What do you think?
Rate this book
Banana Devil Cake
With the murder of last year’s fête judge now but a hazy memory, the village of Elmesbury has retired to its former tranquil existence. That is, until a mysterious newcomer sets in motion a series of events that will see members of the W.I. crossing wooden spoons at dawn.
In the midst of preparing for her long-awaited engagement party, redoubtable village busybody Beattie Bramshaw not only finds herself embroiled in a one-woman campaign to save the elm tree from which the village gets its name, but also having to contend with an outbreak of unrest within her beloved W.I. group. Rivalry to win favour with the judge of this year’s fête has fuelled dissent within the ranks and, when two members are found dead in mysterious circumstances, suspicions run rife.
Confident the devil is not only in the cake but in the detail, Beattie determines to uncover the clues that will ultimately lead to the killer’s conviction. But can she solve the mystery before another member of the W.I. is picked off?
Banana Devil Cakeis a comedy crime caper in the style of Agatha Raisin and one that is guaranteed to lift your spirits. Prepare yourself for a tale of tea, cake and riotous goings-on from the author of Marrow Jam.
In the midst of preparing for her long-awaited engagement party, redoubtable village busybody Beattie Bramshaw not only finds herself embroiled in a one-woman campaign to save the elm tree from which the village gets its name, but also having to contend with an outbreak of unrest within her beloved W.I. group. Rivalry to win favour with the judge of this year’s fête has fuelled dissent within the ranks and, when two members are found dead in mysterious circumstances, suspicions run rife.
Confident the devil is not only in the cake but in the detail, Beattie determines to uncover the clues that will ultimately lead to the killer’s conviction. But can she solve the mystery before another member of the W.I. is picked off?
Banana Devil Cakeis a comedy crime caper in the style of Agatha Raisin and one that is guaranteed to lift your spirits. Prepare yourself for a tale of tea, cake and riotous goings-on from the author of Marrow Jam.
ebook
Published January 18, 2021
About the author
Susan A. King
3 books14 followersSusan A. King lives with her husband in the San Tropez of the north, Hartlepool.
The inspiration for her debut novel, Marrow Jam, came from her long experience and observation of competitors at a local produce show where she regularly aspires to win Best in Show with her floral arrangements. Unsuccessful to date, she has been tempted to investigate more underhand methods by which to acquire the trophy, but has yet to sink to the depths described in her novel. Or so she would have you believe!
The inspiration for her debut novel, Marrow Jam, came from her long experience and observation of competitors at a local produce show where she regularly aspires to win Best in Show with her floral arrangements. Unsuccessful to date, she has been tempted to investigate more underhand methods by which to acquire the trophy, but has yet to sink to the depths described in her novel. Or so she would have you believe!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
May 5, 2021
This story was a delight. It was deliciously written and left you starving and craving cake. Banana Devil Cake is a funny crime adventure full of coffee mornings, bake offs and a woman not to be messed with. The story centres around Elmesbury and its Women’s Institute.
But there’s one particular character that the fun always seems to follow and she is everything you could expect from the Elm warrior Bettie Bramshaw. With the annual Village fete on the horizon, placing is the only thing on a lot of the WI members minds. That is until members start dropping and not from accidents. But who will discover the killer and can they be stopped before any more members are at risk.
I did enjoy this novel, it was fun, full of personality and rememorable characters. It was well written and entertaining. I loved the cast and would move to Elmesbury in an instant. The story was full of hidden clues and I did enjoy the hunt for the truth.
My downfall with this novel was that I found it took a little too long for the crime arc to start. I would have loved some snippets a little bit sooner but it didn’t make me not enjoy the novel, it still got me addicted and wanting more. So if you haven’t tried Cozy crime, why not give this taster a try. Both books are delights worthy of a best in show.
But there’s one particular character that the fun always seems to follow and she is everything you could expect from the Elm warrior Bettie Bramshaw. With the annual Village fete on the horizon, placing is the only thing on a lot of the WI members minds. That is until members start dropping and not from accidents. But who will discover the killer and can they be stopped before any more members are at risk.
I did enjoy this novel, it was fun, full of personality and rememorable characters. It was well written and entertaining. I loved the cast and would move to Elmesbury in an instant. The story was full of hidden clues and I did enjoy the hunt for the truth.
My downfall with this novel was that I found it took a little too long for the crime arc to start. I would have loved some snippets a little bit sooner but it didn’t make me not enjoy the novel, it still got me addicted and wanting more. So if you haven’t tried Cozy crime, why not give this taster a try. Both books are delights worthy of a best in show.
January 18, 2021
I loved Marrow Jam (the first in the series) so when I saw that the second was out, I jumped on it. It did not disappoint, and I already can't wait for more.
This book was hilarious and full of mystery. I needed to know the ending (and it certainly surprised me) and I was hanging on every word. The main character is so funny, completely recognisable and yet unique all at the same time.
100% recommended.
This book was hilarious and full of mystery. I needed to know the ending (and it certainly surprised me) and I was hanging on every word. The main character is so funny, completely recognisable and yet unique all at the same time.
100% recommended.
April 30, 2021
MY REVIEW
🎂First of all I would like to say a massive thank you to @rachelsrandomresources and @susan.king63 for not only giving me this book to read but also the first one in the series which really helped to set the scene and cement the characters and the setting in my mind.
🎂What can I say about this book that I haven't already raved about in my stories while I was reading it.
It is an awesome read that I have been recommending to everyone who will listen to me.
🎂The story centres on Dreighton which is certainly a village that I would like to retire to (though obviously not with the rising body count!)
It sounds picturesque and welcoming and in this case I could imagine the elm tree in their village that Beattie was fighting for is rather reminicent of our small villages tree.
🎂Beattie is such a colourful character aswell that if you were to meet her, you may feel you would not initially like her but once you got through the hard outer shell and became friends, you would know that she was someone that would undoubtably fight your corner when it came to it and not only that but make you laugh till your sides ached with her quick wit!
🎂I was thrilled to find out from @susan.king63 herself that book 3 in the pipeline too which makes me giddy with excitement.
A great read for me and you certainly have a new fan!
🎂🎂🎂🎂🎂/5
🎂First of all I would like to say a massive thank you to @rachelsrandomresources and @susan.king63 for not only giving me this book to read but also the first one in the series which really helped to set the scene and cement the characters and the setting in my mind.
🎂What can I say about this book that I haven't already raved about in my stories while I was reading it.
It is an awesome read that I have been recommending to everyone who will listen to me.
🎂The story centres on Dreighton which is certainly a village that I would like to retire to (though obviously not with the rising body count!)
It sounds picturesque and welcoming and in this case I could imagine the elm tree in their village that Beattie was fighting for is rather reminicent of our small villages tree.
🎂Beattie is such a colourful character aswell that if you were to meet her, you may feel you would not initially like her but once you got through the hard outer shell and became friends, you would know that she was someone that would undoubtably fight your corner when it came to it and not only that but make you laugh till your sides ached with her quick wit!
🎂I was thrilled to find out from @susan.king63 herself that book 3 in the pipeline too which makes me giddy with excitement.
A great read for me and you certainly have a new fan!
🎂🎂🎂🎂🎂/5
January 18, 2021
I jumped on this when I knew it was out. I loved Marrow Jam (the first in the series) and I can only hope there will be more to come!
This book is hilarious and full of mystery! I needed to know the ending (and it definitely surprised me), but it was the main character (Beattie Bramshaw) that meant I literally could not put it down.
100% recommended.
This book is hilarious and full of mystery! I needed to know the ending (and it definitely surprised me), but it was the main character (Beattie Bramshaw) that meant I literally could not put it down.
100% recommended.
May 8, 2021
As President of my fabulous WI, I love WI cosy mystery.
While my WI is newer and less traditional, I have visited lots of older, village WIs and recognise the comradery and competitiveness that are the basis for this fun mystery.
Beattie is a great character. She knows everyone and is involved woth everything that goes on in the village. Along with best friend Phyllis, there is not much that happens in Elmesbury that she does not have an opinion on.
Celebrity newcomer to the village, TV psychic Leo Levine causes quite a stor when he arrives in the village searching for life out of the spotlight. When the ladies of the village find out about his childhood favourite banana devil cake he is soon inundated with baked goods. All of which sound hideous.
When two WI members are found dead, Levine’s behaviour definitely looks suspicious. Beattie sets out to investigate with her Agatha Christie inspired notebook.
There is lots of humour in this book: Passive aggressive characters that barely hide their rudeness, a vicar who gives an hilarious sermon and even some slapstick.
This book is filled with memorable characters and fun scenes. I love the village fête and competitive baking. And the campaign to save the village tree was great fun – I fully empathise with Beattie’s concern that she will run out of Jelly Babies during her protest!
Banana Devil Cake is the second book the series and follows on from the first. But can definitely be read as a standalone as there is enough to fill the read in on Beattie’s previous adventure.
While my WI is newer and less traditional, I have visited lots of older, village WIs and recognise the comradery and competitiveness that are the basis for this fun mystery.
Beattie is a great character. She knows everyone and is involved woth everything that goes on in the village. Along with best friend Phyllis, there is not much that happens in Elmesbury that she does not have an opinion on.
Celebrity newcomer to the village, TV psychic Leo Levine causes quite a stor when he arrives in the village searching for life out of the spotlight. When the ladies of the village find out about his childhood favourite banana devil cake he is soon inundated with baked goods. All of which sound hideous.
When two WI members are found dead, Levine’s behaviour definitely looks suspicious. Beattie sets out to investigate with her Agatha Christie inspired notebook.
There is lots of humour in this book: Passive aggressive characters that barely hide their rudeness, a vicar who gives an hilarious sermon and even some slapstick.
This book is filled with memorable characters and fun scenes. I love the village fête and competitive baking. And the campaign to save the village tree was great fun – I fully empathise with Beattie’s concern that she will run out of Jelly Babies during her protest!
Banana Devil Cake is the second book the series and follows on from the first. But can definitely be read as a standalone as there is enough to fill the read in on Beattie’s previous adventure.
May 4, 2021
Village shenanigans with a side of murder
Elderly but indomitable Beattie Bramshaw has a lot on her plate, in some cases literally. She's planning her engagement party, campaigning to save the village elm, and helping to organise the village fete with the fractious W.I. Just as one problem is put in its place, another rises to meet it - like the sudden death of not one, but two of her compatriots at the W.I. Suspicion falls on a celebrity psychic hiding out in the village after scandal, but Beattie can't seem to stop digging.
This is the second in a series, and fair warning - it totally spoils the ending of the first one in an extended series of court scenes. While this isn't usual for murder mysteries, it does signal this is a rather different sort of book - one without a dead body until 48% of the way through.
This may prove troublesome for those who want their murders front and centre, however for those who would rather take the scenic route, it's a fun slice of life with a cast of quirky villagers. Beattie may be bossy and stubborn, but you can't help but be charmed by her take-no-nonsense attitude to life (and death). I especially enjoyed her ruminations on the best way to spy on the neighbours. The women of the W.I. are headstrong and diverse, leading to heads butting all over the place.
I did guess the murderer quite quickly (which isn't usual for me) but it was nice to see all the pieces slot into place. I do feel like there were a few plot threads that weren't entirely wrapped up - was Leo trying to butter Beattie up? what was up with the quiche? and did anyone manage to bake a proper Banana Devil Cake?
Unanswered questions aside, this was a fun comedic caper through the cutthroat world of village baking with a side of murder. If that sounds like your cup of tea, you'll love this.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Rachel's Random Resources; all opinions are my own.
Elderly but indomitable Beattie Bramshaw has a lot on her plate, in some cases literally. She's planning her engagement party, campaigning to save the village elm, and helping to organise the village fete with the fractious W.I. Just as one problem is put in its place, another rises to meet it - like the sudden death of not one, but two of her compatriots at the W.I. Suspicion falls on a celebrity psychic hiding out in the village after scandal, but Beattie can't seem to stop digging.
This is the second in a series, and fair warning - it totally spoils the ending of the first one in an extended series of court scenes. While this isn't usual for murder mysteries, it does signal this is a rather different sort of book - one without a dead body until 48% of the way through.
This may prove troublesome for those who want their murders front and centre, however for those who would rather take the scenic route, it's a fun slice of life with a cast of quirky villagers. Beattie may be bossy and stubborn, but you can't help but be charmed by her take-no-nonsense attitude to life (and death). I especially enjoyed her ruminations on the best way to spy on the neighbours. The women of the W.I. are headstrong and diverse, leading to heads butting all over the place.
I did guess the murderer quite quickly (which isn't usual for me) but it was nice to see all the pieces slot into place. I do feel like there were a few plot threads that weren't entirely wrapped up - was Leo trying to butter Beattie up? what was up with the quiche? and did anyone manage to bake a proper Banana Devil Cake?
Unanswered questions aside, this was a fun comedic caper through the cutthroat world of village baking with a side of murder. If that sounds like your cup of tea, you'll love this.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Rachel's Random Resources; all opinions are my own.
May 16, 2021
I fell in love with the debut of this series Marrow Jam, so was so excited to get on the tour for the second installment.
I was not disappointed, just like the first it is clever and very funny. More than once I laughed out loud at the antics of Beattie and the WI ladies. I am sure most villages have someone like Beattie, and she is a great protagonist for a series.
This outing sees her fighting against the destruction of the Elmesbury Elm, and the mysterious death of two residents. Her intuition and wit serve her and the poor policeman well.
The author has created a great cast of characters, that I hope she will continue to write about for a long time.
I was not disappointed, just like the first it is clever and very funny. More than once I laughed out loud at the antics of Beattie and the WI ladies. I am sure most villages have someone like Beattie, and she is a great protagonist for a series.
This outing sees her fighting against the destruction of the Elmesbury Elm, and the mysterious death of two residents. Her intuition and wit serve her and the poor policeman well.
The author has created a great cast of characters, that I hope she will continue to write about for a long time.
July 11, 2021
It’s so good to be in the company of Beattie again! After the delightful rich and funny Marrow Jam - Beattie’s first adventure as an amateur sleuth - how wonderful is it to return to Elmesbury, where there is no shortage of Miss Marple and Great British Bake-off vibes?!
Beattie, a seventy-something WI member and pillar of the community, is now engaged to Doug - marrow growing champion, five times winner of Best In Show at the annual village fête, and Beatties’s one-time nemesis. While planning and looking forward to her forthcoming engagement party, Beattie’s life is interrupted by the arrival of a TV celebrity, the impending destruction of the village Elm tree, and a couple of suspicious deaths among the WI. Beattie makes it her business to look into and deal with these matters herself, despite reservations from devoted Doug and skeptical Detective Inspector Grayson of Dreighton Police, both all too familiar with Beattie’s escapades.
Susan A. King has once again given us a lovely novel. It is beautifully written with humour and intelligence. A joyous book that I could not fail to enjoy.
Beattie, a seventy-something WI member and pillar of the community, is now engaged to Doug - marrow growing champion, five times winner of Best In Show at the annual village fête, and Beatties’s one-time nemesis. While planning and looking forward to her forthcoming engagement party, Beattie’s life is interrupted by the arrival of a TV celebrity, the impending destruction of the village Elm tree, and a couple of suspicious deaths among the WI. Beattie makes it her business to look into and deal with these matters herself, despite reservations from devoted Doug and skeptical Detective Inspector Grayson of Dreighton Police, both all too familiar with Beattie’s escapades.
Susan A. King has once again given us a lovely novel. It is beautifully written with humour and intelligence. A joyous book that I could not fail to enjoy.
February 5, 2021
Hilarious interesting intriguing and entertaining - a great book to read to lighten your mood at this miserable time - I recommend you read this
May 3, 2021
This is certainly a lot of fun as you follow Beattie Bramshaw as she turns her attention to mysterious events in her sleepy village of Elmesbury. This has all the attributes of a cozy crime story, from the plot to the cast of characters who we are introduced to. There may be deaths and dastardly deeds but you are always safe in the knowledge that there are no graphic violent bits coming up. You can relax and enjoy the mystery.
Full of humour which is derived from the larger than life characters and the petty jealousies which the WI competitions seem to breed, you see the villagers warts and all. Beattie is certainly a determined sleuth, a faintly eccentric characters who observes life around her. This is a thoroughly enjoyable read- just perfect to pass a weekend with.
In short: Watch out, Beattie's about!
Thanks to the publisher for a copy of the book
Full of humour which is derived from the larger than life characters and the petty jealousies which the WI competitions seem to breed, you see the villagers warts and all. Beattie is certainly a determined sleuth, a faintly eccentric characters who observes life around her. This is a thoroughly enjoyable read- just perfect to pass a weekend with.
In short: Watch out, Beattie's about!
Thanks to the publisher for a copy of the book
May 1, 2021
An entertaining, quintessentially English cosy mystery featuring amateur sleuth Beattie and the ladies of the Elmesbury Women's Institute(WI). It reads well as a standalone, but to get to know the characters and village, read 'Marrow Jam' first.
What makes this enjoyable are the distinctive characters and the carefully plotted mystery, which engages and enthrals the reader. Humorous and witty, this is a charming read for lovers of English cosy mystery. The writing is full of sensory imagery, making it easy to visualise. It would make a great series for television.
I received a copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.
May 5, 2021
I love a good mystery story. It was suspenseful and kept me on the edge of my seat, I just had to read to the very end to find out who the culprit was. Cant wait to read more by this author.
February 8, 2021
It’s a good six months on since the last mystery that Beattie solved and alot has happened to the lives of a few of the villagers. Friendships have blossomed and love is in the air but a newcomer is about to bring mayhem back to the village.
Celebrity Psychic Leo Levine thinks he has escaped from his paparazzi lifestyle by moving to this sleepy village but he didn’t expect the ladies of the WI to welcome him with such relish.
With the fate of a well loved Elm Tree in the village green at risk and with the Summer Fete looming Beattie is once again at the forefront of keeping unjust and crime at hand.
Susan A. King has written another wonderful comic crime caper that I feel is a must read to brighten up your days. I am so pleased I stepped a little out of my comfort zone in reading genres and took the plunge to try a new author and a new genre. I will certainly be looking out for more work by Susan A. King and hope Beattie never tires in keeping her tabs on the comings and goings of the village of Elmesbury.
Celebrity Psychic Leo Levine thinks he has escaped from his paparazzi lifestyle by moving to this sleepy village but he didn’t expect the ladies of the WI to welcome him with such relish.
With the fate of a well loved Elm Tree in the village green at risk and with the Summer Fete looming Beattie is once again at the forefront of keeping unjust and crime at hand.
Susan A. King has written another wonderful comic crime caper that I feel is a must read to brighten up your days. I am so pleased I stepped a little out of my comfort zone in reading genres and took the plunge to try a new author and a new genre. I will certainly be looking out for more work by Susan A. King and hope Beattie never tires in keeping her tabs on the comings and goings of the village of Elmesbury.
April 29, 2021
First thing first: I read plenty of cozy mysteries as they are one of my favourite genres and it’s been a while since I read book of a new to me author and thought “WOW” and it was love at first page.
Let’s say it was love after the first chapters as I was hooked and couldn’t put it down. I read it in one setting and thoroughly enjoyed it.
This book ticked a lot of checks in my personal “must read this cozy series”: quirky characters, plenty of humour, a solid mystery and a senior detective.
I had a lot of fun, loved the descriptions of the WI activities and loved Beattie, a well thought and rounded character.
This is a humorous story but it’s also a well written mystery, full of twists and turns, that kept me guessing.
I will surely buy the first in this series and I hope there will be a lot of other novels as I want to meet Beattie and travel to Elsmbury again.
This book is strongly recommended as it’s highly entertaining and engrossing.
Many thanks to Susan A. King and Rachel’s Random Resources for this digital copy, all opinions are mine.
Let’s say it was love after the first chapters as I was hooked and couldn’t put it down. I read it in one setting and thoroughly enjoyed it.
This book ticked a lot of checks in my personal “must read this cozy series”: quirky characters, plenty of humour, a solid mystery and a senior detective.
I had a lot of fun, loved the descriptions of the WI activities and loved Beattie, a well thought and rounded character.
This is a humorous story but it’s also a well written mystery, full of twists and turns, that kept me guessing.
I will surely buy the first in this series and I hope there will be a lot of other novels as I want to meet Beattie and travel to Elsmbury again.
This book is strongly recommended as it’s highly entertaining and engrossing.
Many thanks to Susan A. King and Rachel’s Random Resources for this digital copy, all opinions are mine.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews