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Sweet Shop #2
Game of Tarts
An amateur sleuth, a handsome detective, and a dead body found in their cozy town… Can Margaret and David solve this mysterious murder?
Margaret is living the dream running her sweet shop alongside her son, Zach and her good friend, Patti. Business is hurting though, due to new construction work going on around one of the vacant units, and other tenants are beginning to feel the tension. Usually, everyone treats each other with a degree of respect, but it seems everyone wants to be rid of the new coffee shop chain that has opened.
It has damaged business for the tea shop, the bakery, and the small mobile coffee stop. To make matters worse, Scott Freeman, the owner of the coffee stop, is an arrogant sod who has managed to insult various customers in the short time he has opened the business. When Margaret decides to get a coffee one morning, she finds his dead body on the floor.
David is assigned to investigate the suspicious death, warning Margaret to keep her distance after the injuries she'd sustained in the last case. Tensions rise in both her personal and business life and Margaret finds herself struggling to get this mystery out of her head.
With a pinch of homemade sweetness (with or without the apron) Margaret intends to become close to Scott’s widow to get to the bottom of this bitter cup of coffee.
Previously published as A Shot of Bitterness. This version has been completely rewritten.
This cozy mystery is a clean read: no graphic violence, sex, or strong language. It can be read in one to two hours. It is perfect for those moments when you are waiting at an appointment or want to enjoy a quick read.
115 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 23, 2020
126 people are currently reading
80 people want to read
About the author
Wendy Meadows
184 books436 followersWendy Meadows is a USA Today bestselling cozy mystery author who creates the perfect escape for readers who love amateur sleuths, small-town secrets, and mysteries you can solve with a cup of tea in hand.
Her beloved series—including Sweetfern Harbor, Alaska Cozy Mysteries, and Travel Writer Mysteries—feature quirky characters, family bonds, and charming whodunits with no gore, just gentle intrigue that keeps you guessing.
When she's not plotting her next puzzle, she's spoiling her pets, enjoying time with her two adult children, and hunting for the perfect hybrid tea rose to inspire her peaceful settings.
Join her cozy community and get a free ebook plus behind-the-scenes peeks into her stories and characters.
Her beloved series—including Sweetfern Harbor, Alaska Cozy Mysteries, and Travel Writer Mysteries—feature quirky characters, family bonds, and charming whodunits with no gore, just gentle intrigue that keeps you guessing.
When she's not plotting her next puzzle, she's spoiling her pets, enjoying time with her two adult children, and hunting for the perfect hybrid tea rose to inspire her peaceful settings.
Join her cozy community and get a free ebook plus behind-the-scenes peeks into her stories and characters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
March 29, 2020
In Wendy Meadows Game of Tarts, A Sweet Shop Mystery #2, Margaret Nichols and her son, Zach are still in the process of getting their candy shop established and their "partnership guidelines" in order. There are several new shops opening on the street including Scott Freeman's Coffee Canteen. Scott has managed to anger or upset several of the shop owners by trying to steal their business, parking construction trucks in front of Mr. Stewart's dog grooming business and dumping coffee grounds and soil in the alley behind his shop. When Margaret enters his shop early in the morning she finds Scott dead. She calls 911 and Detective David Graham, who appears to want a relationship with Margaret, arrives to investigate. After he is believe to be murdered by a dose of poison, Margaret feels she needs to find the murderer since she found his body. David and Zach do not want her to investigate because she was injured in the last murder in town.
There are several characters in this book and the author does a nice job of introducing them and their businesses to us. She also walks us through the budding relationship between Margaret and David.
A good cozy mystery for all of you readers who enjoy cozy mysteries. I received an ARC of this book from Booksprout. This is my honest review.
There are several characters in this book and the author does a nice job of introducing them and their businesses to us. She also walks us through the budding relationship between Margaret and David.
A good cozy mystery for all of you readers who enjoy cozy mysteries. I received an ARC of this book from Booksprout. This is my honest review.
March 14, 2020
Left Hungry for More
I know it is a big trend these days for authors to pump out a lot of short books. Unfortunately, though, I do not think that the mystery genre is well suited for this. For me, at least, for a mystery to be truly satisfying, there has to be enough space for red herrings, misdirection, a large cast of suspects, etc. The novella, short-read format doesn't typically allow for that kind of plot development. And that's the trouble that I see with this particular book. I would definitely call it high on the quirky/cozy factor, but low on the mystery and suspense factor. Given the shortness of it, it even felt like it took too long for the body to drop. Instead, we got the quirkiness and a look at what was going on with the main characters’ lives. Don't get me wrong. This is still an enjoyable read. But it is too short to feel truly satisfying for my inner mystery lover. It feels like a mystery confection, a wisp of cotton candy that tastes good but ultimately leaves the palate quickly.
I received a free copy of the book, but that did not affect my review.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
I know it is a big trend these days for authors to pump out a lot of short books. Unfortunately, though, I do not think that the mystery genre is well suited for this. For me, at least, for a mystery to be truly satisfying, there has to be enough space for red herrings, misdirection, a large cast of suspects, etc. The novella, short-read format doesn't typically allow for that kind of plot development. And that's the trouble that I see with this particular book. I would definitely call it high on the quirky/cozy factor, but low on the mystery and suspense factor. Given the shortness of it, it even felt like it took too long for the body to drop. Instead, we got the quirkiness and a look at what was going on with the main characters’ lives. Don't get me wrong. This is still an enjoyable read. But it is too short to feel truly satisfying for my inner mystery lover. It feels like a mystery confection, a wisp of cotton candy that tastes good but ultimately leaves the palate quickly.
I received a free copy of the book, but that did not affect my review.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
March 11, 2020
GAME OF TARTS is the 2nd book in the Sweet Shop Mystery series and is an enjoyable afternoon read. It has a great blending of murder and suspense with a touch of humor. It was easy to jump right into the story and get to know these well developed characters.
Margaret owns the Sweet Shop and her son Zach helps her run it. Margaret can't help but notice the newly opened coffee shop across the street seems to be causing a lot of friction and discontent with the other shop owners, even those not in competition with the coffee shop are upset. Arriving extra early one morning Margaret sees lights across the street and decides to get a cup of coffee and get to know the owner. Instead, she finds the owner dead. Against the advice from her detective friend and her son, Margaret can't help but find herself drawn into another investigation.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Margaret owns the Sweet Shop and her son Zach helps her run it. Margaret can't help but notice the newly opened coffee shop across the street seems to be causing a lot of friction and discontent with the other shop owners, even those not in competition with the coffee shop are upset. Arriving extra early one morning Margaret sees lights across the street and decides to get a cup of coffee and get to know the owner. Instead, she finds the owner dead. Against the advice from her detective friend and her son, Margaret can't help but find herself drawn into another investigation.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 13, 2020
Margaret owns the Sweet Shop, but she has noticed that the other shop owners are unhappy with the recently opened coffee shop across the street and its quarrelsome owner, Scott Freeman, who delights in insulting people. Margaret sees the lights are on and stops in to get a cup of coffee and try to be friendly, but she finds the owner has been murdered.
David, her detective friend, is assigned to investigate the suspicious death but warns Margaret to stay out of the investigation this time for her own safety! Needless to say, however, Margaret intends to get close to the victim’s widow to get the answer to some questions! Has she gotten herself in trouble again? Or can she help to track down the murderer?
This was a cute cozy mystery with likable characters and a story line that flows well to keep the reader entertained as you try to figure out the mystery. Grab your copy and enjoy!
David, her detective friend, is assigned to investigate the suspicious death but warns Margaret to stay out of the investigation this time for her own safety! Needless to say, however, Margaret intends to get close to the victim’s widow to get the answer to some questions! Has she gotten herself in trouble again? Or can she help to track down the murderer?
This was a cute cozy mystery with likable characters and a story line that flows well to keep the reader entertained as you try to figure out the mystery. Grab your copy and enjoy!
March 8, 2020
This was a cute quick cozy mystery story.
Margaret's day starts just like any other in her candy store until she decides to go across the street to get a coffee at the new coffee shop owned by Bob Freeman. When she gets there the sign reads closed but the door is unlocked. She goes in and finds Bob dead on the floor. Her quasi boyfriend Detective David Graham responds to the call. Margaret decides to pay her condolences to Bob's widow Sophie and to investigate the murder. Apparently Bob has not been making any friends in town and there are several people who could be suspects. Margaret and David investigate together and she finds several pieces of evidence. She finally figured out who the murderer is and David makes the arrest.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Margaret's day starts just like any other in her candy store until she decides to go across the street to get a coffee at the new coffee shop owned by Bob Freeman. When she gets there the sign reads closed but the door is unlocked. She goes in and finds Bob dead on the floor. Her quasi boyfriend Detective David Graham responds to the call. Margaret decides to pay her condolences to Bob's widow Sophie and to investigate the murder. Apparently Bob has not been making any friends in town and there are several people who could be suspects. Margaret and David investigate together and she finds several pieces of evidence. She finally figured out who the murderer is and David makes the arrest.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 27, 2020
Is it possible the ending gives a heads up for the next book? HMMMMMM Read it and let me know what you think.
Does Margaret have a fanciful imagination? Or does she have good instincts? Beware of rabbit trails for sure in this book. I got caught in one.
Margaret and Zack really need to work on their relationship now that he is adult age. Not quite sure what is going on there. Some stuff just seems to good to be true for me, sets off baby baby alarm bells in the back of my head. Just have to wait for more books in the series to see where it is going.
Don't start this book in the evening because you will want to sit down and read it all at once. You would think I would learn my lesson by now.
This is my honest and freely given review. I did receive an ARC book.
Does Margaret have a fanciful imagination? Or does she have good instincts? Beware of rabbit trails for sure in this book. I got caught in one.
Margaret and Zack really need to work on their relationship now that he is adult age. Not quite sure what is going on there. Some stuff just seems to good to be true for me, sets off baby baby alarm bells in the back of my head. Just have to wait for more books in the series to see where it is going.
Don't start this book in the evening because you will want to sit down and read it all at once. You would think I would learn my lesson by now.
This is my honest and freely given review. I did receive an ARC book.
February 27, 2020
The newcomer throws the residents into a killing mood
Another great read. It's more down to earth then most and shows very well the effect a bad partner can have on a woman and her self esteem let alone her confidence. A plot around the murder of a newcomer to town who puts all the shop owners out by his abrasive, bullying ways but are there more secrets to uncover before the killer is revealed. What damage has he done to the people that have crossed his path?
As she and her new 'boyfriend' look into it she also has to face up to her own problems. Her son wants more to do with the sweet shop and has definite ideas about her new relationship.
How will everything work out?
Another great read. It's more down to earth then most and shows very well the effect a bad partner can have on a woman and her self esteem let alone her confidence. A plot around the murder of a newcomer to town who puts all the shop owners out by his abrasive, bullying ways but are there more secrets to uncover before the killer is revealed. What damage has he done to the people that have crossed his path?
As she and her new 'boyfriend' look into it she also has to face up to her own problems. Her son wants more to do with the sweet shop and has definite ideas about her new relationship.
How will everything work out?
March 12, 2020
A new business neighbor seems to need to learn better etiquette to avoid negatively impacting and agitating current businesses. No one likes heavy equipment, torn up roads, or delivery trucks blocking customer spaces
Small towns face growing pains, so tensions can run high
Margaret looks to find balance in relationships with her son and with Detective David as well. Adulting isn’t always easy and things might look different than she once expected. Perhaps their new normals can be less lethal than some of their neighbors
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Small towns face growing pains, so tensions can run high
Margaret looks to find balance in relationships with her son and with Detective David as well. Adulting isn’t always easy and things might look different than she once expected. Perhaps their new normals can be less lethal than some of their neighbors
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 14, 2020
An entertaining cozy set in a candy shop. Margaret, the owner, is just getting to know everyone in town and she's already dating a police detective. Having solved one murder already she's chomping at the bit to investigate the next one. This time a fellow store owner is making enemies left and right. When he winds up dead, Margaret is the one to find him and can't resist snooping. She's also working out the kinks in the shop and her relationship with her son. Her main objective though seems to be to empower other women and help them stand on their own feet. Very nice little 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.
March 14, 2020
Margaret, owner of Sweet Shop, and her son Zach are back again. A new coffee shop opens in town and many people are unhappy. One morning Margaret decides to get a cup of coffee before opening her shop, and instead of coffee, finds the owner dead. Her son, and Dan, her friend who happens to be a detective, urge her to stay out of the investigation. However, that is sometimes easier said than done.
Good quick read with well developed characters. Can be read as a stand-alone, but much better when read in order as characters come to life a bit more in each book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Good quick read with well developed characters. Can be read as a stand-alone, but much better when read in order as characters come to life a bit more in each book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 6, 2020
Meadows delivers another great read in this second book of the Sweet Shop series. Even though Margaret and Zack are relatively new in town, they fit right in and have been accepted in the business community and neighborhood. That is not the case however with and between one of the newer bakeries and the soon to be open coffee shop. As the tension mounts, someone snaps as a murderer is at large and Margaret finds herself drawn to another investigation.
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.
March 16, 2020
This is an excellent second book in a series from Wendy Meadows.
Margaret opened her Sweet Shop and her son Zach helps run it. Patti also helps out. The new coffee shop down the street is causing a lot of problems for the small town. When she arrives early one morning, the lights are already on in the coffee shop.. She goes over to check it out and discovers a dead body. Naturally she figures out a way to get involved in helping solve the case.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Margaret opened her Sweet Shop and her son Zach helps run it. Patti also helps out. The new coffee shop down the street is causing a lot of problems for the small town. When she arrives early one morning, the lights are already on in the coffee shop.. She goes over to check it out and discovers a dead body. Naturally she figures out a way to get involved in helping solve the case.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 20, 2020
Game of Tarts is the second visit to the sweet shop. A new coffee shop causes friction and leads to murder. Margaret and David once again find themselves caught up in a mystery. This is a very short read and as such is a very basic cozy mystery with very little drama or mystery. Wendy Meadows is a very prolific author and on this occasion I feel quantity may have overridden quality.
If you are looking for a quick, easy mystery to fill an hour or so then this is an ideal book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
If you are looking for a quick, easy mystery to fill an hour or so then this is an ideal book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 22, 2020
I am liking this series more and more with every book. Although this book takes place in a small town, you do have people who do not necessarily get along with one another. It seems that this dynamic leads to the plot of the book. The relationships of the characters are realistic to me especially between Zack and his mother, Margaret. This book is quickly paced and before I knew it, I was near the end. I have enjoyed all of Wendy Meadows books so far and I have many more to read.
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.
March 9, 2020
David and Margaret are still working on developing a relationship beyond police detective and her being a busybody jumping in to assist in David’s murder investigations. Her son Zach gives David a hard time but when Margaret gets in over her head again with the suspect, David is the first person Zach calls to help him mom.
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.
March 10, 2020
Sabrina is thinking of giving her son, Zack, more responsibility at the Nichols’ Candy Store. She will need the extra time to find out who is responsible for the body she found. Sabrina would like to remain friends with David, the detective in charge, however, he wants her to stay out of it. I enjoyed the changing relationship between Sabrina and her now-adult son and recommend this mystery.
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.
March 15, 2020
Things aren't too good for the small businesses in town. There is construction going on and a new coffee shop with a rather rude owner. Margaret decides to stop in for coffee at the new place and finds the owner dead on the floor. Oh boy! Another murder and David wants her to stay out of it. Yeah right, like that will happen!!! I enjoy reading how the characters are in this small town! I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book from Booksprout.
March 16, 2020
No coffee for you, naughty boy!
When Margaret finds the owner of a new coffee shop dead on the floor of his shop, she comes to the rescue, once again, to help find the killer. As she puts her nose to the ground to sniff things out, things start to get a bit unsafe. This woman is relentless. Luckily her beau is a police officer so she can do her thing and hopefully not get killed herself. Fast-paced and historically fantastical...lol. Another great read from a great author.
When Margaret finds the owner of a new coffee shop dead on the floor of his shop, she comes to the rescue, once again, to help find the killer. As she puts her nose to the ground to sniff things out, things start to get a bit unsafe. This woman is relentless. Luckily her beau is a police officer so she can do her thing and hopefully not get killed herself. Fast-paced and historically fantastical...lol. Another great read from a great author.
March 16, 2020
Candy store owner Margaret is exhausted and amazed at how well her store is doing. Her son Zach wants to help but she is not sure. When a new coffee opens and the owner is killed she is once again sleuthing must to Detective David’s dismay. I loved this small town mystery! The dynamics between the three are awesome. It is a great 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.
March 17, 2020
Book 2 in the Sweet Shop Mystery Series and another great cozy mystery from Wendy Meadows.
When Margaret find the owner of the new coffee shop dead on the floor of his shop, she can't help but try and solve the mystery of who dun it. The story line will pull you in and captivate you, the characters add to the entertainment of the story and a great cozy mystery to get wrapped up in.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
When Margaret find the owner of the new coffee shop dead on the floor of his shop, she can't help but try and solve the mystery of who dun it. The story line will pull you in and captivate you, the characters add to the entertainment of the story and a great cozy mystery to get wrapped up in.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 22, 2020
When Margaret goes to greet the new Coffee Shop owner she finds her dead and then just cannot help herself and gets herself in the middle of the investigation. I think these could be read as a stand alone but are best read in order from the first one. I enjoy reading these Cozy mysteries. They are fun to read and are not usually too long. Cannot wait to see what comes next.
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.
March 4, 2020
Wendy Meadows books are consistently great. This story revolves around a new business in town. The sleepy town becomes a hotbed of angry business owners as the new businessman uses underhanded methods to promote his business. Can Margaret and David solve the puzzle? Anyone who loves cozy mysteries will love this book and the series. Highly recommend this series.
March 11, 2020
I received a free advance review copy of this book from Booksprout and am voluntarily providing my honest review. David actually tells Margaret she can help him while he is trying to solve a murder. Margaret is her usual nosy self and sees a few things that the police have missed. I enjoyed this book and recommend it.
March 11, 2020
The author has brought back some of our favorite characters and introduced us to some new ones. The new business owner is town is murdered, but this time, Margaret and David try working together instead of being at cross purposes.
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.
March 31, 2020
This is book two of the series. Margaret and her son Zach are operating the Candy Shop. This is a short read that has murder in the cozy still, suspense and humor. It keeps you reading to see what is going to happen.
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.
April 10, 2020
Well, this new coffee shop owner seemed to be a real piece of work. He managed to piss off quite a bit of the community. Not a surprise when he ended up dead.
I love Wendy Meadows mysteries! Great sleuthing, a budding romance, an over protective son. It’s a fun story!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I love Wendy Meadows mysteries! Great sleuthing, a budding romance, an over protective son. It’s a fun story!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 5, 2023
4.25 stars
Another solid addition in this series. It had a good balance of character development and mystery. The pacing was really good. It kept my interest. The clues in the truck were good and easy to follow where they came from. I liked seeing David and Margaret working together to solve the crime. It just worked really well.
Another solid addition in this series. It had a good balance of character development and mystery. The pacing was really good. It kept my interest. The clues in the truck were good and easy to follow where they came from. I liked seeing David and Margaret working together to solve the crime. It just worked really well.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 10, 2020
This was a nice good book. The characters are fun while finding a murderer. I enjoyed reading it. I recommend this book if you like mystery plus fun.
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.
March 15, 2020
Spend a long afternoon with this family-friendly cozy mystery in which 45-year-old Margaret who runs the candy shop assisted by her son, Zack, and Detective David Graham investigate (no spoiler here).
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.
March 18, 2020
This was a really great book. I loved the characters and found them well developed. The storyline was interesting and well written. I would recommend reading.
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.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews