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Cozy Mystery Bookshop #2
A Novel Way To Die
Sawyer Davis, a chef who inherited her mother’s mystery bookshop, is hosting her first book signing for the world’s biggest diva. Between juggling the author’s lofty demands, learning how to be a surrogate mother to a fifteen-year-old, and dealing with the Sheriff who once broke her heart, Sawyer’s menu is full. She longs for the good old days when the worst thing that happened was a flopped soufflé.
But when the author’s husband ends up dead in Sawyer’s best friend, Renee’s, ice cream shop, things really heat up. Sawyer believes her friend is being framed. With the help of her book club members and her adorable goldendoodle, Sawyer sets out to save Renee. Will Sawyer and her friends help serve up justice on a platter, or will they all find themselves in a pickle?
But when the author’s husband ends up dead in Sawyer’s best friend, Renee’s, ice cream shop, things really heat up. Sawyer believes her friend is being framed. With the help of her book club members and her adorable goldendoodle, Sawyer sets out to save Renee. Will Sawyer and her friends help serve up justice on a platter, or will they all find themselves in a pickle?
228 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 17, 2020
121 people are currently reading
1299 people want to read
About the author
Tamra Baumann
14 books517 followersTamra Baumann is an award-winning author of light-hearted contemporary romance and cozy mystery. A reality-show junkie, she justifies her addiction by telling others she’s scouting for potential character material. She adamantly denies she’s actually living vicariously in their closets. Tamra resides with her real-life characters—her husband, kids, and their adorable golden doodle in the sunny Southwest. Visit her online at: www.tamrabaumann.com
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February 11, 2024
Sawyer Davis, a chef who inherited her mother’s mystery bookshop, is hosting her first book signing for the world’s biggest diva. Between juggling the author’s lofty demands, learning how to be a surrogate mother to a fifteen-year-old, and dealing with the Sheriff who once broke her heart, Sawyer’s menu is full. She longs for the good old days when the worst thing that happened was a flopped soufflé.
But when the author’s husband ends up dead in Sawyer’s best friend, Renee’s, ice cream shop, things really heat up. Sawyer believes her friend is being framed. With the help of her book club members and her adorable goldendoodle, Sawyer sets out to save Renee. Will Sawyer and her friends help serve up justice on a platter, or will they all find themselves in a pickle?
Let me start by saying I rate my cozy mysteries different than all other genres of books I read. I still use a five star rating system (or with cozies I like to think instead of stars how stmany cups of coffee/tea.....which is my idea of cozy). The following is how I rate my cozies: 1 cup of coffee- did not finish or will not continue on in series. 2 cups of coffee- this book has potential, but on the fence about whether I will read the next book. 3 cups of coffee- good- will definitely continue series, but did have some issues 4 cups of coffee- great- will definitely continue series- minor issues 5 cups of coffee-EXCEPTIONAL! What I think about when I give my ratings: 1.) They are called cozies for a reason, and that being said I know they are not for everybody. I love them!! Therefore the first thing I think about is how cozy are they? The more cheese the better for me...lol. The horrible puns in the titles...LOVE THEM. Yes...if you’re wondering... I am the person who loves laffy taffy jokes. 2.) Characters/ and relationships with secondary characters 3.) Setting/theme 4.) The mystery
In the spirit of full disclosure I read this book...which is the 2nd in the series first. I was a little worried reading it out of order. It was a request from netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thanks netgalley!
I first met Sawyer a displaced chef from Chicago back in her hometown Sunset Cove, California at her recently inherited failing cozy mystery bookstore Cloaks, Daggers, and Croissants. Her mother’s death left her with grief, the aforementioned bookstore, Cooper a sweet goldendoodle (who her mother humorously named after Sawyers ex fiance and the sheriff in town), a trust fund...that she doesn’t have access to (and her uncle...the mayor...whose only help with the trust...is to help himself to her share), a recently adopted 15 year old sister Brittany, and a couple of single interested men. Whew!, that’s a lot of change, but Sawyer is doing what she can to make it work in Sunset Cove.
She has set up a book signing with author Angelica Kane (small town girl who made it big) to bring money into her bookstore, but this event comes with a lot of other hot water. It’s really how all the trouble began. Angelica’s husband Zach is Sawyer's best friend Renee’s ex, and Renee is really not over Zach throwing her overboard for Angelica. She is heard making threats of violence if she has to see Zach during his visit to town. The signing is going off without a hitch...I mean besides the diva demands that Angelica and Zach make. As the ending of the signing nears Zach is nowhere to be found. He is located dead in Renee’s ice cream shop, and Renee who threatened bodily harm to Zach nowhere to be found. Sawyer has to help Renee prove her innocence, and keep her best friend out of jail. All while also fighting her evil uncle, taking care of Brittany, her new puppy, figuring out her love life, and did I mention she is trying to open a restaurant? My thoughts Baumann did a great job with painting the picture of Sunset cove, the ice cream shop (described as decorated like Willy Wonka’s personal treasure trove...amazing....I really wanted to visit...I mean if someone hadn’t just been found murdered), the bookstore...oh I mean the COZY bookstore, and more. The characters are an awesome bunch of supportive quirky cozy additions. Marge, the nosy dispatcher, who always wears homemade christmas sweaters....regardless of the time of year or weather lol. The Admiral, her behind the times magician father, and more! This book had me guessing from start to finish.
I did think the mystery when revealed was a little confusing and overly complicated. That is my only issue with an otherwise great cozy...that’s it..that’s all....otherwise it was a 5 cup of coffee read. In the spirit of Renee’s ice cream shop I'm going to give this book 4 1/2 scoops of ice cream (instead of coffee)...with a cherry on top! This book was so enjoyable I immediately went and found the first book in the series!
I recommend you get yourself an ice cream sundae, and check out this book!
Check out my blog at: http://beachbumbookworm.com/
But when the author’s husband ends up dead in Sawyer’s best friend, Renee’s, ice cream shop, things really heat up. Sawyer believes her friend is being framed. With the help of her book club members and her adorable goldendoodle, Sawyer sets out to save Renee. Will Sawyer and her friends help serve up justice on a platter, or will they all find themselves in a pickle?
Let me start by saying I rate my cozy mysteries different than all other genres of books I read. I still use a five star rating system (or with cozies I like to think instead of stars how stmany cups of coffee/tea.....which is my idea of cozy). The following is how I rate my cozies: 1 cup of coffee- did not finish or will not continue on in series. 2 cups of coffee- this book has potential, but on the fence about whether I will read the next book. 3 cups of coffee- good- will definitely continue series, but did have some issues 4 cups of coffee- great- will definitely continue series- minor issues 5 cups of coffee-EXCEPTIONAL! What I think about when I give my ratings: 1.) They are called cozies for a reason, and that being said I know they are not for everybody. I love them!! Therefore the first thing I think about is how cozy are they? The more cheese the better for me...lol. The horrible puns in the titles...LOVE THEM. Yes...if you’re wondering... I am the person who loves laffy taffy jokes. 2.) Characters/ and relationships with secondary characters 3.) Setting/theme 4.) The mystery
In the spirit of full disclosure I read this book...which is the 2nd in the series first. I was a little worried reading it out of order. It was a request from netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thanks netgalley!
I first met Sawyer a displaced chef from Chicago back in her hometown Sunset Cove, California at her recently inherited failing cozy mystery bookstore Cloaks, Daggers, and Croissants. Her mother’s death left her with grief, the aforementioned bookstore, Cooper a sweet goldendoodle (who her mother humorously named after Sawyers ex fiance and the sheriff in town), a trust fund...that she doesn’t have access to (and her uncle...the mayor...whose only help with the trust...is to help himself to her share), a recently adopted 15 year old sister Brittany, and a couple of single interested men. Whew!, that’s a lot of change, but Sawyer is doing what she can to make it work in Sunset Cove.
She has set up a book signing with author Angelica Kane (small town girl who made it big) to bring money into her bookstore, but this event comes with a lot of other hot water. It’s really how all the trouble began. Angelica’s husband Zach is Sawyer's best friend Renee’s ex, and Renee is really not over Zach throwing her overboard for Angelica. She is heard making threats of violence if she has to see Zach during his visit to town. The signing is going off without a hitch...I mean besides the diva demands that Angelica and Zach make. As the ending of the signing nears Zach is nowhere to be found. He is located dead in Renee’s ice cream shop, and Renee who threatened bodily harm to Zach nowhere to be found. Sawyer has to help Renee prove her innocence, and keep her best friend out of jail. All while also fighting her evil uncle, taking care of Brittany, her new puppy, figuring out her love life, and did I mention she is trying to open a restaurant? My thoughts Baumann did a great job with painting the picture of Sunset cove, the ice cream shop (described as decorated like Willy Wonka’s personal treasure trove...amazing....I really wanted to visit...I mean if someone hadn’t just been found murdered), the bookstore...oh I mean the COZY bookstore, and more. The characters are an awesome bunch of supportive quirky cozy additions. Marge, the nosy dispatcher, who always wears homemade christmas sweaters....regardless of the time of year or weather lol. The Admiral, her behind the times magician father, and more! This book had me guessing from start to finish.
I did think the mystery when revealed was a little confusing and overly complicated. That is my only issue with an otherwise great cozy...that’s it..that’s all....otherwise it was a 5 cup of coffee read. In the spirit of Renee’s ice cream shop I'm going to give this book 4 1/2 scoops of ice cream (instead of coffee)...with a cherry on top! This book was so enjoyable I immediately went and found the first book in the series!
I recommend you get yourself an ice cream sundae, and check out this book!
Check out my blog at: http://beachbumbookworm.com/
February 20, 2020
Despite this being the 2nd book in a series it can totally be read as a stand alone.
The author gives you enough recap info so you aren't lost on what happened in the first book.
The two MC's are predictable (Dylan & Sawyer), but all the side characters are plenty of fun.
The murder is completely resolved by the end of the book (though it was kind of easy to figure out...maybe I have read too many mysteries?).
A number of personal issues for some of the characters remained unresolved.
Seemed like some weird choices for cliffhangers. I would say it's more annoying than intriguing that the author never circles back to .
Thanks to NetGalley and BookBuzz.net for my DRC.
The author gives you enough recap info so you aren't lost on what happened in the first book.
The two MC's are predictable (Dylan & Sawyer), but all the side characters are plenty of fun.
The murder is completely resolved by the end of the book (though it was kind of easy to figure out...maybe I have read too many mysteries?).
A number of personal issues for some of the characters remained unresolved.
Seemed like some weird choices for cliffhangers. I would say it's more annoying than intriguing that the author never circles back to .
Thanks to NetGalley and BookBuzz.net for my DRC.
April 11, 2020
I rounded down instead of up because I was slightly confused in the first part of the book. But wow, a third of the way into it, everything clicked and just took off. I loved Sawyer and her relationships, especially with Brittany and Dylan. Plus I discovered the plot was quite inventive with excellent red herrings. Overall, a real find, and if her next book is anywhere near as clever and we'll done, Tamra Baumann will move into the echelon of my favorite cozy authors, like Ellery Adams. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 7, 2020
I really enjoyed this cozy-mystery set in a small coastal town near San Francisco California. The characters were believable and I loved Sawyer Davis, owner of the local bookstore who returned to town when her mother was very ill. I love her romance with the Sheriff, Dylan; they were high school sweethearts but they never got married. In this book we find out why. We also see someone get murdered and a lot of red herrings before we find the real killer. Great story-telling. I'm glad I was able to get an advanced copy on Booksprout!
September 19, 2022
Even though I didn’t think I would like this book, it actually turned out pretty good. The mystery is pretty good, and while at first I was pretty unhappy about some sexist behavior on Dylan’s part, I actually understood his frustration with Sawyer for a lot of the book over her unwillingness to listen in terms of investigating the case. In this case, Sawyer’s best friend, Renee, is the suspect in her ex’s death and Sawyer is convinced that she is being framed. With the help of Maude, Renee’s employees, the book club members and Brittany, Sawyer is hellbent on clearing Renee’s name even though it may mean damaging the fledging repaint of her relationship with Dylan.
The plot was very interesting, lots of twists and turns, including the subplot of the evil uncle trying to cheat Sawyer out of her portion of the trust. More is being revealed about Brittney, and Sawyer is getting a crash course in parenting a teen+ teens and dating 😁😁😁 overall a very good sequel.
The plot was very interesting, lots of twists and turns, including the subplot of the evil uncle trying to cheat Sawyer out of her portion of the trust. More is being revealed about Brittney, and Sawyer is getting a crash course in parenting a teen+ teens and dating 😁😁😁 overall a very good sequel.
March 14, 2020
Sawyer Davis is back in Sunset Cove,
Northern California. She inherited a cozy
mystery bookstore from the mother. She
has put her profession as a chef on hold.
Sawyer has also become the surrogate
mother of a fifteen year old adopted girl
named Brittany. Plus her mother left Sawyer
a house and an adorable goldendoodle
named Cooper. Her mother had named the
dog after the sheriff who had a former history
with Sawyer. There is a trust fund involved
that Sawyer’s uncle is trying to take from her
using deceitful methods.
The book shop is holding a book signing.
The author’s husband, Zach was formerly
the boyfriend of Sawyer’s best friend Renee
years back. But when Zach is found murdered
and Renee is falsely accused, Sawyer with the
help of Brittany, the book club and Cooper
try to unraveled this complex, puzzling murder
mystery.
Great supporting characters to well defined,
relatable main characters.
A fun read with lots of shenanigans, humor
and a touch of romance.
This is book # 2 in the Cozy Mystery Bookshop
series. It can be read as a stand along as the
author provides enough backstory.
I volunteered to read A Novel Way To Die. Thanks
to the author via Booksprout for the opportunity.
My opinion is voluntary and my own.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout
and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Northern California. She inherited a cozy
mystery bookstore from the mother. She
has put her profession as a chef on hold.
Sawyer has also become the surrogate
mother of a fifteen year old adopted girl
named Brittany. Plus her mother left Sawyer
a house and an adorable goldendoodle
named Cooper. Her mother had named the
dog after the sheriff who had a former history
with Sawyer. There is a trust fund involved
that Sawyer’s uncle is trying to take from her
using deceitful methods.
The book shop is holding a book signing.
The author’s husband, Zach was formerly
the boyfriend of Sawyer’s best friend Renee
years back. But when Zach is found murdered
and Renee is falsely accused, Sawyer with the
help of Brittany, the book club and Cooper
try to unraveled this complex, puzzling murder
mystery.
Great supporting characters to well defined,
relatable main characters.
A fun read with lots of shenanigans, humor
and a touch of romance.
This is book # 2 in the Cozy Mystery Bookshop
series. It can be read as a stand along as the
author provides enough backstory.
I volunteered to read A Novel Way To Die. Thanks
to the author via Booksprout for the opportunity.
My opinion is voluntary and my own.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout
and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 22, 2020
When Sawyer's best friend looks like she is on the hook for murder, the not so secret book club is on the case once again! This time they may not be in time to save Renee or Sawyer as they get a little too close for the killers comfort. While on the hunt for the killer, Sawyer also must continue to battle her uncle for access to her trust fund in order to be able to continue to repair and maintain her real estate holdings. Add in a annoyed teen with a penchant for cyber crime and you have the recipe for potential disaster! Once again the author has delivered a well plotted story to keep you guessing wrapped around well developed characters that you can't help but fall in love with! I can't wait to see what happens in the next book!
February 25, 2020
I’m so excited to have stumbled across this series! A Novel Way to Die was a fun and exciting read. An interesting mystery with lots of twists and turns. When I thought I had something figured out, new information would come along and make me reconsider everything I thought I knew! Baumann mixes together humor, romance, suspense, drama, and some pretty high stakes danger to deliver a fabulous story that completely pulled me in.
I’m really enjoying the characters. I didn’t realize this was book two until I started but I still felt a connection to the characters and felt their connections with one another. I enjoyed the romance and hope to see more with this aspect in the next book. I look forward to going back and reading book one as well as getting my hands on the next installment!
February 17, 2020
A Novel Way to Die is a great follow-up to book one Plotting for Murder. I had been waiting impatiently for the next instalment and was so happy when I saw it. I really enjoy the family dynamics between Sawyer, Brittany and Cooper the golden doodle. I was happy to visit Sunset Cove, California again, a small coastal town full of quirky characters. I loved Sawyers tenacity, loyalty to her family, friends and her natural curiosity and of course this time she had to try to figure out who the killer was to save her friend Renee.
The story held my attention from the beginning and, read it in one sitting. There were lots of twists and turns and few red herrings thrown in for good measure. I highly recommend this book to all my cozy mystery friends, I really enjoyed it! I cannot wait for the next instalment as I want to know what happens next.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The story held my attention from the beginning and, read it in one sitting. There were lots of twists and turns and few red herrings thrown in for good measure. I highly recommend this book to all my cozy mystery friends, I really enjoyed it! I cannot wait for the next instalment as I want to know what happens next.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 7, 2020
2.5 stars. Sometimes the MC got on my nerves, and the lack of even a semblance of proper police procedure started to bother me. The fact the the h kept trying to get confidential police information out of the sheriff wasn't cool either.
There was quite a bit that I did like about this book, however. The clean content and language, the lack of real OP drama, and an h who doesn't play around and act coy but rather is very straightforward with her feelings and motivations, were the reasons I gave this book 2.5 stars. I'll probably read the third book just to see what happens: 1) between the h and her beau, 2) with the adopted sister and her mom, and 3) the evil uncle. However, this book was just ok.
There was quite a bit that I did like about this book, however. The clean content and language, the lack of real OP drama, and an h who doesn't play around and act coy but rather is very straightforward with her feelings and motivations, were the reasons I gave this book 2.5 stars. I'll probably read the third book just to see what happens: 1) between the h and her beau, 2) with the adopted sister and her mom, and 3) the evil uncle. However, this book was just ok.
April 17, 2020
A really enjoyable, fun mystery. Well written and great plot. Even though this is book #2, it's easily a stand alone read. The author does a fantastic job of catching the reader up and filling in the story thus far.
Tamra Baumann is an author to watch.
Tamra Baumann is an author to watch.
April 9, 2020
3.5 stars
I really enjoyed the mystery, family/friend relationships and romance portions of this book. I love the small town setting just outside of San Francisco. San Fran is one of my favorite cities I've visited, so it was easy to relate to the setting and characters. The delivery of the mystery happened quickly at the end and I was kind of wishing it was someone else, but it makes sense and I'm happy with the end. I'll definitely be picking up the next book(s) in this series.
If you want a quick murder mystery filled with smaller mysteries with family, friends and the past (and great dialogue), get this immediately!!
I really enjoyed the mystery, family/friend relationships and romance portions of this book. I love the small town setting just outside of San Francisco. San Fran is one of my favorite cities I've visited, so it was easy to relate to the setting and characters. The delivery of the mystery happened quickly at the end and I was kind of wishing it was someone else, but it makes sense and I'm happy with the end. I'll definitely be picking up the next book(s) in this series.
If you want a quick murder mystery filled with smaller mysteries with family, friends and the past (and great dialogue), get this immediately!!
February 14, 2020
A Novel Way to Die by Tamra Baumann is the 2nd book in Cozy Mystery Bookshop series, and another wonderful addition. I loved this book! Once I started reading it, I could not put it down. Sawyer Davis is a chef who's mother recently passed away. Sawyer's mother left her a rundown home, a bookshop that is barely making money, a puppy, and several men to chose from, if she agreed to move back home. Sawyer's uncle is the mayor, and determined to keep all of Sawyer's inheritance, like he did her mothers. The bookstore is hosting a book signing, who is an old class mate. Unfortunately the author's husband dies in Sawyer's best friend ice cream shop. I can not give this book enough praise, it kept me reading page after page. I can't wait for book three to come out. I strongly recommend this book/series for all cozy book lovers.
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.
February 9, 2020
Sawyer is settling into her life as a bookstore owner and responsible adult for her fifteen-year-old stepsister. Local girl that made it big as an author visits town and does a book singing. She’s brought her husband Zane, who broke up with Sawyer’s best friend Renee years ago. At the end of the afternoon, Zane is found in Renee’s walk-in freezer with a head wound. Renee herself is nowhere to be found.
Slowly, the evidence stacks up against Renee, but Sawyer can’t believe her best friend would hurt her ex and becomes convinced Renee is being framed. With the help of her step-sister who turns out to have kick-ass computer skills and members of her book club, Sawyer sets out to prove Renee’s innocence.
I can’t say I liked this story. The plot was alright. There is a bit too much of Sawyer's thoughts giving commentary that take the show out of many scenes.
It’s the people in it that bothered me. Madge and the Admiral are caricatures. Brittany seems too much like a normal fifteen-year-old (with her teenage tantrums) for someone that has been taking care of themselves from a young age. She learned hacker skills while living on the street and used to scam predators. I would have expected more trust issues and defiance of authority.
And most of all I disliked Dylan constantly pulling Sawyer in and then pushing her away again. Maybe if he’d stop running away from his problems, she’d stop trying to fix them for him. Can’t say I see what she sees in him, but apparently betrayed trust doesn’t make people skeptic in this story.
Thematically, there is a lot in this story that would fit right into a psychological thriller, but because this is a cozy, only the surface of the issues was scratched. Too bad.
Final note: this book is the second in the series and contains spoilers to the first book.
I read an ARC through NetGalley.
Slowly, the evidence stacks up against Renee, but Sawyer can’t believe her best friend would hurt her ex and becomes convinced Renee is being framed. With the help of her step-sister who turns out to have kick-ass computer skills and members of her book club, Sawyer sets out to prove Renee’s innocence.
I can’t say I liked this story. The plot was alright. There is a bit too much of Sawyer's thoughts giving commentary that take the show out of many scenes.
It’s the people in it that bothered me. Madge and the Admiral are caricatures. Brittany seems too much like a normal fifteen-year-old (with her teenage tantrums) for someone that has been taking care of themselves from a young age. She learned hacker skills while living on the street and used to scam predators. I would have expected more trust issues and defiance of authority.
And most of all I disliked Dylan constantly pulling Sawyer in and then pushing her away again. Maybe if he’d stop running away from his problems, she’d stop trying to fix them for him. Can’t say I see what she sees in him, but apparently betrayed trust doesn’t make people skeptic in this story.
Thematically, there is a lot in this story that would fit right into a psychological thriller, but because this is a cozy, only the surface of the issues was scratched. Too bad.
Final note: this book is the second in the series and contains spoilers to the first book.
I read an ARC through NetGalley.
February 18, 2020
2.5 stars
This cozy was the second in a series. I felt seriously confused since I didn't read the debut and there was a lot of background information that I didn't have.
Chef Sawyer has moved back to her hometown from Chicago after her mother's death. A big piece of the plot is Sawyer's plan for opening a new restaurant with the proceeds of a family trust. But the trust is legally tied up and there is an evil greedy uncle lurking in the wings. Perhaps if I'd read the first book this would all make more sense.
In addition, there are family details that are murky. Before her death, Sawyer's mom adopted a 15 year old girl who had a rough life with her sketchy birth mom. This could complicate the trust legality, and Sawyer is now guardian of a teen.
Sawyer is running a failing bookstore and also trying to renovate her mom's old house. Although Sawyer (I think) is in her 30's, the major plot strand is her he-left-her-at-the-altar relationship with Sheriff Dylan which goes back more than a decade. Their coy on-again, off-again repartee is mostly just annoying.
On to the mystery -- an author does a book signing at Sawyer's bookstore, but the author's husband is later found murdered at Sawyer's friend's Renee's ice cream store. Both the author and the victim were once locals, and there is history with the other characters.
I usually start at the beginning of a series and work my way through and starting out with the second book didn't work well with this one. I didn't get attached enough to these characters or this elaborate plot to want to go back and start with the first one. Thanks to the publisher and to Net Galley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This cozy was the second in a series. I felt seriously confused since I didn't read the debut and there was a lot of background information that I didn't have.
Chef Sawyer has moved back to her hometown from Chicago after her mother's death. A big piece of the plot is Sawyer's plan for opening a new restaurant with the proceeds of a family trust. But the trust is legally tied up and there is an evil greedy uncle lurking in the wings. Perhaps if I'd read the first book this would all make more sense.
In addition, there are family details that are murky. Before her death, Sawyer's mom adopted a 15 year old girl who had a rough life with her sketchy birth mom. This could complicate the trust legality, and Sawyer is now guardian of a teen.
Sawyer is running a failing bookstore and also trying to renovate her mom's old house. Although Sawyer (I think) is in her 30's, the major plot strand is her he-left-her-at-the-altar relationship with Sheriff Dylan which goes back more than a decade. Their coy on-again, off-again repartee is mostly just annoying.
On to the mystery -- an author does a book signing at Sawyer's bookstore, but the author's husband is later found murdered at Sawyer's friend's Renee's ice cream store. Both the author and the victim were once locals, and there is history with the other characters.
I usually start at the beginning of a series and work my way through and starting out with the second book didn't work well with this one. I didn't get attached enough to these characters or this elaborate plot to want to go back and start with the first one. Thanks to the publisher and to Net Galley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
March 3, 2020
Amateur sleuth Sawyer Davis goes to the aid of her lifelong best friend Renee who is a prime suspect in the murder of a former boyfriend, Zach. Thirty-something Sawyer is in a romantic relationship of sorts with the town's sheriff, who is investigating the murder, and their interactions are spread throughout the story. It's set in a small town in Northern California, although the setting plays little role in the story: it's small town America where everyone seems to know everyone. It's got small town atmosphere but it's not special to Northern California. There's a myriad of jealousies and ill will floating around among the characters, of which there's many. These come from the past and the present and they provide plenty of red herrings in the solution of the whodunit. It comes together in an exciting conclusion, which is slightly cartoonish.
Sawyer has a significant backstory that plays out in the background throughout the book. A chef by training, she has returned to California because her mother has recently died (probably covered in the prequel to this book) and left her a house, bookstore and a teenage "sister", who was adopted by Sawyer's mother under mysterious circumstances. Sawyer is the beneficiary of a trust fund that is unfortunately under the control of her devious uncle. He's the town's mayor who is constantly plotting to get control of the trust funds. Sawyer is an attractive, likeable and sympathetic figure. There's many other characters, perhaps too many, which makes it difficult at times to remember who they are and how they connect to the story.
It's a cleverly plotted and suspenseful cozy mystery, heavy on the romantic side of things. It's told in a readable style. The dialogue goes over the top at times and the story has it's soapy moments, but it stops short of becoming a melodramatic potboiler. There's lots of story runway for a sequel to this book, which is well worth reading.
I requested and received an advance reading copy of this book from the author, via Booksprout. The following unsolicited comments about it are my own.
February 29, 2020
"A Novel Way to Die" is the second book in Tamra Baumann's Cozy Mystery Bookshop Series. (The first book is called "Plotting for Murder".) If you have already read "Plotting for Murder" I think you are going to love this second installment. I came into "A Novel Way to Die" without having read the first book so it took me a little bit longer to understand our main character and her eclectic community.
Tamra Baumann's does a wonderful job crafting this mystery! There are several points where you think you know who did it and who helped, only to find out there is more to the story. I enjoyed that she uses technology in the main mystery and I found it pleasing to read a Cozy Mystery that had major supporting characters from several different generations.
Not only does this book have a central murder mystery, but it also has some interesting ongoing mysteries that drawn in the reader into Sunset Cove and makes one look forward to future installments. What is going to happen with the bookshop? Will Sawyer's uncle thwart Sawyer? What will we find out about Brittany's mother? The non-murder mystery subplots are almost more fascinating than who killed the person in this book!
As a fan of Cozy Mysteries, this book really has it all- 1. small town, 2. a plucky heroine who can cook, 3. a cute dog, 4. a handsome sheriff, 5 a bookstore with a book club and 6. A witty best friend.
I look forward to going back and reading "Plotting for Murder" ASAP!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Tamra Baumann's does a wonderful job crafting this mystery! There are several points where you think you know who did it and who helped, only to find out there is more to the story. I enjoyed that she uses technology in the main mystery and I found it pleasing to read a Cozy Mystery that had major supporting characters from several different generations.
Not only does this book have a central murder mystery, but it also has some interesting ongoing mysteries that drawn in the reader into Sunset Cove and makes one look forward to future installments. What is going to happen with the bookshop? Will Sawyer's uncle thwart Sawyer? What will we find out about Brittany's mother? The non-murder mystery subplots are almost more fascinating than who killed the person in this book!
As a fan of Cozy Mysteries, this book really has it all- 1. small town, 2. a plucky heroine who can cook, 3. a cute dog, 4. a handsome sheriff, 5 a bookstore with a book club and 6. A witty best friend.
I look forward to going back and reading "Plotting for Murder" ASAP!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 19, 2020
I love to read a cozy mystery. They tend to be predictable but it’s usually not the storyline but the characters that will pull me in. Give me a well defined character and I can put up with a storyline that seems to wander a bit before we finally get to the end of the book.
My one concern is the main protagonist, Sawyer, owns a bookshop which is not doing very well. I can understand that fact completely because she never seems to be working in her bookshop, at least, not very often, let alone selling any books. Okay, I know she wants to be a chef but since her fortunes turn on keeping the bookshop out of the red It seems she and the author have, on occasion, forgotten that she does own and operate a bookshop. She did have a book signing and that’s where all the problems begin.
I did like the character of her fifteen-year-old adopted sister since this added a less than exemplary protagonist who wasn’t above a little shady business.
There is a bit of romance with Sawyer’s ex, Dylan, with whom she almost made to the alter and a cast of some what usual characters that you might find in a small town.
All in all I did enjoy the read.
I won this ebook in a First Reads giveaway. Thank you to the author Tamra Baumann.
My one concern is the main protagonist, Sawyer, owns a bookshop which is not doing very well. I can understand that fact completely because she never seems to be working in her bookshop, at least, not very often, let alone selling any books. Okay, I know she wants to be a chef but since her fortunes turn on keeping the bookshop out of the red It seems she and the author have, on occasion, forgotten that she does own and operate a bookshop. She did have a book signing and that’s where all the problems begin.
I did like the character of her fifteen-year-old adopted sister since this added a less than exemplary protagonist who wasn’t above a little shady business.
There is a bit of romance with Sawyer’s ex, Dylan, with whom she almost made to the alter and a cast of some what usual characters that you might find in a small town.
All in all I did enjoy the read.
I won this ebook in a First Reads giveaway. Thank you to the author Tamra Baumann.
March 10, 2020
I am As soon as I finished a Novel Way to Die, I wanted the next book immediately... and the next and the next! A little romance, great characters; and an intriguing mystery make A Novel Way to Die so good that it is already one of my sure-to-re-read books. As a fan of her delightful romance novels, which carry a bit of mystery or suspense, I was excited when I first saw that Tamra Baumann was writing a cozy mystery series. Both the first and second books more than met my expectations; I loved them! As a romance author, Ms. Baumann had already demonstrated that she could create characters that touched my heart and and suspense that made me hold by breath and she carries those skills into her cozy series. Her characters are wonderful; they matter and they draw me into the story even before the mystery catches me. The great news is that her mystery plots are complex and excellent! They hold me from beginning to end and leaving me ready for more.
Cozy mystery fans as well as long time fans of Tamra Baumann will enjoy spending time in this fun novel.
Cozy mystery fans as well as long time fans of Tamra Baumann will enjoy spending time in this fun novel.
February 11, 2020
Thank you NetGalley and Tamra Baumann for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This was a delightful cozy mystery that hooked you from the first page. It was easy to get into the book and the characters even if you had not read the first book in the series.
The story is set in Sunset Cove in Northern California. Sawyer has inherited Cloaks, Daggers and Croissants - a bookstore that her mother had run. She has also inherited a crumbling Victorian house, a strange trust fund and a 15-year old adopted sister. Her family is completed out with Cooper a mini golden-doodle who is the real star of the book!! Sawyer's true dream is to open her own restaurant but her evil uncle Frank, the Mayor of Sunset Cove is out to put a stop to her dreams.
Sawyer tends to get in trouble and stick her nose in where her former fiancee and current possible boyfriend sheriff Dylan Cooper would prefer she didn't. As she has already put herself in danger and almost been killed, his worries are justified.
This time around Sawyer is coming to the rescue of her best friend Renee who is being framed for a murder committed in her ice cream shop. Complicating matters is the fact that the dead man is her former boyfriend. Author Angelica Kane doesn't seem too broken up about the death of her husband. She has a cast of characters that surround her that easily could be the murderer.
This story has many colourful characters that are fun, the story flows and is easy to read. Looking forward to the next book in the series!
The story is set in Sunset Cove in Northern California. Sawyer has inherited Cloaks, Daggers and Croissants - a bookstore that her mother had run. She has also inherited a crumbling Victorian house, a strange trust fund and a 15-year old adopted sister. Her family is completed out with Cooper a mini golden-doodle who is the real star of the book!! Sawyer's true dream is to open her own restaurant but her evil uncle Frank, the Mayor of Sunset Cove is out to put a stop to her dreams.
Sawyer tends to get in trouble and stick her nose in where her former fiancee and current possible boyfriend sheriff Dylan Cooper would prefer she didn't. As she has already put herself in danger and almost been killed, his worries are justified.
This time around Sawyer is coming to the rescue of her best friend Renee who is being framed for a murder committed in her ice cream shop. Complicating matters is the fact that the dead man is her former boyfriend. Author Angelica Kane doesn't seem too broken up about the death of her husband. She has a cast of characters that surround her that easily could be the murderer.
This story has many colourful characters that are fun, the story flows and is easy to read. Looking forward to the next book in the series!
March 4, 2020
This was a fantastic cozy mystery story. The story was full of twists and turns and the ending was completely unexpected. The characters were relatable and well developed. Highly recommend.
Sawyer is having a book signing in her bookstore by local best selling author Angelica Kane. Her husband Zach is murdered at Renee's ice cream shop during the signing. Renee and Angelica's former assistant Kate become persons of interest during the investigation. Sheriff Dylan is trying to solve the case and keep Sawyer out of it. Sawyer is almost killed by the murderer before Dylan can get to her house to save her.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Sawyer is having a book signing in her bookstore by local best selling author Angelica Kane. Her husband Zach is murdered at Renee's ice cream shop during the signing. Renee and Angelica's former assistant Kate become persons of interest during the investigation. Sheriff Dylan is trying to solve the case and keep Sawyer out of it. Sawyer is almost killed by the murderer before Dylan can get to her house to save her.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 11, 2020
4.5 Stars
This is the second book in the Cozy Mystery Book shop series by Tamara Baumann.
Basic premise: Sawyer owns a bookstore and while she is hosting her very first book signing the author’s husband is found dead in her friend’s ice cream shop. She, of course, has to get involved since her friend, Renee is the main suspect.
For some reason I felt like this was book three. Not sure why. This series already feels so fully fleshed out that I felt like I was reading about real people in real situations. I really enjoyed the interaction between Sawyer and the sheriff who once broke her heart. Not all seems right in romance land during this book, but there were hints of better times to come.
The partnership between Sawyer and the fifteen year old girl her mother left her with in book one was a bit trying at times. I liked that the author took the time to really let us know who she was and what her point of view was. Not all is very easy in Sawyer’s life. So it is no wonder she fell down the rabbit hole into the investigation to clear Renee’s name. The dead man had been Renee’s ex so there had to be a lot of planning on the part of the killer to make all the aspects work together to make Renee look guilty.
Totally loving this series and plan to follow when the real book three shows up. I am a super fan, for sure.
If you love a good cozy mystery, you have to 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 second book in the Cozy Mystery Book shop series by Tamara Baumann.
Basic premise: Sawyer owns a bookstore and while she is hosting her very first book signing the author’s husband is found dead in her friend’s ice cream shop. She, of course, has to get involved since her friend, Renee is the main suspect.
For some reason I felt like this was book three. Not sure why. This series already feels so fully fleshed out that I felt like I was reading about real people in real situations. I really enjoyed the interaction between Sawyer and the sheriff who once broke her heart. Not all seems right in romance land during this book, but there were hints of better times to come.
The partnership between Sawyer and the fifteen year old girl her mother left her with in book one was a bit trying at times. I liked that the author took the time to really let us know who she was and what her point of view was. Not all is very easy in Sawyer’s life. So it is no wonder she fell down the rabbit hole into the investigation to clear Renee’s name. The dead man had been Renee’s ex so there had to be a lot of planning on the part of the killer to make all the aspects work together to make Renee look guilty.
Totally loving this series and plan to follow when the real book three shows up. I am a super fan, for sure.
If you love a good cozy mystery, you have to check this one out. You won’t be disappointed.
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.
February 20, 2020
If you love a cozy mystery, Tamara Baumann’s Cozy Mystery Bookshop series will not disappoint. This is the second in the series and Sawyer is settling in with running her mother’s Mystery Bookshop and raising her newly discovered 15 year old sister Brittany. While hosting a book signing for a local mystery author, the author’s husband Zach is murdered in her friend Renee’s ice cream shop. Since Zach is Renee’s ex, she becomes a prime suspect. Sawyer and her book club set out to find out who the real killer is. Love all of the characters and had a fun time trying to guess whodunnit. I was given an Advanced Reader Copy of the book from NetGalley for my honest review.
May 6, 2020
If you're Sawyer Davis, former chef and now bookshop owner, it's a challenge to handle a diva author but when the author's husband is found murdered in your best friend's ice cream shop, you have to add amateur sleuths to your resume!
I enjoyed the book and liked the Sawyer character. The mystery was fast-paced and I didn't guess "whodunit". I love mysteries set in bookshops and was thrilled to see that there was a secret book club that met.
I'm looking forward to the next book and Sawyer's next case!
I received an ARC the NetGalley and the opinions expressed are my own.
I enjoyed the book and liked the Sawyer character. The mystery was fast-paced and I didn't guess "whodunit". I love mysteries set in bookshops and was thrilled to see that there was a secret book club that met.
I'm looking forward to the next book and Sawyer's next case!
I received an ARC the NetGalley and the opinions expressed are my own.
March 6, 2020
Sawyer is a chef left with a tricky family trust, an unexpected new sister, an uncle who is a nasty, greedy piece of work - and Sawyer has a habit of sticking her nose in mysteries.
Some hobbies are lethal, and Sawyer looks to have one. When she interferes with a plot aimed at framing her bestie Renee, this might just be her final case of meddling
Crazy and cunning characters, lots of good sister stuff, and a little romance
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Some hobbies are lethal, and Sawyer looks to have one. When she interferes with a plot aimed at framing her bestie Renee, this might just be her final case of meddling
Crazy and cunning characters, lots of good sister stuff, and a little romance
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 2, 2020
A Novel Way To Die by Tamra Baumann is the second book in her Cozy Mystery Bookshop series. I really enjoyed reading this murder mystery. In this story chef/mystery bookstore owner Sawyer Davis needs to find out who murdered a famous author's husband. It's especially important to get to the truth because all the circumstantial evidence points to Sawyer's best friend Renee being guilty of the murder. There's plenty of mystery, intrigue and surprises to keep readers turning the pages until the very end.
March 5, 2020
I won this in a giveaway and am glad I did. This was a great read; I'll be sure to read the first in the series and look forward to the next one in the series.
Though a typical cozy in many ways, the plot had twists I didn't expect. Even with the plot twists and the many characters, the plot was easy to follow and drew me in. The characters were well developed and the book incorporated an unexpected aspect, technology.
Though a typical cozy in many ways, the plot had twists I didn't expect. Even with the plot twists and the many characters, the plot was easy to follow and drew me in. The characters were well developed and the book incorporated an unexpected aspect, technology.
March 4, 2020
I love this series, the characters and the sense of family they have is nice. I really enjoyed it and definitely look forward to reading more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 19, 2020
4-4.5 Stars
Such a fun and complex story. Loving these characters and the author’s style.
Full review to come
Such a fun and complex story. Loving these characters and the author’s style.
Full review to come
February 27, 2020
New to this author's works, I was immediately drawn into this second book in the Cozy Mystery Bookshop series that is sure to satisfy all book lovers. Not required to have read the first to get up to speed but warning, the spoiler is in this second one. Although Sawyer already has her hands full with the bookshop, needed renovations for her home, feelings for old flame/Sheriff Dylan, mothering a teenager and now trying to clear her best friend's name of murder, she did come to realize that she could handle more than she even give herself credit for, something her mother always knew.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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