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Crime á la Mode #2
Milkshake Up
When ice cream lady Serena Lavinia’s best customer doesn’t show up to buy his daily treats, she has no choice but to find out if he’s okay.
She didn’t expect to find him lying dead amid the wrappers of her wares.
As an investigation begins and all the evidence points to Serena, she has no choice but to clear her name. With the help of her trusty dog Scoops and her new frenemy Webster Newsome, she’s determined to find the bad guy before her life gets the ultimate shake up and she spends the rest of her days behind bars . . . and not of the frozen indulgence variety.
She didn’t expect to find him lying dead amid the wrappers of her wares.
As an investigation begins and all the evidence points to Serena, she has no choice but to clear her name. With the help of her trusty dog Scoops and her new frenemy Webster Newsome, she’s determined to find the bad guy before her life gets the ultimate shake up and she spends the rest of her days behind bars . . . and not of the frozen indulgence variety.
- GenresCozy MysteryMystery
110 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 15, 2020
392 people are currently reading
107 people want to read
About the author
Christy Barritt
340 books1,675 followersChristy Barritt is an author, freelance writer and speaker who lives in Virginia. She’s married to her Prince Charming, a man who thinks she’s hilarious—but only when she’s not trying to be. Christy’s a self-proclaimed klutz, an avid music lover who’s known for spontaneously bursting into song, and a road trip aficionado. She’s only won one contest in her life—and her prize was kissing a pig (okay, okay… actually she did win the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Suspense and Mystery also). Her current claim to fame is showing off her mother, who looks just like former First Lady Barbara Bush
When she’s not working or spending time with her family, she enjoys singing, playing the guitar, and exploring small, unsuspecting towns where people have no idea how accident prone she is.
When she’s not working or spending time with her family, she enjoys singing, playing the guitar, and exploring small, unsuspecting towns where people have no idea how accident prone she is.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
December 17, 2020
Serena and Webster had another murder case on their hands, but this time, there was evidence pointing toward Serena, so she couldn't get too directly involved. Of course, that didn't stop her from asking questions around town. There weren't too many suspects, but even though I hadn't guessed it yet, I wasn't too surprised with the killer. It had to be especially hard for Cassidy to treat her friend like a suspect, but she was totally professional about it.
I liked that Serena and Webster were getting along on the job a lot better now. She seriously needs to drop the "poor me, I didn't the get the editor job--he did" thing though. It did seem like she didn't say it quite as much in this book. I just love little Scoops and his nose for finding things! I'll eventually be borrowing the next book in Kindle Unlimited
I liked that Serena and Webster were getting along on the job a lot better now. She seriously needs to drop the "poor me, I didn't the get the editor job--he did" thing though. It did seem like she didn't say it quite as much in this book. I just love little Scoops and his nose for finding things! I'll eventually be borrowing the next book in Kindle Unlimited
September 24, 2020
Oh boy! In this fun novella Serena is is the main suspect! Can she, and readers, find the the killer before it's too late? But that's the fun of reading this book! Oh, that, and Serena's crazy costumes every day. I am also really loving the ice cream theme, this one is Milkshake Up, in these stories. Of course, that might be because I'm reading them when it's in the 90s outside...
(I received a copy of this book from the author. All opinions are entirely my own.)
(I received a copy of this book from the author. All opinions are entirely my own.)
August 1, 2020
Arnie Blankenship buys several ice cream pops from Serena Lavinia's ice cream truck every day. He's her best customer and she always looks forward to seeing him. When Arnie fails to visit the ice cream truck one day, Serena becomes concerned. Finding his front door open, she discovers Arnie lying dead at his kitchen table surrounded by ice cream wrappers. It doesn't look good for Serena when Police Chief Cassidy investigates. Serena is determined to clear her name but she has to trust Webster Newsome to do the right thing and help her out. Will he betray her?
This is another okay mystery. I never figured out whodunit. It came as a complete surprise and I don't know how Serena figured it out.
Serena is still immature at times and reckless in her investigating but this time she's the chief suspect! Obviously she didn't do it so I feel bad for her that someone set her up. She's an easy target. I'm not sure why the police confiscated her laptop but not her phone. I like Serena and Webster's growing friendship. It's nice to see them working together. I can relate to her reasons for wanting to come to Lantern Island to start over and her feelings of betrayal when Webster follows his journalistic principles.
The villain is really messed up and has no sense of ethics at all. I don't like how the villain got the better of Serena and she needed to be rescued.
Scoops is utterly adorable but rather implausible, especially for a terrier. They don't take direction well!
This is another okay mystery. I never figured out whodunit. It came as a complete surprise and I don't know how Serena figured it out.
Serena is still immature at times and reckless in her investigating but this time she's the chief suspect! Obviously she didn't do it so I feel bad for her that someone set her up. She's an easy target. I'm not sure why the police confiscated her laptop but not her phone. I like Serena and Webster's growing friendship. It's nice to see them working together. I can relate to her reasons for wanting to come to Lantern Island to start over and her feelings of betrayal when Webster follows his journalistic principles.
The villain is really messed up and has no sense of ethics at all. I don't like how the villain got the better of Serena and she needed to be rescued.
Scoops is utterly adorable but rather implausible, especially for a terrier. They don't take direction well!
May 20, 2020
This is the second book in a cute new series by Christy Barritt. I love the idea of an ice cream truck traveling around the neighborhoods on a hot day. It brings back lots of fun memories of my childhood. The music and the many different choices of deliciousness to cool the day.
This author brings all that to mind and so much more in these books.
The main character seems to stumble into trouble wherever she goes. There’s one quote I get a kick out of:
“Tell me again how you managed to find another dead body.” Police Chief Cassidy Chambers leveled her gaze with Serena.”
There is humor, action, suspense, and cute doggy moments. I love how the main character always dresses up in crazy costumes. She truly is a free spirit. Then there are other characters in this book which will keep you questioning, “Are they a bad guy or a good guy?”
Christy Barritt has a way of capturing you from the very first page to the very last. She is tremendously skilled at keeping us guessing who the bad guy really is!
I was given this book by the author which did not influence my review in any way, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
This author brings all that to mind and so much more in these books.
The main character seems to stumble into trouble wherever she goes. There’s one quote I get a kick out of:
“Tell me again how you managed to find another dead body.” Police Chief Cassidy Chambers leveled her gaze with Serena.”
There is humor, action, suspense, and cute doggy moments. I love how the main character always dresses up in crazy costumes. She truly is a free spirit. Then there are other characters in this book which will keep you questioning, “Are they a bad guy or a good guy?”
Christy Barritt has a way of capturing you from the very first page to the very last. She is tremendously skilled at keeping us guessing who the bad guy really is!
I was given this book by the author which did not influence my review in any way, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 25, 2020
Short. Sweet. Mystery in Lantern Beach. This time around readers see how Serena interacts with the world. Budding, I believe, romance between Serena and the newspaper person. Scoops, the dog, is cute. Serena's outfits make a more important opening to her character. A quick and enjoyable read for readers who don't have a lot of time to invest in a deep mystery.
May 22, 2020
Serena Lavinia just can’t get a break. She needs every penny she can make between her newspaper job and her ice cream truck. It’s just her luck to find her very best customer dead when she decides to check on him. And the circumstances make Serena look mighty suspicious as the murderer. With way too much evidence pointing her way, Serena needs to find the real culprit before she ends up in jail (or worse)! Serena’s new newspaper boss Webster is growing on her but the jury is still out whether he is her friend or enemy. At least he is willing to help her track down clues in the latest mystery on Lantern Beach.
Milkshake Up is another quick and easy-to-read cozy mystery in Barritt’s latest Crime a la Mode series. More fun, more quirky characters, and another mystery to solve adds up to a pleasant evening of reading escape. Christy Barritt’s novellas may not qualify as serious literature but there is definitely a place for it in my life when I want to lighten things up a bit. I love her style and sense of humor and will continue to read as many of her books as I can.
I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book provided by the author. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
Milkshake Up is another quick and easy-to-read cozy mystery in Barritt’s latest Crime a la Mode series. More fun, more quirky characters, and another mystery to solve adds up to a pleasant evening of reading escape. Christy Barritt’s novellas may not qualify as serious literature but there is definitely a place for it in my life when I want to lighten things up a bit. I love her style and sense of humor and will continue to read as many of her books as I can.
I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book provided by the author. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
May 20, 2020
Milkshake Up is the newest installment in the Crime a la Mode series by Christy Barritt. It stars Serena and her canine sidekick, Scoops. Fans of the Lantern Beach series will remember Serena as the quirky ice cream lady.
In Milkshake Up, Serena finds herself in the middle of another mystery. Only this time it is more personal! One of her regular customers is found dead and he is surrounded by her ice cream treats! Serena quickly becomes the prime suspect so it is a race against time to prove her innocence. She is helped again by Webster, the new editor of the newspaper, and some other friends from Lantern Beach.
This one kept me guessing as there were several possible suspects. I also appreciated getting to know a little more about Serena's background and am interested to learn more about Webster in the future. This was a quick, fun read and I am looking forward to the rest of the books in this series!
I was given a copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
In Milkshake Up, Serena finds herself in the middle of another mystery. Only this time it is more personal! One of her regular customers is found dead and he is surrounded by her ice cream treats! Serena quickly becomes the prime suspect so it is a race against time to prove her innocence. She is helped again by Webster, the new editor of the newspaper, and some other friends from Lantern Beach.
This one kept me guessing as there were several possible suspects. I also appreciated getting to know a little more about Serena's background and am interested to learn more about Webster in the future. This was a quick, fun read and I am looking forward to the rest of the books in this series!
I was given a copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
May 20, 2020
Poor Serena! Someone is setting her up to take the fall for killing one of her Ice Cream Truck customers! When she goes to check on her daily customer, she ends up finding him dead, surrounded by ice cream wrappers and is promptly blamed for his death. her costume at the time of the discovery doesn't help matters any! Serena, her cute little dog Scoops, and her new boss/competitor Webster set out to prove that someone else did the deed. I enjoyed finding out a little bit more about the background story on both Serena and Webster and thought early on I knew who the real killer was, but I was wrong right up until the big reveal. A fun read! I received a copy of this book from the author. The opinions are my own.
May 25, 2020
Milkshake Up is the second installment in Christy Barritt's fun new Crime a la Mode mystery series. It's a quick and refreshing read that I finished in an afternoon.
Serena's such an entertaining character to read about. She's quirky, full of spunk, and definitely keeps things lively. This time around, she finds one of her best customers murdered and becomes the primary suspect when all the evidence points to her being the killer. To prove her innocence, and with the help of her friends and her loyal dog Scoops, she sets out to solve this mystery and clear her name.
The mystery was great and had me stumped. I had no clue who could've done it and was quite shocked when the reveal came. I'm excited for book three to see what kind of mischief Serena finds herself in next time.
Serena's such an entertaining character to read about. She's quirky, full of spunk, and definitely keeps things lively. This time around, she finds one of her best customers murdered and becomes the primary suspect when all the evidence points to her being the killer. To prove her innocence, and with the help of her friends and her loyal dog Scoops, she sets out to solve this mystery and clear her name.
The mystery was great and had me stumped. I had no clue who could've done it and was quite shocked when the reveal came. I'm excited for book three to see what kind of mischief Serena finds herself in next time.
May 19, 2020
This quick read is the answer to your pre-summer fun book list. It's the latest in the Crime a la Mode series from Christy Barritt and stars Serena Laninia, the quirky ice cream lady, and her dog Scoops. While this edition is a valid stand alone, Lantern Beach fans will be delighted with brief references to favorite characters and locations.
Serena is in over her head as she stumbles upon another body. What's worse is that the murderer is expertly setting her up for suspicion and some serious jail time. Uncover the clues and try sleuthing with Serena before her freedom ends.
I received a complimentary copy of the book without obligation. This review is my opinion.
Serena is in over her head as she stumbles upon another body. What's worse is that the murderer is expertly setting her up for suspicion and some serious jail time. Uncover the clues and try sleuthing with Serena before her freedom ends.
I received a complimentary copy of the book without obligation. This review is my opinion.
June 5, 2023
4.5 stars
Another great, cozy, mystery, and a series. It was a quick read yet a very engaging read. That was very hard to put down. I loved the pacing of it. It kept me on my toes as Serena and Webster investigate the murder of one of Serena’s customers from the ice cream truck. Two make it even more complicated. Serena was set up to take the fall through her ice cream supposedly being tainted. So that upped the stakes so much in this story that it really focus on the urgency of solving this murder. And it was just really good and I loved how they put the pieces together till they finally came up with the answer. It was just a good time all around.
Another great, cozy, mystery, and a series. It was a quick read yet a very engaging read. That was very hard to put down. I loved the pacing of it. It kept me on my toes as Serena and Webster investigate the murder of one of Serena’s customers from the ice cream truck. Two make it even more complicated. Serena was set up to take the fall through her ice cream supposedly being tainted. So that upped the stakes so much in this story that it really focus on the urgency of solving this murder. And it was just really good and I loved how they put the pieces together till they finally came up with the answer. It was just a good time all around.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 19, 2020
Milkshake Up by Christy Barritt is Book 2 in the fun Crime a la Mode series. Serena and her ice cream truck are back! I love this series because it is a fun, clean mystery. This one was particularly interesting because Serena herself appeared linked to the crime. I adore the chemistry between the main characters and can’t wait to read the next book to see what happens next. Overall, it’s a fun read and I highly recommend it! I received a digital copy of this book from the author with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.
May 18, 2020
Serena’s best new ice cream customer may have received more than the tasty treats he expected. All evidence points to her as guilty, but she knows she’s not. How can she prove her innocence? Of course, her sweet dog Scoops tries to help her. Filled with suspense as well as a fun story to read, this short novel can be read in a couple hours. Great entertainment at a bargain price. I received a copy from the author. All opinions are my own.
May 20, 2020
MILKSHAKE UP is a cute novella about Serena, the quirky ice cream lady. She has a knack for getting herself in trouble and finds herself the number 1 suspect for murdering her best customer.
The story is a quick read, and cute but believably is suspended in some parts. I like Webster and love Serena's individuality. And her little dog's too.
If you like cozy mysteries grab MILKSHAKE UP today.
I was given a copy free. All opinions are my own.
The story is a quick read, and cute but believably is suspended in some parts. I like Webster and love Serena's individuality. And her little dog's too.
If you like cozy mysteries grab MILKSHAKE UP today.
I was given a copy free. All opinions are my own.
June 4, 2020
Every Good Turn. . .
Poor Serena! She wants to make sure one of her favorite customers is okay when he doesn’t come out to buy his usual ice cream and finds herself smack-dab in the middle of a murder investigation! To make matters worse, she is the prime suspect! How will she get out of this one?
As always, Christy Barritt creates believable characters and plots that will have you guessing until the end. Enjoy!
Poor Serena! She wants to make sure one of her favorite customers is okay when he doesn’t come out to buy his usual ice cream and finds herself smack-dab in the middle of a murder investigation! To make matters worse, she is the prime suspect! How will she get out of this one?
As always, Christy Barritt creates believable characters and plots that will have you guessing until the end. Enjoy!
May 18, 2020
Another fun novella featuring Serena Lavinia. (Is it okay to say "fun" when there's a murder involved?)
We get to know more about Serena (and her love for dressing so differently) while she and Webster Newsome, the Lantern Beach newspaper editor, investigate a murder for which Serena is being set up to take the fall. A quick, easy read.
We get to know more about Serena (and her love for dressing so differently) while she and Webster Newsome, the Lantern Beach newspaper editor, investigate a murder for which Serena is being set up to take the fall. A quick, easy read.
May 20, 2020
Serena and her dog Scoops are in touble again! This time, one of her customers is found dead and it looks like he was poisoned. Was her ice cream to blame? Another mystery to solve in Lantern Beach and Serena, Scoops, and the newpaper editor Webster try to get to the bottom of this before something else happens! If you like mystery stories - and dogs - you will like this fun, quick read.
May 24, 2020
This is the second installment of the Crime à la Mode Mysteries series. These shorter stories are a fun read that don't require a lot of time. While this wasn't my favorite of Ms. Barritt's works, it still kept my attention, and I definitely love her sidekick, a cute little dog named Scoops.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy from the author. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy from the author. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
June 6, 2020
Milkshake up is another fun, likeable whodunit by Christy Barritt. I love the relationship between Serena and her dog, Snoops, in this story. It is a traditional “Lassie” type relationship! Getting to know more about Serena and the reason she wears all the crazy outfits is I nice addition to understanding her character. This is a quick read, filled with a lot of adventure.
June 17, 2020
Another dead body
Another dead body shows up on Serena's ice cream route, and this time Serena is the main suspect because the victim was eating one of her ice cream treats that had been injected with peanut oil which killed him. I accidentally read book 3 before this one, but the light plots don't really require sequential reading.
Another dead body shows up on Serena's ice cream route, and this time Serena is the main suspect because the victim was eating one of her ice cream treats that had been injected with peanut oil which killed him. I accidentally read book 3 before this one, but the light plots don't really require sequential reading.
October 24, 2021
Milkshake Up Review
This second ice cream cozy is packed with quirky characters, an ice cream lady and her adorable dog Scoops. Serena is caught in a trap that someone is using to make her the patsy. A customer is killed eating ice cream he buys each day from her. This story is fun and memorable.
This second ice cream cozy is packed with quirky characters, an ice cream lady and her adorable dog Scoops. Serena is caught in a trap that someone is using to make her the patsy. A customer is killed eating ice cream he buys each day from her. This story is fun and memorable.
April 6, 2022
Great book
I wouldn't have ever guessed ,"who done it"? The only thing I have to and can say without giving anything away, because I don't do spoilers, is that was a close one. Way to Christy another amazing mystery with some of my favorite characters. God bless you! I'm a huge fan.
I wouldn't have ever guessed ,"who done it"? The only thing I have to and can say without giving anything away, because I don't do spoilers, is that was a close one. Way to Christy another amazing mystery with some of my favorite characters. God bless you! I'm a huge fan.
May 19, 2020
Painful
Are you kidding me?!?! Really! Shaking my head. No just No! Leave The Lantern Beach Series just as it is without yet another spin-off.
The heroine wasn't even betrayed! Cheesy. Awful! Just plain awful. Don't waste your time or money!
Are you kidding me?!?! Really! Shaking my head. No just No! Leave The Lantern Beach Series just as it is without yet another spin-off.
The heroine wasn't even betrayed! Cheesy. Awful! Just plain awful. Don't waste your time or money!
May 19, 2020
Awesome book 2
Wow oh wow. What a great mystery. I love getting to know Serena and her beloved ice cream truck Elsa. This book one of Serena’s biggest customers is found dead with ice cream treats all around him. Is Serena’s ice cream poisoned?
Wow oh wow. What a great mystery. I love getting to know Serena and her beloved ice cream truck Elsa. This book one of Serena’s biggest customers is found dead with ice cream treats all around him. Is Serena’s ice cream poisoned?
May 19, 2020
A very cute quick read. Serena the crime solving ice cream lady and reporter does it again! She gets shaked up in a murder mystery and also solves it. Such a fun book. A must read for this crazy time we are in...help you escape to Lantern Beach and not worry about a virus!
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May 24, 2020Love Christy Barritt Cozies
This cozy had met my expectations with plenty of suspense,twists and turns.I
The storyline and characters were exceotional
I highly recommend any Christy Barritt book
This cozy had met my expectations with plenty of suspense,twists and turns.I
The storyline and characters were exceotional
I highly recommend any Christy Barritt book
May 27, 2020
A Fun Cozy Mystery
An Ice Cream Truck owner is in the middle of a murder mystery. A fast paced story with twists and turns. I definitely recommend this book and look forward to reading more of her work.
An Ice Cream Truck owner is in the middle of a murder mystery. A fast paced story with twists and turns. I definitely recommend this book and look forward to reading more of her work.
June 10, 2020
Wow, am loving this series!
Serena's outfits, Scoop the dog, and the community of Lantern Beach...this sequel totally blessed me.
Even Webster is growing on me as he does all he can to help Serena figure out the culprit in another murder mystery. Want many more novellas to follow this one!
Serena's outfits, Scoop the dog, and the community of Lantern Beach...this sequel totally blessed me.
Even Webster is growing on me as he does all he can to help Serena figure out the culprit in another murder mystery. Want many more novellas to follow this one!
June 11, 2020
“Lantern Beach is never boring. As peaceful as these shores look and as friendly as the locals might be, the isolation of this place also seems to bring out the worst in some people.”
A quick and enjoyable little cozy mystery. But I guessed the killer.
A quick and enjoyable little cozy mystery. But I guessed the killer.
August 10, 2020
Milkshake Up was interesting, but I was frustrated with how Serena seemed to constantly cave even when her friends were just doing their jobs. I didn't like that, I agreed with her initial feeling of loyalty. Other than that, I thought it was good and I'm still looking forward to more!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews