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Sweet Shop #7
Sweets of Fire
New Year’s candy rush, check. Spontaneous New Year’s dinner party, check. Another murder for Margret Nichols to solve . . . check.
Amid the tourist crowd and dinner plans, Margaret and Detective David Graham have another murder to solve: Who killed Christopher Partridge, and why? The suspect list is short, but the case is hot.
Margaret is determined to find the killer, host a perfect New Year’s Eve dinner—which will include her parents, and help her friends with the problems they share with her.
But with time running out and the murderer setting his sight on a new victim, will Margaret be able to save the day? Or will she start the new year off dead?
Amid the tourist crowd and dinner plans, Margaret and Detective David Graham have another murder to solve: Who killed Christopher Partridge, and why? The suspect list is short, but the case is hot.
Margaret is determined to find the killer, host a perfect New Year’s Eve dinner—which will include her parents, and help her friends with the problems they share with her.
But with time running out and the murderer setting his sight on a new victim, will Margaret be able to save the day? Or will she start the new year off dead?
- GenresCozy Mystery
114 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 5, 2020
88 people are currently reading
75 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 35 reviews
August 11, 2020
Margaret Nichols ows the sweet shop in West End. Her son Zack and her employee Patty Matthews help her run it. The shop is super busy during the period between Christmas and New Year's. Margaret's boyfriend, Detective David Graham thinks Margaret deserves a break so he steals her away for dinner. Margaret had noticed a dollhouse in the Simone Peretti's antique store window and wants to buy it for Ariel, David's daughter. As they near the antique store they notice the lights are on. The door is locked but Simone comes up behind them and unlocks it. Her best friend who is in town visiting, Christopher Partridge, is supposed to be there cleaning. They find him behind the counter with a gunshot to the chest. David and Simone ask Margaret to help find the killer. The emotions in this book are so high you will feel them. Margaret is trying to find a killer, plan a New Year's Eve dinner that will include her aging parents and help Ariel deal with her depression over her mother being in prison for killing someone and attempting to kill Margaret.
The book is well written and will keep you busy reading it until you are finished. I love the characters in this series by Wendy Meadows. Wendy has done a great job of developing the town's characters for the readers. I received an advance copy of this book. This is my honest review.
The book is well written and will keep you busy reading it until you are finished. I love the characters in this series by Wendy Meadows. Wendy has done a great job of developing the town's characters for the readers. I received an advance copy of this book. This is my honest review.
July 28, 2020
Another murder occurs and right away Detective David Graham is asking that Margaret Nichols assist in solving.
A friend of one of town's business owners is killed. Margaret tries to keep working at her candy shop, which is extremely busy over the holiday season, but her son and co-workers tell her to assist with the murder case as well as keeping her relationship with David and his daughter. It's a lot to handle. The good news with the relationship with Ariel is that Ariel is comfortable talking to Margaret. Ariel confides that she misses her Mom who is in prison for trying to kill Margaret. Margaret discusses this with David so that he can have a heart to heart conversation with his daughter. He's new to this parenting so is happy for any assistance and wants to insure that his daughter feels comfortable talking to him as well.
Through all these personal issues, both David and Margaret continue to investigate and interrogate suspects. Once again, Margaret gets struck from behind as she is getting to close for comfort from the killer perspective.
Read this easy to read in a day short story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A friend of one of town's business owners is killed. Margaret tries to keep working at her candy shop, which is extremely busy over the holiday season, but her son and co-workers tell her to assist with the murder case as well as keeping her relationship with David and his daughter. It's a lot to handle. The good news with the relationship with Ariel is that Ariel is comfortable talking to Margaret. Ariel confides that she misses her Mom who is in prison for trying to kill Margaret. Margaret discusses this with David so that he can have a heart to heart conversation with his daughter. He's new to this parenting so is happy for any assistance and wants to insure that his daughter feels comfortable talking to him as well.
Through all these personal issues, both David and Margaret continue to investigate and interrogate suspects. Once again, Margaret gets struck from behind as she is getting to close for comfort from the killer perspective.
Read this easy to read in a day short story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 5, 2020
This book was fast moving. It was a heart breaking read. There was so much pain,heartache,intense and love in this book. Simone was so happy her best friend was there for his annual visit. You could see the love they shared. So when he is killed it made no sense. The pain Simone felt from it was heart breaking. Margaret knew she had to help her, to find out who would commit such a ruthless crime. David asked for her help also.
A second part of this book also is dealing with David's daughter. She seemed to accept Margaret as David's girlfriend. But she's having trouble accepting what her mom did. How do she get over her mom killing someone and attempting to kill Margaret. She didn't think of her child and leaving her. That poor baby showed so much pain. David having to figure out how to deal with his daughter's pain and the anger he felt.
All the emotions described in the book was done in such a way the I felt it. It brought tears to my eyes.
This was a great addition to the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A second part of this book also is dealing with David's daughter. She seemed to accept Margaret as David's girlfriend. But she's having trouble accepting what her mom did. How do she get over her mom killing someone and attempting to kill Margaret. She didn't think of her child and leaving her. That poor baby showed so much pain. David having to figure out how to deal with his daughter's pain and the anger he felt.
All the emotions described in the book was done in such a way the I felt it. It brought tears to my eyes.
This was a great addition to the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 7, 2020
Poor Margaret has so many things going on in her life at the same time! She owns a sweets shop and near the holidays is quite busy. But in the middle of it all, Margaret and Detective David Graham end up with another murder to solve: Who killed Christopher Partridge, and why was he targeted?
The book is well-written and entertaining. The plot will take the reader through several twists and turns as the hunt is on to find the murderer. The author does a good job at describing the activities and imbuing the scenes with a sense of urgency as people are revved up with preparations for the holidays. The characters are well-presented and likable as the reader watches Margaret embroiled in hosting a New Year’s Eve dinner despite her parents’ intervention, and helping her friends with their various difficulties. A truly chaotic holiday celebration! But will the murderer be identified before a new victim is selected? Will Margaret get justice for Christopher, or will she become the next target?
The book is well-written and entertaining. The plot will take the reader through several twists and turns as the hunt is on to find the murderer. The author does a good job at describing the activities and imbuing the scenes with a sense of urgency as people are revved up with preparations for the holidays. The characters are well-presented and likable as the reader watches Margaret embroiled in hosting a New Year’s Eve dinner despite her parents’ intervention, and helping her friends with their various difficulties. A truly chaotic holiday celebration! But will the murderer be identified before a new victim is selected? Will Margaret get justice for Christopher, or will she become the next target?
August 8, 2020
SWEETS OF FIRE is the seventh installment in the Sweet Shop Mystery series by Wendy Meadows. 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.
Margaret owns the Sweet Shop and her son Zach helps her run it. Margaret also has a tendency to find dead bodies. On the way home after dinner she notices lights are still on in the antique shop she decides to stop and see if she can purchase the dollhouse in the window. Going to the counter looking for the owner, but instead, she finds a body.
As you read this mystery, you will decide you know who the murderer is, but then the evidence takes you in a different direction. Get ready for an enjoyable afternoon read.
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. On the way home after dinner she notices lights are still on in the antique shop she decides to stop and see if she can purchase the dollhouse in the window. Going to the counter looking for the owner, but instead, she finds a body.
As you read this mystery, you will decide you know who the murderer is, but then the evidence takes you in a different direction. Get ready for an enjoyable afternoon read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 21, 2022
From a description of the book:
"Amid the tourist crowd and dinner plans, Margaret and Detective David Graham have another murder to solve: Who killed Christopher Partridge, and why? The suspect list is short, but the case is hot."
I listened to this book on You Tube audio books.
My first read by Wendy Meadows.
Margaret Nichols owns a candy shop she runs with her son. She get involved in finding the killer of Christopher, a friend of Simone who owns an antique store.
I gave it a 4 star but closer to a 3 1/2 star. I would have liked Margaret to be more involved with her parents; she does work well with her son and friends.
A fast read/listen and I will probably read more of the series and find the first book of the series even thought this was a good stand alone read.
"Amid the tourist crowd and dinner plans, Margaret and Detective David Graham have another murder to solve: Who killed Christopher Partridge, and why? The suspect list is short, but the case is hot."
I listened to this book on You Tube audio books.
My first read by Wendy Meadows.
Margaret Nichols owns a candy shop she runs with her son. She get involved in finding the killer of Christopher, a friend of Simone who owns an antique store.
I gave it a 4 star but closer to a 3 1/2 star. I would have liked Margaret to be more involved with her parents; she does work well with her son and friends.
A fast read/listen and I will probably read more of the series and find the first book of the series even thought this was a good stand alone read.
July 27, 2020
As Margret is looking forward to the peace and quiet of the New Year as she and her staff is trying to fulfill the rest of the holiday rush, some old feelings need to be sorted out before the new start. David and Ariel is still grappling with the fallout from Pauline's actions while Margret's parents are still unwilling to let her take full reins on her own dinner party. When Simone's best friend Christopher is found murdered in her shop, Margret rushes to determine if it is as a result of her past relationship with an ex.
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.
August 2, 2020
Margaret - the main character - is a sweets shop owner turned PI and together with David - the town´s sheriff, she gets involved in discovering the culprit of the last murder in the wuite town of West End. The plot has quite a few twists and turns and keeps the reader glued to the book till the end. The description of the shops and people rushing because of the festivities of the year end are very realistic and the planning and execution of a meal for a group of people on New Year´s Eve is so relatable!
This is a very good and entertaining book with very likeable characters.
I downloaded a free copy of this book through Booksprout and this is my unbiased review.
This is a very good and entertaining book with very likeable characters.
I downloaded a free copy of this book through Booksprout and this is my unbiased review.
August 7, 2020
Simone who runs the antique shop is thrilled when her long time friend Christopher comes to visit.
Margaret is happy to be busy during the holiday season, yet things are more than a little crazy with her candy business. No more made in store candies - not enough time
As Ariel begins to settle in at her dad’s, new business pops up in town, and murder and mayhem are again afoot
Support from friends, fellow merchants and chosen family might get the through the tough times - if they can survive!
Action packed murder, mystery and drama
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Margaret is happy to be busy during the holiday season, yet things are more than a little crazy with her candy business. No more made in store candies - not enough time
As Ariel begins to settle in at her dad’s, new business pops up in town, and murder and mayhem are again afoot
Support from friends, fellow merchants and chosen family might get the through the tough times - if they can survive!
Action packed murder, mystery and drama
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 7, 2020
Wow! These are the characters that I have come to love. Being real humans.
Do we not all will wish that we had what Simone and Christopher have achieved. I know I do!!!
Ariel is finally being human in regards to her situation. Hard to believe that a parent can be that realistic too.
If you start reading the series, then you will definitely will want to go back and get caught up on the Ariel situation. There is enough information to go by in this book but to really understand it, go back and enjoy the previous books.
Fast fun easy to read cozy mystery. Could easily be read in a day if you want.
This is my honest and freely given review. I did receive an ARC book.
Do we not all will wish that we had what Simone and Christopher have achieved. I know I do!!!
Ariel is finally being human in regards to her situation. Hard to believe that a parent can be that realistic too.
If you start reading the series, then you will definitely will want to go back and get caught up on the Ariel situation. There is enough information to go by in this book but to really understand it, go back and enjoy the previous books.
Fast fun easy to read cozy mystery. Could easily be read in a day if you want.
This is my honest and freely given review. I did receive an ARC book.
January 4, 2021
Why do you think elderly people are morons?
I like your books but and I mean BUT! You make your parents sound like idiots what does that have to do with your book. I have a daughter that as soon as she hit 30, I became stupid. I'm surprised that she thinks I can use the bathroom by myself. I was brought up with respect for my elders, has good manners become obsolete? Your wandering in your stories is confusing like you getting back with your boyfriend after he sold you down the river and you forgave him. Your martyr attitude is confusing. I understand character models but please leave us all some respect and sanity
I like your books but and I mean BUT! You make your parents sound like idiots what does that have to do with your book. I have a daughter that as soon as she hit 30, I became stupid. I'm surprised that she thinks I can use the bathroom by myself. I was brought up with respect for my elders, has good manners become obsolete? Your wandering in your stories is confusing like you getting back with your boyfriend after he sold you down the river and you forgave him. Your martyr attitude is confusing. I understand character models but please leave us all some respect and sanity
August 2, 2020
I was intrigued throughout the novel.
The story follows Margaret, who is a candy shop owner and a sleuth. When finding Christopher Partridge’s body on the floor of his best friend’s shop, she and David, her boyfriend, has to find the murderer.
This book has excitement and action. The characters all felt real because they had feelings and problems. I loved that this was a stand-alone. I didn’t have to read the rest of the novels to understand what was going on.
I wrote this voluntary review in exchange for an ARC copy.
The story follows Margaret, who is a candy shop owner and a sleuth. When finding Christopher Partridge’s body on the floor of his best friend’s shop, she and David, her boyfriend, has to find the murderer.
This book has excitement and action. The characters all felt real because they had feelings and problems. I loved that this was a stand-alone. I didn’t have to read the rest of the novels to understand what was going on.
I wrote this voluntary review in exchange for an ARC copy.
August 5, 2020
Both Margaret and David are very busy this holiday season. They have very little time to spend together. Naturally in the middle of it all, the best friend of Simone, the antiques store owner is murdered in her store. Margaret jumps in to lend a hand to solve the murder and help their friend Simone. While in the middle of this, she is trying to plan the perfect New Year's Eve dinner, while still running her very busy shop.
This is another great book in this series!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is another great book in this series!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 7, 2020
With an unexpected murder in town David asked Margaret to help with tue investigation. She is worried about the time away from a very busy candy store and she is planning a New Year’s Eve party ay her home as well. Margaret and David work through their list of suspects not without danger and drama. Margaret winds up being attacked along with Simone. In the end they catch the killer, Margaret helps David with his teenage daughter and the New Year’s Eve party is a success.
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.
August 7, 2020
The tourist season has the Sweet Shop hopping. It is the busiest they have ever seen it. Then there is another murder of a person that was visiting Simone. Who would kill this kind, sweet man? Not only does Margaret have a New Year's dinner party to cook for, with her not so friendly parents, but now a murder to solve. Can she get it all done? There is a lot of emotions in this story with David's daughter and how she feels about her being in jail. A good story that continues to develop the characters. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book from Booksprout.
August 9, 2020
This series is so good. The characters are like old friends and I’m here for a visit every time I read one of these books. Margaret and David are the cutest couple and investigative team. I love how he relies on her to help him now. It’s also endearing how his daughter, Ariel, feels close enough to Margaret to reach out to her when she has a problem. Heck, the whole town feels like that about Margaret. That’s why the town people trust her to keep solving the murders that keep cropping up.
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.
August 2, 2020
The author has done it again. We are pulled into the lives of Margaret, Zack, David and Ariel as they try to maneuver through life that is not always smooth sailing. Not only do they have personal issues that need to be dealt with, there is a murder in town that causes Margaret and David to once again work together to solve the crime.
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.
August 6, 2020
This book is hard to put down. It pulls you in and you have to keep reading to see what will happen next. The story has so many different emotions throughout that it feels like you are in the middle of the tale. Margaret is always there for her friends, and her friend Simone needed her badly. With a broken heart, Simone was in desperate need of a resolution for who killed Christopher. Can Margaret and David find the killer or will their holiday be ruined? Wonderful series.
August 8, 2020
A sad state of affairs.
I'm not sure how many more times Margaret can get smacked on the head and not sustain a severe brain injury! That woman surely has nine lives! Whilst the guilty party in this story was my first choice, the story, itself, was very good and kept me reading as the twists and turn kept on coming. Meanwhile, Ariel is adapting to the changes in her life and Margaret and David are making a great investigative team.
I'm not sure how many more times Margaret can get smacked on the head and not sustain a severe brain injury! That woman surely has nine lives! Whilst the guilty party in this story was my first choice, the story, itself, was very good and kept me reading as the twists and turn kept on coming. Meanwhile, Ariel is adapting to the changes in her life and Margaret and David are making a great investigative team.
August 9, 2020
Loved this book and all the wonderful characters and backstories. Author makes you feel like you are right in the thick of it as a body is found and they are off to solve the murder. Twists and clues abound in the time between Christmas and the big New Years festivities. Read it in one sitting and plan to read more from this series. Enjoy!
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.
August 21, 2020
Margaret and Zack are overwhelmed during the holiday rush at the sweet shop. Also, Margaret is planning to have a family New Years Eve gathering including David and Ariel. To cheer Ariel up, she asks about a dollhouse in Simone’s shop. To their horror, she, David, and Simone find a body. Sweets of Fire is an excellent mystery. I especially liked David’s and Margaret’s collaboration.
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.
August 5, 2020
Neither the story nor the characters appealed to me. Again maybe it is my fault for not reading previous books in the series. This seems less a cozy mystery than it is about the blooming relationship (and the analysis thereof) between the stereotypical law enforcement character and the female protagonist.
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.
August 6, 2020
I received a free advance review copy of this book from Booksprout and am voluntarily providing my honest review. Margaret and David discover a dead body in a neigboring shop and set out to solve who "dun" it. The candy store is really bustling but Zack doesn't mind when Margaret takes time off to do stake outs and interviews. I really enjoyed this book and recommend it.
November 12, 2020
Great Read for New Year's
Margaret finds out what the busy season is like at her candy store. In the midst of the chaos, there is of course, a murder. I liked the steady pace of this story and the fact that there was more romance than usual. I've really become fond of the characters in this series.
Margaret finds out what the busy season is like at her candy store. In the midst of the chaos, there is of course, a murder. I liked the steady pace of this story and the fact that there was more romance than usual. I've really become fond of the characters in this series.
November 12, 2020
A senseless murder
Well written. Story moves along nicely all ends are tied up. Margaret & Zack have a wonderful mom son relationship. David & Ariel are developing their father daughter relationship. Running a candy store, sleuthing, daily life, New Year's eve dinner with parents Margaret got her hands full.
Well written. Story moves along nicely all ends are tied up. Margaret & Zack have a wonderful mom son relationship. David & Ariel are developing their father daughter relationship. Running a candy store, sleuthing, daily life, New Year's eve dinner with parents Margaret got her hands full.
August 6, 2020
Set between Christmas and New Year's Eve in West End, this PG cozy with Margaret Nichols and Detective David Graham can be read in an 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.
August 9, 2020
A great cozy
I love this series by Wendy Meadows and I can't wait to see what happens next.If you're like me and 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. As is all of her series are.
I love this series by Wendy Meadows and I can't wait to see what happens next.If you're like me and 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. As is all of her series are.
October 22, 2020
Sweets of Fire (Sweet Shop Mystery) book review
I really. am disappointed in this book because the characters speak the Lord's name in vain. I don't think this book has a slot on my bookcase.I will not recommend it.
I really. am disappointed in this book because the characters speak the Lord's name in vain. I don't think this book has a slot on my bookcase.I will not recommend it.
September 25, 2020
Great book
This is another great book in the Sweet Shop Mystery series by Wendy Meadows. I cant wait to read the next book.
This is another great book in the Sweet Shop Mystery series by Wendy Meadows. I cant wait to read the next book.
October 8, 2020
Margaret and David
All of these books were so good!!! I enjoyed the plot and the characters that inspired each book. Waiting on the next book!!!
All of these books were so good!!! I enjoyed the plot and the characters that inspired each book. Waiting on the next book!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews