Sliced

Lacey Luzzi Mafia Mysteries #13

by Gina LaManna

With Thanksgiving on the horizon, Lacey Luzzi is all set to cuddle her adorable baby and sexy husband after a giant feast. However, her plans turn belly-up when a dead body appears during the largest bake-off event in St. Paul history.Amelia Rapport, the front runner to win the state-wide bake-off, has landed face-down in a pool of royal icing, and, somehow, it’s Lacey’s job to save the event. If she doesn’t, not only will millions of cookies go to waste, but her life―and the lives of those she loves―will be in danger.This is one murderer who isn’t ready to be caught, and when Lacey gets too close for comfort, he’s bound and determined the cake won’t be the only thing getting sliced...

Genres: Mystery, Humor, American, Fiction

267 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 10, 2020

About the author

Originally from St. Paul, Minnesota, Gina LaManna has also called Italy and Los Angeles home. After studying numbers and equations in college, she realized multiple choice tests were “just not for her” and began writing books instead. She loves cappuccino foam and whipped cream and would subsist solely on sprinkles if possible. She currently lives in St. Paul with her wonderful husband and family.

Reviews

[Karin · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the things I like about this series is that LaManna didn't put in a love triangle nor did she extend the romance far too long--she has shown that a book can still be funny, romantic and enjoyable without it, so I have raised this a full star for that. This is because there are some other series with twice as many books who haven't done that and it is so very old already that it makes the books boring because you know darn well that there is never going to be a decision made, and just how long can things be kept hanging?

In this installment, Meg signs up for a baking contest to help Lacey solve a murder. There is plenty of mayhem and fun, plus there are some good twists and turns that I, for one, was quite happy to see.

Hopefully there will be more Lacey Luzzi Mafia Mysteries, but I have no idea what LaManna has up her sleeve.

[Miki’s⚠️ Safety Reviews & Rants⚠️ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ok guys this is a review for the entire series 😅.
🎧 I did the audios (which was such a mess and highly disappointing) so
I’m gonna break down this whole series without any major plot spoilers but this will have relationship spoilers and the series character progression spoilers.
I wanted a good long audio series. It was my main reason for picking this up!

Overall this was..
Romcom
Suspend disbelief
Silly antics
Mafia family- but also not really done well
Over the top antics
Light and mostly fun listening
Cozy mystery
Crazy reacurring side characters

‼️Book 1-3….
🎧audio was good w a narrator who did voices and personalities.

The first 3 books was hard for the romance. I didn’t like that she was dating OP and that Anthony was wishy washy. I also would have liked confirmation that he wasn’t dating and hooking up w OW.

I didn’t enjoy the weird way the author tried to write a love and romance. She dragged it out way too much and not in a fun way.

😡Why is she still hooking up w her looser ex!
And why is the H waiting so long and sending mixed signals for 4books??!!!

😡Also making the h pathetic isn’t attractive. She was legit in the next room while her ex he was hooking up w OW and she has seen him w a revolving door in his bed. Why is she still hooking up w him in book 3 when Anthony has told her multiple times he wants her and they have had more then one make out sess? It makes her come off as so gross and cheap w no self respect.
Way to much push and pull with Anthony the H. Makes him seem like a douche.

‼️ Book 4-
🎧Audio is the same and still good!
By the end we are finally getting somewhere with the romance! And FINALLY Lacy seems to be growing a bit.

‼️Book 5-
🎧HORRID! We went to VIRTUAL VOICE🫨 after having a great narrator w personality.
Also the story is FINALLY getting better and better and the romance was stating to get super sweet. So I was bummed about the audio big time!

‼️Book 6-
NO AUDIO AVAILABLE!!! WTF I did Alexa reading to me. What a freaking mess!
Also since the romance and story anew literally getting better w each book this is ruining my experience.

‼️Book 7-10-
🎧ALL VIRTUAL VOICE! 🫨 I guess it was better than Alexa reading it to me but WTF I mean this author really needs to get consistent with her audios.
The story was great though these were my fav of the series. We had character growth. Super sweet romance that I loved. And we got some fun storylines and mysteries. TO ME THESE BOOKS WERE THE BEST IN THE SERIES AND WHERE RHE SERIES PEAKED.
Such a shame about the audios! 😭😭😭

‼️Books 11- 12-
🎧BACK TO NARRATION! So great audios
But man the characters and the storylines took a plummet for me. Lacy was annoying me and so was Meg. Anthony turned into her useless husband. I mean he was head security for the mafia and couldn’t keep her safe! And Lacy was pregnant and putting herself in danger. I was annoyed. It’s not cute when you have real adult stuff happening to be acting like an immature child.

‼️Book 13-
🎧Back to ZERO AUDIO!
Fucking hell!!!!!! I mean really!? And I’m over it and ready for this series to end.


‼️Overall my experience of this series was def positive and I did enjoy the majority of the mysteries and stories.
I love the romance after book 4.
But to much stuff dragged to long w the characters and their growth and development.
The audios were a freaking mess! And had I known I wouldn’t have spent money buying the first 4!
By the time the series ended I felt sad to see it go but also ready. I did enjoy watching to romance bloom and grow and then get married and have kids but like I said other factors also made my experience less enjoyable to.

🍭🎂ALSO SIDE NOTE BUT NO GROWN WOMAN CAN EAT ALL THAT SUGAR! IT WAS OK AT FIRST BUT ANGUGE TURN OFF WHEN SHE BECAME PREGNANT!
Not cute just gross.

Overall safe.
Book 1-4 not really cause she is hooking up w her ex douche bag BF
No clue is Anthony is hooking up w OW.
After book 3 No OP at all.
Anthony never had a serious GF
Lacy had Laney of experience her ex bf wanted to marry her.

Also how did Anthony and Lacy not meet for 2 years when he lived on her grandfathers property? When he is the head of security for the family and that included her? Made no sense!

[Emmalynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great closure to the case. Lacey, now married and the mom of a 7 month old just wants a slice of her favorite cake, she does not want to get dragged into another murder investigation or a baking competition. However, anything happens when Meg is around and now Lacey is here investigating the death of a baker, the disappearance of a judge and trying not to be murdered. What’s a mom to do!! The final hoorah is filled with the usual humor, snark, madcap humor that made up the series. Anthony us as patient as ever with his accident prone wife but loves her to much to ask her to give up her detecting ways. Meh is Meg and loved by Clay. Nona just wants to kidnap the baby 😂😂😂😂

[Elisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lacey, Lacey, Lacey your a mother now!!! Well my favourite sugar-bombing momma is not going to let anything stop her from solving a murder even if Anthony would like to handcuff her to their bed forever... but that’s another story...lol

Lacey is always a lot of fun to hang with, toss in a cutie pie husband and a gorgeous baby and Meg then I know I’m going to have so much fun reading this one and I did... there is nothing better than a fun filled mystery to chase the blues away and hopefully a murderer as well...

[Debi Paglia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great story from Gina LaManna! I love the way that Lacey and Meg “get each other.” Their friendship is heart-warming, but hilarious. Ms. LaManna does such a good job with descriptions. I just jump right into the story and escape! If you like strong female protagonists, loyal friends and family, a good story, a great mystery and a surprise ending, then you need to read about Lacey Luzzi and her escapades!

[S.M. Dapelo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed seeing everyone again. Wish there'd been more Anthony and Carlos, but loved the book.

[Merry Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

With Lacey playing low key with her Lacey Luzzi Security Services since baby Belle has come into her and Anthony's lives, we are once again treated to another murder mystery that she reluctantly feels she and Meg have to take on. With the biggest bake-off im St. Paul and Meg actually entering a cookie recipe, and wants Lacey to be there to help, Lacey is asked by the owners of The Sugarloaf bakery famous for their cake called The Last Slice, to investigate the death of Amelia one of the bakers in the contest who with Susie were going to give the Sugarloaf Bakery a run for their money this year. It seems Sugarloaf has won the competition for years! Amelia did work for Sugarloaf at one point so there was a connection. We are treated to many crazy things happening, especially when Meg is involved as well as a plethora of suspects anywhere from "friends" to Amelia's baking partner, to boyfriends, to judges, to other contestants. Who has the most to lose? When another judge mysteriously drops out citing her being afraid she might get murdered too, things get even crazier. And is Lacey getting too close? I love the dynamic between all the characters in this series, you can't help it. Since there is always a mystery to solve, you can't help but laugh out loud when Meg gets on her game, or Clay her husband and Lacey's cousin invents something crazy, or the rough, touch Anthony, body guard for Lacey's mob don, grandfather, Carlos as well as the sexy, sweet husband to Lacey. And Lacey's grandmother, who is not the best of cooks. Lots of red herrings and twists and turns you are given a fun ride throughout this 13th episode! I can't wait to see what grabs them (and me) next! I received and ARC from the author but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own!

[Loretta TheMoodyRedhead · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m completely bummed there’s no more to this series. I’ve enjoyed every adventure, hot mob guy, and kidnapping of Lacey Luzzi, but now it’s done. Lacey must officially be a retired mobsterista. What in the world will she and her Family crew do with their time if not cleaning up the streets of the bad guys? Training Bella is what they’ll be doing! Training her to be a mini-Lacey-Anthony-Clay-Meg-Nora-Carlos badarse!

Thas right, readers! Join the Luzzi Crew with Bella Rose in the forefront - the new mobsterista in town. But this chick carries more than just a stun gun or pepper spray - she’s got her multi-pocketed camouflage vest (gift from Meg) stuffed with cake (Lacey’s favorite), her own homemade explosives (perfected by Clay), a .38 cal with silencer (courtesy of Anthony), and stealthy moves like a cat. Murderers beware because no crimes make it past this highly trained teen… except ill-timed detonations and the occasional temper tantrum that only a 16-year-old — and a toddler — can perfect.

That isn’t a real series, but I can dream. And although this last book was as good as the last 12, I wish it would have been a more grand grand finale, but maybe it isn’t the last (although it has been a few years since it’s release). I’m sure LaManna has been busy writing other series anyway and I plan on reading those, too, because when you find an author you like you tend to look for other books to devour.

My next choice is not a LaManna book; however, I will choose one of hers soon. Here’s what I’m reading next… Questions, Quarrels, & Quandry (Camper and Criminals #32) by Tonya Kappes.

[Marsha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I sure did miss Lacey and the gang. Having taken on retirement from the PI business after having a baby, Lacey was talked into helping find a killer. The more she learns about the victim, the more suspects are unraveled. Of course it wouldn't be the same without someone threatening her life, nor would it be the same if there wasn't her sidekick, Meg, bringing in the humor with her outrageous, yet often, surprisingly logical, thoughts. There are those crazy moments that you may be accustomed to if you are familiar with the series. Many suspects. Just as many motives and opportunities, and that great surprise reveal. Oh, and let's not forget the food. Lots and lots of consumption taking place. While Lacey is determined to catch the killer, it didn't feel like she was really into it. Of course she was still working her mind around the fact that she was going into retirement (at least for awhile,) and was somewhat forced into taking this case... her heart wasn't as into it as past cases. There is no sexual content, and everything is pretty safe for teens and up. It's a quick and easy read.

[glenalmerwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

mind changed

When I first started the Lacey Lizzie series , I did not like it and stopped after about 4 chapters, then I read all the other Gina LaManna books and needed a new series. So. Reluctantly, I decided to give Lacey another try. I went back and finished the first book, I began to get used to the characters, and decided to read on. I read all 13 books and wish there were more. Now my favorite of all the Gina LaManna books. My advice to others, do not give up if you do not like the concept of the Lacey books at first, read on and and you will change your mind. This 13th book was the 118th book I have read in the calendar year of 2024. I read a lot. I am 90 and read every night… so what do I read now… probably the new Gramach book of Louise Penny, I have read all the others. Gina LaManna: what about 1 more book. Lacey isn’t finished . 1 more book , please.

[Mary K Zavisca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Did Carlos smile at Lacey?

When Amelia Rapport is murdered at a holiday bakeoff qualifier, the woman's friend asks Lacey to investigate.

Meg enters the bakeoff in the cookie category, and Lacey poses as her assistant. Did one of the other cake contestants kill Amelia to get a leg up in the competition?

The investigation quickly becomes dangerous. Lacey and one of the other contestants are poisoned, but thankfully recover.

Lacey and Meg are nearly killed when a giant truck crashes into Lacey's momvan.

Someone will do anthing to win this contest.

Throughout it all, new mom Lacey keeps her trademark wit and drive to find the killer. Meg is a hoot, as always.

So happy Lacy, her family and quirky friends are back.

[Erin Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I missed Lacey, Meg, Anthony, Clay, Nora, Carlos and the whole Luzzi Family. Lacey is coming out of maternity leave to be Meg's assistant at a baking competition and solve the murder of one of the contestants. The baking goes about as well as could be expected since Lacey has started the house on fire trying to bake. But the murder proves even more difficult than baking. With another eclectic cast of characters, LaManna makes even solving a murder funny. And, while it's still a cozy mystery, there's still a little violence, which I'm glad was kept even though Lacey is a mom. Can't wait to read the next book and see what hijinks the Family gets into next!

[Bookgyrl · Rating 4 out of 5]

It has been a while we had a Lacey adventure. She's back! Together with Meg she tries to solve a murder which revolves around a baking contest. While posing as assistant to baker Meg, Lacey interviews suspects, avoids being killed as usual, all the while taking care of adorable Bella and under loving scrutiny of husband Anthony.

I can't believe this is already book 13! Lacey has come a long way and I still love her antics.


I received an ARC from the author but this is my honest and voluntary review.
Thanks Gina!

[Barbara Hackel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved Lacey and Meg's adventures from the beginning when I first read Scooped. To have a new Lacey Luzzi book is a fantastic treat that I devoured today. Time has not affected Meg's wit and outlandishness, or Lacey's dedicated determination to right every wrong while drinking her sugar bomb! It was a good story peppered with twists and turns, and filled with great characters. In fact, it was so enjoyable that I have decided to reread the entire series from the beginning. Don't miss this fun addition to the collection. Thanks Gina for the treat!

[Elaine Lucky · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the Luzzi series but this one just didn't do it for me. Lacey and Meg are on the case to see who murdered a baker. A slew of suspects brings the two of them to a bake off championship where Meg is an actual entrant. Comedy and danger ensues along with attempts on Lacey's life. She's juggling investigating and taking care of Bella and trying to spend time with Anthony. Meg was too over the top in this book and really needs personal boundaries when going to Lacey and Anthony's house. This book dragged on and I was disappointed after the other twelve books were so good.

[M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

Lacey just can't seem to stay away from trouble! No matter what she tries to do trouble always finds her! Love the relationship between Lacey and Anthony and even how Anthony is spreading his wings and having relationships with others- even if he doesn't really want them. Can't wait to see what trouble Lacey gets into next time and where Lacey and Anthony's relationship heads to next! I voluntarily received and read an ARC for an honest review.

[Gayle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book in a great series. No matter how hard she tries, Lacey just can’t seem to avoid trouble. Asked to investigate the death of a baker that occurred just before a baking contest, Lacey and her trusty sidekick Meg take on the job. Who knew how dangerous this job would become. Full of twists and turns, I never figured out who committed the crime.

The books in this series are filled with fun, quirky characters that keep me coming back for more.

[Jennifer Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

So after starting this one (and realizing I didn't remember a lot of what happened beforehand), I looked up the number and saw this was the last one written in the series. I have literally only read numbers 0.5 and 13 🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️ The good thing is that I didn't actually feel lost. So while you miss a lot of Lacey's life progressing, you can read these out of order. I enjoyed the mystery and the laughs. I will be going back and reading the rest.

[Kimberly Gordon-Bercich · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore this series . It’s funny, sexy and clean. All the books are quick reads that will make you laugh at all the antics. This book Lacey gets caught up in a murder at a baking competition. Meg hires her to be her bodyguard/assistant since she is a competitor in the cookie division of the bake off. No chance of anything else going wrong with that setup. Good luck to both Lacey and Meg. You’re going to need it.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read from author Gina LaManna

Another great read from author Gina LaManna. This is book 13 of the Lacey Luzzi Mafia Mysteries. This book and the entire series has a bit of everything: plenty of mystery, romance and laughs that keep me reading well past my bedtime. I highly recommend this book and the entire series to anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries. The whole series is on kindle unlimited too.

[Sherri · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first time reading about Lacey Luzzi and her crazy sidekick Meg, but I definitely plan to go back and read the rest of the series. Think Lucy & Ethel merged with Stephanie Plum & Lula (from the Janet Evanovich books). I laughed all the way through. It had a great mystery and I was definitely surprised at who the killer was. I highly recommend this fun, quick read.

[Emme · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pillsbury Bake off meets the Luzzies.

Lacey and Meg are embroiled in a madcap adventure in yet another fun filled addition to this fun series. Their friendship is what makes this duo the perfect pair, a modern day Lucy and Ethel. If you enjoy a fun, light hearted mystery that will make you laugh...and occasionally cry this is your series.

[Gina Barnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book!!

If you haven’t read any of Gina’s books, you’re missing out. Lacey Luzzi is hilarious and will keep you entertained. Any of Gina’s books are great. Once you start, you can’t put it down until you are through reading. I highly recommend reading any of Gina’s books.

[Cher Kelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast paced multi character read

I've loved reading this series so far, looking forward to #14! This one had so many possible motives and suspects, that I had no idea til the very end who killed Amelia! Many twists and turns, false leads. Made for an interesting read, trying to giess the outcome

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the story. Having a back drop of a cake baking contest, was perfect for Lacey and Meg. Meg was a bit over the top in this one, or maybe there was just a lot of her in this story. I missed not having more Anthony and the Luzzi family, but I thought it was a fun tale with lots of craziness.

[Paula Paulsen]

As usual Lacey was fun. I did not guess who did it and was very surprised. I was disappointed the winner of the bake off was not revealed. This book was just as good as the other Lacey Luzzi books. I was not disapointed. I definitely recommend this book.

[Kitten Peters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read

I love the Lacey Luzzi books. Let's face it, Gina LaManna cannot write a bad book. The characters just draw you into the storyline and the plots make them real page turners. This book is worthy of ten stars.

[Mirna Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it! I’m so sad that I will have to wait a while for a new Lacey story. The coffee recipes were even more outrageous, then in the last book.I kind of want to try them all. I love Lacey, and will totally re-read these books.

[Tonya Bryant Gillon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who would have thought? I so love Lacey and gang this book kept me up reading way paste bed time. Love Bella and Anthony, Meg is the PITA friend we all have and love!

This is yet another read by Gina!

[Betty J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun addition to series

Enjoyable series. Fun characters and lots of twists and turns. Relaxing reading with mystery but no gory details on bad language. Look forward to the next adventure.