Sugar and Scandals

The Pink Cupcake Mysteries #8

by Harper Lin

When Amelia is interviewed about her cupcake business for a popular food magazine, she also learns about the death of an old classmate. Spencer Randall had always been a ladies’ man, but in recent years, he’d taken to dating wealthy older women for their money. He was found dead on a hiking trail, beaten to death. With multiple women fighting over him, Amelia and Dan have their work cut out for them. In the middle of a stakeout with Dan, Amelia also uncovers her ex-husband’s latest scandal…

Genres: Cozy Mystery

176 pages, Paperback

Published December 20, 2018

About the author

Harper Lin is the 3x USA Today Bestselling Author of several popular cozy mystery series—8 and counting!

When she’s not reading or writing mysteries, she loves going to yoga class, hiking, and baking with friends and family. 


Be the first to hear about early bird discounts and new book releases by signing up for Harper's Newsletter: https://goo.gl/R7XmFR

www.harperlin.com

Reviews

[Aղցela W. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was book 8 in "The Pink Cupcake Mysteries" series. Amelia is interviewed about her cupcake business for a popular food magazine by a former classmate when she learns about the death of another classmate. I love reading this series. Amelia begins investigating Spencer Randall death he was ladies man hooking up with rich older ladies Amelia knows that the list of suspects is long and full of women. I had an issue with her ex husband John calling her to complain about his new wife the same woman her cheated on her with I think that Amelia was being to concerned about the scumbag. I also want to see more romance between her and Detective Dan. As they get closer to catching the killers they threaten Meg her daughter Dan takes it personally no threaten his family. This book was well written with no errors in grammar or spelling. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.

[Barbara Hackel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amelia Hardy is back with another mystery and her pink cupcake truck. This time a blast from her past (a guy behind her in high school) is found dead on a hiking trail. Not drop dead from a heart attack, either. More like beaten to a pulp by someone with anger issues. Amelia decides to look into it when she inadvertently learns of his desk from another high school friend. Not one to be put off by his vulgar internet presence, Amelia isn't afraid to ask tough questions from tough people. It is more mystery than cupcakes this time around, but enough cupcakes to keep them foremost on my mind! Also some shenanigans from her ex-husband make her thankful she is through with him! Never a dull day in the cupcake lady's life.

A fun cozy mystery with enough connections to make you think Amelia might just be the best detective ever. Author Harper Lin amazes me at how she restrains Amelia when dealing with her ex-husband and never allows her to badmouth him to their kids. Ms Lin writes strong female characters, but they aren't afraid to admit it when they are wrong or a man happens to be right. In this day and age, it is lovely to read a cozy mystery that isn't peppered with accusations, poor language, and prejudices. I have to say Harper Lin is one of my favorite authors who respects others and still manages to tell a great story.

[Linda Lundy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a puzzling murder mystery. When Amelia is interviewed by an old classmate for a magazine regarding her Pink Cupcake truck she learns about the recent murder of a shady schoolmate and the mysterious circumstances surrounding his death. When Amelia starts doing a little investigating on her own she finds that things aren’t exactly what you would expect. Along the way Amelia's ex-husband John tries to pull a fast one. He is the ex-husband you love to hate. Lila and the new Pink Cupcake assistant Beatrice, who turns out to be quite the character, as well as Amelia's children Adam and Meg, are also included in the storyline. But...the best part is Amelia's new boyfriend Dan. I love the way their relationship is progressing. The outcome to the murder mystery has a very surprising ending. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.

[Tena · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interview for Amelia's cupcake business with a popular food magazine turns out to be with an old classmate. After the interview they catch up about old times. Amelia finds out that one of their classmates was murdered. It seems he hadn't changed since High School. Always the ladies man and causing trouble wherever he went. This gets Amelia's mind working overtime. Then her nasty ex decides to play nice. What could be up with that? It seems there are two mysteries to solve. Another great story of mystery, suspense and even a little romance. Can be read as a stand alone. After one story and you will want to find out about all to Amelia's other adventures. I received an advanced readers copy of this book.

[Bev · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amelia is interviewed for Food and Wine Magazine. Turns out the interviewer is a former classmate, Bonnie. Bonnie tells her about another classmate of theirs being murdered....Spencer Randall. He was a real ladies man in his eyes. Amelia finds there is a long list of croned women who would want a piece of Spencer, from older women to younger ones! Then Amelia catches John cheating on his now wife, Jennifer who is pregnant while on a stake out with Dan. Then things just go from bad to worse from there, how you ask? Read the book to find out. I voluntarily reviewed a free ARC of this book.

[Jordan Stivers · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Pink Cupcake Mysteries is my favorite cozy mystery series by far so I jumped at the chance to snag this one on release day. As usual, Lin has given us another wonderful story following Amelia and the ever-growing cast around her. I really enjoyed the development of Amelia's relationship with her ex and his wife. Amelia is a such a great character; she truly reads like someone you would know (with all her mishaps and foibles) and I love that. I already am looking forward to the next installment of her story.

[Michelle "Champ" · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is no secret that I am a HUGE Harper Lin fan. I have read all of her books and love each and every one for different reasons.

This one is full of old classmates, cougars (the women kind), strange acting ex-husbands, sweet boyfriends, 2 teenage kids and of course cupcake recipes (have you tried the recipes? Well, you should).

This book could easily have been read in 1 or 2 nights but I was reading another book while reading this one so and with the New Year holiday, I got a tad distracted with life.

Things I love:
Lila and Amelia's friendship
Amelia and Dan together
recipes

Things I love to hate:
The ex-John
The new Mrs. -Jennifer

I think you could read this as a standalone and still have a good time, but why would you not want to read all the others in this series?

[April Stanley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reads like a TV movie

My only problem with this book is Amelia's concern with her ex husband. Why does she care about what he does or says or thinks? She needs to stop wasting her time worrying about anything he says or does. Handle child support thru the courts . Say nothing about him to the kids. Let him ruin that relationship on his own and let them form their own opinion.

[E · Rating 5 out of 5]

Any book by this author is sure to be a good one! I think this is my favorite series of hers. Picking up the book is like sitting down with old friends to catch up. You feel like you really know the characters. The stories are well written and easy to follow. Cant wait for the next one!

[Artist_carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amelia while being interviewed finds out that a class mate had died, and she just has to find out who killed him. I love these books, the characters are awesome. A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own. 

[Mary Martin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Harper Lin does it again, another short, sweet mystery. Beatrice, with her brusque manner, is a fun addition to the truck. The friendship between Amelia and Lila continues to grow, as does Amelia's relationship with Dan. A fun series.

[Debbiebooknerdyoung · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the pink cupcake mystery books, and the characters are so likable.
In this book, Amelia is dealing with a moral issue while trying to solve a murder.
I really like the addition of the newest cupcake truck employee too hahahha. Every business needs a quirky but lovable employee.

[Bonnie J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great series. I could not put this book down. Between wondering what the cheating ex was up to and wondering who killed the sleepy former classmate, this book kept my attention and kept me guessing. Great characters and great storylines.

[Shoshana Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun, light easy read which I read over a couple of days on the tube and before bed.

All the major characters return for a new Pink Cupcake Mystery. When a womanising ex classmate of Amelia’s is found dead, Amelia gets drawn into solving the mystery of his murder.

[Valerie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series. Amelia hears that one of her high school classmates was killed and just curious why. So she decides to investigate. Her boyfriend Dan, who is a detective, welcomes her help. She actually finds out things he uses in his investigations. But she also has gotten in trouble sometimes. This is one of those times.
You have to start this series. It is really great.
I voluntarily agreed to review this book. My review is my own honest opinion.

[Caz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent instalment

I’m so loving this series of books plus certain I’m putting on weight just reading about all these yummy cupcakes lol can’t stop as dashing off to read next instalment woo hoo

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amelia and Dan are on the case together!!! Love them as a couple and make great partners as detectives. Her ex is still a loser - maybe becoming an even bigger one. Love this series.

[Nicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do like the pink truck stories. This is another great story. I like how she is only moderately nosy yet finds out so much. The guilty party is not obvious either. Good reading!

[Sandy Reynosa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the series

[Mariko Tsubaki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amelia is pulled into another murder because she just cannot control her need to solve a mystery. When she learns of the murder of a former classmate, she begins to dig into his life. Although he was far from an outstanding citizen, Amelia continues to quest for justice even if it puts her life in danger. Add in some ex-husband drama and her life will never be dull.
I received an ARC from the author for purposes of an unbiased review.

[Tina · Rating 3 out of 5]

These are short, sweet (no pun intended) little cozy mysteries with a likeable heroine. Nothing bloody or gruesome, just a single mom, raising her kids, supporting herself and solving murders. Cupcake recipes, a nice cop boyfriend and a food truck; perfect escapist read during lunch. I've read them all more than once. They are on my phone Kindle and Nook apps, for when I caught somewhere without a book!

[Suellen Lee]

Latest one

A nice "next one" in the line-up, but a little too predictable. Her writing style is quite relaxed and easy to read so the story goes quickly and you're ready for the next one.