What do you think?
Rate this book
Murder in the Mix #5
Seven-Layer Slayer
My name is Lottie Lemon and I see dead people. Okay, so I rarely see dead people, mostly I see furry creatures of the dearly departed variety, who have come back from the other side to warn me of their previous owners impending doom.
It’s January, and this month brings two special birthdays that the entire town is looking forward to Eve Hollister and Nell Sawyer’s. Well, in truth, not many people are looking forward to celebrating Eve Hollister’s birthday. In fact, the way the people at her party are acting, you’d think she were the most hated woman on the planet. Add one ornery black bear who is well past his earthly prime, along with the Grim Reaper, and poor Eve’s birthday turns into a supernatural catastrophe. One thing is for sure—no one in Honey Hollow will ever be the same.
Lottie Lemon has a brand new bakery to tend to, a budding romance with perhaps one too many suitors, and she has the supernatural ability to see the dead—which are always harbingers for ominous things to come. Throw in the occasional ghost of the human variety, a string of murders, and her insatiable thirst for justice, and you’ll have more chaos than you know what to do with. Culinary mystery at its finest.
It’s January, and this month brings two special birthdays that the entire town is looking forward to Eve Hollister and Nell Sawyer’s. Well, in truth, not many people are looking forward to celebrating Eve Hollister’s birthday. In fact, the way the people at her party are acting, you’d think she were the most hated woman on the planet. Add one ornery black bear who is well past his earthly prime, along with the Grim Reaper, and poor Eve’s birthday turns into a supernatural catastrophe. One thing is for sure—no one in Honey Hollow will ever be the same.
Lottie Lemon has a brand new bakery to tend to, a budding romance with perhaps one too many suitors, and she has the supernatural ability to see the dead—which are always harbingers for ominous things to come. Throw in the occasional ghost of the human variety, a string of murders, and her insatiable thirst for justice, and you’ll have more chaos than you know what to do with. Culinary mystery at its finest.
228 pages, Paperback
First published October 28, 2018
951 people are currently reading
481 people want to read
About the author
Addison Moore
347 books5,696 followersSubscribe to Addison's newsletter! http://www.addisonmoore.com/subscribe/
Follow for deals and steals on Bookbub-> https://www.bookbub.com/authors/addis...
Addison Moore is a New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of cozy mysteries and romance. Her new book MIDLIFE IN GLIMMERSPELL is NOW available! Read today!
Cosmopolitan Magazine calls Addison's books, "...easy, frothy fun!"
Humor with a side of homicide.
FREE with Kindle Unlimited! Amazon-->https://amzn.to/3AnyVhs Hibiscus Homicide Cruise is here! An impending divorce. An ornery homicide detective. The cruise of a lifetime. And ghosts. Midlife on the high seas is proving to be a real killer.
#Cozymystery #Kindleunlimited #mystery #PWF
Follow for deals and steals on Bookbub-> https://www.bookbub.com/authors/addis...
Addison Moore is a New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of cozy mysteries and romance. Her new book MIDLIFE IN GLIMMERSPELL is NOW available! Read today!
Cosmopolitan Magazine calls Addison's books, "...easy, frothy fun!"
Humor with a side of homicide.
FREE with Kindle Unlimited! Amazon-->https://amzn.to/3AnyVhs Hibiscus Homicide Cruise is here! An impending divorce. An ornery homicide detective. The cruise of a lifetime. And ghosts. Midlife on the high seas is proving to be a real killer.
#Cozymystery #Kindleunlimited #mystery #PWF
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
November 30, 2018
Uneaten cake
Another winner - great plot and finally at the very end we discover who her birth mother is! Great characters and I love the way her gift is evolving with each book. But what is she going to do about the warning she was given by Neil just before she passed?
The birthday party has gotten off to a rocky start. Everyone seems to have a gripe about the birthday girl, from her children to her 'friends'. Now she's seeing a big black bear! Seeing the ghosts of beloved pets is hard as she knows that someone is about to die. But who? It comes as a shock that it is the very wealthy birthday girl. As she, Everett and Noah start looking into the case they find that nearly everyone had had fallen out with the victim. Now another birthday for her adopted Granny and when she also keels over, she suddenly wonders if it's her cake. She baked a similar one for the other dead woman. However Neil seems to rally until she talks to her from her hospital bed and tells her that all the pets have to move on otherwise "bad" things will happen. Now she's really worried. Will she find the killer? Will she suffer for keeping Dutch?
Another winner - great plot and finally at the very end we discover who her birth mother is! Great characters and I love the way her gift is evolving with each book. But what is she going to do about the warning she was given by Neil just before she passed?
The birthday party has gotten off to a rocky start. Everyone seems to have a gripe about the birthday girl, from her children to her 'friends'. Now she's seeing a big black bear! Seeing the ghosts of beloved pets is hard as she knows that someone is about to die. But who? It comes as a shock that it is the very wealthy birthday girl. As she, Everett and Noah start looking into the case they find that nearly everyone had had fallen out with the victim. Now another birthday for her adopted Granny and when she also keels over, she suddenly wonders if it's her cake. She baked a similar one for the other dead woman. However Neil seems to rally until she talks to her from her hospital bed and tells her that all the pets have to move on otherwise "bad" things will happen. Now she's really worried. Will she find the killer? Will she suffer for keeping Dutch?
November 30, 2020
I have gotten into this series. I love the characters, the suspense, the sexual tension and the love shown in these stories. The main character has incredibly bad luck with happening upon dead bodies. Her supernatural powers add a unique "side effect". I am excitedly reading thru this series to see what happens next.
March 18, 2025
I was on the correct month until this book. It was probably me, but this one didn't do it to me even with the " big" things that happend. Maybe I was just not in the mood and it will not set me off the other books
Want to read
August 22, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (8/22/2020)! 🎁
November 7, 2018
This book has it all! Romance, Comedy, Murder, Ghosts, Suspense, and...sweet treats --lots of sweets!!! Poor Lottie is at it again--yep another furry creature that leads to another body! This wonderful Addison Moore adventure had me laughing out loud, had tears in my eyes, and it had my sleuthing hat on trying to discover who committed the crime. Lottie, Noah, Everett, and the usual gang in Honey Hollow come together again in another escapade! The ending was a surprise and has left me anxiously awaiting the next book in the series!
April 22, 2021
Revelations!
I knew it! Lottie's origins are finally revealed in the bittersweet ending to this fine read. The massage provides laugh-out-loud moments, and yet another hint that Lottie needs to get things clear in her own mind.. The murder victim leaves far too many potential suspects in her wake which makes for an interesting mystery; the motive turns out to be remarkably venal, however, and there are some proofreading issues that need to be addressed. I did truly enjoy this story and look forward to Book 6!
I knew it! Lottie's origins are finally revealed in the bittersweet ending to this fine read. The massage provides laugh-out-loud moments, and yet another hint that Lottie needs to get things clear in her own mind.. The murder victim leaves far too many potential suspects in her wake which makes for an interesting mystery; the motive turns out to be remarkably venal, however, and there are some proofreading issues that need to be addressed. I did truly enjoy this story and look forward to Book 6!
November 9, 2018
Another book by Addison Moore, this one is the 5th book in Lottie's story and a rom con with a little side of homicide.
The story of Lottie is very good and very well written.
I really love her writing style and I can't wait for the rest of Lottie's story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The story of Lottie is very good and very well written.
I really love her writing style and I can't wait for the rest of Lottie's story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 5, 2020
Amazing
This book is part of a series, but could be read on its own. The author gives the back story so you know what has already happened. This one is a jaw dropper. The story line moves along nicely and keeps you interested. The characters are charming and entertaining.
This book is part of a series, but could be read on its own. The author gives the back story so you know what has already happened. This one is a jaw dropper. The story line moves along nicely and keeps you interested. The characters are charming and entertaining.
March 6, 2021
I just love going back to Honey Hollow and seeing what Lottie is up to. And this one did not disappoint, and that ending my goodness it was so good. I’m so glad I have the next one to see how it all plays out.
January 2, 2025
3.5 ⭐️.
April 13, 2024
Yay!
This book was great. The characters were wonderful. The atmosphere was outstanding. The plot was good. The ending was wonderful and took a twist. I can't wait for the next.
This book was great. The characters were wonderful. The atmosphere was outstanding. The plot was good. The ending was wonderful and took a twist. I can't wait for the next.
February 7, 2025
A fun story.
September 22, 2024
Okay, so I've made it to book #14 in this series, and I feel like I need to post a review for all the books I've read up to this point. These books rea all set pretty close together, so it's almost like you're reading one big, long story or watching a TV drama or soap opera. There are some really fun, interesting things in these books, and some other things that are problematic.
Things that I like:
The setting - Honey Hollow is one of those adorable little towns that exist almost exclusively in rom-com books or cozy TV shows. Think Stars Hollow, but in Vermont. It's the kind of town that has absolutely no major corporations in the downtown area. No McDonald's, no Walmart's, nothing. Everything is family owned. Every business decorates for whatever event/holiday/season is coming up or going on and everyone in town is always at every event. I'm here for that. If I could find this kind of town in RL, I would be in heaven. I'm sure that some place, somewhere, is like this, and I haven't found it yet, so that's why I'm saying it's almost exclusively in books or shows. But I do really love this little town.
Most of the side characters - I love Keelie and Meg the most of the side characters, but Lainey, Brittany, and even Cormack are fun and have enough quirks to keep them interesting. I'm not saying they are perfect, but they are a lot of fun and I want a friend group just like them.
The premise - I'm not going to do spoilers for any of the books, but this isn't really a spoiler, since it is literally the first paragraph in every book. Lottie's power is really cool and something different from the normal cozy mystery realm. She sees ghosts of pets and people who are there to help her solve a murder of someone they are close to. Love this idea. It's really what sets this series apart from the other cozy mystery type stories. The fact that her powers do grow and shift, and her reaction to them, is something that seems like normal reactions.
Everett - I really like Everett. He's understanding, has his own demons, is a calming force on Lottie, and really cares about her. He tells her things that he's hidden from others in the past, which just shows how much he cares for her. And he's willing to give her time to figure things out on her own. He also supports her in everything, but mostly in her investigations. He knows she's going to do whatever it is she's going to do, so he tags along to make sure she's as safe as she can be in the situation. He doesn't try to fit her in a box of his own expectations, but lets her be her own person, which is very refreshing.
Things I'm on the fence about:
Lottie - Yes, the FMC herself. First of all, I do like Lottie. She has a lot of good points, and she genuinely cares about people and is fiercely loyal to her friends and family. She is stubborn and keeps going, no matter what obstacles are in her way. I like that part of her. However, the other part of her is a complete mess. The woman cannot make up her mind about her love life and frankly, it's pretty darn annoying. I get that it's easy to be attracted to two different men at once, but if she actually sat down and looked at how each of them treats her, she would be able to make her choice. That part of her makes her seem kind of airheaded and jealous all the time. I really don't like that treatment of her, even though those are normal emotions and behaviors, and she is relatable. But given how focused she is in her business and the other parts of her life, it's almost like the author is afraid to make a choice for Lottie and make someone mad. Which just leaves everything in a long, drawn-out romantic triangle that no one really asked for.
Things I really don't like -
Both of Lottie's mothers - Look, the backstory of Lottie's birth mom having been a teenage who got pregnant and left her to be adopted by her "parents" is good. Love the back story and the support Lottie gets from her adoptive family is great. But both of her moms act like they are mean girls in high school and the only thing they have to do is fight each other over who has which guy as a boyfriend now. After hearing about how much Miranda loved her deceased husband and spent 10 years not dating, to have her having a revolving door of dates now seems a bit of an overkill. I do think that people can and should have meaningful relationships after their SO's pass on, but her relationships seem so superficial and juvenile. Carlotta, on the other hand, has every reason to distrust men (that we know of. We don't get a whole lot of background on where she was and what happened for the 29 years she was gone), but she just jumps back into competing with Miranda for every man in her life. It's very 1980's soap opera-ish. And really, it's somewhat distracting to the main stories.
The constant repetition - There are certain words/phrases/paragraphs that seem as if they are just lifted from one book and dropped right into the next. Do we really need the first paragraph (which is also the blurb for every single book) about Lottie and her ability to see the dead? Couldn't the author think of a different way to work it in somewhere in the first chapter or so? Why don't we get any background as to why Lottie's powers are suddenly escalating? But nope, just the same "I'm Lottie Lemon and I see dead pets." every single story. Also, why does everyone refer to Lottie almost exclusively as Lottie Lemon? It's not like Lainey comes in and someone always says, "Lainey Lemon!" I'm sure there are multiple ways to keep putting her last name in there, if that's what the author is really wanting to do. And the shoulder shimmy and hip bump. It's like those phrases are used 40-50 times per book. The books are not that long at all. There is no reason for someone's shoulders to do a shimmy every other chapter or so.
Noah - I know this will probably cause some hurt feelings, but Noah is not a likeable character. He is controlling and stalkerish. His and Lottie's meet cute was cute. I enjoyed that. But then, Noah got problematic. I enjoyed the beginning of his relationship with Lottie. He was her pick, and Everett was there in the background, but I was fine with Noah. UNTIL Brittany showed up. Do you mean to tell me in SIX MONTHS Noah couldn't find one second to have a serious conversation with the woman he said he was falling in love with to tell her that his divorce was not finalized yet? Oh, his bad. He "forgot" to tell her. Just like he "forgot" to tell her that he put a tracker on her car. Is that even legal? Oh, and cameras pointing at her front door? Really? Hello, stalker. And when Lottie, who did not want to be the other woman, tells him that yes, she has feelings for him, but she is done with him because of his wife, he refuses to accept that. Instead of figuring out his relationship with Brittany (and Cormack -but that's next), he continuously busts in on Lottie and Everett. That really bothered me. Lottie set boundaries and eventually, when things had settled down, she and Noah could have been really good friends, but he refuses to accept the boundaries. He constantly interrupts Lottie and Everett, breaking in whenever they are alone and making snide comments about Everett. You know who doesn't do that later? Everett. When he tells Lottie to figure out who she wants to be with, he even says no to getting physical with Lottie so she can decide for herself between Noah and Everett. But Noah? Nope, Lottie is his toy and he can't stand other people touching his toys. And then, he "accidentally" gets engaged to Cormack and "can't find a way" to tell her that they are actually not engaged. He takes her on dates. Takes her to dinner. Takes her to relationship counseling. Let's Cormack throw them an engagement party. And through all of this, he keeps telling Lottie that "he just can't figure out how to get Cormack to understand." Idk, dude. Maybe stop taking her on dates? Slap her with a restraining order? You're a detective. Figure it out. OH, and that brings me the worst part of Noah (if you can believe that). He doesn't want a relationship with Lottie. He wants to own her and to put her in a box or on a shelf. The whole first part of their relationship is him telling Lottie to stay out of everything and be a good girl and get back in the kitchen. Look, I get she's a baker and he's trying to keep her safe. But there is ALWAYS a point in the books that he realizes she's far ahead of him in the investigation and all of a sudden, it's fine for her to be involved. As long as she follows his rules and does exactly what he says.
So, I read through the first 13 pretty quickly and have started 14. But I think I'm going to take a break, because the things I am annoyed with are slowly starting to outweigh the things that I like about this book series. Hopefully, when I go back and pick it up again, I'll be able to enjoy the stories once again.
Things that I like:
The setting - Honey Hollow is one of those adorable little towns that exist almost exclusively in rom-com books or cozy TV shows. Think Stars Hollow, but in Vermont. It's the kind of town that has absolutely no major corporations in the downtown area. No McDonald's, no Walmart's, nothing. Everything is family owned. Every business decorates for whatever event/holiday/season is coming up or going on and everyone in town is always at every event. I'm here for that. If I could find this kind of town in RL, I would be in heaven. I'm sure that some place, somewhere, is like this, and I haven't found it yet, so that's why I'm saying it's almost exclusively in books or shows. But I do really love this little town.
Most of the side characters - I love Keelie and Meg the most of the side characters, but Lainey, Brittany, and even Cormack are fun and have enough quirks to keep them interesting. I'm not saying they are perfect, but they are a lot of fun and I want a friend group just like them.
The premise - I'm not going to do spoilers for any of the books, but this isn't really a spoiler, since it is literally the first paragraph in every book. Lottie's power is really cool and something different from the normal cozy mystery realm. She sees ghosts of pets and people who are there to help her solve a murder of someone they are close to. Love this idea. It's really what sets this series apart from the other cozy mystery type stories. The fact that her powers do grow and shift, and her reaction to them, is something that seems like normal reactions.
Everett - I really like Everett. He's understanding, has his own demons, is a calming force on Lottie, and really cares about her. He tells her things that he's hidden from others in the past, which just shows how much he cares for her. And he's willing to give her time to figure things out on her own. He also supports her in everything, but mostly in her investigations. He knows she's going to do whatever it is she's going to do, so he tags along to make sure she's as safe as she can be in the situation. He doesn't try to fit her in a box of his own expectations, but lets her be her own person, which is very refreshing.
Things I'm on the fence about:
Lottie - Yes, the FMC herself. First of all, I do like Lottie. She has a lot of good points, and she genuinely cares about people and is fiercely loyal to her friends and family. She is stubborn and keeps going, no matter what obstacles are in her way. I like that part of her. However, the other part of her is a complete mess. The woman cannot make up her mind about her love life and frankly, it's pretty darn annoying. I get that it's easy to be attracted to two different men at once, but if she actually sat down and looked at how each of them treats her, she would be able to make her choice. That part of her makes her seem kind of airheaded and jealous all the time. I really don't like that treatment of her, even though those are normal emotions and behaviors, and she is relatable. But given how focused she is in her business and the other parts of her life, it's almost like the author is afraid to make a choice for Lottie and make someone mad. Which just leaves everything in a long, drawn-out romantic triangle that no one really asked for.
Things I really don't like -
Both of Lottie's mothers - Look, the backstory of Lottie's birth mom having been a teenage who got pregnant and left her to be adopted by her "parents" is good. Love the back story and the support Lottie gets from her adoptive family is great. But both of her moms act like they are mean girls in high school and the only thing they have to do is fight each other over who has which guy as a boyfriend now. After hearing about how much Miranda loved her deceased husband and spent 10 years not dating, to have her having a revolving door of dates now seems a bit of an overkill. I do think that people can and should have meaningful relationships after their SO's pass on, but her relationships seem so superficial and juvenile. Carlotta, on the other hand, has every reason to distrust men (that we know of. We don't get a whole lot of background on where she was and what happened for the 29 years she was gone), but she just jumps back into competing with Miranda for every man in her life. It's very 1980's soap opera-ish. And really, it's somewhat distracting to the main stories.
The constant repetition - There are certain words/phrases/paragraphs that seem as if they are just lifted from one book and dropped right into the next. Do we really need the first paragraph (which is also the blurb for every single book) about Lottie and her ability to see the dead? Couldn't the author think of a different way to work it in somewhere in the first chapter or so? Why don't we get any background as to why Lottie's powers are suddenly escalating? But nope, just the same "I'm Lottie Lemon and I see dead pets." every single story. Also, why does everyone refer to Lottie almost exclusively as Lottie Lemon? It's not like Lainey comes in and someone always says, "Lainey Lemon!" I'm sure there are multiple ways to keep putting her last name in there, if that's what the author is really wanting to do. And the shoulder shimmy and hip bump. It's like those phrases are used 40-50 times per book. The books are not that long at all. There is no reason for someone's shoulders to do a shimmy every other chapter or so.
Noah - I know this will probably cause some hurt feelings, but Noah is not a likeable character. He is controlling and stalkerish. His and Lottie's meet cute was cute. I enjoyed that. But then, Noah got problematic. I enjoyed the beginning of his relationship with Lottie. He was her pick, and Everett was there in the background, but I was fine with Noah. UNTIL Brittany showed up. Do you mean to tell me in SIX MONTHS Noah couldn't find one second to have a serious conversation with the woman he said he was falling in love with to tell her that his divorce was not finalized yet? Oh, his bad. He "forgot" to tell her. Just like he "forgot" to tell her that he put a tracker on her car. Is that even legal? Oh, and cameras pointing at her front door? Really? Hello, stalker. And when Lottie, who did not want to be the other woman, tells him that yes, she has feelings for him, but she is done with him because of his wife, he refuses to accept that. Instead of figuring out his relationship with Brittany (and Cormack -but that's next), he continuously busts in on Lottie and Everett. That really bothered me. Lottie set boundaries and eventually, when things had settled down, she and Noah could have been really good friends, but he refuses to accept the boundaries. He constantly interrupts Lottie and Everett, breaking in whenever they are alone and making snide comments about Everett. You know who doesn't do that later? Everett. When he tells Lottie to figure out who she wants to be with, he even says no to getting physical with Lottie so she can decide for herself between Noah and Everett. But Noah? Nope, Lottie is his toy and he can't stand other people touching his toys. And then, he "accidentally" gets engaged to Cormack and "can't find a way" to tell her that they are actually not engaged. He takes her on dates. Takes her to dinner. Takes her to relationship counseling. Let's Cormack throw them an engagement party. And through all of this, he keeps telling Lottie that "he just can't figure out how to get Cormack to understand." Idk, dude. Maybe stop taking her on dates? Slap her with a restraining order? You're a detective. Figure it out. OH, and that brings me the worst part of Noah (if you can believe that). He doesn't want a relationship with Lottie. He wants to own her and to put her in a box or on a shelf. The whole first part of their relationship is him telling Lottie to stay out of everything and be a good girl and get back in the kitchen. Look, I get she's a baker and he's trying to keep her safe. But there is ALWAYS a point in the books that he realizes she's far ahead of him in the investigation and all of a sudden, it's fine for her to be involved. As long as she follows his rules and does exactly what he says.
So, I read through the first 13 pretty quickly and have started 14. But I think I'm going to take a break, because the things I am annoyed with are slowly starting to outweigh the things that I like about this book series. Hopefully, when I go back and pick it up again, I'll be able to enjoy the stories once again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 20, 2024
A Sweet Tale with a Surprise Ending
In Seven- Layer Slayer, book 5 in the Murder in the Mix series, Addison Moore ups the ante by having two elderly women--one hated, the other loved--fall face-first into Lottie Lemon's famous 7-layer cake. The hated woman, Eve Hollister, was poisoned, and Lottie sees a mysterious ghost bear that freely crashes Eve's party, leaving guests to spread the rumor that Lottie's mother's B&B, site of the party, is haunted. Lottie tries again with beloved Nell, who's turning 93, and when Nell prepares to blow out the candles, she promptly falls into the cake face first--stop baking those 7-layer cakes, Lottie!
Nell, however, survives and tells Lottie that her gift of seeing ghosts of the dead whose body she's about to find is just that--a gift! She's not insane; she just shouldn't claim one of the animals as her own. Too late--Lottie has already adopted Tanner's golden retriever, Dutch, and according to Nell, if she doesn't surrender Dutch to the "other side", then something very bad will happen. Nell is immediately surrounded by cats--she kept lots, and never had a favorite, so they all showed up together--and in a blaze of bright light, the cats disappear and Nell dies. Something bad did happen, and Lottie feels responsible.
Meanwhile, Everett convinces Lottie to pose as his fiancée for his sister's birthday party. Lottie wears a cute sweater and brings a pink Cutie Pie box full of treats, only to find that the Baxter mansion is full of black-clad sophisticates who look down their noses at the dowdy girl with her dowdy pink box...until they taste the contents! Inevitably, a snowstorm hits Vermont and blocks the road back to Honey Hollow, so Lottie and her " fiancé" must spend the night together. There's a pillow fort between them--good, since Everett sleeps in the nude--but in her first groggy moments she mistakes him for his equally hot ex-stepbrother, police detective Noah, who's been "frosting her cookies" regularly, and embarrasses herself by kissing his chest before realizing he's not Noah. The sleepover, no matter how chaste, is another secret Lottie's shared with Everett and kept from Noah, the first one being her ability to see ghostly pets. She feels guilty, though she has no reason to feel that way...
As part of the deception--and Lottie's covert investigation, from which she's been warned away by Noah but has no intention of giving up, as in every Murder in the Mix book--she and Everett book a couples massage with one of Eve's hostile daughters, a suspect in the murder. She's handsier with Everett than with Lottie, but she lets slip that Noah and his "wife" saw her not long ago. Lottie brings up his "wife" in subsequent conversations, but Noah doesn't take the bait, and her identity is never disclosed. I think it's his gorgeous coworker and partner, Ivy Fairbanks, who caused Lottie immense jealousy at first but no longer threatens her; after all, he's not frosting Ivy's cookies almost every night! If he calls her his "wife" for an investigation, so be it.
The mystery of the bear is solved; Eve's family ran a circus, and she befriended a bear cub who grew into the destructive bear ghost that scared the birthday party guests! In her will, which her lawyer daughter is fighting, Eve donated much of her estate to a foundation that rescues and rehabilitates injured circus animals. That explains why the bear appeared--and why Dutch hung around it so happily.
Now for the surprise: Lottie observed a woman in a large scarf and big sunglasses lurking near and in the bakery for several weeks before Nell's party and death, and she doesn't agree with her employee that the woman is casing it before breaking in. But at the reading of Nell's will, the mystery woman shows up and identifies herself as Nell's youngest daughter, who left her newborn baby in a fire station. Yes, she's Lottie's birth mother, and Nell is her biological grandmother! I scrolled eagerly to the next page, only to find that the book was over...bummer.
The "I am your mother" revelation was a shock, but it opens new doors for Lottie and her Cutie Pie bakery. Does her mother, also named Carlotta, share her gift? How will they handle some sorority girls' plans to open a rival coffee shop in town, aided by her ditzy employee who sees nothing wrong with giving her former sisters Lottie's recipes and teaching them how to operate the coffee machine? (Good thing they're slow learners!) Most importantly, whose murder will Lottie investigate next? I can't wait to find out! Seven-Layer Slayer amps up the sexual tension between Lottie and Everett, while retaining the steam between her and Noah. Which ex-stepbrother will win Lottie at the end of this 53(!) book series? I will find out, even if Noah forbids me! Highly recommended!
In Seven- Layer Slayer, book 5 in the Murder in the Mix series, Addison Moore ups the ante by having two elderly women--one hated, the other loved--fall face-first into Lottie Lemon's famous 7-layer cake. The hated woman, Eve Hollister, was poisoned, and Lottie sees a mysterious ghost bear that freely crashes Eve's party, leaving guests to spread the rumor that Lottie's mother's B&B, site of the party, is haunted. Lottie tries again with beloved Nell, who's turning 93, and when Nell prepares to blow out the candles, she promptly falls into the cake face first--stop baking those 7-layer cakes, Lottie!
Nell, however, survives and tells Lottie that her gift of seeing ghosts of the dead whose body she's about to find is just that--a gift! She's not insane; she just shouldn't claim one of the animals as her own. Too late--Lottie has already adopted Tanner's golden retriever, Dutch, and according to Nell, if she doesn't surrender Dutch to the "other side", then something very bad will happen. Nell is immediately surrounded by cats--she kept lots, and never had a favorite, so they all showed up together--and in a blaze of bright light, the cats disappear and Nell dies. Something bad did happen, and Lottie feels responsible.
Meanwhile, Everett convinces Lottie to pose as his fiancée for his sister's birthday party. Lottie wears a cute sweater and brings a pink Cutie Pie box full of treats, only to find that the Baxter mansion is full of black-clad sophisticates who look down their noses at the dowdy girl with her dowdy pink box...until they taste the contents! Inevitably, a snowstorm hits Vermont and blocks the road back to Honey Hollow, so Lottie and her " fiancé" must spend the night together. There's a pillow fort between them--good, since Everett sleeps in the nude--but in her first groggy moments she mistakes him for his equally hot ex-stepbrother, police detective Noah, who's been "frosting her cookies" regularly, and embarrasses herself by kissing his chest before realizing he's not Noah. The sleepover, no matter how chaste, is another secret Lottie's shared with Everett and kept from Noah, the first one being her ability to see ghostly pets. She feels guilty, though she has no reason to feel that way...
As part of the deception--and Lottie's covert investigation, from which she's been warned away by Noah but has no intention of giving up, as in every Murder in the Mix book--she and Everett book a couples massage with one of Eve's hostile daughters, a suspect in the murder. She's handsier with Everett than with Lottie, but she lets slip that Noah and his "wife" saw her not long ago. Lottie brings up his "wife" in subsequent conversations, but Noah doesn't take the bait, and her identity is never disclosed. I think it's his gorgeous coworker and partner, Ivy Fairbanks, who caused Lottie immense jealousy at first but no longer threatens her; after all, he's not frosting Ivy's cookies almost every night! If he calls her his "wife" for an investigation, so be it.
The mystery of the bear is solved; Eve's family ran a circus, and she befriended a bear cub who grew into the destructive bear ghost that scared the birthday party guests! In her will, which her lawyer daughter is fighting, Eve donated much of her estate to a foundation that rescues and rehabilitates injured circus animals. That explains why the bear appeared--and why Dutch hung around it so happily.
Now for the surprise: Lottie observed a woman in a large scarf and big sunglasses lurking near and in the bakery for several weeks before Nell's party and death, and she doesn't agree with her employee that the woman is casing it before breaking in. But at the reading of Nell's will, the mystery woman shows up and identifies herself as Nell's youngest daughter, who left her newborn baby in a fire station. Yes, she's Lottie's birth mother, and Nell is her biological grandmother! I scrolled eagerly to the next page, only to find that the book was over...bummer.
The "I am your mother" revelation was a shock, but it opens new doors for Lottie and her Cutie Pie bakery. Does her mother, also named Carlotta, share her gift? How will they handle some sorority girls' plans to open a rival coffee shop in town, aided by her ditzy employee who sees nothing wrong with giving her former sisters Lottie's recipes and teaching them how to operate the coffee machine? (Good thing they're slow learners!) Most importantly, whose murder will Lottie investigate next? I can't wait to find out! Seven-Layer Slayer amps up the sexual tension between Lottie and Everett, while retaining the steam between her and Noah. Which ex-stepbrother will win Lottie at the end of this 53(!) book series? I will find out, even if Noah forbids me! Highly recommended!
November 6, 2018
Out of all of the books that I’ve read of Addison Moore’s, I would have to say that this is the book I’ve been the most emotional with… I didn’t cry, I know that most people would associate being emotional with crying, but for me I can’t seem to cry at books, or there hasn’t been one that will break me that I’ve come across yet. However, with this book, Addison knew how to hit all the right spots when it comes to getting a reaction from the reader, she managed to achieve perfection with this book. I found myself shouting out with each turn of events and at some points I even wanted to throw my kindle. It even got to the point that I was a little afraid of what would happen between Lottie and Noah as I have been routing for them both the entire series, but luckily I managed to get past that hiccup and keep reading. Honestly if you’re a cryier then I would seriously recommend you have some tissues next to you when you read this because of the turn of events that happen throughout this book you’re going to need them if you’re bawling your eyes out. I honestly can’t wait to see what happens next, I’m really intrigued to see where Addison is going to take the story next as honestly, I never know what to expect from her.
Lottie’s story continues on, she has the best boyfriend in the world, has a great job however there’s one thing that is bugging her…. With only two living people knowing about her secret ability she is determined to get more answers from Nell as it seems Nell knows more than she’s letting on. At Christmas, Nell dropped a huge secret on Lottie by declaring that she has the same secret ability that Lottie has but before she could give her anymore information she was ushered away by her daughter. Now that it’s been a few weeks, she’s planning on going to get more answers, but before she can do that, she ends up involved in another investigation. It really does seem like things don’t want to go her way, will she ever get that break she needs?
Lottie’s story continues on, she has the best boyfriend in the world, has a great job however there’s one thing that is bugging her…. With only two living people knowing about her secret ability she is determined to get more answers from Nell as it seems Nell knows more than she’s letting on. At Christmas, Nell dropped a huge secret on Lottie by declaring that she has the same secret ability that Lottie has but before she could give her anymore information she was ushered away by her daughter. Now that it’s been a few weeks, she’s planning on going to get more answers, but before she can do that, she ends up involved in another investigation. It really does seem like things don’t want to go her way, will she ever get that break she needs?
October 5, 2024
This book wasn’t for me.
Lottie is providing the deserts for Eve’s party, which is kind of combined with the book club meeting. Everyone Lottie talks to is horrible when talking to or about Eve. A bear appears, and Lottie seems more worried about the inconvenience he’s causing than trying to figure out who might die, then she finds Eve dead.
This is the first book I’ve read in this series so that could be why I didn’t really feel connected to any of the characters, but I also didn’t like any of them. Lottie was very all over the place. For example, she needs to find out information from Nell and yet she uses so many excuses how this isn’t the right time and ends up finding out the bare minimum.
Also, I didn’t like her relationships. She’s in a relationship with Noah and yet he doesn’t seem to be developed at all. I understand that there might have been more of him in the previous books but that doesn’t mean that he should become a background character in this book. I definitely liked Exeter more, but I still thought that the scenes with him could have been longer/more detailed.
I was looking forward to seeing the animal ghosts, but the bear just appears and disappears randomly. I thought that there would be more interaction between the bear and Lottie.
I absolutely did not understand the situation with Lily and her friends. They come into the bakery, basically announce that they’re going to be competition for Lottie and steal her business, and yet Lily is gladly helping them learn on Lottie’s coffee machine and didn’t seem to think much of giving away Lottie’s recipes either. Lottie didn’t really have much of a reaction to this either, which could be due to her rushing around without getting much done.
The reveal at the end was so dramatic and I really don’t care to try any more books by this author.
Lottie is providing the deserts for Eve’s party, which is kind of combined with the book club meeting. Everyone Lottie talks to is horrible when talking to or about Eve. A bear appears, and Lottie seems more worried about the inconvenience he’s causing than trying to figure out who might die, then she finds Eve dead.
This is the first book I’ve read in this series so that could be why I didn’t really feel connected to any of the characters, but I also didn’t like any of them. Lottie was very all over the place. For example, she needs to find out information from Nell and yet she uses so many excuses how this isn’t the right time and ends up finding out the bare minimum.
Also, I didn’t like her relationships. She’s in a relationship with Noah and yet he doesn’t seem to be developed at all. I understand that there might have been more of him in the previous books but that doesn’t mean that he should become a background character in this book. I definitely liked Exeter more, but I still thought that the scenes with him could have been longer/more detailed.
I was looking forward to seeing the animal ghosts, but the bear just appears and disappears randomly. I thought that there would be more interaction between the bear and Lottie.
I absolutely did not understand the situation with Lily and her friends. They come into the bakery, basically announce that they’re going to be competition for Lottie and steal her business, and yet Lily is gladly helping them learn on Lottie’s coffee machine and didn’t seem to think much of giving away Lottie’s recipes either. Lottie didn’t really have much of a reaction to this either, which could be due to her rushing around without getting much done.
The reveal at the end was so dramatic and I really don’t care to try any more books by this author.
November 9, 2018
Cake of Doom?
Seven Layer Slayer is the sixth book in the Murder in the Mix series and Addison Moore never fails to knock your socks off with her alliterative sass delivered by sarcastic seer Lottie Lemon. Town baker by trade and reluctant spectral furry friend channeller by cruel fate, Lottie once again finds herself on the hunt for a killer in Honey Hollow. But this time it appears the deceased is surrounded by a multitude of possible murderers none of which have a problem voicing their hatred for the dearly departed and all appear to have valid reasons for their distaste. In the process of investigation, Lottie also delves deeper into her search for answers about her supernatural abilities and it seems her grandmother-figure Nell Sawyer knows more than she's let on over the years. On top of which there seems to be a mysterious woman following Lottie around, but each time she's spotted she takes off before Lottie can get any answers. For each answer Lottie receives, there appears to only be more questions in their place causing more turmoil in her personal life. This book will make you laugh and make you cry so keep the tissue box nearby and dive right into this fantastic novel. It's not necessary to have read the previous 5 books, but I highly recommend them as they're a good time for all.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Seven Layer Slayer is the sixth book in the Murder in the Mix series and Addison Moore never fails to knock your socks off with her alliterative sass delivered by sarcastic seer Lottie Lemon. Town baker by trade and reluctant spectral furry friend channeller by cruel fate, Lottie once again finds herself on the hunt for a killer in Honey Hollow. But this time it appears the deceased is surrounded by a multitude of possible murderers none of which have a problem voicing their hatred for the dearly departed and all appear to have valid reasons for their distaste. In the process of investigation, Lottie also delves deeper into her search for answers about her supernatural abilities and it seems her grandmother-figure Nell Sawyer knows more than she's let on over the years. On top of which there seems to be a mysterious woman following Lottie around, but each time she's spotted she takes off before Lottie can get any answers. For each answer Lottie receives, there appears to only be more questions in their place causing more turmoil in her personal life. This book will make you laugh and make you cry so keep the tissue box nearby and dive right into this fantastic novel. It's not necessary to have read the previous 5 books, but I highly recommend them as they're a good time for all.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 1, 2024
This book took me a long time to get into (about 16 days to read which is unusual for me) and I hate not finishing a book. I don't really know why I struggled so much, I think maybe because this is book five in the series and the characters and there relationships has already been well established so being new to the series I found it hard to follow and keep the many characters we were introduced to straight. The love triangle was just annoying and nobody seemed able to talk to anybody. The ghost animals took a bit of getting used to but I loved the idea of them coming back to help solve there beloved owners murders, a bear was an unusual animal. The characters themselves were likeable enough, I just think perhaps I should have started with book one.
With two big birthdays to caterer for the last thing Lottie Lemon wants to see is a giant bear walk in. Especially as seeing a ghost of a beloved pet means someone is going to die. The lady who Lottie made the birthday cake turns out to be the victim. The only people saddened by her death is Lottie, her mother, oh and the bear. The police have there work cut out for them finding the killer, not even her own children liked her, so Lottie steps up. Can she find the killer? Before the bear destroys half the town looking for the killer?
With two big birthdays to caterer for the last thing Lottie Lemon wants to see is a giant bear walk in. Especially as seeing a ghost of a beloved pet means someone is going to die. The lady who Lottie made the birthday cake turns out to be the victim. The only people saddened by her death is Lottie, her mother, oh and the bear. The police have there work cut out for them finding the killer, not even her own children liked her, so Lottie steps up. Can she find the killer? Before the bear destroys half the town looking for the killer?
November 6, 2018
Addison has done it again. Lottie and the gang have drawn me in and this time it was such an amazing and wonderful book with lots of amazing and crazy twist. I had not seen this book going the way it was going. Of course, there is always the sad part where someone dies and Lottie and the Sheriff's office try to find the killer. but this one was different then the rest and It had me bawling and by the end, I was wondering what could possibly happen next. Well, I guess we will have to wait until the next book to find out.
Lottie and the gang are like family to me and as all of these crazy things happen to them, it is like I am there with them and they are happening to me too.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Lottie and the gang are like family to me and as all of these crazy things happen to them, it is like I am there with them and they are happening to me too.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 8, 2018
Fantastic read, well written with a great plot and characters. I was absorbed from beginning to end. This book has humor, romance, suspense and twists and turns. Lottie Lemon is in the wrong place at the wrong time once again! Lottie's mother's best friend is found dead with her face in her birthday cake, and Lottie finds herself in another murder investigation. Lottie is determined to find the killer with Everett's help. Lottie also discovers that Nell, her best friend's grandmother, knows some secrets about her and her special gift. What a plot twist at the end! I love this series and can't wait to read REd Velvet Vengeance! I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from Booksprout.
December 14, 2018
Lottie finds herself in the midst of another murder mystery. This time the deceased is found dead in the center of her seven-layer cake. So begins another suspect pool that Lottie has to interview and try to find who killed her mother's best friend. Lottie and Everett combine forces to discover who, among the many with motive, the real murderer is. Lottie and Noah continue to build their relationship but it seems that Lottie finds herself jealous whenever any female shows Everett any interest. The story was a quick, easy read and left me wondering what Lottie was going to do at the end. All of the secrets that were held by Nell all these years come out. Her birth mystery is solved in a dramatic way.
November 8, 2018
Lottie Lemon yet again is in the wrong place at the wrong time. After her mothers best friend is found dead face-down in her birthday cake, Lottie is thrown into another murder investigation. With her partner in crime Everrett helping her again, Lottie is determined to find the killer. In the midst of this, she has also discovered that her best friends grandmother, Nell, has some secrets she needs to share with Lottie about her special gift. Will Lottie ever find out the truth?
This series takes the reader on an emotional ride! Funny, romantic, sad, and mysterious, Addison Moore takes you on an adventure you will never get enough of!
This series takes the reader on an emotional ride! Funny, romantic, sad, and mysterious, Addison Moore takes you on an adventure you will never get enough of!
April 7, 2020
Seven Layer Slayer, Cozy Mystery (Murder in the Mix Book 5) [Kindle Unlimited] — Addison Moore(19 chapters) April 4-6, 2020
Two people die in this story, and both of them are close to Lottie.
As Eve’s birthday starts up, a murder happens, and only Lottie has the brains to solve it. D meets the murder’s spirit critter and they both bond. But the critter is loud and proud and Lottie seems to be gaining new powers with the new beast.
Intrigue abounds as well with a mystery woman in a red coat, and three of Lily’s friends looking to give Lottie a little competition.
The ending was unexpected and a shocker, giving Lottie a lot to think about.
Best book in the series.
Four stars.
Two people die in this story, and both of them are close to Lottie.
As Eve’s birthday starts up, a murder happens, and only Lottie has the brains to solve it. D meets the murder’s spirit critter and they both bond. But the critter is loud and proud and Lottie seems to be gaining new powers with the new beast.
Intrigue abounds as well with a mystery woman in a red coat, and three of Lily’s friends looking to give Lottie a little competition.
The ending was unexpected and a shocker, giving Lottie a lot to think about.
Best book in the series.
Four stars.
January 3, 2025
I feel like I cheated
Things I loved? Lottie finally gets some answers. Are they what she wants to hear? Maybe, maybe not. There is all so another murder. When Eve, a friend of her mom's is murdered at her birthday party, Lottie with help from Keelie and Everett, are on the hunt for clues. It would appear that Lottie's gift is growing when the ghost bear is more physical than her previous furry harbingers. Par for the course, she nearly gets offed herself, but solve the mystery she does.
Things I hated? The loss of another friend. Everett is still on his own, and a little too much reference to frosted cookies. We get it.
Things I loved? Lottie finally gets some answers. Are they what she wants to hear? Maybe, maybe not. There is all so another murder. When Eve, a friend of her mom's is murdered at her birthday party, Lottie with help from Keelie and Everett, are on the hunt for clues. It would appear that Lottie's gift is growing when the ghost bear is more physical than her previous furry harbingers. Par for the course, she nearly gets offed herself, but solve the mystery she does.
Things I hated? The loss of another friend. Everett is still on his own, and a little too much reference to frosted cookies. We get it.
November 3, 2018
Wow oh wow, there is SOOOOOOOO much packed into this book, I don't know where to begin. Lottie stumbles upon yet another murder. Her powers are evolving, she's learning more... Nell has a lot to tell her! I honestly can't say much without giving too much away. But, this book had me in tears. The ending is the biggest PLOT TWIST I've come across thus far. I honestly though the twist at the end of Pumpkin Spice was crazy. Just wait till you hit the end of this book!!!! Addison is killing me with this series!!! What a win!!!
Tear Jerker!! Have tissues ready!!
Tear Jerker!! Have tissues ready!!
November 7, 2018
When I dove into another adventure with Lottie Lemon and the rest of the gang, I didn’t expect what I got. No I didn’t get disappointment, I did get a sucker punch in the feeling department. Addison gives us an adventure, that has a cranky bear, murder, strange happenings, and of course those hunky hunks that I can’t get enough of. Emotions ran wild and yes there were tears even some laughter. None of that over shadowed the zinger at the end. I’m pretty sure we need book six like yesterday please!
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
November 9, 2018
So much fun!
They are a light read and can be read in an evening or two or a weekend without taking over your time. They are sweet, romantic and funny. You also get to solve a murder mystery.
Lottie, Noah and Everett and there shenanigans are hysterical. There supporting cast does not slouch in the funny department either. Lottie’s best friend Keelie, her mom Miranda and her sister Lainey add to the zany fun.
The story is fast paced and keeps your interest throughout the book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
They are a light read and can be read in an evening or two or a weekend without taking over your time. They are sweet, romantic and funny. You also get to solve a murder mystery.
Lottie, Noah and Everett and there shenanigans are hysterical. There supporting cast does not slouch in the funny department either. Lottie’s best friend Keelie, her mom Miranda and her sister Lainey add to the zany fun.
The story is fast paced and keeps your interest throughout the book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 24, 2020
Crazy, bonkers, nutty 3 1/2 stars
This is the first book in this series that I have read. It can be read as a stand-alone novel. HOWEVER, it ends on a bit of a cliffhanger that leads into the next novel, the plot point for this book is finished but a carrot is dangled for you to continue with the series. I think each book has the same lead character Lottie.
It is an offbeat cozy mystery, has a cast of likeable characters and typical Adddison Moore shenanigans. I am glad I stuck with it as it grew on me once I was settled into the plot.
An enjoyable, light quick read.
This is the first book in this series that I have read. It can be read as a stand-alone novel. HOWEVER, it ends on a bit of a cliffhanger that leads into the next novel, the plot point for this book is finished but a carrot is dangled for you to continue with the series. I think each book has the same lead character Lottie.
It is an offbeat cozy mystery, has a cast of likeable characters and typical Adddison Moore shenanigans. I am glad I stuck with it as it grew on me once I was settled into the plot.
An enjoyable, light quick read.
November 6, 2018
This one tops them all! I have loved all of this series. Lottie Lemon and her supernatural gift has her investigating a murder again in this one while also trying to figure out where her heart lies between two equally hunky men. This is no surprise to those of you who have already read the first 4 in the series but hold on to your hats because the ending to this one has me speechless! All I can say is get the tissues ready and beg Addison to release the next one ASAP!!
December 22, 2021
Dun dun dun! And that ending has just wiped nearly every thought I had about this book right out of my head. It confirms the suspicions I had from the beginning, but it sure hasn't helped me remember much of anything that happened before it. I love that Lottie claims she's done investigating, particularly since I know this won't actually be the end of that habit. This book may only just be over, but I'm already looking forward to seeing what will happen next.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews