Previous Confections

An Amish Cupcake Cozy Mystery #2

by Ruth Hartzler

Delightful new cozy mystery series!
Previous Confections is Book 2 in the Amish Cupcake Cozy Mystery series
The last thing Jane expects is to meet Cherri, her ex-husband’s new wife, but that’s exactly what happens. Worse still, Cherri wants Jane’s help in solving a murder.
It’s bad enough that Jane’s Amish sister has a broken arm, so Jane has to run the cupcake store with dubious help from Matilda, Eleanor, and naughty little cat, Mr. Crumbles.
Will Jane be able to solve the murder, keep the cupcake store from crumbling apart, and keep a level head around Detective Damon McCloud, or will it all end not so sweetly?

BONUS: 2 Amish Recipes Included!

In this cat cozy mystery series:
Book 1: True Confections
Book 2: Previous Confections
Book 3: Confection is Good for the Soul
Book 4: Speak with Confection (Coming soon!)
Book 5: An Instant Confection (Coming soon!)
And more to follow!

All books by Ruth Hartzler are clean and wholesome, and have happy, feel-good endings!
If you enjoy cat cozy mysteries, you will love this series!

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Cozy, Cozy Mystery, Amish, Audiobook

352 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 1, 2020

About the author

USA Today Best-selling author Ruth Hartzler spends her days writing, walking her dog, and thinking of ways to murder somebody. That's because Ruth writes cozy mysteries and adventures.
She is best known for her archaeological adventures, for which she relies upon her former career as a college professor of ancient languages and Biblical history.

Reviews

[Sonja Rosa Lisa ♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ach, das war wieder ein Lesegenuss!
Im zweiten Fall wird Jane ausgerechnet von der neuen Frau ihres Exmannes um Hilfe bei der Aufklärung eines Mordes gebeten, denn Janes Exmann wird verdächtigt!
Jane, die eigentlich gar keinen Grund hätte, ihrem Ex und dessen neuer Frau zu helfen, erklärt sich trotzdem dazu bereit. Unterstützung erhält sie wieder von ihren beiden Mitbewohnerinnen, zwei rüstigen älteren Damen über 80.
Janes Schwester Rebecca hat sich zu allem Überfluss noch den Arm gebrochen, so dass Jane zusätzlich auch noch den Cupcake-Laden ihrer Schwester übernehmen muss. So geht es recht turbulent zu...
Ich habe dieses Buch sehr genossen und laut lachen müssen, was mir beim Lesen nicht so oft passiert. Aber besonders Matilda und Eleanor, die beiden älteren Damen, die ständig miteinander streiten müssen, sorgen für manche unfreiwillig heitere Situation.
Sehr interessant ist auch hier wieder das "amische Umfeld", wenn man es so nennen kann, denn Janes Zwillingsschwester Rebecca ist eine Amische, während Jane seit ihrem 16. Lebensjahr keine Amische mehr ist.
Mich konnte das Buch wunderbar unterhalten. Es war spannend, humorvoll, interessant, und ich hoffe auf noch viele weitere Bände der Serie!

[Shirley Chapel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Cute and humorous cozy mystery. Well not the murder that takes place at a five star restaurant, but in how the characters go about finding out Whodunit. The Birtwistle sisters had this reader laughing out loud and Jane Delight seems to fit right in with these sleuths. Mr Crumbles , the cat, is a feline to reckon with when he makes his daring escapes from the apartment, followed by Matilda, Eleanor and Jane as they chase him all over the town.
Jane Delight must meet her ex husband at a fancy restaurant to sign some papers. She didn't plan on meeting his new wife and becoming part of a dinner party. Almost immediately the owner of the restaurant falls over dead and the police detectives suspect he was murdered. Everyone at their table is a suspect. The elderly Birtwistle sisters put their sleuthing skills to work when Cherri Delight, Ted's new wife , begs Jane find the real killer. In the end Mr Crumbles jumps in at just the right time to save the day.
Ruth Hartzler writes a good mystery and weaves in a touch of humor that keeps her readers laughing through out the book. I found it was a quick and easy read that drew me in from the first chapter. I enjoyed book one so much that I made it a point to continue on in the series. I want to read all five books.
All readers of Cozy Mysteries will love the Amish cupcake Mystery series. The author didn't disappoint this reader and I hope you love these mysteries as much as I do.
I purchased a Kindle ebook copy of Previous Confections from Amazon. A favorable review was not requested. All opinions expressed here in this review are my own.

[Sandee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this second book in the series much more than the first book. We get to know the characters better and the mystery is stronger. We also get to know Jane's elderly roommates better although their backstories are still a mystery. I'm pretty much in love with the cat in this story. He is just so kittenish. We also get to meet Jane's ex-husband and his new wife. I'm looking forward to the next book in this series.

[Stacy Wilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. I really like the main character and her sister. The cop is very sweet. I also love all the little tid bits we get on amish life.

[Cheryl A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Again, I loved the entertaining characters and their interactions between them. I not able to guess the killer until the end of this funny yet page-turning story! I can hardly wait to read the next book in this series!

[Megan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought this book was slightly better than the first, though there was still a lot of repetitive statements.

Jane's ex-husband is condescending and mean. I don't understand why he treated Jane so poorly all their married years and now treats Cherri so differently.

The suspect was so stupid, why admit it like that? There was nothing proving you did it.

2.5 stars

[Sterre · Rating 5 out of 5]

My eighth winter vacation read:
Previous confections, an Amish Cupcake Cozy Mystery by Ruth Hartzler. I enjoyed reading this one as much as the first story of this series. I keep loving the simplicity of the setting and the quirky characters, that includes the grumpy cat, Mr. Crumbles. As the story continues you learn more about the main character's roommates and their antics. The book cover art is again brilliantly done.

[Miss W Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Previous Confections is Book 2 in the Amish Cupcake Cozy Mystery series. I really enjoyed Book 1 True Confections and I loved this book just as much.

Seems as if Jane's worst nightmare came true, meeting, Cherri, her ex=husbands new wife, and whats worse is that Cherri wants to team up with Jane to solve a murder. Add to the fact that Jane's sister had a broken arm and Jane is in charge of operating the cupcake store with a bit of help from Matilda, Eleanor, and lets not forget Mr. Crumbles the kitty . I love Mr. Crumbles!

I really enjoy the character development and how relateable Jane is. The mystery is some twists and turns which is enjoyable and did I mention that I love Mr. Crumbles, he's quite the snarky one and naughty!

This is a great whodunit in which I did not guest the murderer at all, not even close.

I am very much looking forward to the next book in the series.

[Pamela Pavkov · Rating 5 out of 5]

Previous Confections is the second amazing mystery written by Ruth Hartzler in her An Amish Cupcake Cozy Mystery. This story brings us back together with Jane, Matilda, and Eleanor. Of course they are once again sleuthing to solve another murder. This story will definitely keep you turning pages until the crime is solved.

These characters are absolutely perfect together. Jane, of course, keeps them grounded but Matilda and Eleanor are very quirky but in a humorous way. They piece together clues and suspects in the most outrageous ways. They author has once again woven Mr. Crumbles, the cat, throughout the story and stirring up mischief.

I was not given a complimentary copy of this book to read and review. I was not approached by anyone to post a favorable review. I have rated this book with five stars for meeting my expectations of a wonderful story that I can highly recommend to others who enjoy the Amish and Mystery genres.

Congratulations to Ruth Hartzler for writing another fantastic story for her readers enjoyment and I look forward to the next book in this series.

[Debi Paglia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great second book in this new series. I really enjoyed reading about Jane and her 2 cohorts in crime-solving. Fun read. I would recommend to anyone who likes a good mystery with a little romance and humor.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cat to the rescue!

In a book full of yummy sounding Amish deserts, a cat dance pole, flying cat from said pole, two very nice (but slightly strange) elderly ladies, and a hot Scottish detective, why would murder be a surprise? Great fun cozy!

[Tera · Rating 5 out of 5]

Witty and enjoyable

These characters are truly that ... characters!! They make me laugh and smile with their antics. I’m looking forward to book 3 in the series.

[Kay Garrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

PREVIOUS CONFECTIONS by Ruth Hartzler is the second book in the An Amish Cupcake Cozy Mystery Series. It’s the story of recently divorced June Delight as she is picking up the pieces of her life and deciding to make something out of them rather than crumble.

What could be worse than getting a divorce? Having to meet with you ex over some paperwork he wants her signature on and at a French restaurant no less. June has wised up a last few month and knew she wasn’t signing anything without her lawyer checking it out first. Little did she expect Ted to show up with his new wife - Cherrie! Their dinner turned into a professional gathering for her ex when two other couples joined them. Well, that’s ok because she was ordering the most expensive items on the menu – after she stuck the papers in her purse for her lawyer read.

During a champagne toast, Marcus Matheson, owner of the restaurant and business associate of Ted’s, clutched his throat, fell over and died. A case of poisoning it appears. When Ted becomes the prime suspect, Cherri, approaches June for help in finding evidence to exonerate him. Although June would rather have him live out his life under the jail, June Amish upbringing made her feel sorry for her since she has no one else to turn too. June reluctantly agrees to help her.

June’s identical twin sister, who is still Amish, broke her arm. That means June has full responsibility for the cupcake bakery her sister owns and must accept help once again from Matilda and Eleanor, her elderly roommates, both in the shop and in hunting down clues in the most recent murder. Their sleuthing skills seem to be unlimited and their knowledge of poison is immensely helpful. Although June would rather not have to be in the car if Matilda is driving! Even treat loving Mr. Crumbles does his part to help solve the crimes and to nab the killer.

Along the way June finds out she is being watched/followed and can’t figure out who or why. Can Scottish Detective Damon McCloud, who she’s started to have romantic notions about, keep her safe? Are those notions reciprocated? Will she ever find out?

Ruth Hartzler succeeded in making the second book in this series just as much a joy to read as the first. You can’t help but love the mix of characters in this series. It was fun turning the pages trying solve the mystery of whodunit or how the culprit would be exposed before the reveal.

Although a continuation of the series, PREVIOUS CONFECTIONS can be read as a standalone book. However, they are so much fun to read that I’m glad I am reading them in order. Now I’m on to book number three with great anticipation of seeing how the foursome – June, the Birtwistle sisters and Mr. Crumbles – fair in the next installment of this series!

Be sure to check out the yummy Amish recipes in the back of the book.

[Barbara Hackel · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this second book of the series, author Ruth Hartzler has continued adding to the cast of characters in a most amusing fashion. Jane Delight's ex-husband and his new wife are in the area for business and he has asked Jane to dinner. His reason is some legal papers she needs to sign, but his real reason for being in town has to do with a French restaurant and an unhappy chef. Unfortunately, before anyone even gets a bite of dinner there is a murder and for once Jane wasn't anywhere near the victim! What follows is an enjoyable murder investigation carried out by the three roommates, Jane, Matilda, and Eleanor. The only reason they are involved is because the new wife has asked Jane for her help once the police consider Ted Delight (former husband/current husband) to have committed the murder.

While Jane is a very earnest person, I have to say I am keeping my eye on Matilda and Eleanor as the series continue. They have entirely too much fun and seemingly prior experience when it comes to all the various things they have to do while solving the crime. How do they know how to investigate? How do they know how to come up with believable cover stories on the fly? How come they know so much about surveillance equipment and techniques? And how can they do such stupid things with regard to Mr. Crumbles ? Jane has to plan things out so she has no doubt what to do every step of the way. How funny to see the opposite personalities in action. Meanwhile Ruth only lets out the tiniest tidbits about the sister's past. But she doesn't disappoint when she does tell us. (Think calendars when you read the book.)

Good laughs along the way, great characters,a good mystery, delicious sounding food and recipes! Who could ask for anything more?

[Leopardwolf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mr Crumbles needs his own gofundme for treats
Not only is he superb at being adorable - he is super intelligent - he is remarkable at aerial maneuvers and escapology. Basically he is one clever kitty! (And if he ever needs a girlfriend my baby girl is as ingenious as he is - imagine their kittens! RUN!!!)
this is the second book that shows us Jane's amazing adventures since she came out from under Ted's shadow - she's now blooming and flourishing with her sister's cupcake shop and all her friends to keep her busy she really does not have time for another murder mystery - but I am so very glad that that is what she gets.
I once again thoroughly enjoyed reading about the escapades that Jane, her family and friends get embroiled in and I seriously wish that I get to be as cool as Matilda or Eleanor when I grow up!
And yes there is a certain handsome Scottish detective that pops up from time to time.
I love, love, BLOOMING LOVE THIS SERIES.
The characters make me giggle all the time - and that's just Mr Crumble! Never mind what Matilda and Eleanor get up to in their inventive and mysterious ways.
I seriously cannot wait for the next installment of the amazing Jane and her private detective crew! Thank you Ruth Hartzler for a fabulously entertaining read

[Stacey Souther · Rating 5 out of 5]

Previous Confections (Book 2 of An Amish Cupcake Cozy Mystery) by Ruth Hartzler continues to entertain! Jane, begrudgingly meeting with her ex-husband Ted about some unsettled paperwork, gets caught in the middle of a business meeting with him, his new wife Cherri, and two other couples. When one of the dinner guests drops dead at the table, Jane finds herself teaming up with the oh so quirky octogenarian roommates’ Matilda and Eleanor to help solve the murder, and keep her ex-husband out of jail.

Flying cats and hair eating goats will leave you in stitches as you navigate your way thru this cleverly written whodonit cozy mystery. As Jane searches for the killer, she is also searching for herself as she continues to build her new life. Can Jane and Detective McCloud begin a tentative friendship (now that Jane isn’t a suspected murderer!) while investigating on the sly with her roommates? Author Ruth Hartzler wittily develops the series characters and will keep you guessing at not only who the murderer is, but also at the Matilda and Eleanor’s colorful history.

I received free copy of this book. I voluntarily wrote an honest review and all opinions are strictly my own.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jane Delight is a woman born an raised in the Amish faith, but she left when she was 16 years old. Now Jane is a 50ish divorced woman. Her ex-husband has remarried a very young woman. When Jane meets her ex at an expensive French Restaurant to pick up some papers he demands she sign, Jane was surprised when he showed up with his perfect young wife. She was even more surprised when her ex turned it into a business dinner. Jane never expected one of her ex husband's clients to drop dead at the table. When they discover a vial of botoxin in the waiter's pocket, they realize the dead man was poisoned. Jane is surprised when her ex husband's wife shows up at her home asking her to clear the ex who was a murder suspect. With the help of her two quirky housemates, a crumpy cat and a handsome Scottish detective and his partner, Jane rushes around trying to find the real murderer, while helping her Amish sister's Cupcake Shop while her sister is recovering from a broken arm.

I thought the writing was more suited for tweens and young teenagers. It had some pretty funny moments. The women acted acted more like ladies in their 30's instead of 50's and 80's. But overall it was an enjoyable read.

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jane Delight is the sleuth, along with her roomies and buddies, a pair of older sisters, Eleanor and Mathilda.

Jane was previously Amish and has run own to her sister, Rebecca who is still in the faith. Jane lives above the shop with her friends and helps Rebecca to help pay her way.

Jane’s ex-husband, Ted, is a rather slimy lawyer and when he hits town with his new wife, Cherri, Jane is forced into meeting him regarding some papers he is attempting to force her to sign. Jane is smarter than that.

However, in the midst of their meeting at a local and expensive restaurant, a man is murdered. When suspicions fall on her ex, Cherri begs Jane to help solve the mystery and find the real killer. Jane agrees both because she feels for Cherri and because Mathilda and Eleanor are itching for a new murder to solve.

The book very funny, between the antics of Mr. Crumbles (the sister’s wacky and almost feral cat) and the sisters themselves, it provides a lot of laughs. More and more is being learned about Eleanor and Mathilda.

I’m looking forward to reading the third book in the series.

[Sandra Lopez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sir Purr-lock Holmes on the cover. How corny, yet cute.

Jane is a 50-ish divorced woman running an Amish cupcake store. Why in the world would you dine with your ex-husband and his young, perfect wife? Well, I guess it’s a free expensive meal. But then her ex’s client drops dead at the restaurant. Poisoned? Soon her ex is accused of the murder. Yay? But the perfect wife asks her to clear his name.

I thought this story definitely had some quirkiness. Why would 80-year old Amish women pose nude for a calendar? Oh, that’s right! They had the cupcakes covering them. Ay yay yay! Needless to say that it was fun watching Jane work with these Amish broads; however, it did seem that the old ladies were better detectives than Jane. Witty and smart, the ladies were very methodical and analyzed every possible angle.

Although the Amish life was fairly dull and there was too much time spent on the cat, there were some funny moments, like getting stuck in the doggie door. Too funny!

Overall, this was a pretty good mystery.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 2nd book in this series, and I am really enjoying it. Jane’s ex Ted comes to town with his new "younger" wife Cherrie, with papers for Jane to sign. He ask her to meet him at a restaurant and several couples joined them. When making a toast one of the men falls to the floor and dies. Turns out he was poisoned and Ted is the number one suspect. Cherrie asks Jane to help find the real killer which is the last thing Jane wants to do especially since Cherrie is the one her husband had an affair with and left her for. Plus, she would love to see her ex in jail. But when Matilda and Eleanor, her roommates, persuade her to investigate it she decides to do a little investigating. She finds that most of the suspects either have alibis or are lying. And Detective McCloud is not happy about her investigating another murder. This book has a great mystery, it's well written so the story flows, fantastic characters, especially Matilda and Eleanor who will keep you in stitches and it wraps up nicely in the end. Looking forward to continuing this series.

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jane has found it necessary to start over once again.

She left her Amish family after Rumspringa and eventually married her now ex husband Ted

For her fiftieth birthday he left her with notice that he was marrying the young college student he was expecting a baby with

When Ted brings paperwork to sign, Jane is wise enough to let her know she will review the paperwork with a lawyer before signing this time

Sadly, Jane does not exit in time to prevent being witness to a murder

An odd protective instinct towards his new wife Cherri leaves Jane in some uncomfortable and hilarious positions- though yo be fair, with friends like Eleanor and Matilda, and Mr Crumbles the cat, hilarity is likely to be part of the adventure

fun and fabulous sister sleuths

[Julie Trapp · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Jane’s ex-husband’s new young wife comes to town, and it’s all about to change. The last thing Jane expected was to meet Cherri, her ex-husband’s new wife, but that’s exactly what happens. Jane’s Amish sister has a broken arm, so Jane has to run the cupcake store with dubious help from feisty octogenarians Matilda and Eleanor, and naughty little cat, Mr. Crumbles... but Cherri wants Jane’s help in solving a murder. [amazon synopsis]

Can Jaine solve the murder while avoiding her ex? Is there something going on between Jaine and Det. McCloud? A good entry in the series. Although Mr. Crumbles is really annoying as far as I am concerned.

[Darla · Rating 5 out of 5]

"A rainbow is always on the other side"

"A rainbow is always on the other side". That's how Ms. Hartzler ends this book and that's the feeling I'm left with after reading one of the books in this series. The main character is a 50-something divorced woman who moves to help her twin run her bakery and lives with two eccentric sisters. That would be quite boring except people have a habit of being murdered around her. In this book, her ex is questioned about the death and his new wife asks her to prove he's innocent. I love this series

[Suzanne Hare · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quirky characters and a great mystery are the hallmark of the second book in this great cozy mystery series. The characters are fun, interact well and engaging. The storyline flows quickly and smoothly, grabbing your interest and keeping it until the end. The mystery has numerous viable suspects, interesting subtle clues, surprises, twists and turns and suspense. I really enjoy how the characters interact and the interjection of humour. I look forward to the next book in the series. It is well written and engaging.

[Mary A Moon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Second 5 Star In This Series

Previous Confections: An Amish Cupcake Mystery, by Ruth Hartzler, the second in this series, is just as wonderful as the first book. Jane once again finds herself needing to solve a murder, with her fun and fiesty octogenarian roommates, and the wonderful and lovable Mr. Crumbles, the mischievous and pampered kitty. I adore these characters, and cant wait to see what they get up to next!

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book in this series. Matilda and Eleanor always bring some of their interesting use of the murder mystery ladies into every case they help solve. I can't wait to find out more on their backstories. Jane I know must not have been happy to help her ex- husband not be arrested and having to deal with Cherri the woman whom he just her for. I enjoy the parts the cat always ends up playing in the story. Can't wait to read the next book.

[Karina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Previous Confections by Ruth Hartzler is the second book in the series An Amish Cupcake Cozy Mystery. I really enjoyed the first book True Confections and I love this book just as much if not more. These books just keep getting better. This is full of drama, humor, a little romance and plenty of action with some wonderful characters. It is a quick fun read and I didn’t want to put it down. This book will keep you guessing. It is a fun little mystery and I highly recommend it.

[Bobbie J McLaren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love the characters in this series. The older ladies are so hilarious and mysterious with all the knowledge they appear to have about so many things. Jane connects with her Amish heritage and twin sister who is still in the community in such a way that we are given insights (although small amounts) of the Amish way of life.
The relationships are fun, interesting and ever building from book to book. Can't wait to read book 3.

[Lise · Rating 4 out of 5]

An unusual evening leads to Jane Delight meeting her ex-husband's new wife. When their dinner party is interrupted by murder, it's up to Jane to solve the crime.

The characters are, for the most part, sympathetic though I do hope to eventually learn why Jane married such a horrible person. There is much backstory to explore! The future, too, looks bright. I can't wait to read more about the dreamy detective, Damon McCloud who sounds like a much better match for Jane.

Recommended.

[Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jane Delight once again finds herself in a french restaurant. This time waiting on her ex-husband and his much younger new wife that he divorced Jane for in order to marry.
Ted's client and his business partner join them at the table before the food can be delivered.
While drinking to a toast, Marcus Matheson drops dead.
Cherri, being distraught, seeks Jane's help in clearing him as she knows nobody in town.

It seems Jane and her two elderly room-mates are at it again.

Another fun story with some humor, and a couple of cantankerous octogenarians who are becoming the hit of the series. I really want to know what they did in the past.