Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
You might think murder would be rare in a quiet English village …

When the local goddess of cake is found impaled with her own pallet knife, the victim’s husband is found holding the murder weapon. It’s an open and shut case …

… until he calls Patricia Fisher that is.

With a surprising new assistant in tow, your favourite middle-aged sleuth has all the help she will need, but this case is a tough one for everyone she suspects instantly becomes the next victim.

With the village fete a week away, cooks are revving up to win the coveted best cake prize, especially now that the favourite is in the morgue.

Can the killer really be one of the lovely old ladies?

With president of the church council, old rival Angelica Howard-Box, stirring up trouble, Patricia has more than enough on her plate, and she’ll have to solve this fast because her own cook, Mrs Pam Ellis might be next!

This series of books are clean cozy mysteries that contain no cussing or graphic descriptions of violence or bedroom activities.

185 pages, Paperback

First published May 7, 2020

1200 people are currently reading
183 people want to read

About the author

Steve Higgs

576 books822 followers
Let's start this off with an invitation to get some FREE books. No, you didn't read that wrong, we are talking about multiple free books. I love giving away free books because once people delve into the fast-paced mystery thrills I write, they go on to buy lots more.

All I need from you is an email address to send them to. Here's the link you need - https://mailchi.mp/fd47a6eb4ae5/patri...

When I wrote my first novel, Paranormal Nonsense, I was a Captain in the British Army. I would love to pretend that I had one of those careers that has to be redacted and in general denied by the government and that I have had to change my name and continually move about because I am still on the watch list in several countries. In truth though, I started out as a mechanic. Not like Jason Statham, sneaking about as a contract killer, more like one of those greasy gits that charge you a fortune and keep your car for a week when all you went in for was a squeaky door hinge.

At school, I was mostly disinterested in every subject except creative writing, for which, at age ten, I won my first award. However, calling it my first award suggests that there have been more, which there have not. Accolades may come but, in the meantime, I am having a ball writing mystery stories and crime thrillers and will claim to have more than a hundred books forming an unruly queue in my head as they clamor to get out.

Now retired from the military, I live in the south-east corner of England with a pair of lazy sausage dogs. Surrounded by rolling hills, brooding castles, and vineyards, I doubt I will ever leave, the beer is just too good.

Links:
Amazon Author page: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Steve-Higgs/...
Website: https://stevehiggsbooks.wordpress.com/
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/stevehiggsau...

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
915 (60%)
4 stars
443 (29%)
3 stars
142 (9%)
2 stars
11 (<1%)
1 star
3 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
63 reviews2 followers
January 2, 2021
Surprise!

Will I ever get tired of Patricia Fisher? As long as she continues to solve murders like these, I seriously doubt it. The usual cast of characters comes along on this one with the addition of one more. The murderer is a shock, though. Whodathunkit?!? And as if that isn't enough, there's a weirdo called the Godmother causing target heart rates to remain high. I have an idea where this is going and I can hardly wait. Another excellent read!
510 reviews2 followers
October 17, 2020
Prolific Writer

Steve Higgs is running an assembly line for books! Don’t misunderstand, I love it and can’t get enough of his Patricia Fisher novels! They are quick reads and though he seems to mass produce them, each book comes off the line just as funny and original as the previous one.
I don’t know how he manages to find time to sleep since his mind appears to be abuzz with stories that he can’t seem to commit to paper fast enough. And most importantly to me, his editing has greatly improved.
98 reviews
June 10, 2020
Another exciting story

This author has risen to the top of my list of favorites because he can weave a great story and grab you from page one. This story has me in the edge of my seat and then my bed. I HAD to finish it even if it meant staying up way too late. I guessed who the killer was about five pages before the end but this story was a roller coaster of everything I love in a book. Thank you Mr. Higgs
3 reviews
July 30, 2020
Love this series. I’ve been hooked from book one ; each story follows on from the one before so start at the beginning when Patricia goes on a cruise. I don’t want to put the books down so am flying through them, you’ll know the sort of books I mean when I tell you that the people feel real to me - I want to keep reading to know what happens but I don’t want to reach the end of the series.
Profile Image for R.
360 reviews5 followers
May 12, 2020
A good read; I got caught up in it quickly and found it hard to put down.

I enjoyed this book because it was a story which had many suspects and yet at first it appeared as if there was only one.

There are a few things going on in this story all at once. There's a murder. There's an attempted murder. And there is a whole lot of food preparation going on, and sundry other things to make the mind boggle. Together with many twists and sudden turns, make this a very interesting book. Patricia does something unusual, she takes on an assistant who has Downs Syndrome and that made me so happy, as I am a parent to a disabled child.
I have never read a cozy mystery that has included a disabled individual as a character before, and that made this a little more interesting for me on a personal level.

There has been a murder, and the police think they have the suspect in custody from the start but Patricia, our main character, has other ideas. While she goes around looking for clues, something happens to her that she wasn't expecting. Putting her and her new assistant in grave danger. My heart was in my mouth a few times during this part of the book I have to say.

The characters are great and whenever I read a new Patricia Fisher mystery, it's feels like I'm meeting up with old friends after a short hiatus and that makes me feel good even before I start getting into the actual plot.
I think the twist and turns in this story were great fun and gave it an exciting edge. The most satisfying part of the book was the finale, oh it was so gooood. I very much enjoyed this book for the many paths it went down and the clever way that certain facts were hidden, then revealed. I think of all the cozy mystery writers I have read the books of, the author of this book, Steve Higgs, is a cut above the norm. He can take a simple village murder and turn it every which way, until he has a great piece of work to show for it. I shall be very interested to see where certain characters go in the next few books. My hope is that a particular young man, called Sam, will continue to make appearances for some books to come. I was very impressed with how the author depicted him, and I would like to see some more of him in his next books in the series, here's hoping anyway.
Profile Image for Joan.
970 reviews
May 21, 2020
Sadly, after having spent the last couple of weeks reading the first 13 Patricia Fisher books, I have come to the end (although there is another coming out in June). How I will miss following Patricia on her madcap investigative adventures! These books are imaginative and funny and the perfect antidote for the boredom of Covid-19 islolation.

In this latest adventure, Patricia investigates the murders of two winning bakers from the annual village fete as well as the son of the first victim.

Patricia's arch enemy, Angelica Howard-Box, has upped the stakes in the continuation of their childhood battle from when Patricia stole Angelica's boyfriend. She has placed thousands of posters all over town and organized a petition to have Patricia driven out of town. The latter's new ally, David, Lord Mayor of Kent, helps put Angelica in her place, and proves that he is not afraid of a little danger and mayhem in his life. Will he eventually replace Alistair in Patricia' heart?
Profile Image for Madam.
224 reviews12 followers
May 12, 2020
When West Malling’s best baker, Vera Curry, is found dead in her kitchen, stabbed with an icing knife — and her husband, Vernon, is covered in her blood and his fingerprints are all over the knife handle — he frantically calls Patricia for help, even as Mike Atwell yanks the phone away from him. She takes what Mike considers an open-and-shut case — her favorite kind — and sets out to find the real murderer, along with Sam Chalk, her new assistant. Along the way, though, Angelica Howard-Box is determined to literally chase Patricia out of town, but once Jermaine, Barbie, and Patricia’s new suitor, the Lord Mayor of Kent, David Sebastian, are finished with her, Angelica’s the one in the hot seat — just in time for Patricia to reveal the killer, who’s a little too close to home. Another excellent cozy mystery from Steve Higgs.
Profile Image for Heather W.
4,066 reviews35 followers
May 13, 2020
Recipe for Murder is the third book in the "Patricia Fisher Mystery Adventures" and the second book in the "Village" sub-series.

I love these characters. They are realistic and feel like family and friends. The murder is very cut-and-dried to the police but Patricia is not so sure about it. She and her new assistant, Sam, take on the challenge of finding the truth and end up in danger as well. They must find the killer before Pam Ellis is the next to die.

I love this series and know that all of the Steve Higgs books will be going on vacation with me so that I can reread them. These books are entertaining but also challenge your mind as you try to guess the guilty party before Patricia does.

I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.
130 reviews
June 6, 2020
Review

Schooner has escaped prison, and Patricia is concerned that he might come after her.

Patricia's PI business is doing well, and she hires Sam Chalk as her new assistant.

Soon they are investigating the murder of
Vera Curry, a prominent baker, and trying to clear her husband's name.

After a lead sends them to the dog track, Sam proves his worth.

Meanwhile, the Godmother sends assassins to try and kill Patricia.

And Angelica wages a hate campaign against her. So not a smart thing to do, with Patience around.
(Snicker!)

The Lord Mayor pursues our intrepid detective,
but Patricia's heart is still with Alistair.

So funny! Another home run for Steve Higgs!
Profile Image for Ann.
491 reviews5 followers
August 1, 2021
Another great mystery book written by Steve, Patricia is a woman in her 50s who has set out to show everyone (and herself) that she has more to give. Her new PI business gets off to a flying start with Patricia trying to find the killer of a local celebrity baker before the Police decide there's no other suspects apart from the victims husband. Plus she has to contend with an old rival and a new one, The Godmother, who is out to kill her, so she has her hands full!
These mysteries and nice cosy stories with some great characters and although are stand alone stories it does help if you start with book one so you can travel along with Patricia on her journey of self discovery.
This is my honest review even if I did get to read the book as part of Steve's ARC group.
Profile Image for Helgaleena Healingline.
Author 2 books30 followers
July 18, 2020
An old school bully is conducting an active slander campaign in Patricia's home village, just in time for the village fair, and just as one of the leading local cake bakers is found murdered. What is the connection to other recent murders in the area, and can Patricia and her new helper Sam unravel the trouble even as vengeful mobsters from out of town try to remove her from the land of the living?

Getting this recipe to turn out right when the heat is on takes all of Patricia's talents, and separates the well-wishers from the ill-wishers as well. Higgs keeps the action and suspense levels steaming hot.
Profile Image for T.
990 reviews
March 2, 2025
Patricia solves mysteries, maybe with a bit of murder and mayhem in the process, but it's not her fault!

There's an annual baking competition in her town and the past winner for the last 5 or so years winds up dead. Hubby is the suspect and he begs Patricia for help. And then the woman's son winds up dead. Couldn't be hubby that did him in.

And then the runner up winds up dead.

Huh. What the heck?!

Meanwhile a jealous woman is trying to get Patricia run out of town, claiming that the town murder rate has gone up with her living in the town.

And apparently the mafia want Patricia gone as well!
Profile Image for Angel Ballard.
771 reviews5 followers
July 20, 2022
It's almost always the one you least suspect!
As the clock is ticking, Patricia must find the person who murdered a woman before her husband is sent away for the crime that she is certain he did not commit. At the same time, though, she is being relentlessly hounded by a woman hell bent on destroying her for stealing away her boyfriend when she was just 8 years old and a mysterious woman who also wants her dead! Such is the life of a very busy PI. Loved all the mystery and intrigue as well as the hidden dangers of The Godmother always lurking in the background.
Profile Image for Brenda.
3,526 reviews48 followers
October 22, 2023
Good Mystery
This is a good mystery. It's not just a murder mystery but a good book.With a surprising new assistant in tow, your favourite middle-aged sleuth has all the help she will need, but this case is a tough one for everyone she suspects instantly becomes the next victim.q
With the village fete a week away, cooks are revving up to win the coveted best cake prize, especially now that the favourite is in the morgue. Can the killer really be one of the lovely old ladies? I borrowed this book from KindleUnlimted. This in no way affects my opinion of this book.
23 reviews1 follower
May 12, 2020
New series!

I really like this guy's writing! This is the second book in his new series 'The Patricia Fisher Mystery Adventures.' I am so glad to see Patricia Fisher back from her cruise, ( 'Patricia Fisher Cruise Mysteries') and still having adventures. I like the cast members who have continued on from the cruise, and I especially like the new cast member Sam. I am really looking forward to see what's happening in the next book!
Profile Image for Christine Hunter.
336 reviews5 followers
May 16, 2020
Well, Steve Higgs has done it again. His Patricia Fisher stories are humorous, fun-loving mysteries with a bit of suspense. This new series, this is book 2 but can be read as a stand-alone, has us meeting up with old friends and gaining some new ones, too.

The plot is well thought out and the characters fully rounded. As you read through and follow the clues, it’ll take a detective to figure out just who the villain is. You can’t go wrong with this easy to read, well written cozy mystery.
49 reviews
May 19, 2020
Steve Higgs' Patricia Fisher is a force to be recond with. The adventures this "woman of a certain age" gets up to are complicated and hilarious. In this latest installment competitive baking takes an ugly turn when the winner is killed in her kitchen. In addition to solving the murder Patricia has to deal with a smear campaign from her arch rival and village bully, Angelica. A delightful and hilarious romp.
Profile Image for Claudete Takahashi.
2,682 reviews37 followers
July 5, 2020
Patricia Fisher's books are pure delight! They are entertaining, full of good humour and relatable characters. This story - Recipe for Murder - adds an extra bonus, as it makes the reader to salivate while reading it as she describes the baked goods that are the center of the whole problem. Another crime truly well solved!
I received a free copy of this book from the author as a member of his ARC team in exchange for an honest review.
563 reviews4 followers
July 29, 2020
Always a treat to read Patricia Fisher stories, and this one was just as much fun as the ones before it.
Each of the books can be read as standalone, but start at the beginning to get the full Patricia experience.
There is a lot going on, and twists and turns will keep you guessing about which suspect is the murderer.
Sam the assistant is a delightful addition to the series, along with all the regular cast of characters.
Never a dull moment with Patricia.
877 reviews25 followers
June 22, 2021
CAKE &CONFUSION

I have to admit that I was totally stumped by this mystery . Just thought it had to be the first person that Ms Fisher thought had done it. However, it wasn't but the story continued on and on. I had about decided and wasn't going to be able to figure this one out. Of course, that was absurd!!! Of course it was someone I had never thought to consider. Imagine that😂😂
Profile Image for Judi.
285 reviews4 followers
October 5, 2022
Just when I think I'm going to get bored with Patricia, she proves me wrong again. This one was a lot of fun to read. The whole gang is here with Sam added and we learn something of village life. I wasn't raised in a village and I have been a victim of the 'off-comer' designation. But after seeing what Patty goes through, I'm not sure I'd want to be a villager. Let's just say I love Patience and wish I'd had a friend like her when I lived in that upstate New York town. Recommended.
Profile Image for Avalon.
618 reviews3 followers
July 3, 2023
A village baking fete where Vera has won fifteen years in a row but this year she is found impaled with a palette knife and eyes look to her husband as the suspect so he calls Patricia to clear his name. A few days later the runner up to Vera is also murdered so who could it be? With her little dog Anna, a local boy Sam and her trusty Butler Jermaine, Patricia has her work cut out trying to solve this mystery but the answer could be right under her nose
Profile Image for Terri Borkgren.
806 reviews6 followers
May 7, 2025
Book 3 Recipe for Murder

Another adventure for Patricia Fisher and her investigation team A death of a former winner of a recipe contest, followed by her son and another baker. Patricia and her team gather the clues and solve the murder. Is her nemesis Angela able to accomplish her banishment from the community or does she get stopped? Another nemesis, The Godmother, makes her threats on Patricia's life, be stopped? Read to find the answers.
15 reviews3 followers
June 5, 2020
Funny and entertaining

I love this series. Clean, awesomely funny and entertaining. Steve Highs books just keep getting better and better. Look forward to these Patricia Fisher mysteries very much. He's in the same league as Janet Evanovich and Leslie Langtry. Keep up the awesome writing
Profile Image for Billie.
5,786 reviews71 followers
July 7, 2020
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believeable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.

I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review
21 reviews1 follower
July 11, 2020
Another wonderful read

Yet another engaging, interesting, and fast moving mystery. I applaud your ability to write books that suck a person into the story with very relatable characters. I particularly enjoy Sam. As a sister of a down syndrom adult I appreciate anyone willing to emphasize their abilities
Profile Image for Geraldine M.
254 reviews1 follower
June 3, 2021
Another great whodunit

A murder, a baker, assassins, the poor Aston, another murder? Patricia is once again perplexed by a series of events that will keep you guessing until the end. Lots of action. Must read. I cannot seem to put this series down. The games are definitely afoot.

Profile Image for Terry Polston.
822 reviews4 followers
March 22, 2022
When the 15 year running champion Baker of the yearly Fete is found murdered in her kitchen, Patricia is on the case.while the murderer starts to pick off local bakers, Angelica Howard-Box is waging a hate campaign to get Patricia kicked out of the county. If this wasn't enough, The Godmother is waging her own deadly war against Patricia.
159 reviews
July 1, 2022
Let them not eat cake!

Another fine installment in the series. I think this one was the most action packed of the three! Mrs Fisher is a wonderful character as so are her sidekicks. Another murder or two or three! Someone out to ruin her and someone out to kill her! Kept me guessing right till the end and boy was the end a shocker! Do yourself a favor and read this book!
Profile Image for Ann.
276 reviews7 followers
April 8, 2024
I cannot believe I am reading these books, but I am. This one is better than the first two, partly due to the addition of Sam, a 30 year old man with Down’s Syndrome who becomes Patricia’s assistant. He is sweet, charming and funny. It gets an extra star because, unbelievably, I guessed wrong about the identity of the villain! Nice to read while watching a mediocre baseball game.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.