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A Bread Shop Mystery #5
Dough or Die
Known for its mouthwatering traditional breads, the Yeast of Eden bakery has gained fame across Northern California’s coast. Now the shop is bound for Reality TV—but a murder may kill its
reputation . . .
People come to the beach town of Santa Sofia as much for the healing properties of Yeast of Eden’s breads as for a vacation getaway. And now a cable food channel has selected the bakery as a featured culinary delight for a new show. Baking apprentice Ivy Culpepper is excited as the crew arrives, ready to capture all the ins and outs of the renowned bread shop. But instead they capture something much harder to stomach: the attempted murdered of the show’s cameraman just outside Yeast of Eden . . .
With no motive and no clues, and the town craving answers, it will be up to Ivy to sift through the evidence to find the truth. But she’ll have to move quickly before someone else is targeted or the wrong person gets the heat—and the business collapses like a deflated soufflé, right before her eyes.
People come to the beach town of Santa Sofia as much for the healing properties of Yeast of Eden’s breads as for a vacation getaway. And now a cable food channel has selected the bakery as a featured culinary delight for a new show. Baking apprentice Ivy Culpepper is excited as the crew arrives, ready to capture all the ins and outs of the renowned bread shop. But instead they capture something much harder to stomach: the attempted murdered of the show’s cameraman just outside Yeast of Eden . . .
With no motive and no clues, and the town craving answers, it will be up to Ivy to sift through the evidence to find the truth. But she’ll have to move quickly before someone else is targeted or the wrong person gets the heat—and the business collapses like a deflated soufflé, right before her eyes.
257 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 25, 2020
55 people are currently reading
497 people want to read
About the author
Winnie Archer
9 books371 followersWinnie Archer is the pseudonym of Melissa Bourbon.
Melissa Bourbon Ramirez is the national bestselling author of seventeen mystery books, including the Lola Cruz Mysteries, A Magical Dressmaking Mystery series, and the Bread Shop Mysteries, written as Winnie Archer. She is a former middle school English teacher who gave up the classroom in order to live in her imagination full time. Melissa, a California native who has lived in Texas and Colorado, now calls the southeast home. She hikes, practices yoga, cooks, and is slowly but surely discovering all the great restaurants in the Carolinas. Since four of her five amazing kids are living their lives, scattered throughout the country, her dogs, Bean, the pug, Dobby, the chug, and Jasper, a cattle dog/lab keep her company while she writes. Melissa lives in North Carolina with her educator husband, Carlos, and their youngest son. She is beyond fortunate to be living the life of her dreams.
Melissa Bourbon Ramirez is the national bestselling author of seventeen mystery books, including the Lola Cruz Mysteries, A Magical Dressmaking Mystery series, and the Bread Shop Mysteries, written as Winnie Archer. She is a former middle school English teacher who gave up the classroom in order to live in her imagination full time. Melissa, a California native who has lived in Texas and Colorado, now calls the southeast home. She hikes, practices yoga, cooks, and is slowly but surely discovering all the great restaurants in the Carolinas. Since four of her five amazing kids are living their lives, scattered throughout the country, her dogs, Bean, the pug, Dobby, the chug, and Jasper, a cattle dog/lab keep her company while she writes. Melissa lives in North Carolina with her educator husband, Carlos, and their youngest son. She is beyond fortunate to be living the life of her dreams.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews
September 25, 2020
The characters in this book are like new old friends that you just can't get enough of! While it does fall in the cozy mystery genre, the plots have interesting twists that keep you guessing until the end. I love the depth of personality as well as the depth of storylines that are interwoven into this book as well as the previous ones. If you haven't started this series, you absolutely should! I can not wait to read what happens in the next book in the series!
August 6, 2022
Dollycas’s Thoughts
The Yeast of Eden Bakery is drawing quite a bit of attention and now it is going to be featured in the pilot episode of Best Bakeries in America, a new reality show on the food channel. Ivy is so happy for her mentor, Olaya. She is going to be able to share her Bread for a Life Program that helps immigrants and low-income women gain confidence and independence as they work their way out of challenging situations.
The crew from the food channel arrives and there are a few petty disagreements between them but filming finally starts and things appear to be going well until during a break the cameraman is run down by a car right outside of Yeast of Eden.
With the lack of evidence, Ivy knows she can do a little sleuthing to knead out the suspects and their motives, hopefully find the truth before anyone else gets hurt.
I always enjoy my visits to Santa Sofia. In this story, I really enjoyed the way Olaya set up her class giving each student a turn to lead and share a bread from their culture. Such a true example of how recipes are shared and enjoyed and passed on generation after generation. It also enables readers to get to know these characters better. When Olaya gets sick we also see how the relationship between her, Ivy, and Penelope Brandford continues to grow. Ivy and Miguel’s relationship is also evolving nicely. Ms. Archer has done a wonderful job of creating characters that have dimension and layers.
The mystery was complicated by the number of suspects and the fact that Ivy didn’t know anyone from the food channel crew so she had to dig deep. Again there were twists upon twists with a red herring or two too! Then, of course, Ms. Archer throws in the last epic twist. Then all the clues fall into place for Ivy. I had an inkling about what happened but was not fully committed to anyone until is was all spelled out for Emmaline and in turn me.
One of the problems with this series is the food descriptions from Miguel’s restaurant and from Olaya’s bakery. My stomach was continually growling. I do love that the recipe for Hembesha, an East African Spiced Bread, and Rosemary Bread are included in the book.
Dough or Die mixes genuine characters, an intriguing mystery, and bread, bread, and more bread into a delectable story. I can’t wait for my next visit to Santa Sofia.
The Yeast of Eden Bakery is drawing quite a bit of attention and now it is going to be featured in the pilot episode of Best Bakeries in America, a new reality show on the food channel. Ivy is so happy for her mentor, Olaya. She is going to be able to share her Bread for a Life Program that helps immigrants and low-income women gain confidence and independence as they work their way out of challenging situations.
The crew from the food channel arrives and there are a few petty disagreements between them but filming finally starts and things appear to be going well until during a break the cameraman is run down by a car right outside of Yeast of Eden.
With the lack of evidence, Ivy knows she can do a little sleuthing to knead out the suspects and their motives, hopefully find the truth before anyone else gets hurt.
I always enjoy my visits to Santa Sofia. In this story, I really enjoyed the way Olaya set up her class giving each student a turn to lead and share a bread from their culture. Such a true example of how recipes are shared and enjoyed and passed on generation after generation. It also enables readers to get to know these characters better. When Olaya gets sick we also see how the relationship between her, Ivy, and Penelope Brandford continues to grow. Ivy and Miguel’s relationship is also evolving nicely. Ms. Archer has done a wonderful job of creating characters that have dimension and layers.
The mystery was complicated by the number of suspects and the fact that Ivy didn’t know anyone from the food channel crew so she had to dig deep. Again there were twists upon twists with a red herring or two too! Then, of course, Ms. Archer throws in the last epic twist. Then all the clues fall into place for Ivy. I had an inkling about what happened but was not fully committed to anyone until is was all spelled out for Emmaline and in turn me.
One of the problems with this series is the food descriptions from Miguel’s restaurant and from Olaya’s bakery. My stomach was continually growling. I do love that the recipe for Hembesha, an East African Spiced Bread, and Rosemary Bread are included in the book.
Dough or Die mixes genuine characters, an intriguing mystery, and bread, bread, and more bread into a delectable story. I can’t wait for my next visit to Santa Sofia.
August 25, 2020
This is the fifth book in the Bread Shop Mystery series set in Santa Sofia, California. Olaya's bakery is the subject of a reality TV series. The hit and run of the show's cameraman and the death of another cast member puts Ivy into sleuth mode.
This series touches my heart. I love Olaya, her bakery and the Bread for Life program she created. Olaya takes women from different cultures and allows them to bake breads that mean so much to their heritage. I would love to be a part of something like this even though I am not much of a baker.
Ivy always seems to get involved with murders in this small town. Her trusty sidekicks, Penelope Brandford and Miguel, always have her back. There was quite a bit of intrigue involved with the various women that we meet along the way. I changed my mind several times about who the murderer actually was.
I love the descriptions and the recipes for the breads. Every town needs a Yeast of Eden and Olaya to add a little magic to their lives.
I'm happy to see that Ivy and Miguel are involved in a mature relationship now. I'm interested to see where it may lead.
Penelope "Penny" Brandford is one of my favorite characters. I certainly hope that I have the spunk she does when I am that age. Of course, Ivy's pug, Agatha is a great little character as well.
I always enjoy my visits to Santa Sofia. This is a well thought out series with good characters and a great mystery. I highly recommend it.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and Kensington Publishing. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This series touches my heart. I love Olaya, her bakery and the Bread for Life program she created. Olaya takes women from different cultures and allows them to bake breads that mean so much to their heritage. I would love to be a part of something like this even though I am not much of a baker.
Ivy always seems to get involved with murders in this small town. Her trusty sidekicks, Penelope Brandford and Miguel, always have her back. There was quite a bit of intrigue involved with the various women that we meet along the way. I changed my mind several times about who the murderer actually was.
I love the descriptions and the recipes for the breads. Every town needs a Yeast of Eden and Olaya to add a little magic to their lives.
I'm happy to see that Ivy and Miguel are involved in a mature relationship now. I'm interested to see where it may lead.
Penelope "Penny" Brandford is one of my favorite characters. I certainly hope that I have the spunk she does when I am that age. Of course, Ivy's pug, Agatha is a great little character as well.
I always enjoy my visits to Santa Sofia. This is a well thought out series with good characters and a great mystery. I highly recommend it.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and Kensington Publishing. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 12, 2020
I really enjoyed the The Bread for Life program that takes place at the Yeast of Eden. I love how supportive it is of women from other cultures, bringing them together to share their recipes and help them to make better lives for themselves. And I really liked that Winnie Archer incorporated a Women’s Shelter into Dough or Die. It’s unfortunate that shelters are so needed, but for Archer to highlight them, it might encourage some readers to volunteer however they can at one of them.
In this one it felt like Ivy did all of the detecting and just handed the case over to her best friend and sheriff, Emmeline. I thought this was a bit far fetched, even for a cozy mystery. And it felt like Ivy was just accusing everyone and the sheriff just took her word, but this wouldn’t stop me from reading future books in the Bread Shop Mysteries.
As far as the mystery, it was interesting how it all tied together. There were so many suspects and different things happening to get the mystery to make sense that I actually had to read slower and stop and think a bit to see how it all combined. I don’t remember having to do this before when I’ve read a cozy, so I’m not sure if this is good or bad?!
The support that the characters have for each other and the wonderful descriptions of Yeast of Eden and all the yummy breads will have me returning to Santa Sofia.
In this one it felt like Ivy did all of the detecting and just handed the case over to her best friend and sheriff, Emmeline. I thought this was a bit far fetched, even for a cozy mystery. And it felt like Ivy was just accusing everyone and the sheriff just took her word, but this wouldn’t stop me from reading future books in the Bread Shop Mysteries.
As far as the mystery, it was interesting how it all tied together. There were so many suspects and different things happening to get the mystery to make sense that I actually had to read slower and stop and think a bit to see how it all combined. I don’t remember having to do this before when I’ve read a cozy, so I’m not sure if this is good or bad?!
The support that the characters have for each other and the wonderful descriptions of Yeast of Eden and all the yummy breads will have me returning to Santa Sofia.
September 16, 2020
This is the first of this series I have read. It made me think I needed to go to the kitchen and start baking bread. So the setting and job was so good.
The characters were all new to me. Olaya and Mrs. Branford are awesome. Miguel, Ivy, and the other girls in the class were good. I liked the inclusion of Crosby House and the gardening information. Mack was complex and I liked that. Sandra and Ben were more than you expected them to be. The characters were unique and memorable.
The mystery was so twisty! I was wrong at nearly every turn and I like that. It turned out that there were more bad guys than I expected. And I missed some of the clues as well. The mystery was really great.
This book felt like it was about more than just the mystery.
I received a copy of the book and this is my review.
The characters were all new to me. Olaya and Mrs. Branford are awesome. Miguel, Ivy, and the other girls in the class were good. I liked the inclusion of Crosby House and the gardening information. Mack was complex and I liked that. Sandra and Ben were more than you expected them to be. The characters were unique and memorable.
The mystery was so twisty! I was wrong at nearly every turn and I like that. It turned out that there were more bad guys than I expected. And I missed some of the clues as well. The mystery was really great.
This book felt like it was about more than just the mystery.
I received a copy of the book and this is my review.
November 13, 2020
Yeast of Eden’s bread shop located in
Santa Sofia, California has been chosen
to be featured on a TV Reality Show.
Olaya Solis owner, founder and head
baker of the shop takes the opportunity
to feature her Bread for a Life Program.
This program is meant to help low income
and immigrant women gain confidence
in themselves plus learn a skill to make
each one employable. Each woman will
share a bread recipe and how to make
their specialty bread with the group.
This group consists of a woman from
Eritrea, one from Canada, on
from Mexico and another from Germany.
Ivy Culpepper is one of the baker’s
assistants who has a dog named Agatha.
Ivy is impressed with Olaya’s long rise,
farm to table, every loaf by hand
philosophy that goes into the bread
making at this bakery.
The filming of the TV show begins but it
was unexpected that the two co-hosts
wouldn’t see eye to eye nor did they
hide their differences. Then the camera
man finds himself hospitalized after a
hit and run accident right in front of the
bakery. Plus Olaya becomes ill and must
take time off. What next??
How about one of the co-stars being
found dead....murdered!!!
Ivy decides to investigate.
A delicious, mouthwatering read! I
enjoyed learning about all the various
bread. There are recipes at the end of
the book for Hembesha (East African
Spiced Bread) and Rosemary Bread.
An array of characters that made it
hard to weed out the killer. I found the
twists and turns within the story kept
the reader’s attention.
This is book # 5 in the Bread Shop
Mysteries series. It can be read as a
stand alone as I felt the author
presented the past and present
together effortlessly.
I volunteered to read Dough or Die.
Thanks to the Cozy Mystery Review
Crew for the opportunity. My opinion is
voluntary and my own.
Santa Sofia, California has been chosen
to be featured on a TV Reality Show.
Olaya Solis owner, founder and head
baker of the shop takes the opportunity
to feature her Bread for a Life Program.
This program is meant to help low income
and immigrant women gain confidence
in themselves plus learn a skill to make
each one employable. Each woman will
share a bread recipe and how to make
their specialty bread with the group.
This group consists of a woman from
Eritrea, one from Canada, on
from Mexico and another from Germany.
Ivy Culpepper is one of the baker’s
assistants who has a dog named Agatha.
Ivy is impressed with Olaya’s long rise,
farm to table, every loaf by hand
philosophy that goes into the bread
making at this bakery.
The filming of the TV show begins but it
was unexpected that the two co-hosts
wouldn’t see eye to eye nor did they
hide their differences. Then the camera
man finds himself hospitalized after a
hit and run accident right in front of the
bakery. Plus Olaya becomes ill and must
take time off. What next??
How about one of the co-stars being
found dead....murdered!!!
Ivy decides to investigate.
A delicious, mouthwatering read! I
enjoyed learning about all the various
bread. There are recipes at the end of
the book for Hembesha (East African
Spiced Bread) and Rosemary Bread.
An array of characters that made it
hard to weed out the killer. I found the
twists and turns within the story kept
the reader’s attention.
This is book # 5 in the Bread Shop
Mysteries series. It can be read as a
stand alone as I felt the author
presented the past and present
together effortlessly.
I volunteered to read Dough or Die.
Thanks to the Cozy Mystery Review
Crew for the opportunity. My opinion is
voluntary and my own.
June 9, 2020
Dough or Die is book 5 in what I find to be a very entertaining series. We return to Santa Sofia and Yeast of Eden, where the bakery has been selected to be featured on a food channel cooking TV show. Things don't go according to plan and once again Ivy is at the center of solving a mystery. What I really enjoy most about this series is the relationship between the characters. The friendship that has developed between Ivy, Olaya, and Penelope Brandford is diverse and dimensional. The bakery is the heart of each story and fosters friendship between all of the women. Ivy's relationship with Miguel is progressing along nicely and at a good pace. Trouble begins when one of the camera crew from the cooking show is hit by a car in front of the bakery. That is followed by the murder of the show co-host. So of course, Ivy is determined to figure out what happened. The author does a nice job with the mystery and throws in some red herrings and a final twist that I didn't anticipate. The mystery wraps of nicely with justice for both victims.
I always look forward to a book in this series. It has a great setting and wonderful characters. Add in the author's descriptive writing style and the story just flows, bringing the reader along for the ride. I will be back for the next book in the series.
I voluntarily read a digital advanced reader copy provided to me by the publisher, Kensington, through Netgalley. The thoughts and opinions are my own.
I always look forward to a book in this series. It has a great setting and wonderful characters. Add in the author's descriptive writing style and the story just flows, bringing the reader along for the ride. I will be back for the next book in the series.
I voluntarily read a digital advanced reader copy provided to me by the publisher, Kensington, through Netgalley. The thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 5, 2020
Reality TV has come to Santa Sofia. Reality TV often has an element of a train wreck to it. But this time, instead of a train wreck, it is a hit-and-run. While in town filming Best Bakeries in America at Yeast of Eden, a second tragedy befalls a TV crew member. It becomes clear to Ivy that these occurrences are not coincidental. Ivy is not going to let the murderer get away with these heinous crimes and let them tarnish her beloved friend Olaya’s business.
Amidst the mystery is the wonderfully descriptive breadmaking and heartwarming relationships among the main characters that has become a staple of this series.
Amidst the mystery is the wonderfully descriptive breadmaking and heartwarming relationships among the main characters that has become a staple of this series.
September 18, 2020
Dough or Die is simply delicious; it left me completely satisfied without the calories!
This is book 5 in the bread shop mystery series, but my initial introduction to Yeast of Eden and Ivy, Olaya, Miguel, and all the others. Yeast of Eden, the bread shop, is in Santa Sofia, California and has been chosen to be featured on a reality tv show. Rightfully so because this bread shop favors long-rise traditional baking with a touch of magic or healing properties baked into each item. I could almost taste the Rosemary bread described.
Ivy works part-time for Olaya, owner and baker at Yeast of Eden. Olaya and her art of baking bread helped Ivy heal from heartache and heartbreak. The two understand the transformation that occurs from healing properties of bread and they wanted to extend to others that healing and learning, so they created the Bread for Life program. This program was designed to encourage and empower immigrant women. The women learn or finesse the skill of baking bread. Afterwards, they can utilize and share this skill with others and no one can take that from them. For the show, the women from the Bread for Life program are highlighted and bake a bread from their native country. Not long after filming begins, a cameraman is involved in a hit-and-run right outside of Yeast of Eden which pulls Ivy into investigating the accident.
As I mentioned, Dough or Die was my introduction to this series. I quickly warmed to the female friendships/bonds between Ivy, Olaya, Mrs. Branford, and Emmaline. I eagerly went back and read books 1-4 to understand how the relationships intertwine and why. Book 5, however, really emphasizes sisterhood and lifting one another up...awesome to read about!
I’m not a baker, but I love to read about others baking and the process. Olaya and Ivy are dedicated bakers, but willing to continue to learn from others. This was demonstrated when Amelie, from the Bread for Life program taught the group how to make German Brezels, aka pretzels!
I appreciate when societal issues are brought up in a graceful, matter of fact way which is exactly how I read about shelters for women and children in Dough or Die. I want to step into others’ shoes and imagine what life might be like, that can be done via reading as well. Author Winnie Archer handled it very well.
I would be remiss to not mention Agatha! She is a fawn pug displayed on every book cover and wiggles into your heart as you read. Pugs possess such personality, I hope we read more about Agatha throughout the series.
Finally, I read cozies often because I want to visit other locales. Santa Sofia seems heavenly...one hears the ocean roar, smells divine thanks to Yeast of Eden, and locals feel the genuine care for another...especially when solving murders! 😉
This is book 5 in the bread shop mystery series, but my initial introduction to Yeast of Eden and Ivy, Olaya, Miguel, and all the others. Yeast of Eden, the bread shop, is in Santa Sofia, California and has been chosen to be featured on a reality tv show. Rightfully so because this bread shop favors long-rise traditional baking with a touch of magic or healing properties baked into each item. I could almost taste the Rosemary bread described.
Ivy works part-time for Olaya, owner and baker at Yeast of Eden. Olaya and her art of baking bread helped Ivy heal from heartache and heartbreak. The two understand the transformation that occurs from healing properties of bread and they wanted to extend to others that healing and learning, so they created the Bread for Life program. This program was designed to encourage and empower immigrant women. The women learn or finesse the skill of baking bread. Afterwards, they can utilize and share this skill with others and no one can take that from them. For the show, the women from the Bread for Life program are highlighted and bake a bread from their native country. Not long after filming begins, a cameraman is involved in a hit-and-run right outside of Yeast of Eden which pulls Ivy into investigating the accident.
As I mentioned, Dough or Die was my introduction to this series. I quickly warmed to the female friendships/bonds between Ivy, Olaya, Mrs. Branford, and Emmaline. I eagerly went back and read books 1-4 to understand how the relationships intertwine and why. Book 5, however, really emphasizes sisterhood and lifting one another up...awesome to read about!
I’m not a baker, but I love to read about others baking and the process. Olaya and Ivy are dedicated bakers, but willing to continue to learn from others. This was demonstrated when Amelie, from the Bread for Life program taught the group how to make German Brezels, aka pretzels!
I appreciate when societal issues are brought up in a graceful, matter of fact way which is exactly how I read about shelters for women and children in Dough or Die. I want to step into others’ shoes and imagine what life might be like, that can be done via reading as well. Author Winnie Archer handled it very well.
I would be remiss to not mention Agatha! She is a fawn pug displayed on every book cover and wiggles into your heart as you read. Pugs possess such personality, I hope we read more about Agatha throughout the series.
Finally, I read cozies often because I want to visit other locales. Santa Sofia seems heavenly...one hears the ocean roar, smells divine thanks to Yeast of Eden, and locals feel the genuine care for another...especially when solving murders! 😉
September 14, 2020
Yeast of Eden, a Santa Sofia bread bakery, known for wonderfully fresh baked breads is about to be introduced to Reality TV. Olaya Solis, owner of the bakery, has started a program for women called the Bread for Life program. There is a new Reality TV show that has chosen her bakery to be the first episode. Ivy Culpepper, is an apprentice to Olaya. The two discuss the opportunity and decide, if everyone agrees, it that it would be a good thing for the bakery. Little did they, that it would bring about some mystery as well. Ivy dives in to finding the connections to see if she can help clear up the issues that arrive before it takes the bakery down.
This has been one of the best cozy mysteries I’ve read in a while. You are pulled into the story almost immediately. The author takes you on a journey with the main character, Ivy Culpepper, as she tries to put connections together and solve the mysteries that pop up. There is no give away of the ending in this book until right before it happens, and things come together. The little hints that are dropped are subtle enough to not stand out and scream “this is what is happening”. It makes for an enjoyable read and a surprising ending. This is the first book in the series that I have read and now I am going to read the others. My only problem with it, is that I really wanted to see the recipe for the bread that Olaya makes at the beginning and the fact you want fresh baked bread reading the book.
This has been one of the best cozy mysteries I’ve read in a while. You are pulled into the story almost immediately. The author takes you on a journey with the main character, Ivy Culpepper, as she tries to put connections together and solve the mysteries that pop up. There is no give away of the ending in this book until right before it happens, and things come together. The little hints that are dropped are subtle enough to not stand out and scream “this is what is happening”. It makes for an enjoyable read and a surprising ending. This is the first book in the series that I have read and now I am going to read the others. My only problem with it, is that I really wanted to see the recipe for the bread that Olaya makes at the beginning and the fact you want fresh baked bread reading the book.
September 17, 2020
“Dough or Die” is Winnie Archer’s fifth book in the “Bread Shop Mystery Series”. In this depiction, Winnie takes us back to the Southern Coast of California to the quaint beach town of Santa Sofia; where reality television has hit the baking business and “Yeast of Eden Bakery” is the first stop on the list.
Sandra Mays, a previous resident of Santa Sofia, enters the town with her cast and crew set to spotlight the traditional breads made by the owner, Olaya Solis and the group of women known as “The Bread for Life” ladies; Zula, Claire, Amelie, and Esmerelda, a group of immigrant women from the community who get together at the bakery to learn hirable skills to which empowers and gives confidence to the ladies. Little did Sandra know, that with the cast and crew came a past of deadly secrets.
Ivy Culpepper, Olaya’s baking apprentice, was excited for the reality show to hit the small community, however when the cameraman was involved in a hit and run, and she was being stalked by an unknown person, she began to wonder if someone was out to stop the show, but when there was a murder, she knew there was a lot more than sabotage going on.
I enjoyed the flow of the story, there were many twists and turns that had me guessing until the end. The characters were well developed and since I had already read the first two books in the series, it was fun to see where each of the characters were in their lives, however there was enough information revealed about the characters that this could be a stand-alone mystery.
With every chapter I could actually close my eyes and imagine the smell of the bread baking, and I looked at the recipes at the end of the book and thought…Maybe I could.
Looking forward to the next book in the series.
Sandra Mays, a previous resident of Santa Sofia, enters the town with her cast and crew set to spotlight the traditional breads made by the owner, Olaya Solis and the group of women known as “The Bread for Life” ladies; Zula, Claire, Amelie, and Esmerelda, a group of immigrant women from the community who get together at the bakery to learn hirable skills to which empowers and gives confidence to the ladies. Little did Sandra know, that with the cast and crew came a past of deadly secrets.
Ivy Culpepper, Olaya’s baking apprentice, was excited for the reality show to hit the small community, however when the cameraman was involved in a hit and run, and she was being stalked by an unknown person, she began to wonder if someone was out to stop the show, but when there was a murder, she knew there was a lot more than sabotage going on.
I enjoyed the flow of the story, there were many twists and turns that had me guessing until the end. The characters were well developed and since I had already read the first two books in the series, it was fun to see where each of the characters were in their lives, however there was enough information revealed about the characters that this could be a stand-alone mystery.
With every chapter I could actually close my eyes and imagine the smell of the bread baking, and I looked at the recipes at the end of the book and thought…Maybe I could.
Looking forward to the next book in the series.
September 16, 2020
Ivy Culpepper is an apprentice at Olaya's Yeast of Eden bakery, which becomes the setting for a food television show feature. But just after filming begins in the small California beach town, the cameraman is critically injured by a hit and run driver. Everyone is shaken but when the star co-host is killed shortly thereafter, there seems to be few answers and so many questions. Ivy decides to pursue her own investigation but isn't even sure if the crimes are related.
While this is the fifth book in the series, it is the first one I have read. It was easy to pick up the characters back-story and can be read as a standalone. I really liked the different ways that the female characters were bonded together. At the bakery, they worked together in almost a meditative pace, bringing different breads to life like an art form. The diversity of the women who lived at the domestic violence shelter brought a welcome dimension to the cozy mystery genre. Ivy's go-to friend Penelope Bradford and Emmeline- her boyfriend's sister, also brought in a nice circle of friends outside of the bakery.
Initially, I had some bit of trouble following the mystery plot; the book lagged for a time in the middle and there were a number of characters to keep tabs on. I kept coming back to the women's shelter because Ivy did, but it seemed strange that the director would allow her to enter "carte blanche". There was little police involvement until the very end, which was especially odd since Emmaline is the Sheriff. But the book picked up nicely towards the end and I had no idea of the killer's identity until revealed.
Thanks to Cozy Mystery Review Crew for an ARC of this book. My review is voluntary.
While this is the fifth book in the series, it is the first one I have read. It was easy to pick up the characters back-story and can be read as a standalone. I really liked the different ways that the female characters were bonded together. At the bakery, they worked together in almost a meditative pace, bringing different breads to life like an art form. The diversity of the women who lived at the domestic violence shelter brought a welcome dimension to the cozy mystery genre. Ivy's go-to friend Penelope Bradford and Emmeline- her boyfriend's sister, also brought in a nice circle of friends outside of the bakery.
Initially, I had some bit of trouble following the mystery plot; the book lagged for a time in the middle and there were a number of characters to keep tabs on. I kept coming back to the women's shelter because Ivy did, but it seemed strange that the director would allow her to enter "carte blanche". There was little police involvement until the very end, which was especially odd since Emmaline is the Sheriff. But the book picked up nicely towards the end and I had no idea of the killer's identity until revealed.
Thanks to Cozy Mystery Review Crew for an ARC of this book. My review is voluntary.
October 7, 2020
This is the 5th book in a series, but it works well as a standalone; I hadn’t read other books in the series, but wasn’t lost at all. The writing is good and I really enjoyed the main characters. The mystery was difficult for me to decipher along the way, which I actually like. There were a few things that weren’t super-realistic, but a lot of cozies are like that. It’s an yummy, cozy read and I recommend it. I would like to start at the beginning of the series and read it all in order, and I’d like to read other series by this author. I was provided a copy of this book, but these opinions are my own.
August 26, 2020
Dough or Die by Winnie Archer is the 5th book in A Bread Shop Mystery series, and is quickly becoming one of my favorite. This book had more twists and turns, and an excellent mystery that kept me reading. I found this book to be a quick read, with a well developed plot and characters. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series, after reading the end of this book, it can't come soon enough. If you love cozy mysteries, I strongly recommend this book.
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.
August 22, 2020
Thank you Kensington Books for the free ARC. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not affected by the giveaway. #KensingtonCozies #CozyClubCard
Ivy Culpepper is excited when Olaya Solis agrees to feature her bread shop, Yeast of Eden, on a cable food network's new show about the best bread bakeries in America. Olaya wants the program to feature her new Bread for Life program she started to lift up and empower low income and immigrant women in the community to help them develop hirable skills and develop self-confidence. The women will learn to bake and share recipes from their cultures. When the show starts filming, Ivy is starstruck by the co-host, Sandra Mays, a local celebrity but soon learns filming a reality show with two hosts is not the smoothest procress. Egos are at work and the production takes twice as long as necessary. The cameraman, Ben Nader, is a local man who grew up escaping the drama of his teen years by climbing up to the roof of what is now Olaya's shop. While everyone is on a filing break, Ben is struck by a car and nearly killed. Ivy witnessed the incident and knows this was no accident. Who would want to harm Ben and why? Then someone else turns up dead on the roof of Yeast of Eden and Ivy worries Olaya and the shop could be implicated. Was there a connection between the two events and if so, was one of the people connected to the program involved? If not, then it must have been a member of the Bread for Life program and that could be a disaster for Olaya. Ivy sets out to figure out whodunit to help Olaya. She also seems to have a stalker. Ivy isn't certain the stalker has something to do with the murder. She thinks she can handle it herself. Can she figure out the clues before it's too late?
This wasn't the best book of the series. It's long, repetitive in spots and Ivy goes way overboard in her investigation. She does something unconsociable and I can't believe she would stoop that low as to investigate in a private room at a battered women's shelter. That's just wrong! The initial hit and run accident happens early in the book but the murder doesn't happen until halfway through. I didn't really know or care who the murderer was. I was able to put the book down and go to sleep. The story didn't pick up until 2/3 into it and then it rushed along until I put the clues together just ahead of Ivy. I was a little more interested in the Ivy stalker plot but not much. I was mostly into the Bread for Life program which is an incredible, amazing idea. This story will not age well. Ivy makes numerous pop culture references to reality TV food programs and celebrities Paul Hollywood, Mary Berry, Guy Fieri; named shows like Diners, Drive-ins and Dives. I like it better when the network and shows are fictionalized. Readers can use their own references to make the connection. How does Ivy even have the time to watch that much TV?
Ivy, Ivy, Ivy. She's a nosy baking apprentice with no good reason to investigate the murder. I really don't like how she kept asked pointed, personal questions and digging into people's private business. I don't understand how Emmeline didn't do that in the first place. Suddenly deciding to volunteer at a women's shelter and then using that opportunity to investigate and even snoop is just plain bad investigative technique. Let Emmaline do that if necessary. Ivy lied and snooped. I think she went too far this time. Her heart is in the right place but her methods need work. When she came across the big clue she didn't even put it together. At least she figured it out before she got into trouble. The stalker subplot is lame and just padding. It wasn't necessary at all and not entirely resolved. It was unrealistic at best. Miguel is a sweetheart and totally amazing. I think he's read for a longterm commitment but she's not ready yet. Maybe in the next book?
Emmaline is hardly in the story in the capacity of sheriff. She's busy trying to solve the hit-and-run with no clues to go on then the murder. She's normally awesome at her job and I think Ivy should just trust her. Emmaline wouldn't purposefully make Olaya look bad. Emmaline is in the story in the capacity of friend and soon-to-be sister-in-law. She's a great friend and will be a wonderful, lively, official addition to the Culpepper clan. I noted in the uncorrected proof her hairstyle is more natural in z waves, a change from her usual black braids. At the very end of the book there's another mention of her hair and this time it's in braids. The passage as written is slightly in error and repetitive. That's the time to discuss her hair and how she's going to wear it for the wedding.
Olaya is an amazing woman! Her heart is giant and she truly loves helping people with her "magical" bread. The Bread for Life program is inspiring and amazing! I really liked learning about the different breads. I thought Ivy's first blog post should have been exactly what Olaya said about baking bread and why she started the shop. I'm sure if one of the women proves to be a murderer, Olaya will have compassion for her and try to help in any way she can. Penelope is hardly in the story but she comes through for Olaya even though they have a past history. I like seeing their friendship grow. I miss Penny's zany investigations though. Without them the story is heavy.
Olaya has a new apprentice baker, Felix. He seems fun and eager to learn as much as Ivy. I think he will be successful one day. Ivy's brother Billy gets in on the investigation, bouncing ideas around with Ivy and Emmaline. It's nice to see him doing so well. Even Ivy's dad is doing well. He makes some brief appearances and is there for Ivy when she needs her dad. Agatha isn't in the story enough. She's cute but she doesn't have anything to do this time. Too bad!
The women of Bread for Life all have some kind of baggage they're trying to leave behind. Baking becomes group therapy. Zula from Eritrea is a lot of fun. She takes to baking and sharing her culture wholeheartedly. She's open about her past and her personality is bubbly. I can't see her being a murderer. What would the motive be? Amelie from Germany is also fun. She's alone in the world but she doesn't let it stop her from enjoying her new life in Santa Sofia. I can't see her as a murderer either. Claire's background is a mystery. She's quiet, mysterious and doesn't think she has any culture to share. There could be some reason for her to want Ben out of the way but the murder motive is a mystery. Then there's Esmeralda, Esme to her friends, from Mexico. Ivy uncovers secrets from Esme's past that could lead to a motive for hurting Ben and possibly murder.
Sandra Mays and Mack Hebron are both awful people, especially Sandra. Sandra is a big fish in a small pond. She enjoys being recognized and fawned over as a local celebrity. She has bigger dreams of being a big fish in a big pond. What would she do to get there? It sounds like she'd step on anyone who got in her way. She doesn't like hearing no and she fights a lot with Mack. He's deliberately rude and disrepectful to her. He antagonizes her just to watch her get angry. Yes she has a giant ego that needs deflating but that's not a nice way to do it. Mack claims he's not heartless but he is rather callous and cruel at times.
Ben Nader is a nice guy. Everyone loves him and he doesn't have a rap sheet or any skeletons in his closet. He and his wife Tammy are grieving the loss of their son in a car accident 10 years earlier and raising their grandson. Ben is a family man, a handy man, a camera man and there's no good reason someone would want to run him over. His wife, Tammy, is barely keeping it together. I think she needs professional mental health care help because she seems to be just about unglued. She owes to her to grandson to be the best she can be. I feel sorry for the kid. So much has happened in his short life.
Vivian Cantrell operates a shelter for abused women. Ivy had no idea it existed but it's searchable so anyone can find it. Vivian is tough vetting Ivy yet the home is on Google, she doesn't require a background check on anyone and just trusts word-of-mouth. Some of the rules are strict and some of the policies seem strange like moving people around to different rooms without their knowledge. I can't decide if I like her or not. I like what she's doing but not her personality.
Ivy meets a number of women who need help escaping their pasts. Angie is quiet and indifferent towards Ivy's gardening plan but then her personality changes as the garden starts to grow. It must be healing for her. Meg becomes Ivy's friend on the inside and helps with the investigation. A petite, blond, Irish woman, Meg seems to know everything that's going on. She helps Ivy with her snooping but has enough sense to feel guilty about it. I sense Meg is rather mischievous. She introduces Ivy to Mickey, a woman sadly co-dependent on her abuser who seems to be getting away with it! Mickey is a hoarder but able to disengage to help Ivy. One more person is a surrpise to Ivy but it makes sense. Ivy is completely disrespectful towards this woman, even chasing the woman down in order to interrogate her about Ben. I really liked that woman and even though the clues were there, I think Ivy should have left her alone.
This isn't my favorite series to read. The bread sounds amazing but it's not enough to make up for the somber plots. At least a good person didn't die this time!
Ivy Culpepper is excited when Olaya Solis agrees to feature her bread shop, Yeast of Eden, on a cable food network's new show about the best bread bakeries in America. Olaya wants the program to feature her new Bread for Life program she started to lift up and empower low income and immigrant women in the community to help them develop hirable skills and develop self-confidence. The women will learn to bake and share recipes from their cultures. When the show starts filming, Ivy is starstruck by the co-host, Sandra Mays, a local celebrity but soon learns filming a reality show with two hosts is not the smoothest procress. Egos are at work and the production takes twice as long as necessary. The cameraman, Ben Nader, is a local man who grew up escaping the drama of his teen years by climbing up to the roof of what is now Olaya's shop. While everyone is on a filing break, Ben is struck by a car and nearly killed. Ivy witnessed the incident and knows this was no accident. Who would want to harm Ben and why? Then someone else turns up dead on the roof of Yeast of Eden and Ivy worries Olaya and the shop could be implicated. Was there a connection between the two events and if so, was one of the people connected to the program involved? If not, then it must have been a member of the Bread for Life program and that could be a disaster for Olaya. Ivy sets out to figure out whodunit to help Olaya. She also seems to have a stalker. Ivy isn't certain the stalker has something to do with the murder. She thinks she can handle it herself. Can she figure out the clues before it's too late?
This wasn't the best book of the series. It's long, repetitive in spots and Ivy goes way overboard in her investigation. She does something unconsociable and I can't believe she would stoop that low as to investigate in a private room at a battered women's shelter. That's just wrong! The initial hit and run accident happens early in the book but the murder doesn't happen until halfway through. I didn't really know or care who the murderer was. I was able to put the book down and go to sleep. The story didn't pick up until 2/3 into it and then it rushed along until I put the clues together just ahead of Ivy. I was a little more interested in the Ivy stalker plot but not much. I was mostly into the Bread for Life program which is an incredible, amazing idea. This story will not age well. Ivy makes numerous pop culture references to reality TV food programs and celebrities Paul Hollywood, Mary Berry, Guy Fieri; named shows like Diners, Drive-ins and Dives. I like it better when the network and shows are fictionalized. Readers can use their own references to make the connection. How does Ivy even have the time to watch that much TV?
Ivy, Ivy, Ivy. She's a nosy baking apprentice with no good reason to investigate the murder. I really don't like how she kept asked pointed, personal questions and digging into people's private business. I don't understand how Emmeline didn't do that in the first place. Suddenly deciding to volunteer at a women's shelter and then using that opportunity to investigate and even snoop is just plain bad investigative technique. Let Emmaline do that if necessary. Ivy lied and snooped. I think she went too far this time. Her heart is in the right place but her methods need work. When she came across the big clue she didn't even put it together. At least she figured it out before she got into trouble. The stalker subplot is lame and just padding. It wasn't necessary at all and not entirely resolved. It was unrealistic at best. Miguel is a sweetheart and totally amazing. I think he's read for a longterm commitment but she's not ready yet. Maybe in the next book?
Emmaline is hardly in the story in the capacity of sheriff. She's busy trying to solve the hit-and-run with no clues to go on then the murder. She's normally awesome at her job and I think Ivy should just trust her. Emmaline wouldn't purposefully make Olaya look bad. Emmaline is in the story in the capacity of friend and soon-to-be sister-in-law. She's a great friend and will be a wonderful, lively, official addition to the Culpepper clan. I noted in the uncorrected proof her hairstyle is more natural in z waves, a change from her usual black braids. At the very end of the book there's another mention of her hair and this time it's in braids. The passage as written is slightly in error and repetitive. That's the time to discuss her hair and how she's going to wear it for the wedding.
Olaya is an amazing woman! Her heart is giant and she truly loves helping people with her "magical" bread. The Bread for Life program is inspiring and amazing! I really liked learning about the different breads. I thought Ivy's first blog post should have been exactly what Olaya said about baking bread and why she started the shop. I'm sure if one of the women proves to be a murderer, Olaya will have compassion for her and try to help in any way she can. Penelope is hardly in the story but she comes through for Olaya even though they have a past history. I like seeing their friendship grow. I miss Penny's zany investigations though. Without them the story is heavy.
Olaya has a new apprentice baker, Felix. He seems fun and eager to learn as much as Ivy. I think he will be successful one day. Ivy's brother Billy gets in on the investigation, bouncing ideas around with Ivy and Emmaline. It's nice to see him doing so well. Even Ivy's dad is doing well. He makes some brief appearances and is there for Ivy when she needs her dad. Agatha isn't in the story enough. She's cute but she doesn't have anything to do this time. Too bad!
The women of Bread for Life all have some kind of baggage they're trying to leave behind. Baking becomes group therapy. Zula from Eritrea is a lot of fun. She takes to baking and sharing her culture wholeheartedly. She's open about her past and her personality is bubbly. I can't see her being a murderer. What would the motive be? Amelie from Germany is also fun. She's alone in the world but she doesn't let it stop her from enjoying her new life in Santa Sofia. I can't see her as a murderer either. Claire's background is a mystery. She's quiet, mysterious and doesn't think she has any culture to share. There could be some reason for her to want Ben out of the way but the murder motive is a mystery. Then there's Esmeralda, Esme to her friends, from Mexico. Ivy uncovers secrets from Esme's past that could lead to a motive for hurting Ben and possibly murder.
Sandra Mays and Mack Hebron are both awful people, especially Sandra. Sandra is a big fish in a small pond. She enjoys being recognized and fawned over as a local celebrity. She has bigger dreams of being a big fish in a big pond. What would she do to get there? It sounds like she'd step on anyone who got in her way. She doesn't like hearing no and she fights a lot with Mack. He's deliberately rude and disrepectful to her. He antagonizes her just to watch her get angry. Yes she has a giant ego that needs deflating but that's not a nice way to do it. Mack claims he's not heartless but he is rather callous and cruel at times.
Ben Nader is a nice guy. Everyone loves him and he doesn't have a rap sheet or any skeletons in his closet. He and his wife Tammy are grieving the loss of their son in a car accident 10 years earlier and raising their grandson. Ben is a family man, a handy man, a camera man and there's no good reason someone would want to run him over. His wife, Tammy, is barely keeping it together. I think she needs professional mental health care help because she seems to be just about unglued. She owes to her to grandson to be the best she can be. I feel sorry for the kid. So much has happened in his short life.
Vivian Cantrell operates a shelter for abused women. Ivy had no idea it existed but it's searchable so anyone can find it. Vivian is tough vetting Ivy yet the home is on Google, she doesn't require a background check on anyone and just trusts word-of-mouth. Some of the rules are strict and some of the policies seem strange like moving people around to different rooms without their knowledge. I can't decide if I like her or not. I like what she's doing but not her personality.
Ivy meets a number of women who need help escaping their pasts. Angie is quiet and indifferent towards Ivy's gardening plan but then her personality changes as the garden starts to grow. It must be healing for her. Meg becomes Ivy's friend on the inside and helps with the investigation. A petite, blond, Irish woman, Meg seems to know everything that's going on. She helps Ivy with her snooping but has enough sense to feel guilty about it. I sense Meg is rather mischievous. She introduces Ivy to Mickey, a woman sadly co-dependent on her abuser who seems to be getting away with it! Mickey is a hoarder but able to disengage to help Ivy. One more person is a surrpise to Ivy but it makes sense. Ivy is completely disrespectful towards this woman, even chasing the woman down in order to interrogate her about Ben. I really liked that woman and even though the clues were there, I think Ivy should have left her alone.
This isn't my favorite series to read. The bread sounds amazing but it's not enough to make up for the somber plots. At least a good person didn't die this time!
May 23, 2020
Dough or Die by Winnie Archer brings readers back to Santa Sofia and Yeast of Eden for another intriguing and entertaining cozy mystery.
I love this small town and would move there in a heartbeat if I could because these characters have become friends through these books. Ms. Archer's descriptive writing of the town and characters have made me feel right at home. The mystery is quite involved with murder, attempted murder, several suspects, twists and turns and secrets from the past that come to light as Ivy once again begins to investigate. Ms. Archer's writing is so comfortable for me that once I begin reading I don't put the book down until it's finished.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Kensington via NetGalley. All of the above opinions are my own.
I love this small town and would move there in a heartbeat if I could because these characters have become friends through these books. Ms. Archer's descriptive writing of the town and characters have made me feel right at home. The mystery is quite involved with murder, attempted murder, several suspects, twists and turns and secrets from the past that come to light as Ivy once again begins to investigate. Ms. Archer's writing is so comfortable for me that once I begin reading I don't put the book down until it's finished.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Kensington via NetGalley. All of the above opinions are my own.
September 14, 2020
Even though I have only read one other book in Winnie Archer's series set in a bread Shop in Santa Sofia, Northern California, I still jumped at the opportunity to read this one, Dough or Die as I enjoy a well written cosy, and this looked like it fitted the bill perfectly.
Known for its mouthwatering traditional breads, the Yeast Of Eden has been chosen by a food channel to be featured in a new programme about culinary delights. Baking assistant Ivy Culpepper is looking forward to the event, expecting the crew to capture all the inner workings of the renowned bread shop, owned by Olaya Solis. But her enthusiasm wanes when the show starts filming, and Ivy, star-struck by the co-host and local celebrity, Sandra Mays, realises that filming a Reality TV show with two hosts is not a smooth process. Then she learns that the show's cameraman, Ben Nader is nearly killed in an apparent hit and run, whilst another member of the TV show is found murdered...
Dough or Die was a compelling, charming, and fun cosy read. Winnie Archer did a fantastic job providing some backstory, making this a great standalone novel. I was sold from the very beginning, with its solid characters, great writing and a marvellous mystery that provided a good sprinkling of clues to satisfy even the most painstaking and diligent armchair detective. The cast was quirky, and busy photographer, artist, and protagonist Ivy was spirited, peppy, curious and amusing, and she had a lot going on in this story.
There was a large number of characters in Dough or Die but I think I just about managed to keep track of all of them without being overwhelmed! Ivy's trusty sidekicks, Penelope Branford, an eager, retired English teacher, and Miguel, Ivy's boyfriend, made a welcome return as did Ivy's adorable pug, named Agatha. In addition to the filming of the show, Olaya Solis was offering bread baking courses to women from a local shelter, which added an added an interesting dimension to the entertaining plot. The mystery itself was well done and there were enough red herrings and twists to keep me guessing the culprit's identity.
Overall, a marvellous cosy and a very worthwhile read. I can't wait to see what Winnie Archer has in store for Ivy next, in book #6, Death Gone A-Rye.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Kensington Books via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
Known for its mouthwatering traditional breads, the Yeast Of Eden has been chosen by a food channel to be featured in a new programme about culinary delights. Baking assistant Ivy Culpepper is looking forward to the event, expecting the crew to capture all the inner workings of the renowned bread shop, owned by Olaya Solis. But her enthusiasm wanes when the show starts filming, and Ivy, star-struck by the co-host and local celebrity, Sandra Mays, realises that filming a Reality TV show with two hosts is not a smooth process. Then she learns that the show's cameraman, Ben Nader is nearly killed in an apparent hit and run, whilst another member of the TV show is found murdered...
Dough or Die was a compelling, charming, and fun cosy read. Winnie Archer did a fantastic job providing some backstory, making this a great standalone novel. I was sold from the very beginning, with its solid characters, great writing and a marvellous mystery that provided a good sprinkling of clues to satisfy even the most painstaking and diligent armchair detective. The cast was quirky, and busy photographer, artist, and protagonist Ivy was spirited, peppy, curious and amusing, and she had a lot going on in this story.
There was a large number of characters in Dough or Die but I think I just about managed to keep track of all of them without being overwhelmed! Ivy's trusty sidekicks, Penelope Branford, an eager, retired English teacher, and Miguel, Ivy's boyfriend, made a welcome return as did Ivy's adorable pug, named Agatha. In addition to the filming of the show, Olaya Solis was offering bread baking courses to women from a local shelter, which added an added an interesting dimension to the entertaining plot. The mystery itself was well done and there were enough red herrings and twists to keep me guessing the culprit's identity.
Overall, a marvellous cosy and a very worthwhile read. I can't wait to see what Winnie Archer has in store for Ivy next, in book #6, Death Gone A-Rye.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Kensington Books via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
October 11, 2020
3.5 stars
Dough or Die is an intriguing mystery with delightful main characters (Olaya!) to keep you entertained and delicious, mouthwatering bread to keep you hungry haha.
I really really like Olaya – she is just a little mysterious and a lot goodhearted, and her heart to empower women who have had a rough time is definitely something I can embrace. Her work ethic and compassion are inspiring, and she’s the kind of character you can easily picture as you read. Ivy is also engaging, and their respect & affection for each other easily adds warmth to the story. The supporting characters are equally likable (except for the ones we aren’t supposed to like, of course) and keep the story moving along.
The plot was intriguing, with multiple suspects, nods to popular culture, and a reveal I didn’t quite see coming as clearly as perhaps I should have. I did have a serious problem with the way Ivy conducted part of her amateur investigation in this book – it threw out all the understood rules of interacting with a typically-protected group of people, and her choices unnecessarily endangered them. I was disappointed with the precedent this set – as well as with the strong (though fortunately infrequent) language. On a personal note, I read cozy mysteries in part because it’s generally accepted that cursing and profanity will be mild, if any are used at all, and reading several profane uses of Jesus’ names was more than a bit jarring to say the least.
Bottom Line: Dough or Die is a bread lover’s delight, and you’ll find yourself drooling over the delicious recipes that are whipped up at Yeast of Eden & by Ivy’s chef boyfriend. The way the continuing characters interact with each other – their genuine friendships, etc – is definitely a highlight of the series, and Olaya in particular is the rock of the stories even though Ivy may be the protagonist. To be honest, I was disappointed in the direction this book went and in the strong profanity that usually is absent in this genre. Take those two issues away, though, and you’ve got an entertaining read that will keep you guessing!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first seen at Reading Is My SuperPower
Dough or Die is an intriguing mystery with delightful main characters (Olaya!) to keep you entertained and delicious, mouthwatering bread to keep you hungry haha.
I really really like Olaya – she is just a little mysterious and a lot goodhearted, and her heart to empower women who have had a rough time is definitely something I can embrace. Her work ethic and compassion are inspiring, and she’s the kind of character you can easily picture as you read. Ivy is also engaging, and their respect & affection for each other easily adds warmth to the story. The supporting characters are equally likable (except for the ones we aren’t supposed to like, of course) and keep the story moving along.
The plot was intriguing, with multiple suspects, nods to popular culture, and a reveal I didn’t quite see coming as clearly as perhaps I should have. I did have a serious problem with the way Ivy conducted part of her amateur investigation in this book – it threw out all the understood rules of interacting with a typically-protected group of people, and her choices unnecessarily endangered them. I was disappointed with the precedent this set – as well as with the strong (though fortunately infrequent) language. On a personal note, I read cozy mysteries in part because it’s generally accepted that cursing and profanity will be mild, if any are used at all, and reading several profane uses of Jesus’ names was more than a bit jarring to say the least.
Bottom Line: Dough or Die is a bread lover’s delight, and you’ll find yourself drooling over the delicious recipes that are whipped up at Yeast of Eden & by Ivy’s chef boyfriend. The way the continuing characters interact with each other – their genuine friendships, etc – is definitely a highlight of the series, and Olaya in particular is the rock of the stories even though Ivy may be the protagonist. To be honest, I was disappointed in the direction this book went and in the strong profanity that usually is absent in this genre. Take those two issues away, though, and you’ve got an entertaining read that will keep you guessing!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first seen at Reading Is My SuperPower
September 11, 2020
DOUGH OR DIE by Winnie Archer
The Fifth Bread Shop Mystery
Reality TV hits Santa Sofia when Yeast of Eden is chosen to be the first bakery showcased in the new series, America's Best Bakeries. Ivy Culpepper is thrilled that her mentor, Olaya Solis, will get recognition, not only for her special artisan breads, but her community involvement and her Bread for Life program. Although Ivy notices the diva behavior of one of the hosts creating some tension, everything seems to be running smoothly. Things come to a screeching halt, however, when the cameraman, on break outside the bakery is involved in a hit and run. Did he have an enemy or is someone out to destroy the show before it even begins?
In the fifth Bread Shop mystery there is an attempted murder, a stalking, and an actual murder. But are they related? They must be, but how? Before Ivy even thinks to look into the cameraman's "accident" she is pursued by an unknown SUV. Could she have seen something she didn't realize? I liked how Ivy slowly began looking into the accident, trying to make connections where there seem to be none. I also appreciate the subtle manner in which clues are discovered.
DOUGH OR DIE brings a love of baking and community involvement to the forefront. Societal issues such as domestic violence are brought to light in an open and honest manner and cultural diversity is embraced.
It may be a murder mystery, but DOUGH OR DIE is a feel good novel that intelligently looks at today's society. It's also a complex mystery that I thoroughly enjoyed, even though it left me craving a loaf of Olaya's rosemary bread.
FTC Disclosure – The publisher sent me a digital ARC provided through NetGalley, in the hopes I would review it.
The Fifth Bread Shop Mystery
Reality TV hits Santa Sofia when Yeast of Eden is chosen to be the first bakery showcased in the new series, America's Best Bakeries. Ivy Culpepper is thrilled that her mentor, Olaya Solis, will get recognition, not only for her special artisan breads, but her community involvement and her Bread for Life program. Although Ivy notices the diva behavior of one of the hosts creating some tension, everything seems to be running smoothly. Things come to a screeching halt, however, when the cameraman, on break outside the bakery is involved in a hit and run. Did he have an enemy or is someone out to destroy the show before it even begins?
In the fifth Bread Shop mystery there is an attempted murder, a stalking, and an actual murder. But are they related? They must be, but how? Before Ivy even thinks to look into the cameraman's "accident" she is pursued by an unknown SUV. Could she have seen something she didn't realize? I liked how Ivy slowly began looking into the accident, trying to make connections where there seem to be none. I also appreciate the subtle manner in which clues are discovered.
DOUGH OR DIE brings a love of baking and community involvement to the forefront. Societal issues such as domestic violence are brought to light in an open and honest manner and cultural diversity is embraced.
It may be a murder mystery, but DOUGH OR DIE is a feel good novel that intelligently looks at today's society. It's also a complex mystery that I thoroughly enjoyed, even though it left me craving a loaf of Olaya's rosemary bread.
FTC Disclosure – The publisher sent me a digital ARC provided through NetGalley, in the hopes I would review it.
September 12, 2020
When a new reality show featuring bakeries decides to film at Yeast of Eden they never would have guessed the misfortune about to befall the crew. A cameraman is hurt in a hit-and-run, and two days later one of the hosts is murdered. What could connect these incidents? Could it have anything to do with the women's shelter in town? How does one of Yeast of Eden's own figure into this? Read the fifth installment of the Bread Shop series to find out.
There's a heartwarming display of friendship and helping each other. Between highlighting the classes helping women learn new and marketable skills while connecting to each other's culture, the need for volunteers at the women's shelter, and the overall philosophy of the bread shop, there's a lot here that might get readers thinking about opportunities in their own lives.
I really enjoyed learning about the making and history of the breads along with the characters as each woman presented their native breads. (I wish the pretzel recipe had been included!)
Emmaline, the sheriff, isn't involved as much as one would think, and I'd have liked to have seen more of her. Ivy made some questionable decisions (sneaking into a woman's room at the shelter, a little too heavy-handed in some of her interrogations) that took away from the tone of the book for me.
Overall an interesting book, albeit a bit slow-moving at times, but with a sudden and surprising ending, and a bonus of bread recipes included.
There's a heartwarming display of friendship and helping each other. Between highlighting the classes helping women learn new and marketable skills while connecting to each other's culture, the need for volunteers at the women's shelter, and the overall philosophy of the bread shop, there's a lot here that might get readers thinking about opportunities in their own lives.
I really enjoyed learning about the making and history of the breads along with the characters as each woman presented their native breads. (I wish the pretzel recipe had been included!)
Emmaline, the sheriff, isn't involved as much as one would think, and I'd have liked to have seen more of her. Ivy made some questionable decisions (sneaking into a woman's room at the shelter, a little too heavy-handed in some of her interrogations) that took away from the tone of the book for me.
Overall an interesting book, albeit a bit slow-moving at times, but with a sudden and surprising ending, and a bonus of bread recipes included.
September 1, 2020
4.5 stars
This is the fifth book in the A Bread Shop mystery series by Winnie Archer.
Ivy Culpepper is finally finding her niche inside the Yeast of Eden bakery and then a tv crew comes in to film calling it one of America’s Best Bakeries. Then one of the tv crew gets run down in the road putting him into the hospital. Ivy goes into sleuth mode to figure out what is going on. Then tv personality, Sandra Mays is found dead in the tv cameraman’s favorite place to think.
The mystery in this was pretty complex and Ivy had to dig deep to connect everything. I liked how so many of the suspects did have a connection to the area making them even more of a suspect. I also loved the whole concept of the Yeast of Eden bakery and how the bread could heal people’s emotions since it was baked with love.
Definitely a great series to dig into! Going to put this on my must read list in the future.
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 fifth book in the A Bread Shop mystery series by Winnie Archer.
Ivy Culpepper is finally finding her niche inside the Yeast of Eden bakery and then a tv crew comes in to film calling it one of America’s Best Bakeries. Then one of the tv crew gets run down in the road putting him into the hospital. Ivy goes into sleuth mode to figure out what is going on. Then tv personality, Sandra Mays is found dead in the tv cameraman’s favorite place to think.
The mystery in this was pretty complex and Ivy had to dig deep to connect everything. I liked how so many of the suspects did have a connection to the area making them even more of a suspect. I also loved the whole concept of the Yeast of Eden bakery and how the bread could heal people’s emotions since it was baked with love.
Definitely a great series to dig into! Going to put this on my must read list in the future.
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.
September 21, 2020
Ivy Culpepper has talked the owner of Santa Sofia’s premiere bread shop, Yeast of Eden, into allowing a film crew in to be featured on a new food show. Of course, the filming doesn’t go smoothly and Ivy finds herself in the middle of film crew unpleasantness.
I really loved this cozy mystery. While I truly appreciate the zany characters that show up in many cozies, the “normalness” of Winnie Archer’s characters in Dough or Die is very refreshing. It felt as if each character was on equal footing; even though Ivy is the main character there are quite a few others that are essential to the series. Without each of them, the series would be less enjoyable. The resolution of the mystery was a bit heartbreaking and I am eagerly awaiting the next in Ms. Archer’s series.
Thank you to the Cozy Mystery Review Crew for my review copy.
I really loved this cozy mystery. While I truly appreciate the zany characters that show up in many cozies, the “normalness” of Winnie Archer’s characters in Dough or Die is very refreshing. It felt as if each character was on equal footing; even though Ivy is the main character there are quite a few others that are essential to the series. Without each of them, the series would be less enjoyable. The resolution of the mystery was a bit heartbreaking and I am eagerly awaiting the next in Ms. Archer’s series.
Thank you to the Cozy Mystery Review Crew for my review copy.
September 16, 2020
A cable show wants to do a show using the Yeast of Eden’s bread shop. Ivy is excited until the cameraman is ran over in front of the shop. While he will live Ivy has to figure out who did it before someone else is killed.
September 17, 2020
Although this is book #5 in the series A Bread Shop Mystery, it was the first that I have read. However, it will not be the last! I found this book to be well-written, with wonderfully developed characters. I quickly learned "who was who" and enough background of the main characters was included to make them seem like old friends. The mystery was well-developed throughout the story and had enough twists and turns to keep you guessing. I would recommend this book to anyone, and I personally will be going back to read books 1-4 in the series.
October 5, 2020
This was my first read by Winnie Archer but it certainly won't be my last! I fell in love with these characters immediately (especially Ivy-- and especially her pug!!) and, despite this book being the 5th in a series, felt completely at ease in the town of Santa Sofia. This was a fabulous cozy mystery-- just enough drama and twists to keep me guessing, with enough heart and delicious food to keep me comfortable while doing so.
I honestly had no idea who the culprit was, which is always exciting (and rather rare, because I'm a pretty good guesser), and stayed up half the night reading because I just HAD to find out. Now I'm looking forward to reading the first four books in the series and getting more of the backstory on Ivy and Olaya-- and, of course, looking forward to the next book to see what other mysteries might "rise up" (get it? Rise? Like..dough?...I'll see myself out...)
I honestly had no idea who the culprit was, which is always exciting (and rather rare, because I'm a pretty good guesser), and stayed up half the night reading because I just HAD to find out. Now I'm looking forward to reading the first four books in the series and getting more of the backstory on Ivy and Olaya-- and, of course, looking forward to the next book to see what other mysteries might "rise up" (get it? Rise? Like..dough?...I'll see myself out...)
October 5, 2020
This is the 5th book in the series but the first one I’ve had the pleasure of reading. Yeast of Eden the bread shop is selected to do a tv reality show but when there is a hit and run and a murder Ivy is determined to see I’d they are connected in some way. This story held my attention throughout the whole book. I never felt lost or confused one time while reading since this was my first book I’ve read from the series. The characters se very like able. The town sounds amazing. I would definitely recommend it to all cozy mystery lovers. I will definitely go back and start from the beginning and I’m look forward to the next in the series.
I received an ARC and voluntarily bread and review this book. All thought and options are my own.
I received an ARC and voluntarily bread and review this book. All thought and options are my own.
October 5, 2020
I loved this fast-paced read with a great cast of characters and a must-solve mystery that quickly became a page turner and kept me totally involved in all that was happening from beginning to end. I really liked Ivy Culpepper, baking apprentice at Yeast of Eden bakery who has a knack for crime solving and must put her skills to work when the cameraman for reality TV show America's Best Bakeries is the victim of a hit and run. Even though this is the fifth book in the Bread Shop Mysteries series, it is the first I have read and had no issues reading it as a standalone. I liked the characters so much, I purchased the entire series for my Kindle so I can read all of Ivy's adventures so far. I received an advance reader copy of "Dough or Die" and am voluntarily leaving my review.
August 21, 2020
Winnie Archer has written another book that pulls you into the story until you can feel yourself right there in the midst of the action!
Reality TV has come to Santa Sofia, or more to the point to Yeast of Eden. with a show about America's Best Bakeries, a local presenter is one of the two co-presenters on the show but she seems determined to muscle her way to the top spot which leads to tensions within the filming team. No one though expects one of the team to be mown down by a hit and run driver! That would be bad enough but then another member of the team is murdered, now Ivy along with her neighbour Mrs Bamford (and of course Santa Sofia's finest in the form of her best friend Emmeline) before more people end up six feet under!
Reality TV has come to Santa Sofia, or more to the point to Yeast of Eden. with a show about America's Best Bakeries, a local presenter is one of the two co-presenters on the show but she seems determined to muscle her way to the top spot which leads to tensions within the filming team. No one though expects one of the team to be mown down by a hit and run driver! That would be bad enough but then another member of the team is murdered, now Ivy along with her neighbour Mrs Bamford (and of course Santa Sofia's finest in the form of her best friend Emmeline) before more people end up six feet under!
May 6, 2020
Through NetGalley, I received a free copy of DOUGH OR DIE (Book 5 of the Bread Shop Mysteries) by Winnie Archer in exchange for an honest review. Ivy Culpepper has been learning the art of baking from her friend who owns the Yeast of Eden Bakery. When a cable food channel asks to make Yeast of Eden the center of their pilot episode, Ivy advises her friend to take advantage of the free publicity. The arrival of the television people brings more than publicity. Before filming ends, the show’s cameraman is run down in front of the bakery. Though the cameraman had connections to Santa Sofia, no motives for the possible attack are readily apparent. Fearing the incident will negatively impact her friend’s business and also fearing others may be in danger, Ivy begins to investigate both the cameraman and the rest of the television crew.
I liked the storyline and had no problems following the plot. Since I haven’t read the prior books, I was a little out of touch with the characters and their connections. I recommend this book to fans of the series, and I recommend the series to fans of Winnie Archer and to fans of cozy mysteries featuring murder, bakeries, and pugs.
#DoughorDie #NetGalley
I liked the storyline and had no problems following the plot. Since I haven’t read the prior books, I was a little out of touch with the characters and their connections. I recommend this book to fans of the series, and I recommend the series to fans of Winnie Archer and to fans of cozy mysteries featuring murder, bakeries, and pugs.
#DoughorDie #NetGalley
May 17, 2020
When a new reality show asks to film at the bakery, Ivy convinces Olaya to go for it. Not to grow their business so much as to highlight all the good Olaya does through her shop. As soon as the crew arrives to start filming, it’s clear there is some animosity between the two cohosts. It’s going to be a long few days of filming.
During a break in filming, the cameraman is injured by what looks like an intentional hit and run, Ivy becomes curious as to who hurt the kind man and why. When one is the cohosts is murdered, Ivy can only believe they are connected and puts on her amateur sleuthing hat to figure out who did this and why. Ivy has to knead the clues and see what rises to identify the killer.
A great series that gets better with each and every new book that is released. This is definitely a series to add to your summer reading list...and be sure to try the bread recipes!
During a break in filming, the cameraman is injured by what looks like an intentional hit and run, Ivy becomes curious as to who hurt the kind man and why. When one is the cohosts is murdered, Ivy can only believe they are connected and puts on her amateur sleuthing hat to figure out who did this and why. Ivy has to knead the clues and see what rises to identify the killer.
A great series that gets better with each and every new book that is released. This is definitely a series to add to your summer reading list...and be sure to try the bread recipes!
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