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Betty Snickerdoodle Mysteries #1
The Return of Betty Snickerdoodle
Somebody's messing with the wrong little old lady!Bea Sickles—aka beloved author Betty Snickerdoodle—keeps her true identity hidden for a reason. The writer behind the wholesome, heartwarming Treacle Town holiday books may be a little old lady, but she's not sweet, not weak, and not even a little meek!She's a wise-cracking ex-poker pro who loves nothing more than being underestimated. So when a bumbling crook decides to get rich quick by stealing an unpublished Betty Snickerdoodle manuscript, Bea won’t be satisfied with just stopping him—oh, no! The bad guy needs to be taught a lesson — and Bea's just the person to do it.So the chase begins, with Bea nudged out of her quiet life in the wine country and on the hunt to retrieve her manuscript. She’s got a plan to make the thief pay, but if her secret identity is revealed in the process, that plan just might blow up in her face! Luckily, she's got a friend on her Angela Garcia, the clever and ambitious young marketer who helped make Betty Snickerdoodle a household name.The crook will stop at nothing to turn the stolen book into quick cash. Can Bea stop him—and save her reputation—before it’s too late?The Return of Betty Snickerdoodle is a hilarious, feel-good romp full of hijinks and heart. If you're a fan of mysteries with eccentric characters, endearing friendships, and plenty of laughs, this cozy caper is sure to sleigh you! Join Bea and her quirky friends as they hatch a plan to right what's wrong--all the while proving you're never, ever too old for adventure.This book is the first in a cozy mystery series full of humor, twists, and heart.Content brief references to smoking in this first book of the series.
240 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 1, 2021
599 people are currently reading
502 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
July 23, 2019
Holy Cow. This book is not the typical cozy mystery I usually read. It is different...but it is really well written and very enjoyable. I started reading this two days ago, and I read the first couple of pages slowly...then last night, starting on about page 3, I got addicted. Although I have a full-time job, and many other responsibilities, I just couldn't stop reading. I never guessed what would happen next in the plot, and it was immensely satisfying, for the plot line, but also because the author includes a lot of details. She is thorough. Also, I like the way the author changes the perspective in various chapters. For example, you will read what is going on with Aseem, and start to wonder what is going on with Bea and Angela, and the next chapter will explain events from Bea and Angela's perspective. I loved that.
I did receive this book free in exchange for my review, but I wouldn't write anything I didn't fully believe. And I will definitely purchase the next book in the series, unless I am fortunate enough to receive one free.
I did receive this book free in exchange for my review, but I wouldn't write anything I didn't fully believe. And I will definitely purchase the next book in the series, unless I am fortunate enough to receive one free.
August 5, 2021
Wow! This is one of those books that you spot as a freebie and download it “just in case” and it turns out to be the best thing you ever did. Bea, aka Betty Snickerdoodle, is a poker playing, chain smoking feisty loudmouthed old woman who writes beautifully sweet Christmas themed romances. She lives a hermit life in a not so good suburb watching ‘The Price is Right’ on TV. She hasn’t written a book for many years and her fans are clamouring for another one. Then her home is invaded and something is stolen from her. What follows is a funny page turning cosy mystery as Bea and her PA, Angela, have to race against time to try to work out why it has been stolen and then thwart a crime.
Best thing is - this is the first in a series - there are more to come.
Best thing is - this is the first in a series - there are more to come.
April 27, 2021
Return of Betty Snickerdoodle
This book was so good I stayed up all night to read it. The book thief thought he had a gold mine but ended up getting the shaft. Great introduction to the real Betty Snickerdoodle.
This book was so good I stayed up all night to read it. The book thief thought he had a gold mine but ended up getting the shaft. Great introduction to the real Betty Snickerdoodle.
February 13, 2022
Good First in Series
Ok, so to be honest, for the first 20% of the book I did not like the main character, Bea, aka author Betty Snickerdoodle. She was a crass chain smoking mess. But, I know not to judge a book until I give it a fair shot. Glad I stuck with it. Bea turned herself around after she was attacked in her home. She does not get mad, she gets even. And her plans for revenge kick started her into more healthy living, including quitting smoking. As the book progressed, we learn more about how Bea's life experiences influenced her personality. And I found I started to like the nearly 80 year old woman. I liked her enough to buy the box set that includes her next 2 books. Good story.
Ok, so to be honest, for the first 20% of the book I did not like the main character, Bea, aka author Betty Snickerdoodle. She was a crass chain smoking mess. But, I know not to judge a book until I give it a fair shot. Glad I stuck with it. Bea turned herself around after she was attacked in her home. She does not get mad, she gets even. And her plans for revenge kick started her into more healthy living, including quitting smoking. As the book progressed, we learn more about how Bea's life experiences influenced her personality. And I found I started to like the nearly 80 year old woman. I liked her enough to buy the box set that includes her next 2 books. Good story.
October 18, 2019
When the going gets tough, the tough get going .......
A great read. Okay you can't really call it a mystery but it was a fun read and the main character is awesome. Feisty, outspoken, pocket sized senior who lives life that way she wants too and has no regrets. An author who has made a fortune writing about sweet romances in a close community and all centred around Christmas. In life she is a poker playing, loud mouth. When a young man tries to force her to give him her next book she manages to drive him away. However he breaks in and steals a book that she wrote as an antonymous contrast to her original stories. Having kept her secret for years, even going as far as hiring her PR's mother to represent her on her forced public appearances, she now has to face the fact that the race is on to publish another book before the thief publishes the stolen manuscript. How will she deal with the fallout when he sends it out for early reviews? Will her fans turn against her? What will it mean to her anonymity?
A great read. Okay you can't really call it a mystery but it was a fun read and the main character is awesome. Feisty, outspoken, pocket sized senior who lives life that way she wants too and has no regrets. An author who has made a fortune writing about sweet romances in a close community and all centred around Christmas. In life she is a poker playing, loud mouth. When a young man tries to force her to give him her next book she manages to drive him away. However he breaks in and steals a book that she wrote as an antonymous contrast to her original stories. Having kept her secret for years, even going as far as hiring her PR's mother to represent her on her forced public appearances, she now has to face the fact that the race is on to publish another book before the thief publishes the stolen manuscript. How will she deal with the fallout when he sends it out for early reviews? Will her fans turn against her? What will it mean to her anonymity?
January 23, 2021
Betty is an old lady with attitude. After barely making ends meet for years, she has an idea to write a story about a mythical place called Treacle Town where the inhabitants like each other and all problems get resolved around Christmas time. The book is a success and fame and money rolls in for all concerned with its publishing. Real life problems show up when her nasty, alter ego of a book gets stolen. It's well worth a read maybe because the real life author is so different from the personality she presents to the public. This book is also well written and engaging.
December 13, 2020
Tge Return of Betty Snuckerdoodle
This is a fun read. It involves poker games,books,friends,greed and mystery. It is a twist on cozy mysteries. I give it 5 stars and recommend it to anyone who likes cozy mysteries.
This is a fun read. It involves poker games,books,friends,greed and mystery. It is a twist on cozy mysteries. I give it 5 stars and recommend it to anyone who likes cozy mysteries.
December 19, 2023
This was a better read than I expected. I expected it to be light with some funny parts, but this novel kept me wondering throughout how “Bea” was gonna stay ahead of her challenges. She was continually hilarious and at times I let out a snorting giggle in response to her actions, attire, and verbal jujitsu.
December 8, 2020
SnIckers and chuckles
A really good read that starts out with a roar and keeps on going hold on for a good ride/read
A really good read that starts out with a roar and keeps on going hold on for a good ride/read
January 28, 2024
This was cute 3.5 stars
December 10, 2020
4 Stars
This book was not even close to what I expected when I bought the book. It is a fun story with an eccentric main character that is so well described, you become invested in the story and can't wait to find out what happens next. Give it a go!
This book was not even close to what I expected when I bought the book. It is a fun story with an eccentric main character that is so well described, you become invested in the story and can't wait to find out what happens next. Give it a go!
May 16, 2021
Betty Snickerdoodle is duped
Betty has been sitting on her laurels until she is robbed by a brass young man. He stole what he thought was bread and butter but turned out to be a huge bag of worms. Of course that is taking literary freedom with what really happened.
The story takes you through the whole ordeal. The working thoughts of a near hermit that eventually realizes life is to precious not to celebrate. She learns to appreciate through her chance encounter with Oliver.
I found the story fast moving and heart warming.
Betty has been sitting on her laurels until she is robbed by a brass young man. He stole what he thought was bread and butter but turned out to be a huge bag of worms. Of course that is taking literary freedom with what really happened.
The story takes you through the whole ordeal. The working thoughts of a near hermit that eventually realizes life is to precious not to celebrate. She learns to appreciate through her chance encounter with Oliver.
I found the story fast moving and heart warming.
May 1, 2021
A book about writing books
Betty Snickerdoodle is certainly an original. Since the theme is Christmas, Bea's change of heart can be compared to the Grinch's heart growing two sizes. A fun story!
Betty Snickerdoodle is certainly an original. Since the theme is Christmas, Bea's change of heart can be compared to the Grinch's heart growing two sizes. A fun story!
December 10, 2020
I just love Betty Snickerdoodle! Such a fun read.
April 2, 2022
I love Betty Snickerdoodle
I absolutely loved the book and can’t wait to read to read more . I will definitely recommend this book to all my friends at work and my family. Now I’m ready for book 2.
I absolutely loved the book and can’t wait to read to read more . I will definitely recommend this book to all my friends at work and my family. Now I’m ready for book 2.
August 14, 2022
A barely held-together story, with superficial characters and no real plot development. Narration jumps from one perspective to another with neither rhyme nor reason. Characters are not believable. Surely Bea doesn't wake up one day and reverse a 20-year habit of no technology. Surely Angela is not so terribly worried about Bea that she falls asleep in Bea's bed instead of wondering where her "friend" went.
Nothing about this novel is believable or worth even an afternoon whiling away the time by the pool.
Nothing about this novel is believable or worth even an afternoon whiling away the time by the pool.
January 31, 2024
Ableist
Super racist.
“Angela and her friend – a dusky, handsome man of about 30 – arrived as promised, carrying boxes that they loaded into Bea’s second bedroom. Bea couldn’t help but notice that Angela’s swarthy helper seemed mighty attentive to her.”
I just can’t with that, two pages after we had work equated with sl*very and talking about the hood. Come on. It’s just not that hard to be less obviously a racist asshole.
Super racist.
“Angela and her friend – a dusky, handsome man of about 30 – arrived as promised, carrying boxes that they loaded into Bea’s second bedroom. Bea couldn’t help but notice that Angela’s swarthy helper seemed mighty attentive to her.”
I just can’t with that, two pages after we had work equated with sl*very and talking about the hood. Come on. It’s just not that hard to be less obviously a racist asshole.
December 30, 2020
I need to learn to download a sample before filling up one of my precious Kindle Unlimited slots!
I barely got 10 pages into this book and couldn't stand it anymore - the characters, the dialog, the characters, etc. I have read other books by this author so I was surprised.
The only good thing about this book is the word Snickerdoodle in the title.
I barely got 10 pages into this book and couldn't stand it anymore - the characters, the dialog, the characters, etc. I have read other books by this author so I was surprised.
The only good thing about this book is the word Snickerdoodle in the title.
April 24, 2021
Not my kinda book
This book had high reviews so I got it. But, turns out not my kinda book. For starters, Betty is a chain smoker with a house full of unemptied ashtrays...YUCK! Just couldn’t get interested in the story line and Betty didn’t seem to be very likable. Nearly all the reviews were great, but I reluctantly put it aside as “not for me”
This book had high reviews so I got it. But, turns out not my kinda book. For starters, Betty is a chain smoker with a house full of unemptied ashtrays...YUCK! Just couldn’t get interested in the story line and Betty didn’t seem to be very likable. Nearly all the reviews were great, but I reluctantly put it aside as “not for me”
July 4, 2020
Very cute and entertaining
September 6, 2019
Bea Sickles is a cantankerous old lady — she lives alone in a shabby Napa Valley home cluttered with stacks of paper; wears her nightgown all day and thinks dressing up means velour track suits; cracks bawdy jokes; types her manuscripts on an IBM Selectric; and lives on pizza, fast food breakfast sandwiches, and iced coffee. By every definition, she’s a hermit, rarely leaving her small house, unless she wants to empty pockets and flirt with her friend Perry at Valley Card Room, where she plays a mean hand of Texas Hold ‘em. No one would ever guess that this ribald recluse is the author of the Treacle Town books, a sentimental Christmas series authored by the sweet, pseudonymous Betty Snickerdoodle.
Trouble comes when Bea is attacked by a young man named Cash, who claims to be the son of Charlie Carter, her longtime agent. He demands she hand over her latest manuscript, but there isn’t one. She fends him off by summoning the police with her alert device and calls Charlie to ask what’s going on, but all she gets is his answering machine. Later, when she and her assistant, Angela, stop by Perry’s place to play a few hands and fool the regulars, Cash breaks in and grabs one of the stacks, a parody book Bea wrote years earlier, meant only for her and Charlie’s eyes. However, Cash hires a tech wiz, Aseem — a friend of Angela’s — to help him rush Sleigh Ride to Hell to publication, so he can turn a quick, dishonest profit on someone else’s work.
Angela and Bea had already been planning a new book, but Cash’s theft prompts them to not only speed up publication, but undertake several radical steps in order to reestablish Betty’s authenticity. In the process, Bea blossoms from a cranky caterpillar to an affably colorful butterfly, proving that it’s never too late to spread your wings, buy some fluffy sheepskin boots, and embrace the Betty Bros.
Trouble comes when Bea is attacked by a young man named Cash, who claims to be the son of Charlie Carter, her longtime agent. He demands she hand over her latest manuscript, but there isn’t one. She fends him off by summoning the police with her alert device and calls Charlie to ask what’s going on, but all she gets is his answering machine. Later, when she and her assistant, Angela, stop by Perry’s place to play a few hands and fool the regulars, Cash breaks in and grabs one of the stacks, a parody book Bea wrote years earlier, meant only for her and Charlie’s eyes. However, Cash hires a tech wiz, Aseem — a friend of Angela’s — to help him rush Sleigh Ride to Hell to publication, so he can turn a quick, dishonest profit on someone else’s work.
Angela and Bea had already been planning a new book, but Cash’s theft prompts them to not only speed up publication, but undertake several radical steps in order to reestablish Betty’s authenticity. In the process, Bea blossoms from a cranky caterpillar to an affably colorful butterfly, proving that it’s never too late to spread your wings, buy some fluffy sheepskin boots, and embrace the Betty Bros.
March 23, 2022
Sorry I just didn't get along with this book, I kept waiting for something to happen, spoiler alert it didn't. For a mystery and a fun title I was expecting a lot, especially as the plot sounded interesting and different too but it fell flat. To much was over explained (a group of fans called the Betty Bros was explained every time it was mentioned) and others not enough (like Betty's plan for Cash). I wouldn't call It a mystery because there was no case to solve or even investigateit was more of who could publish the book first. You knew who the bad guy was and even though the author tried to put a twist in the story it was to obvious. It also didn't help that I didn't like the main character, I know she was a rich elderly hermit but did she need to be so out spoken and rude? I liked Betty's sidekick and related to her more. Betty's introduction to technology was also fun and the reason I read until the end . Not sure I would visit again but it is a fun cute read, just not for me.
It has been years since Bea Sickles has written under the pen name Betty Snickerdoodle and being a reclusive hermit nobody knows her true identity making her the perfect person for Cash to make money from. When threatening her to give him her manuscript doesn't work he breaks in and steals one from her many rewrites. The problem is its not her normal type of book. Can Bea and her assistant Angela turn Cash's plan against him or by doing so will she lose her loyal fans?
It has been years since Bea Sickles has written under the pen name Betty Snickerdoodle and being a reclusive hermit nobody knows her true identity making her the perfect person for Cash to make money from. When threatening her to give him her manuscript doesn't work he breaks in and steals one from her many rewrites. The problem is its not her normal type of book. Can Bea and her assistant Angela turn Cash's plan against him or by doing so will she lose her loyal fans?
September 17, 2024
Oh my, was this fun! I didn’ expect such a firecracker of a main character! Bea is not your average old lady, and I loved reading from her point of view, especially since we see her being a bit hard, but slowly softening for her friends and trying to change her life.
I loved it when she decided to get a computer and something similar to Alexa, and ended up doing a dance party every morning!
The mystery was not a murder, which is usually what I prefer, but I didn’t even notice when I was having so much fun with how the plot was going.
Maybe I was a bit sceptical when the bad guys
This series is certainly on my tbr, I can’t wait to see what other adventures Bea stumbles into!
I loved it when she decided to get a computer and something similar to Alexa, and ended up doing a dance party every morning!
The mystery was not a murder, which is usually what I prefer, but I didn’t even notice when I was having so much fun with how the plot was going.
Maybe I was a bit sceptical when the bad guys
This series is certainly on my tbr, I can’t wait to see what other adventures Bea stumbles into!
January 27, 2020
I actually laughed out loud while reading this book. Bea is a hoot!
I ran across this author through another author’s promotion. I am so glad that I did. It is wonderful when I find an author who is able to pull me in so quickly to their story. Her ability to weave such an engaging and well written story that is also laugh-out-loud funny at times is so refreshing. I love the characters in this series! If I am only half as insightful, feisty, and productive as Bea is when I become an octogenarian, I will be blessed.
My favorite quote from the book is from Oscar Wilde, “Be yourself – everyone else is taken.” I don’t give away spoilers in my reviews, so, you will just have to read the book to appreciate this quote. I do not believe you will be disappointed. I read this book in one sitting and highly recommend this book. I am looking forward to reading more from Pepper Frost.
I received an advance reader’s copy of this book; but this review is my voluntary and honest opinion.
I ran across this author through another author’s promotion. I am so glad that I did. It is wonderful when I find an author who is able to pull me in so quickly to their story. Her ability to weave such an engaging and well written story that is also laugh-out-loud funny at times is so refreshing. I love the characters in this series! If I am only half as insightful, feisty, and productive as Bea is when I become an octogenarian, I will be blessed.
My favorite quote from the book is from Oscar Wilde, “Be yourself – everyone else is taken.” I don’t give away spoilers in my reviews, so, you will just have to read the book to appreciate this quote. I do not believe you will be disappointed. I read this book in one sitting and highly recommend this book. I am looking forward to reading more from Pepper Frost.
I received an advance reader’s copy of this book; but this review is my voluntary and honest opinion.
August 24, 2023
Bea Sickles also known as Betty Snickerdoodle’s. When her manuscript was stolen by a thief she enlists the help of her assistant Angela Garcia to catch the culprit. Bea Sickles AKA Betty Snickerdoodle is a best-selling Christmas cozy mystery author who is a chain-smoking crabby old lady who loves watching “The Price is Right”. When a thief tries to take Bea’s next book away from her she manages to drive him away. But Bea’s manuscript is stolen by Charlie Carter Jr. (Cash) her agent’s son and she requests the help of her assistant Angela Garcia to help her catch the culprit. Bea must write another book and publish it before Cash publishes her stolen manuscript. Betty has followers called “The Betty Bros” who are her fan club members who love her books. I really enjoyed this delightful cozy mystery novel. I received this free e-book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
December 20, 2023
Sweet and fun read
I'll be honest, at the beginning I wasn't sure how I felt about this... another cranky old woman book? Pleas! But, the author did a good job of giving Bea a unique voice, eventually, and allowed her to grow through the story, showing her to be more than the one dimensional crank.
The story itself was interesting, unique and really what drew me in.
Stars would really be 3.75 for character development in the side characters. I really felt everyone except Bea was underdeveloped, their character a little bland or in the case of Cash, just too much. Cash was more like a child having a tantrum than an adult committing a crime.
But, as I said, the storyline is strong and Bea, the main character, ends strong.
It's worth the read and I would be willing to continue the story as it appears Bea steps into a mystery.
I'll be honest, at the beginning I wasn't sure how I felt about this... another cranky old woman book? Pleas! But, the author did a good job of giving Bea a unique voice, eventually, and allowed her to grow through the story, showing her to be more than the one dimensional crank.
The story itself was interesting, unique and really what drew me in.
Stars would really be 3.75 for character development in the side characters. I really felt everyone except Bea was underdeveloped, their character a little bland or in the case of Cash, just too much. Cash was more like a child having a tantrum than an adult committing a crime.
But, as I said, the storyline is strong and Bea, the main character, ends strong.
It's worth the read and I would be willing to continue the story as it appears Bea steps into a mystery.
Read
August 23, 2019I was lucky enough to get an ARC of The Return of Betty Snickerdoodle by Pepper Frost and let me just say I love this book ! The characters are wonderful, and a mixed range of ages that I really liked – the main character is in her 70’s. I tried to guess how it would all work out, but just could not do it. The sub-stories dealing with greed and prejudice are wonderful and enhance the overall story. I sure hope there are a lot more books to come by this author. My opinion is honest and not at all influenced by having received the book for free. If you knew me, you would know that if I didn't like the book I would say so.
January 29, 2020
Betty is a hoot!
The book was very entertaining. The dominant character was a senior woman who portrayed being frail, hard of hearing, slumped-over, a card shark and a helpless woman who really was quite the opposite. Bea/Betty was hilarious at times, and I was laughing out loud about how she acted, the things she did and her attitude. I liked how she became true to herself and announced who she was and why she valued her privacy. I could see Bea/Betty being a friend of mine and having an interesting conversation about life. I loved her tenacity of handling thing in her own way.
The book was very entertaining. The dominant character was a senior woman who portrayed being frail, hard of hearing, slumped-over, a card shark and a helpless woman who really was quite the opposite. Bea/Betty was hilarious at times, and I was laughing out loud about how she acted, the things she did and her attitude. I liked how she became true to herself and announced who she was and why she valued her privacy. I could see Bea/Betty being a friend of mine and having an interesting conversation about life. I loved her tenacity of handling thing in her own way.
July 10, 2021
Wow
It is an amazing book with the right combination of humor, fun, thrill, and action. The plot is unique and fresh. Bea is such an adorable character with a never-say-die attitude. Cash, the bad guy, wants Betty Snickerdoodle's latest manuscript. He knows that Bea Sickles is Betty Snickerdoodle. He threatens her but she is resilient. One day when she goes out to Visit Charlie her former publisher, Cash manages to steal the manuscript. What happens next is funny and thrilling. Do read this book to find out how Bea alias Betty manages to bring the culprit to justice.
It is an amazing book with the right combination of humor, fun, thrill, and action. The plot is unique and fresh. Bea is such an adorable character with a never-say-die attitude. Cash, the bad guy, wants Betty Snickerdoodle's latest manuscript. He knows that Bea Sickles is Betty Snickerdoodle. He threatens her but she is resilient. One day when she goes out to Visit Charlie her former publisher, Cash manages to steal the manuscript. What happens next is funny and thrilling. Do read this book to find out how Bea alias Betty manages to bring the culprit to justice.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews