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Mad Batter #1
A Drizzle of Murder
Coco is moving her bakery into a new shop and her friends are thrilled. The guy moving her bakery items, not so much. He's a grump and rattles Coco to the core. So when he ends up dead inside her new digs, Coco finds herself smack dab in the middle of a murder investigation. Masie and Scooter work with Coco at the bakery. Scooter has a way with cakes, but is he any good at solving crimes? Masie can make a mean crumpet, but her sleuth solving skills are still questionable.Stella and Vivian are seniors, but you know the old saying, 60 is the new 40, and these gals are spry as Spring chickens. Their counterparts, Red and Henry, may not keep up with them, but they're not over the hill just yet. Unfortunately, one of them is suspected of murder.Logan, the handsome police detective, is on the case. But can he keep his personal feelings separate? Can Coco and her madcap friends discover the culprit before he strikes again? And will the handsome police detective create some heat for the gals? ***Find out in the first book in the Mad Batter Mystery Bakery Series***
162 pages, Paperback
First published December 27, 2019
About the author
Constance Barker
1,230 books205 followersConstance Barker lives in the Midwest with her husband and two Akitas where she can look out from her screened porch onto a wooded area brimming with activity. Since she was a young girl she read mysteries, often given to her by her grandmother. She loved figuring out who the culprit was and sometimes she was right and other times startled at who the author picked as the assailant. Now she enjoys writing mysteries herself. When she isn't writing stories, she can be found in her favorite vacation spot, Las Vegas or shopping for bargains.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
January 13, 2020
A huge fan of cozies, excited to discover a new food related series. As Coco have her hands full with opening a new shop and trying to solve a murder. But with the help of her friends, she comes out on top. Barker's new band of bakers may just give Joanne Fluke's Hannah Swensen series a run for her money. Looking forward to see how she further develops this series.
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.
January 5, 2020
While moving her bakery to a bigger location, Coco finds the grouchy moving man dead inside the new place! Now Coco wasn't very happy how he moved her belongings, but she did witness the man arguing and fighting with another man earlier that day. Can they find the real killer or will Coco's dreams of opening her new store be delayed? You will need to read the book to find out. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book from Booksprout.
January 5, 2020
A Good Start to a New Cozy Mystery Series
After romance, cozy mysteries are my favorite fiction genre to read. Even though I enjoy the more serious police shows on TV, when I read, I prefer a good cozy. This is the first book in a new series by an author I have not read before. This is a culinary mystery, and I always find these to be particularly fun (even if it didn't have any recipes in the back of my ARC version). Luckily, this one was no exception. The murder takes place in a bakery; the man who helped the heroine move into her new bakery space is found dead. They had not gotten along so well during the move, so she is a likely suspect. Luckily, she has a variety of friends who try to help her figure out what actually happened.
I did enjoy the quirky world created by this author. A good cozy needs to be quirky for sure and perhaps even wacky. I think this book fulfilled both requirements. There is a surprisingly large cast of characters in this book, and the heroine has a lot of friends. I will admit this was a little confusing at first, as we are introduced to many characters one after the other. Their speech patterns were not distinct enough to really help characterize them, so sometimes it was a little hard to follow and know who was who. I absolutely adored the older friends of the heroine; we don’t see enough active, older characters in contemporary fiction. The friends actually do have a big role in this novel as they try to help the heroine sort everything out. There were some definite issues with grammar, punctuation, and usage, enough to be distracting. Commas were problematic as were the hyphens needed for compound adjectives. The last may sound a little silly, but if they aren't used properly, sometimes the meaning of a sentence is not clear, making you have to re-read to get the meaning.
All in all, though, I thought that this was a good start for a new cozy mystery series. At least when I read the next one, I will have a better sense of the large cast of characters, which will be a help. Now, if the author could just get it professionally edited, that would be a big help for me, too!
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
After romance, cozy mysteries are my favorite fiction genre to read. Even though I enjoy the more serious police shows on TV, when I read, I prefer a good cozy. This is the first book in a new series by an author I have not read before. This is a culinary mystery, and I always find these to be particularly fun (even if it didn't have any recipes in the back of my ARC version). Luckily, this one was no exception. The murder takes place in a bakery; the man who helped the heroine move into her new bakery space is found dead. They had not gotten along so well during the move, so she is a likely suspect. Luckily, she has a variety of friends who try to help her figure out what actually happened.
I did enjoy the quirky world created by this author. A good cozy needs to be quirky for sure and perhaps even wacky. I think this book fulfilled both requirements. There is a surprisingly large cast of characters in this book, and the heroine has a lot of friends. I will admit this was a little confusing at first, as we are introduced to many characters one after the other. Their speech patterns were not distinct enough to really help characterize them, so sometimes it was a little hard to follow and know who was who. I absolutely adored the older friends of the heroine; we don’t see enough active, older characters in contemporary fiction. The friends actually do have a big role in this novel as they try to help the heroine sort everything out. There were some definite issues with grammar, punctuation, and usage, enough to be distracting. Commas were problematic as were the hyphens needed for compound adjectives. The last may sound a little silly, but if they aren't used properly, sometimes the meaning of a sentence is not clear, making you have to re-read to get the meaning.
All in all, though, I thought that this was a good start for a new cozy mystery series. At least when I read the next one, I will have a better sense of the large cast of characters, which will be a help. Now, if the author could just get it professionally edited, that would be a big help for me, too!
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
December 30, 2019
First in a new series, A Drizzle of Murder holds much promise of unusual responses to unusual happenings. The bakery setting allows the author to tempt us as she describes various confections being created. (I confess I was glad we had some Christmas cookies to eat while reading this!) The book is about hard working women and their devotion to their friends. It was nice to know Coco could count on her friends for help from moving to solving a murder. I was surprised more than once how the friends were willing to step in and help, or run in to save their friend from bad people. Young and old, Coco certainly has devoted friends. I also enjoyed the elder ladies "sleuthing" and especially offering up other friends as murder candidates. The word wacky comes to mind...
I'm looking forward to getting to know more about the Mad Batter Bakery and Coco's relationships with her partner Maisie, friends, and a certain Detective who seemed to be devoted to Coco... er, to her case, of course. I only wish I could visit in person and sample some of the delectable sounding product!
I'm looking forward to getting to know more about the Mad Batter Bakery and Coco's relationships with her partner Maisie, friends, and a certain Detective who seemed to be devoted to Coco... er, to her case, of course. I only wish I could visit in person and sample some of the delectable sounding product!
January 2, 2020
This is the first book in a new series and introduces a ton of new characters for the reader! Coco is moving her bakery business, the Mad Batter, to a larger facility. The nasty mover’s body, however, is discovered in her new bakery, evidently murdered! Now it’s up to Coco and her crazy friends to solve the murder so that she doesn’t lose customers before she even begins! Someone is looking for something, and it doesn’t appear that they will stop until they find whatever it is! It’s a good thing that Detective Logan Owensby, an old school friend, is on the case and seems equally committed to finding the culprit!
Cozy mysteries are one of my favorites! I can already tell that this series is going to be fantastic! We are off to a good start with fun characters and a clever story that captures the reader’s attention through the entire investigation! Grab your copy and follow along to see if you can figure out the murderer and what they are looking for!
Cozy mysteries are one of my favorites! I can already tell that this series is going to be fantastic! We are off to a good start with fun characters and a clever story that captures the reader’s attention through the entire investigation! Grab your copy and follow along to see if you can figure out the murderer and what they are looking for!
December 31, 2019
A murder to solve, a new bakery to open, and a possible new love interest. Colleen (nicked named Coco) is re-opening her bakery in a new larger facility. On moving day, the rude obnoxious mover named Tom is found dead in her new bakery. She and her strange grouping of funny friends try to find out who did it. But several times Coco is in danger as someone keeps coming back into her new bakery. What are they looking for? She and her friends have a few people on their list of suspects, and Logan the detective is on the case. She and Logan went to school together, and suddenly she is seeing him in a different light. And he seems to like her also. I loved the townspeople who were her friends and I loved the different nick names they called her. They were loving, supportive, and funny. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 2, 2020
Coco decided to expand her business and move to a different location. Coco and friends have the shop all packed up and ready to go. The mover showed up and he was horrible. After seeing this man fight with several people around town, she knows she will never use their services again.
Coco goes back to the bakery to work. She finds the mover dead. She calls the police. She tries to give him all the information they needed. Coco and her friends will try to figure out who killed the mover and why.
Coco will try to figure out who did it, getting closer to Logan. While trying to open her bakery and hope the murder hasn't tainted it.
This was a really cute story that includes baked goods, good friends and budding romance. This story is clean and enjoyable.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Coco goes back to the bakery to work. She finds the mover dead. She calls the police. She tries to give him all the information they needed. Coco and her friends will try to figure out who killed the mover and why.
Coco will try to figure out who did it, getting closer to Logan. While trying to open her bakery and hope the murder hasn't tainted it.
This was a really cute story that includes baked goods, good friends and budding romance. This story is clean and enjoyable.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 3, 2020
This is book 1 of a new cozy mystery, filled with murder, mayhem, and with crazy old people that think they are sleuths. Along with the hint of possible romance.
Constance Barker is a new to me author and one that I will probably read again.
This was a multi pov (most characters had one) The main character Colleen (Coco) was written in 1st person, and everyone else was written in 3rd person, which in my opinion, was really hard to read. Stick with either 3rd or 1st person, no matter if main or supporting character.
Good story concept. Entertaining character for the most part. Detailed descriptions could have been tightened up a bit.
Would I recommend this book? Sure
Would I read more from this author? Probably
Sassy Beta Reading and Review
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Constance Barker is a new to me author and one that I will probably read again.
This was a multi pov (most characters had one) The main character Colleen (Coco) was written in 1st person, and everyone else was written in 3rd person, which in my opinion, was really hard to read. Stick with either 3rd or 1st person, no matter if main or supporting character.
Good story concept. Entertaining character for the most part. Detailed descriptions could have been tightened up a bit.
Would I recommend this book? Sure
Would I read more from this author? Probably
Sassy Beta Reading and Review
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 4, 2020
Fun start to a new series that not only introduces us to a new theme but new characters as well! This cozy mystery is sure to please and leaves us with promise for the next in the series to be as entertaining and laugh out loud fun! All of the characters can fill the shoes of suspect, as friends seem to throw each other under the bus in the attempt to clear themselves! Plus...of course...that dollop of romance that every cozy mystery needs. So, as you see, no spoilers in this review, just know that as with any of Constance Barker's other books, you will not be disappointed. If you haven't read any of this authors books yet, go back and check her backlist. All well written, good characters and this book is no exception and will not let you down. I received a complimentary copy of this book and after reading it am delighted to provide my honest review.
January 10, 2020
This is an enjoyable read with a fairly interesting mystery, and some quite engaging characters.
However the theme of a young woman running a bakery and getting involved with murders is getting to be very common in cozy mysteries, so any new series along those lines needs to offer something new. Unfortunately this book doesn't really raise the bar in this respect, and I suspect that in a few months I will find it difficult to separate in my memory from the many other books in this sub-genre that I have read.
So my summing up is that it is a well written workmanlike story, but ultimately not really memorable or original enough to warrant 5 stars. I hope that future books in the series may be better and I can award more stars.
This review is based on my opinion of an advance copy given to me by the author.
However the theme of a young woman running a bakery and getting involved with murders is getting to be very common in cozy mysteries, so any new series along those lines needs to offer something new. Unfortunately this book doesn't really raise the bar in this respect, and I suspect that in a few months I will find it difficult to separate in my memory from the many other books in this sub-genre that I have read.
So my summing up is that it is a well written workmanlike story, but ultimately not really memorable or original enough to warrant 5 stars. I hope that future books in the series may be better and I can award more stars.
This review is based on my opinion of an advance copy given to me by the author.
January 5, 2020
A Drizzle of Murder (Mad Batter Cozy Mystery Series Book 1)” by Constance Barker is a tale of one Coco....who when moving her bakery ....the Mad Batter.....unfortunately has the moving man ...Tom....die in her new digs! And as far as solving what happened ...her bakery assistants ...Masie and Scooter...are next to useless as amateur sleuths. Soo it’s all on Coco.....and one very distracting detective named Logan Owensby. All in all ...it was a charming beginning to a new cozy mystery series. Will Coco and her friends solve this mystery?!? Read & see!! Much enjoyed and Highly Recommended. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Copy of this book.
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.
September 12, 2026
BX Link: https://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/...
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Rating: ⭐️⭐️1/2
My thoughts: After a series of relatively heavy reads, I was looking forward to something lighter. And this one certainly checked that box. I don’t expect a lot out of the “cozy mystery” genre so the somewhat predictable story line didn’t bother me – but the complete lack of editing did. Spelling errors. Missing verbs. The wrong word choice. And two chapter tens. All more memorable than the story itself. Ah well, cozy mysteries are always a gamble, and this time the dice didn’t roll my way. Coco and her merry band of morons will be on their way to their next reader soon.
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Rating: ⭐️⭐️1/2
My thoughts: After a series of relatively heavy reads, I was looking forward to something lighter. And this one certainly checked that box. I don’t expect a lot out of the “cozy mystery” genre so the somewhat predictable story line didn’t bother me – but the complete lack of editing did. Spelling errors. Missing verbs. The wrong word choice. And two chapter tens. All more memorable than the story itself. Ah well, cozy mysteries are always a gamble, and this time the dice didn’t roll my way. Coco and her merry band of morons will be on their way to their next reader soon.
January 4, 2020
Cute and Quirky Series Starter
Judging by this series opener, this will be a fun series to read. The story is based around a bakery, several young women who have been friends forever, 2 pairs of retirees, a cake savant, and the local deputy. The only thing that its missing is a pet, by one of the gals runs a grooming service, so that could change. The plot was good and neither intense nor gory. This should be a fun series. I received this ARC book for free from Booksprouts and this is my honest review.
Judging by this series opener, this will be a fun series to read. The story is based around a bakery, several young women who have been friends forever, 2 pairs of retirees, a cake savant, and the local deputy. The only thing that its missing is a pet, by one of the gals runs a grooming service, so that could change. The plot was good and neither intense nor gory. This should be a fun series. I received this ARC book for free from Booksprouts and this is my honest review.
January 5, 2020
Coco is moving her bakery to a larger location. The mover, mean Tom, is rude and rattles her dishes to the point she thought he would brake them. Then, Coco finds Tom dead, bleeding over her boxes in the new bakery. Her friends, elderly women, Stella and Vivian, are on the lookout to find the murderer. After many, hilarious, false accusations, the real killers are caught.
This was such a fun cozy! I already feel like I know these characters and I am looking forward to reading more in this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was such a fun cozy! I already feel like I know these characters and I am looking forward to reading more in this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 28, 2020
A madcap, frantic, farce
An okay read. Was it for me - NO. I just found it a bit too disjointed, too mad paced and too much of a farce. If it had been funny that would have made a world of difference but as it stood ....... The characters too seemed too over the top, silly and two dimensional. The plot is a murder in the new bakery that our heroine is moving into.
Faberge eggs, missing goods, break-ins and store openings. Will they find the real killer or will the killer find them?
An okay read. Was it for me - NO. I just found it a bit too disjointed, too mad paced and too much of a farce. If it had been funny that would have made a world of difference but as it stood ....... The characters too seemed too over the top, silly and two dimensional. The plot is a murder in the new bakery that our heroine is moving into.
Faberge eggs, missing goods, break-ins and store openings. Will they find the real killer or will the killer find them?
January 10, 2021
Three and a half star madcap mayhem
Coco and Maisie own a bakery that is doing so well they decide to upgrade and move to a more desirable location near their friend, Rose. What can go wrong?! Well, there's a murder, several misplaced accusations, a pair of (possibly senile) senior citizen Cagney and Lacey wannabes, a friend in trouble, and a surprising double twist in this entertaining story that seems to be intended as a screwball comedy (heavier on the screwball). This will be good for the YA reader.
Coco and Maisie own a bakery that is doing so well they decide to upgrade and move to a more desirable location near their friend, Rose. What can go wrong?! Well, there's a murder, several misplaced accusations, a pair of (possibly senile) senior citizen Cagney and Lacey wannabes, a friend in trouble, and a surprising double twist in this entertaining story that seems to be intended as a screwball comedy (heavier on the screwball). This will be good for the YA reader.
January 4, 2020
A Drizzle of Murder is the first book in the Mad Batter Cozy Mystery Series.
The characters are wonderful, zany, and true friends. The storyline is well written, with humour, murder, mayhem, twists and turns, and a bit of romance while Coco and her friends, young and old, try to solve the mystery.
I loved this book and cannot wait for the next one in this new series.
I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.
The characters are wonderful, zany, and true friends. The storyline is well written, with humour, murder, mayhem, twists and turns, and a bit of romance while Coco and her friends, young and old, try to solve the mystery.
I loved this book and cannot wait for the next one in this new series.
I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.
January 6, 2020
A great cozy who-dun-it mystery. Characters and a story line that will have you laughing loud throughout the book. There's just enough suspense throughout you'll find yourself guessing who did it more than once. This is the first book I've read by this author and will definitely look for more from her. Highly recommend!
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.
July 31, 2022
I am sorry to say that I just couldn't get into this story. I found the characters childish and I really could get into them. I believe this was supposed to be funny but it just wasn't my type of humor, I could see where a lot of people would find it funny, that's your choice to make.
The mystery was good and I did like Red and Emma's cake baker. The viewpoint from a couple of the characters was a nice touch. Not sure if I will continue with this series.
The mystery was good and I did like Red and Emma's cake baker. The viewpoint from a couple of the characters was a nice touch. Not sure if I will continue with this series.
December 19, 2023
This was OK. I can't say I was loving it. I did feel a little bored.
I've read loads of cosy mysteries. Its one of my favourite genres for when I'm in need of a romance break and I usually pick a cosy one as they're easy to read. However sometimes the mysteries are lazy and the characters a little quirky.
I wouldn't say the mystery is lazy but the MC did irk me a little. Trying to decide if I could read another one in this series or just give it up...
I've read loads of cosy mysteries. Its one of my favourite genres for when I'm in need of a romance break and I usually pick a cosy one as they're easy to read. However sometimes the mysteries are lazy and the characters a little quirky.
I wouldn't say the mystery is lazy but the MC did irk me a little. Trying to decide if I could read another one in this series or just give it up...
January 3, 2020
Coco and her friends are an amazing bunch - a lot of fun even if there is something serious at stake like a murder. This is a wonderful series starter with the absolute best characters, excellent story, and a lot of twists to keep you guessing. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
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.
January 3, 2020
Coco is in the process of opening her bakery, and is not enjoying her moving experience. She becomes entangled in a mystery when she discovers a body in her bakery. Constance Barker has created a well written novel with humor and suspense. I will be reading this series.
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.
January 8, 2020
A Drizzle of Murder is a new series that I'm really interested in continuing to read. The characters are fun and should develop more as the series continues. This is a story that must be read to the very end as there are turns that I did not expect. I can't wait to read the next book.
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.
January 4, 2020
I really enjoyed this cozy mystery. I found the storyline interesting and well written. I enjoyed the characters and found them well developed. I would recommend reading this book.
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.
January 6, 2020
Loved it
Constance Baker has another winning series. Can't wait for book #2. The two old biddies make laugh and scream at the same time. I forsee those two causing a lot of trouble in the near future. This series is full of wonderful characters. Love them all.
Constance Baker has another winning series. Can't wait for book #2. The two old biddies make laugh and scream at the same time. I forsee those two causing a lot of trouble in the near future. This series is full of wonderful characters. Love them all.
February 4, 2020
Distractions
Cute story, interesting characters, but get a knowledgeable proofreader.
There are so many mistakes that it distracts the reader. This author's work is usually much more readable.
Cute story, interesting characters, but get a knowledgeable proofreader.
There are so many mistakes that it distracts the reader. This author's work is usually much more readable.
June 22, 2020
Terrific book, fun interesting characters and a great ending.
Coco and partner decide to move to a bigger space with a better location. Moving day starts off rough and ends up going horribly wrong, dead wrong. I really liked this book, give it a try.
Coco and partner decide to move to a bigger space with a better location. Moving day starts off rough and ends up going horribly wrong, dead wrong. I really liked this book, give it a try.
August 7, 2020
Mad batter cozy
I chose this rating because it is appropriate for a book 1 in a series. The author has great potential with the strong and varied characters. She can develop many great stories. This is a book that will appeal to any age group or gender.
I chose this rating because it is appropriate for a book 1 in a series. The author has great potential with the strong and varied characters. She can develop many great stories. This is a book that will appeal to any age group or gender.
December 20, 2020
Sorry but I just couldn’t get pass all the grammar problems and none of the characters were fully developed in my opinion. It could have been much better, but lacked in story and character development. Cannot recommend.
January 8, 2025
Please get a better proofreader! The spelling is embarrassing. Grammar is surprisingly bad. Story is good. Funny scenes with characters we like. I would have given 5 stars if the proofreader had been better.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews