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Sweet Shop #6
Bubble Chum
A Winter Carnival, Christmas Candy, and Murder
Margaret is back on the case, and this time she has to prove herself innocent of murder.
Amidst trying out Christmas candy recipes and handing out flyers for the annual Winter Carnival, Margaret stumbles upon another dead body. After alerting the authorities, she’s stunned when Detective David Graham dismisses her offer of help.
Shock follows when Margaret realizes she’s the prime suspect—the only suspect—in this particular murder.
Determined to clear her name, Margaret and her friends begin an investigation... that leads them to a person Margaret never suspected. Now the race is on to not only prove herself innocent, but to stay alive long enough to put the real killer behind bars.
Margaret is back on the case, and this time she has to prove herself innocent of murder.
Amidst trying out Christmas candy recipes and handing out flyers for the annual Winter Carnival, Margaret stumbles upon another dead body. After alerting the authorities, she’s stunned when Detective David Graham dismisses her offer of help.
Shock follows when Margaret realizes she’s the prime suspect—the only suspect—in this particular murder.
Determined to clear her name, Margaret and her friends begin an investigation... that leads them to a person Margaret never suspected. Now the race is on to not only prove herself innocent, but to stay alive long enough to put the real killer behind bars.
- GenresCozy Mystery
115 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 8, 2020
62 people are currently reading
70 people want to read
About the author
Wendy Meadows
184 books436 followersWendy Meadows is a USA Today bestselling cozy mystery author who creates the perfect escape for readers who love amateur sleuths, small-town secrets, and mysteries you can solve with a cup of tea in hand.
Her beloved series—including Sweetfern Harbor, Alaska Cozy Mysteries, and Travel Writer Mysteries—feature quirky characters, family bonds, and charming whodunits with no gore, just gentle intrigue that keeps you guessing.
When she's not plotting her next puzzle, she's spoiling her pets, enjoying time with her two adult children, and hunting for the perfect hybrid tea rose to inspire her peaceful settings.
Join her cozy community and get a free ebook plus behind-the-scenes peeks into her stories and characters.
Her beloved series—including Sweetfern Harbor, Alaska Cozy Mysteries, and Travel Writer Mysteries—feature quirky characters, family bonds, and charming whodunits with no gore, just gentle intrigue that keeps you guessing.
When she's not plotting her next puzzle, she's spoiling her pets, enjoying time with her two adult children, and hunting for the perfect hybrid tea rose to inspire her peaceful settings.
Join her cozy community and get a free ebook plus behind-the-scenes peeks into her stories and characters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
July 10, 2020
BUBBLE CHUM is another installment in the Sweet Shop Mystery series by Wendy Meadows. It is an enjoyable afternoon read. Like all of the author's books, there is a great blending of murder and suspense with a touch of humor. Don't worry if you haven't read any of this series, it is easy to jump right into the story and get to know these well developed characters. I enjoy this series very much. The characters just keep developing into their own unique selves.
Margaret owns the Sweet Shop and her son Zach helps her run it. Margaret also has a tendency to find dead bodies. She also has become a well-known crime solver. This time when she finds a body, she's ends being the prime suspect and arrested for murder by her boyfriend detective. How could this be. I thought I figured out the who and why, but got fooled.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Margaret owns the Sweet Shop and her son Zach helps her run it. Margaret also has a tendency to find dead bodies. She also has become a well-known crime solver. This time when she finds a body, she's ends being the prime suspect and arrested for murder by her boyfriend detective. How could this be. I thought I figured out the who and why, but got fooled.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 8, 2020
Margaret discovers another dead body, but this time she is the primary suspect. Is someone framing her? Can she solve the mystery of who hates her so much that they want her locked up for murder? Can Margaret and David keep this investigation from putting an end to their relationship? Follow the clues and find the killer. This is a wonderful series and keeps getting better with each book. Highly recommend to all cozy mystery lovers.
August 12, 2020
by Barbara Kelley
Bubble Chum is book #6 of the Sweet Shop Mystery series by Wendy Meadows. I never figured out the title and I usually can figure out why an author creates a title. I think it should have been something regarding the upcoming Winter Carnival in town.
I am going to do this review differently than I have done previous ones. First, I am going to tell you what I did NOT like about this book. First, I do not like Margaret's attitudes in both books 5 and 6. Book 5 had her constantly worried about her son and thinking he might be mixed up in something shady, and she was also jealous of her boyfriend, Detective David Graham because of her past problems with her ex-husband and how awful he was to her. I wrote in that review that I thought she should strive to forget about the past and get on with her life, and a very good boyfriend and a really great son. Book 6 continues the jealousy with David just because he hugged another woman. It's not like he was making out with this woman in the middle of Main Street. Margaret needs to hike up her big girl panties and stop being so jealous. IF she actually finds David cheating, then she can always give him up and take a closer look at her neighbor across the street from her house, Kyle Davidson, and at least she would get a dog (Jonah) out of the deal, too, if she got together with Kyle, and they both really like Margaret. Secondly, I don't like how the author made David look during the first 3/4 of this book. It seems as though David really thought Margaret killed this man at the hotel and he wouldn't even let Margaret near his biological daughter, Ariel. If David can't straighten up and fly right in every single book, then maybe Margaret SHOULD let him go. Some readers, like me, are going to be psychologically put off by the way Margaret and David treat each other sometimes. I wish they could be more like Sarah and Conrad in Wendy Meadows's Alaska Cozy Mystery series, or Brenda and Mac in Wendy Meadows's Sweetfern Harbor Cozy Mystery series. I really like this author's books and hopes she changes David's and Margaret's attitudes in future books.
NOW, here are some of the things I DO like in this book. First, one again, Margaret is the one who gives David the clue that finds the correct killer. I can't understand previous reviews I read about this book because they said that it was some big surprise who the killer was. Heck, I thought it was one of the main characters in all of the previous books and I would have been really angry if it had turned out that way. However, halfway through the book, I figured out who the killer was, and it really wasn't very difficult to trace. I figured that whoever planted incriminating evidence in Margaret's house must be somebody that hated Margaret and why that person hated her. Now which one character hated Margaret? Read the book and I am SURE you'll figure it out just like I did. Secondly, I love Stacy's character because I used to have a friend in Junior High (they call it Middle School nowadays), who spoke nonstop just like Stacy does, sometimes without even taking a breath. I wonder how these people can do that. My dad used to call her "Motor Mouth" and my friend used to laugh all the time when Dad would walk in and say, "Hey, I see Motor Mouth is here." Thirdly, I love Zack, Margaret's 20 year old son, and how he loves, protects, and stands up for his mom. I don't have a son, but if I did, I would want him to be just like Zack. And thanks, Wendy, for using only the Zack spelling and not both Zack and Zach. This makes for a much more tightly written story. Fourth, I like the character of Ariel, David's 15-year-old biological daughter that he only found out about recently. She adds a lot of roundness to this series and hope to see more of her in future books.
I gave this book 4 stars because even though I liked the book, I am hoping future books will have Margaret acting more like the 45 year old woman she is, instead of some 8th grade school girl.
Bubble Chum is book #6 of the Sweet Shop Mystery series by Wendy Meadows. I never figured out the title and I usually can figure out why an author creates a title. I think it should have been something regarding the upcoming Winter Carnival in town.
I am going to do this review differently than I have done previous ones. First, I am going to tell you what I did NOT like about this book. First, I do not like Margaret's attitudes in both books 5 and 6. Book 5 had her constantly worried about her son and thinking he might be mixed up in something shady, and she was also jealous of her boyfriend, Detective David Graham because of her past problems with her ex-husband and how awful he was to her. I wrote in that review that I thought she should strive to forget about the past and get on with her life, and a very good boyfriend and a really great son. Book 6 continues the jealousy with David just because he hugged another woman. It's not like he was making out with this woman in the middle of Main Street. Margaret needs to hike up her big girl panties and stop being so jealous. IF she actually finds David cheating, then she can always give him up and take a closer look at her neighbor across the street from her house, Kyle Davidson, and at least she would get a dog (Jonah) out of the deal, too, if she got together with Kyle, and they both really like Margaret. Secondly, I don't like how the author made David look during the first 3/4 of this book. It seems as though David really thought Margaret killed this man at the hotel and he wouldn't even let Margaret near his biological daughter, Ariel. If David can't straighten up and fly right in every single book, then maybe Margaret SHOULD let him go. Some readers, like me, are going to be psychologically put off by the way Margaret and David treat each other sometimes. I wish they could be more like Sarah and Conrad in Wendy Meadows's Alaska Cozy Mystery series, or Brenda and Mac in Wendy Meadows's Sweetfern Harbor Cozy Mystery series. I really like this author's books and hopes she changes David's and Margaret's attitudes in future books.
NOW, here are some of the things I DO like in this book. First, one again, Margaret is the one who gives David the clue that finds the correct killer. I can't understand previous reviews I read about this book because they said that it was some big surprise who the killer was. Heck, I thought it was one of the main characters in all of the previous books and I would have been really angry if it had turned out that way. However, halfway through the book, I figured out who the killer was, and it really wasn't very difficult to trace. I figured that whoever planted incriminating evidence in Margaret's house must be somebody that hated Margaret and why that person hated her. Now which one character hated Margaret? Read the book and I am SURE you'll figure it out just like I did. Secondly, I love Stacy's character because I used to have a friend in Junior High (they call it Middle School nowadays), who spoke nonstop just like Stacy does, sometimes without even taking a breath. I wonder how these people can do that. My dad used to call her "Motor Mouth" and my friend used to laugh all the time when Dad would walk in and say, "Hey, I see Motor Mouth is here." Thirdly, I love Zack, Margaret's 20 year old son, and how he loves, protects, and stands up for his mom. I don't have a son, but if I did, I would want him to be just like Zack. And thanks, Wendy, for using only the Zack spelling and not both Zack and Zach. This makes for a much more tightly written story. Fourth, I like the character of Ariel, David's 15-year-old biological daughter that he only found out about recently. She adds a lot of roundness to this series and hope to see more of her in future books.
I gave this book 4 stars because even though I liked the book, I am hoping future books will have Margaret acting more like the 45 year old woman she is, instead of some 8th grade school girl.
July 4, 2020
This is wonderfully written as usual. Check out other series also.
The murder mystery was easy for me to figure out, especially early on. Note that I have read the series in order as they came out.
Recommend reading previous books before this one. Threads in this book that come from previous books and will make things easier to understand.
Those previous issues and how dealt with in this book is the reason why only four and not five stars. I was personally not really happy with the sub themes in the story. How ‘parents’ are considered. Also could not deal with the way a character was throughout the book. Not how started out in series.
What does the title have to do with the story line? Confused.
Fun cozy read, easily read in a day.
This is my honest and freely given review. I did receive an ARC book.
The murder mystery was easy for me to figure out, especially early on. Note that I have read the series in order as they came out.
Recommend reading previous books before this one. Threads in this book that come from previous books and will make things easier to understand.
Those previous issues and how dealt with in this book is the reason why only four and not five stars. I was personally not really happy with the sub themes in the story. How ‘parents’ are considered. Also could not deal with the way a character was throughout the book. Not how started out in series.
What does the title have to do with the story line? Confused.
Fun cozy read, easily read in a day.
This is my honest and freely given review. I did receive an ARC book.
July 9, 2020
In Bubble Chum the tides turn and Margaret finds herself on the wrong side of the investigation! And David.
The story line is a neat little tale with Margaret becoming the number one suspect in a murder. Perhaps a little too neat. Margaret and crew begin their own investigation into her arrest for the murder of a stranger. Despite David’s admonitions to stay away from the situation, they uncover significant evidence that Margaret is innocent. And the plot turns in an unexpected direction! Pointing to a most unexpected suspect!
This is a fun, quick read. The interaction between David and Margaret is a bit too much. So much passive/aggressive behavior on both parts. It’s off putting to say the least. I wish Ms. Meadows would give Margaret a healthy dose of self worth. Her emotions are that of a teenager at times.
I received an ARC via Booksprout in exchange for an honest review.
The story line is a neat little tale with Margaret becoming the number one suspect in a murder. Perhaps a little too neat. Margaret and crew begin their own investigation into her arrest for the murder of a stranger. Despite David’s admonitions to stay away from the situation, they uncover significant evidence that Margaret is innocent. And the plot turns in an unexpected direction! Pointing to a most unexpected suspect!
This is a fun, quick read. The interaction between David and Margaret is a bit too much. So much passive/aggressive behavior on both parts. It’s off putting to say the least. I wish Ms. Meadows would give Margaret a healthy dose of self worth. Her emotions are that of a teenager at times.
I received an ARC via Booksprout in exchange for an honest review.
July 10, 2020
Family isn’t just the people you marry into or those of your blood. The family that you choose and build around you can be even more unique and special
Sometimes it is easier to feel alone than to appreciate that people who consider themselves special in your life.
And sometimes the trust and connections are easy to break.
When suspicions fall on Margaret, David is pretty abrupt about keeping her away from his biological daughter., Ariel. If their relationship means so little to him in terms of harsh words or actions, perhaps she was right to pull away from him, and should not bank on the endurance of his love and affection
Margaret seems to very much enjoy having David and Ariel in her life.
Can she survive her latest troubles long enough to take a chance?
Intense action, drama, and tangled romance
Sometimes it is easier to feel alone than to appreciate that people who consider themselves special in your life.
And sometimes the trust and connections are easy to break.
When suspicions fall on Margaret, David is pretty abrupt about keeping her away from his biological daughter., Ariel. If their relationship means so little to him in terms of harsh words or actions, perhaps she was right to pull away from him, and should not bank on the endurance of his love and affection
Margaret seems to very much enjoy having David and Ariel in her life.
Can she survive her latest troubles long enough to take a chance?
Intense action, drama, and tangled romance
July 10, 2020
I really want to like this series and this author but things just don't add up for me. Margaret is all over the place with her feelings and reacts more like a teenager than a 45 year old woman. Every book has her doubting her relationship with David and worrying about whether he really likes her or not. The timelines seem to be out of whack too. Things happen overnight and then they say it was last week etc. Also, Ariel and her mother were heading back to Hartford the day of the hike yet they are back the next day with David and nothing is said. Then later it says that David took Ariel home to Hartford that day so which is it? And what in the world does the title have to do with the book? I'm completely confused. Only plus is that it was a quick read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 15, 2020
Margaret Nichols runs the local candy store with the assistance of her son Zack. Margaret has become a well known crime solver in town due to her having a tendency to find dead bodies. In this story she has gone to the Overlook Hotel to distribute flyers for the upcoming Winter Carnival. As she knocks on a door she finds the body of Deidrich Tripp. She phones her boyfriend, Detective David Graham, to investigate the murder. Suddenly Margaret becomes the main suspect in his murder. She, along with her son and her friends, race against time to clear her of the murder and find the real killer.
The ending will surprise you. The story involves David's newly found daughter, Ariel, and her adopted mother, Pauline Donroy. It includes kidnapping, jelousy, Christmas activities and more.
I received an advance copy of this book. This is my honest opinion.
The ending will surprise you. The story involves David's newly found daughter, Ariel, and her adopted mother, Pauline Donroy. It includes kidnapping, jelousy, Christmas activities and more.
I received an advance copy of this book. This is my honest opinion.
July 11, 2020
Margaret has a big problem facing her! She had been helping out for the Winter Festival by putting flyers under hotel room doors when one opens to display a body! To her surprise, Detective David Graham, her boyfriend, starts keeping her away from the investigation, which is very unlike him! She quickly finds out why – she is their main suspect, and in fact is their only suspect! But she didn’t even know the victim!
Margaret’s son, Zach, and other friends tell her she needs to do her own investigation on this one and solve the murder herself. She will be surprised where it leads her! But with danger so close now, can she keep herself safe long enough to get the real killer locked up behind bars? And will this whole nasty situation ruin her relationship with David?
Margaret’s son, Zach, and other friends tell her she needs to do her own investigation on this one and solve the murder herself. She will be surprised where it leads her! But with danger so close now, can she keep herself safe long enough to get the real killer locked up behind bars? And will this whole nasty situation ruin her relationship with David?
July 8, 2020
Wow, this time around Margaret appears to be in hot water. She's helping put flyers under hotel room doors and one opens and she finds a body. The next thing she knows David is keeping her out of the investigation and then she becomes the main suspect. Of course, her son Zach and others tell her she needs to do her own investigation to prove her innocence and she attracts the attention of the true killer.
Read on to find out who the killer is as well as what occurs with this new strained relationship between Margaret and David.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Read on to find out who the killer is as well as what occurs with this new strained relationship between Margaret and David.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 1, 2020
Christmas any time of year evokes a feel good feeling , something we all need during this time. It is not smooth sailing for Margaret though when she finds herself the prime suspect in a murder investigation that finds her arrested by none other than her detective boyfriend. Not one to have made much enemies if you don't count the ones she had gotten thrown in jail herself, the tables have definitely turned this time around.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 8, 2020
This story had my emotions going all over the place. I was upset with Margaret by the way she was treating David. She is almost passive-aggressive in this story to me. Then I was upset with David and how he was treating Margaret! A real roller-coaster of emotions! The ending I kinda figured out, but not quite. There were clues, but not enough to really make a final decision. I enjoy this series very much. The characters are developing into their own beings. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book from Booksprout.
July 11, 2020
Margaret is at it again
I find myself wondering if 45 year old women really act this way? Margaret is a very fickle woman who seems to be a mixed bag. One minute she loves David, the next she's thinking he's two-timing her, the next she's jealous of the woman who adopted David's daughter. This woman is like a living roller coaster ride of emotions...lol. It's a fun read and keeps the reader on their toes for sure!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I find myself wondering if 45 year old women really act this way? Margaret is a very fickle woman who seems to be a mixed bag. One minute she loves David, the next she's thinking he's two-timing her, the next she's jealous of the woman who adopted David's daughter. This woman is like a living roller coaster ride of emotions...lol. It's a fun read and keeps the reader on their toes for sure!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 16, 2020
The Winter Carnival is coming up and Margaret is ready to help out. Unfortunately, she finds a dead body and all clues seem to lead to her as the killer! Who is setting her up and why? Everyone likes Margaret! Things get really tense between her and David. Yeah, he’s just doing his job as an officer, but still, this is Margaret! She seriously handled this much better than I ever could. And thank goodness she’s a great PI, cause David isn’t going to figure this out without her! I really love this series!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 10, 2020
In this one, Margaret is busy testing new Christmas candy recipes and wouldn't you know it, she stumbles upon another dead body. This time tho, she's the prime suspect and must solve the murder cuz the police refuse to really look for the real guilty person. This is another book that you can't put down until you have finished it!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 23, 2021
Jealous Much
I don't know how I missed this book but I'm glad I read it. It explain somethings I was wondering about. Like who was really Paula and why she had David's daughter. Even though this was a quick read it was full of mystery, intrigue and drama. Nobody was ever going to believe anything bad about Margaret. She just to nice and helpful to her friends and acquaintances. I glad it all worked out for the better.
I really loved and enjoyed this book!
I don't know how I missed this book but I'm glad I read it. It explain somethings I was wondering about. Like who was really Paula and why she had David's daughter. Even though this was a quick read it was full of mystery, intrigue and drama. Nobody was ever going to believe anything bad about Margaret. She just to nice and helpful to her friends and acquaintances. I glad it all worked out for the better.
I really loved and enjoyed this book!
May 13, 2025
4.25 stars
This was certainly a ride. Margaret was the main suspect as she tried to clear her name with twists and turns along the way during the Christmas season. It definitely kept my attention the entire as this was figured out. The town came together to help her while dealing with obstacles in their way. I was a little annoyed with David and thought she forgave him way too quickly, but other than that I had no other complaints.
This was certainly a ride. Margaret was the main suspect as she tried to clear her name with twists and turns along the way during the Christmas season. It definitely kept my attention the entire as this was figured out. The town came together to help her while dealing with obstacles in their way. I was a little annoyed with David and thought she forgave him way too quickly, but other than that I had no other complaints.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 8, 2020
The author has brought back, Margaret, Zach, David and their friends in order to find a murderer. The prime suspect is Margaret and all evidence points directly to her. Hopefully, her family and friends will be able to help keep her out of jail and expose the true killer.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 3, 2020
Busy with Winter Carnival preparations, Margaret finds herself as prime suspect in a murder. Seemingly abandoned by David, Zack gives his Mom the support and encouragement she needs. I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see how Margaret would prove her innocence.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 17, 2023
At this point, it just becomes like a pattern. 'Out of the blue' the police office that is also her boyfriend suddenly becomes cold and pushes her away, she gets a blow to the back of her head while she's figuring out the murderer. The everyone acts like nothing ever happened. Finish. I liked this series in the beginning, but it just keeps on getting worse.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 9, 2020
It took most of four hours to read this chilly family-friendly carol about the West End Winter Festival on a HOT summer afternoon.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 10, 2020
I received a free advance review copy of this book from Booksprout and am voluntarily providing my honest review. While preparing for the Winter Carnival Margaret and David are at odds again, this time because she is implicated in a murder! I really enjoyed this book and recommend it highly
July 10, 2020
This was to me the best in this series. I read the original and the rewritten versions. Margaret and David find themselves in a very bad place and in the end they completely turn things around
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 11, 2020
A great cozy
I love this series by Wendy Meadows and I can't wait to see what happens next. If you love a great cozy with characters you will love and a story that keeps you turning the page then this series is a must read
I love this series by Wendy Meadows and I can't wait to see what happens next. If you love a great cozy with characters you will love and a story that keeps you turning the page then this series is a must read
November 7, 2020
Ariel the daughter
Margaret finds trouble and doesn't even know it. Many plans for the Christmas festival is there enough time. The dead guy. Oh boy! Ariel just wants to be with her dad. Margaret has a lot of support when David isn't there for her.
Margaret finds trouble and doesn't even know it. Many plans for the Christmas festival is there enough time. The dead guy. Oh boy! Ariel just wants to be with her dad. Margaret has a lot of support when David isn't there for her.
May 21, 2021
Bubble Chum
Now we need the ring on her finger. I’m sure Zack will do that soon. So happy Ariel has a forever home now. Kids shouldn’t have to go back and forth between parents. Poor kids that do.
Now we need the ring on her finger. I’m sure Zack will do that soon. So happy Ariel has a forever home now. Kids shouldn’t have to go back and forth between parents. Poor kids that do.
August 2, 2020
Sweet shop
The book was fantastic. Loved it. I liked how David continued to do his job. Page turner. Couldn't put it down.
The book was fantastic. Loved it. I liked how David continued to do his job. Page turner. Couldn't put it down.
September 22, 2020
Great book
This is another great book in the Sweet Shop series by Wendy Meadows. I can not wait to read the next book.
This is another great book in the Sweet Shop series by Wendy Meadows. I can not wait to read the next book.
April 15, 2024
I knew who did it just before the hiking trip already. But it was good.
June 9, 2025
excellent Christmas story with a great cozy mystery thrown in
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews