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Beachfront Bakery #6
A Calamitous Cookie
Allison Sweet, 34, a sous chef in Los Angeles, has had it up to here with demeaning customers, her demanding boss, and her failed love life. After a shocking incident, she realizes the time has come to start life fresh and follow her lifelong dream of moving to a small town and opening a bakery of her own.
A treasure hunter finds a priceless coin on the beach in front of Allison’s bakery at sunrise, and she is stunned at the treasure.
But she is more stunned to find him murdered.
Allison, left standing at the scene of the crime, dog by her side, treasure in hand, couldn’t have picked a worse place and a worse time. She hardly looks innocent.
And if she doesn’t solve this crime soon, things, she realize, are about to get a whole lot worse.
A hilarious cozy mystery series, packed with twists, turns, romance, travel, food and unexpected adventure, the BEACHFRONT BAKERY series will keep you laughing and turning pages late into the night as you fall in love with an endearing new character who will capture your heart.
A treasure hunter finds a priceless coin on the beach in front of Allison’s bakery at sunrise, and she is stunned at the treasure.
But she is more stunned to find him murdered.
Allison, left standing at the scene of the crime, dog by her side, treasure in hand, couldn’t have picked a worse place and a worse time. She hardly looks innocent.
And if she doesn’t solve this crime soon, things, she realize, are about to get a whole lot worse.
A hilarious cozy mystery series, packed with twists, turns, romance, travel, food and unexpected adventure, the BEACHFRONT BAKERY series will keep you laughing and turning pages late into the night as you fall in love with an endearing new character who will capture your heart.
185 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 30, 2021
46 people are currently reading
468 people want to read
About the author
Fiona Grace
477 books721 followersDebut author Fiona Grace is author of the LACEY DOYLE COZY MYSTERY series which includes MURDER IN THE MANOR (Book #1), DEATH AND A DOG (Book #2) and CRIME IN THE CAFE (Book #3). Fiona would love to hear from you, so please visit www.fionagraceauthor.com to receive free ebooks, hear the latest news, and stay in touch.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
June 10, 2022
I loved this series! Did it have it's flaws? Yes. But it was still entertaining. I always knew I was going to laugh and roll my eyes while reading about Allison Sweet. I think I wanted more of the treasure hunt in this book but instead it focused on her and reuniting with her dad. This looks like the last in the series, but I'd definitely read more if the author decided to write more!
May 9, 2022
Ok I went from enjoying this series to not liking the narrator change to dealing with it to wanting more. However I just heard that this is the last book in the series.
I really wanted to see Allie and Sab move forward in their relationship. Teddy find the love of his life and to see more of Allie and her dad.
I really wanted to see Allie and Sab move forward in their relationship. Teddy find the love of his life and to see more of Allie and her dad.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 25, 2022
This author has a formula and she doesn't stray from it. And it is the exact same formula she uses in other series. I truly will not read anymore of her work. I have plodded through two series, hoping that it would get better. It didn't.
January 10, 2022
The end of the series - finally! I have finished all the books, and this one was honestly the best. I think it's because most of the series have had MAJOR flaws and this one actually seems put together. It was still frustrating and had loose ties all other the place. Also, again - what do cookies have to do with anything? Titles should say something about the book. Fiona Grace's titles tell me absolutely nothing! It's very frustrating from a reader's perspective.
February 11, 2022
3 stars.
I was trying to find something light and fluffy and this series did fulfill some of my requirements. But I think I erred by going with a contemporary setting rather than something historical as I can't get over some of the unrealities. For instance
I found the reunion with her father very anti-climatic and again, why even bother having cookie in the title if there's no mention of any sort of cookie in the story? All in all, I'm glad that this is the perfect time to put down this series.
I was trying to find something light and fluffy and this series did fulfill some of my requirements. But I think I erred by going with a contemporary setting rather than something historical as I can't get over some of the unrealities. For instance
I found the reunion with her father very anti-climatic and again, why even bother having cookie in the title if there's no mention of any sort of cookie in the story? All in all, I'm glad that this is the perfect time to put down this series.
July 24, 2023
A Calamitous Cookie is book 6 and the final book in Fiona Grace’s Beachfront Bakery cosy mystery series. I enjoyed this series, but it wasn't without its problems. If it had continued, I probably wouldn't have been able to finish it, or I would have had to take a considerable amount of time before returning to it. I don't mind formulaic writing in some cases, but this was just getting to be tedious. I actually started the first book in another series by this author, and it felt like I was reading the same plot again, so I didn't finish it. I didn't want to get sucked into another series.
First…there are cookies mentioned in this book. Those of you who have read my previous reviews will know that the titles in this series have been somewhat random, so I was happy to at least see some cookies in this book, even though they don't play a part in the main story.
In this book Ali finally connects with her father, I was happy to finally see him finally show up in the books. Once again though, Ali is the suspect in a murder investigation after a treasure hunter is found dead shortly after Ali has a very public argument with him, and his gold coin goes missing.
As usual, Scruff the neighbourhood stray steals most of the show. This story follows the same formula as the other books, but it was interesting enough that I kept reading.
I won't say I'm sad to see Ali's story end, as I was getting a bit tired of her antics, but the series was a quick read, and didn't require a lot of thought. In fact it was probably better not to think too hard while reading this series due to some of the issues mentioned in previous reviews.
I will admit, I only read the whole series because they were in the Kobo Plus program so I didn't have to pay anything extra for them. I probably would not have read the series past book 2 if I'd had to pay for them outright.
If you're looking for a mindless entertaining read, this series is okay, but I recommend not reading them back to back as you may get tired of the author's formula, and of some of the inconsistencies.
First…there are cookies mentioned in this book. Those of you who have read my previous reviews will know that the titles in this series have been somewhat random, so I was happy to at least see some cookies in this book, even though they don't play a part in the main story.
In this book Ali finally connects with her father, I was happy to finally see him finally show up in the books. Once again though, Ali is the suspect in a murder investigation after a treasure hunter is found dead shortly after Ali has a very public argument with him, and his gold coin goes missing.
As usual, Scruff the neighbourhood stray steals most of the show. This story follows the same formula as the other books, but it was interesting enough that I kept reading.
I won't say I'm sad to see Ali's story end, as I was getting a bit tired of her antics, but the series was a quick read, and didn't require a lot of thought. In fact it was probably better not to think too hard while reading this series due to some of the issues mentioned in previous reviews.
I will admit, I only read the whole series because they were in the Kobo Plus program so I didn't have to pay anything extra for them. I probably would not have read the series past book 2 if I'd had to pay for them outright.
If you're looking for a mindless entertaining read, this series is okay, but I recommend not reading them back to back as you may get tired of the author's formula, and of some of the inconsistencies.
December 10, 2021
This is part of one of three series I am reading by the same author. They all have a a woman who is starting over in a new place with a new business. The woman is also trying to find her father who left her family when she was young. And there is usually a pet involved. And then there's a murder and the heroine is under suspicion so she investigates on her own. There are also multiple love interests she is trying to decide between. This one is set in a beachfront community in California. They're all pretty much of a piece, and yet I keep reading them to see what happens to the heroine and if she ever finds her father.
August 9, 2022
Baking and sleuthing as per usual! A gold coin found on the beach brings treasure hunters, along with a few internet streaming shows, turning Willow Bay into a madhouse. Of course the bakery slows when Ally is rumored to have something to do with the murder of the man she'd found under the boardwalk, but the influx has taken a toll on all of the area businesses. Long lost dad shows up and as luck would have it, he's a puzzle solver, too!
January 12, 2022
I have read this author before. This is a typical cozy mystery. I liked the setting and the detectorists. I love the "Detectorists" (British TV show) and enjoyed the inclusion of detectorist clubs in the novel.
The resolution of the mystery was disappointing. IMO, the killer had very little motivation to kill someone. Basically he was POed about all of the detectorists on the beach who apparently spoiled the grand opening of his Victorian themed ice cream parlor/barber shop. Maybe that would be a fun concept in a tourist trap, but selling ice cream for $11 per scoop is insane. Okay, I guess that shows this guy was indeed crazy.
The resolution of the mystery was disappointing. IMO, the killer had very little motivation to kill someone. Basically he was POed about all of the detectorists on the beach who apparently spoiled the grand opening of his Victorian themed ice cream parlor/barber shop. Maybe that would be a fun concept in a tourist trap, but selling ice cream for $11 per scoop is insane. Okay, I guess that shows this guy was indeed crazy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 27, 2024
3.5 Stars
The Beachfront Bakery Series by Fiona Grace is another fun cozy mystery series with crime & investigation, suspense, drama, humour, and a whodunnit element.
Allison Sweet (34) is a pastry chef who is fed up with the LA scene, rude customers, her stressful job that comes with a difficult boss, and her bad luck with love. A shocking incident became the catalyst she needed to change her life, and head in a new direction. So, she changes course, moving to the seaside and opening her own bakery. Things take a dramatic turn when a body is discovered close by. Soon, Allison is implicated in it all, and has no choice but to get to the bottom of things and clear her name. Her whole future is riding on the outcome.
Each instalment sees Allison pulled into various mysteries and we get a front row seat to her ‘investigations’.
The series follows a predictable ‘recipe’- especially after reading the ‘Lacey Doyle’ series- as it follows pretty much that exact recipe, right down to her furry sidekick. I thought things could have been changed up a little more, but the six books still made for an entertaining read.
The Series contains:
-A Killer Cupcake (Book #1)
-A Murderous Macaron (Book #2)
-A Perilous Cake Pop (Book #3)
-A Deadly Danish (Book #4)
-A Treacherous Tart (Book #5)
-A Calamitous Cookie (Book #6)
Happy Reading…
Thank you, Fiona Grace!
The Beachfront Bakery Series by Fiona Grace is another fun cozy mystery series with crime & investigation, suspense, drama, humour, and a whodunnit element.
Allison Sweet (34) is a pastry chef who is fed up with the LA scene, rude customers, her stressful job that comes with a difficult boss, and her bad luck with love. A shocking incident became the catalyst she needed to change her life, and head in a new direction. So, she changes course, moving to the seaside and opening her own bakery. Things take a dramatic turn when a body is discovered close by. Soon, Allison is implicated in it all, and has no choice but to get to the bottom of things and clear her name. Her whole future is riding on the outcome.
Each instalment sees Allison pulled into various mysteries and we get a front row seat to her ‘investigations’.
The series follows a predictable ‘recipe’- especially after reading the ‘Lacey Doyle’ series- as it follows pretty much that exact recipe, right down to her furry sidekick. I thought things could have been changed up a little more, but the six books still made for an entertaining read.
The Series contains:
-A Killer Cupcake (Book #1)
-A Murderous Macaron (Book #2)
-A Perilous Cake Pop (Book #3)
-A Deadly Danish (Book #4)
-A Treacherous Tart (Book #5)
-A Calamitous Cookie (Book #6)
Happy Reading…
Thank you, Fiona Grace!
September 5, 2025
A Calamitous Cookie is everything I love about cozy mysteries wrapped into one delightful read. Fiona Grace has a wonderful way of creating atmosphere – you can almost smell the freshly baked cookies and hear the ocean waves in the background. The main character is both charming and relatable, and I was quickly drawn into her new life by the beach, mixed with a mystery that was fun and engaging to follow.
What I especially enjoyed was the balance of warmth, humor, and just the right touch of suspense. It never gets too dark, but it still keeps you guessing and turning the pages. This is the kind of book that makes you want to curl up with a cup of tea, relax, and escape into a world of sunshine, secrets, and sweet treats.
A perfect cozy mystery that makes you want to bake – and definitely continue the series! 🍪🌊
What I especially enjoyed was the balance of warmth, humor, and just the right touch of suspense. It never gets too dark, but it still keeps you guessing and turning the pages. This is the kind of book that makes you want to curl up with a cup of tea, relax, and escape into a world of sunshine, secrets, and sweet treats.
A perfect cozy mystery that makes you want to bake – and definitely continue the series! 🍪🌊
January 12, 2022
Absolutely love this series of Cozy Mysteries. I found this book to be the best one of the series as it focused deeply on the relationship between the main character Alison Sweet and her long absentee father. Ali once again as the owner of Seaside Sweets finds herself embroiled in a murder mystery that she must solve in order to put the town of Willow Bay at ease. This book was definitely full of twists and turns. To some degree I view Ali as a more sophisticated version of Nancy Drew.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 25, 2023
A wonderful end to this series. Ali found her father and finally finds out why he left. But of course there's another murder that took place, and she's right in the middle, AGAIN. To clear her name, Ali needs to find the murderer. I love how stereotypical the characters are. It's just a great book to reset your brain with.
March 17, 2025
I really enjoyed this read series. I did find she does use the same formula or format for each book. Takes a bit away from the mystery though I really enjoyed the characters and especially her ambition. Definitely a shout out to small businesses. It was a fun and enjoyable read just like munching on a cookie.
January 4, 2022
This was the best 6 books I’ve read in a long time
I loved all of the personalities & the story just kept me wanting to know more.
Love this author & will be looking for more of her books.
I loved all of the personalities & the story just kept me wanting to know more.
Love this author & will be looking for more of her books.
June 20, 2022
Finally at last
Ms . Grace has written a story where the lead female character connects with her long lost father. Sadly, the series ends abruptly. I would like a story about the establishment of new family relationships.
Ms . Grace has written a story where the lead female character connects with her long lost father. Sadly, the series ends abruptly. I would like a story about the establishment of new family relationships.
October 6, 2023
Glad to wrap up this series with all the Sweet kids present. I would call this book/author a “cute” read. Not to heavy or deep… very predictable. I did enjoy her descriptions of characters like Ali, Delaney or Teddy.
June 21, 2024
This series continues to get funnier with each installment. I love the characters and the addition of Scruff throughout each novel adds to the story. The plot held my interest and I couldn’t put it aside.
July 6, 2025
This charming addition to the Beachfront Bakery series is a wonderful cozy mystery. It does feel like this is the conclusion of this series which I recommend completely. How does one baker get involved in six murders with feet of her bakery not be considered a serial killer, who knew.
December 23, 2021
Oh I really like this one. It dug a little deeper into family and her romance. There was a bit of suspense it was great.
January 28, 2022
Pls keep 'em coming! :)
February 4, 2022
Perfect series if you have to spend a lot of time in the car.
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May 28, 2022
A nice light, cozy, predictable mystery.
July 18, 2022
Completed series. Fun read.
August 25, 2022
Another great book by the amazing Fiona Grace.
Get the tissues your are going to need them for this one as it ties up any loose ends from the series.
Get the tissues your are going to need them for this one as it ties up any loose ends from the series.
December 27, 2022
Was a good series. Enjoyable. Lots of twists and turns.
June 6, 2023
Really Good
This was one of my favorites in the series so far! The characters continue to mature and are just wonderful. I look forward to reading the next one.
This was one of my favorites in the series so far! The characters continue to mature and are just wonderful. I look forward to reading the next one.
September 13, 2023
Very cute series
June 3, 2024
My favorite of the series. I had a really enjoyable time with this series and I will miss it. Soon I will revisit Willow Bay in a reread.
November 1, 2024
In the series of 6 books, I liked the first and the last best. Characters were likable but stories were very similar.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews