What do you think?
Rate this book
Cruise Ship Mystery #1
Killer Cleavers & Cupcakes
Two fun-loving pastry chefs. One luxury cruise ship heading to the Bahamas. And an elusive killer running amok with a penchant for cleavers.
After overstuffing her husband with a button-bursting amount of cookies and cakes, Ruth Shores—charmed mother, grandmother, wife, and retired pastry chef—decides to take a dream job in the kitchen of the brand-new, luxury cruise ship, Splendor of the Seas. Luggage rolling behind her, she sets out on her first day, and it's everything she imagined. That is, until she runs into the rudest, most inconsiderate person she’s ever crossed paths with: Loretta Moran.
That’s okay—Ruth refuses to allow a stranger to ruin her idyllic new life. But when a body is found in the kitchen, both women become prime suspects in a murder investigation. Compelled to prove their innocence, Ruth and Loretta must work together, all while desperately covering up a mouse running loose in the dining room. Can they set their differences aside to unveil the real killer before they both lose their jobs—or worse, their lives?
Pranks. Scandals. Cover-ups. All wrapped up in this fun and quirky cozy mystery!
Killer Cleavers and Cupcakes is the first book in this nutty, lighthearted Cruise Ship Cozy Mystery Series. So, get nestled in a cozy chair, pour your favorite beverage, and get ready for an exciting Bahamas escapade aboard the Splendor of the Seas!
After overstuffing her husband with a button-bursting amount of cookies and cakes, Ruth Shores—charmed mother, grandmother, wife, and retired pastry chef—decides to take a dream job in the kitchen of the brand-new, luxury cruise ship, Splendor of the Seas. Luggage rolling behind her, she sets out on her first day, and it's everything she imagined. That is, until she runs into the rudest, most inconsiderate person she’s ever crossed paths with: Loretta Moran.
That’s okay—Ruth refuses to allow a stranger to ruin her idyllic new life. But when a body is found in the kitchen, both women become prime suspects in a murder investigation. Compelled to prove their innocence, Ruth and Loretta must work together, all while desperately covering up a mouse running loose in the dining room. Can they set their differences aside to unveil the real killer before they both lose their jobs—or worse, their lives?
Pranks. Scandals. Cover-ups. All wrapped up in this fun and quirky cozy mystery!
Killer Cleavers and Cupcakes is the first book in this nutty, lighthearted Cruise Ship Cozy Mystery Series. So, get nestled in a cozy chair, pour your favorite beverage, and get ready for an exciting Bahamas escapade aboard the Splendor of the Seas!
167 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 23, 2020
552 people are currently reading
302 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
May 16, 2020
4 stars -English Ebook - cozy mystery🦋🦋🦋
If you like a cozy mistery, this is one. Ruth, after running a backery of her own, is now a new pastery chef on board of a luxury cruiseschip. They make the most yummy desserts. She has a cabin mate, in the beginning their is no lost love between the two of them you could say. Then in between making this delisious desserts they have to find the murderer of their chef. And the list is long. Mystery wit humor. A shame their are no recipes in this book. 🦋🦋🦋
If you like a cozy mistery, this is one. Ruth, after running a backery of her own, is now a new pastery chef on board of a luxury cruiseschip. They make the most yummy desserts. She has a cabin mate, in the beginning their is no lost love between the two of them you could say. Then in between making this delisious desserts they have to find the murderer of their chef. And the list is long. Mystery wit humor. A shame their are no recipes in this book. 🦋🦋🦋
May 2, 2020
I really love this new cruise ship series because for one thing, it stands out over the other cruise ship series I've read so far. The main character and her ship roommate are both older women, and their antics and rocky friendship made me laugh so much reminding me a lot of Reba and Barbara Jean! They did prove that they could make pastries well together and work as a good team. Ruth and Loretta also made really good sleuth, well if you ignore Loretta's passion for karaoke.
Being told they were the prime suspects since they found a body on the ship, Ruth and Loretta were determined to prove that they weren't killers. Ruth was pretty clever and even had a little helper or two along with her sidekick Loretta. I was surprised at the killer too! Now I'm really anxious to read the next book!
Being told they were the prime suspects since they found a body on the ship, Ruth and Loretta were determined to prove that they weren't killers. Ruth was pretty clever and even had a little helper or two along with her sidekick Loretta. I was surprised at the killer too! Now I'm really anxious to read the next book!
June 28, 2020
Ruth Shores, grandmother, wife, and retired pastry chef, takes a dream job onboard a brand-new luxury cruise ship, Splendor of the Seas. All is good until she meets Loretta Moran. Not pronounced more on. The lady is the rudest person.
I love this book. Tension right from the start that continually creates friction. Two characters clash. Body from in the kitchen. Ruth and Loretta prime suspects. Both are forced to work together. What a plot. Full of pranks, scandals, and cover-ups. All while we're headed to the Bahamas. I so enjoyed the cruise ship, the story, and the experience.
I love this book. Tension right from the start that continually creates friction. Two characters clash. Body from in the kitchen. Ruth and Loretta prime suspects. Both are forced to work together. What a plot. Full of pranks, scandals, and cover-ups. All while we're headed to the Bahamas. I so enjoyed the cruise ship, the story, and the experience.
May 17, 2021
I want more!!
April 2, 2020
Ruth Shores was a former pastry chef who needs an outlet for her baking talents. A new luxury cruise ship, Splendor of the Seas, hires her and she knows she has found her dream job! She meets Loretta Moran, a very rude woman who will be sharing the kitchen and her cabin! But she is determined not to let that spoil her happiness.
The joy Ruth feels, however, is definitely squashed when the dead body of the Executive Chef, Aaron Mills, is found in the kitchen! Ruth and Loretta become the primary suspects as the investigation begins. Will the two women be willing to partner up and get along long enough to find the real killer?
This is the first book in this series, and it was amusing and fun (loved the inclusion of the mouse on board). The characters were believable and the story line was well-paced to keep the reader entertained as Ruth and Loretta try to figure out who killed the obnoxious Aaron Mills.
The joy Ruth feels, however, is definitely squashed when the dead body of the Executive Chef, Aaron Mills, is found in the kitchen! Ruth and Loretta become the primary suspects as the investigation begins. Will the two women be willing to partner up and get along long enough to find the real killer?
This is the first book in this series, and it was amusing and fun (loved the inclusion of the mouse on board). The characters were believable and the story line was well-paced to keep the reader entertained as Ruth and Loretta try to figure out who killed the obnoxious Aaron Mills.
April 1, 2020
This book was so well written and the characters were hilarious. I especially like the way Loretta and Ruth met and when they find out their roommates I was laughing out loud. This book and the authors way of writing made me think of Janet Evonavich and her Stephanie Plum character. This book was so good I read it in one day.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 8, 2022
Ruth Shores' dream job as a pastry chef on board a luxurious cruise liner is derailed when she finds her boss in the pantry with a cleaver in his back.
I wanted to like this a lot more than I actually did. From the beginning, I had a problem with the concept that someone who has retired from successfully owning a bakery would then want to go and work on a cruise as a cog in the machine. As her dream job. And that her (loving?) husband would be the one pushing her into doing so boggles my mind. "Go on, honey. Go off for months at a time. I'll just stay here and mind our pet store!" Perhaps I'm missing something from not having read the previous series, but there should be a little more explanation for a couple to live separately after having been together for as along as they appear to have been.
Then we have the obnoxious people she meets - her roommate who knows no boundaries, is selfish and childish. The person she meets at the employee bar who disrespects her for absolutely no reason whatsoever. (And, as an aside, ) And finally, there is the usual bumbling detective who's decided that she is responsible and cannot be swayed by any form of logic.
Despite my grumbles, Killer Cleavers & Cupcakes is a light cosy with a mystery that does get properly wrapped up. Perhaps I'll read more of this series when I'm less snarky.
I wanted to like this a lot more than I actually did. From the beginning, I had a problem with the concept that someone who has retired from successfully owning a bakery would then want to go and work on a cruise as a cog in the machine. As her dream job. And that her (loving?) husband would be the one pushing her into doing so boggles my mind. "Go on, honey. Go off for months at a time. I'll just stay here and mind our pet store!" Perhaps I'm missing something from not having read the previous series, but there should be a little more explanation for a couple to live separately after having been together for as along as they appear to have been.
Then we have the obnoxious people she meets - her roommate who knows no boundaries, is selfish and childish. The person she meets at the employee bar who disrespects her for absolutely no reason whatsoever. (And, as an aside, ) And finally, there is the usual bumbling detective who's decided that she is responsible and cannot be swayed by any form of logic.
Despite my grumbles, Killer Cleavers & Cupcakes is a light cosy with a mystery that does get properly wrapped up. Perhaps I'll read more of this series when I'm less snarky.
January 1, 2021
Cozy mysteries are not really my genre, but this book was okay. I liked the main character and her frenemy relationship with her roommate/side kick, and all the baking. I feel like there could have been a little bit more to it, but it was fine as a quick read.
July 30, 2020
Light and gun
I generally ready romance but found myself really enjoying this book. It was light and fun with some mystery. Good characters, well developed story. Fast pace that kept me turning the pages. I’m looking forward to the next book.
I generally ready romance but found myself really enjoying this book. It was light and fun with some mystery. Good characters, well developed story. Fast pace that kept me turning the pages. I’m looking forward to the next book.
March 26, 2022
Ruth Shores has landed her dream job as a pastry chef on board a new luxury cruise ship, Splendor of the Seas and is looking forward to combining her love of baking with the chance to travel even if it does mean leaving her family behind now and then.
Her first encounter with Loretta Moran doesn't start well, the two clash instantly only to find they are later sharing a cabin and will be working together. So far, Ruth's dream job has a few flaws but Loretta is the least of her problems. Her boss, Executive Chef Mills is a force to be reckoned with, a tyrant in the kitchen and not someone to be messed with. Except someone does mess with him, and he ends up dead with Ruth and Loretta as prime suspects having found his body in the pantry.
Now the two women have to put aside their differences and work together to find the real killer.
Ruth and Loretta ,make a great duo, bouncing off each other, and their very different personalities bring a lot of humour to the story as they pursue the murderer. The killer is not someone I suspected, in fact, the person slipped under my radar completely and so the reveal was a surprise, even though it was the antics of a young boy and his pet gerbil that led Ruth to solving the case.
A fun read aboard a luxury cruise ship brought to life with great descriptions and lively passengers / characters.
Her first encounter with Loretta Moran doesn't start well, the two clash instantly only to find they are later sharing a cabin and will be working together. So far, Ruth's dream job has a few flaws but Loretta is the least of her problems. Her boss, Executive Chef Mills is a force to be reckoned with, a tyrant in the kitchen and not someone to be messed with. Except someone does mess with him, and he ends up dead with Ruth and Loretta as prime suspects having found his body in the pantry.
Now the two women have to put aside their differences and work together to find the real killer.
Ruth and Loretta ,make a great duo, bouncing off each other, and their very different personalities bring a lot of humour to the story as they pursue the murderer. The killer is not someone I suspected, in fact, the person slipped under my radar completely and so the reveal was a surprise, even though it was the antics of a young boy and his pet gerbil that led Ruth to solving the case.
A fun read aboard a luxury cruise ship brought to life with great descriptions and lively passengers / characters.
May 22, 2021
Ruth Shores has closed her bakery and retied now, she is starting a new career as a pastry chef on a brand new cruise liner. When she and her new roomie, Loretta Moran, first meet, it is not pretty. The executive chef, Aaron Mills, is hostile and demotes a chef because he forgot the lemon in a salmon dish.
The next morning, Loretta and Ruth find Chef Mills dead in the pantry with a meat cleaver stuck in his back. The two pastry chefs are the prime suspects in his murder.
Who killed the chef? Why? Is it the chef who was demoted to a lesser dining room? Or the woman whose position as executive chef was lost because he was hired? Was there really a mouse loose in the fancy dining room? Will Ruth and Loretta survive their first week on the new ship?
A fun read with well developed characters and a plot line that kept me guessing til near the end.
The next morning, Loretta and Ruth find Chef Mills dead in the pantry with a meat cleaver stuck in his back. The two pastry chefs are the prime suspects in his murder.
Who killed the chef? Why? Is it the chef who was demoted to a lesser dining room? Or the woman whose position as executive chef was lost because he was hired? Was there really a mouse loose in the fancy dining room? Will Ruth and Loretta survive their first week on the new ship?
A fun read with well developed characters and a plot line that kept me guessing til near the end.
April 6, 2020
We met Ruth originally in the A Whodunit Pet Cozy Mystery series as a side character. She would pop in at times between bouts of working on her cruise ship. Now we get to see what she has been up to doing her job at sea. This book is a comedy of errors, with a couple of ragtag sleuths who find themselves being accused of murder. They have to do what ever they can to prove that they are not the guilty party.
Written as a 3rd person, single pov with a completed mystery ending.
Good story line, comical characters, engaging dialogue, and easy to visualize detailed descriptions.
Would I recommend this book? Yes
Would I read more from this author? Yes
Sassy Beta Reading and Review
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Written as a 3rd person, single pov with a completed mystery ending.
Good story line, comical characters, engaging dialogue, and easy to visualize detailed descriptions.
Would I recommend this book? Yes
Would I read more from this author? Yes
Sassy Beta Reading and Review
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 28, 2023
I enjoyed this delightful fun read. The argument between the first two pastry chefs was unbelievable until I realized it reminding me of some predicaments I have been. Two women with two completely different personalities eventually manage to make it work, especially when a murder occurs placing them as suspects. They were so busy getting deserts made in time according to the specifications required, solving a murder and learning to get along that I was tired when I put the book down. I wish that exercise would count for calories lost, but the delicious sounding deserts would put them back on again.
March 29, 2020
Ruth has taken ajob as a pastry cook on a luxury liner - and finds that she must share her cabin - and kitchen with Loretta, one of the rudest people she has come across.
Rheir head chef is also a tough nut - but when he is murdered, Ruth and :oretta become the prime suspects. Will Ruth be able to solve the crime before they are convicted? What will these circumstances do to their relationship? Will Ruth's first cruise be her last? Cant wait for the next book!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Rheir head chef is also a tough nut - but when he is murdered, Ruth and :oretta become the prime suspects. Will Ruth be able to solve the crime before they are convicted? What will these circumstances do to their relationship? Will Ruth's first cruise be her last? Cant wait for the next book!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 2, 2020
Ruth is a favorite grandma of ours, and a terrific baker. Her next act as a pastry chef aboard a luxury cruise line is off to a bumpy start.
A crazy and cantankerous roomie, a domineering head chef, who goes down hill from a poor start, threats of brig time or contract termination- offset by some amazing and hilarious friendships and wild and wacky experiences
A fun KU package!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and read this and other books from this author on Kindle and Kindle Unlimited
A crazy and cantankerous roomie, a domineering head chef, who goes down hill from a poor start, threats of brig time or contract termination- offset by some amazing and hilarious friendships and wild and wacky experiences
A fun KU package!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and read this and other books from this author on Kindle and Kindle Unlimited
February 19, 2021
This is the first in the series and the first time reading this author. The main characters are Ruth and Loretta. They end up working for the same cruise line and are both bakery chefs. They are both in the same cabin and have a heck of a rocky start. When the head chef ends up dead and they find the body, they are told they are the main suspects. They decide to figure out who really did it and have a heck of a time trying to figure it all out. Can they figure it out before they hit the next port and Jail time?
June 28, 2021
A semi retired baker takes a job as a pastry chef aboard a cruise ship. She meets and fights with her roommate on the cruise ship and there are constant battles between the main chefs of the dining rooms. Between a mouse running amuck in the dining room and one of the nastier chefs winding up with a meat cleaver in his back this is not your typical cruise. By the time they figure out who done it the two pastry chefs have solved the crime, solved the mouse problem and become good friends. This story has plenty of humor and wonderful desserts that make your mouth water! Enjoy!
March 28, 2020
Behind the scene view of cruise life from the view of the crew as new pastry chef Ruth and roommate Loretta gets off to a rocky start with each other and as suspects when their boss is found murdered in the pantry. With mysterious codes to hide the truth from the passengers and other crew members, they find themselves running against time to prove their innocence before they become the next victim.
April 2, 2020
Killer Cleavers & Cupcakes is the first book in the "A Cruise Ship Cozy Mystery Series" is a great start to a fun new series.
It's murder and mayhem at its finest as roommates/enemies Ruth and Loretta become suspects in a murder on their cruise ship and have to work together to prove their innocence. This story is well written and lighthearted, perfect for an afternoon read to escape the world.
I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.
It's murder and mayhem at its finest as roommates/enemies Ruth and Loretta become suspects in a murder on their cruise ship and have to work together to prove their innocence. This story is well written and lighthearted, perfect for an afternoon read to escape the world.
I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.
April 4, 2020
4.5
I liked the characters. I liked the writing. The narrative dragged me into the story. I enjoyed the setting of the cruise ship. It was different from what I usually read. It was unique in my mind and exciting.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I liked the characters. I liked the writing. The narrative dragged me into the story. I enjoyed the setting of the cruise ship. It was different from what I usually read. It was unique in my mind and exciting.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Read
April 4, 2020This is a fun cozy taking place on a cruise ship. Where the staff and guests alike get into some mischief. A bully of a chef and conflict among the staff. This pulled me in right away and kept me turning the pages. I am excitedly waiting for the next book in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 7, 2020
While away from her family in Cascade Cove, Ruth Shores is a baker on the cruise ship Splendor of the Seas. However, finding a body places her on top of the suspect list. I love this spinoff of the Whodunit Pet Mystery series. Also, the frenemy relationship between Ruth and Loretta is hilarious.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 7, 2020
An enjoyable and entertaining read. I love how the who-dun-it keep you guessing until you find out. Great characters that add to the story's entertainment and give you some laugh out loud moments. The story line is well written and holds your attention until you read the last words.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 14, 2020
Ruth is the new pastry chef on the cruise liner and she gets a roommate loretta. These two are the hilarious and the shenanigans make you want to laugh. This is a lighthearted mystery with plenty of twists, turns and hilarity. Its truly delightful.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 1, 2020
Delicious
What a great story about Ruth and her dreams. I enjoyed this book very much and can’t wait to read more about her and her friends. Loretta is a good sidekick. I liked learning more about Ruth. I want to read the series about her family and their pets. The scenes in the crew bar were excellent. I enjoyed Will and his sisters. 👍👍😊😊
What a great story about Ruth and her dreams. I enjoyed this book very much and can’t wait to read more about her and her friends. Loretta is a good sidekick. I liked learning more about Ruth. I want to read the series about her family and their pets. The scenes in the crew bar were excellent. I enjoyed Will and his sisters. 👍👍😊😊
May 23, 2020
Two female bakery chefs find jobs on a cruise ship. It's their first time working on a ship and they never expected to be involved in a murder investigation. While they started off as insufferable roommates, they end up being friends and work together to solve the crime.
A nice cozy mystery read!
A nice cozy mystery read!
November 23, 2020
Amazing.
This is an amazing marvelous cozy mystery. I loved every single page. It had me engrossed thoroughly. Humor and thrill in a perfect combination. I adored both Ruth and Loretta and how the murder brought them together. The icing on the cake was the identity of the true culprit. Absolutely fabulous! I am a big fan, already. Must read for all the mystery lovers.
This is an amazing marvelous cozy mystery. I loved every single page. It had me engrossed thoroughly. Humor and thrill in a perfect combination. I adored both Ruth and Loretta and how the murder brought them together. The icing on the cake was the identity of the true culprit. Absolutely fabulous! I am a big fan, already. Must read for all the mystery lovers.
March 27, 2025
killer cruise
Killer Cleavers & Cupcakes is a quick read that draws the reader in. Although the start is a little slow yet comical and the ending seemed rushed the middle of the book was hard to put down. The ending couldn’t have been guessed however the person killed could have been.
Killer Cleavers & Cupcakes is a quick read that draws the reader in. Although the start is a little slow yet comical and the ending seemed rushed the middle of the book was hard to put down. The ending couldn’t have been guessed however the person killed could have been.
March 31, 2020
3.5 Stars
This book was a fun and quick read. I enjoyed the characters, as well as the story. While I wasn't surprised by the ending, I enjoyed the journey to the end. Great job!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book was a fun and quick read. I enjoyed the characters, as well as the story. While I wasn't surprised by the ending, I enjoyed the journey to the end. Great job!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 2, 2020
An entertaining, easy read. Not a complicated plot but an interesting story. As the first in a series, it will be interesting to see how the author develops the characters and overall story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews