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Cookies & Chance Mystery #8
Ginger Snapped to Death
From USA Today bestselling author Catherine Bruns comes a hilarious holiday whodunit!
It’s the most wonderful time of the year… Unless you’re Sally Muccio.
The full-time baker and sometime sleuth is ready to burst into song. She and her husband are expecting a bundle of joy, her sister’s wedding is just around the corner, and it’s Christmas, her favorite time of year. But when Sal’s the victim of a carjacking by Santa himself and a forgotten item links her to a murder, she doesn’t feel like ho-ho-hoing anymore.
Damian Ruger was a drug user, womanizer and first-class jerk. And unfortunately for Sal, she once had a connection to him in high school. The dough really hits the fan when her bakery's gingerbread cookies are found next to his dead body, and Sal's cake server is used as a murder weapon. Someone is trying to frame the expectant mother, but why? Sal has no choice but to try to clear her name...before she and the baby are singing Christmas carols in prison!
*Recipes Included!*
The Cookies & Chance Mysteries:
Tastes Like Murder (book #1)
A Spot of Murder (short story in the "Killer Beach Reads" collection)
Baked to Death (book #2)
Burned to a Crisp (book #3)
Frosted With Revenge (book #4)
Silenced by Sugar (book #5)
A Drizzle Before Dying (short story in the "Pushing Up Daisies" collection)
Crumbled to Pieces (book #6)
Sprinkled in Malice (book #7)
Gingersnapped to Death (book #8)
What critics are saying:
"A fantastic cozy mystery!"
—InD'Tale Magazine
"I want to visit more with all of the quirky characters just to see what crazy and outrageous things they will do next!"
—Fresh Fiction
"The Cookies and Chance Mystery series is more than just a series....it's a family !! Once you read the first book, you are hooked and feel like a member of the crazy Muccio family."
—Cozy Mystery Book Reviews
It’s the most wonderful time of the year… Unless you’re Sally Muccio.
The full-time baker and sometime sleuth is ready to burst into song. She and her husband are expecting a bundle of joy, her sister’s wedding is just around the corner, and it’s Christmas, her favorite time of year. But when Sal’s the victim of a carjacking by Santa himself and a forgotten item links her to a murder, she doesn’t feel like ho-ho-hoing anymore.
Damian Ruger was a drug user, womanizer and first-class jerk. And unfortunately for Sal, she once had a connection to him in high school. The dough really hits the fan when her bakery's gingerbread cookies are found next to his dead body, and Sal's cake server is used as a murder weapon. Someone is trying to frame the expectant mother, but why? Sal has no choice but to try to clear her name...before she and the baby are singing Christmas carols in prison!
*Recipes Included!*
The Cookies & Chance Mysteries:
Tastes Like Murder (book #1)
A Spot of Murder (short story in the "Killer Beach Reads" collection)
Baked to Death (book #2)
Burned to a Crisp (book #3)
Frosted With Revenge (book #4)
Silenced by Sugar (book #5)
A Drizzle Before Dying (short story in the "Pushing Up Daisies" collection)
Crumbled to Pieces (book #6)
Sprinkled in Malice (book #7)
Gingersnapped to Death (book #8)
What critics are saying:
"A fantastic cozy mystery!"
—InD'Tale Magazine
"I want to visit more with all of the quirky characters just to see what crazy and outrageous things they will do next!"
—Fresh Fiction
"The Cookies and Chance Mystery series is more than just a series....it's a family !! Once you read the first book, you are hooked and feel like a member of the crazy Muccio family."
—Cozy Mystery Book Reviews
201 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 5, 2019
306 people are currently reading
406 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Bruns
61 books905 followersCatherine is the USA Today bestselling author of the Cookies & Chance mysteries. She lives in Upstate New York with her very patient husband, three sons and several spoiled pets. She holds a dual B.A. in English and Performing Arts and is a former newspaper reporter and press release writer. Catherine also writes the Italian Chef, Maple Syrup, and Cindy York mysteries. Her book, For Sale by Killer, won the Daphne du Maurier award for Mainstream Mystery/Suspense.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
October 25, 2019
Ginger Snapped to Death is a fun addition to the Cookies & Chance Mysteries series. There is never a dull moment in Sally Donovan's life in Colwestern, New York. She is the owner of a bakery named Sally's Samples where her best friend Josie is the baker. The two have a tendency to get into trouble, usually when they put on their sleuthing hats to investigate a crime, mostly involving murder. Sally is a magnet for trouble. This time it is the week before Christmas and she is nine months pregnant when she is carjacked by two men in Santa suits. Things are compounded when an old boyfriend is found dead with a cake server with her name on it sticking out of his neck. She is questioned by her old friend, police officer Brian. She really tries to stay out of trouble this time but Josie is determined to investigate and Sal goes along. On top of those troubles, her sister Gianna and her fiance Johnny are supposed to get married Christmas Eve. Sally has nightmares about giving birth to her baby in prison. What a time they all have with crazy parents, Johnny's crazy grandmother and the criminals! Her hubby Mike is fit to tied when she won't stay home with her feet up. This is another winner in the series.
I received a complimentary ARC from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are mine only.
I received a complimentary ARC from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are mine only.
dnf
December 2, 2022I got halfway and this is honestly terrible
December 22, 2022
This was a fun holiday cozy mystery. I really enjoyed the holiday theme. I had no problem jumping into this book, even though it's the eighth book in the Cookies & Chance Mystery series. The characters are fun and this quick read was just what I wanted.
November 5, 2019
Ginger Snapped To Death
The Cookies Chance Mystery Series
Catherine Bruns
5 Stars
Synopsis:
From USA Today bestselling author Catherine Bruns comes a hilarious holiday whodunit!
It’s the most wonderful time of the year…Unless you’re Sally Muccio.
The full-time baker and sometime sleuth is ready to burst into song. She and her husband are expecting a bundle of joy, her sister’s wedding is just around the corner, and it’s Christmas, her favorite time of year. But when Sal’s the victim of a carjacking by Santa himself and a forgotten item links her to a murder, she doesn’t feel like ho-ho-hoing anymore.
Damian Ruger was a drug user, womanizer and first-class jerk. And unfortunately for Sal, she once had a connection to him in high school. The dough really hits the fan when her bakery's gingerbread cookies are found next to his dead body, and Sal's cake server is used as a murder weapon. Someone is trying to frame the expectant mother, but why? Sal has no choice but to try to clear her name...before she and the baby are singing Christmas carols in prison!
*Recipes Included!*
The Cookies Chance Mysteries:
Tastes Like Murder (book #1)
A Spot of Murder (short story in the "Killer Beach Reads" collection)
Baked to Death (book #2)
Burned to a Crisp (book #3)
Frosted With Revenge (book #4)
Silenced by Sugar (book #5)
A Drizzle Before Dying (short story in the "Pushing Up Daisies" collection)
Crumbled to Pieces (book #6)
Sprinkled in Malice (book #7)
Ginger Snapped to Death (book #8)
What critics are saying:
"A fantastic cozy mystery!"
—InD'Tale Magazine
"I want to visit more with all of the quirky characters just to see what crazy and outrageous things they will do next!"
—Fresh Fiction
"The Cookies and Chance Mystery series is more than just a series....it's a family !! Once you read the first book, you are hooked and feel like a member of the crazy Muccio family."
—Cozy Mystery Book Reviews (Goodreads)
GET A COPY
Review:
The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and these descriptions pulled me into the story from the very beginning. Through much of the book I felt like I was right there, watching all the action taking place and listening to conversations. The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read.
The characters are well developed and well rounded. Whenever I read a book from this series, I feel like I am visiting old friends. I really enjoy spending time with them and catching up on their lives. Sally’s grandmother is so sweet and she loves her granddaughters so much. Sally’s parents are crazy and they bring humor to the story. Josie is the bestest of best friends, her and Sally get into all kinds of trouble.
There were a couple of mysteries in this book: who the killer was and who the Jolly-less Santas were. The mysteries were carried out well throughout the book and were not easily solved. That is the way I like my mysteries.
I would recommend this book (and series) to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. If you like great characters and lots of humor, this is a must read series.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book and provided my honest review.
The Cookies Chance Mystery Series
Catherine Bruns
5 Stars
Synopsis:
From USA Today bestselling author Catherine Bruns comes a hilarious holiday whodunit!
It’s the most wonderful time of the year…Unless you’re Sally Muccio.
The full-time baker and sometime sleuth is ready to burst into song. She and her husband are expecting a bundle of joy, her sister’s wedding is just around the corner, and it’s Christmas, her favorite time of year. But when Sal’s the victim of a carjacking by Santa himself and a forgotten item links her to a murder, she doesn’t feel like ho-ho-hoing anymore.
Damian Ruger was a drug user, womanizer and first-class jerk. And unfortunately for Sal, she once had a connection to him in high school. The dough really hits the fan when her bakery's gingerbread cookies are found next to his dead body, and Sal's cake server is used as a murder weapon. Someone is trying to frame the expectant mother, but why? Sal has no choice but to try to clear her name...before she and the baby are singing Christmas carols in prison!
*Recipes Included!*
The Cookies Chance Mysteries:
Tastes Like Murder (book #1)
A Spot of Murder (short story in the "Killer Beach Reads" collection)
Baked to Death (book #2)
Burned to a Crisp (book #3)
Frosted With Revenge (book #4)
Silenced by Sugar (book #5)
A Drizzle Before Dying (short story in the "Pushing Up Daisies" collection)
Crumbled to Pieces (book #6)
Sprinkled in Malice (book #7)
Ginger Snapped to Death (book #8)
What critics are saying:
"A fantastic cozy mystery!"
—InD'Tale Magazine
"I want to visit more with all of the quirky characters just to see what crazy and outrageous things they will do next!"
—Fresh Fiction
"The Cookies and Chance Mystery series is more than just a series....it's a family !! Once you read the first book, you are hooked and feel like a member of the crazy Muccio family."
—Cozy Mystery Book Reviews (Goodreads)
GET A COPY
Review:
The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and these descriptions pulled me into the story from the very beginning. Through much of the book I felt like I was right there, watching all the action taking place and listening to conversations. The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read.
The characters are well developed and well rounded. Whenever I read a book from this series, I feel like I am visiting old friends. I really enjoy spending time with them and catching up on their lives. Sally’s grandmother is so sweet and she loves her granddaughters so much. Sally’s parents are crazy and they bring humor to the story. Josie is the bestest of best friends, her and Sally get into all kinds of trouble.
There were a couple of mysteries in this book: who the killer was and who the Jolly-less Santas were. The mysteries were carried out well throughout the book and were not easily solved. That is the way I like my mysteries.
I would recommend this book (and series) to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. If you like great characters and lots of humor, this is a must read series.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book and provided my honest review.
November 6, 2019
OMG !! OMG !! OMG !! In a ten star rating system, I give Ginger Snapped to Death a 14 star rating with a side of "What is she thinking ?" And that can be asked of the author Catherine Bruns AND Sally Muccio Donovan !!!
In Ginger Snapped to Death it is December, just before Christmas and Sally is 9 months pregnant plus her sister, Gianna, is about to walk down the aisle.....so there is a lot going on !!! If you are a fan of this series, which I so hope you are, then you know that no matter what is going on in Sally's life, nothing is normal and things can go wrong at any second. And boy does it !!!
When Sally is carjacked by two Santa's you would think that that would be enough to push you over the edge but then a long forgotten boyfriend from high school is found dead and something from the bakery is found near his body, Sally is on the top of the suspect list. So, of course, even though she is pregnant and ready to pop, her husband warns her to leave it alone, and the police demand she back off, Sally and Josie do the complete opposite.....just like us the reader know and want them to do !!!
Once you start reading Ginger Snapped to Death you are caught up in Sally's life....her loving husband and their relationship, her business and her commitment to the bakery and Josie, her love and hate relationship with her family and their crazy ways, her magnetic nature of getting caught up in murders and not being able to leave the investigating to the police....and all being 9 months pregnant !!!
With Ginger Snapped to Death being the eighth book in the Cookies & Chance Mystery series and having read all of the books to date and having met the author a number of times and being that I consider the author a friend it is with the utmost of respect that I say that I don't know if I will look at a mall Santa the same way ever again ...... and that's not such a bad thing !!!
In Ginger Snapped to Death it is December, just before Christmas and Sally is 9 months pregnant plus her sister, Gianna, is about to walk down the aisle.....so there is a lot going on !!! If you are a fan of this series, which I so hope you are, then you know that no matter what is going on in Sally's life, nothing is normal and things can go wrong at any second. And boy does it !!!
When Sally is carjacked by two Santa's you would think that that would be enough to push you over the edge but then a long forgotten boyfriend from high school is found dead and something from the bakery is found near his body, Sally is on the top of the suspect list. So, of course, even though she is pregnant and ready to pop, her husband warns her to leave it alone, and the police demand she back off, Sally and Josie do the complete opposite.....just like us the reader know and want them to do !!!
Once you start reading Ginger Snapped to Death you are caught up in Sally's life....her loving husband and their relationship, her business and her commitment to the bakery and Josie, her love and hate relationship with her family and their crazy ways, her magnetic nature of getting caught up in murders and not being able to leave the investigating to the police....and all being 9 months pregnant !!!
With Ginger Snapped to Death being the eighth book in the Cookies & Chance Mystery series and having read all of the books to date and having met the author a number of times and being that I consider the author a friend it is with the utmost of respect that I say that I don't know if I will look at a mall Santa the same way ever again ...... and that's not such a bad thing !!!
November 23, 2019
Ginger Snapped to Death earns 5/5 Ginger-Spiced Men...Engaging Fun!
Santa Set Up...Deluxe! I am a big fan of Catherine Brun’s Cookies & Chance series and always look forward to the adventures of Sally Muccio-Donovan along with what prophetic message is found in her signature fortune cookies....and it’s Christmas. BFF Josie gives Sally an early gift meant also to recognize Sally’s greatly improved baking abilities: an engraved “six-inch serrated silver cake server.” Ok, I know my cozies, and this is incriminating evidence in the making! Sally is also pregnant with her first child, and although behind schedule (her due date has come and gone) and feeling clumsy, she is still in good spirits. Then a burned batch of fortune cookies, a cryptic fortune “You better watch out—Santa Claus is coming…for you,” a subsequent carjacking by said “Santa Clauses,” and a mysterious “Nick” puts Sally on edge and the baby in “high-gear” kicking. She gets her car back, but finds something the forensic techs missed...a note, an address, a threat! All this leads to a past not-friend, dead, surrounded by Sally’s speciality gingerbread cookies along with the murder weapon “a six-inch serrated silver cake server.” I told you so! Do they really think a very pregnant woman committed murderous revenge! Brilliant! Catherine’s signature clever drama with contemporary issues, well-developed characters including quirky, “pazza” neighbor, humorous predicaments, personal peril, and an “exciting” ending make this eighth book a delightful page-turner. And recipes! Chocolate-filled Cookie Cups, Candy Cane Brownies, the infamous Gingerbread Cookies, and Almond-And-Lemon-Flavored Macaroons. I love it all!
Disclosure: I received an ARC from Gemma Halliday Publishing. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.
Santa Set Up...Deluxe! I am a big fan of Catherine Brun’s Cookies & Chance series and always look forward to the adventures of Sally Muccio-Donovan along with what prophetic message is found in her signature fortune cookies....and it’s Christmas. BFF Josie gives Sally an early gift meant also to recognize Sally’s greatly improved baking abilities: an engraved “six-inch serrated silver cake server.” Ok, I know my cozies, and this is incriminating evidence in the making! Sally is also pregnant with her first child, and although behind schedule (her due date has come and gone) and feeling clumsy, she is still in good spirits. Then a burned batch of fortune cookies, a cryptic fortune “You better watch out—Santa Claus is coming…for you,” a subsequent carjacking by said “Santa Clauses,” and a mysterious “Nick” puts Sally on edge and the baby in “high-gear” kicking. She gets her car back, but finds something the forensic techs missed...a note, an address, a threat! All this leads to a past not-friend, dead, surrounded by Sally’s speciality gingerbread cookies along with the murder weapon “a six-inch serrated silver cake server.” I told you so! Do they really think a very pregnant woman committed murderous revenge! Brilliant! Catherine’s signature clever drama with contemporary issues, well-developed characters including quirky, “pazza” neighbor, humorous predicaments, personal peril, and an “exciting” ending make this eighth book a delightful page-turner. And recipes! Chocolate-filled Cookie Cups, Candy Cane Brownies, the infamous Gingerbread Cookies, and Almond-And-Lemon-Flavored Macaroons. I love it all!
Disclosure: I received an ARC from Gemma Halliday Publishing. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.
November 20, 2019
I was disappointed in the book. The pregnancy dragged on for way to long and Sally was downright stupid.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 27, 2023
No problem reading this without having read any of the other books in the series. Fun holiday read. Good but not great. Waiting for the baby to be born was just as tiresome for me as it was for the characters in the book. Kind of feel bad for the baby as the series goes forward as I anticipate a lot of dumping her on friends and family so Sally can do her amateur sleuthing. Hope she doesn’t end up in any real peril.
December 26, 2022
What a fun Christmas mystery! So full of surprises and who knew strawberry icing would be important!
January 8, 2024
An interesting mystery.
The recipes are a nice addition.
Thanks to Ms. Bruns for the digital copy.
The recipes are a nice addition.
Thanks to Ms. Bruns for the digital copy.
November 5, 2019
GINGER SNAPPED TO DEATH, the 8th book in the Cookies & Chance Mystery series by Catherine Bruns captures the spirit and the flavors of the Christmas season. That is except for two carjacking Santas and Sally Donovan’s gingerbread men and her brand new cake server left at the scene of the town’s Casanova-want-a-be’s murder. Sally, owner of Sally’s Samples cookie bakery, is bursting at the seams with her own bun in the oven and Baby Donovan is not wanting to make an appearance. Besides worrying about the delay in delivery, Sally has her hands full with Christmas festivities and her sister’s wedding. But as usual, a creepy fortune cookie her own bakery made, forewarns her of imminent disaster and it doesn’t take long for mayhem to strike. Ms. Bruns takes the reader on a fast-paced caper with several laugh out loud moments (the parental units are the perfect pair to lighten the mood) along with heartwarming scenes that epitomize the holiday theme.
One of the many strengths in the Cookies & Chance series are the characters. The close knit Italian family that surrounds Sally through thick and thin makes me want to revisit them as each book is released and catch up on everything going on. Ms. Bruns does an admirable job of allowing each and every character to grow, to change, and to surprise the reader with every single story. The author also effectively builds suspense in both the murder mystery plot as well in Sally’s personal life. There were plenty of suspects to keep me guessing and plenty of twists to keep me turning pages until the very last page. An edge-of-your-seat reveal added to the holiday cheer and makes me eager to find out what’s in store for Sally and the gang with the next installment!
Sally’s Samples serves up delectable cookies along with their famed fortune cookies. As usual, Ms. Bruns includes a couple yummy recipes at the back of the book that are perfect for holiday baking.
I was provided an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
One of the many strengths in the Cookies & Chance series are the characters. The close knit Italian family that surrounds Sally through thick and thin makes me want to revisit them as each book is released and catch up on everything going on. Ms. Bruns does an admirable job of allowing each and every character to grow, to change, and to surprise the reader with every single story. The author also effectively builds suspense in both the murder mystery plot as well in Sally’s personal life. There were plenty of suspects to keep me guessing and plenty of twists to keep me turning pages until the very last page. An edge-of-your-seat reveal added to the holiday cheer and makes me eager to find out what’s in store for Sally and the gang with the next installment!
Sally’s Samples serves up delectable cookies along with their famed fortune cookies. As usual, Ms. Bruns includes a couple yummy recipes at the back of the book that are perfect for holiday baking.
I was provided an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 22, 2019
Ginger Snapped to Death is the eighth book in Catherine Bruns’ Cookies & Chance Mystery series. The storyline flows smoothly in this fast-paced cozy whodunit. The three-dimensional characters are affable, the well-plotted mystery is interesting, and there’s a great mix of mystery, family, friendship, and humor. There’s no shortage of twists and turns to keep the reader engaged. I recommend this delightful series to readers who enjoy well-crafted cozy mysteries.
It’s almost Christmas, and Sally “Sal” Donovan and her husband, Mike, who owns a small construction company, are anxiously awaiting the arrival of their first child. Sal is the owner of Sally’s Samples in Colwestern, New York, and Josie Sullivan, her best friend since childhood, is the shop’s talented baker. Sal’s sister, Gianna, a successful attorney, and her fiancé, Johnny Gavelli, a history teacher, are planning a Christmas wedding. Gianna and Johnny are the parents of nine-month-old Alex. Grandma Rosa lives with Sal’s parents, Domenic and Maria, and has the adorable habit of mixing up the words in everyday clichés, always offers sage advice, and helps hold the family together.
While on her way home from the bakery, Sal is carjacked by two men dressed as Santa Claus, one of whom points a gun at her. A good Samaritan named Nick came to her rescue and called 911 before he disappeared. Trouble seems to follow Sal wherever she goes, so it shouldn’t have come as a surprise that the carjacking wasn’t the only thing that would happen. When Damian Ruger is murdered, Sal becomes a suspect, mainly because she had a history with him, her cookies were found at the crime scene, and the murder weapon is an engraved silver cake server that Josie recently gave her. Someone is framing Sal, and she is determined to find out who and why before the birth of her child.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
It’s almost Christmas, and Sally “Sal” Donovan and her husband, Mike, who owns a small construction company, are anxiously awaiting the arrival of their first child. Sal is the owner of Sally’s Samples in Colwestern, New York, and Josie Sullivan, her best friend since childhood, is the shop’s talented baker. Sal’s sister, Gianna, a successful attorney, and her fiancé, Johnny Gavelli, a history teacher, are planning a Christmas wedding. Gianna and Johnny are the parents of nine-month-old Alex. Grandma Rosa lives with Sal’s parents, Domenic and Maria, and has the adorable habit of mixing up the words in everyday clichés, always offers sage advice, and helps hold the family together.
While on her way home from the bakery, Sal is carjacked by two men dressed as Santa Claus, one of whom points a gun at her. A good Samaritan named Nick came to her rescue and called 911 before he disappeared. Trouble seems to follow Sal wherever she goes, so it shouldn’t have come as a surprise that the carjacking wasn’t the only thing that would happen. When Damian Ruger is murdered, Sal becomes a suspect, mainly because she had a history with him, her cookies were found at the crime scene, and the murder weapon is an engraved silver cake server that Josie recently gave her. Someone is framing Sal, and she is determined to find out who and why before the birth of her child.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
February 2, 2020
I always have fun with this the Cookies & Chance Mysteries series and love Josie and Sally! Poor Sally has some really terrible luck as she awaits the arrival of her first child. The plot is complicated with some really good plot twists and a few hints scattered about and some great scenes. I did get tired of her constantly saying she didn't want her baby born in prison. The idea was understandable but since she was already due and had not even been arrested, the point would have been better if she had been afraid of being in prison as her child grew up. I felt for Gianna having to put up with Johnny's grandmother as they planned their wedding. I am not sure I would have been brave enough to marry him with the old bat always in the wings. Their parents are still crazy but were less over the top; I prefer this level of insanity. Always love her grandmother who is the only thing keeping the family on an even keep sometimes. Christmas may never be the same again for Sally and Mike! Thank goodness most of that will because they will have a bundle of love to enjoy it with. Catherine Brun did it again!!!
September 29, 2019
Sal is heavily pregnant and already past due when she becomes a suspect in the murder of an old boyfriend. Christmas is near and Sal and her husband are hoping their yet unnamed, sex unknown, baby arrives before the holiday. This book kept me very entertained and anxious, right along with the family. Who is the murderer? I didn’t figure it out until near the end.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
November 15, 2019
The icing on the cookie
Christmas and the baby are coming and Sally Donovan couldn’t be happier. But when 9 months pregnant Sally is carjacked on her way home from the bakery, things take a turn that leaves Sally and Josie sleuthing to clear her name before the baby is born.
A great series. So happy to see Sally finally getting the thing she has wanted most in life. Here’s to many more books and babies in the series.
Christmas and the baby are coming and Sally Donovan couldn’t be happier. But when 9 months pregnant Sally is carjacked on her way home from the bakery, things take a turn that leaves Sally and Josie sleuthing to clear her name before the baby is born.
A great series. So happy to see Sally finally getting the thing she has wanted most in life. Here’s to many more books and babies in the series.
December 26, 2023
With the days to Christmas rapidly counting down, the upcoming marriage of her sister, and her impending delivery date, Sally Donovan's life is full and exciting. But then Sally is carjacked by two ill-doing Santas, leaving the very pregnant mom-to-be feeling less jolly. The assault on Sally is tied to a murder investigation, and she becomes the main suspect. With only a few days before the merry events, Sally needs to prove her innocence or she might have to give birth in jail!
I should begin by saying that I dove into this series at book #8 because it had a Christmas theme. I can't wait to go back and read the rest of the books.
Despite my mid-series entry, I had no problems getting to know the main characters and was ready to follow them where their adventures would take them. The mystery coiled back and forth and provided many opportunities for nail-biting. As the book wound down, I was delighted with the outcomes and thought the author had brought all the loose ends into a nice Christmassy bow. The one sour note was the father to Sally who acted in his own interests and was as far from a paternal figure as one can be without being outright abusive.
I loved this read and recommend it to cosy readers. The recipes at the back of the book look scrumptious - I may have to try out one or two. (Or all of them, if I'm honest!)
I should begin by saying that I dove into this series at book #8 because it had a Christmas theme. I can't wait to go back and read the rest of the books.
Despite my mid-series entry, I had no problems getting to know the main characters and was ready to follow them where their adventures would take them. The mystery coiled back and forth and provided many opportunities for nail-biting. As the book wound down, I was delighted with the outcomes and thought the author had brought all the loose ends into a nice Christmassy bow. The one sour note was the father to Sally who acted in his own interests and was as far from a paternal figure as one can be without being outright abusive.
I loved this read and recommend it to cosy readers. The recipes at the back of the book look scrumptious - I may have to try out one or two. (Or all of them, if I'm honest!)
October 12, 2023
Sal’s the victim of a carjacking by Santa himself and a forgotten item links her to a murder, she doesn’t feel like ho-ho-hoing anymore. Damian Ruger was a drug user, womanizer and first-class jerk. And unfortunately for Sal, she once had a connection to him in high school. The dough really hits the fan when her bakery's gingerbread cookies are found next to his dead body, and Sal's cake server is used as a murder weapon. Someone is trying to frame the expectant mother, but why? Sal has no choice but to try to clear her name...before she and the baby are singing Christmas carols in prison!
[amazon synopsis]
Getting ready for her baby and trying to solve a murder take up most of Sally's time. I like the recipes and I liked the actual story. However, there is far too much background. Read the beginning of the series if you want to know "how it all began". This should not be a stand alone, but it is.
[amazon synopsis]
Getting ready for her baby and trying to solve a murder take up most of Sally's time. I like the recipes and I liked the actual story. However, there is far too much background. Read the beginning of the series if you want to know "how it all began". This should not be a stand alone, but it is.
November 28, 2025
perfect Christmas read
During the holiday season I am a sucker for Christmas themed stories. This one did not disappoint. I had never read anything from this series before, nothing from the author. Usually if I try to read something in the middle of a series I get frustrated with feeling I am missing something. Not this time. I was immediately comfortable with the main characters. Catherine Bruns is an author I will seek out again. The book read as a standalone and engaged me enough to want to read the entire series. From the beginning I was immersed into the world of sally Donovan and her family and bakery s. The sites, smells, and sensations of Christmas and the mystery came alive, through to the end.
During the holiday season I am a sucker for Christmas themed stories. This one did not disappoint. I had never read anything from this series before, nothing from the author. Usually if I try to read something in the middle of a series I get frustrated with feeling I am missing something. Not this time. I was immediately comfortable with the main characters. Catherine Bruns is an author I will seek out again. The book read as a standalone and engaged me enough to want to read the entire series. From the beginning I was immersed into the world of sally Donovan and her family and bakery s. The sites, smells, and sensations of Christmas and the mystery came alive, through to the end.
December 18, 2022
Sally Muccio owns a bakery with her good friend Josie doing much of the baking. She is pregnant and looking forward to a Merry Christmas with her hubby and new baby, but she is having som major problems! Carjacked by two “Jolly-less Santas” on her way home. Josie has given her a serrated silver cake served engraved with her name that shows up at a Murder scene! Someone is trying to frame her for a murder she didn’t commit. She may be 9 months pregnant and about to give birth any day, but she she and Josie need to clear her name, as the bakery is suffering from the accusation. A great read with plenty of twists! I received a free copy of this book and write this review voluntarily.
July 22, 2023
Ginger Snapped to Death is an entertaining cozy holiday read! I give it 5 stars! A lot is going on in pregnant Sally Donovan's life in Colwestern, New York. She gets carjacked by two jolly-less Santas, she goes past her due date, she's anxious about fitting into her dress for her sister Gianna's wedding, she's worried about sales at her bakery Sally's Samples, and she tries to stay out of trouble with police officer Brian Jenkins who is investigating the carjacking and a murder. The writing is so good and the story has a great flow to it. I enjoy these characters and look forward to reading more about them in future books.
July 24, 2023
Sally Muccio is 9 months pregnant and still running into bad luck.
She is ready to have the baby any minute, Christmas is in a few days and her sister is getting married.
Meanwhile, a Damian Ruger an old high school crush but creep and drug user, womanizer and jerk is now found dead.
Sally's cake server used as a murder weapon and her cookies scattered around in order to frame her.
Luckily Brian, the police officer who has a soft spot for Sally is on the case.
Sally just wants to clear her name as she is stressed out about being a possible suspect.
A Christmas she will not forget!
She is ready to have the baby any minute, Christmas is in a few days and her sister is getting married.
Meanwhile, a Damian Ruger an old high school crush but creep and drug user, womanizer and jerk is now found dead.
Sally's cake server used as a murder weapon and her cookies scattered around in order to frame her.
Luckily Brian, the police officer who has a soft spot for Sally is on the case.
Sally just wants to clear her name as she is stressed out about being a possible suspect.
A Christmas she will not forget!
January 7, 2024
Christmas mystery
Loved the Christmas themed cozy mystery. Sally has a bakery that she co-owns with her friend Josie. Sally is ready to give birth to her first child any day. Her sister is getting married near Christmas too. On her way home she is car-jacked by some guys in Santa suits. A guy from her high school is killed that she had dated and she is a suspect since her engraved knife was used to murder him. She enlists her friends and family to figure out who the real killer was. Fun cozy mystery.
Loved the Christmas themed cozy mystery. Sally has a bakery that she co-owns with her friend Josie. Sally is ready to give birth to her first child any day. Her sister is getting married near Christmas too. On her way home she is car-jacked by some guys in Santa suits. A guy from her high school is killed that she had dated and she is a suspect since her engraved knife was used to murder him. She enlists her friends and family to figure out who the real killer was. Fun cozy mystery.
October 13, 2024
I normally love all cozies, but the main character of this one, Sally, just grated on my nerves. I love the story line, a true cozy!, but I just couldn’t understand the risks this 9 month pregnant woman was taking! It could be because I had not read any of the previous books, so I had no real connection to/appreciation for Sally’s character. Really like that there are cookie recipes though!
(I received this book from an ebook “advent” last year. Still don’t remember how I got on the list, but I received several cozy ebooks free!)
(I received this book from an ebook “advent” last year. Still don’t remember how I got on the list, but I received several cozy ebooks free!)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 14, 2020
Holidays, weddings & babies are a great reason to celebrate! It is almost Christmas, it is almost time for Sally to have her baby & her sister is finally getting married. Nothing is ever simple and easy for Sally. She finds herself on a wild & scary ride to motherhood. Well written. story, great characters & setting. Love each & every book in this series! I look forward to reading the next book.
December 24, 2022
This was my first book by his author and I enjoyed it. I wouldn’t categorize this a a cozy though, the subject matter was dark and there was no humor in the story.
Mike and Sally are expecting their first child and her sister is having a winter wedding with Sally as the Matron of Honor. The baby is being stubborn and doesn’t want to cooperate and being carjacked by a couple of mean Santa’s doesn’t help.
Murder, meddling grandma, crazy father and old flames round out the story.
Mike and Sally are expecting their first child and her sister is having a winter wedding with Sally as the Matron of Honor. The baby is being stubborn and doesn’t want to cooperate and being carjacked by a couple of mean Santa’s doesn’t help.
Murder, meddling grandma, crazy father and old flames round out the story.
December 17, 2023
This poor lady has been days past her pregnancy for the entire book acting like she is 1 month pregnant. This story is more back story than actual story. I think putting the recipes in different places will be better because this book drags on to get to the mystery part . It would have been nice to have a recipe when she was either talking about her bakery or every few chapters instead of at the end. I am off to make the gingerbread cookies tho
January 5, 2022
Good story. Poor Josie-nothing like giving your friend a gift that ends up being used in a murder. Poor Sally being suspected of killing the person while 9 months pregnant! Add in a couple of bad guys dressed like Santa carjacking you to boot. Love the scenes with "Nick" in them and there were some funny parts too. I will have to check out the rest of the series.
December 8, 2022
free ebook! love this series!
i missed so many books between the last one i read. she got married and is 9 mths preg, 2 weeks late
she got car jacked by 2 santas and they pushed her in the snow. a man named nick helped her up but disappeared and the police didnt believe her
she was brought in for questioning on the murder of a boy she knew in high school
someone took a knife with her name on it from her bakery and killed him with it
but one santa was killed, the other arrested. then the killer trapped her in her bakery alone but she was going into labor. she was saved and taken to the hospital where she had a little girl they call cookie
i missed so many books between the last one i read. she got married and is 9 mths preg, 2 weeks late
she got car jacked by 2 santas and they pushed her in the snow. a man named nick helped her up but disappeared and the police didnt believe her
she was brought in for questioning on the murder of a boy she knew in high school
someone took a knife with her name on it from her bakery and killed him with it
but one santa was killed, the other arrested. then the killer trapped her in her bakery alone but she was going into labor. she was saved and taken to the hospital where she had a little girl they call cookie
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 29, 2022
Ginger Snapped to Death
Very enjoyable read. This is the first reading a book by this author. The main character, Sally, owns a bake shop, is very pregnant gets involved in a murder through no fault of her own. It was a lite read and I really enjoyed it. Look forward to reading other books in this series.
Very enjoyable read. This is the first reading a book by this author. The main character, Sally, owns a bake shop, is very pregnant gets involved in a murder through no fault of her own. It was a lite read and I really enjoyed it. Look forward to reading other books in this series.
January 4, 2023
you don’t have to read the others in the series first
4 1/2 stars
This is a first for me author. Wonderful storylines and you don’t want to put it down. You want to figure out who done it before the author tells you. Author gives you enough information on back stories when you need it. So if you are like me and haven’t read the series you still won’t be lost.
4 1/2 stars
This is a first for me author. Wonderful storylines and you don’t want to put it down. You want to figure out who done it before the author tells you. Author gives you enough information on back stories when you need it. So if you are like me and haven’t read the series you still won’t be lost.
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