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Ice Cream Parlor Mystery #3
A Killer Sundae
Ice cream shop owner Bronwyn Crewse is in for two scoops of murder in this charming mystery from Abby Collette.
Chagrin Falls, Ohio, is gorgeous in the fall, and Bronwyn Crewse, owner of Crewse Creamery, knows just how to welcome the new season. At the annual Harvest Time Festival, residents will get a chance to enjoy hot-air balloons and hayrides, crown a new Harvest Time Festival Queen, and eat delicious frozen treats sold at Win’s freshly purchased ice cream truck. But she gets into a sprinkle of trouble when a festivalgoer is poisoned and Win is implicated.
Although the victim was a former Harvest Time Festival Queen, her once-sunny disposition had dimmed into bitterness, leaving no shortage of suspects at the festival. To clear her name before the chill of winter sets in, Win will have to investigate and hope that her detective skills won’t “dessert” her.
Chagrin Falls, Ohio, is gorgeous in the fall, and Bronwyn Crewse, owner of Crewse Creamery, knows just how to welcome the new season. At the annual Harvest Time Festival, residents will get a chance to enjoy hot-air balloons and hayrides, crown a new Harvest Time Festival Queen, and eat delicious frozen treats sold at Win’s freshly purchased ice cream truck. But she gets into a sprinkle of trouble when a festivalgoer is poisoned and Win is implicated.
Although the victim was a former Harvest Time Festival Queen, her once-sunny disposition had dimmed into bitterness, leaving no shortage of suspects at the festival. To clear her name before the chill of winter sets in, Win will have to investigate and hope that her detective skills won’t “dessert” her.
353 pages, Paperback
First published January 4, 2022
53 people are currently reading
6132 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 227 reviews
April 18, 2022
I have read the first 2 books in the series and I loved them enough to keep reading. After finishing this book I may have to call it quits. First, I listened to the audiobook and they changed the narrator (ughhhh) this new person read with no emotion 😐. She could’ve been reading me an ingredients label. Second, for the main character (Win) to be 30 and for this book to be set in present day times….why did she keep referring to her nap sack. 🤨 who uses that term?!
I felt like the author must’ve gotten a new editor or took a different writing class because the style of writing changed from the first 2 books. She was overly descriptive of things and people that did not matter. I’ve read several cozy mysteries so I understand the layout but the author could’ve made the character an older woman in het late 40s and this plot line could still work. But for me I was disappointed in this addition to the Ice Cream Parlor mysteries.
I felt like the author must’ve gotten a new editor or took a different writing class because the style of writing changed from the first 2 books. She was overly descriptive of things and people that did not matter. I’ve read several cozy mysteries so I understand the layout but the author could’ve made the character an older woman in het late 40s and this plot line could still work. But for me I was disappointed in this addition to the Ice Cream Parlor mysteries.
February 12, 2022
Dollycas’s Thoughts
It’s time for the annual Harvest Time Festival in Chagrin Falls, Ohio and Crewse Creamery owner Bronwyn Crewse is excited to put her new ice cream truck into service. She has loaded up the truck’s freezers with all kinds of treats and is dishing up sundaes too. Her beautiful new truck has even drawn the attention of the local television station. The reporter and Win were in school together. They were never really friends but Win is very aware of the woman’s nut allergy and took all the precautions when preparing her hot fudge sundae.
Later the woman collapses and dies right in the middle of the Hot Air Balloon Glow and her boyfriend accuses Win of serving her nuts to cause her death. Win knows she did no such thing.
It seems the reporter was still as abrasive in her adult life as she was back in school so there had to be more suspects out there.
In a strange twist, the boyfriend that accused Win now wants her help finding the real killer. She tells him she has no intention of investigating but he continues to come back every day trying to change her mind. Her friends Maisie and Riya are also pressuring Win to investigate for their own reasons. So Win bows to the pressure and starts trying to get the scoop on the killer.
Win continues to be one of my cozy faves. She is smart and funny with a huge heart. She has been through a lot since returning home to take over Crewse Creamery but is driven to make the family’s ice cream business a rousing success. Getting the food truck to take her ice cream on the road for all kinds of events has turned out to be a great idea even though it put her on the scene of the crime. Her updates to the shop have helped to increase business as well. I love the relationship she has with her grandfather. Their morning meetings are inspirational. She has his full support and he helps her in any way he can. He also has a new friend and that just warmed by heart.
This story had other members of her family stepping in too to be sure both the truck and the shop was fully staffed. Her brother Bobby definitely has issues that need to be addressed. Of course, Maisie and Riya play vital roles in the story too but Maisie started out really rubbing me the wrong way. Even the chickenpox couldn’t keep this woman in check. She was so bossy and pushy. I mean she is an “expert sleuth” because of all the television shows she watches but this time her antics were more grating than funny. I was intrigued by a new hire Win made. I hope he returns in the next book.
The author did whip up a very twisty mystery. There were a lot of dead ends and true clues were hard to pin down. Win makes a visit that took a lot of strength and that made me like her even more. That visit started to give her investigation a better focus and drove the story to a very exciting reveal that validated my theory. A theory I almost threw by the wayside a few chapters earlier.
While some of the characters really pushed my buttons A Killer Sundae was a very entertaining and enjoyable read. Ms. Collette making Win a reluctant sleuth this time made for a very captivating story.
I am very excited about the next book in this series. Win has been asked to participate in an event that in my neck of the woods is usually associated with wine, but let me tell you if it featured ice cream I would be pushing people out of the way to be first in line.
It’s time for the annual Harvest Time Festival in Chagrin Falls, Ohio and Crewse Creamery owner Bronwyn Crewse is excited to put her new ice cream truck into service. She has loaded up the truck’s freezers with all kinds of treats and is dishing up sundaes too. Her beautiful new truck has even drawn the attention of the local television station. The reporter and Win were in school together. They were never really friends but Win is very aware of the woman’s nut allergy and took all the precautions when preparing her hot fudge sundae.
Later the woman collapses and dies right in the middle of the Hot Air Balloon Glow and her boyfriend accuses Win of serving her nuts to cause her death. Win knows she did no such thing.
It seems the reporter was still as abrasive in her adult life as she was back in school so there had to be more suspects out there.
In a strange twist, the boyfriend that accused Win now wants her help finding the real killer. She tells him she has no intention of investigating but he continues to come back every day trying to change her mind. Her friends Maisie and Riya are also pressuring Win to investigate for their own reasons. So Win bows to the pressure and starts trying to get the scoop on the killer.
Win continues to be one of my cozy faves. She is smart and funny with a huge heart. She has been through a lot since returning home to take over Crewse Creamery but is driven to make the family’s ice cream business a rousing success. Getting the food truck to take her ice cream on the road for all kinds of events has turned out to be a great idea even though it put her on the scene of the crime. Her updates to the shop have helped to increase business as well. I love the relationship she has with her grandfather. Their morning meetings are inspirational. She has his full support and he helps her in any way he can. He also has a new friend and that just warmed by heart.
This story had other members of her family stepping in too to be sure both the truck and the shop was fully staffed. Her brother Bobby definitely has issues that need to be addressed. Of course, Maisie and Riya play vital roles in the story too but Maisie started out really rubbing me the wrong way. Even the chickenpox couldn’t keep this woman in check. She was so bossy and pushy. I mean she is an “expert sleuth” because of all the television shows she watches but this time her antics were more grating than funny. I was intrigued by a new hire Win made. I hope he returns in the next book.
The author did whip up a very twisty mystery. There were a lot of dead ends and true clues were hard to pin down. Win makes a visit that took a lot of strength and that made me like her even more. That visit started to give her investigation a better focus and drove the story to a very exciting reveal that validated my theory. A theory I almost threw by the wayside a few chapters earlier.
While some of the characters really pushed my buttons A Killer Sundae was a very entertaining and enjoyable read. Ms. Collette making Win a reluctant sleuth this time made for a very captivating story.
I am very excited about the next book in this series. Win has been asked to participate in an event that in my neck of the woods is usually associated with wine, but let me tell you if it featured ice cream I would be pushing people out of the way to be first in line.
August 30, 2022
Not sure if 4 stars or 4.5 stars. I really enjoyed this cozy mystery series with ice cream and murder. Bit sad there's no more to read but I can only hope there will be more ice cream infused murder mystery in the future
June 2, 2022
Not for me at all.
The writing style was completely different from the others in the series. Though they were all cozies, there was still a bit of sophistication to the previous installments. This one over explained even the simplest of concepts. Even common ideas were broken down to the most elementary of summaries as though the reader was a child. Even if I wasn’t already a mystery fan, and had no access to crime dramas, I think I still would’ve figured out the ending in the first chapter. It was so disappointing to realize that was really the direction we were going in and it wasn’t some ploy to throw the reader off the track before a big reveal.
And Maisie was much, MUCH more annoying in this one. All of the characters were less dimensional, but Masie was obnoxiously obtuse this time around. She’s always been a little hair brained, but man oh man, did she kick it up a few notches. Thankfully most of the book focused more on the main character, Wyn, investigating another murder (while repeatedly saying she didn’t want to get involved) in her small town, but even the pieces we did get from Maisie were too much.
I didn’t like how O and the Detective were mostly pushed to the background until the ending either. They were merely character devices, which really eliminated the nuance of Wyn’s relationships with them. I would’ve rather heard more about their feelings about another high profile murder in their small, sleepy town, than about Masie and Rhea piecing together the scene of the crime.
And the audiobook narrator just didn’t compare to the narrator from the previous books. She read with no emotion at all, and didn’t start to incorporate distinctive vocal differences between the characters until over halfway through the book. It really made me want to DNF - I only pushed through because it was relatively short.
I still enjoyed hearing about the different ice cream flavors, but I’m afraid that’s where my joy ended. 1.5 stars rounded up out of my life for desserts and respect for my love of the first two books.
The writing style was completely different from the others in the series. Though they were all cozies, there was still a bit of sophistication to the previous installments. This one over explained even the simplest of concepts. Even common ideas were broken down to the most elementary of summaries as though the reader was a child. Even if I wasn’t already a mystery fan, and had no access to crime dramas, I think I still would’ve figured out the ending in the first chapter. It was so disappointing to realize that was really the direction we were going in and it wasn’t some ploy to throw the reader off the track before a big reveal.
And Maisie was much, MUCH more annoying in this one. All of the characters were less dimensional, but Masie was obnoxiously obtuse this time around. She’s always been a little hair brained, but man oh man, did she kick it up a few notches. Thankfully most of the book focused more on the main character, Wyn, investigating another murder (while repeatedly saying she didn’t want to get involved) in her small town, but even the pieces we did get from Maisie were too much.
I didn’t like how O and the Detective were mostly pushed to the background until the ending either. They were merely character devices, which really eliminated the nuance of Wyn’s relationships with them. I would’ve rather heard more about their feelings about another high profile murder in their small, sleepy town, than about Masie and Rhea piecing together the scene of the crime.
And the audiobook narrator just didn’t compare to the narrator from the previous books. She read with no emotion at all, and didn’t start to incorporate distinctive vocal differences between the characters until over halfway through the book. It really made me want to DNF - I only pushed through because it was relatively short.
I still enjoyed hearing about the different ice cream flavors, but I’m afraid that’s where my joy ended. 1.5 stars rounded up out of my life for desserts and respect for my love of the first two books.
February 4, 2022
I knew who did it early but it was still an enjoyable read.
I'm rather split brained about the reluctant sleuth, especially by the third book. It's a delicate balance to reach between making a amateur sleuth seem realistic: keeping them focused on their job, life, and family, while also keeping the mystery's narrative progressing. In Win's case, she does have a natural curiosity that allows friends and acquaintances to pique and get her back on the case. Also, this time she had a family mystery in the form of an old cookbook that kept her thinking about the murder too.
http://pussreboots.com/blog/2022/comm...
I'm rather split brained about the reluctant sleuth, especially by the third book. It's a delicate balance to reach between making a amateur sleuth seem realistic: keeping them focused on their job, life, and family, while also keeping the mystery's narrative progressing. In Win's case, she does have a natural curiosity that allows friends and acquaintances to pique and get her back on the case. Also, this time she had a family mystery in the form of an old cookbook that kept her thinking about the murder too.
http://pussreboots.com/blog/2022/comm...
February 6, 2022
Cute addition! I love Win and her troop of friends. A deliciously enjoyable cozy.
May 23, 2022
This one was so poorly written it actually hurt to read...but I’m a glutton for punishment so I finished the book anyways.
December 18, 2022
I didn't realize this was a series until I got the arc, and then I knew what I had to do... So READ books 1 AND 2!
Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group and Netgalley for this arc and for allowing me to honestly review it!
So I'll be honest, I liked book 1, I didn't love book two as much, but overall the books I found fine. Ranging between 2.5-3.5 stars.
ONTO my thoughts on 'A Killer Sundae' Book 3:
The mystery of the murderer surprised me this time; I fell for the red herring and will applaud that because that was an issue I found with the series. However, I will note that the less Maisie we received in this book was a blessing, and Bobby is such a child for telling REALLY DUDE?!
However, this cannot redeem all in this book; for the longest time, I wasn't sure if that cookbook was a key in the mystery or just some random thing. Also, the main character still tells too much instead of show, and we were given RANDOM info into the backstory of the main character that I had never seen mentioned before, and it felt strange. Also, I feel like we have never dealt with the evident fear and PTSD she has faced after almost being murdered three times now!
I am parting ways with this series, but I thank it for the good moments and cosiness.
Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group and Netgalley for this arc and for allowing me to honestly review it!
So I'll be honest, I liked book 1, I didn't love book two as much, but overall the books I found fine. Ranging between 2.5-3.5 stars.
ONTO my thoughts on 'A Killer Sundae' Book 3:
The mystery of the murderer surprised me this time; I fell for the red herring and will applaud that because that was an issue I found with the series. However, I will note that the less Maisie we received in this book was a blessing, and Bobby is such a child for telling REALLY DUDE?!
However, this cannot redeem all in this book; for the longest time, I wasn't sure if that cookbook was a key in the mystery or just some random thing. Also, the main character still tells too much instead of show, and we were given RANDOM info into the backstory of the main character that I had never seen mentioned before, and it felt strange. Also, I feel like we have never dealt with the evident fear and PTSD she has faced after almost being murdered three times now!
I am parting ways with this series, but I thank it for the good moments and cosiness.
February 13, 2022
This could have been so much better IF the pieces used to throw the reader off connected better. For whatever reason Collette makes these connections that are so flimsy it's entertaining to read only to find out how she will do it. Oh and there's what I think is going to be a romance that is not needed 🙄 .
So why a 3 star and not less? One, I love pop pop he's literally carrying this series and two the cookbook as a clue was super interesting. I wished it didn't get convoluted. 😕 I also think the ending felt like an episode of Murder She Wrote. But like most cozies the last 2 chapters everything happens and hopefully there is a satisfying payoff. In this case, I figured out who the killer was early but the why was still fuzzy.
This entry was a lot better than book 2 but still could have benefited from more editing. I also thought it was odd how commonly known things were spelled out. Either way not great but definitely not horrible. At least Wyn acknowledges this amateur sleuthing is dangerous and she needs to stay out of people's business 🤷🏾♀️
CN: poison, nut allergy, using someone's work without attribution, cheating, high school rivalries,
So why a 3 star and not less? One, I love pop pop he's literally carrying this series and two the cookbook as a clue was super interesting. I wished it didn't get convoluted. 😕 I also think the ending felt like an episode of Murder She Wrote. But like most cozies the last 2 chapters everything happens and hopefully there is a satisfying payoff. In this case, I figured out who the killer was early but the why was still fuzzy.
This entry was a lot better than book 2 but still could have benefited from more editing. I also thought it was odd how commonly known things were spelled out. Either way not great but definitely not horrible. At least Wyn acknowledges this amateur sleuthing is dangerous and she needs to stay out of people's business 🤷🏾♀️
CN: poison, nut allergy, using someone's work without attribution, cheating, high school rivalries,
February 16, 2022
This book is my first cozy mystery read so I don't know if this kinda style of writing usually use for cozy mystery or it's just happened in this book but for me this book is too cozy...
I thought that only happened for the beginning of the book but even until toward the ending Win— the main character— thinking about ice cream or food A LOT....or if it was not food she and her friends were just talking about random stuff. I wish they doing the mystery stuff more.
And for the main mystery plot is predictable for me. I could guess the murder from the beginning of the book. Like, for me, it was so obvious.
So over all this is a good read but when I picked up this book I was hoping some mystery that less creppy and this book IS NOT creepy but also less mystery aspect for me as well
I thought that only happened for the beginning of the book but even until toward the ending Win— the main character— thinking about ice cream or food A LOT....or if it was not food she and her friends were just talking about random stuff. I wish they doing the mystery stuff more.
And for the main mystery plot is predictable for me. I could guess the murder from the beginning of the book. Like, for me, it was so obvious.
So over all this is a good read but when I picked up this book I was hoping some mystery that less creppy and this book IS NOT creepy but also less mystery aspect for me as well
November 19, 2022
3.5 Stars Rounded Up
I found this installment the least enjoyable of the 3 novels so far.
I found Wyn's insistence that she wasn't interested in solving the crime disingenuous and her repeated claims annoying.
I also truly found Maisie ridiculous this book🤷🏾♀️
I found this installment the least enjoyable of the 3 novels so far.
I found Wyn's insistence that she wasn't interested in solving the crime disingenuous and her repeated claims annoying.
I also truly found Maisie ridiculous this book🤷🏾♀️
January 11, 2022
This exciting new offering in the Ice Cream Parlor series begins with the annual Harvest Time Festival in Chagrin Falls, Ohio. Win is thrilled that her new food truck from which she will sell ice cream is ready on time to join the other food trucks in the area. The colors of the truck match the colors on the ice cream shop that her grandparents opened more than fifty years ago. Her grandfather, PopPop, put her in charge of running the family shop for relatively short time ago, but she has brought it to a new level of success.
Kaitlyn and Win had never been friends in school, as Kaitlyn usually had a ‘tude that she was better than most other students. She is the news anchor on local Channel 6. She stopped to get a hot fudge sundae from Win’s new truck and taped a spot with the food truck to air with the Festival footage. Several hours later, Kaitlyn was dead after collapsing near the hot air balloons lighting up for the evening Balloon Glow. Cameron, her boyfriend on and off since high school, caught a glimpse of Win, and shouted that Win killed her. Kaitlyn was allergic to nuts, and she must have given her a sundae with nuts in it. Stunned, Win left the festival, returning first to her happy place, the ice cream shop, then home.
The next day, Cameron came to see Win. Kaitlyn was murdered, but police are not revealing how. He apologized and claimed he was in shock from the sudden loss and grief. He added that they were going to get married soon and his fiancée was stolen from him. Having heard that Win had helped solve other murders, he wants her help to find whodunit. She gently turned him down, wanting nothing to do with looking for killers again. The first time she did so was because her father, a respected surgeon, was a prime suspect and she knew he didn’t do it.
Win’s best friends, Maisie and Riya, had other ideas. Maisie loves TV mysteries and wanted Win to find the killer. Riya thinks the detective on the case was cute, and really wanted to work with him. Maisie talked Riya into doing some of the things she wanted, including following a possible suspect and waiting for the woman to leave the building she went into for several hours. With the push from both of her friends, it couldn’t hurt to snoop around a little, could it?
The characters are crafted with care. My favorite one is Win for many reasons, in part because she is intelligent, well-spoken, and kind to everyone, and excelling at the family business. I don’t like Maisie very well. She is pushy, taking control of every conversation and situation. She is too flighty, changes her opinions often, and pushes Win to look for a killer after she was nearly murdered by the killerss in the other cases.
The real whodunit was elusive, leaving no clues. Win’s suspect list was a moving target, including another reporter at the TV station who wanted Kaitlyn’s job. Kaitlyn didn’t have a lot of enemies, neither did she seem to have many friends. Her mother and sister had a different tale to tell; both were very happy that Win had come to the funeral and repast. The ending had many nerve-wracking minutes, and I was very satisfied with it. I also like the author’s acknowledgements, particularly giving thanks to God. I highly recommend this cozy mystery and the earlier novels in the series to those who like well-written cozy mysteries fully of humor and intrigue, a close-knit family, ice cream.
From a thankful heart: I received a complimentary copy of this novel, and this is my honest review.
Kaitlyn and Win had never been friends in school, as Kaitlyn usually had a ‘tude that she was better than most other students. She is the news anchor on local Channel 6. She stopped to get a hot fudge sundae from Win’s new truck and taped a spot with the food truck to air with the Festival footage. Several hours later, Kaitlyn was dead after collapsing near the hot air balloons lighting up for the evening Balloon Glow. Cameron, her boyfriend on and off since high school, caught a glimpse of Win, and shouted that Win killed her. Kaitlyn was allergic to nuts, and she must have given her a sundae with nuts in it. Stunned, Win left the festival, returning first to her happy place, the ice cream shop, then home.
The next day, Cameron came to see Win. Kaitlyn was murdered, but police are not revealing how. He apologized and claimed he was in shock from the sudden loss and grief. He added that they were going to get married soon and his fiancée was stolen from him. Having heard that Win had helped solve other murders, he wants her help to find whodunit. She gently turned him down, wanting nothing to do with looking for killers again. The first time she did so was because her father, a respected surgeon, was a prime suspect and she knew he didn’t do it.
Win’s best friends, Maisie and Riya, had other ideas. Maisie loves TV mysteries and wanted Win to find the killer. Riya thinks the detective on the case was cute, and really wanted to work with him. Maisie talked Riya into doing some of the things she wanted, including following a possible suspect and waiting for the woman to leave the building she went into for several hours. With the push from both of her friends, it couldn’t hurt to snoop around a little, could it?
The characters are crafted with care. My favorite one is Win for many reasons, in part because she is intelligent, well-spoken, and kind to everyone, and excelling at the family business. I don’t like Maisie very well. She is pushy, taking control of every conversation and situation. She is too flighty, changes her opinions often, and pushes Win to look for a killer after she was nearly murdered by the killerss in the other cases.
The real whodunit was elusive, leaving no clues. Win’s suspect list was a moving target, including another reporter at the TV station who wanted Kaitlyn’s job. Kaitlyn didn’t have a lot of enemies, neither did she seem to have many friends. Her mother and sister had a different tale to tell; both were very happy that Win had come to the funeral and repast. The ending had many nerve-wracking minutes, and I was very satisfied with it. I also like the author’s acknowledgements, particularly giving thanks to God. I highly recommend this cozy mystery and the earlier novels in the series to those who like well-written cozy mysteries fully of humor and intrigue, a close-knit family, ice cream.
From a thankful heart: I received a complimentary copy of this novel, and this is my honest review.
February 12, 2022
I love this series of diverse characters, clever plots, warm family ties, and strong multi-cultural friendships! A Killer Sundae definitely delivered all those things and more.
Bronwyn has done such a great job since taking over the family ice cream parlor, and her new food truck (not to be called an ice cream truck haha) for Crewse Creamery is off to a fabulous start, too! Par for the course for this poor reluctant amateur sleuth, however, a murder takes place nearby and she’s dragged into the investigation before she can say ‘Rocky Road’. A subplot involving a recipe book with some … interesting … notations that might have belonged to her grandmother (and may or may not have anything to do with this most recent murder) adds some intriguing dimension to the plot and had me fully hooked. The trio of best friends in Riya, Maisie, and Win makes a hilarious crime-solving trifecta and their scenes together had me laughing more than once – especially at Maisie’s antics (as usual). And of course, PopPop and Rivkah whom i love so much!
Bottom Line: A Killer Sundae has it all – great relationships, a hint of romance potential (I’m still pulling for O), and a layered mystery to solve. I loved the characters (as always) and the mystery kept me engaged & guessing whodunnit. I was way off in my prime suspect until just before the big reveal, and the author did a skilled job of seamlessly weaving all the clues and red herrings together. A delicious way to spend your weekend!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first seen at Reading Is My SuperPower
Bronwyn has done such a great job since taking over the family ice cream parlor, and her new food truck (not to be called an ice cream truck haha) for Crewse Creamery is off to a fabulous start, too! Par for the course for this poor reluctant amateur sleuth, however, a murder takes place nearby and she’s dragged into the investigation before she can say ‘Rocky Road’. A subplot involving a recipe book with some … interesting … notations that might have belonged to her grandmother (and may or may not have anything to do with this most recent murder) adds some intriguing dimension to the plot and had me fully hooked. The trio of best friends in Riya, Maisie, and Win makes a hilarious crime-solving trifecta and their scenes together had me laughing more than once – especially at Maisie’s antics (as usual). And of course, PopPop and Rivkah whom i love so much!
Bottom Line: A Killer Sundae has it all – great relationships, a hint of romance potential (I’m still pulling for O), and a layered mystery to solve. I loved the characters (as always) and the mystery kept me engaged & guessing whodunnit. I was way off in my prime suspect until just before the big reveal, and the author did a skilled job of seamlessly weaving all the clues and red herrings together. A delicious way to spend your weekend!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first seen at Reading Is My SuperPower
December 4, 2021
Win runs her families ice creamery in Chargin Falls (be prepared to hear the town name 1000 times!). While conquering the family business she also has a knack for solving crimes on the side. So when Katelyn a local celebrity and old nemesis of Win's is killed at the annual labor day celebrations. But she cannot stay out of the detection work. Not only is her name being brought up as a suspect, but as being a local who-done-it catcher, everyone is trying to get her to solve the case as well. But Win wants to stay far away from it all. Can her friends and local's get her to solve the case?
This was cute a very good book for an intro to mysteries type book. I hadn't read the previous two and besides a mention here or there, I didn't feel like it was important to the previous stories in order to get this one.
I do feel like the book lacked depth. for 80% of the book everyone's trying to convince the main character to solve the murder and then she gets on board, but has no real theories, she just listens to her friends theories. Then just so happens to stumble upon it in the second to last chapter. But with that being said it is a page turner when I was in the book i found myself going faster and faster to find out who did the murder.
Thanks Edelweiss and Berkley for the ARC in return for an honest review.
This was cute a very good book for an intro to mysteries type book. I hadn't read the previous two and besides a mention here or there, I didn't feel like it was important to the previous stories in order to get this one.
I do feel like the book lacked depth. for 80% of the book everyone's trying to convince the main character to solve the murder and then she gets on board, but has no real theories, she just listens to her friends theories. Then just so happens to stumble upon it in the second to last chapter. But with that being said it is a page turner when I was in the book i found myself going faster and faster to find out who did the murder.
Thanks Edelweiss and Berkley for the ARC in return for an honest review.
April 13, 2022
This was my first time reading Abby Collette and chances are it’ll be my last.
My main gripe has to do with the descriptions: I didn’t need to know every single detail about the outfit one of the many characters wore. It didn’t add to the story to know that the sandy brown hair and opened toe shoes and gold emblems and yada yada yada happened.
The writing itself is kind of boring and obvious. And the length it took to solve the mystery, sheesh. I’m glad others have enjoyed the story, I’m sorry I wasn’t one of them.
My main gripe has to do with the descriptions: I didn’t need to know every single detail about the outfit one of the many characters wore. It didn’t add to the story to know that the sandy brown hair and opened toe shoes and gold emblems and yada yada yada happened.
The writing itself is kind of boring and obvious. And the length it took to solve the mystery, sheesh. I’m glad others have enjoyed the story, I’m sorry I wasn’t one of them.
February 17, 2022
These books are always such a nice change of pace from my normal reads! I was a little disappointed there wasn’t more ice cream in this book compared to the other two, however I thought the mystery was well-done and engaging.
September 24, 2022
bro.
how is EVERYTHING gonna be solved in the last chapter of the book 😭😭. the last page was the kinda writing i'd have for a timed narrative when i have 10 mins left. what is this.
how is EVERYTHING gonna be solved in the last chapter of the book 😭😭. the last page was the kinda writing i'd have for a timed narrative when i have 10 mins left. what is this.
August 21, 2024
I went straight to the audiobook for this installment. Win just can't get a break from murder in her small town along with having some type of association to their death. This time Win is being accused of murder. A Killer Sundae gave some different elements than the other books within the series, which I enjoyed. Just when I thought the killer was obvious, leave it to Maisie to throw me for a loop having me shocked and intrigued!
April 10, 2023
Abby Collette’s writing is very cozy. I love the Crewse family and all the ice cream descriptions. But honestly this series feels more like women’s fiction rather than cozy mystery. It is very much about Browyn and her journey as a person with a minor mystery plot thrown in. I will probably read the next one if she puts out another one but it definitely is not the best cozy mystery series I’ve read.
January 27, 2022
3.1 stars.
What happened to the Winn of A Deadly Inside Scoop and A Game of Cones?? This one was just blah!! I think I was waiting for her to grow some common sense along the way. In fact just write a series about Oh being a law professor solving mysteries at this point and I’d probably be more engaged. I would hate to abandon this series because I really liked the first two books, this was was just okay for me.
What happened to the Winn of A Deadly Inside Scoop and A Game of Cones?? This one was just blah!! I think I was waiting for her to grow some common sense along the way. In fact just write a series about Oh being a law professor solving mysteries at this point and I’d probably be more engaged. I would hate to abandon this series because I really liked the first two books, this was was just okay for me.
October 24, 2022
*2 stars* The audiobook narrator changed from the first two and she over enunciated every single word. Also, the writing style was very different. It seemed like a completely different author. Also, Maisie was so obnoxious in this one. She was no longer the over enthusiastic side kick, she was so annoying. If this series continues I don’t know that I will pick it up.
February 8, 2022
A KILLER SUNDAE is such a sweet addition to this series! I like that Win, the amateur sleuth is a reluctant detective, but that her friends, family, and the entire town end up driving her to do the legwork. The ice cream flavors (as always) sound amazing, and Win is such a charming character!
September 27, 2022
A KILLER SUNDAE is the third book in the Ice Cream Parlor Mystery series by Abby Collette. With tempting ice cream flavors, a darling ice cream food truck, a harvest festival, and a close-knit family, this book has a lot going for it. Bronwyn (aka Win) is the manager of her family-owned Crewse Creamery. She is an incredibly dedicated and hard worker and has turned her family’s business into a very successful venture. I loved the interaction Win has with her family (despite her tattle-tale brother) and all the descriptions of the ice creams. The cast of characters surrounding Win are supportive, although one of her friends is a pushy annoyance, and I also liked seeing the addition of new characters that I hope will be featured in future books.
That said, Win is a VERY reluctant sleuth. She repeatedly says she’s not getting involved and gives reasons for not doing so. It happens so frequently throughout the story that it became a great distraction from the mystery. The mystery itself has twists and turns, and there were several viable suspects to make it interesting. While I guessed early on who the culprit was, I didn’t know the particulars, so I enjoyed watching the clues unfold as they supported my guess. If you enjoy ice cream, a strong, diverse family unit (Pop-Pop is still my favorite character in this series), and a small-town cozy murder mystery, then this book will appeal to you.
That said, Win is a VERY reluctant sleuth. She repeatedly says she’s not getting involved and gives reasons for not doing so. It happens so frequently throughout the story that it became a great distraction from the mystery. The mystery itself has twists and turns, and there were several viable suspects to make it interesting. While I guessed early on who the culprit was, I didn’t know the particulars, so I enjoyed watching the clues unfold as they supported my guess. If you enjoy ice cream, a strong, diverse family unit (Pop-Pop is still my favorite character in this series), and a small-town cozy murder mystery, then this book will appeal to you.
March 23, 2022
3.5 ⭐⭐⭐
December 10, 2025
This was really cute, murder mystery but not scary. Super enjoyable and fun to read!
November 24, 2022
The first two books in this series weren’t perfect, but they were fun and enjoyable and I was looking forward to the next one. But I’m not sure what happened. The entire writing style seemed different and it was not an improvement. There were really in depth descriptions that didn’t matter to the book at all both in terms of describing what was happening and telling aspects of business that held no relevance. (I don’t need to know the room number to every room she entered!) The dialogue felt stilted and was not the way anyone would talk in real life ever. The mystery wasn’t solved until the end using “clues” that magically tied together at the end. The motive was laughable and the killer may as well have been twirling a mustache. Wyn in this book was so jumpy and all over the place and clearly stupid for going on a cleaning spree immediately after a murder. I felt like this book was treating me like an idiot, everything was way too dumbed down and over explained.
Also, as an aside. The new narrator didn’t work for me. A little over halfway through I noticed the huge breath she’d take before each sentence and I could not unhear it.
Also, as an aside. The new narrator didn’t work for me. A little over halfway through I noticed the huge breath she’d take before each sentence and I could not unhear it.
February 10, 2022
Set in the small town of Chagrin Falls, Ohio, is Crewse Ice Cream, an ice cream shop that makes mouthwatering flavors.
Bronwyn, known as Win, is the manager of the shop, which has been family owned for years.
The setting opens as the town is preparing for their Fall Festival and Win is preparing to launch her new ice cream truck, but this is not your typical truck. With flavors like Tin Roof, Carrot Cake, Mocha and so much more,Win is hoping for success.
What Win wasn't expecting was to see a long time friend, on the ground, apparently ill, possibly even worse.
Why would Win be a suspect in this peculiar death?
This is the first time I've met the Crewse family and friends and I absolutely loved them.
Pop-Pop is a wonderful character and I enjoyed meeting him, and I look forward to reading more in this series.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
#AKillerSundae #NetGalley.
Bronwyn, known as Win, is the manager of the shop, which has been family owned for years.
The setting opens as the town is preparing for their Fall Festival and Win is preparing to launch her new ice cream truck, but this is not your typical truck. With flavors like Tin Roof, Carrot Cake, Mocha and so much more,Win is hoping for success.
What Win wasn't expecting was to see a long time friend, on the ground, apparently ill, possibly even worse.
Why would Win be a suspect in this peculiar death?
This is the first time I've met the Crewse family and friends and I absolutely loved them.
Pop-Pop is a wonderful character and I enjoyed meeting him, and I look forward to reading more in this series.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
#AKillerSundae #NetGalley.
October 9, 2022
I love this series so much. Win is the best. She's smart, independent and works so hard. I love a good female character who can inspire others, including myself. This book introduced a lot of new characters and it didn't disappoint. I'm not sure when the next book in the series will come out, but I'll definitely be reading it. This book has some of the ice cream recipes at the end which is nice. A lot of what she makes is very unique. Happy reading!
January 8, 2022
I adore this series! Such a great setting and cast of characters - the rapport between our MC Win and her two besties, Riya and Maisie, had me laughing out loud. I also love Win’s family so much. Highly recommend starting with book one to gain a good understanding of all the players. Such a great cozy series, I can’t wait for more!
January 26, 2022
I would like this series so much more withOUT Maisie. What an AWFUL character. Just once I want her to be the one cornered with a murderer and then maybe shell get why Wyn isnt so keen to solve murders.
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