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Holly Holmes #5
Blueberry Blast and Murder
Murder, marriage, and muffins!
Holly Holmes is shocked when a wedding florist, Connie Barber, is found dead while attending the Audley Castle annual wedding fair. Surprised that such a young woman should simply die, she starts asking around. Could Connie’s death be something more sinister?
It doesn’t take Holly long to learn there weren’t many people who liked Connie. She was sharp, money-focused, and mean. And, she enjoyed stealing other women’s men.
When the autopsy reveals she was poisoned, Holly offers to help Campbell figure out who killed Connie, but he’s convinced he already knows who did it. The only problem is, the prime suspect has Campbell as an alibi.
Determined to find the truth and get justice for Connie, Holly keeps investigating. But with a wedding dress catwalk to take part in, a mountain of baking to do, a plogging event to run, and the surprise arrival of a family member, she’s too busy to see straight.
Will this be the case that finally beats Holly?
Welcome back to Audley St. Mary. The stories are full of desserts, murder, and puzzles. Enjoy mystery, friendship, twists and turns, and lots of tasty treats as you indulge in this delicious book.
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
Holly Holmes is shocked when a wedding florist, Connie Barber, is found dead while attending the Audley Castle annual wedding fair. Surprised that such a young woman should simply die, she starts asking around. Could Connie’s death be something more sinister?
It doesn’t take Holly long to learn there weren’t many people who liked Connie. She was sharp, money-focused, and mean. And, she enjoyed stealing other women’s men.
When the autopsy reveals she was poisoned, Holly offers to help Campbell figure out who killed Connie, but he’s convinced he already knows who did it. The only problem is, the prime suspect has Campbell as an alibi.
Determined to find the truth and get justice for Connie, Holly keeps investigating. But with a wedding dress catwalk to take part in, a mountain of baking to do, a plogging event to run, and the surprise arrival of a family member, she’s too busy to see straight.
Will this be the case that finally beats Holly?
Welcome back to Audley St. Mary. The stories are full of desserts, murder, and puzzles. Enjoy mystery, friendship, twists and turns, and lots of tasty treats as you indulge in this delicious book.
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 Mystery
212 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 23, 2020
101 people are currently reading
82 people want to read
About the author
K.E. O'Connor
177 books192 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 13, 2024
3.75 stars
A wedding fair has come to Audley Castle and Lord Rupert is dismayed to find himself the target of his parents' matrimonial aspirations! Holly is a little dismayed but really, she doesn't need a husband, just Meatball, her furry best friend. When her Gran turns up fresh out of jail, Holly has someone else to keep her company so why does she feel forlorn at the thought of Lord Rupert marrying someone? Princess Alice and her cousin Diana, freshly separated, make the rounds at the fair for free cake and champagne. When Holly overhears two florists arguing and one seems ill, she can't help but worry. Lady Philippa hasn't made one of her premonitions yet but the ill florist still ends up dead. Campbell and the police assume they have a murderer when they bring in Connie's stalker but Holly isn't so sure. Where's the evidence? Holly joins Princess Alice on a hunt through the wedding fair for the real killer.
This is another fun entry in the series. There were so many suspects because the victim was so unlikable, I wasn't sure who did it. I missed Lady P's prediction though and didn't care for Holly's relationship subplots. I am so not into weddings so the wedding fair only appealed to me for the free cake samples!
I love Holly and relate to her so much. Her baked goods had me drooling: Blueberry Blast Muffins, salted caramel chocolate sponge, triple chocolate ganache, three layer rocky road with melted mocha chocolate fudge... UM YES PLEASE! Can I move to Audley St. Mary? I also love Holly because she's a history lover although if that were the case, her medieval themed cake probably wouldn't look so much like Game of Thrones unless it was a fantasy medieval cake. This one is for a wedding so probably more fantasy than scholarly. I relate so much to Holly's relationship with Meatball. He's so adorable and so sweet! Meatball is the most loyal, devoted, loving man Holly will ever meet and I agree with her that he's all she needs! However, Holly is a doormat. She lets everyone else walk all over her and tell her what to do because she feels she is inferior because she's a mere kitchen assistant and the family is the FAMILY. Holly even tries to deny her feelings for Lord Rupert and push him away because of the class difference. Everything else they say and do sounds American, even Holly's pancakes and some of those class differences broke down after WWII. There are plenty of Lords who marry common women, some even marry American actresses. I know of two actresses from TV shows I watched as a teen who married British aristocracy. Then there's the royals... Prince William and Kate Middleton, "just call me Harry" and Meghan A-list wannabe Markle anyone? It's not the same as Rupert and Holly but it's also not as different or impossible as Chef Heston makes it out to be.
Holly's Granny Molly is zany! She's certainly as quirky as Lady P. A former con artist and thief, Granny Molly has just gotten out prison and she claims to be reformed but Holly is wary. Granny enjoys her profession and doesn't respect her granddaughter enough to leave well enough alone. She could cost Holly her job! Holly does try to reason with Granny Molly and explain but in the end Granny Molly decides to do what she wants to do. She seems to love being notorious and hinting at her past. I'm not a fan. She's quite intelligent and shrewd so I can see where Holly gets her detective skills from but Granny Molly needs to go far away and leave Holly alone.
Princess Alice is so obnoxious! She bullies everyone into doing what she wants with vague threats of throwing someone in the dungeon. She drags Holly along into HER schemes without asking Holly what she wants. Alice has a dark side and enjoys murders and pretending to solve them. She fancies herself Watson to Holly's Sherlock but Alice just seems to muck things up. She can't even tend to a wedding planning booth properly. Alice also won't admit her feelings to Campbell who would probably panic and tell her aunt and uncle he needs to be reassigned. She's a modern woman, she could ask him out. Alice even ruined a date and tries to insert herself into the next one. She seems to want Holly all to herself and not share. Cousin Diana is newly separated from her husband and even more of a bitter pill than ever before. She's miserable and just wants to make everyone else miserable if she can't wallow in her room. Diana is super rude to Holly and doormat Holly backs off blaming herself and not Diana. Lord Rupert is super sweet. Now I picture him like the Clark Kent of the Olympics Pommel Horse, Stephen Nedoroscik. Rupert gives off a nerdy vibe like that. If Rupert likes Holly, he should ask her out formally and not be so shy and tell off his sister while he's at it.
Connie Barber, a longtime florist on the wedding circuit died in the public restroom at Audley Castle. Holly suspects she was murdered! Connie wasn't feeling well. People claimed she was drinking too much to deal with the stress of the profession but Holly notes some other signs that show Connie was being poisoned. I suspected a slow death over time with a little poison given to her each day and I'm certain I know how. Track down that source and you have your murderer. That much was rather obvious. Holly missed it totally and Campbell wasn't even in the right neighborhood! Who killed Connie? Everyone has a motive! Connie was rude, cutthroat in business and mean to her little Chihuahua. Poor Saffron needs positive reinforcement, treats and some proper training. She's a Chihuahua so she'll always be standoffish and yappy but with time and attention she can be lovable. She doesn't need designer onesies to be happy.
Belinda Adler was Connie's biggest rival. She's been in business for 30 years and the two competed for the same brides all the time. They were seen arguing earlier in the day and Belinda claims Connie's designs have gone down hill. What if Belinda is sabotaging her rival? Belinda also claims things that don't give her a motive but is she telling the truth? Zoe Rossini claims to be the best wedding planner in the county. She's beautiful but not very bright or eager to work. She once worked with Connie as a partner in the business but Connie really did all the work. Zoe claims Connie cheated her out of her share of the business but Zoe wasn't doing any of the work! Who would give Zoe any part of a business? She has nothing good to say about Connie or anyone else. Her ego knows no bounds. Zoe is still lazy and I wonder how she has any clients?
Bruce Osman, the cheap wine and champagne seller, was always hanging around Connie. He was a stalker who wanted a relationship with the florist. Bruce is smarmy, sleazy and all around ick. He comes on to women even though he wanted to be exclusive with Connie and has a back up plan and seems to be working on a backup of the backup which shows he wasn't serious about Connie or had feelings for her. Maybe he was after her money, I don't know but I could see him killing her slowly over time but not until after they were married and she changed her will. Another strong suspect is Tina Kennon, a troublemaker who keeps breaking into the wedding fair. Tina seems to have mental health issues. She can't let go of her hurt and anger for what Connie did to her. She's more of a stalker than Bruce who at least had enough sense to start a business. Tina just comes around to harass Connie. She's scary!
There are two new characters who are actually likable and sympathetic. Leanna, Connie's assistant, is a sweet young woman who didn't know what she was getting into when she decided to become a wedding planner. While she may have gained valuable work experience working for Connie, she also gained valuable life experience. Connie bullied, bossed, belittled and basically treated Leanna like a slave. Leanna seems to have low self-esteem because of the bullying and has become soured on the profession. I feel so bad for her. I hope she's not the killer! Misty Gillchrist runs a doggie daycare for the wedding industry. None of these people should have dogs but because they don't listen to the experts like Misty, they do it anyway and the dogs suffer. Enter Misty! She has a niche market but it's a good one. She does all the work and hopefully the wedding people pay well. Misty is passionate about animals and animal welfare, like Holly. She seems nice and a friend for Holly.
This series is fluffy and fun. I'll probably keep reading the series when I have time.
A wedding fair has come to Audley Castle and Lord Rupert is dismayed to find himself the target of his parents' matrimonial aspirations! Holly is a little dismayed but really, she doesn't need a husband, just Meatball, her furry best friend. When her Gran turns up fresh out of jail, Holly has someone else to keep her company so why does she feel forlorn at the thought of Lord Rupert marrying someone? Princess Alice and her cousin Diana, freshly separated, make the rounds at the fair for free cake and champagne. When Holly overhears two florists arguing and one seems ill, she can't help but worry. Lady Philippa hasn't made one of her premonitions yet but the ill florist still ends up dead. Campbell and the police assume they have a murderer when they bring in Connie's stalker but Holly isn't so sure. Where's the evidence? Holly joins Princess Alice on a hunt through the wedding fair for the real killer.
This is another fun entry in the series. There were so many suspects because the victim was so unlikable, I wasn't sure who did it. I missed Lady P's prediction though and didn't care for Holly's relationship subplots. I am so not into weddings so the wedding fair only appealed to me for the free cake samples!
I love Holly and relate to her so much. Her baked goods had me drooling: Blueberry Blast Muffins, salted caramel chocolate sponge, triple chocolate ganache, three layer rocky road with melted mocha chocolate fudge... UM YES PLEASE! Can I move to Audley St. Mary? I also love Holly because she's a history lover although if that were the case, her medieval themed cake probably wouldn't look so much like Game of Thrones unless it was a fantasy medieval cake. This one is for a wedding so probably more fantasy than scholarly. I relate so much to Holly's relationship with Meatball. He's so adorable and so sweet! Meatball is the most loyal, devoted, loving man Holly will ever meet and I agree with her that he's all she needs! However, Holly is a doormat. She lets everyone else walk all over her and tell her what to do because she feels she is inferior because she's a mere kitchen assistant and the family is the FAMILY. Holly even tries to deny her feelings for Lord Rupert and push him away because of the class difference. Everything else they say and do sounds American, even Holly's pancakes and some of those class differences broke down after WWII. There are plenty of Lords who marry common women, some even marry American actresses. I know of two actresses from TV shows I watched as a teen who married British aristocracy. Then there's the royals... Prince William and Kate Middleton, "just call me Harry" and Meghan A-list wannabe Markle anyone? It's not the same as Rupert and Holly but it's also not as different or impossible as Chef Heston makes it out to be.
Holly's Granny Molly is zany! She's certainly as quirky as Lady P. A former con artist and thief, Granny Molly has just gotten out prison and she claims to be reformed but Holly is wary. Granny enjoys her profession and doesn't respect her granddaughter enough to leave well enough alone. She could cost Holly her job! Holly does try to reason with Granny Molly and explain but in the end Granny Molly decides to do what she wants to do. She seems to love being notorious and hinting at her past. I'm not a fan. She's quite intelligent and shrewd so I can see where Holly gets her detective skills from but Granny Molly needs to go far away and leave Holly alone.
Princess Alice is so obnoxious! She bullies everyone into doing what she wants with vague threats of throwing someone in the dungeon. She drags Holly along into HER schemes without asking Holly what she wants. Alice has a dark side and enjoys murders and pretending to solve them. She fancies herself Watson to Holly's Sherlock but Alice just seems to muck things up. She can't even tend to a wedding planning booth properly. Alice also won't admit her feelings to Campbell who would probably panic and tell her aunt and uncle he needs to be reassigned. She's a modern woman, she could ask him out. Alice even ruined a date and tries to insert herself into the next one. She seems to want Holly all to herself and not share. Cousin Diana is newly separated from her husband and even more of a bitter pill than ever before. She's miserable and just wants to make everyone else miserable if she can't wallow in her room. Diana is super rude to Holly and doormat Holly backs off blaming herself and not Diana. Lord Rupert is super sweet. Now I picture him like the Clark Kent of the Olympics Pommel Horse, Stephen Nedoroscik. Rupert gives off a nerdy vibe like that. If Rupert likes Holly, he should ask her out formally and not be so shy and tell off his sister while he's at it.
Connie Barber, a longtime florist on the wedding circuit died in the public restroom at Audley Castle. Holly suspects she was murdered! Connie wasn't feeling well. People claimed she was drinking too much to deal with the stress of the profession but Holly notes some other signs that show Connie was being poisoned. I suspected a slow death over time with a little poison given to her each day and I'm certain I know how. Track down that source and you have your murderer. That much was rather obvious. Holly missed it totally and Campbell wasn't even in the right neighborhood! Who killed Connie? Everyone has a motive! Connie was rude, cutthroat in business and mean to her little Chihuahua. Poor Saffron needs positive reinforcement, treats and some proper training. She's a Chihuahua so she'll always be standoffish and yappy but with time and attention she can be lovable. She doesn't need designer onesies to be happy.
Belinda Adler was Connie's biggest rival. She's been in business for 30 years and the two competed for the same brides all the time. They were seen arguing earlier in the day and Belinda claims Connie's designs have gone down hill. What if Belinda is sabotaging her rival? Belinda also claims things that don't give her a motive but is she telling the truth? Zoe Rossini claims to be the best wedding planner in the county. She's beautiful but not very bright or eager to work. She once worked with Connie as a partner in the business but Connie really did all the work. Zoe claims Connie cheated her out of her share of the business but Zoe wasn't doing any of the work! Who would give Zoe any part of a business? She has nothing good to say about Connie or anyone else. Her ego knows no bounds. Zoe is still lazy and I wonder how she has any clients?
Bruce Osman, the cheap wine and champagne seller, was always hanging around Connie. He was a stalker who wanted a relationship with the florist. Bruce is smarmy, sleazy and all around ick. He comes on to women even though he wanted to be exclusive with Connie and has a back up plan and seems to be working on a backup of the backup which shows he wasn't serious about Connie or had feelings for her. Maybe he was after her money, I don't know but I could see him killing her slowly over time but not until after they were married and she changed her will. Another strong suspect is Tina Kennon, a troublemaker who keeps breaking into the wedding fair. Tina seems to have mental health issues. She can't let go of her hurt and anger for what Connie did to her. She's more of a stalker than Bruce who at least had enough sense to start a business. Tina just comes around to harass Connie. She's scary!
There are two new characters who are actually likable and sympathetic. Leanna, Connie's assistant, is a sweet young woman who didn't know what she was getting into when she decided to become a wedding planner. While she may have gained valuable work experience working for Connie, she also gained valuable life experience. Connie bullied, bossed, belittled and basically treated Leanna like a slave. Leanna seems to have low self-esteem because of the bullying and has become soured on the profession. I feel so bad for her. I hope she's not the killer! Misty Gillchrist runs a doggie daycare for the wedding industry. None of these people should have dogs but because they don't listen to the experts like Misty, they do it anyway and the dogs suffer. Enter Misty! She has a niche market but it's a good one. She does all the work and hopefully the wedding people pay well. Misty is passionate about animals and animal welfare, like Holly. She seems nice and a friend for Holly.
This series is fluffy and fun. I'll probably keep reading the series when I have time.
February 11, 2025
This is the sixth in the cozy mystery series featuring Holly Holmes, the pastry chef/baker in a fictional castle in England. And truthfully, the whole royal setup is clearly fictional. We never see the parents of Princess Alice (Holly’s best friend) and Lord Rupert (who has a crush on Holly). Why Rupert isn’t a prince is beyond me. Nevertheless, sometimes I need a very light-hearted read, and this series fills the bill.
In this entry there’s a bridal fair on the grounds of the castle. Fairly quickly, one of the exhibitors at the fair is murdered, and Holly jumps in to solve the case. I guessed fairly quickly who the murderer was, but for the most part enjoyed the book.
In this entry there’s a bridal fair on the grounds of the castle. Fairly quickly, one of the exhibitors at the fair is murdered, and Holly jumps in to solve the case. I guessed fairly quickly who the murderer was, but for the most part enjoyed the book.
August 27, 2020
A cute diversion
This is a clean and very light cozy read. The mystery is not so substantial, and the culprit is quickly obvious, but the motive is surprising. The characters are likeable for the most part, and the environs are rather delightful. Holly is a real charmer, but she seems to be a victim of a common cozy heroine malady: a bit spineless when she should justifiably set boundaries but a lot of sass and push-back in situations where she has no standing. Holly is juggling her sleuthing skills after another death in the village as well as attempting to keep her unrepentant visitor a secret. This reader wishes that Holly will find time to put Alice (the most grating character) in her place.
This is a clean and very light cozy read. The mystery is not so substantial, and the culprit is quickly obvious, but the motive is surprising. The characters are likeable for the most part, and the environs are rather delightful. Holly is a real charmer, but she seems to be a victim of a common cozy heroine malady: a bit spineless when she should justifiably set boundaries but a lot of sass and push-back in situations where she has no standing. Holly is juggling her sleuthing skills after another death in the village as well as attempting to keep her unrepentant visitor a secret. This reader wishes that Holly will find time to put Alice (the most grating character) in her place.
January 24, 2020
Outstanding read!!!!
I couldn't put the book down. I Love the characters. I feel like I'm part of the village and am walking the castle grounds through every page.I LOVE THIS SERIES!!!!
I couldn't put the book down. I Love the characters. I feel like I'm part of the village and am walking the castle grounds through every page.I LOVE THIS SERIES!!!!
July 16, 2021
Very intriguing
The author incorporates the mystery along with other royal activities very efficiently. I only wish there were recipes at the end of the book. I would love to try Holly's desserts.
The author incorporates the mystery along with other royal activities very efficiently. I only wish there were recipes at the end of the book. I would love to try Holly's desserts.
October 24, 2021
They keep getting better
I have really enjoyed these cozy mysteries. I have read all of them so far. I have come to know and like all the characters. Each book it is harder and harder who did what and why. I really enjoy the setting for the books.
I have really enjoyed these cozy mysteries. I have read all of them so far. I have come to know and like all the characters. Each book it is harder and harder who did what and why. I really enjoy the setting for the books.
May 31, 2024
I have been enjoying all the characters in this cozy mystery series. These books are easy reads and take my mind off current affairs and other difficult issues. I would recommend this series for those reasons.
July 2, 2024
you get hooked
The Holly Holmes Cozy mysteries just keep getting better and better. I often think that I won’t like the plot . . But as the story progresses, I enjoy it more and more. Great job K.. E. O’Connor!
The Holly Holmes Cozy mysteries just keep getting better and better. I often think that I won’t like the plot . . But as the story progresses, I enjoy it more and more. Great job K.. E. O’Connor!
July 26, 2025
More Variety
I’m happy that Holly’s family is being developed more, I really appreciate some of the small nuances in the development of the story to keep intrigue. Will read the next one!
I’m happy that Holly’s family is being developed more, I really appreciate some of the small nuances in the development of the story to keep intrigue. Will read the next one!
January 23, 2020
Holly just can't help herself. A murder just has to be solved by her. The complication is her grandmother arrives and wants to help. Only problem is her past and her sticky fingers.
Read
January 26, 2020Holly does it again. This time, she didn't initiate the intrusion. Enjoyed seeing a different side of Holly. Like finding out more about her background and family.
November 18, 2021
Good cozy mystery
This is a fun cozy mystery set in Dudley Castle in an English village. Holly's grandmother now introduced in this book and adds entertainment.
This is a fun cozy mystery set in Dudley Castle in an English village. Holly's grandmother now introduced in this book and adds entertainment.
Read
May 4, 2022Enjoyable
May 19, 2022
Cute little cozy!
June 19, 2022
Holly Holmes series
It is a great book a good series I loved it the series is great I don’t want it to end characters are funny
It is a great book a good series I loved it the series is great I don’t want it to end characters are funny
September 25, 2022
Who killed Connie Barber and how and why??? Granny Molly certainly helps figure things out, doesn’t she??? I enjoyed this story and recommend the book.
November 8, 2022
Wedding Planning
Wow! Can't wait for the next book. Murder. Wedding Events. Food. And a mystery to solve. Great reading for a wonderful who done it.
Wow! Can't wait for the next book. Murder. Wedding Events. Food. And a mystery to solve. Great reading for a wonderful who done it.
April 2, 2023
Family
Good read..wedding fair and murder. The who was in plain sight...but the reason for murder was hidden. A page turner and a good deed at the end.
Good read..wedding fair and murder. The who was in plain sight...but the reason for murder was hidden. A page turner and a good deed at the end.
October 11, 2025
Another fun book from K E. O'Connor. she does an amazing job at keeping her characters in fun scenarios. I can't wait for the next book.
February 5, 2022
I enjoy this series very much...it is light and easy and fun to read.
February 8, 2023
Another cozy read. It felt as though there was a smaller choice of culprits. It was nice to get to see a new character added and not their connection with Holly and show her trying to deal with focusing on multiple things at once.
I think the reason for the murder was interesting but more depth was added for different consequences.
I also enjoyed Alice just dragging Holly and getting involved in everything.
I think the reason for the murder was interesting but more depth was added for different consequences.
I also enjoyed Alice just dragging Holly and getting involved in everything.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews