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Chef-to-Go Mystery #3
Winner Cake All
Once again, it looks like Dani Sloan will get a slice of the action...
In the small town of Normalton, IL, there aren't a lot of opportunities for small business owner Dani Sloan to cater big-ticket events. But that's about to change—a client named Yvette Joubert is marrying Franklin Whittaker, the richest guy around, and they want Dani to cater their engagement party! The swanky event is the perfect opportunity to put Dani on the map for wealthier clients.
But when a storm hits the party after guests arrive, it becomes clear that more than the dinner is ruined: Yvette is found dead beneath the marquee. Is her death a tragic accident, or a perfectly orchestrated murder? Then the case gets even juicier—it turns out that Yvette's ex-husband is Spencer Drake, Dani's almost-boyfriend, and the police start circling. Now Dani must follow an unending list of clues to save her business, her better half, and catch a criminal. Let's just hope they get their just desserts!
In the small town of Normalton, IL, there aren't a lot of opportunities for small business owner Dani Sloan to cater big-ticket events. But that's about to change—a client named Yvette Joubert is marrying Franklin Whittaker, the richest guy around, and they want Dani to cater their engagement party! The swanky event is the perfect opportunity to put Dani on the map for wealthier clients.
But when a storm hits the party after guests arrive, it becomes clear that more than the dinner is ruined: Yvette is found dead beneath the marquee. Is her death a tragic accident, or a perfectly orchestrated murder? Then the case gets even juicier—it turns out that Yvette's ex-husband is Spencer Drake, Dani's almost-boyfriend, and the police start circling. Now Dani must follow an unending list of clues to save her business, her better half, and catch a criminal. Let's just hope they get their just desserts!
352 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published September 29, 2020
108 people are currently reading
614 people want to read
About the author
Denise Swanson
69 books1,129 followersDenise Swanson lives in rural Illinois with her husband, classical composer David Stybr.
After 22 years as a practicing school psychologist, she's happiest sitting in her scree porch reading. However, when the weather turns too cold, she's willing to leave the Midwest to cruise the sunny Caribbean.
Denise is an animal lover, but her home is currently furless, since her kitty of 20 years passed away in August of 2016. Instead, she enjoys watching the wildlife out her office window.
After 22 years as a practicing school psychologist, she's happiest sitting in her scree porch reading. However, when the weather turns too cold, she's willing to leave the Midwest to cruise the sunny Caribbean.
Denise is an animal lover, but her home is currently furless, since her kitty of 20 years passed away in August of 2016. Instead, she enjoys watching the wildlife out her office window.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews
September 10, 2020
Winner Cake All is the third book in Denise Swanson's Chef-To-Go Mystery series. Set in the college town of Normalton, Illinois, the protagonist, Dani Sloan, runs a catering, personal chef, and lunch-to-go business with the help of her three boarders, Ivy, Tippi, and Starr. Dani is hired to cater the engagement party of the wealthiest man in town, Franklin Whittaker, and his obnoxious fiancée, Yvette, who also happens to the ex-wife of her boyfriend, Spencer. During the party, Yvette is murdered and there's no shortage of suspects, including Dani and Spencer. Hoping to solve the murder, they both decide to do some sleuthing.
This is a great addition to the Chef-To-Go Mysteries. I've been a fan of this series since the beginning and have enjoyed spending time with Dani and seeing her business flourish and the relationships in her life develop. I like the cast of characters, the college town setting, and the mouthwatering food descriptions. The mysteries are always engaging and the culprits are not obvious. Dani's kindness and compassion make it easy for readers to like her and root for her. This series is also told from Spencer's perspective, which I enjoy. I think it's a great way to get to know him better and see what his life is like outside of his relationship with Dani, plus his side stories are always interesting.
All in all, this is a fun culinary cozy mystery series, and I definitely recommend it.
Thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is a great addition to the Chef-To-Go Mysteries. I've been a fan of this series since the beginning and have enjoyed spending time with Dani and seeing her business flourish and the relationships in her life develop. I like the cast of characters, the college town setting, and the mouthwatering food descriptions. The mysteries are always engaging and the culprits are not obvious. Dani's kindness and compassion make it easy for readers to like her and root for her. This series is also told from Spencer's perspective, which I enjoy. I think it's a great way to get to know him better and see what his life is like outside of his relationship with Dani, plus his side stories are always interesting.
All in all, this is a fun culinary cozy mystery series, and I definitely recommend it.
Thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 14, 2025
Danielle Sloan has been approached to cater the engagement party of Yvette Joubert to the richest man around and that is Franklin Whittaker. This event if a success, could help put her Chef-to-Go business on the map and convince other wealthy clients to hire Dani’s business. But then a violent storm hits the tented party event causing chaos. Amid the chaos a woman is found dead, and it later turns out she has been murdered.
Events take a turn for the worse when it turns out the dead woman is Spencer Drake’s ex wife, Yvette. And to complicate matters Dani is currently dating Spencer. Who would want Yvette dead? Both Dani and Spencer have ample reasons to want to find the murderer and so do some sleuthing of their own.
This is an entertaining cosy mystery with, as the title suggests, a strong emphasis on food and cooking processes. While it is amusing it is also somewhat over the top. I enjoyed aspects of it but got sick of characters that ‘snickered.’ The author needed to find another word as it was overused.
I had read one of this author’s books before and loved it. This one not as much. But there will be plenty of readers who will love it. So, if it sounds like your kind of thing give it a go.
Although this is book 3 in the Chef-to-Go Mystery series, it reads fine as a standalone.
Events take a turn for the worse when it turns out the dead woman is Spencer Drake’s ex wife, Yvette. And to complicate matters Dani is currently dating Spencer. Who would want Yvette dead? Both Dani and Spencer have ample reasons to want to find the murderer and so do some sleuthing of their own.
This is an entertaining cosy mystery with, as the title suggests, a strong emphasis on food and cooking processes. While it is amusing it is also somewhat over the top. I enjoyed aspects of it but got sick of characters that ‘snickered.’ The author needed to find another word as it was overused.
I had read one of this author’s books before and loved it. This one not as much. But there will be plenty of readers who will love it. So, if it sounds like your kind of thing give it a go.
Although this is book 3 in the Chef-to-Go Mystery series, it reads fine as a standalone.
October 3, 2020
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Dani Sloan has been wanting to add more catering gigs to her Chef-To-Go business so when she is asked to cater the engagement party of wealthy Franklin Whittaker and his bride-to-be Yvette Joubert she is excited for the opportunity. She has a very short lead-time but knows she can make it work. Plus with all the ritzy guests she is sure to line up more jobs.
Drinks are being served and appetizers are ready to go when a freak storm blows in and tumbles the party tent with the guests inside. Yvette is the only one who didn’t survive but is the storm responsible or did someone use the storm to try to cover up a murder.
The wonderful characters created by Ms. Swanson continue to develop naturally. Dani’s relationship with Spencer is moving just a little bit faster but he still has a bit of jealousy regarding Gray. A twist in this story may have Dani a bit jealous too. Ivy, Tippi, and Starr are all having relationship issues. Dani is unsure at first whether to “meddle” or let them handle things themselves. We know Dani well enough by now to know the answer. Dani also has a surprise visitor that answers some lingering questions I have had.
The murder mystery is very intriguing and one suspect hits very close to home making Dani truly invested in finding out what happened and why to Yvette. Sadly, she puts herself in danger. I loved the twists and turns and following along with Dani, Spencer, and Gray. I was entertained by the way all was revealed.
What I really enjoy about this series is the family feel that has grown between the characters. Dani does have to play the “boss” card occasionally but Dani, Ivy, Tippi, and Starr have become so much more than landlord and tenants.
This author also knows how to bring the funny. Spencer has a very special security detail on campus. The pranksters are out for fraternity and sorority pledge weeks. Her attention to detail also brings each scene alive. That storm was a doozy and I could almost feel that rain and wind.
Winner Cake All kept me captivated all the way. It can be read as a stand-alone but to appreciate all the character development you should read the series from the start.
Dani Sloan has been wanting to add more catering gigs to her Chef-To-Go business so when she is asked to cater the engagement party of wealthy Franklin Whittaker and his bride-to-be Yvette Joubert she is excited for the opportunity. She has a very short lead-time but knows she can make it work. Plus with all the ritzy guests she is sure to line up more jobs.
Drinks are being served and appetizers are ready to go when a freak storm blows in and tumbles the party tent with the guests inside. Yvette is the only one who didn’t survive but is the storm responsible or did someone use the storm to try to cover up a murder.
The wonderful characters created by Ms. Swanson continue to develop naturally. Dani’s relationship with Spencer is moving just a little bit faster but he still has a bit of jealousy regarding Gray. A twist in this story may have Dani a bit jealous too. Ivy, Tippi, and Starr are all having relationship issues. Dani is unsure at first whether to “meddle” or let them handle things themselves. We know Dani well enough by now to know the answer. Dani also has a surprise visitor that answers some lingering questions I have had.
The murder mystery is very intriguing and one suspect hits very close to home making Dani truly invested in finding out what happened and why to Yvette. Sadly, she puts herself in danger. I loved the twists and turns and following along with Dani, Spencer, and Gray. I was entertained by the way all was revealed.
What I really enjoy about this series is the family feel that has grown between the characters. Dani does have to play the “boss” card occasionally but Dani, Ivy, Tippi, and Starr have become so much more than landlord and tenants.
This author also knows how to bring the funny. Spencer has a very special security detail on campus. The pranksters are out for fraternity and sorority pledge weeks. Her attention to detail also brings each scene alive. That storm was a doozy and I could almost feel that rain and wind.
Winner Cake All kept me captivated all the way. It can be read as a stand-alone but to appreciate all the character development you should read the series from the start.
November 18, 2020
I’m really loving this series! The only thing that would make it better would be some recipes for Dani’s delicious food at the end. I really like Dani and Spencer (and the rest of the characters). I also really appreciate that Dani refers to and thinks of him as Spencer instead of by his last name. The writing is good and it’s a quick, easy read. I enjoyed the mystery in this one and liked seeing how everything unfolded.
September 16, 2021
I love this series! Denise Swanson is such a talented writer. Dani is a great character and I love how she has created her Chef-to-Go business. The bride-to-be was full of surprises. It was neat to see her help find the killer, but she kept the detective in the loop the whole time. This is one of those series where the main character starts over from scratch and it is really cool to see her grow. There is not a book 4 yet, but I will be keeping my eyes out for it!
August 27, 2020
This was my first book by this author, and although it’s part of a series I didn’t have difficulty following along and enjoyed getting to know these characters.
Dani accepts a job catering an engagement part for an obnoxious bride to be, Yvette, and Franklin, the richest guy in town. Yvette comes off as a pretty terrible person right from our first introduction to her. After a storm destroys the tent that the party was being held in, Yvette is found dead and it’s quickly discovered that she was murdered.
There’s a lot of connections between characters on this. Dani is seeing a guy, Spencer, who is Yvette’s ex-husband. Spencer’s ex-best friend shows up in this too, he’s the guy Yvette left Spencer for.
All in all, this was an engaging mystery which kept me interested the entire time I was reading it. I enjoyed the characters including all the background characters. I also liked that Spencer had his own side story and mystery, it gave him something to do other than being involved in just Dani’s story.
I’m going back to read the previous books in the series and I look forward to the next one!
Thank you to Netgalley for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Dani accepts a job catering an engagement part for an obnoxious bride to be, Yvette, and Franklin, the richest guy in town. Yvette comes off as a pretty terrible person right from our first introduction to her. After a storm destroys the tent that the party was being held in, Yvette is found dead and it’s quickly discovered that she was murdered.
There’s a lot of connections between characters on this. Dani is seeing a guy, Spencer, who is Yvette’s ex-husband. Spencer’s ex-best friend shows up in this too, he’s the guy Yvette left Spencer for.
All in all, this was an engaging mystery which kept me interested the entire time I was reading it. I enjoyed the characters including all the background characters. I also liked that Spencer had his own side story and mystery, it gave him something to do other than being involved in just Dani’s story.
I’m going back to read the previous books in the series and I look forward to the next one!
Thank you to Netgalley for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
February 17, 2021
I loved this latest installment in the Chef-to-Go mysteries! Well-developed characters, a relatable protagonist, and twisty plots have made this series one of my absolute favorites. Bring on the next one!
July 16, 2022
Winner Cake All, the third book in Denise Swanson’s Chef-to-Go mystery, is another entertaining chapter in the life of Dani Sloan. With a compelling mystery and lots of personal interaction, it is sure to please fans of her other two books.
Dani Sloan is set to cater her biggest event yet – a party celebrating the engagement of Yvette Joubert and local entrepreneur Franklin Whittaker, owner of the Korn Kings minor league baseball team. She is taken aback when she discovers that Yvette is the ex-wife of her current beau, Spencer Drake, but she is determined to go through with the party as planned. Unfortunately, there’s no planning for an unexpected storm that levels the party tent and reveals that the bride-to-be has been murdered. Will Dani catch a killer and save her reputation?
The mystery here is somewhat unique. Instead of a pre-planned murder, the perpetrator takes advantage of a natural disaster to spontaneously take care of Yvette. This tends to limit the list of suspects, which makes investigating much easier. Nevertheless, Dani must work with the police to sort through the twists and turns of clues. In addition, the fact that Spencer is Yvette’s ex factors into the storyline, not just with him as a possible suspect, but it also makes Dani consider their relationship in a different light. I like the exploration of this relationship as it seems realistic and not forced.
I look forward to seeing what will happen in the next book. Winner Cake All is an engaging read that sets the stage for some very sweet hometown happenings, and, of course, a fresh crime to solve.
Dani Sloan is set to cater her biggest event yet – a party celebrating the engagement of Yvette Joubert and local entrepreneur Franklin Whittaker, owner of the Korn Kings minor league baseball team. She is taken aback when she discovers that Yvette is the ex-wife of her current beau, Spencer Drake, but she is determined to go through with the party as planned. Unfortunately, there’s no planning for an unexpected storm that levels the party tent and reveals that the bride-to-be has been murdered. Will Dani catch a killer and save her reputation?
The mystery here is somewhat unique. Instead of a pre-planned murder, the perpetrator takes advantage of a natural disaster to spontaneously take care of Yvette. This tends to limit the list of suspects, which makes investigating much easier. Nevertheless, Dani must work with the police to sort through the twists and turns of clues. In addition, the fact that Spencer is Yvette’s ex factors into the storyline, not just with him as a possible suspect, but it also makes Dani consider their relationship in a different light. I like the exploration of this relationship as it seems realistic and not forced.
I look forward to seeing what will happen in the next book. Winner Cake All is an engaging read that sets the stage for some very sweet hometown happenings, and, of course, a fresh crime to solve.
October 13, 2020
Winner Cake All by Denise Swanson is the third installment to this wonderful cozy mystery series. I have not read the previous two novels and I was able to follow along as though it were the first book. Denise Swanson's writing is enjoyable. I love the characters, the scenes, the intrigue, and most of all the humor. There are plenty of twists and surprises to keep readers, like me, hooked. I did not guess the murder. Or why the murder happen until all the facts were displayed for me at the ending. Any murder mystery that can keep my entire attention, engage me, and keep me in the dark is a must have. I do recommend this to all cozy mystery fans. Clean, well-written, and fun-Winner Cake All sure does take the first place for being the best read.
I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.
I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.
July 26, 2023
4 stelle e mezza
E con questo ho finito un'altra serie, che è una buona cosa. La storia non è male, sebbene la persona assassinata era così odiosa che mi ha fatto pensare che si fosse meritato quello che le era successo. E avevo capito chi fosse il colpevole dopo una scena situata ben prima della svolta finale. Di tutta questa serie rimane insoluto il problema riguardante il passato del boyfriend della protagonista, ma uno si può immaginare che la loro vita proceda pacifica
E con questo ho finito un'altra serie, che è una buona cosa. La storia non è male, sebbene la persona assassinata era così odiosa che mi ha fatto pensare che si fosse meritato quello che le era successo. E avevo capito chi fosse il colpevole dopo una scena situata ben prima della svolta finale. Di tutta questa serie rimane insoluto il problema riguardante il passato del boyfriend della protagonista, ma uno si può immaginare che la loro vita proceda pacifica
September 22, 2020
Winner Cake All by Denise Swanson is the 3rd book in Chef-To-Go Mystery series, and another fun addition. Dani left her high paying corporate job at the same time she inherits a mansion with a commercial kitchen. Dani starts Chef-to-go, where she makes meals to go for students, and catering events. Dani rents rooms to three college students who also help her out as part of the rent. In this adventure, she has been hired to cater an engagement party for a wealthy man, and hoping to attract more clients. Unfortunately the bride to be is murdered, and the sleuthing begins. This book has more twists and turns, that keeps you turning page after page. I can't wait for the next book in the series. I recommend this book and series for any cozy mystery lovers like me.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
May 14, 2020
In this 3rd entry in the Chef-ToGo series, Dani is hired to cater the engagement party of the owner of the local minor league baseball team. And if all goes well, she hopes to get the job for all the wedding-related events. But when a terrible storm collapses the tent the event is held in, the bride-to-be is left dead...and it looks like it's no accident!
This wasn't my favorite of Swanson's books, though she's definitely one of my favorite cozy writers. I found Dani to be rather a prude and all the main characters to feel unrealistic. The mystery wasn't bad and I'll continue with the series, but I didn't love it.
This wasn't my favorite of Swanson's books, though she's definitely one of my favorite cozy writers. I found Dani to be rather a prude and all the main characters to feel unrealistic. The mystery wasn't bad and I'll continue with the series, but I didn't love it.
January 12, 2022
Winner Cake All by Denise Swanson is the 3rd book in the Chef-to-Go Mystery Series. Caterer Dani Sloan is hired to cater an extravagant engagement party which ends in disaster when the enormous tent is destroyed by a freak storm and the bride-to-be is murdered. I loved this book. It was nice to catch up with Dani and Spencer and see their relationship progress, as well as catching up Dani's boarders and their boyfriends. It was also great to hear from some of the characters from Scumble River, and I loved all the delicious food descriptions. A pleasant and enjoyable and easy to read mystery.
May 6, 2022
I enjoyed the first two books of this series. This one, not so much.
My first issue is Spencer's possessiveness of Dani. It made me cringe. They've had about 6 or 8 dates and his actions and thoughts gave me bad vibes. Second, her father's verbal abuse was disturbing. If I had not been reading a cozy mystery, I would have thought I was reading a book about the warning signs for domestic abuse.
This is the end of the series for me.
My first issue is Spencer's possessiveness of Dani. It made me cringe. They've had about 6 or 8 dates and his actions and thoughts gave me bad vibes. Second, her father's verbal abuse was disturbing. If I had not been reading a cozy mystery, I would have thought I was reading a book about the warning signs for domestic abuse.
This is the end of the series for me.
September 4, 2020
4.5 stars
This is the third book in the Chef to Go Mystery series by Denise Swanson.
Loving that this story is set in small town Illinois. I so resonate with that. This is the first book I have read in this series and I know it won’t be my last. I sure loved the cast in this and the mystery really kept my attention all the way through. I felt like I was solving this with my friends by my side while getting cake and cookies as refreshments.
Basic premise: Dani Sloan quit her corporate job and started her own business making meals-to-go and doing a bit of catering. She is pulled into catering a sudden event for a couple whose fiancee ends up being the ex-wife of Dani’s boyfriend, Spencer. (Confused yet? Everything is surely connected in this story so do pay attention to all the small details.) When the event tent collapses during a sudden storm, the bride to be is found dead in the stadium with a fancy pen shoved into her eye.
Dani is pilled into this mystery pretty easily since she and her team have to be questioned as the investigation moves forward for the police. How can she not pay attention to all the clues she uncovers, right?
Definitely my cup of tea. I totally enjoyed this one and plan on reading the last two books in this series ASAP! Readathon, anyone?
If you like cozy mysteries, definitely check this one out. You won’t be disappointed.
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.
This is the third book in the Chef to Go Mystery series by Denise Swanson.
Loving that this story is set in small town Illinois. I so resonate with that. This is the first book I have read in this series and I know it won’t be my last. I sure loved the cast in this and the mystery really kept my attention all the way through. I felt like I was solving this with my friends by my side while getting cake and cookies as refreshments.
Basic premise: Dani Sloan quit her corporate job and started her own business making meals-to-go and doing a bit of catering. She is pulled into catering a sudden event for a couple whose fiancee ends up being the ex-wife of Dani’s boyfriend, Spencer. (Confused yet? Everything is surely connected in this story so do pay attention to all the small details.) When the event tent collapses during a sudden storm, the bride to be is found dead in the stadium with a fancy pen shoved into her eye.
Dani is pilled into this mystery pretty easily since she and her team have to be questioned as the investigation moves forward for the police. How can she not pay attention to all the clues she uncovers, right?
Definitely my cup of tea. I totally enjoyed this one and plan on reading the last two books in this series ASAP! Readathon, anyone?
If you like cozy mysteries, definitely check this one out. You won’t be disappointed.
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.
February 27, 2021
Book three in the Chef-to-Go mystery series. Dani is a likable main character, she’s a genuinely good person and a pretty good sleuth. What I like most about this series is that we get to see things from her point of view as well as Spencer’s. As the head of University security and Dani’s love interest, he’s involved in the cases, too. The college girls who live and work with Dani are a fun addition, and I like that Dani is friends with the police detective. With all the cooking and talk of food, I’m surprised and disappointed that the book doesn’t include at least a few recipes at the end, like other culinary mysteries do.
August 22, 2020
Dani Sloan is a small town caterer with a knack for solving crimes. In “Winner Cake All”, Dani helps solve the murder of a client (who also happens to be the ex-wife of Dani’s boyfriend).
I enjoyed this lighthearted cozy mystery! I will be looking for more books in this series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the opportunity to read and review this book.
I enjoyed this lighthearted cozy mystery! I will be looking for more books in this series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the opportunity to read and review this book.
October 12, 2020
Dani is hired to cater a huge expensive wedding for a picky, overbearing bride. It will be held the week before Halloween in a tent. A huge wind storm comes up and traps the people, the only one hurt is the bride to be, who they later find out was murdered. Dani's boyfriend had been married to murdered woman so Dani is very interested finding out who did it. Adding to the story is Dani's relationship with her father and her college age borders.
December 10, 2025
The main character is hired to cater an engagement party but during the party a storm occurs and the bride to be is found murdered. During the investigation , the boyfriend of the caterer turns out to be the ex-husband of the victim. Of course, the caterer starts asking questions. The book was an easy read.
September 20, 2020
Love this series. I love the smart, capable main character who doesn't do stupid stuff. I love all the girls she lives with. Great story. Great ending. I can't wait for the next book!
January 10, 2021
I was enjoying this story for the first 100 pages or so. Okay, chapters 2-4 had me wondering what they had to do with the plot. It’s mainly character building and background. Two things not usually found in cozy mysteries, not to that degree at least. But it was well written so I carried on.
Then in chapter 7 the story that I came for starts. The engagement party Dani Sloan is catering comes to a sudden end when a storm breaks out and tries to take off with the tent erected for the party. Apparently, weather in Illinois is so unpredictable that weather forecast sends out a 10 second (!) warning before a devastating storm breaks out. Surely, weather forecast can’t be that bad that it can’t predict ahead of time a storm that usually gets a name. It should have been all over the news for days and outdoor events would be cancelled for a storm of this proportion.
Though the bride-to-be probably would think her party more important than such an inconvenience as the safety of her guests.
In any case, storm happens, and police detective and part-time sous-chef Gray decides that the party must be evacuated. Dani is told to stay in the mobile kitchen. Which she doesn’t because she tipped the event-planner about the pianist. As if Gray and Spencer would only evacuate the party guests but leave the piano player be. It’s been a long time since the Titanic. These days ALL people are evacuated. Musicians are not expected to play on to calm the nerves of the guests.
I was enjoying the story up to that point, but stupid surprise storm and stupid behaviour by main character broke the spell. Though, in fairness, if a storm can pull an anchored tent from the ground, a mobile kitchen probably isn’t the safest place either.
As quickly as the storm came, it is gone, and while Gray and Spencer get on the phone to call emergency services, Dani dives into the wreck to try and find the piano player. She helps a few other people along the way, but the piano player is her main concern.
Then the body of Yvette, the bride-to-be, is found and the police decide to detain everyone that is still on site (many people have already left, among them Dani’s staff), tell them not to talk to each other and confiscate their phones. So they can’t even get some legal advice about their rights in a situation like that.
Apparently, these people are detained because they were helping people out of the wreckage. “Police do not trust altruism as a motive,” Spencer says. What a pessimistic worldview. Strangest about the reasoning that the killer can be found among the people that dove willingly into the wreckage is: police seem to think that someone did not only use this incident to their advantage (to kill someone), but after that decided to stick around until the place was crawling with police, rather than make a quiet exit at the earliest opportunity.
I’m not much impressed with the competence of the police. When Dani feeds Gray some gossip about the prenup between Yvette and Franklin, Gray says: ”Interesting that Mr. Whittaker never mentioned that to us.” Huh? Did he have reason to mention it? For instance, because you asked? And please, a little skepticism towards people discussing the contents of contracts they are not a party in. Not to mention, that Whittaker is probably so rich that a couple of million dollars doesn’t give him a motive.
This is the first book I read in the Chef-to-Go series. I’m not sure what to think of Dani. I know I don’t like Spencer. He got a page and a half to reflect on a fight between two students, which was about a page of synonyms for testosteron driven idiots more than I could stomach. But mainly, I don’t like his ethics.
Dani and Spencer discus the memorial service Whittaker is planning for Yvette. He was assured the body would be release in time. To which Spencer comments: If I was the officer in charge, I’d want to keep the vic until I had the perp. Well, it’s a good thing the police don’t get to decide when a body is released after autopsy, because keeping the victim until you have the murderer is unethical. Some crimes take a lot of time to solve (if they are solved at all) and all that time the bereaved are denied their right to make funeral arrangements for their loved one and morn properly. That simply isn’t right. Re-examination of the body after a suspect is found is not a good enough reason to keep a body. Perhaps if there were some doubts after the autopsy, but in this case the victim was killed by stabbing.
Ethics is the reason I’m not able to finish this story. When Gray is presented with a low quality film of the victim leaving a car with a man and that combined with some comments Dani overheard, he seems to think that is not enough to bring the man in for questioning. Rather, he goes ahead with a suggestion made by one of the others: that the victim’s fiancé should confront the suspected murderer and coax him into a confession. That too is wrong on so many levels, that I was not able to continue reading after that.
I read a ARC through NetGalley.
Then in chapter 7 the story that I came for starts. The engagement party Dani Sloan is catering comes to a sudden end when a storm breaks out and tries to take off with the tent erected for the party. Apparently, weather in Illinois is so unpredictable that weather forecast sends out a 10 second (!) warning before a devastating storm breaks out. Surely, weather forecast can’t be that bad that it can’t predict ahead of time a storm that usually gets a name. It should have been all over the news for days and outdoor events would be cancelled for a storm of this proportion.
Though the bride-to-be probably would think her party more important than such an inconvenience as the safety of her guests.
In any case, storm happens, and police detective and part-time sous-chef Gray decides that the party must be evacuated. Dani is told to stay in the mobile kitchen. Which she doesn’t because she tipped the event-planner about the pianist. As if Gray and Spencer would only evacuate the party guests but leave the piano player be. It’s been a long time since the Titanic. These days ALL people are evacuated. Musicians are not expected to play on to calm the nerves of the guests.
I was enjoying the story up to that point, but stupid surprise storm and stupid behaviour by main character broke the spell. Though, in fairness, if a storm can pull an anchored tent from the ground, a mobile kitchen probably isn’t the safest place either.
As quickly as the storm came, it is gone, and while Gray and Spencer get on the phone to call emergency services, Dani dives into the wreck to try and find the piano player. She helps a few other people along the way, but the piano player is her main concern.
Then the body of Yvette, the bride-to-be, is found and the police decide to detain everyone that is still on site (many people have already left, among them Dani’s staff), tell them not to talk to each other and confiscate their phones. So they can’t even get some legal advice about their rights in a situation like that.
Apparently, these people are detained because they were helping people out of the wreckage. “Police do not trust altruism as a motive,” Spencer says. What a pessimistic worldview. Strangest about the reasoning that the killer can be found among the people that dove willingly into the wreckage is: police seem to think that someone did not only use this incident to their advantage (to kill someone), but after that decided to stick around until the place was crawling with police, rather than make a quiet exit at the earliest opportunity.
I’m not much impressed with the competence of the police. When Dani feeds Gray some gossip about the prenup between Yvette and Franklin, Gray says: ”Interesting that Mr. Whittaker never mentioned that to us.” Huh? Did he have reason to mention it? For instance, because you asked? And please, a little skepticism towards people discussing the contents of contracts they are not a party in. Not to mention, that Whittaker is probably so rich that a couple of million dollars doesn’t give him a motive.
This is the first book I read in the Chef-to-Go series. I’m not sure what to think of Dani. I know I don’t like Spencer. He got a page and a half to reflect on a fight between two students, which was about a page of synonyms for testosteron driven idiots more than I could stomach. But mainly, I don’t like his ethics.
Dani and Spencer discus the memorial service Whittaker is planning for Yvette. He was assured the body would be release in time. To which Spencer comments: If I was the officer in charge, I’d want to keep the vic until I had the perp. Well, it’s a good thing the police don’t get to decide when a body is released after autopsy, because keeping the victim until you have the murderer is unethical. Some crimes take a lot of time to solve (if they are solved at all) and all that time the bereaved are denied their right to make funeral arrangements for their loved one and morn properly. That simply isn’t right. Re-examination of the body after a suspect is found is not a good enough reason to keep a body. Perhaps if there were some doubts after the autopsy, but in this case the victim was killed by stabbing.
Ethics is the reason I’m not able to finish this story. When Gray is presented with a low quality film of the victim leaving a car with a man and that combined with some comments Dani overheard, he seems to think that is not enough to bring the man in for questioning. Rather, he goes ahead with a suggestion made by one of the others: that the victim’s fiancé should confront the suspected murderer and coax him into a confession. That too is wrong on so many levels, that I was not able to continue reading after that.
I read a ARC through NetGalley.
October 22, 2022
I want to like this series, because it’s pretty clean and has fairly good mysteries. There is just something that feels inauthentic about most of the main characters. Ivy is probably the only one that I solidly like. Spencer particularly drives me crazy, with his possessiveness, cliched thinking, and the way he’s always guiding Dani around by cupping her elbow or cupping her chin. Yuck.
August 17, 2020
I enjoyed this book. It's got great characters and an interesting mystery. I was surprised by who the killer was. #WinnerCakeAll" #NetGalley
January 11, 2021
Finished this book yesterday and it was so good, I didn't know who the killer was until it was revealed at the end.
August 31, 2021
Not my cup of tea, even though I’m a cozy mystery fan. Boyfriend is too needy/jealous/possessive and I didn’t feel I knew or cared enough about the characters.
December 26, 2020
WINNER CAKE ALL by Denise Swanson is the third book in the Chef-to-Go Mystery series. It’s the wonderfully, well-written cozy mystery about Dani Sloan, her Chef-To-Go catering business, and her largest to date catering job - Yvettte Joubert and Franklin Whittaker’s engagement party.
Yvette is a very opinionated bride to be with definitely thoughts on what she wants and demands her ideas to be fulfilled to the letter. With a free hand with financial backing provided by her finance, the richest man around owning of over 60 businesses including the baseball team Korn Kings, this will be THE party to outdo all parties with no expense spared. From the very beginning Dani can see that this job will be challenging, but doable – even when the party is moved up to just a week away causing her to double her normal fee. This is exactly the type event Dani needs to get her foot in the door for more bookings with wealthy clients.
Things take on a strange twist when Dani finds out that the bride-to-be is actually the ex-wife of Spencer Drake, the man who she is seeing and is rapidly becoming romantically attached to. For the sake of her business, Dani knows she can keep her personal and professional life separate.
The night of the engagement party is charged with excitement equally matched with the night’s weather. The storm quickly proved it was in control sending the event tent caving in on its occupants causing destruction and injury. When help arrives, not only did they find people in need of medical attention, but they also found the body of Yvette. When it’s soon apparent that her injuries were not from the collapsing tent and classified as a homicide, both Dani and Spencer are initially considered prime suspects.
Can Dani help to find the clues to get both Spencer and herself off the suspect list? Will the engagement party put her catering company on the elite party map or wipe her business out? How does Brock, Spencer’s once best friend until he slept with his ex-wife, figure into the murder after he’s spotted in town? Will Spencer’s jealousy affect his ability to work with the police department? What was the motive for the murder – revenge, hatred or Yvette just getting her due? Along the way of the investigation can the relationship between Dani and Spencer bloom or will it also become a victim of fall out damage from Yvette’s murder?
WINNER CAKE ALL will keep you turning pages as you try to figure out the whodunit. Along the way, Denise Swanson will have you enjoying the bubbling romance brewing between Dani and Spencer, falling in love the amazing characters that live in Normalton, Illinois like Dani’s renters - Ivy, Tippi, and Starr, laughing at some of the fraternity hijinks involving university mascots, Hamlet and Oinkphelia, and tug heart strings for Dani when her father makes an unannounced trip back into her life. Although part of a series, WINNER CAKE ALL can definitely be read as a standalone. I have not read the other books in this series and found it very easy to figure out the dynamics of who was who making me feel right at home in Normalton. I will anxiously be waiting for the next book in the series to see what all Dani can get into, who her next catering job will be and how the romance between Dani and Spencer continues. In the meanwhile, I’m going to check out the first two books in this series. Recommend this to anyone that loves cozy mysteries, a fact paced story that will keep you turning pages or just want a great feel good book to read.
Yvette is a very opinionated bride to be with definitely thoughts on what she wants and demands her ideas to be fulfilled to the letter. With a free hand with financial backing provided by her finance, the richest man around owning of over 60 businesses including the baseball team Korn Kings, this will be THE party to outdo all parties with no expense spared. From the very beginning Dani can see that this job will be challenging, but doable – even when the party is moved up to just a week away causing her to double her normal fee. This is exactly the type event Dani needs to get her foot in the door for more bookings with wealthy clients.
Things take on a strange twist when Dani finds out that the bride-to-be is actually the ex-wife of Spencer Drake, the man who she is seeing and is rapidly becoming romantically attached to. For the sake of her business, Dani knows she can keep her personal and professional life separate.
The night of the engagement party is charged with excitement equally matched with the night’s weather. The storm quickly proved it was in control sending the event tent caving in on its occupants causing destruction and injury. When help arrives, not only did they find people in need of medical attention, but they also found the body of Yvette. When it’s soon apparent that her injuries were not from the collapsing tent and classified as a homicide, both Dani and Spencer are initially considered prime suspects.
Can Dani help to find the clues to get both Spencer and herself off the suspect list? Will the engagement party put her catering company on the elite party map or wipe her business out? How does Brock, Spencer’s once best friend until he slept with his ex-wife, figure into the murder after he’s spotted in town? Will Spencer’s jealousy affect his ability to work with the police department? What was the motive for the murder – revenge, hatred or Yvette just getting her due? Along the way of the investigation can the relationship between Dani and Spencer bloom or will it also become a victim of fall out damage from Yvette’s murder?
WINNER CAKE ALL will keep you turning pages as you try to figure out the whodunit. Along the way, Denise Swanson will have you enjoying the bubbling romance brewing between Dani and Spencer, falling in love the amazing characters that live in Normalton, Illinois like Dani’s renters - Ivy, Tippi, and Starr, laughing at some of the fraternity hijinks involving university mascots, Hamlet and Oinkphelia, and tug heart strings for Dani when her father makes an unannounced trip back into her life. Although part of a series, WINNER CAKE ALL can definitely be read as a standalone. I have not read the other books in this series and found it very easy to figure out the dynamics of who was who making me feel right at home in Normalton. I will anxiously be waiting for the next book in the series to see what all Dani can get into, who her next catering job will be and how the romance between Dani and Spencer continues. In the meanwhile, I’m going to check out the first two books in this series. Recommend this to anyone that loves cozy mysteries, a fact paced story that will keep you turning pages or just want a great feel good book to read.
September 26, 2020
Winner Cake All by Denise Swanson is a Chef-To-Go mystery with minor crossovers from her popular Scumble River series. It is every bit as good as Scumble River with its protagonist being a chef who does personal cooking, and daily take away lunches as well as catering. It is a new business so there is plenty going on. Dani Sloan inherited this Victorian mansion from her grandmother's sorority sister. With an apparent eye to the future she had already modernized the kitchen into the ideal place to run a catering business. The rest of the house held three college girls who also helped with the business as part of the rent, and rooms to be remodeled for additional eventual boarders. Everything is going well when a hug gig lands in her lap: an engagement party with promise of the wedding reception and related events. The party is anticipated to have 400 guests; the problem is its two weeks away, and suddenly gets moved up to one week. Dani puts her head down and pulls it off for a huge payday. The moment arrives-the party is in a huge tent, no the regular variety but windows, wooden floors, the whole nine-yards. This guy is rich. Tragedy strikes: there is a storm, a big one, and the tent collapses with people inside it. It seems everyone got out alive, with only minor injuries until the groom carries the body of the bride to the EMTs. She's dead and it appears to be murder.
I must confess to being a hug fan of Denise Swanson. This series/book is as endearing as her Scumble River series with characters and a setting that is every bit as wholesome and endearing as it can be.
Dani is not some lithe, gorgeous woman, she is petite but roundish and her boyfriend, Spencer loves her just as she is. She is a terrific housemother to the three college girls, protecting the, disciplining when necessary, and being there with words of wisdom. The setting is Normalton, Illinois, and its name could not be more appropriate. Her home is full of personality, and she is generous and giving, volunteering to cook for the local free dining room, where she also donates leftovers from her business. This is a wonderful new series; with everything a cozy reader needs, including murder. I recommend it.
I was invited to read a free ARC of Winner Cake All by Netgalley. All opinions and interpretations contained herein are solely my own. #netgalley #winnercakeall
I must confess to being a hug fan of Denise Swanson. This series/book is as endearing as her Scumble River series with characters and a setting that is every bit as wholesome and endearing as it can be.
Dani is not some lithe, gorgeous woman, she is petite but roundish and her boyfriend, Spencer loves her just as she is. She is a terrific housemother to the three college girls, protecting the, disciplining when necessary, and being there with words of wisdom. The setting is Normalton, Illinois, and its name could not be more appropriate. Her home is full of personality, and she is generous and giving, volunteering to cook for the local free dining room, where she also donates leftovers from her business. This is a wonderful new series; with everything a cozy reader needs, including murder. I recommend it.
I was invited to read a free ARC of Winner Cake All by Netgalley. All opinions and interpretations contained herein are solely my own. #netgalley #winnercakeall
August 26, 2020
"Winner Cake all" features Dani Sloan who has given up her successful career in Human Resources and is running a catering business out of a house she recently inherited from a friend of her grandmother’s. It’s in a small college town in Illinois. She also has three college women boarding at the house.
Dani is approached to cater the engagement party of a woman named Yvette Joubert and her millionaire fiancée Franklin Whittaker. Dani is excited as this could be the event that could provide the exposure to make her new business successful even if she has to deal with Yvette’s whims and a two week (then one week) turnaround.
Dani has started dating the uncle of one of her boarders who is the Director of Security at the local college. While out for dinner with Spencer, they run into Yvette and she discovers that she and Spencer were divorced after a short marriage. Yvette had an affair with Spencer’s best friend. It appears she dumped him when he suffered an injury and had moved on.
The engagement party is held outdoors and a terrible storm hits. There is much damage and while there are many injuries, only Yvette is found dead. Dani assumes it was an accidental death and is surprised by the amount of questioning by the police and her suspicions are confirmed when she and Spencer meet back at her house after the police finally let her go. Spencer had looked at photos of Yvette on social media and believed he could see that she was murdered which is soon confirmed.
While Spencer and Dani are not suspects, Spencer did some undercover work infiltrating a nasty gang when he was in law enforcement and it is in his best interests to not have people poking in his past. Dani is in a position to observe, interact and ask questions so they compare notes and work toward finding the murderer. Lots of twists and turns until the ultimate unmasking of the murderer.
I enjoyed this book and even though it was the third in the series felt it worked well as a standalone, as it did for me. There were a few subplots that were distracting but nothing that detracted-not sure why they were included unless it’s a set up for a future book.
I received an ARC of this book from Net Galley and Poisoned Press. Any opinions expressed are my own.
Dani is approached to cater the engagement party of a woman named Yvette Joubert and her millionaire fiancée Franklin Whittaker. Dani is excited as this could be the event that could provide the exposure to make her new business successful even if she has to deal with Yvette’s whims and a two week (then one week) turnaround.
Dani has started dating the uncle of one of her boarders who is the Director of Security at the local college. While out for dinner with Spencer, they run into Yvette and she discovers that she and Spencer were divorced after a short marriage. Yvette had an affair with Spencer’s best friend. It appears she dumped him when he suffered an injury and had moved on.
The engagement party is held outdoors and a terrible storm hits. There is much damage and while there are many injuries, only Yvette is found dead. Dani assumes it was an accidental death and is surprised by the amount of questioning by the police and her suspicions are confirmed when she and Spencer meet back at her house after the police finally let her go. Spencer had looked at photos of Yvette on social media and believed he could see that she was murdered which is soon confirmed.
While Spencer and Dani are not suspects, Spencer did some undercover work infiltrating a nasty gang when he was in law enforcement and it is in his best interests to not have people poking in his past. Dani is in a position to observe, interact and ask questions so they compare notes and work toward finding the murderer. Lots of twists and turns until the ultimate unmasking of the murderer.
I enjoyed this book and even though it was the third in the series felt it worked well as a standalone, as it did for me. There were a few subplots that were distracting but nothing that detracted-not sure why they were included unless it’s a set up for a future book.
I received an ARC of this book from Net Galley and Poisoned Press. Any opinions expressed are my own.
April 15, 2021
In the small town of Normalton, IL, there aren't a lot of opportunities for small business owner Dani Sloan to cater big-ticket events. But that's about to change—a client named Yvette Joubert is marrying Franklin Whittaker, the richest guy around, and they want Dani to cater their engagement party! The swanky event is the perfect opportunity to put Dani on the map for wealthier clients.
But when a storm hits the party after guests arrive, it becomes clear that more than the dinner is ruined: Yvette is found dead beneath the marquee. Is her death a tragic accident, or a perfectly orchestrated murder? Then the case gets even juicier—it turns out that Yvette's ex-husband is Spencer Drake, Dani's almost-boyfriend, and the police start circling. Now Dani must follow an unending list of clues to save her business, her better half, and catch a criminal. Let's just hope they get their just desserts!
The author gives us an interesting mystery that has a handful of suspects, lots of clues, red herrings, twist, and turns. This mystery will have you thinking about who the killer is until all the clues come together at the intriguing conclusion. The characters are so well written and full of life they almost seem like they could be real people that you would want to be friends with. The author does a wonderful job of describing the places in the book and all the characters in the book.
I did enjoy that the author lets us see things from the point of view of both Dani and Spencer so things don't seem one sided in their relationship. I also like the fact that Dani and Spencer's relationship is growing stronger. I really didn't like Yvette and what kind of person she really was, so I wasn't all that surprised when she turned out to be the murder victim. I did find some of the college things a little trivial and they didn't need to keep popping up throughout the whole story. I hope the author continues with this series so we can see what happens with all of the characters and to see what kind of mystery they find themselves involved in.
I received an ARC of this book from Poisoned Pen Press through NetGalley for my honest review.
But when a storm hits the party after guests arrive, it becomes clear that more than the dinner is ruined: Yvette is found dead beneath the marquee. Is her death a tragic accident, or a perfectly orchestrated murder? Then the case gets even juicier—it turns out that Yvette's ex-husband is Spencer Drake, Dani's almost-boyfriend, and the police start circling. Now Dani must follow an unending list of clues to save her business, her better half, and catch a criminal. Let's just hope they get their just desserts!
The author gives us an interesting mystery that has a handful of suspects, lots of clues, red herrings, twist, and turns. This mystery will have you thinking about who the killer is until all the clues come together at the intriguing conclusion. The characters are so well written and full of life they almost seem like they could be real people that you would want to be friends with. The author does a wonderful job of describing the places in the book and all the characters in the book.
I did enjoy that the author lets us see things from the point of view of both Dani and Spencer so things don't seem one sided in their relationship. I also like the fact that Dani and Spencer's relationship is growing stronger. I really didn't like Yvette and what kind of person she really was, so I wasn't all that surprised when she turned out to be the murder victim. I did find some of the college things a little trivial and they didn't need to keep popping up throughout the whole story. I hope the author continues with this series so we can see what happens with all of the characters and to see what kind of mystery they find themselves involved in.
I received an ARC of this book from Poisoned Pen Press through NetGalley for my honest review.
October 10, 2020
Thoughts: I haven’t read this author before but will be looking for more of her books. I had a little trouble getting into the story…it was a little slow for me and the multiple points of view (instead of just the main character) was a little different. But once I got into the story, I did enjoy it. All the cozy mystery tropes are there: (relatively) small town, amateur sleuth, lots of friends to help with clue-finding, friend in jeopardy, and more. The clues are there, but the villain isn’t obvious. Also, even though I haven’t read the first two books in the series, it wasn’t hard to follow who was who and the relationships among all the characters. In this book, there are actually a couple of mysteries going on—the main one (who killed Yvette) and a secondary one (who is attacking college students where Spencer works and pinning them to the walls).
What I liked: the characters are well done and easily relatable. Dani was fed up with her corporate life and downsized to run her own catering business—which seems to be doing well. Spencer is a good counter for her with his own background issues. And the girls who live with Dani are fun. They keep the age level from being too one-sided and add another layer to the story. The ending was satisfying, solving the mystery while leaving threads dangling so you know there is more to come.
What I didn’t like: very little. It’s a sweet cozy mystery—though told from two points of view (Dani and Spencer) which makes it a little different than others. It does get a little slow sometimes and usually, with a “food” cozy, there are recipes included which there aren’t here. So some things that make it different than others. But that is not necessarily a bad thing.
Recommendation: If you like cozy mysteries, definitely check this one out as well as others by the author.
Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher in hopes of an honest review. All opinions are my own and are not influenced by anyone.
What I liked: the characters are well done and easily relatable. Dani was fed up with her corporate life and downsized to run her own catering business—which seems to be doing well. Spencer is a good counter for her with his own background issues. And the girls who live with Dani are fun. They keep the age level from being too one-sided and add another layer to the story. The ending was satisfying, solving the mystery while leaving threads dangling so you know there is more to come.
What I didn’t like: very little. It’s a sweet cozy mystery—though told from two points of view (Dani and Spencer) which makes it a little different than others. It does get a little slow sometimes and usually, with a “food” cozy, there are recipes included which there aren’t here. So some things that make it different than others. But that is not necessarily a bad thing.
Recommendation: If you like cozy mysteries, definitely check this one out as well as others by the author.
Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher in hopes of an honest review. All opinions are my own and are not influenced by anyone.
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