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Merry Muffin Mystery #6
Muffin But Trouble
With plans for a new performing arts center at Wynter Castle taking up all her time, baker Merry Wynter has been all but unaware of the fringe group compound near her small town—until a street preacher accosts her with taunts of doom and damnation. Worried that some of her close friends may have been lured in by the group and its charismatic leader, Merry begins digging into the ministry—and soon suspects they may have ties to the recent death of a young woman and the disappearance of many others.
With her rebellious teen friend Lizzie at her side, Merry steps in to confront the eerily submissive community and its misguided members, skeptical of their supposed spiritual leanings. When another young woman vanishes and Merry realizes the lives of people close to her are at stake, she will stop at nothing to uncover the group’s sinister secrets before the murderous ministry can strike again . . .
Includes tasty baking recipes!
Praise for the Merry Muffin
“[Has] the ingredients for a wonderful cozy mystery series.” —New York Times bestselling author Paige Shelton
“A great cozy with varied and interesting characters, nice plot with a few twists, and a good main character . . . Loved it!” —Mysteries and My Musings
“Merry Wynter’s character is extremely well-developed . . . This is a great start to a promising new series for cozy mystery fans. Five Stars!” —Goodreads
About the
Victoria Hamilton is the pseudonym of nationally bestselling romance author Donna Lea Simpson. She is the bestselling author of the Lady Anne Addison Mysteries, the Vintage Kitchen Mysteries, the Merry Muffin Mysteries, and a Regency-set historical mystery series, starting with A Gentlewoman’s Guide to Murder. She blogs at Killer Characters.
With her rebellious teen friend Lizzie at her side, Merry steps in to confront the eerily submissive community and its misguided members, skeptical of their supposed spiritual leanings. When another young woman vanishes and Merry realizes the lives of people close to her are at stake, she will stop at nothing to uncover the group’s sinister secrets before the murderous ministry can strike again . . .
Includes tasty baking recipes!
Praise for the Merry Muffin
“[Has] the ingredients for a wonderful cozy mystery series.” —New York Times bestselling author Paige Shelton
“A great cozy with varied and interesting characters, nice plot with a few twists, and a good main character . . . Loved it!” —Mysteries and My Musings
“Merry Wynter’s character is extremely well-developed . . . This is a great start to a promising new series for cozy mystery fans. Five Stars!” —Goodreads
About the
Victoria Hamilton is the pseudonym of nationally bestselling romance author Donna Lea Simpson. She is the bestselling author of the Lady Anne Addison Mysteries, the Vintage Kitchen Mysteries, the Merry Muffin Mysteries, and a Regency-set historical mystery series, starting with A Gentlewoman’s Guide to Murder. She blogs at Killer Characters.
250 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 8, 2019
152 people are currently reading
377 people want to read
About the author
Victoria Hamilton
45 books1,041 followersVictoria Hamilton is the bestselling author of several mystery series including the national bestselling Vintage Kitchen Mysteries and Merry Muffin Mysteries. She does, indeed, collect vintage kitchenware and bake muffins. She drinks tea and coffee on writing days, and wine other times. It doesn’t do to confuse days. A solitary being, she can be coaxed out of her writing cave for brownies and cat videos.
She started her writing life as Donna Lea Simpson, bestselling author of Regency Romances, paranormal historicals and historical mysteries, and still has a soft spot for the Regency period.
In fact her latest writing adventure is the new Regency-set historical mystery series - to be published by Midnight Ink - beginning in February 2019 with A Gentlewoman's Guide to Murder, featuring Miss Emmeline St. Germaine, a young lady who dares to defy society. She will fight for her right to live her own life, despite the dangers that presents. She has a dagger, and she's not afraid to use it.
If you Google ‘Victoria Hamilton’, you will find listed first a famous actress who starred as the Queen Mother in the Crown and as Charlotte Brontë in ‘In Search of the Brontës’. That’s not the Victoria who writes mysteries.
No, really, it’s not!
You can find her buried in a good book, (entombed in a good tome?) or online at:
Website: http://www.VictoriaHamiltonMysteries.com (Sign up for her annoyingly infrequent newsletter for all the latest!)
On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorVictor...
On Twitter: https://twitter.com/MysteryVictoria
She started her writing life as Donna Lea Simpson, bestselling author of Regency Romances, paranormal historicals and historical mysteries, and still has a soft spot for the Regency period.
In fact her latest writing adventure is the new Regency-set historical mystery series - to be published by Midnight Ink - beginning in February 2019 with A Gentlewoman's Guide to Murder, featuring Miss Emmeline St. Germaine, a young lady who dares to defy society. She will fight for her right to live her own life, despite the dangers that presents. She has a dagger, and she's not afraid to use it.
If you Google ‘Victoria Hamilton’, you will find listed first a famous actress who starred as the Queen Mother in the Crown and as Charlotte Brontë in ‘In Search of the Brontës’. That’s not the Victoria who writes mysteries.
No, really, it’s not!
You can find her buried in a good book, (entombed in a good tome?) or online at:
Website: http://www.VictoriaHamiltonMysteries.com (Sign up for her annoyingly infrequent newsletter for all the latest!)
On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorVictor...
On Twitter: https://twitter.com/MysteryVictoria
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
July 8, 2020
Muffin But Trouble is the 6th book in the Merry Muffin Mystery series written by Victoria Hamilton. The series takes place in upstate New York and focuses on Merry, a remarried widow in her late thirties or early forties (I believe, as I think the author might be leaving it open so she could have a child in the future) who inherited a castle and bakes muffins for local stores and organizations. And she solves crimes too... this time, it's a cult that's moved to town. Is it responsible for all the disappearing young girls? Merry and her young friend, Lizzie, are on the case.
Merry is a strong lead character. She's smart and nosy, but only in a good way. She tries to figure things out on her own, and the police have learned to trust her more. She often goes down the wrong path yet it helps her find the right one. I like the balance between the two towns, Ridley Ridge (the 'bad' side of town) and Autumn Vale (where her castle is located), because we get a variety of people. It reminds me of towns I've visited in the Hudson Valley, so it's on point. Another good aspect in the series are the side stories because we see so much evolution in the characters.
It's been almost two years since the last book, and Merry has been married for nearly two years at this point (just under). It helped show how much change has happened in the town and in her life. Her best friend Pish has turned the castle into something wonderful, and seeing Merry become a stronger foundation in the town is heartwarming. In this caper, the cult is fascinating. So many of the lines and characters are awful (in a good way) that I got angry at the book... because it sorta sounded a bit like real life in some parts of this country. I was glad to see how Hamilton could push her readers to react, and it's a result of strong writing and character dialog and development.
I look forward to more from this series... but will have to wait, as the next book bring released from the author is in another series of hers that I read (Vintage Kitchen)... so see ya again soon!
Merry is a strong lead character. She's smart and nosy, but only in a good way. She tries to figure things out on her own, and the police have learned to trust her more. She often goes down the wrong path yet it helps her find the right one. I like the balance between the two towns, Ridley Ridge (the 'bad' side of town) and Autumn Vale (where her castle is located), because we get a variety of people. It reminds me of towns I've visited in the Hudson Valley, so it's on point. Another good aspect in the series are the side stories because we see so much evolution in the characters.
It's been almost two years since the last book, and Merry has been married for nearly two years at this point (just under). It helped show how much change has happened in the town and in her life. Her best friend Pish has turned the castle into something wonderful, and seeing Merry become a stronger foundation in the town is heartwarming. In this caper, the cult is fascinating. So many of the lines and characters are awful (in a good way) that I got angry at the book... because it sorta sounded a bit like real life in some parts of this country. I was glad to see how Hamilton could push her readers to react, and it's a result of strong writing and character dialog and development.
I look forward to more from this series... but will have to wait, as the next book bring released from the author is in another series of hers that I read (Vintage Kitchen)... so see ya again soon!
August 2, 2019
Merry Wynter appreciates the wonderful things in her life: husband Virgil, inherited castle being renovated as the keystone of a new center for the performing arts and good friends in Autumn Vale. What she wasn't expecting was to be hassled on the street of her beloved town and called harlot by a weird older guy. Does he have an relationship with this new fundamentalist cult? And why are a number of young women disappearing from the surrounding towns? Then one missing girl strikes a little too close to home. Always a reliable series, this book lives up to expectations. While the topic of the cult was not my favorite, I still enjoyed my visit with Merry in Autumn Vale.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for an opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for an opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 4, 2019
I read the first book in this series and now, the sixth. There has been quite a change in things going on. Merry has remarried and has done a lot of work on the grounds of the castle she inherited, including moving houses slated for demolition. I definitely have some catching up to do. This did not diminish my enjoyment of this story. In this story, the local baker of muffins is investigating the disappearance of local girls as well as friends from town moving into the local compound. Is it a cult? Are they in danger? Are the missing girls there? With the help of her teenage friend Lizzie, her husband Virgil, the former sheriff now PI and Dwayne, Virgil's partner they sneak into the compound to see if they can talk to some of the residents and get information. When one of the missing girls ends up beaten to death and dumped at the side of the road, the investigation ramps up.
Merry is a great protagonist. She is still relatively new to town, yet is becoming a firm fixture. She and her friend Pish, are building a Performing Arts Center on the castle grounds and have developed a positive reputation in the town. She is a good friend, kind and caring to others, but is rather curious, bordering on nosy. That is how she gets answers and helps in the investigations going on in town. The local Sheriff seems to trust her judgement and is not one that tells her butt out. This is the third book I have read recently involving cult-like organizations. The leaders of this group are despicable and Victoria Hamilton did a good job writing characters that we disliked. The residents of the cult all seemed to be dealing with issues that made them targets for the recruiters and it was sad to see how they were afraid to break free. This book has some issues that were a bit strong for a cozy, yet there are a lot of cozy mystery characteristics. I enjoyed the plot and storylines included. The dialogue was well done, especially when dealing with the cult members. The story had me guessing who was really behind the group as there were a lot of strong personalities. I had no idea who murdered the missing teen, as there were so many suspects. I enjoyed following the investigation and seeing how the clues were put together. The final reveal was a bit touch and go and I liked how it was all pulled together at the end. Overall, a good mystery that borders on the cozy/regular mystery genre, at least in my opinion. I do recommend this book to cozy mystery lovers.
I did a read/listen with this book. The audiobook is narrated by Margaret Strom, a new one for me. I find that reading when I get the opportunity and listening while in the car or doing certain jobs (i.e. dishes, laundry) adds to my enjoyment of a story. She does a good job with the story, expression and inflection. Female voices were varied and well done, but as I often find with female narrators, her male voices need some work. I will listen to more books by this narrator as overall, I enjoyed her performance. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.
Merry is a great protagonist. She is still relatively new to town, yet is becoming a firm fixture. She and her friend Pish, are building a Performing Arts Center on the castle grounds and have developed a positive reputation in the town. She is a good friend, kind and caring to others, but is rather curious, bordering on nosy. That is how she gets answers and helps in the investigations going on in town. The local Sheriff seems to trust her judgement and is not one that tells her butt out. This is the third book I have read recently involving cult-like organizations. The leaders of this group are despicable and Victoria Hamilton did a good job writing characters that we disliked. The residents of the cult all seemed to be dealing with issues that made them targets for the recruiters and it was sad to see how they were afraid to break free. This book has some issues that were a bit strong for a cozy, yet there are a lot of cozy mystery characteristics. I enjoyed the plot and storylines included. The dialogue was well done, especially when dealing with the cult members. The story had me guessing who was really behind the group as there were a lot of strong personalities. I had no idea who murdered the missing teen, as there were so many suspects. I enjoyed following the investigation and seeing how the clues were put together. The final reveal was a bit touch and go and I liked how it was all pulled together at the end. Overall, a good mystery that borders on the cozy/regular mystery genre, at least in my opinion. I do recommend this book to cozy mystery lovers.
I did a read/listen with this book. The audiobook is narrated by Margaret Strom, a new one for me. I find that reading when I get the opportunity and listening while in the car or doing certain jobs (i.e. dishes, laundry) adds to my enjoyment of a story. She does a good job with the story, expression and inflection. Female voices were varied and well done, but as I often find with female narrators, her male voices need some work. I will listen to more books by this narrator as overall, I enjoyed her performance. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.
June 18, 2024
Fast paced story
Merry is a wonderful character and this story was well written and very easy to follow.
Missing girls and a strange compound concerns Merry, as she begins to find out what secrets are hidden behind closed doors.
Merry is a wonderful character and this story was well written and very easy to follow.
Missing girls and a strange compound concerns Merry, as she begins to find out what secrets are hidden behind closed doors.
July 1, 2019
The Light and the Way Ministry used to keep mostly to themselves but now they are becoming more noticeable and vocal. Merry finds that out when she is verbally attacked for wearing pants. They believe that usurps a mans rightful place and is against nature and God's plan. The more she gets involved in checking out this cult-like group the worse it gets. Could this cult have something to do with local women who have just disappeared?
This story is filled with details, descriptions and characters. That is nice to a point but sometimes it slows down the story or keeps it from developing at a good pace. Thanks to Beyond the Page Publishing and NetGalley for an ARC. The opinions expressed are my own.
This story is filled with details, descriptions and characters. That is nice to a point but sometimes it slows down the story or keeps it from developing at a good pace. Thanks to Beyond the Page Publishing and NetGalley for an ARC. The opinions expressed are my own.
July 19, 2019
Muffin But Trouble by Victoria Hamilton is the 6th book in the Merry Muffin Mystery series, and I am very happy the series is back. Merry Wynter is staying busy baking her muffins for local businesses, and helping her friend Pish complete their performing arts center at Wynter Castle. When young women start disappearing from the area, Merry, and her out spoken young friend Lizzie, start looking into a cult compound. Merry husband Virgil, former sheriff, now private eye and his partner join in the fun. I really enjoy this book/series, they always have great plot and the best characters. I strongly recommend this book.
I reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and the publisher. Thank you.
I reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and the publisher. Thank you.
November 4, 2022
Il libro si lascia leggere anche grazie a un cast di personaggi veramente vario. Ho solo qualche problema ha capacitarmi di come la protagonista sia potuta andare più volte nell'accampamento di una setta senza alcun pericolo...
July 8, 2019
"Muffin But Trouble" A Merry Muffin Mystery, Book 6 by Victoria Hamilton.
Even though this is the first book I have read in the series I was able to follow along easily so it can be read as a stand alone. I really enjoyed it and practically read in one sitting and have since purchased the other books in the series.
In the new Merry Muffin Mystery from the author of Muffin to Fear, baker Merry Wynter must confront a spiritual guru who may be up to something far from heavenly . . .
With plans for a new performing arts center at Wynter Castle taking up all her time, baker Merry Wynter has been all but unaware of the fringe group compound near her small town—until a street preacher accosts her with taunts of doom and damnation. Worried that some of her close friends may have been lured in by the group and its charismatic leader, Merry begins digging into the ministry—and soon suspects they may have ties to the recent death of a young woman and the disappearance of many others.
With her rebellious teen friend Lizzie at her side, Merry steps in to confront the eerily submissive community and its misguided members, skeptical of their supposed spiritual leanings. When another young woman vanishes and Merry realizes the lives of people close to her are at stake, she will stop at nothing to uncover the group’s sinister secrets before the murderous ministry can strike again . . .
Includes tasty baking recipes!
The Protagonist Merry Wynter is a strong, and independent and I especially love Lizzie who is feisty as all get out. The characters are well rounded and seem real as I could relate to each of them.
There were enough twists to keep me intrigued and wanting to know how it ends. The plot and story were good and seemed to flow at a good pace. This has been added to my favourite series pile, I highly recommend to anyone who enjoys a cozy filled with warm, diverse characters and a small town atmosphere.
Even though this is the first book I have read in the series I was able to follow along easily so it can be read as a stand alone. I really enjoyed it and practically read in one sitting and have since purchased the other books in the series.
In the new Merry Muffin Mystery from the author of Muffin to Fear, baker Merry Wynter must confront a spiritual guru who may be up to something far from heavenly . . .
With plans for a new performing arts center at Wynter Castle taking up all her time, baker Merry Wynter has been all but unaware of the fringe group compound near her small town—until a street preacher accosts her with taunts of doom and damnation. Worried that some of her close friends may have been lured in by the group and its charismatic leader, Merry begins digging into the ministry—and soon suspects they may have ties to the recent death of a young woman and the disappearance of many others.
With her rebellious teen friend Lizzie at her side, Merry steps in to confront the eerily submissive community and its misguided members, skeptical of their supposed spiritual leanings. When another young woman vanishes and Merry realizes the lives of people close to her are at stake, she will stop at nothing to uncover the group’s sinister secrets before the murderous ministry can strike again . . .
Includes tasty baking recipes!
The Protagonist Merry Wynter is a strong, and independent and I especially love Lizzie who is feisty as all get out. The characters are well rounded and seem real as I could relate to each of them.
There were enough twists to keep me intrigued and wanting to know how it ends. The plot and story were good and seemed to flow at a good pace. This has been added to my favourite series pile, I highly recommend to anyone who enjoys a cozy filled with warm, diverse characters and a small town atmosphere.
June 25, 2019
This is my first foray into the Merry Muffin series and it certainly is ambitious! It delves into the moral and legal insanity of a so called spiritual cult and how it affects the nearby community. The other issue is considering how negatively as well as positively a cultural community will impact that same community. The characters are interesting and very clearly depicted as is the imagery of the locality. An engaging read.
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Beyond the Page Publishing via NetGalley.
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Beyond the Page Publishing via NetGalley.
July 17, 2019
3 Stars
This is the sixth book in the Merry Muffin Mystery series by Victoria Hamilton. This is the first book I have read by this author but it was pretty easy to get caught up since they mention backstory here and there through the plot.
Basic premise: there is a religious cult on the outskirts of town. When one of the members calls Merry a jezebel she becomes concerned about her friends who might be taken in by this organization. Then they realize that a number of young women have turned up missing and a couple were spotted on the grounds of the suspect church. The more Merry digs into what is going on out there the more bad things she uncovers.
I have to admit I was a little disappointed in this. There were a few times when I thought we were going to get into the meat of the story but it was basically glossed over and tossed aside. Why? That is the good part, isn’t it? Dig into the meat of the story and deliver it to us.
Then they stepped on the suspense quite often. No build up. It looked like the suspense was going to start and then… nothing. This could have been so much better than it was. There were leaps in logic scattered all over the story too. Plus, I really don’t think just based on Merry calling her hubby Virgil (a PI from what I gathered) that troops of police would come running and take down the bad guys. That happened a number of times.
Besides those structural problems the overall concept of the story was good. Since I missed a bunch of back story, I felt lost in regards to all the relationships around Merry. There was no conflict between any of them and I felt that was a bit unrealistic. Everyone shouldn’t just be a pawn in whatever mystery Merry is trying to uncover. And to me they felt more like pawns than players in the drama. If this happens, call Virgil. If this happens, call Pish.
It was a bit strange and disjointed but overall hit the mark with its story. I wanted more than it gave me but sometimes I don’t always get what I want.
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.
This is the sixth book in the Merry Muffin Mystery series by Victoria Hamilton. This is the first book I have read by this author but it was pretty easy to get caught up since they mention backstory here and there through the plot.
Basic premise: there is a religious cult on the outskirts of town. When one of the members calls Merry a jezebel she becomes concerned about her friends who might be taken in by this organization. Then they realize that a number of young women have turned up missing and a couple were spotted on the grounds of the suspect church. The more Merry digs into what is going on out there the more bad things she uncovers.
I have to admit I was a little disappointed in this. There were a few times when I thought we were going to get into the meat of the story but it was basically glossed over and tossed aside. Why? That is the good part, isn’t it? Dig into the meat of the story and deliver it to us.
Then they stepped on the suspense quite often. No build up. It looked like the suspense was going to start and then… nothing. This could have been so much better than it was. There were leaps in logic scattered all over the story too. Plus, I really don’t think just based on Merry calling her hubby Virgil (a PI from what I gathered) that troops of police would come running and take down the bad guys. That happened a number of times.
Besides those structural problems the overall concept of the story was good. Since I missed a bunch of back story, I felt lost in regards to all the relationships around Merry. There was no conflict between any of them and I felt that was a bit unrealistic. Everyone shouldn’t just be a pawn in whatever mystery Merry is trying to uncover. And to me they felt more like pawns than players in the drama. If this happens, call Virgil. If this happens, call Pish.
It was a bit strange and disjointed but overall hit the mark with its story. I wanted more than it gave me but sometimes I don’t always get what I want.
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.
June 27, 2019
Merry Grace Wynter has come into her own as resident of Western New York and Queen of Wynter Castle. But when she is accosted by a religious zealot while in town, she quickly discovers there is a religious cult that has set up in the outskirts of town.
Lizzie and Merry head out to the compound to check on one of Lizzie’s friends and discover more than a few other people from town may be calling it home. Merry and Lizzie are in agreement that while some of their friends are over 18 and minors are with their parents, not all of them may be there willingly. Not to mention Merry can sense something is off, but can’t quite put her finger on it.
Suffice it to say Merry and her band of friends, which includes the Assistant District Attorney and a local sheriff, will do their best to help those that want to leave. Unfortunately the sheriff whose county the compound sits in makes a premature raid and could very well compromise any additional assistance from the police. Merry and the gang need to be smart to get their friends, and themselves, out alive.
This is my first introduction to this Merry Muffin series and while this is book six, there were no gaps, making this a perfect standalone read. I also enjoy the Vintage Kitchen series by this author as well and am excited to find another series to enjoy. Looking forward to catching up on the firs
Lizzie and Merry head out to the compound to check on one of Lizzie’s friends and discover more than a few other people from town may be calling it home. Merry and Lizzie are in agreement that while some of their friends are over 18 and minors are with their parents, not all of them may be there willingly. Not to mention Merry can sense something is off, but can’t quite put her finger on it.
Suffice it to say Merry and her band of friends, which includes the Assistant District Attorney and a local sheriff, will do their best to help those that want to leave. Unfortunately the sheriff whose county the compound sits in makes a premature raid and could very well compromise any additional assistance from the police. Merry and the gang need to be smart to get their friends, and themselves, out alive.
This is my first introduction to this Merry Muffin series and while this is book six, there were no gaps, making this a perfect standalone read. I also enjoy the Vintage Kitchen series by this author as well and am excited to find another series to enjoy. Looking forward to catching up on the firs
August 5, 2019
As Merry Wynter is planning the new performing arts center at Wynter Castle. She learns that some of her friends have joined a spiritual group just outside of town. Merry is worried that this group has cult-like characteristics and wants to get her friends out. When the body of a dead girl turns up near the community and there are several other missing young ladies Merry escalates her plans to get her friends out.
I really enjoy this series and each book can be enjoyed as part of the series or as a stand-alone mystery. The characters are wonderful from Merry’s strong independence, to her husband Virgil policeman frame of thinking, to Lizzie’s feisty teen personality and all the others in between. The characters are complexed in their personalities which makes them realistic and relatable. The mystery has several twists and turns to keep the reader engaged until the end. The plot and storyline move at a good pace. There are recipes included at the end of the book. I recommend this book to mystery fans especially cozy mystery fans.
I voluntarily agreed to read a copy of this book supplied by Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own and in no way have been influenced.
I really enjoy this series and each book can be enjoyed as part of the series or as a stand-alone mystery. The characters are wonderful from Merry’s strong independence, to her husband Virgil policeman frame of thinking, to Lizzie’s feisty teen personality and all the others in between. The characters are complexed in their personalities which makes them realistic and relatable. The mystery has several twists and turns to keep the reader engaged until the end. The plot and storyline move at a good pace. There are recipes included at the end of the book. I recommend this book to mystery fans especially cozy mystery fans.
I voluntarily agreed to read a copy of this book supplied by Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own and in no way have been influenced.
January 1, 2020
4 Stars
This was a real return to form after a disappointing fifth book in the series. My biggest criticism of this book is that it is a real stretch to call this a cozy mystery, with such dark subject matter.
My favorite line in the book.
It’s appropriate that Kant is mentioned as his philosophical approach is based on rationalism which is so at odds with the cult members who are being indoctrinated in conspiracy theories to simply obey and not to think at all for themselves.
This was a real return to form after a disappointing fifth book in the series. My biggest criticism of this book is that it is a real stretch to call this a cozy mystery, with such dark subject matter.
My favorite line in the book.
“Young lady, I’m reading philosophy and Kant be disturbed!”
It’s appropriate that Kant is mentioned as his philosophical approach is based on rationalism which is so at odds with the cult members who are being indoctrinated in conspiracy theories to simply obey and not to think at all for themselves.
August 3, 2019
I have enjoyed this series from the beginning. This new installment add a little edgier feel with the spiritualist cult. I think this is my favorite book of the series. This could be read alone as there is some background here and there, but I am sure once anyone reads this one they will want to read this series from the beginning. By now the characters are becoming like old friend. Love this series and look forward to reading more
January 9, 2020
Victoria Hamilton is one of my favorite authors because of this series and her Vintage Kitchen series. Greatly enjoyed visiting Autumn Vale & Merry Wynter again for this installment. The mystery was excellent, and I love the characters. Looking forward to the next visit!
July 7, 2019
The 6th book of the Merry Muffin Series,
I love all her books !
Girls go Missing and Merry out to find them and who took them !
Fast read . A page turner!
I love all her books !
Girls go Missing and Merry out to find them and who took them !
Fast read . A page turner!
April 19, 2020
I did not finish this book, I couldn't get through it! So much boring details. Too much. And if I wanted to read a book with romantic details, I'd pick a better romance story! I thought the book was just unbearable, had to stop trying to force myself to like it. Just wasn't for me.
October 21, 2021
This volume is a particularly grim story. It has a similar tone and similar themes to Tippy Toe Murder by Leslie Meier (1994). Basically, Muffin by Trouble reads like a thriller that's been repackaged as a cozy. It covers brainwashing, sex trafficking, and abuse among other things.
http://pussreboots.com/blog/2021/comm...
http://pussreboots.com/blog/2021/comm...
July 27, 2019
There are six mysteries in this series and each can be read as a stand alone. One wouldn't think that baking and selling muffins while trying to upgrade the Wynter Castle into an arts center would be anything more than business as usual. Unless you happen to be Merry Wynter Grace. She might be called a murder magnet, she has a knack for crossing paths with them. On a very nice October morning she crosses paths with a strange dude wearing a sandwich board and carrying a misspelled sign. Then he calls her a Jezebel and a harlot. Now that's just plain rude but it's all just words and she moves on with her day. It turns out that while she has been uber focused on Wynter Castle, a religious group has moved into the area and things are more than a bit strange out there. While it could be said that more people moving into the community would be good for the local economy, etc. this is way too strange - several young women disappear and a body turns up. Their small town of Ridley Ridge may need a lot of help - Merry has called it the center of hell - this isn't going to help anybody.
It's not very long before the goings on at the religious cult land square in front of Merry when she and her friend Lizzie make a trip out to the cult and find that all is not right, that many of the members are not free to leave. One thing leads to another and she, her husband (a PI) Lizzie, and various friends including the ADA and the sheriff, move to get to the bottom of the sinister goings on.
I have read the entire series and have enjoyed every one of them. They are well written, full of depth and great characters. All that I require of a satisfying mystery.
My thanks to the publisher, Beyond the Page and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
It's not very long before the goings on at the religious cult land square in front of Merry when she and her friend Lizzie make a trip out to the cult and find that all is not right, that many of the members are not free to leave. One thing leads to another and she, her husband (a PI) Lizzie, and various friends including the ADA and the sheriff, move to get to the bottom of the sinister goings on.
I have read the entire series and have enjoyed every one of them. They are well written, full of depth and great characters. All that I require of a satisfying mystery.
My thanks to the publisher, Beyond the Page and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
July 6, 2019
This addition to the Merry Muffins is a very engaging tale.
Merry Wynter Grace, owner of Wynter Castle is trying to complete her vision for the castle, a home for the arts. With the help of her P.I. husband Virgil and her friend Pish, they are working hard for the end goal. All are heavily invested and work to make sure they have the funds, her contribution is the sale of her delicious muffins.
When on a delivery, she comes across a few odd men, the worse appears to be a religious zealot. Something just seems off to her, and when she hears about missing girls and a body is found, she becomes even more curious about the Light and the Way when one of her young friends move there.
When she crosses the barriers to enter the commune type community to check on him, she finds more than she expected. When another young friend and her mother move there and appear afraid, her senses go into overdrive and she gathers a team to investigate.
A young girl's body found near makes me more determined to learn more. They find out more than they expected and solve more than a few missing persons and and multiple murders.
Written with humor and intrigue, it's a great way to while away some time this summer.
I requested an ARC from NetGalley and couldn't put it down. If you like your cozy with humor, multiple suspects and a few twists...this is it.
Merry Wynter Grace, owner of Wynter Castle is trying to complete her vision for the castle, a home for the arts. With the help of her P.I. husband Virgil and her friend Pish, they are working hard for the end goal. All are heavily invested and work to make sure they have the funds, her contribution is the sale of her delicious muffins.
When on a delivery, she comes across a few odd men, the worse appears to be a religious zealot. Something just seems off to her, and when she hears about missing girls and a body is found, she becomes even more curious about the Light and the Way when one of her young friends move there.
When she crosses the barriers to enter the commune type community to check on him, she finds more than she expected. When another young friend and her mother move there and appear afraid, her senses go into overdrive and she gathers a team to investigate.
A young girl's body found near makes me more determined to learn more. They find out more than they expected and solve more than a few missing persons and and multiple murders.
Written with humor and intrigue, it's a great way to while away some time this summer.
I requested an ARC from NetGalley and couldn't put it down. If you like your cozy with humor, multiple suspects and a few twists...this is it.
July 15, 2019
This is the first book in the Merry Muffin Mystery series I've read, but I didn't feel like I was missing too much to understand the story.
In the story, baker Merry Wynter continues to transform the castle and acreage she inherited into a community for artists and musicians. While she's been focusing on that, a cult-like "religious" group moved into town. Merry's first encounter with them is when a sign-holding zealot calls her a harlot for wearing pants. Soon there are rumors that several teenage girls who disappeared from town may have ended up at the commune, including a few people Merry and her friends know personally.
Though still a cozy, the topic of this novel is heavier than most. I still enjoyed the characters and especially the atmosphere of the castle and the artist community taking shape.
A few times in the book, the author mentioned online clothing stores that seemed to be product placement. It wasn't just a casual mention, but more like a deliberate advertisement for at least 2 companies. I found it strange.
FTC disclosure: I received an eARC from the publisher via NetGalley.
In the story, baker Merry Wynter continues to transform the castle and acreage she inherited into a community for artists and musicians. While she's been focusing on that, a cult-like "religious" group moved into town. Merry's first encounter with them is when a sign-holding zealot calls her a harlot for wearing pants. Soon there are rumors that several teenage girls who disappeared from town may have ended up at the commune, including a few people Merry and her friends know personally.
Though still a cozy, the topic of this novel is heavier than most. I still enjoyed the characters and especially the atmosphere of the castle and the artist community taking shape.
A few times in the book, the author mentioned online clothing stores that seemed to be product placement. It wasn't just a casual mention, but more like a deliberate advertisement for at least 2 companies. I found it strange.
FTC disclosure: I received an eARC from the publisher via NetGalley.
July 24, 2019
This is the "6th" book in the popular "Merry Muffin Mystery Series" by popular author Victoria Hamilton.. I had only read the first in series prior to this book however I was able to follow along . I do highly recommend the entire series . Thank you to Net Galley and to the publisher. My opinions are my own.
Our Protagonist baker Merry Wynter has her hands full as she is in charge of plans for a new performing arts center at Wynter Castle. When she is confronted by a street preacher she finds out a compound is near her castle and may be dangerous. Merry begins to investigate and soon is involved in the murder of a young girl and others who have disappeared. She suspects the creepy compound members are responsible and fears that she and those she loves may be in danger.
This was a very well crafted mystery with many differing elements that surprised me to the end. I love the setting of the castle and how independent and smart Merry is. She has proven to be a good investigator and gets along well with everyone in her small village. A fun exciting series . I love the recipes that are always included with each book.
Our Protagonist baker Merry Wynter has her hands full as she is in charge of plans for a new performing arts center at Wynter Castle. When she is confronted by a street preacher she finds out a compound is near her castle and may be dangerous. Merry begins to investigate and soon is involved in the murder of a young girl and others who have disappeared. She suspects the creepy compound members are responsible and fears that she and those she loves may be in danger.
This was a very well crafted mystery with many differing elements that surprised me to the end. I love the setting of the castle and how independent and smart Merry is. She has proven to be a good investigator and gets along well with everyone in her small village. A fun exciting series . I love the recipes that are always included with each book.
July 1, 2019
Muffin baker Merry Grace Wynter and her friend Pish are busy drumming up support and performers for their newest venture: build a performing arts center at Wynter Castle. When a street preacher harasses Merry, she learns that a religious group has set up outside of town. Worried that some of her close friends and some missing teenaged girls may have been lured in by the group, Merry and her teenaged friend Lizzie visit the Light and Way Ministry community. Merry doubts the group's spiritual leanings and is shocked when a young woman is found beaten to death on the road near the Ministry.
I did not enjoy reading this book as much as previous books in the series, so it receives a lower rating.
I received an eARC via Netgalley and Beyond the Page Publishing with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and provided this review.
I did not enjoy reading this book as much as previous books in the series, so it receives a lower rating.
I received an eARC via Netgalley and Beyond the Page Publishing with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and provided this review.
August 25, 2019
Muffin But Trouble by Victoria Hamilton is book six in the Merry Muffin Mystery series. This is the first in this series I have read and I was able to get caught up somewhat quickly.
Missing young girls, a cult like ministry group, and a body found along side the road, are they tied together? If so, what else is going on out on the compound. Merry and her teenage friend, Lizzie, set out to find out. Once they see the living conditions and some of their friends living there, they kick into high gear to get to the bottom of what they are up to at the Light and the Way Ministry.
There are twists and turns that have you guessing until the end. Note, this is a darker cozy then most.
There are recipes included.
Thanks to Netgalley and Beyond the Page publishing I was given an ARC for an honest review.
Missing young girls, a cult like ministry group, and a body found along side the road, are they tied together? If so, what else is going on out on the compound. Merry and her teenage friend, Lizzie, set out to find out. Once they see the living conditions and some of their friends living there, they kick into high gear to get to the bottom of what they are up to at the Light and the Way Ministry.
There are twists and turns that have you guessing until the end. Note, this is a darker cozy then most.
There are recipes included.
Thanks to Netgalley and Beyond the Page publishing I was given an ARC for an honest review.
July 4, 2019
The 6th installment in this series. Merry Wynter has been unaware of the religious cult on the outskirts of town until she is accosted on the street by the preacher of the group. Merry begins to look into the group and learns that while are some are there willingly she fears others are not. She heads out there with her teen friend Lizzie who has some friends out there and could this group be linked to the disappearance and death of a young woman. Merry has friends in high places (Sheriff and Assistant DA) but if the group is within the law there is not much that can be done. This was a pretty dark cozy which I did not expect. It deals with some heavy topics. The story is well written and moves along at a good pace. Merry is a great character and her heart is in the right place. Let's hope this series continues.
July 24, 2019
Merry was deeply involved in her life and the new aspects she and her husband wanted to introduce in their castle home. So it was quite shocking and unsettling when a strange,r a religious zealot, accosted her on the streets in town. It was only when talking with a few of the town folks did she became aware of a cult right on the outskirts of town. She was suspicious of any cult and when reports came to light about the missing girls and Lizzies insistence that something was wrong when her friend and mom up and disappeared, which sent her sleuthing motor into gear. With the dead body of a young woman appearing, Merry and Lizzie go on the hunt in search of answers and their friends. Interesting and very entertaining.
July 2, 2019
I really enjoyed the return of this series! It’s very well-written and I like the interesting characters. This book is pretty dark for a cozy, So reader discretion is advised. I thought the introduction of a religious, Handmaid’s Tale-esque cult was very interesting and created some dynamic situations for the characters. I’m hoping we don’t see a ton more like this. There’s a secondary character who is going to marry a teen. Willingly. So if we can return to typical cozy territory, I’d really prefer it.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was not paid for this review.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was not paid for this review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 2, 2019
What an interesting story! I loved it. It’s well written and I love the characters. Lizzie is a spitfire, along with being a great photographer. I would love to visit the castle, but I think I agree with Merry, I would much prefer her house to live in. Some of these folks go through some heartbreaking situations. I would hate to have me or mine have to deal with these things. The story was well written even with the happenings that was going on. The characters are wonderful and go well together. I hope I can hang out with them again soon. I received this book from NetGalley, but my opinion is my own.
July 17, 2019
Another superb book by Victoria Hamilton. I love her series and it is always a pleasure to get the next book. Well developed, likable characters and the author doesn’t shy away from tackling difficult plot lines. In this book, is there a cult in the neighborhood? As the mystery of several missing girls is pursued, a troubling community come to light. Weaving through the main plot are several sub plots around the community Merry herself is building with her husband Virgil. Highly recommend any Victoria Hamilton book and this one is no exception.
Advance digital copy thanks to #netgalley but the opinion is my own.
Advance digital copy thanks to #netgalley but the opinion is my own.
July 15, 2019
I loved all the books in this series...until this one. The topics are a lot deeper and emotional. I read cozy mysteries for enjoyment and to relax and this one was not enjoyable for me. It was well written though. Merry and her 18 year old friend Lizzie investigate a cult. People in town are disappearing and ending up at the cult ' s compound. There is a lot going on including missing teens, beatings, drugs and murder. I was really looking forward to this book, but it is quite a bit different from the other books in this series and I am disappointed.
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