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Holly Holmes #1
Cream Caramel and Murder
Sweet treats, revenge, and murder.
‘I truly loved the characters in this book, they were so vivid and fun!’ Amazon review.
Holly Holmes loves her new job working in the kitchen at Audley Castle, home to the eccentric and wealthy Audley family.
With her faithful corgi cross, Meatball, by her side, she enjoys a quiet life full of baking, researching old recipes, and trying any fun fitness fad – weighted hula hoop, anyone?
When the bumbling, and cute, Lord Rupert Audley requests some of her scrumptious desserts for his school reunion, she happily gets baking.
Everything is going great until Meatball discovers a hand sticking out of the ground, Princess Alice faints, and Holly gets stuck in the spotlight for murder!
If Holly can’t clear her name, she’ll lose her amazing new life in the beautiful Audley St. Mary, Meatball will go back to the animal shelter, and her freedom will be history.
***
Welcome to a new cozy culinary mystery series, full of desserts, murder, and puzzles for you to solve. Meet baker, Holly Holmes, Lady Philippa who has an uncanny ability to predict murder, the ditzy Princess Alice, and a cast of quirky, fun characters who will entertain you throughout this book.
Enjoy mystery, friendship, puzzles, and lots of tasty treats as you indulge in this delicious read.
Written in American English (by a British author – so excuse the occasional British phrase!)
This is a clean, cozy culinary mystery with only a small amount of peril and danger. The killer always gets their just desserts!
‘I truly loved the characters in this book, they were so vivid and fun!’ Amazon review.
Holly Holmes loves her new job working in the kitchen at Audley Castle, home to the eccentric and wealthy Audley family.
With her faithful corgi cross, Meatball, by her side, she enjoys a quiet life full of baking, researching old recipes, and trying any fun fitness fad – weighted hula hoop, anyone?
When the bumbling, and cute, Lord Rupert Audley requests some of her scrumptious desserts for his school reunion, she happily gets baking.
Everything is going great until Meatball discovers a hand sticking out of the ground, Princess Alice faints, and Holly gets stuck in the spotlight for murder!
If Holly can’t clear her name, she’ll lose her amazing new life in the beautiful Audley St. Mary, Meatball will go back to the animal shelter, and her freedom will be history.
***
Welcome to a new cozy culinary mystery series, full of desserts, murder, and puzzles for you to solve. Meet baker, Holly Holmes, Lady Philippa who has an uncanny ability to predict murder, the ditzy Princess Alice, and a cast of quirky, fun characters who will entertain you throughout this book.
Enjoy mystery, friendship, puzzles, and lots of tasty treats as you indulge in this delicious read.
Written in American English (by a British author – so excuse the occasional British phrase!)
This is a clean, cozy culinary mystery with only a small amount of peril and danger. The killer always gets their just desserts!
175 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 25, 2019
676 people are currently reading
736 people want to read
About the author
K.E. O'Connor
176 books192 followersK.E. O’Connor is the author of the Witch Haven mystery series, the Crypt Witch cozy mysteries, the Lorna Shadow ghost mysteries, the Holly Holmes baking mysteries, the Zee Town paranormal cozy series, and the Old Sarum mystery series, along with other titles available if you cast the right spell. She can imagine dragons, taste cookies when they aren’t even there, and hear the crack of a witch’s broom at a hundred paces.
K.E. (the K stands for Karen) lives in the United Kingdom (it isn’t very united, but that’s a mystery for another time) among the mystical stones and fairy creatures of Somerset. She graduated from the Universities of Southampton and Reading, where she received degrees in Archaeology and Cognitive Evolution (both highly entertaining to take part in, but with the career options of a ground witch’s toe bone.)
If you’re of the curious persuasion and want to know more, visit her website at www.keoconnor.com for enlightening knowledge on all things cozy mystery, book news, and a peek into the magical world of a writer who believes animals talk and magic is just a finger click away.
To contact her, visit her Facebook page – www.facebook/keoconnorauthor, join her email list, or dust off that haunted mirror in your cellar and speak the ancient magical words to transport yourself into her lounge. There may be tea and cookies waiting, or there may be giants – it depends on her mood.
K.E. (the K stands for Karen) lives in the United Kingdom (it isn’t very united, but that’s a mystery for another time) among the mystical stones and fairy creatures of Somerset. She graduated from the Universities of Southampton and Reading, where she received degrees in Archaeology and Cognitive Evolution (both highly entertaining to take part in, but with the career options of a ground witch’s toe bone.)
If you’re of the curious persuasion and want to know more, visit her website at www.keoconnor.com for enlightening knowledge on all things cozy mystery, book news, and a peek into the magical world of a writer who believes animals talk and magic is just a finger click away.
To contact her, visit her Facebook page – www.facebook/keoconnorauthor, join her email list, or dust off that haunted mirror in your cellar and speak the ancient magical words to transport yourself into her lounge. There may be tea and cookies waiting, or there may be giants – it depends on her mood.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
July 13, 2023
3.5⭐
This is just a good time. It's a nice palate cleanser and exactly what it set out to do. Good clean cozy mystery shenanigans.
This is just a good time. It's a nice palate cleanser and exactly what it set out to do. Good clean cozy mystery shenanigans.
June 6, 2022
3.5 stars
Holly Holmes and her rescue Corgi-mix Meatball have recently moved to Audley Castle where Holly works as a pastry chef and delivery woman. Holly enjoys the work creating delectable pastries in spite of Chef Heston's less than pleasing temperament. She's become friendly with the Duke and Duchess of Audley's niece, Princess Alice and Alice's brother Lord Rupert. What more could she possibly want? Unfortunately, Holly crosses paths with Campbell Milligan, head of security at the castle when she accidentally hits Lord Rupert with her bicycle. Then Meatball finds the body of one of Lord Rupert's visiting old Etonian classmates buried deep in the woods and Holly becomes the primary suspect. She knows she has nothing to hide and is determined to prove her innocence. She'll just have to ask the right questions of the right people to get some answers!
I really liked the cozy English castle setting and the baking. (I need recipes!) The baked goods made me drool and gain about 20 pounds. However, I think the setting would be better in America, somewhere in the Hamptons maybe or Beverly Hills, because none of this really sounded authentically British. There are so many Americanisms and inaccuracies about the Audley title and family. The mystery was a real puzzle until a very slight mistake on behalf of the murderer. I wasn't 100% sure until the clues were dropped though. I think a good security guard or police inspector could have come up with a plausible motive for that person.
Holly is a likable character. At first she seems like she might be a Mary Sue character or TSTL but she ends up standing up for herself when it counts. Yes she's a nice person and a bit of a pushover at times but mainly when it comes to her boss. She's an amazing baker and knows everyone's favorite treat. I love how she has studied history and enjoys trying unusual historic recipes. Meatball is the most adorable pup! He has his own language and communicates with Holly in a series of "woofs" for yes or no. So cute! He's crucial to the plot because he can sniff out something rotten from miles away and therefore discovers the body. Is he part hound?
The Castle residents are a bit eccentric. The Duke of Audley is absent-minded and seems to think he's existing in the Victorian era. Lady Audley is more with it and keeps her husband moving forward. Their nephew, Lord Rupert, is a dear. He's a beta hero in search of a heroine. I love how Rupert always has his nose in a book and often forgets where he is. He's constantly getting into dangerous situations because he never pays attention to his surroundings. Rupert is kind, sensitive and eager to please. He was an easy target for bullies at school, unfortunately. Princess Alice (why is her brother Lord and heir to a duke but she's princess?) is a lot of fun. She's lively, mischievous and crazy. Alice likes to tease Holly by threatening the guillotine or locking her up in the Tower. It makes her a bit of a bully because she's using her position to tease Holly who is not her equal. I didn't like that about her. I sense Alice is headstrong and doesn't listen to anyone. I don't think she's ditzy or even naïve, I think she's more clever than people give her credit for. I LOVE Lady Phillipa, the Duchess's mother. She's an eccentric old lady who thinks she's a damsel in distress locked in a tower. Yet, as Holly notes, everyone can come and go TO the tower so Lady P must be able to leave. No one is holding her prisoner. I agree with Holly that Lady P enjoys being dramatic. I think she's lonely and wants attention. That suspicion is confirmed when she starts having vague premonitions of danger! Meredith Jones, an assistant gardener, is quiet and hard working. She has big ideas and is kind to Lord Rupert who does not have a green thumb.
None of the rest of the characters are likable. Chef Heston is your average temperamental chef whose favorite pastime is yelling at his staff and making them work too hard. Holly gives him way too many excuses. Oddly, Chef Heston becomes the most fleshed out character in the novel. Campbell Milligan delights in being a SWAT team/Navy SEAL type security guard. He's suspicious of everyone and everything other than the family. He's waaaayyy too uptight and quick to be suspicious when there's no evidence. He's a jerk and enjoys messing with Holly. He, of all people, should have been able to solve the murder but he couldn't because he was on too much of an ego trip. Campbell couldn't possibly suspect a member of the upper class of murder or anyone else who has been at the castle more than minute so therefore it must be Holly! Why Holly? If she wasn't sleeping alone, he would still be suspicious of her alibi. He'd label her as "fast" and think she had someone lie for her. Holly can not win with this guy.
Lord Rupert's old school ties have come for a visit. They all shared the same dorm back at Eton and they seem to be an unpleasant lot. Anthony, Simon, Christian, and Kendal always shared a sense of one-upmanship, were always daring each other to do something, push harder, be stronger, go faster, make more money. They haven't changed much. Rupert notes all they do is talk about work and how much money they make. I would add, also the women they're sleeping around with. Kendal is the worst. He was the ringleader, always bullying and causing trouble. He's a disgusting lech, a womanizer who isn't used to hearing no. He sets his sight on Holly but she knows how to handle drunken womanizers. He doesn't seem to be able to hold his liquor very well which is probably how he ended up dead. Kendal was likely drunk and easily incapacitated. Stupid. The others are arrogant wealthy, privileged men. Tony has the most reason to be furious with Kendal. Even though he claims it was his mistake, that is true, but still, it must have made him angry to be duped by an old friend. Tony has a temper and appears scary. Simon is the nicest but that's not saying much. He enjoys teasing and flirting. He may have 5 sisters who dressed him up like a doll but I don't think it's made him more compassionate. He's a bit naïve about women though for someone who has so many sisters. Christian is egotistical. None of these men show any signs of grief over losing a friend. Which one killed Kendal?
The only other suspect is Izzie Northcott, Kendal's on-again/off-again girlfriend. He enjoyed himself having fun with her but to him it was nothing serious. He also had a married woman on the go and hits on Holly. Izzie, on the other hand, thinks she's God's gift to men and they should be falling all over themselves to be seen with her. She says she loved Kendal and wanted to marry him but wanting to marry him for love or wanting to marry him for money is the question? It's apparent from her conversation with Holly and her super snooty attitude that she's a gold digger of the worst sort. My question is, if Campbell's security team has eyes and ears everywhere, how did Izzie sneak into the Castle for a rendezvous with Kendal? Part of me hopes she's the murderer because she's so nasty but the other part of me thinks it's too obvious and would be disappointed if that were the case. She certainly had motive and opportunity.
I enjoyed this story for mindless entertainment and if I sign up for Kindle Unlimited again I will probably end up reading more of this series. It needs recipes though!
Holly Holmes and her rescue Corgi-mix Meatball have recently moved to Audley Castle where Holly works as a pastry chef and delivery woman. Holly enjoys the work creating delectable pastries in spite of Chef Heston's less than pleasing temperament. She's become friendly with the Duke and Duchess of Audley's niece, Princess Alice and Alice's brother Lord Rupert. What more could she possibly want? Unfortunately, Holly crosses paths with Campbell Milligan, head of security at the castle when she accidentally hits Lord Rupert with her bicycle. Then Meatball finds the body of one of Lord Rupert's visiting old Etonian classmates buried deep in the woods and Holly becomes the primary suspect. She knows she has nothing to hide and is determined to prove her innocence. She'll just have to ask the right questions of the right people to get some answers!
I really liked the cozy English castle setting and the baking. (I need recipes!) The baked goods made me drool and gain about 20 pounds. However, I think the setting would be better in America, somewhere in the Hamptons maybe or Beverly Hills, because none of this really sounded authentically British. There are so many Americanisms and inaccuracies about the Audley title and family. The mystery was a real puzzle until a very slight mistake on behalf of the murderer. I wasn't 100% sure until the clues were dropped though. I think a good security guard or police inspector could have come up with a plausible motive for that person.
Holly is a likable character. At first she seems like she might be a Mary Sue character or TSTL but she ends up standing up for herself when it counts. Yes she's a nice person and a bit of a pushover at times but mainly when it comes to her boss. She's an amazing baker and knows everyone's favorite treat. I love how she has studied history and enjoys trying unusual historic recipes. Meatball is the most adorable pup! He has his own language and communicates with Holly in a series of "woofs" for yes or no. So cute! He's crucial to the plot because he can sniff out something rotten from miles away and therefore discovers the body. Is he part hound?
The Castle residents are a bit eccentric. The Duke of Audley is absent-minded and seems to think he's existing in the Victorian era. Lady Audley is more with it and keeps her husband moving forward. Their nephew, Lord Rupert, is a dear. He's a beta hero in search of a heroine. I love how Rupert always has his nose in a book and often forgets where he is. He's constantly getting into dangerous situations because he never pays attention to his surroundings. Rupert is kind, sensitive and eager to please. He was an easy target for bullies at school, unfortunately. Princess Alice (why is her brother Lord and heir to a duke but she's princess?) is a lot of fun. She's lively, mischievous and crazy. Alice likes to tease Holly by threatening the guillotine or locking her up in the Tower. It makes her a bit of a bully because she's using her position to tease Holly who is not her equal. I didn't like that about her. I sense Alice is headstrong and doesn't listen to anyone. I don't think she's ditzy or even naïve, I think she's more clever than people give her credit for. I LOVE Lady Phillipa, the Duchess's mother. She's an eccentric old lady who thinks she's a damsel in distress locked in a tower. Yet, as Holly notes, everyone can come and go TO the tower so Lady P must be able to leave. No one is holding her prisoner. I agree with Holly that Lady P enjoys being dramatic. I think she's lonely and wants attention. That suspicion is confirmed when she starts having vague premonitions of danger! Meredith Jones, an assistant gardener, is quiet and hard working. She has big ideas and is kind to Lord Rupert who does not have a green thumb.
None of the rest of the characters are likable. Chef Heston is your average temperamental chef whose favorite pastime is yelling at his staff and making them work too hard. Holly gives him way too many excuses. Oddly, Chef Heston becomes the most fleshed out character in the novel. Campbell Milligan delights in being a SWAT team/Navy SEAL type security guard. He's suspicious of everyone and everything other than the family. He's waaaayyy too uptight and quick to be suspicious when there's no evidence. He's a jerk and enjoys messing with Holly. He, of all people, should have been able to solve the murder but he couldn't because he was on too much of an ego trip. Campbell couldn't possibly suspect a member of the upper class of murder or anyone else who has been at the castle more than minute so therefore it must be Holly! Why Holly? If she wasn't sleeping alone, he would still be suspicious of her alibi. He'd label her as "fast" and think she had someone lie for her. Holly can not win with this guy.
Lord Rupert's old school ties have come for a visit. They all shared the same dorm back at Eton and they seem to be an unpleasant lot. Anthony, Simon, Christian, and Kendal always shared a sense of one-upmanship, were always daring each other to do something, push harder, be stronger, go faster, make more money. They haven't changed much. Rupert notes all they do is talk about work and how much money they make. I would add, also the women they're sleeping around with. Kendal is the worst. He was the ringleader, always bullying and causing trouble. He's a disgusting lech, a womanizer who isn't used to hearing no. He sets his sight on Holly but she knows how to handle drunken womanizers. He doesn't seem to be able to hold his liquor very well which is probably how he ended up dead. Kendal was likely drunk and easily incapacitated. Stupid. The others are arrogant wealthy, privileged men. Tony has the most reason to be furious with Kendal. Even though he claims it was his mistake, that is true, but still, it must have made him angry to be duped by an old friend. Tony has a temper and appears scary. Simon is the nicest but that's not saying much. He enjoys teasing and flirting. He may have 5 sisters who dressed him up like a doll but I don't think it's made him more compassionate. He's a bit naïve about women though for someone who has so many sisters. Christian is egotistical. None of these men show any signs of grief over losing a friend. Which one killed Kendal?
The only other suspect is Izzie Northcott, Kendal's on-again/off-again girlfriend. He enjoyed himself having fun with her but to him it was nothing serious. He also had a married woman on the go and hits on Holly. Izzie, on the other hand, thinks she's God's gift to men and they should be falling all over themselves to be seen with her. She says she loved Kendal and wanted to marry him but wanting to marry him for love or wanting to marry him for money is the question? It's apparent from her conversation with Holly and her super snooty attitude that she's a gold digger of the worst sort. My question is, if Campbell's security team has eyes and ears everywhere, how did Izzie sneak into the Castle for a rendezvous with Kendal? Part of me hopes she's the murderer because she's so nasty but the other part of me thinks it's too obvious and would be disappointed if that were the case. She certainly had motive and opportunity.
I enjoyed this story for mindless entertainment and if I sign up for Kindle Unlimited again I will probably end up reading more of this series. It needs recipes though!
December 19, 2020
This was really a fun book! I have all the books in the series, so I don't know why it's taken me so long to start on it lol. It was like reading a modern day fairy tale only the Lord and Princess were really cool and down-to-earth people. Holly worked as a pastry chef for the castle and became good friends with Princess Alice who totally cracked me up! She came off as really ditzy, but apparently she was smarter than she let on. Her brother, Lord Rupert was a sweetheart who seemed to want to work up the courage to ask Holly out. Even their aunt the Duchess was a pretty nice lady and very approachable.
I never would have guessed the killer, although I was on the right track. The showdown was a good one, and Holly may have even gotten a little approval from tough-as-nails security guy Campbell. I'm definitely interested in reading more. I really liked these three main characters and can see Alice wanting to help on any cases that come along in the future. She's crazy fun!
I never would have guessed the killer, although I was on the right track. The showdown was a good one, and Holly may have even gotten a little approval from tough-as-nails security guy Campbell. I'm definitely interested in reading more. I really liked these three main characters and can see Alice wanting to help on any cases that come along in the future. She's crazy fun!
September 10, 2024
Let’s just say the main girl made almost the same amount of comments on her weight as she did giving us clues to the mystery. Also there was this whole hula hoop scene…🤢…I almost gave up there.
I’m all for a good cheesy cozy mystery but this one is a pass.
I’m all for a good cheesy cozy mystery but this one is a pass.
February 4, 2024
Wow! What a strong start of this series. I really liked it!
November 29, 2020
A delicious mystery
A light hearted, thought provoking story line. The characters were quirky and the storyline moved along quickly. I look forward to reading other stories from this writer.
A light hearted, thought provoking story line. The characters were quirky and the storyline moved along quickly. I look forward to reading other stories from this writer.
June 27, 2020
Cream Caramel and Murder by K.E. O'Connor is a fun, fast read !! It was so fun I couldn't stop reading !!!
This is the first book in the Holly Holmes series and I hope that future books in this series are as captivating as this one was !!
Holly Holmes is the main character and readers will want to be her !! She works in a castle and lives on the grounds !! Her best friend is a real live princess !! Holly works in the kitchen in the castle creating mouth watering desserts for the Royal family as well as the cafe on the grounds for the busloads of people that come to tour the castle and the gardens around it.
In Cream Caramel and Murder Lord Rupert is hosting a get-together for his old school buddies, they do this yearly and this is the year they come to stay at the castle. On the first night after meeting them all, Holly gets an instant disliking feeling for one of them, Kendal, after he makes some unwanted advances on her. Unfortunately the next morning when Holly and Princess Alice are taking Holly's dog, Meatball, for a walk around the grounds, Meatball leads them right to a hand sticking out of the ground !!! Sadly it turns out to be Kendal and he was murdered !!!
While Holly tries to find out who killed him and why, Cameron who is head of security for the castle seems to have his eye on Holly and not in a good way. Holly just met the deceased the night before, she has no reason to want to see him dead but she needs to prove that so that she can continue to live her fairy tale life.
Readers will fall in love with Cream Caramel and Murder by the time they finish the first chapter. There are so many reasons to love this story..... the main character, her dog, her job, where she lives, who she hangs out with, her quaint little town, even the murder and the story behind it will have readers turning pages quickly.
I highly recommend getting lost in this first book in the series.... I am on to the next book, Chocolate Swirls and Murder and CANNOT wait !!!!
This is the first book in the Holly Holmes series and I hope that future books in this series are as captivating as this one was !!
Holly Holmes is the main character and readers will want to be her !! She works in a castle and lives on the grounds !! Her best friend is a real live princess !! Holly works in the kitchen in the castle creating mouth watering desserts for the Royal family as well as the cafe on the grounds for the busloads of people that come to tour the castle and the gardens around it.
In Cream Caramel and Murder Lord Rupert is hosting a get-together for his old school buddies, they do this yearly and this is the year they come to stay at the castle. On the first night after meeting them all, Holly gets an instant disliking feeling for one of them, Kendal, after he makes some unwanted advances on her. Unfortunately the next morning when Holly and Princess Alice are taking Holly's dog, Meatball, for a walk around the grounds, Meatball leads them right to a hand sticking out of the ground !!! Sadly it turns out to be Kendal and he was murdered !!!
While Holly tries to find out who killed him and why, Cameron who is head of security for the castle seems to have his eye on Holly and not in a good way. Holly just met the deceased the night before, she has no reason to want to see him dead but she needs to prove that so that she can continue to live her fairy tale life.
Readers will fall in love with Cream Caramel and Murder by the time they finish the first chapter. There are so many reasons to love this story..... the main character, her dog, her job, where she lives, who she hangs out with, her quaint little town, even the murder and the story behind it will have readers turning pages quickly.
I highly recommend getting lost in this first book in the series.... I am on to the next book, Chocolate Swirls and Murder and CANNOT wait !!!!
December 8, 2024
Holly is a very likeable character. She is kind and thoughtful and always running around the castle with cakes and other scrumpets for her friends. When I picture her in my head I see the outline of a young woman riding an old bicycle with a dog on the front and cakes on the back. There's not a lot of depth there but it's a pleasant picture.
There was a silliness to this book. When the princess fainted and then fainted again I was reminded of Jane Austen's sense of humor from her younger works. If only the princess would have fainted just one more time I might have laughed right out loud.
The lead up to the end didn't work for me. I hate it when the cops are made to look stupid. And the lawyer was even stupider. In what universe is an alibi and a character witness the most important thing for getting a murder charge dropped when there is no motive and only one piece of evidence that can be explained by the simple questioning of multiple witnesses? Maybe this was meant to be silly. A lot of cozy mysteries use the stupid cop/lawyer plot mechanism so there must be something to it that I'm missing.
I liked this book enough to read more in the series the next time I'm feeling down.
There was a silliness to this book. When the princess fainted and then fainted again I was reminded of Jane Austen's sense of humor from her younger works. If only the princess would have fainted just one more time I might have laughed right out loud.
The lead up to the end didn't work for me. I hate it when the cops are made to look stupid. And the lawyer was even stupider. In what universe is an alibi and a character witness the most important thing for getting a murder charge dropped when there is no motive and only one piece of evidence that can be explained by the simple questioning of multiple witnesses? Maybe this was meant to be silly. A lot of cozy mysteries use the stupid cop/lawyer plot mechanism so there must be something to it that I'm missing.
I liked this book enough to read more in the series the next time I'm feeling down.
May 29, 2024
This was a cute, cozy mystery set in a small, upscale village in England. As the first in the "Holly Holmes" series, we get introduced to Holly, a pastry chef at the "castle" of a royal family.
I liked Holly and several of the other characters, and found the mystery interesting. However, there are many problems with the titles given the "royals." Brother and sister Rupert (a Lord) and Alice (a princess) live with their aunt and uncle (Duke and Duchess) at the home. Apparently their mother and father have been traveling the world for at least 20 years (no idea what part of the royal family they're supposed to be). Many things about the "castle" also don't make sense.
I basically set aside my critic, took it as some weird "fairy tale" cozy mystery, and enjoyed the story. I will definitely read the next in the series, but if you want accuracy in your mysteries this really isn't for you!
I liked Holly and several of the other characters, and found the mystery interesting. However, there are many problems with the titles given the "royals." Brother and sister Rupert (a Lord) and Alice (a princess) live with their aunt and uncle (Duke and Duchess) at the home. Apparently their mother and father have been traveling the world for at least 20 years (no idea what part of the royal family they're supposed to be). Many things about the "castle" also don't make sense.
I basically set aside my critic, took it as some weird "fairy tale" cozy mystery, and enjoyed the story. I will definitely read the next in the series, but if you want accuracy in your mysteries this really isn't for you!
June 22, 2024
What a cute fluffy fun cozy mystery 😍♥️ there's murder mystery, romance, banter 😍♥️ what else could you ask for? Meatball sounds like the best boi!!!! 🤭😍♥️ Can't wait to read the rest of the series! Highly recommend 😍♥️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 22, 2022
I grabbed this Amazon freebie a little bit ago because I love cozies, the cover is adorable, and the summary sounds like fun. Plus...PUPPY!
Holly loves her new job working in the kitchen at Audley Castle. Holly also loves her faithful corgi cross named Meatball. She loves to bake and trying new fun fitness fads. Everything seems perfect until Lord Rupert Audley requests her to bake some desserts for his school reunion. Everything seems normal, until the next day when she, Meatball, and Princess Alice find a hand sticking out of the ground. If Holly can't clear her name, she may lose this amazing life.
I simply adored Holly and her puppers. Epic duo! They are so sweet and kind and just fun. I would love to be their besties.
Alice and Rupert are fun too. Alice is sweet and Rupert is adorable. I do wonder why he is only a Lord while Alice is a princess, but they are brother and sister? I'm not quite sure. Maybe book 2 explains this more? Like he turned down his right to the throne? IDK. I'm not an expert and maybe I missed something...
The Duke and Duchess (Alice's and Rupert's uncle and aunt) were funny. So was the grandmother. A weird family, but they are endearing.
Now, I did struggle with how the police let Campbell (the head of security) lead the investigation. Sure, I get these folks are royal, but it seems so unlikely and unrealistic. What if it was Campbell who did it??? He's not unbiased....he's being paid by the family....seems odd to me.
But yes, this was a very cute and sweet cozy mystery. There are some questions I have and some parts that seem....off and far-fetched. Ignoring those things though this is a nice quick read for fall. Some fun characters and a cute puppy! Plus baking? Yum. 3 stars from me.
Holly loves her new job working in the kitchen at Audley Castle. Holly also loves her faithful corgi cross named Meatball. She loves to bake and trying new fun fitness fads. Everything seems perfect until Lord Rupert Audley requests her to bake some desserts for his school reunion. Everything seems normal, until the next day when she, Meatball, and Princess Alice find a hand sticking out of the ground. If Holly can't clear her name, she may lose this amazing life.
I simply adored Holly and her puppers. Epic duo! They are so sweet and kind and just fun. I would love to be their besties.
Alice and Rupert are fun too. Alice is sweet and Rupert is adorable. I do wonder why he is only a Lord while Alice is a princess, but they are brother and sister? I'm not quite sure. Maybe book 2 explains this more? Like he turned down his right to the throne? IDK. I'm not an expert and maybe I missed something...
The Duke and Duchess (Alice's and Rupert's uncle and aunt) were funny. So was the grandmother. A weird family, but they are endearing.
Now, I did struggle with how the police let Campbell (the head of security) lead the investigation. Sure, I get these folks are royal, but it seems so unlikely and unrealistic. What if it was Campbell who did it??? He's not unbiased....he's being paid by the family....seems odd to me.
But yes, this was a very cute and sweet cozy mystery. There are some questions I have and some parts that seem....off and far-fetched. Ignoring those things though this is a nice quick read for fall. Some fun characters and a cute puppy! Plus baking? Yum. 3 stars from me.
January 3, 2022
I don't read many books featuring the British aristocracy as they generally annoy the hell out of me. The cream of British society, with their sense of entitlement, and the airs and graces so beloved of many authors, baffle me.
"Cream Caramel and Murder" is set in Audley Castle, ancestral seat of the family of the same name. Live-in baker Holly Holmes is a pastry chef and a friend to one and all, with the possible exception of the dour security chief and man of mystery, Campbell Milligan. Could he possibly be hiding his true feelings towards Holly?
I did like this description of him: "He got so deep undercover on one mission that he forgot who he really was. The government lost all trace of him for almost a year until he resurfaced. He had to go through intensive rehabilitation before he was deemed fit to return to duty."
When Holly and her dog Meatball find the buried body of a guest she, rather unreasonably in my opinion, figures that as she is the chief suspect she'd better figure out whodunnit.
There's an interesting cast of characters and I particularly liked the away-with-the-fairies and love struck Lord Rupert, as well as the despotic head chef Heston.
It's about as cosy a mystery as they get but I couldn't help but wonder whether a more hard-nosed approach would have resulted in a better book.
It's good fun but not something I will particularly remember in a week or so.
3 Stars
"Cream Caramel and Murder" is set in Audley Castle, ancestral seat of the family of the same name. Live-in baker Holly Holmes is a pastry chef and a friend to one and all, with the possible exception of the dour security chief and man of mystery, Campbell Milligan. Could he possibly be hiding his true feelings towards Holly?
I did like this description of him: "He got so deep undercover on one mission that he forgot who he really was. The government lost all trace of him for almost a year until he resurfaced. He had to go through intensive rehabilitation before he was deemed fit to return to duty."
When Holly and her dog Meatball find the buried body of a guest she, rather unreasonably in my opinion, figures that as she is the chief suspect she'd better figure out whodunnit.
There's an interesting cast of characters and I particularly liked the away-with-the-fairies and love struck Lord Rupert, as well as the despotic head chef Heston.
It's about as cosy a mystery as they get but I couldn't help but wonder whether a more hard-nosed approach would have resulted in a better book.
It's good fun but not something I will particularly remember in a week or so.
3 Stars
November 26, 2023
Cupcakes & Murder is a delight to the end!
Who doesn't like Cupcakes, desserts and the occasional murder? What if it happens in a quaint village with a castle owned by a Duke and Duchess? Bonus right? Well that is the case here, and I fell in love with Holly Holmes the dessert cook extraordinary, the lovely Prince Alice, Lord Rupert, Lady Philippa, Meatball, and Campbell all of whom were wonderful characters in this storyline. I sincerely hope some or all of them are carried into the next book in the series. Campbell is sneaky but it's part of his job. Princess Alice is fun loving and care free, seems to secretly crush on Campbell -- maybe a future romance? Lady Phillipa is full of predictions and lonely, the grandmother "locked away" in her lost love but is she also really locked away? Lord Rupert walks around with his nose in a book, loves Poetry and has a crush on Holly Holmes' cupcakes, desserts and maybe even Holly herself. Holly Holmes is dessert baker for the castle kitchen, friend of Lord Rupert, Princess Alice, and Lady Phillipa and by their choices and to the disliking of Campbell! If you enjoy mysteries along with a touch of friendship and a smig of romance I think you'll enjoy this book!
Who doesn't like Cupcakes, desserts and the occasional murder? What if it happens in a quaint village with a castle owned by a Duke and Duchess? Bonus right? Well that is the case here, and I fell in love with Holly Holmes the dessert cook extraordinary, the lovely Prince Alice, Lord Rupert, Lady Philippa, Meatball, and Campbell all of whom were wonderful characters in this storyline. I sincerely hope some or all of them are carried into the next book in the series. Campbell is sneaky but it's part of his job. Princess Alice is fun loving and care free, seems to secretly crush on Campbell -- maybe a future romance? Lady Phillipa is full of predictions and lonely, the grandmother "locked away" in her lost love but is she also really locked away? Lord Rupert walks around with his nose in a book, loves Poetry and has a crush on Holly Holmes' cupcakes, desserts and maybe even Holly herself. Holly Holmes is dessert baker for the castle kitchen, friend of Lord Rupert, Princess Alice, and Lady Phillipa and by their choices and to the disliking of Campbell! If you enjoy mysteries along with a touch of friendship and a smig of romance I think you'll enjoy this book!
October 1, 2023
Holly Holmes has just begun her new job as baker at Audley Castle, catering both to the family and the castle tea rooms. Taking a walk in the grounds with her adorable Corgi, Meatball, she finds herself thrust headlong into the position of prime suspect when Meatball sniffs out the partially buried body of a friend of the aristocratic family. Not only was Holly first on the scene, but the victim was known to have behaved inappropriately towards her the previous day.
This is an easy, light read, provided you are prepared to overlook the bizarre notion that a prince would accept the far more common title of lord and consider it an honour. I found the misunderstanding of lineage and titles distracting and confusing, I must admit, but that aside, the characters themselves are personable and the story itself is just fine.
The super-intense security officer, the somewhat batty, psychic grandmother who lives in one of the (apparently haunted) castle turrets, and the scary head chef all add delicious flavour to the whole eccentric set-up, and I plan to read the next in series, which I only do if a set of characters really resonate with me.
This is an easy, light read, provided you are prepared to overlook the bizarre notion that a prince would accept the far more common title of lord and consider it an honour. I found the misunderstanding of lineage and titles distracting and confusing, I must admit, but that aside, the characters themselves are personable and the story itself is just fine.
The super-intense security officer, the somewhat batty, psychic grandmother who lives in one of the (apparently haunted) castle turrets, and the scary head chef all add delicious flavour to the whole eccentric set-up, and I plan to read the next in series, which I only do if a set of characters really resonate with me.
July 24, 2020
Three and a half stars
This is a charming, clean cozy. Holly is a likable, upbeat hard worker suddenly thrust into the world of the aristocracy as staff. Navigating relationships with Lord Rupert and Princess Alice does not seem to flow as easily as Holly's newfound and undeniable skills as a sleuth. Enigmatic head of security Campbell has intriguing possibilities in his backstory, and his interactions with Holly show promise. The mystery provides plenty of plausible culprits and is paced well. Perhaps the awkwardness with how the peerage passages read stems from lack of research: a supposed history buff like Holly would recognize the error regarding the guillotine, and this reader questions how, with never-married siblings, a brother carries the title "Lord" while his sister is "Princess." Closer attention to detail is sure to yield a fine series based on this debut!
This is a charming, clean cozy. Holly is a likable, upbeat hard worker suddenly thrust into the world of the aristocracy as staff. Navigating relationships with Lord Rupert and Princess Alice does not seem to flow as easily as Holly's newfound and undeniable skills as a sleuth. Enigmatic head of security Campbell has intriguing possibilities in his backstory, and his interactions with Holly show promise. The mystery provides plenty of plausible culprits and is paced well. Perhaps the awkwardness with how the peerage passages read stems from lack of research: a supposed history buff like Holly would recognize the error regarding the guillotine, and this reader questions how, with never-married siblings, a brother carries the title "Lord" while his sister is "Princess." Closer attention to detail is sure to yield a fine series based on this debut!
June 29, 2021
Holly Holmes is a nice young lady who loves to bake. For a while, she owned a cafe in the village, but a chain store moved in down the block and stole all her customers. So Holly found work in the kitchen at the castle. She bakes her delicious cakes for the noble family in residence and for the tourists who come to gawk over the public rooms. Holly has only been there a short time, but she has begun to settle in and make friends. She has made Princess Alice a friend, and her grandmother who lives upstairs in the turret. Even Prince Rupert is a semi-friend, slowly warming. Not a friend? The head chef who does nothing but yell. The head of security. Prince Rupert's friends. Now one of those friends has turned up dead. This is a delightful piece of fluff that could be even better if recipes were included.
November 26, 2022
A fun cozy mystery!
Holly Holmes may not have her cafe anymore but she still gets to live in the beautiful village of Audley St. Mary and work in the Audley Castle kitchens creating the pastries loved by the visitors and the Audley family. Life is pretty wonderful until her dog digs up the body of an Audley family friend and the head of castle security decides that Holly is the prime suspect. If she is going to keep her job and her freedom, Holly will need to find the real killer.
You can’t go wrong with murder, suspense, drama, and a good mystery! This was a fun cozy mystery to read. The characters are personable and the plot is entertaining. The book is well-written and kept me interested.
Holly Holmes may not have her cafe anymore but she still gets to live in the beautiful village of Audley St. Mary and work in the Audley Castle kitchens creating the pastries loved by the visitors and the Audley family. Life is pretty wonderful until her dog digs up the body of an Audley family friend and the head of castle security decides that Holly is the prime suspect. If she is going to keep her job and her freedom, Holly will need to find the real killer.
You can’t go wrong with murder, suspense, drama, and a good mystery! This was a fun cozy mystery to read. The characters are personable and the plot is entertaining. The book is well-written and kept me interested.
January 8, 2023
This story was fun to read. Holly started working as a baker at Audley Castle. She and Meatball (furry companion) are also provided living quarters The royal family is slightly quirky. There are rumors of ghosts. Granny Philippa is a psychic and lives in the castle turret. Lord Rupert walks around the grounds reading. He doesn't notice his surroundings which leads to accidents. Holly runs over him with a bicycle and a runaway buggy knocks him down. Lady Alice is bubbly with no care in the world. When one of Lord Ruperts friends from college is found dead in the woods, things get crazy. Holly is accused of the murder by Campbell the head of Security. I love all the characters and can't wait to read the next book.
June 19, 2024
This was an interesting new take on the cozy format. It's always a bit unbelievable when a small town independent baker is able to make a living even though they rarely seem to have customers. In this book, the main character had to close down her small, independent shop due to competition with a larger franchise. That was a definite dose of reality.
I liked the setting of the castle, and the eccentric folks who lived there. I really didn't understand why Holly became the main suspect in a murder, but that seems to be a requirement of the genre. It will be interesting to see how things develop as the series goes on.
I liked the setting of the castle, and the eccentric folks who lived there. I really didn't understand why Holly became the main suspect in a murder, but that seems to be a requirement of the genre. It will be interesting to see how things develop as the series goes on.
April 20, 2020
This was an entertaining book. The mystery was well done and not enough clues to figure it out until near the end. The characters were interesting. Holly Holmes is a baker who had to close her shop because a competitor (chain store) came into town and wiped out her business. although her cakes and sweets were superior she couldn't compete with their advertising and cheaper prices. She went to work at Audley Castle, near the town, as the pastry/sweets cook. The castle is home to lesser nobility and also a big tourist attraction with a cafe where Holly's cupcakes were in great demand.
I am still tired of amateurs trying to solve murders, getting in the way of the professionals and generally creting problems with the investigtion. This is a common plot mechanism but I think it's overused.
I will read the next one in the series as I am intrigued by some of the characters. Let's see if the plot mechanisms improve!
I am still tired of amateurs trying to solve murders, getting in the way of the professionals and generally creting problems with the investigtion. This is a common plot mechanism but I think it's overused.
I will read the next one in the series as I am intrigued by some of the characters. Let's see if the plot mechanisms improve!
October 11, 2021
Cute, fun read
O'Connor weaves a cute story of a modern day Lord of the Manor and his castle. When his school chums gather for their annual reunion, murder results, and we find Holly Holmes - the talented cake baker of the castle kitchen - investigating in order to clear herself of the trumped up charges.
Cream Caramel and Murder is filled with quirky characters - there's even a suspicious Head of Castle Security who makes you think twice. A quick read, perfect for curling up with a blanket on an early fall afternoon.
O'Connor weaves a cute story of a modern day Lord of the Manor and his castle. When his school chums gather for their annual reunion, murder results, and we find Holly Holmes - the talented cake baker of the castle kitchen - investigating in order to clear herself of the trumped up charges.
Cream Caramel and Murder is filled with quirky characters - there's even a suspicious Head of Castle Security who makes you think twice. A quick read, perfect for curling up with a blanket on an early fall afternoon.
October 4, 2022
Crazy murder mystery
Out for a walk on the estate and what do we find, a hand attached to a dead body. The lady of the manor faints, and I get a little woozy too. Security comes looking for the lady of the manor and the investigation gets under way. I'm only a baker, the lady and I have become friends but the head of security isn't happy about it. Lord Rupert has friends from his school days visiting, now one of them is dead. Who could have done it? He seems to have made lots of enemies. The ex girl friend, an old school friend or someone else????
Out for a walk on the estate and what do we find, a hand attached to a dead body. The lady of the manor faints, and I get a little woozy too. Security comes looking for the lady of the manor and the investigation gets under way. I'm only a baker, the lady and I have become friends but the head of security isn't happy about it. Lord Rupert has friends from his school days visiting, now one of them is dead. Who could have done it? He seems to have made lots of enemies. The ex girl friend, an old school friend or someone else????
April 19, 2020
This is the first in the series. The main character is Holly Holmes. She is a baker who is hired to bake at the castle. She makes all kinds of sweet goodies for the people who come to tour the castle and she also bakes for the Count and Countess and their family. She gets accused of murder because she ant the princess find a body of a guest of the count. She has to figure out before they can make a case against her. Can she make it ?
January 26, 2022
Quick light read between the heavier stuff
This is a quick read and I really enjoyed it. Holly Holmes works as a baker in the local castle, but she has plenty of time to hobnob with the royal as well.
When a weekend visitor turns up murdered in the woods and Holly and her dog find the body, it doesn't take long before she is the prime suspect.
But her sleuthing uncovers the real culprit and all is well in the end.
This is a quick read and I really enjoyed it. Holly Holmes works as a baker in the local castle, but she has plenty of time to hobnob with the royal as well.
When a weekend visitor turns up murdered in the woods and Holly and her dog find the body, it doesn't take long before she is the prime suspect.
But her sleuthing uncovers the real culprit and all is well in the end.
December 11, 2022
Unexpected greatness!!
I picked this book due to a Kindle challenge to read a mystery novel (I'm more of a Hallmark girl myself) so I wanted to try one that wouldn't give me nightmares, and this fit the bill perfectly!! I couldn't put it down... no seriously. In just 3 sittings I read the entire book! It was suspenseful, up beat, and captivating! Can't wait to read more in this series!!
I picked this book due to a Kindle challenge to read a mystery novel (I'm more of a Hallmark girl myself) so I wanted to try one that wouldn't give me nightmares, and this fit the bill perfectly!! I couldn't put it down... no seriously. In just 3 sittings I read the entire book! It was suspenseful, up beat, and captivating! Can't wait to read more in this series!!
January 11, 2023
As it stands, the book is interesting enough. It follows the standard format for a cozy mystery, and the characters are fun. My main complaint about it is that it reads like the main character, Holly Holmes, is an American living in the UK -- her speech patterns are very American. Additionally, the author didn't get the titles of the nobility correct. There are a brother and sister who are good supporting characters in the story, but somehow the brother is just a lord, while the sister is a princess. That's just not how noble titles work. The only way that she as an unmarried woman, would be a princess in her own right with a lord as a brother would be in the case of a divorce and the mother's subsequent remarriage which produced children. In the UK in order to be a prince or princess, one must be a child or grandchild of a reigning monarch (or a great-grandchild in the direct line of succession), so it would be impossible for this princess to be (I think) 51st in line for the throne and still be call princess. All in all, not a bad story, but the inaccuracies bothered me.
April 11, 2024
Baker, lords and ladies, castle, and possible ghosts
4.5 stars
This was such an entertaining read. Though it had some cozy mystery tropes, this had such a unique premise of taking place at a castle and mingling with modern royalty along with a compelling mystery. The pacing was great. My interest was engaged the entire time. There were a few twists and turns along the way. It was great. I really enjoyed this one.
4.5 stars
This was such an entertaining read. Though it had some cozy mystery tropes, this had such a unique premise of taking place at a castle and mingling with modern royalty along with a compelling mystery. The pacing was great. My interest was engaged the entire time. There were a few twists and turns along the way. It was great. I really enjoyed this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 13, 2025
Holly Holmes is a baker, employed at Castle Audley, surrounded by an eccentric royal family and the security team who guards them all, but falls prey to being in the wrong place at the wrong time - finding a dead body in the garden.
With her trusty dog, Meatball, Holly gathers information from everyone in the castle and neighbourhood, trying to find out who the killer is.
This cozy mystery was entertaining and the twist at the end was out of left field.
With her trusty dog, Meatball, Holly gathers information from everyone in the castle and neighbourhood, trying to find out who the killer is.
This cozy mystery was entertaining and the twist at the end was out of left field.
May 21, 2022
Holly Holmes thought working in the kitchen of a beautiful castle was a dream come true. That is until someone was found murdered in the castle's gardens. When she became a suspect, she was deterìmined to do some investigating to clear her name. Unfortunately, Princess Alice and her brother, Rupert, were her steadfast friends who sustained her.
A nice cozy mystery
A nice cozy mystery
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 27, 2022
Holly Holmes Cozy Culinary Mystery, Bk. 1, EBK-M, Kindle, @ 7/19, Read 9/26/22. Fiction, Cozy Mystery, British Elite, Hired Dessert Maker, Murder, Revenge. Holly Holmes works as a pastry chef at a manor house open for tours. She finds a body, and becomes the #1 suspect. 3☆'s = Good. Enough red herrings to make it interesting.
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