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Ice Cream Parlor Mystery #2
A Game of Cones
In this charming mystery series set in an ice cream shop, no case is too cold to crack! Bronwyn Crewse is delighted that Crewse Creamery, the ice cream shop her family has owned for decades, is restored to its former glory and serving sweet frozen treats to happy customers in the picturesque small town of Chagrin Falls, Ohio. But when a big city developer comes to town intent on building a mall, a killer with a frozen heart takes him out. After literally stumbling across the body, one of Win’s closest friends becomes the prime suspect, and to make things worse, Win’s aunt has come to town with the intention of taking command of Crewse Creamery. Even though Win has a rocky road ahead to help her friend and keep her ice cream shop, it'll take more than a sprinkle of murder to stop her from solving the crime and saving the day.
347 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 2, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 383 reviews
March 3, 2021
So we revisit the small town of Chagrin Falls, Ohio. Which I found out is actually a real place that has cute little shops just like in this book. Feel free to Google for visuals. I found a picture of a popular shop there. Business has picked up for Browyn "Win" Crewse and she's experimenting with some really cool new flavors. But while she's found her stride some of the other shop owners around town are finding their livelihood threatened by plans to build a new mall. Is it revitalization of the area or is it gentrification? And is Browyn and her fancy ice cream shoppe with it's non traditional flavors part of the problem?
After a town hall meeting with various shop owners a man working for the development company turns up dead. Her friend Maisie has been itching for another case to solve since the last and after Detective Beverly visits them she's convinced he was asking them to solve it.
I enjoyed the first book in this series so I was looking forward to this one. This one was a little all over the place for me by the halfway mark. While there needs to be multiple characters as suspects I felt like this story had too many characters. And they would be introduced and then disappear. Plus there was a side plot with Aunt Jack returning to town and trying to stake her claim in the show but that plot kept stopping and starting so you couldn't feel the full impact of her threat.
Win's friend Rory is also in town and her old coworker is trying to convince her to move back to NYC. And Rory is acting strange and stumbling over lies from the time we meet her. No surprise that she becomes a suspect in the murder case.
Maisie was way too hyper to the point where it just got annoying. She needed to be dialed back as she was too rash with accusing anyone and everyone of committing the murder and often derailing the investigation. For someone who watches a lot of crime mysteries she should know visiting someone and then openly accusing them of murder right away gets no results.
I enjoyed the ice cream making scenes and how Win mixes different unique flavors together. And I liked that during the gentrification talk she pondered if she was part of the problem too. Even though her shop is a long time owned family business it can be seen as more trendy with the recent revamps. Especially since business is booming so much she's expanding to a food truck.
But by the time the book ended and we found out who the murder was I just didn't care. Especially since I had guessed the person early on despite the red herring being thrown in at the end.
I still think this a good series Abby Collette just needs to tone Maisie all the way down in future installments. And don't overload with so many elements to the point where it gets confusing and uninteresting.
I recieved an arc from Berkeley in exchange for an honest review
https://womenofcolorreadtoo.blogspot....
After a town hall meeting with various shop owners a man working for the development company turns up dead. Her friend Maisie has been itching for another case to solve since the last and after Detective Beverly visits them she's convinced he was asking them to solve it.
I enjoyed the first book in this series so I was looking forward to this one. This one was a little all over the place for me by the halfway mark. While there needs to be multiple characters as suspects I felt like this story had too many characters. And they would be introduced and then disappear. Plus there was a side plot with Aunt Jack returning to town and trying to stake her claim in the show but that plot kept stopping and starting so you couldn't feel the full impact of her threat.
Win's friend Rory is also in town and her old coworker is trying to convince her to move back to NYC. And Rory is acting strange and stumbling over lies from the time we meet her. No surprise that she becomes a suspect in the murder case.
Maisie was way too hyper to the point where it just got annoying. She needed to be dialed back as she was too rash with accusing anyone and everyone of committing the murder and often derailing the investigation. For someone who watches a lot of crime mysteries she should know visiting someone and then openly accusing them of murder right away gets no results.
I enjoyed the ice cream making scenes and how Win mixes different unique flavors together. And I liked that during the gentrification talk she pondered if she was part of the problem too. Even though her shop is a long time owned family business it can be seen as more trendy with the recent revamps. Especially since business is booming so much she's expanding to a food truck.
But by the time the book ended and we found out who the murder was I just didn't care. Especially since I had guessed the person early on despite the red herring being thrown in at the end.
I still think this a good series Abby Collette just needs to tone Maisie all the way down in future installments. And don't overload with so many elements to the point where it gets confusing and uninteresting.
I recieved an arc from Berkeley in exchange for an honest review
https://womenofcolorreadtoo.blogspot....
March 6, 2021
Despite it being a cozy mystery about an ice cream shop it was quite the heartwarming read. A lot of focus on family and friendship, not just the mystery. The victim is a big city developer that wanted to build a big mall but someone wasn't happy about it. Nothing much was unique in this cozy mystery but it has its own charm and I liked it. But I really wanted to taste her ice creams!
This is the second book in a series but my book app only had this one available but if I could I would definitely listen to it too!
This is the second book in a series but my book app only had this one available but if I could I would definitely listen to it too!
February 9, 2021
For the most part, cozy mysteries get notice by me only every once in a while as a respite from the tension brought on by the mind-twisting, gruesome mystery/thrillers that comprise my usual (and preferred) fare. I simply have no stomach for the typical whining, paranoid heroines who don't listen to reason, get themselves in trouble and - miraculously - manage to solve the crime du jour (just once, I'd like to find a male in that role; can't help wondering if he'd be made out to be as brainless and exasperating as most of the females are).
I needed such a respite a year ago when I read the first book in this series, A Deadly Inside Scoop. What piqued my interest? Well, I'm a big ice cream fan; a chain that started in 1945 right in my backyard of Youngstown, Ohio - Handel's Ice Cream - is a special favorite that gets plenty of my business and has amassed fans all over the country. But the big reason I was curious is that it's set in Chagrin Falls, Ohio - about 50 miles from my backyard not too far from Cleveland that I've visited many times.
The story this time out is similar to the first book, and I must note that plenty of space is allocated to "remembering" events from that one so new readers shouldn't feel lost. Bronwyn Crewse has returned to her Ohio roots from a too-hectic job in too-hectic New York City to renovate, and run, her family's ice cream shop in the picturesque city known for - surprise - its waterfalls. All of the cohorts from Book One are back, and in this case, more's the pity; her friend and employee, Maisie, was downright obnoxious in the first book. Despite my hopes that she'd drop by the wayside, she's back - and this time manages to drag the rest of the bunch down to her level before it's all over.
Bronwyn's family is close, though - from her elderly grandfather to her parents - and it really is a treat to watch their unique personalities interact. New to this one is Aunt Jacqueline, who left town to pursue other interests but has returned with, apparently, a big interest in taking over the ice cream shop and undoing much of Bronwyn's hard work. Needless to say, that causes more than a little headache for Bronwyn, who's sunk a ton of money into turning the shop into a very successful venture and is on the cusp of expanding.
But early on, Bronwyn's concerns turn to a different problem; an "outside" company appears to be buying up land in the close-knit, quaint downtown with the intent of building a (gasp!) shopping mall. Quite a few of the townspeople are upset, to put it mildly, and a public meeting with the developer's representative ends in a shouting match. The representative's personal end, though, comes shortly thereafter; his body is found in a downtown alley - and the primary suspect is one of Bronwyn's best friends who's visiting from New York.
After her experience trying to solve a murder in the first book, Bronwyn is reluctant to get involved in another one. Enter the ever-persistent Maisie, who probably wouldn't be able to sit down and shut up if she were tied to a chair and gagged (please, God, make it happen). She soon convinces Bronwyn and their other close friends and relatives that they and only they can get to the bottom of things (leave it to the police? Fuhgettaboutit). The rest of the book focuses on their plans, some of which don't go much beyond the talking stage, and still others lead up to a conclusion that adds another notch in the belts of the Crewse crew.
Beyond the ending comes a special treat I expect will continue: recipes for three of the unique homemade flavors of ice cream mentioned within the pages. All told, another mystery that I'm sure will please cozy readers (especially those from the Buckeye State). Thanks once again to the publisher, via NetGalley, for allowing me to read and review a pre-release copy.
I needed such a respite a year ago when I read the first book in this series, A Deadly Inside Scoop. What piqued my interest? Well, I'm a big ice cream fan; a chain that started in 1945 right in my backyard of Youngstown, Ohio - Handel's Ice Cream - is a special favorite that gets plenty of my business and has amassed fans all over the country. But the big reason I was curious is that it's set in Chagrin Falls, Ohio - about 50 miles from my backyard not too far from Cleveland that I've visited many times.
The story this time out is similar to the first book, and I must note that plenty of space is allocated to "remembering" events from that one so new readers shouldn't feel lost. Bronwyn Crewse has returned to her Ohio roots from a too-hectic job in too-hectic New York City to renovate, and run, her family's ice cream shop in the picturesque city known for - surprise - its waterfalls. All of the cohorts from Book One are back, and in this case, more's the pity; her friend and employee, Maisie, was downright obnoxious in the first book. Despite my hopes that she'd drop by the wayside, she's back - and this time manages to drag the rest of the bunch down to her level before it's all over.
Bronwyn's family is close, though - from her elderly grandfather to her parents - and it really is a treat to watch their unique personalities interact. New to this one is Aunt Jacqueline, who left town to pursue other interests but has returned with, apparently, a big interest in taking over the ice cream shop and undoing much of Bronwyn's hard work. Needless to say, that causes more than a little headache for Bronwyn, who's sunk a ton of money into turning the shop into a very successful venture and is on the cusp of expanding.
But early on, Bronwyn's concerns turn to a different problem; an "outside" company appears to be buying up land in the close-knit, quaint downtown with the intent of building a (gasp!) shopping mall. Quite a few of the townspeople are upset, to put it mildly, and a public meeting with the developer's representative ends in a shouting match. The representative's personal end, though, comes shortly thereafter; his body is found in a downtown alley - and the primary suspect is one of Bronwyn's best friends who's visiting from New York.
After her experience trying to solve a murder in the first book, Bronwyn is reluctant to get involved in another one. Enter the ever-persistent Maisie, who probably wouldn't be able to sit down and shut up if she were tied to a chair and gagged (please, God, make it happen). She soon convinces Bronwyn and their other close friends and relatives that they and only they can get to the bottom of things (leave it to the police? Fuhgettaboutit). The rest of the book focuses on their plans, some of which don't go much beyond the talking stage, and still others lead up to a conclusion that adds another notch in the belts of the Crewse crew.
Beyond the ending comes a special treat I expect will continue: recipes for three of the unique homemade flavors of ice cream mentioned within the pages. All told, another mystery that I'm sure will please cozy readers (especially those from the Buckeye State). Thanks once again to the publisher, via NetGalley, for allowing me to read and review a pre-release copy.
March 15, 2021
Bronwyn (Win) Crewse is the manager of her family-owned ice cream shop, called Crewse Creamery in small-town Chagrin Falls, Ohio. During a town planning meeting, a city estate developer mentions his plans to build a high rise shopping mall in the historic town triangle. Later that day, he is found dead in an alleyway by a friend of Win's visiting from New York City.
Win, an MBA graduate, used to work in New York City but was finding the pace of life too hectic for her there. She has worked hard to renovate Crewse Creamery and develop her Gran's sweet frozen treat recipes whilst inventing a few of her own. Maisie Solomon has been her best friend since they went to first school together. After a visit from Detective Liam Beverly, the exuberant Maisie's convinced that he was asking her and Win help with the investigation.
One of my favourite aspects of A Game of Cones is Win's family and their closeness including her wise, overprotective granddad, referred to as PopPop, and her supportive parents and it's a delight to observe their interactions. Aunty Jack, who left Chagrin Falls in pursuit of other things, has returned with an interest in taking over Crewse Creamery, causing several problems for Win who's sunk shedloads of cash into making the ice cream parlour a very successful business with expansion on the periphery. It was fun to be in the pockets of a rather reluctant Win and the wild, garrulous and excitable Maisie as the pair hunted for clues leading them to become embroiled in various situations.
A Game of Cones is a highly recommended five star read that will be of interest to many cozy readers, and I’m game to see what shenanigans Win and Maisie get into next in book 3. If you haven’t tried this series out yet, then you’re definitely missing out!
Thanks to Berkley, Great Escapes Book Tours and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of this novel at my request. This review is my unbiased opinion.
Win, an MBA graduate, used to work in New York City but was finding the pace of life too hectic for her there. She has worked hard to renovate Crewse Creamery and develop her Gran's sweet frozen treat recipes whilst inventing a few of her own. Maisie Solomon has been her best friend since they went to first school together. After a visit from Detective Liam Beverly, the exuberant Maisie's convinced that he was asking her and Win help with the investigation.
One of my favourite aspects of A Game of Cones is Win's family and their closeness including her wise, overprotective granddad, referred to as PopPop, and her supportive parents and it's a delight to observe their interactions. Aunty Jack, who left Chagrin Falls in pursuit of other things, has returned with an interest in taking over Crewse Creamery, causing several problems for Win who's sunk shedloads of cash into making the ice cream parlour a very successful business with expansion on the periphery. It was fun to be in the pockets of a rather reluctant Win and the wild, garrulous and excitable Maisie as the pair hunted for clues leading them to become embroiled in various situations.
A Game of Cones is a highly recommended five star read that will be of interest to many cozy readers, and I’m game to see what shenanigans Win and Maisie get into next in book 3. If you haven’t tried this series out yet, then you’re definitely missing out!
Thanks to Berkley, Great Escapes Book Tours and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of this novel at my request. This review is my unbiased opinion.
March 18, 2021
A Game of Cones, the second book in Abby Collette’s Ice Cream Parlor cozy mystery series, is a delightful treat, with all of the fun and flavor of that sweet dessert. It is the perfect sunny afternoon read.
Bronwyn Crewse, who has returned to Chagrin Falls, Ohio to run her family’s ice cream business, faces trouble on two fronts. First, a developer’s determination to build a mini-mall threatens not only the small-town atmosphere, but also, potentially, the livelihood of the small businesses – including hers – that have thrived in the area. On top of that, her friend and former co-worker, Rory Hunter, arrives in town, set on convincing Win to return to her prior job in New York. When Zeke Reynolds, the developer’s representative, is found murdered, evidence points to Rory, who is hiding some secrets of her own. Wanting to clear Rory’s name, Win (and her cohorts Maisie and Riya) decide to do some investigating of their own.
The two elements that make this book shine are the mystery and the comradery between Win and her friends. The mystery is tightly plotted, with a good number of suspects and red herrings. It kept me guessing for quite a while. The friendship between Win, Maisie, and Riya is natural and believable, even if there are (in my opinion) too many references to Acorn TV thrown in. Win’s friendship with Rory, too, takes an unexpected turn, and a revelation really strengthens the bond between them. While Rory is not meant to be a recurring character, I would hope the author would consider bringing her back, as it is her character that has a great deal of depth.
All in all, A Game of Cones is a fast-paced, entertaining novel. The Crewse Creamery ice cream recipes included at the end of the book are an added bonus!
Note: I received an ARC of A Game of Cones from NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group. The above is my honest review.
Bronwyn Crewse, who has returned to Chagrin Falls, Ohio to run her family’s ice cream business, faces trouble on two fronts. First, a developer’s determination to build a mini-mall threatens not only the small-town atmosphere, but also, potentially, the livelihood of the small businesses – including hers – that have thrived in the area. On top of that, her friend and former co-worker, Rory Hunter, arrives in town, set on convincing Win to return to her prior job in New York. When Zeke Reynolds, the developer’s representative, is found murdered, evidence points to Rory, who is hiding some secrets of her own. Wanting to clear Rory’s name, Win (and her cohorts Maisie and Riya) decide to do some investigating of their own.
The two elements that make this book shine are the mystery and the comradery between Win and her friends. The mystery is tightly plotted, with a good number of suspects and red herrings. It kept me guessing for quite a while. The friendship between Win, Maisie, and Riya is natural and believable, even if there are (in my opinion) too many references to Acorn TV thrown in. Win’s friendship with Rory, too, takes an unexpected turn, and a revelation really strengthens the bond between them. While Rory is not meant to be a recurring character, I would hope the author would consider bringing her back, as it is her character that has a great deal of depth.
All in all, A Game of Cones is a fast-paced, entertaining novel. The Crewse Creamery ice cream recipes included at the end of the book are an added bonus!
Note: I received an ARC of A Game of Cones from NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group. The above is my honest review.
March 18, 2021
This story was just OK. The secondary characters are getting a little annoying, especially when something that is so obvious has to be spelled out for them repeatedly. (They just explained what something is, then said something to the effect of that must be the motive, but then felt the need to still explain why it would be). I really am not a fan of revealing the killer from previous books in the series in subsequent books - it's a spoiler for those who don't start at the beginning. I could get over it if it had been mentioned once but it is done several times. The town is still cute and I'm not sure how she's getting rid of so much ice cream every day when she herself never seems to be in the shop. Will possibly continue with the series since the library gets the books but otherwise, unless there is serious growth in the characters, will not bother.
March 13, 2021
Dollycas’s Thoughts
We are back in Chagrin Falls, Ohio, and the family-owned Crewse Creamery now managed by Bronwyn (Win) Crewse. She has really turned the business around with fresh and unique ice cream flavors, but her aunt is back in town with her own ideas for the shop and plans to push Win out. Bronwyn and other Chagrin Falls business owners also have a huge new concern. A developer has come to town with plans to buy up all the stores and businesses and erect a high-rise mall on the town triangle. Win’s friend and former co-worker Rory has also come to town on a mission to lure Win back to her old job with a big raise and more benefits.
The community is up in arms about the mall. So much so, someone killed off the developer. The police are investigating but it is Rory that lands on the top of the suspect list when she reveals she is the one that found the body and a key piece of evidence belongs to her. She has no motive and claims she didn’t kill the man and Win believes her friend. Now they just have to find the real killer and clear Rory’s name.
I love ice cream and mysteries so this story was perfect for me!
Ms. Collette has written a strong leading lady in Bronwyn Crewse. She took a real chance leaving her career in the big city behind to come home and revive the family ice cream parlor. She has some great ideas and seems very happy with her decision. I love the relationship she has with her PopPop. They meet bright and early every day for breakfast before she heads off to create the yummy ice cream flavors of the day. He then shows up and spends several hours at the shop visiting with customers, keeping an eye on things, and giving Win advice as needed. She has a few employees but her crazy friend Maisie and friend Rita, also help out when they can. When it comes to sleuthing Maisie and Riya are Win’s sidekicks. Maisie comes up with the most outrageous ideas and theories. She has learned everything about solving mysteries from watching every television drama out there, making her an “expert”. She is a real hoot and a half. These core characters are so well crafted. Diverse and engaging, with very believable family dynamics, these are characters I love after just 2 books in the series.
Readers are introduced to several new characters including Win’s friend from New York, Rory. She was welcomed into the family immediately. A true coffee connoisseur, it was so funny to follow her on her quest to find the perfect cup in the small town of Chagrin Falls. I really liked this character and the way she evolved over the course of the story. I hope she pops up again in future books.
The mystery itself was very complicated with a lot of characters involved. I was using the notes feature on my Kindle to keep everyone straight. Even using that feature I was unable to solve the case before all was revealed. The developer wanting to revitalize the downtown area is a current-day hot topic many communities are facing. Thankfully most handle it without murder 🙂
A Game of Cones is a great addition to this series and a great escape. I am already packed for my next mini vacay to Chagrin Falls. My only complaint is that the book doesn’t come with free ice cream samples to devour while we are reading. You may want to pick up a pint or two before you start the book
We are back in Chagrin Falls, Ohio, and the family-owned Crewse Creamery now managed by Bronwyn (Win) Crewse. She has really turned the business around with fresh and unique ice cream flavors, but her aunt is back in town with her own ideas for the shop and plans to push Win out. Bronwyn and other Chagrin Falls business owners also have a huge new concern. A developer has come to town with plans to buy up all the stores and businesses and erect a high-rise mall on the town triangle. Win’s friend and former co-worker Rory has also come to town on a mission to lure Win back to her old job with a big raise and more benefits.
The community is up in arms about the mall. So much so, someone killed off the developer. The police are investigating but it is Rory that lands on the top of the suspect list when she reveals she is the one that found the body and a key piece of evidence belongs to her. She has no motive and claims she didn’t kill the man and Win believes her friend. Now they just have to find the real killer and clear Rory’s name.
I love ice cream and mysteries so this story was perfect for me!
Ms. Collette has written a strong leading lady in Bronwyn Crewse. She took a real chance leaving her career in the big city behind to come home and revive the family ice cream parlor. She has some great ideas and seems very happy with her decision. I love the relationship she has with her PopPop. They meet bright and early every day for breakfast before she heads off to create the yummy ice cream flavors of the day. He then shows up and spends several hours at the shop visiting with customers, keeping an eye on things, and giving Win advice as needed. She has a few employees but her crazy friend Maisie and friend Rita, also help out when they can. When it comes to sleuthing Maisie and Riya are Win’s sidekicks. Maisie comes up with the most outrageous ideas and theories. She has learned everything about solving mysteries from watching every television drama out there, making her an “expert”. She is a real hoot and a half. These core characters are so well crafted. Diverse and engaging, with very believable family dynamics, these are characters I love after just 2 books in the series.
Readers are introduced to several new characters including Win’s friend from New York, Rory. She was welcomed into the family immediately. A true coffee connoisseur, it was so funny to follow her on her quest to find the perfect cup in the small town of Chagrin Falls. I really liked this character and the way she evolved over the course of the story. I hope she pops up again in future books.
The mystery itself was very complicated with a lot of characters involved. I was using the notes feature on my Kindle to keep everyone straight. Even using that feature I was unable to solve the case before all was revealed. The developer wanting to revitalize the downtown area is a current-day hot topic many communities are facing. Thankfully most handle it without murder 🙂
A Game of Cones is a great addition to this series and a great escape. I am already packed for my next mini vacay to Chagrin Falls. My only complaint is that the book doesn’t come with free ice cream samples to devour while we are reading. You may want to pick up a pint or two before you start the book
November 29, 2022
an adorable cozy sequel!! i loved seeing win, maisie and riya again. their friendship on its own was cozy enough but throw in ice cream and a cat and it’s all just perfect.
while reading this book it was very obvious that abby collettes writing improved considerably since the first. characters had more personality and it was easier to keep track of all the suspects. the mystery felt solid and i love how it unraveled at the end. i might be alone on this but i really couldn’t’ve guessed who it was until the last chapter.
i loved the new character rory so much!! she’s sweet and just a bit judgy and a great addition to the friend group. i’m really hoping she’s included in further books. i found the overall existence of aunt jack funny just because she’s really only there to annoy win.
mr mason, riya and poppop were all delightful and i hope riya gets some more spotlight in the next book. although i’m glad o wasn’t given too much attention in this book (her relationships with her friends is better imo) i’m also hoping in the next book we learn more about him.
(quick suggestion- listen to as an audiobook!!!)
EPIC sequel and i love riya with my entire soul!! 🍦🍨
while reading this book it was very obvious that abby collettes writing improved considerably since the first. characters had more personality and it was easier to keep track of all the suspects. the mystery felt solid and i love how it unraveled at the end. i might be alone on this but i really couldn’t’ve guessed who it was until the last chapter.
i loved the new character rory so much!! she’s sweet and just a bit judgy and a great addition to the friend group. i’m really hoping she’s included in further books. i found the overall existence of aunt jack funny just because she’s really only there to annoy win.
mr mason, riya and poppop were all delightful and i hope riya gets some more spotlight in the next book. although i’m glad o wasn’t given too much attention in this book (her relationships with her friends is better imo) i’m also hoping in the next book we learn more about him.
(quick suggestion- listen to as an audiobook!!!)
EPIC sequel and i love riya with my entire soul!! 🍦🍨
February 25, 2023
Wyn and Maisie are at it again. When a developer announces plan to build a mall in downtown Chagrin Falls, the they and Rhea are appalled. The next day when the developer's representative is found dead, the whole town is speculating about who did it. After a visit from Detective Beverly, Maisie is convinced that he wants them to help solve the murder. Wyn is reluctant to participate until learns that her friend, Rory, found the body. Once again Wyn and Maisie leap to the conclusion that Rory is the only person the police are investing. Along with all this excitement, Wyn's Aunt Jack has returned to town and wants to take back control of the ice cream shop.
Having a ring side seat to Wyn, Maisie and Rory's sleuthing is like watching the Keystone cops in action. In the end they accidentally stumble on the murderer who conveniently confesses. This was a fun book, but Maisie seems very immature. And Rhea is the most unconvincing doctor I have seen. I still plan to read the next book in the series with hopes that the characters will develop.
Having a ring side seat to Wyn, Maisie and Rory's sleuthing is like watching the Keystone cops in action. In the end they accidentally stumble on the murderer who conveniently confesses. This was a fun book, but Maisie seems very immature. And Rhea is the most unconvincing doctor I have seen. I still plan to read the next book in the series with hopes that the characters will develop.
March 6, 2021
Another good story to add to the series. As with the first installment, the dialogue was a bit meandering and aggravating at times. But the story was still interesting. I really enjoyed the additional supporting characters, I felt they added a bit more depth to the plot than the ones from the first book did. And, as always, I loved hearing about the ice cream flavors Win created. Awesome book - 4 stars!
June 7, 2021
Charming mystery with a great cast of characters. Good plot and pace.
February 4, 2022
Wyn takes a less active role in investigating but she's egged on by her local best friend and her concern for her New York friend. Win's also in a bit of an emotional tug of war between her aunt (the previous owner of the ice cream shop) returning and her previous job offering her a raise if she returns to New York.
The mystery itself was a satisfying balance between red herrings and tangible leads and motives. That said, I figured out who had done it and had a pretty good idea why well before Win did. Despite figuring it all out, A Game of Cones was an enjoyable cozy to listen to.
I hope a third book is planned for the series!
http://pussreboots.com/blog/2021/comm...
The mystery itself was a satisfying balance between red herrings and tangible leads and motives. That said, I figured out who had done it and had a pretty good idea why well before Win did. Despite figuring it all out, A Game of Cones was an enjoyable cozy to listen to.
I hope a third book is planned for the series!
http://pussreboots.com/blog/2021/comm...
February 3, 2021
Love this new series! It’s good to read about a nice, family that likes each other. The main characters are intelligent and caring. They each have their own unique personalities, that are very different, yet they love and look out for each other. The mysteries are good and keep your attention. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes present day cozy mysteries about normal people in extraordinary circumstances.
April 2, 2021
RTC
Where you can find me:
•(♥).•*Monlatable Book Reviews*•.(♥)•
Twitter: @monicaisreading
Instagram: @readermonica
Goodreads Group: The Black Bookcase
Where you can find me:
•(♥).•*Monlatable Book Reviews*•.(♥)•
Twitter: @monicaisreading
Instagram: @readermonica
Goodreads Group: The Black Bookcase
November 28, 2021
This was good! I don't usually read modern cozies but i picked up the first one last year and enjoyed it. This one was good, if a tiny bit confusing, but i really liked it. Tbh i don't love the MC she just rubs me a bit the wring way but i liek everyone else! Savta for the win tbh.
November 5, 2023
I understand being suspicious of everyone but accusing everyone?
September 17, 2024
This was okay, but nothing memorable. Some parts were cute and intriguing, hence the 3 stars. But some felt like an uphill trudge. I'm hoping it goes better for you all than it did for me.
March 11, 2021
Why would Bronwyn “Win” Crewse leave her prestigious position at a Manhattan ad agency to return to the quaint village of Chagrin Falls in Ohio? Love for her family. Love for her hometown. Love for the legacy of her grandparents, who opened the first African American business, Crewse Creamery, half a century ago. Win’s late grandmother had the best recipes for hand-made flavors of ice cream the likes of which not seen by any of the big competitors. I love Win’s family and friends; they are defined well through actions and conversations. Determining whodunit was a challenge, and I simply couldn’t do it.
Win’s grandfather, PopPop, decided it was time to turn the ice cream shop over to her to remodel and manage. She had the heart for it that nobody else in her generation does, and the talent to produce ice cream as good as Grandma Kay made. Her opening day was greeted by a snowstorm and a dead body. Her father was the primary suspect despite being a respected surgeon. Win and best friends Maisie and Riya tested their sleuthing skills to find who really did it and get her dad off the hook.
New companies are coming into the village; Rhys Enterprises is buying the buildings in the business area to demo and build a mini mall. Most people were not aware of it, so it was a surprise when the three friends went to the shop owners’ meeting and met the man representing the company trying to buy the building that Maisie wants. She plans to have a community room and gathering place to help those in need. She also oversees the community garden that helps feed residents and provide spices for places like Win’s shop; the company wants to buy that from the village.
Zeke is not welcomed at the meeting, as the village wants to retain its small-town feel, and a mall instead of their business district will destroy it. Somebody’s displeasure is evident when Zeke is found murdered in the wee hours. Maisie, who loves mysteries, wants to jump into another investigation with both feet, but Win came too close to dying last time and won’t do that again.
As if that isn’t enough news for one day, Rory, one of Win’s former co-workers from Manhattan, drove 400 miles to Ohio to present an offer to Win. Rory doesn’t like doing Win’s job, and really wants to get back into art and design, so the offer is beyond what Win would have anticipated. Win doesn’t want to leave Ohio, despite her old friend’s pleas. What she doesn’t find out until putting together the pieces of Rory’s unusual behavior is that Rory came into town a night before she said she did, the night Zeke was killed. She got lost, turned in the alley, and tripped over Zeke’s body. She got blood on her favorite pair of Louboutin heels, and tossed them in a dumpster a couple blocks away. The local detective was not happy that she didn’t report it at the time, then picked her as the primary suspect.
Win, Maisie, and Riya get together to find the real whodunit so Rory can get back to the big city, and the fun begins. Maisie adds to the suspect list regularly, rarely letting anyone off the list. The whodunit was quite the surprise, not just who, but why. I highly recommend this to those who appreciate well-written cozy mysteries, charming small-town, Midwest settings, and all the ice cream one can eat!
From a Thankful Heart: I received a complimentary copy of this novel, and this is my honest review.
Win’s grandfather, PopPop, decided it was time to turn the ice cream shop over to her to remodel and manage. She had the heart for it that nobody else in her generation does, and the talent to produce ice cream as good as Grandma Kay made. Her opening day was greeted by a snowstorm and a dead body. Her father was the primary suspect despite being a respected surgeon. Win and best friends Maisie and Riya tested their sleuthing skills to find who really did it and get her dad off the hook.
New companies are coming into the village; Rhys Enterprises is buying the buildings in the business area to demo and build a mini mall. Most people were not aware of it, so it was a surprise when the three friends went to the shop owners’ meeting and met the man representing the company trying to buy the building that Maisie wants. She plans to have a community room and gathering place to help those in need. She also oversees the community garden that helps feed residents and provide spices for places like Win’s shop; the company wants to buy that from the village.
Zeke is not welcomed at the meeting, as the village wants to retain its small-town feel, and a mall instead of their business district will destroy it. Somebody’s displeasure is evident when Zeke is found murdered in the wee hours. Maisie, who loves mysteries, wants to jump into another investigation with both feet, but Win came too close to dying last time and won’t do that again.
As if that isn’t enough news for one day, Rory, one of Win’s former co-workers from Manhattan, drove 400 miles to Ohio to present an offer to Win. Rory doesn’t like doing Win’s job, and really wants to get back into art and design, so the offer is beyond what Win would have anticipated. Win doesn’t want to leave Ohio, despite her old friend’s pleas. What she doesn’t find out until putting together the pieces of Rory’s unusual behavior is that Rory came into town a night before she said she did, the night Zeke was killed. She got lost, turned in the alley, and tripped over Zeke’s body. She got blood on her favorite pair of Louboutin heels, and tossed them in a dumpster a couple blocks away. The local detective was not happy that she didn’t report it at the time, then picked her as the primary suspect.
Win, Maisie, and Riya get together to find the real whodunit so Rory can get back to the big city, and the fun begins. Maisie adds to the suspect list regularly, rarely letting anyone off the list. The whodunit was quite the surprise, not just who, but why. I highly recommend this to those who appreciate well-written cozy mysteries, charming small-town, Midwest settings, and all the ice cream one can eat!
From a Thankful Heart: I received a complimentary copy of this novel, and this is my honest review.
February 28, 2021
A Game of Cones is the second book in Abby Collette’s Ice Cream Parlor mystery series. It is a cozy mystery and addition to this series. I love the ice cream that Bornwyn "Win" creates and her close-knit family. In A Deadly Inside Scoop Win reopened and revamped her family's ice cream shop Crewse Creamery and it is doing well now.
A Game of Cones explores what happens when small shops thrive and developers gain interest in profiting, with a twist. The twist being that someone working for the developer is found murdered. This book follows Win and her friends as they support each other and (Win albiet reluctantly) investigate the murder. There were a lot of suspects that made me glad to have read this in one sitting so as to not forget anyone. The conclusion to this mystery was satisfying.
I definitely recommend A Game of Cones if you're looking for a cozy read featuring women of color!
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for providing me with an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
A Game of Cones explores what happens when small shops thrive and developers gain interest in profiting, with a twist. The twist being that someone working for the developer is found murdered. This book follows Win and her friends as they support each other and (Win albiet reluctantly) investigate the murder. There were a lot of suspects that made me glad to have read this in one sitting so as to not forget anyone. The conclusion to this mystery was satisfying.
I definitely recommend A Game of Cones if you're looking for a cozy read featuring women of color!
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for providing me with an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 11, 2021
I enjoyed this book a lot. The only thing that prevents me rating it a 5 star is because her side kick Maisie got on my nerves to much. I almost put the book down at one point due to her because she was so annoying. I would have preferred Riya being with them almost on every page than Maisie. I have read other reviews with similar feedback.
I enjoyed the town and Win’s family and thought Mr. Mason was just precious. I am wishing our ice cream parlor in my town have such adventurous flavors of ice cream 🍨😋 Here’s to more adventures but please less Maisie and more Riya.
I enjoyed the town and Win’s family and thought Mr. Mason was just precious. I am wishing our ice cream parlor in my town have such adventurous flavors of ice cream 🍨😋 Here’s to more adventures but please less Maisie and more Riya.
September 28, 2022
I loved the 2nd book in this series! I am glad Abby Collette is writing more. (I already have the 3rd one ready to go) I love a cozy mystery and when you want to live in the town and know the characters, you know it's a good one. While I do love a good horror book or movie, there's something I just love about cozy mysteries. If you love them too, give this series a try. You probably won't be disappointed. I love Win and her friends and family and excited to see what's going on in the next book. I hope the author continues this series because I'm loving it.
November 18, 2022
I liked this slightly less than the first book in the series.
Mostly the story is warm, fuzzy and comfortable but it drags in places and Maisie is annoying🤷🏾♀️
I'd give this 3.5 Stars rounded up
I am already looking forward to the next installment in this series
Mostly the story is warm, fuzzy and comfortable but it drags in places and Maisie is annoying🤷🏾♀️
I'd give this 3.5 Stars rounded up
I am already looking forward to the next installment in this series
May 21, 2022
I hadn't much liked the first installment, but I picked this up because -- I am kind of masochistic that way? Okay no, so I liked the ice-cream mixing and the small business parts and I was kind of in that mood at the time.
I didn't care for the mystery aspect at all, unsurprisingly.
As we saw in A Deadly Inside Scoop, Bronwyn has taken over her family's ice-cream shop and is running it pretty successfully. (Though how? She's never in the shop, and is always running around solving mysteries??) However, her previous job, in a marketing firm in New York is haunting her now - when one of her old co-workers Rory, comes to Chagrin Falls to convince Win to move back to NYC.
Then we see that a development company wants to build a mall in Chagrin Falls and some of the local populace is protesting that. The messenger from the company soon turns up dead from a bullet wound and our main characters decide its their job to figure out who did it. Because, of course. But their excuse is that they need to solve it because Rory is a suspect.
The writing was okay, but I didn't much care for the characters, again. I like Win but that's it I guess. Either they are too underdeveloped (like her family) or overdeveloped to the point that they get annoying (Maisie). Honestly the author needs to tone Maisie the fuck down because SHE IS LITERALLY THE MOST ANNOYING PERSON EVER AND UGHHH.
Also there are too many plot points floating around. The whole gentrification thing plus Rory coming to convince Win plus Aunt Jack being back plus the murder plus the food truck stuff plus whatever the fuck is going on with Maisie and Riya and that uncle plus the art dealers -- it was a lot.
Even just 1-2 of these points could have made for a decent slow story but here everything was mashed together into an incohesive whole. Sort of like when you try to mash in 2 extra scoops of ice cream on top of the 2 you already have and the whole thing plops on the ground in a sad little puddle.
Overall, meh. Read if you want to read a hodgepodge small town story that doesn't take itself too seriously and also has ice-cream - one extra star for all the ice-cream.
I didn't care for the mystery aspect at all, unsurprisingly.
As we saw in A Deadly Inside Scoop, Bronwyn has taken over her family's ice-cream shop and is running it pretty successfully. (Though how? She's never in the shop, and is always running around solving mysteries??) However, her previous job, in a marketing firm in New York is haunting her now - when one of her old co-workers Rory, comes to Chagrin Falls to convince Win to move back to NYC.
Then we see that a development company wants to build a mall in Chagrin Falls and some of the local populace is protesting that. The messenger from the company soon turns up dead from a bullet wound and our main characters decide its their job to figure out who did it. Because, of course. But their excuse is that they need to solve it because Rory is a suspect.
The writing was okay, but I didn't much care for the characters, again. I like Win but that's it I guess. Either they are too underdeveloped (like her family) or overdeveloped to the point that they get annoying (Maisie). Honestly the author needs to tone Maisie the fuck down because SHE IS LITERALLY THE MOST ANNOYING PERSON EVER AND UGHHH.
Also there are too many plot points floating around. The whole gentrification thing plus Rory coming to convince Win plus Aunt Jack being back plus the murder plus the food truck stuff plus whatever the fuck is going on with Maisie and Riya and that uncle plus the art dealers -- it was a lot.
Even just 1-2 of these points could have made for a decent slow story but here everything was mashed together into an incohesive whole. Sort of like when you try to mash in 2 extra scoops of ice cream on top of the 2 you already have and the whole thing plops on the ground in a sad little puddle.
Overall, meh. Read if you want to read a hodgepodge small town story that doesn't take itself too seriously and also has ice-cream - one extra star for all the ice-cream.
February 27, 2021
A Game of Cones is the second book in author Abby Collette’s Ice Cream Parlor mystery series. Set in the small village of Chagrin Falls, a Cleveland suburb, this book begins with a meeting of the local shop owners who are being presented with a plan to buy out a section of the village triangle and put up a mini mall. This is not well received and the presenter, Zeke Reynolds, is booed and a shoe may or may not have been thrown at him. When this company representative is found shot to death in a back alley much later that night, the die is cast for Bronwyn (Win) Crewse to be pulled into another investigation.
While her friend Maisie Solomon is eager to get involved, Win is not. However, when her visiting friend, Rory Hunter, who has come to Chagrin Falls to lure Win back to New York City and the job she left behind, becomes implicated, Win, too, becomes more eager to uncover the actual villain and get her friend out of the crosshairs of Detective Liam Beverly.
As Win struggles with running her business, Crewse Creamery, convincing her friend she has no interest in returning to New York, and investigating the murder, her Aunt Jack arrives back in town, perhaps to take over the family business and push Win aside. With this worry on top of all else, Win is burning the candle at both ends.
In a twisting plot with many potential suspects and revealed secrets, Win once more is in the right place at the wrong time and is able to bring the case to conclusion. This is another well woven mystery by Ms. Collette. I did enjoy this book and I do recommend it!!
While her friend Maisie Solomon is eager to get involved, Win is not. However, when her visiting friend, Rory Hunter, who has come to Chagrin Falls to lure Win back to New York City and the job she left behind, becomes implicated, Win, too, becomes more eager to uncover the actual villain and get her friend out of the crosshairs of Detective Liam Beverly.
As Win struggles with running her business, Crewse Creamery, convincing her friend she has no interest in returning to New York, and investigating the murder, her Aunt Jack arrives back in town, perhaps to take over the family business and push Win aside. With this worry on top of all else, Win is burning the candle at both ends.
In a twisting plot with many potential suspects and revealed secrets, Win once more is in the right place at the wrong time and is able to bring the case to conclusion. This is another well woven mystery by Ms. Collette. I did enjoy this book and I do recommend it!!
March 7, 2021
Another dead body in Chagrin Falls? For a small town people are dying every month/year. I think this murder happened 6 months after the last one. This book picks up as the town is getting back to normal after the last murder. A tense exchange after a townhall that threatens to gentrify the town. All of the quirky characters are back and the sleuthing begins. Couple of things one in trying to create redherrings a lot of side info was introduced but rather than making the plot interesting it bogged down the overall story. The ending felt rushed and was a bit anticlimactic so it wasn't satisfying. I'm not sure the reveal actually made sense. This book wasn't as fun or interesting as book, it was just ok. I think if it was maybe 10 chapters shorter it could have helped tighten up the story.
April 28, 2022
Wyn’s friend is in town and trying to convince into returning to her old job. The friend stumbles across a body, but doesn’t report it. So, naturally, it comes out and she is fearful of being accused of the murder. Aunt Jack is back in town, and does not appreciate what Wyn has done with the ice cream shop. Whew! With so much going on, it’s sometimes hard to tell where the focus of the story is. I like the interplay with the family, including their monthly “cook-ins,” and the heavy-handed Aunt Jack is quite the entertaining character. The mystery almost takes a backseat to everything else that is happening. I’m hoping to get a better understanding of the characters in future books. I do like the characters and the setting, and I’m hoping for a better mystery in the next book.
April 26, 2021
Abby Collette writes a different type of Cozy. Although there is a murder and people that want to solve it, the emphasis is different. This is a character driven cozy. The characters are well developed and the way they go about trying to solve the mystery is hilarious. It’s not an organized way of solving the crime, it’s more emotionally driven, one character going from one thing to the next and other characters trying to rein this person in. The mystery does get solved but not in a way one would expect!
Thanks to the author and NetGalley for providing an Advanced Copy.
Thanks to the author and NetGalley for providing an Advanced Copy.
June 13, 2021
Easily a new favorite series. Well written characters, a compelling storyline, and ice cream recipes at the end—a perfect combination. I’m eagerly awaiting the third book in the series!
September 15, 2021
I was so thrilled to return to Chagrin Falls and see how Wyn and her ice cream shop were doing. And this book started with a leap and jump right into another murder. Try as she might, Wyn cannot help being sucked into the investigation because her best friend Maisie was absolutely hell-bent on crime solving. Maisie's zealous attitude actually got on my nerves a tiny bit, because she was so zealous and over the top and even whiny and repetitive at times. I'm hoping that in future books maybe she keeps her cool a bit more because she is a fun sidekick to have. I really enjoyed Rory as another side kick, after she got over her secretive, sketchy behavior. Wyn clearly cares so much about her family and you can tell that she is just as loving for her friends and even strangers throughout this book. I was so impressed how she kept her cool her with aunt, because I would be losing it if she showed up trying to change things and criticizing everything! I wish we saw more of O in this book, still crossing my fingers for the future of them.
I was pretty stumped about the murder in general and it made me feel a bit better that Wyn was too. The ending was dramatic with a tiny bit of confusion that kept me on my toes and not quite believing what was going on until it was super clear. So much of me hopes there are no more murders and Wyn can just bask in the success of her shop, but I also can't wait to read more of her and this town!
Note: the audiobook is fantastic and really well narrated!
I was pretty stumped about the murder in general and it made me feel a bit better that Wyn was too. The ending was dramatic with a tiny bit of confusion that kept me on my toes and not quite believing what was going on until it was super clear. So much of me hopes there are no more murders and Wyn can just bask in the success of her shop, but I also can't wait to read more of her and this town!
Note: the audiobook is fantastic and really well narrated!
May 21, 2021
a little more humor in this one than previous.
ok story & characters. Chandra Skyye does a good job as the narrator.
my big question is who's gonna be her romantic interest-the detective or the lawyer prof? she definitely needs to increase the chemistry w/one of them.
ok story & characters. Chandra Skyye does a good job as the narrator.
my big question is who's gonna be her romantic interest-the detective or the lawyer prof? she definitely needs to increase the chemistry w/one of them.
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