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Chocolate Centered Mystery #19
Yule Logs and Murder
It is almost Christmas and Charlotte and Ally Sweet are excited to be making delicious chocolate creations, planning for the upcoming Christmas celebrations and Ally and Detective Luke Elm’s impending wedding.
But… their plans come to a grinding halt when someone is murdered. With Christmas just around the corner everyone wants the murderer caught so that Christmas can go off without a hitch. So, Ally and Charlotte decide to lend a helping hand. Along with their adorable pot-bellied pig, Arnold, and mischievous feline-friend, Peaches, they do a little snooping. But they uncover more than they anticipated and have to unravel a perplexing mixture of clues and suspects in order to get to the truth.
Will the murderer be revealed before there is another victim? Or will their Christmas celebrations need to be put on hold?
Recipe Included: Chocolate Yule Log
Join Charlotte, Ally, Arnold and Peaches for a fun, puzzling, Christmas-themed cozy mystery by USA Today and Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author Cindy Bell.
But… their plans come to a grinding halt when someone is murdered. With Christmas just around the corner everyone wants the murderer caught so that Christmas can go off without a hitch. So, Ally and Charlotte decide to lend a helping hand. Along with their adorable pot-bellied pig, Arnold, and mischievous feline-friend, Peaches, they do a little snooping. But they uncover more than they anticipated and have to unravel a perplexing mixture of clues and suspects in order to get to the truth.
Will the murderer be revealed before there is another victim? Or will their Christmas celebrations need to be put on hold?
Recipe Included: Chocolate Yule Log
Join Charlotte, Ally, Arnold and Peaches for a fun, puzzling, Christmas-themed cozy mystery by USA Today and Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author Cindy Bell.
242 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 18, 2020
255 people are currently reading
140 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
January 1, 2021
I love this series and I love Ally and Charlotte and of course Luke. Add in the three other "grandmothers" and you have a group of amazing characters. Add in a good story and you have a really good book. Of course you can't forget Arnold the pig and Peaches the cat. Though I have to say how many times did the author have to say that Peaches had found her way out of the yard a lot. I think it was said three times if not more. A great good feel book.
December 8, 2020
Charlotte and Ally Sweet, are preparing for the Christmas holiday and filling several chocolate orders. Charlotte, is famous for her Yule Logs which are very popular this time of year and in high demand. While dropping one off in the common room of her retirement community, Freely Lakes, Charlotte stumbles across the body of a frequent visitor, Nola. With a murder happening in her own community, Charlotte feels personally responsible to find the killer before Christmas.
When Charlotte and Alley begin looking into the investigation, they discover that Nola had quite a few secrets and enemies. With the help of three close friends, Mrs. Bing, Mrs. White, and Mrs. Cale, they begin to sort through the clues. Charlotte also contacted a reporter they've worked with in the past. With his ability to research information, Christian provides them with additional clues to help find the killer, in exchange for the inside scoop.
I really enjoy this series by Ms. Bell. It’s always a pleasure to find out what Charlotte and Ally are up to. Whether it’s on the trail of a killer, or creating decant chocolates for their shop, I am never disappointed. Although Charlotte is a senior, she stays active in her community, and gives Ally a hand in their chocolate shop when needed. Ally’s relationship with her grandmother is heartwarming, and I have to laugh at the antics of their two pets, a cat, Peaches and a pig, Arnold, who seem to get along quite well, and are very intuitive to Ally’s needs. Having a murder did put a damper on Ally’s wedding plans to her detective boyfriend, Luke, but not enough to change the date.
As Charlotte and Ally discuss their chocolate, I wish I could visit to taste test their confections. Having a recipe at the end of the book is a bonus, and would love to recreate Charlotte’s Yule Log for the holidays! I am looking forward to the next book in this series as I anticipate Ally and Luke’s wedding. I received a complimentary copy, all opinions are my own.
When Charlotte and Alley begin looking into the investigation, they discover that Nola had quite a few secrets and enemies. With the help of three close friends, Mrs. Bing, Mrs. White, and Mrs. Cale, they begin to sort through the clues. Charlotte also contacted a reporter they've worked with in the past. With his ability to research information, Christian provides them with additional clues to help find the killer, in exchange for the inside scoop.
I really enjoy this series by Ms. Bell. It’s always a pleasure to find out what Charlotte and Ally are up to. Whether it’s on the trail of a killer, or creating decant chocolates for their shop, I am never disappointed. Although Charlotte is a senior, she stays active in her community, and gives Ally a hand in their chocolate shop when needed. Ally’s relationship with her grandmother is heartwarming, and I have to laugh at the antics of their two pets, a cat, Peaches and a pig, Arnold, who seem to get along quite well, and are very intuitive to Ally’s needs. Having a murder did put a damper on Ally’s wedding plans to her detective boyfriend, Luke, but not enough to change the date.
As Charlotte and Ally discuss their chocolate, I wish I could visit to taste test their confections. Having a recipe at the end of the book is a bonus, and would love to recreate Charlotte’s Yule Log for the holidays! I am looking forward to the next book in this series as I anticipate Ally and Luke’s wedding. I received a complimentary copy, all opinions are my own.
November 25, 2020
Ally Sweet and her Mee-Maw, Charlotte Sweet, are working together at Charlotte's Chocolate Heaven filling orders and replenishing their candies as well as making more Yule Logs. Charlotte decides to take another Yule Log to Freely Lakes becuase the first one went so quickly. When Charlotte walks into the common room she finds the body of Nola, Ricco Pace's ex-daughter-in-law.
Charlotte, Ally, Mrs. Bing, Mrs. White, Mrs. Cale and Christian, the reporter, decide to look for clues and share with each other in an attempt to find the murderer.
Someone has also been stealing items from the resident's apartments at Freely Lakes. Charlotte has been trying to find the thief as well.
Ally's fiance, Luke Elm, is assisting the Freely Police with this case, There are a few suspects in this case.
I enjoy this series and love the characters. Cindy Bell has done a great job with this series. If you enjoy cozy mysteries, you will love this one.
I received an adsvance copy of this book. This is my honest opinion.
Charlotte, Ally, Mrs. Bing, Mrs. White, Mrs. Cale and Christian, the reporter, decide to look for clues and share with each other in an attempt to find the murderer.
Someone has also been stealing items from the resident's apartments at Freely Lakes. Charlotte has been trying to find the thief as well.
Ally's fiance, Luke Elm, is assisting the Freely Police with this case, There are a few suspects in this case.
I enjoy this series and love the characters. Cindy Bell has done a great job with this series. If you enjoy cozy mysteries, you will love this one.
I received an adsvance copy of this book. This is my honest opinion.
Read
November 27, 2020Christmas is right around the corner and Ally and her MeeMaw (Charlotte) are busy dreaming of wedding plans, making chocolates, and filling orders. When Charlotte comes across a dead body, making chocolate is put on the back burner as they "help" investigate. I love their relationship as it reminds me a lot of the wonderful relationship I had with my grandmother (except for investigating, that is.) I do think that Ally's fiancé, Luke, a detective, needs to lighten up a bit. He's far too serious for me. The supporting characters are fantastic and add some lightheartedness to the story. This is one of my favorite series and I highly recommend it. Happy Reading!
November 30, 2020
Addy and her Grandmother, Charlotte, Solve Thefts and a Murder at the Retirement Home
Luke and Addy are looking forward to the Christmas holidays and their upcoming wedding when a woman is found by Charlotte in the common room at Freely Lakes, the retirement home where Charlotte lives. There have been a series of thefts from the residents' apartments. There are some theories about how the murder may be related to the thefts. There turns out to be a convoluted background story and a surprising ending. Well done.
Luke and Addy are looking forward to the Christmas holidays and their upcoming wedding when a woman is found by Charlotte in the common room at Freely Lakes, the retirement home where Charlotte lives. There have been a series of thefts from the residents' apartments. There are some theories about how the murder may be related to the thefts. There turns out to be a convoluted background story and a surprising ending. Well done.
January 19, 2021
Close to perfect
I have read enough books by Cindy Bell to know I will love the go
I've read several books by Cindy Bell and have loved them all, no matter the subject. This one was no different and I look forward to the next book in the series. There is only one little flaw in each book that prevents me from giving them a 5 star rating. I really wish Ms. Bell would either proofread them herself or find someone else to give them a final read to catch those pesky little errors!
I have read enough books by Cindy Bell to know I will love the go
I've read several books by Cindy Bell and have loved them all, no matter the subject. This one was no different and I look forward to the next book in the series. There is only one little flaw in each book that prevents me from giving them a 5 star rating. I really wish Ms. Bell would either proofread them herself or find someone else to give them a final read to catch those pesky little errors!
May 25, 2021
Another great read! There were many twists and turns throughout the story. I enjoy the camaraderie between the characters and the relationships growing between Ally and Luke and Ally and her Grandmother. This was an enjoyable read and once I started reading it, I didn’t want to put it down. Look forward to the next book in the series. Highly recommend the series.
December 7, 2021
Too cringy
I used to love these books but I took a break from them a while ago because they were getting very repetitive. I came back to Yule Logs and Murder and I cringed from beginning to end. The dialogue feels fake or forced and the story gets convoluted for no reason. I don't think I'll be finishing the series.
I used to love these books but I took a break from them a while ago because they were getting very repetitive. I came back to Yule Logs and Murder and I cringed from beginning to end. The dialogue feels fake or forced and the story gets convoluted for no reason. I don't think I'll be finishing the series.
December 2, 2020
From chocolate logs to murder logs. Things like that don’t happen here. Mee-Maw has her hands full, doesn’t she??? But she is amazing, Peaches and Arnold help calm things down though. Just like a goat in a tuxedo. I enjoyed this story and recommend the book.
January 24, 2021
Excellent as always
I enjoyed reading this book very much. The author is very talented. She makes the characters and storyline very interesting and entertaining. I would recommend it to anyone.
I enjoyed reading this book very much. The author is very talented. She makes the characters and storyline very interesting and entertaining. I would recommend it to anyone.
February 27, 2021
Yule Logs and Murder
The relationship between Grandmother Charlotte and Granddaughter Ally is wonderful. You can feel their love as they work in the candy shop and on solving the mysteries of thefts and murder.
The relationship between Grandmother Charlotte and Granddaughter Ally is wonderful. You can feel their love as they work in the candy shop and on solving the mysteries of thefts and murder.
December 11, 2021
It’s Christmas time and there’s another dead body found at the retirement home. Prior to her death, the victim was seen arguing with her ex-father-in-law over a yule log. Was it the angry ex-husband or a disgruntled dance competitor?
Good little mystery!
Good little mystery!
December 16, 2022
Very delightful
I loved this one very much. I especially liked the recipes included this time. I was surprised when the killer was revealed as there were so many suspects this time.
I loved this one very much. I especially liked the recipes included this time. I was surprised when the killer was revealed as there were so many suspects this time.
November 19, 2020
Great book
This is a great book by Cindy Bell. You have to love Arnold and Peaches. I cant wait for the next book.
This is a great book by Cindy Bell. You have to love Arnold and Peaches. I cant wait for the next book.
November 22, 2020
Yule log murder
I love this author but this book gave me a headache. There was in some cases too much detail and in others not enough
I love this author but this book gave me a headache. There was in some cases too much detail and in others not enough
November 28, 2020
Caring
Lots of chocolates in the story to make you hungry. Many reasons for murder, but which was right? A surprising ending.
Lots of chocolates in the story to make you hungry. Many reasons for murder, but which was right? A surprising ending.
December 2, 2020
Christmas, Chocolate and Murder
Another cozy mystery with the women of Freely Lakes...Ally and Mee Maw. I love these characters. So warm and down to earth. Keeping the town safe!
Another cozy mystery with the women of Freely Lakes...Ally and Mee Maw. I love these characters. So warm and down to earth. Keeping the town safe!
December 10, 2020
Really enjoyed this book. Loved the characters.
December 28, 2020
A surprise ending!
I loved the setting and characters in the story. Very enjoyable to read and to try to solve the mystery!
I loved the setting and characters in the story. Very enjoyable to read and to try to solve the mystery!
January 6, 2022
Kept in despense.
I wish she would publish a book with all recipes that are at the end of the books. Love the books.
I wish she would publish a book with all recipes that are at the end of the books. Love the books.
January 17, 2026
I loved it!!!
December 21, 2020
by Barbara Kelley
Yule Logs and Murder is book #19 of the Chocolate Centered Cozy Mystery series by Cindy Bell. Once again, Peaches (at cat) and Arnold (a pig) save Ally Sweet and her grandmother Charlotte Sweet.
This episode is about the murder of a woman everyone seems to like and love. There are a few suspects, but the real murderer tries to kill Ally and Charlotte. There are also a string of thefts at Charlotte's retirement home, Freely Lakes. Since the thefts and the murder both happen at Freely Lakes, both Ally and Charlotte think they are the same culprit.
My favorite characters, as mentioned above, still happen to be Peaches, Ally's orange cat, and Arnold, Charlotte's pet pig who now lives with Ally, since Charlotte moved into a "no pets allowed" retirement apartment. Also favorites of mine are the three honorary 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grandmothers to Ally: Mrs. Bing, Mrs. Cale, and Mrs. White. They have known Ally since she was a little girl, and are almost always Ally's first customers of the day at the chocolate shop. They arrive before the shop is actually opened and get as many free chocolates and cups of coffee before the main crowd comes in. I love them all to pieces. Luke, Ally's fiancé, is also a favorite because he loves Ally so deeply and it shows up through the pages of the story.
It took me a little longer to read this book because I've been pretty sick, not feeling well enough to read more than a chapter or two per day. However, I read the last 50% of the book in about three and a half hours.
I gave this book 5 stars because it flowed well and I loved the interactions between characters, as well as the ending. However, I do think Ally should listen to Peaches when the poor little thing hisses so loudly. It could save Ally a lot of headaches.
Yule Logs and Murder is book #19 of the Chocolate Centered Cozy Mystery series by Cindy Bell. Once again, Peaches (at cat) and Arnold (a pig) save Ally Sweet and her grandmother Charlotte Sweet.
This episode is about the murder of a woman everyone seems to like and love. There are a few suspects, but the real murderer tries to kill Ally and Charlotte. There are also a string of thefts at Charlotte's retirement home, Freely Lakes. Since the thefts and the murder both happen at Freely Lakes, both Ally and Charlotte think they are the same culprit.
My favorite characters, as mentioned above, still happen to be Peaches, Ally's orange cat, and Arnold, Charlotte's pet pig who now lives with Ally, since Charlotte moved into a "no pets allowed" retirement apartment. Also favorites of mine are the three honorary 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grandmothers to Ally: Mrs. Bing, Mrs. Cale, and Mrs. White. They have known Ally since she was a little girl, and are almost always Ally's first customers of the day at the chocolate shop. They arrive before the shop is actually opened and get as many free chocolates and cups of coffee before the main crowd comes in. I love them all to pieces. Luke, Ally's fiancé, is also a favorite because he loves Ally so deeply and it shows up through the pages of the story.
It took me a little longer to read this book because I've been pretty sick, not feeling well enough to read more than a chapter or two per day. However, I read the last 50% of the book in about three and a half hours.
I gave this book 5 stars because it flowed well and I loved the interactions between characters, as well as the ending. However, I do think Ally should listen to Peaches when the poor little thing hisses so loudly. It could save Ally a lot of headaches.
November 24, 2020
Charlotte and Ally need to figure out who murdered a visitor at the retirement home where Charlotte lives...
Of course the story has a wonderful assortment of twists and turns that will keep you trying to figure out the who's and whys...
Of course the story has a wonderful assortment of twists and turns that will keep you trying to figure out the who's and whys...
December 18, 2020
A great cozy
I love Ally and Charlotte and all the characters in this wonderful series by Cindy Bell and I can't wait to see what happens next.
I love Ally and Charlotte and all the characters in this wonderful series by Cindy Bell and I can't wait to see what happens next.
December 10, 2020
Good
a mystery that envloves the thif and murder at a retirement home and the people who live there.it a serieaq
a mystery that envloves the thif and murder at a retirement home and the people who live there.it a serieaq
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews