become more self-aware and they work things out but like Chef, I'd be wary of the "friendship" from now on. Alice is very headstrong and used to getting her own way. The only one who ever tells her no is Campbell and she likes him for the same reasons Louise does. ew!
I had Professor Stephen Maguire pegged right away. He's egotistical and sexist. I was surprised no one killed HIM! There was more motive to kill him than his assistant. Ben Friel, Professor Stephen’s assistant, seems like a nice young man. He's smart, hard-working and a champion of his girlfriend. Ben seems worried about something though and really stressed out. Does he know someone wants to kill him? His death was a real tragedy. His girlfriend, Penny, SAYS she's trying to fend off unwanted sexual advances but is she really? Everyone says Penny and Ben were very much in love and so cute together but they're both academics and their work may take them apart. Did Penny fight with Ben? She didn't have to kill him. Did Penny get upset that Ben wasn't a big tough guy to save her?
Well of course the killer has to be Eddie, the rude lighting tech who was sexually harassing Ben's girlfriend, Penny. Eddie is a pig and unused to hearing no from women. Did he kill Ben to get to Penny? That's ridiculous. Marcel is a prime suspect. He was also an assistant but the backup to Ben. Johann wasn't as much of a dedicated scholar as Ben. He displays an arrogance similar to the professor's. He's also sexist, snobby and rude. Marcel is very jealous of Ben and I wouldn't put it past him to take out Ben to get to the top. Johann Timber, another conference participant, is a sad drunk. I don't think he had enough aim to kill anyone on purpose anyway. He could be faking drunk though.
Evelyn, Stephen's wife, is very sweet and demure. She isn't into history and she supports her husband's work through raising money for his research. That seems to be her primary function in life. They're an odd couple but she seems content. However, I wouldn't put it past Marcel to try to seduce her but it's Ben who ends up dead! There was no reason to kill Ben. Marcel and Johann, Stephen yes! Ben? No. Was someone a bad shot and get Ben by mistake or did he know something or do something that caused his death?
This is a fun, fluffy series I enjoy for a bit of light reading. I'll probably continue with the series next weekend.
This is a good mystery. I figured out who based on process of elimination. I thought it was someone else at first though. I was on the right track with the motive but not quite there yet. There were enough twists to keep me in suspense. I enjoyed the foray into Tudor baking but I've tried Tudor gingerbread and it was not amazing but maybe it is for someone? It's literally spicy bread! My quibble is the characters sound American, even with the class snobbery and the princess, Duke and Duchess references, they don't sound British in my head. "Princess" keeps throwing me off because in the UK, Princess is only for direct descendants of the monarch and the wife of the Prince of Wales. I guess Alice's family could be foreign and she was raised in Britain.
My favorite character is Meatball. He IS adorable and the bestest good boy! Yes he is! He deserves a treat for finding evidence even if he drooled on it. My favorite human is Lady Philippa! She's a riot even with her death predictions. I relate to Holly being a fellow history nerd. I, too, would geek out if a history conference came right to my workplace and I had the opportunity to bake historical recipes from the family archive! That would be amazing! Holly is growing a backbone and standing up for herself and her friends while still being empathetic and kind. She's aware of her feelings for Lord Rupert but also aware it can not be, something he seems clueless about. I don't like her friendship with Louise. Louise is not a good friend. She is using Holly to eat pastry and get to Campbell. Her idea of a hunky, strong, authoritative man is not mine. Like Holly, I'd rather date Lord Rupert. He's sweet and kind. Princess Alice seems to feel she has the monopoly on Holly's friendship. This is not healthy or a true friendship. She does become more self-aware and they work things out but like Chef, I'd be wary of the "friendship" from now on. Alice is very headstrong and used to getting her own way. The only one who ever tells her no is Campbell and she likes him for the same reasons Louise does. ew!
I had Professor Stephen Maguire pegged right away. He's egotistical and sexist. I was surprised no one killed HIM! There was more motive to kill him than his assistant. Ben Friel, Professor Stephen’s assistant, seems like a nice young man. He's smart, hard-working and a champion of his girlfriend. Ben seems worried about something though and really stressed out. Does he know someone wants to kill him? His death was a real tragedy. His girlfriend, Penny, SAYS she's trying to fend off unwanted sexual advances but is she really? Everyone says Penny and Ben were very much in love and so cute together but they're both academics and their work may take them apart. Did Penny fight with Ben? She didn't have to kill him. Did Penny get upset that Ben wasn't a big tough guy to save her?
Well of course the killer has to be Eddie, the rude lighting tech who was sexually harassing Ben's girlfriend, Penny. Eddie is a pig and unused to hearing no from women. Did he kill Ben to get to Penny? That's ridiculous. Marcel is a prime suspect. He was also an assistant but the backup to Ben. Johann wasn't as much of a dedicated scholar as Ben. He displays an arrogance similar to the professor's. He's also sexist, snobby and rude. Marcel is very jealous of Ben and I wouldn't put it past him to take out Ben to get to the top. Johann Timber, another conference participant, is a sad drunk. I don't think he had enough aim to kill anyone on purpose anyway. He could be faking drunk though.
Evelyn, Stephen's wife, is very sweet and demure. She isn't into history and she supports her husband's work through raising money for his research. That seems to be her primary function in life. They're an odd couple but she seems content. However, I wouldn't put it past Marcel to try to seduce her but it's Ben who ends up dead! There was no reason to kill Ben. Marcel and Johann, Stephen yes! Ben? No. Was someone a bad shot and get Ben by mistake or did he know something or do something that caused his death?
This is a fun, fluffy series I enjoy for a bit of light reading. I'll probably continue with the series next weekend.
August 16, 2020
Three and a half stars
Holly is still nosy, smart, and charming. Campbell is still enigmatic and exasperating , but he's growing on this reader. While it is slightly hypocritical considering how disposable HE ensured Holly felt in the previous book, Chef Heston's assessment of Holly's position is spot on; his reason is what's at fault. The aristocrats are not too good for Holly; frankly, they are not good enough because they don't truly see her as a friend. Alice and Lady Phillipa are only superficially likable and are dismissive of Holly as a discrete (yes, that's the correct word) individual, and Rupert is just bland. The mystery is a distant second to the character studies; it's not particularly engaging and the culprit is no surprise. The motive provides the surprise because it is frankly improbable. I am eager for the story arc that includes a huge epiphany for Holly that will provide steel for her backbone, questions about Holly's AND Campbell's future roles at Audley Castle, and some much-needed tension in this light series.
Holly is still nosy, smart, and charming. Campbell is still enigmatic and exasperating , but he's growing on this reader. While it is slightly hypocritical considering how disposable HE ensured Holly felt in the previous book, Chef Heston's assessment of Holly's position is spot on; his reason is what's at fault. The aristocrats are not too good for Holly; frankly, they are not good enough because they don't truly see her as a friend. Alice and Lady Phillipa are only superficially likable and are dismissive of Holly as a discrete (yes, that's the correct word) individual, and Rupert is just bland. The mystery is a distant second to the character studies; it's not particularly engaging and the culprit is no surprise. The motive provides the surprise because it is frankly improbable. I am eager for the story arc that includes a huge epiphany for Holly that will provide steel for her backbone, questions about Holly's AND Campbell's future roles at Audley Castle, and some much-needed tension in this light series.
September 16, 2022
Who wouldn't love a cosy mystery?
I am so hooked on all of K.E. O'Conner's books! This mystery was fun reading and hard to solve. Holly sounds like she would make a interesting friend. She's sweet and good at helping solve murders and baking (on the castle grounds.) Although, the head of the castle guards doesn't feel charitable, with any of Hollys help. All the characters are fun to read about and make the story fun well balanced. K.E. O'Connor has done an excellent job of making everyone likeable. Even the bad guys. It's full of cleverness, a bit sassy and even some laugh out loud moments. You won't go wrong reading K.E. O'Conner's books! Thank you for having your books in Kindle Unlimited!!
I am so hooked on all of K.E. O'Conner's books! This mystery was fun reading and hard to solve. Holly sounds like she would make a interesting friend. She's sweet and good at helping solve murders and baking (on the castle grounds.) Although, the head of the castle guards doesn't feel charitable, with any of Hollys help. All the characters are fun to read about and make the story fun well balanced. K.E. O'Connor has done an excellent job of making everyone likeable. Even the bad guys. It's full of cleverness, a bit sassy and even some laugh out loud moments. You won't go wrong reading K.E. O'Conner's books! Thank you for having your books in Kindle Unlimited!!
June 11, 2023
Scholars and Murder
The castle is hosting a history event. Top notch lectures, ancient weapons contest and authentic food. But of course things don’t go as planned. Why are people dying? Can Holly find out?
I enjoy the characters in this series as much as the stories. Fun and entertaining!
The castle is hosting a history event. Top notch lectures, ancient weapons contest and authentic food. But of course things don’t go as planned. Why are people dying? Can Holly find out?
I enjoy the characters in this series as much as the stories. Fun and entertaining!
November 5, 2022
Archery
Can't get enough of these murder adventures. History lectures and archery competition all lead to murder. No skipping ahead you May miss out on how and why someone was murdered.
Can't get enough of these murder adventures. History lectures and archery competition all lead to murder. No skipping ahead you May miss out on how and why someone was murdered.
April 12, 2024
Whodunit
Who killed the two students? It couldn't have been the professor or his wife because they had been together when the deed was done.Or maybe it was.
I borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited. This in no way affects my opinion of this book.
Who killed the two students? It couldn't have been the professor or his wife because they had been together when the deed was done.Or maybe it was.
I borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited. This in no way affects my opinion of this book.
July 5, 2025
Not Much Left To Do
I still like this series, so I’m happy that they made it more interesting by introducing two murders at once. I hope they can keep doing little things to make it more exciting, as that is what book 4 fell into as a trap.
I still like this series, so I’m happy that they made it more interesting by introducing two murders at once. I hope they can keep doing little things to make it more exciting, as that is what book 4 fell into as a trap.
January 8, 2020
Holly and the gang do it again. This time, Holly gets to use her "education" to solve the problem. A "deliciously" enjoyable read.
February 18, 2021
Great Series......
I've been enjoying reading about the adventures of the baker who always seemed to find herself in the middle of a murder mystery.
I've been enjoying reading about the adventures of the baker who always seemed to find herself in the middle of a murder mystery.
September 22, 2021
What do long bow and cakes have in common?
Holly and her friends get into compromising situations trying to figure out who did the killing with an ancient long bow and arrow.
Holly and her friends get into compromising situations trying to figure out who did the killing with an ancient long bow and arrow.
November 5, 2021
Really good cozy mystery!
Two murders occur by bow and arrow in this cozy mystery. The food, fun and friends keep it interesting as Holly solves these murders.
Two murders occur by bow and arrow in this cozy mystery. The food, fun and friends keep it interesting as Holly solves these murders.
May 15, 2022
wonderful cozy. I do so enjoy this series!
September 19, 2022
Mystery was good but tired of same argument between Holly and Campbell.
September 20, 2022
Who killed Ben and Marcel and why??? Stay away from the arrows!!! I enjoyed this story and recommend the book.
March 26, 2023
Nice...
Enjoyed reading, nice storyline. Didn't see it coming, as in who did it. Enjoying reading the series. Looking forward to the next.
Enjoyed reading, nice storyline. Didn't see it coming, as in who did it. Enjoying reading the series. Looking forward to the next.
May 4, 2024
another mystery solved!
Holly, Alice and Rupert team up and solve a double murder! Cute story if you are a history buff and like long bows!
Holly, Alice and Rupert team up and solve a double murder! Cute story if you are a history buff and like long bows!
February 5, 2022
Nice read.
February 8, 2023
The format of the book has changed this time rather than a meet the victim, victim dies, "oh no" can Holly and Campbell solve this?
I found this to be more interesting as a death was foreshadowed but how can you prevent something if you don't know how it's going to happen?
This one kept you guessing for a while as to who the killer could be and we got to see more relationships develop through the book which was enjoyable.
I found this to be more interesting as a death was foreshadowed but how can you prevent something if you don't know how it's going to happen?
This one kept you guessing for a while as to who the killer could be and we got to see more relationships develop through the book which was enjoyable.
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February 19, 2024Für meine deutschen Leser (for my German readers) – Mord und Kirschkuchen ist jetzt verfügbar.
Eine Prise Mord im Paradies, ein Schuss ruinierter Ruf und ein Spritzer Rivalität. Das englische Landleben war noch nie tödlicher …
https://www.amazon.de/dp/B0CNM188HK
Eine Prise Mord im Paradies, ein Schuss ruinierter Ruf und ein Spritzer Rivalität. Das englische Landleben war noch nie tödlicher …
https://www.amazon.de/dp/B0CNM188HK
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews