Framed and Frosted, the third book in the Cupcake Catering Mystery series, finds cupcake caterer, Emory Martinez, working at a Laguna Beach society Fourth of July soiree, with her sister and their new employee, Sal. With a host that seems intent on accosting both catering employees and guests alike, things go from bad to worse when he accuses Sal of murdering his long-dead son.
As the crescendo of exploding fireworks overhead becomes the backdrop for cupcakes and champagne, a deadly murder occurs. Can Sal and Emory explain why the cupcake the host ate, after shoving a trayful of buttercream frosted cupcakes onto Sal, resulted in his death? Or will the guests and detective alike believe that Sal is a murderer? Emory and her octogenarian employer, Tillie, whip into action to find out who framed Sal after being frosted by the victim.
Kim Davis lives in Southern California with her husband and mini Goldendoodle, Missy. When she's not spending time with her granddaughters or chasing the puppy around, she can be found either writing on her next book, or working on her blog, Cinnamon, Sugar, and a Little Bit of Murder, or in the kitchen baking up yummy treats to share.
She also writes the Cupcake Catering cozy mystery series, the Aromatherapy Apothecary Mystery series, The Board Game Chronicles middle grade series, and a suspense novel, A Game of Deceit, written under K. A. Davis, along with several children’s nature articles in a variety of magazines.
Kim Davis is a member of Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America, and Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators.
Framed and Frosted from the Cupcake Catering Mysteries written by Kim Davis is another delicious winner. Abundant with holiday-themed cupcake recipes and madcap drama, this book has been a bright spot in my day. Emory Martinez and her octogenarian sleuth, Tillie, are tops when it comes to amateur investigators. Tillie likes to work her way into every situation, and she has the clout to do it, given her high society background. Emory visits the homes of wealthy clients who need top quality desserts, and she brings the laughs each and every time. Unfortunately, a few seconds after eating a cupcake, the husband of the woman who hired her to cater collapses to the ground.
Seems like the alcohol and various prescriptions he took didn't combine well... but when the detectives dig deeper, some poison actually did the trick! How is the new server Emory and Carrie hired suddenly to blame? Ouch... the bigoted clients don't like his tattoos and ethnic background, so he's immediately the focus on the new detective on the force. Unfortunately, she and Emory don't get along at first... possibly because the detective has a connection to Emory in a surprising way. I don't want to give away the lovely shock for other readers. Toss in a major side story with Tillie's grandsons, and you've got a story you can't put down.
Oh... I am really enjoying this series. I've fully caught up on all the books and am desperately ready for the fifth one, but I don't think that'll happen for at least another 6 to 9 months since the author just released her holiday one (don't ask, I read them out of order)... but I will be eagerly awaiting its release. High recommendation!
This is a cozy mystery, and this is the third book in the Cupcake Catering Mystery series. I have read and review the other books in this series before picking this book up, and I think you need to read the other book in this series before picking up this book. The character development happens over all the three books in this series, and the books feeds off of each other. I really love the characters in this book so much. This book has some very good twists and turns, and some I guess some I did not. I have to say there is a lot of built up suspense in this book. This book starts off at a 4th of July party which of course one of the guest is murdered. This whole book is solving this murder which turns into way more then just solving a murder. I really love this book so much, and I will be keep going with this series.
Author Kim Davis has written a story that touched and entertained me on many levels. I always like a fantastic first line and this book begins with one! The delicious baked goods and culinary descriptions sound so divine, they had my tummy growling.
The plot is top-notch and features family secrets and betrayals, prejudice, embezzlement, and mysterious murders for readers to mull over. Master cupcake creator, Emory Martinez refuses to let one of her twin sister’s catering employees be framed for a murder he didn’t commit; much less Carrie’s business to be blacklisted by a bunch of wealthy snobs. Emory works closely with a great new supporting character, Detective Natasha Tran on this sizzling hot case.
Beloved Tillie, Emory’s friend and confidante, goes through a heartbreaking time with a family situation that Emory is directly involved in, also. Brian, Tillie’s grandson, is growing closer to Emory which I definitely approve of! I’m Team Brimory!
Chock full of cozy elements that I love, I feel like Ms. Davis hit her stride writing “Framed and Frosted.” I highly recommend this cozy series to readers.
Emory Martinez is helping her sister cater an elaborate Fourth of July dinner. But the event is proving to be anything but pleasant thanks to the host, who is being obnoxious when he is not being a total jerk – and worse. The evening is supposed to end with the guests enjoying some of Emory’s cupcakes as the fireworks go off, but instead it ends when the host dies. The guests are happy to point suspicion at Sal, the other waiter working the event, but Emory is sure that Sal is innocent. Can she prove it?
I was happy to be able to catch up with Emory. For those reading the series, you’ll be glad to find out that the threads introduced in the early books are expanded on here. If you are new to the series, know that some events from earlier books are spoiled by necessity if you jump in here. We get to see some interesting developments in Emory’s life, and I enjoyed the growth that brought about for her and some other regulars. The mystery itself was strong and kept me engaged the entire time, although I did feel the climax was a bit abrupt. I love the Orange County, California, setting since it is different from so many of the cozies I read. We get ten new recipes at the end of the book, most of them inspired by the dinner that starts the book, although we do get three cupcake recipes. If you are looking for a fun cozy mystery, you’ll be glad you picked up this series.
I really like this cozy mystery series and this volume only increased that feeling. Emory is helping out her sister on a catering job that is disastrous from the start. The drunken host is rude to Carrie’s young latino worker named Sal and is lecherous towards Emory. Emory is outraged when after he drops dead the whole party assumes Sal killed him and calls out the racism at play. Of course Tillie and Emory can’t leave the detecting to the detectives (although a new one is introduced in this book and I liked her). The characters are excellent as always and I love that they do seem to continue to be growing and developing. The cupcakes and other treats sounded delicious (as always) and I love that recipes are included.
Cupcakes are my second favorite dessert behind pie...but a very close second. So this series has me salivating at each page turn and I am dreaming of cupcakes at every turn.
Emory is a very likable protagonist and while she has been dealt a few blows, she bounces back. She is lucky to live with Tillie (Matilda to her son) and these two can get into a little bit of trouble as they show us in this book by working to solve the mysteries themselves. But if they hadn't chosen to look into the murder then an innocent man would be in jail and who knows what other tragedies would have fallen upon Emory or her sister Carrie's catering business.
This story does pack in a lot of sub-plots including a handsome young lawyer, a new police detective, Emory's relationship with Randall, and the continued search for Emory and Carrie's long-lost sister. Despite all of these other things happening in the book, they only add to the story and do not detract at all. I was amazed at how the author kept everything flowing smoothly and wove each story succinctly into the major plot.
The story does take a little bit from the headlines and mixes it in such as the racism towards the catering employee accused of murder. While this isn't anything new, it does remind me of what we see happening in the world today.
This is a fantastic series so definitely give it a whirl but start with the first book to get a handle on all of the characters and the backstories of each. We give this book 5 paws up.
Fireworks fly and a body drops when Emory Martinez and her twin sister, Carrie cater an Independence Day event for some Laguna Beach Elite. The Jorgensen’s are high maintenance clients but Carrie is working hard to rebuild her business so she bites her tongue and endures what they dish out, even when Mr. Jorgensen is drunk and manhandling her sister and wrongly accusing her new employee, Sal of murdering his son. Mrs. Jorgensen and their “bodyguard” Tiny do try to keep the man under control but it is an impossible task.
Things get totally out of control when the dessert of Emory’s cupcakes is served. Sal is covered in frosting and Arthur Jorgensen is dead on the ground. The police arrive and Sal is quickly accused of the murder and arrested. Carrie and Emory know he has been framed so Emory taps her octogenarian employer, Tillie to help her prove it and corner the real killer. Now she just has to stay alive long enough to make that happen.
Family drama and Jorgensen drama collide and murder and mayhem rule supreme before this amazing mystery draws to a close.
The story is filled with great characters. I absolutely love Tillie. She may be in her 80’s but that woman has stamina I wish I had and connections Emory needs. The way these ladies team-up is heartwarming and sometimes hair raising. They are true friends and care for each other dearly. They really lean on each other as they endure some heartbreaking and harrowing events. Carrie is struggling with motherhood and it is portrayed realistically, no sugar coating here. I did enjoy the introduction of a new detective for this story. Another strong woman with some baggage brought a lot to the story and shook things up in several ways. All the characters are as complex as the mystery they are wrapped up in and I love knowing they have more room to grow in future stories.
As I said the mystery is complex with a lot of moving pieces. I was really upset that Sal was railroaded, a clear case of racial profiling and rich white privilege but knowing he had Tillie and Emory fighting for him gave me a little solace. At least he was just arrested and the event wasn’t escalated as it could have been these days. I admire the author for using a hot topic for this book. I also enjoyed the way she blended happenings in Tillie’s family and the murder mystery while keeping it real with everyday life things as well. There was a frightening moment for Emory’s dog Piper that had my blood pressure rising too. To say there were twists and turns is an understatement. Hang on tight, this story will rock you from beginning to end.
Ms. Davis also excels at world-building. Each and every setting and activity was so easily seen in my mind’s eye. From the cupcakes flying to breakfast in Tillie’s kitchen to the exciting ending, everything was crystal clear.
Kim Davis continues to exceed my expectations and top herself. My only issue is the books don’t come with free samples. BUT they do come with recipes. I really need to learn to bake up some cupcakes before I start reading. The cravings definitely become real as soon as Emory mixes up a batch. The author also includes some savory recipes too.
Each story in this series has been excellent. I recommend reading them in order. Last year Cake Popped Off was a Best Read of 2020 for me and received my Paradise Rating. Again, I am shouting from the rooftops! This Is A Must-Read Mystery! Framed and Frosted receives my Paradise Rating and will be on my Best Read of 2021 list! Kim Davis is an awesome storyteller and her books are amazing treats that should not be missed!
Framed and Frosted by Kim Davis is another fantastic addition to the Cupcake Catering Mysteries!
I’ve enjoyed all the books in the series because of the way Davis can write about food and desserts and make them so tempting. And her characters are just as detailed and delightful. Mix in a rich, society set and you are in for a fantastic read.
Emory’s love life gets a bit of a shake up and I’m happy about the new direction it may be going. Tillie continues to be an amazing role model for Emory, and her and Emory’s combined sleuthing is so much fun to read. Tillie’s family has some major issues in this book and Davis did a great job combining that storyline into the book. The killer was a bit easy to figure out in this one, but did not take anything away from the excellence of the book.
Looking forward to the next book in the Cupcake Catering Mysteries, and this is a cozy mystery series that I highly recommend.
Book 3 is about Emory and her twin sister Carrie catering to a rich Mr. And Mrs. Jergersen. Mr. J. Was a very mean man. One of the caterer Mr. J. Told Sal to get out his kind is not welcome ther. And he even Smacked Emory in the butt. Carrie almost called it quits. But Emory and Sal said don't worry..( Emory knew Her twin had 3 children to take care of and the Jergensens were going to pay alot) Mr J. Died when the July of 4th fireworks display. So now Sal was prime suspect cause he died right at Sal feet. Emory and her neighbor Tillie were trying to solve murder. There was a new sheriff Tran investigating that knew Emory boyfriend from long ago. Loved this storyline will read some more. Read 1st one but not the 2 nd one so I see how 4th one is.
Framed and Frosted Earns 5/5 Martini Cupcakes…Engaging Cozy-zilla!
There are bridezillas, mother-in-lawzillas, even groomzillas, but client-zillas? Mr. and Mrs. Jorgensen are a wealthy local couple whose Fourth of July event could bring Carrie and Emory much need PR and maybe some lucrative business opportunities. But, the event turns out more hell than heaven. Mrs. J.’s upscale Dîner en Blanc had issues with serving a menu of entirely white foods and then the last-minute demands, her husband’s extremely curt manner, and his verbal attack at their assistant Sal’s presence brought on serious regrets. Just “grin and bear it” is extremely difficult to accomplish when Mr. J. is drinking to excess, criticizes the food, and manhandles Emory. Worse yet is Mr. J. accusing Sal of murdering his son and smashing a cupcake into Sal’s face. So, when Mr. J. keels over dead after eating one of Emory’s cupcakes, is it no wonder Sal is arrested and the detective in charge is suspicious of Emory?
Sweet Treat! Kim Davis has baked it, frosted it, and put a cherry on top of this third book in her Cupcake Catering Mystery series. Opening with some intense scenes from thoughtless demands to drunken tirades, from Salvador being verbally abused to Emory being physically accosted is just a prelude to the engaging drama to come. Mr. Jorgensen as the victim was the perfect karmic intervention, and although framing Salvador is obvious, it adds to the personal nature of the investigation. Tillie Skyler, sassy senior, friend, and sort-of-grandmother to Emory, is raring to get involved, even Em’s mother is out of character eagerly offering some solid background. But, as complex and engaging the drama, with its revelations, threats, and surprises related to embezzlement and the death of the Jorgensen’s son, and Em’s discovery of security tape evidence of what Skylers hope is a private family matter, it is Davis’s characters, their connections, and what they share that has made me an eager fan. I thoroughly enjoyed the dynamic between Emory and her family and friends (the good, the bad, and the ugly), efforts to find the half-sister she only recently learned existed, additional romantic hints, Salvador’s background, and the issues with her employer, the cops, and her nieces and nephew. All fascinating, compelling, and creative…don’t miss out!
Bonus! Recipes? Of course, Kim Davis has mouthwatering descriptions of cupcakes and treats throughout, but she also includes easy-to-follow recipes, often with a “Note” or “Tip” to support success, providing readers everything they’ll need to host their own “Dîner en Blanc.” Carrie’s and Emory’s menu is complete with an hors d’oeuvres, amuse-bouche, soup course, salad course, fish course, and along with a cocktail recipe, cupcakes galore for the dessert course.
This series (particularly Emory) has intrigued me from the first book & grown on me with each subsequent book. Framed and Frosted is my favorite installment so far, and I’m looking forward to seeing where Emory (and the series) goes from here.
Right from the beginning, we’re drawn into the tension with Carrie’s (Emory’s twin) struggling catering company & what have to be the most awful catering clients ever. It’s one of those train wreck situations where you know it’s going to end horribly but you can’t tear your eyes away. And it does. And Emory is once again thrust involuntarily into a murder investigation – and put under the microscope by a new detective. I loved Detective Natasha Tran and hope she continues to make appearances in future books – I could see her and Emory becoming good friends in spite of some interesting personal complications between them. Detective Gabe is still around, too, but he plays more of a background role in this story.
Along with the mystery – which is very well-written and takes some stunning turns to keep you guessing – the characters in Framed and Frosted are negotiating some tricky personal situations too. I adore Tillie and was saddened at the family pain she experiences but her trademark pluck is still firmly intact and she has a lot of support in her grandson Brian & in Emory too. Speaking of Brian and Emory …. the Randall vs Brian debate for Emory’s affections develops some interesting layers in this book, and I’m eager to see what happens now. Also, the way Framed and Frosted ends ensures I’ll be stalking the Amazon for word on book 4.
Bottom Line: Wow! Once I started reading Framed and Frosted, I couldn’t put it down! Family drama, personal drama, work drama – poor Emory is in the middle of it all once again. Davis keeps readers on the edge of their seats as she crafts a suspenseful mystery with plenty of surprising twists and turns. I’m already waiting for the next book!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
Book number three is hands down my favourite in the series. One word: Wow! Emory has her hands full making sure her sister’s employee isn’t framed for murder. Throw in family secrets and betrayals and you are ready for an adventure. This book was filled with emotion and twists and kept me entertained and guessing. I absolutely adore Emory and Tillie and the other regular band of characters. This book (and the other books in the series) are examples of what makes a great cozy mystery. I highly recommend this book and cannot wait to read the next one! I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
This story pulled me in bit-by-bit with murder, theft, vandalism and boyfriend issues. To me it was a bit of a slow start but then I was totally hooked needing to know how everything turned out with there being a multitude of possible endings. It all came together nicely at the end leaving some things to look forward to in future books of the Cupcake Catering Mystery series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This book was phenomenal! Up until now, I haven't had the opportunity to read any of Kim Davis' books although I've wanted to. All of the covers I have seen have drawn me in, especially that cute little dog! So, I entered a contest to be able to read and review an e-ARC and luckily I won so thank you Kim Davis for this opportunity.
First off, I absolutely loved the title. Framed and Frosted is very succinct and I love how right off of the bat you can see why it was called that. I loved everything from the uber snooty rich folk to the regular folk like me. Everything just seemed to gel together. The story line was very smooth (like the buttercream frosting in the story, haha! :D) to how complex and fleshed out the characters were. They weren't one dimensional beings. They all read and felt exactly like they had a pulse of their own.
The world building was fantastic. I could feel the ocean breezes and smell all the smells of the wonderful cuisine mentioned. Everything just felt and read real. I could picture this happening anywhere.
I really enjoyed Emory a lot because of the fact that she wasn't afraid to make mistakes or to pictured a certain way. She only thought about helping others, even to the point of putting herself in jeopardy. And the way she handled the bad guy in the end? Priceless. That is my favorite kind of heroine. Gutsy, not afraid to take chances even if it means failure to a certain extent. Rocking the fact that she may not look like a fashion plate but hey, you work what you got, right? She is a total hero in my book. She bakes, isn't afraid of eating or possibly saying or doing the wrong things. She loves animals and loves Tillie as if she were her own Grandma. I just absolutely love her.
The story line was constant. I was never bored. I ran through this book quickly. I couldn't help myself. I had to know what was going to happen. The ending was a lot different than I expected, in a good way. Lots of twists and turns. Lots of conflicting emotions to. I really just loved this book as a whole.
I read a lot of cozies as it has turned into one of my favorite genres and some of them end up being rather predictable but still fun. This was in no way predictable. I enjoyed every second of it and I cannot wait for the next book to come out. Especially with that ending! My gosh, that was exciting.
I have nothing bad to say about this book. I truly enjoyed every bit of it and I highly highly highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good cozy and it comes just in time for the summer holidays! What a treat!
Framed and Frosted is the third book in Kim Davis’ Cupcake Catering Mystery series. The characters are well developed, and the storyline is well plotted. The mystery in this installment is intriguing, and the twists and red herrings keep readers engaged and guessing.
Emory Martinez is enjoying her new life, working for Theodore Preston Skyler, caring for his octogenarian mother, Tillie, who he incorrectly believes is suffering from dementia, and living in Tillie’s luxurious pool house with her Labradoodle mix, Piper. Emory is a baker who specializes in cocktail flavored cupcakes, and her twin sister, Carrie Berger, is a caterer. In this installment, Emory is helping Carrie with a Fourth of July party hosted by Lisette Jorgenson and her husband. When Mr. Jorgenson is murdered, Carrie’s new employee, Salvador “Sal” Cruz, becomes the prime murder suspect, and Emory is determined to prove that someone framed him.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
This has become one of my favorite series. I love the characters. This story was well-written just like the others. I love cozies and this is a wonderful one. I received an advance copy from the author.
I was given an advanced copy of this book by the author. This book has realistic believable characters, descriptive settings and an interesting plot with clues leading to a variety of perpetrators, but not giving away the actual guilty person until the end of the book.
“Framed and Frosted”, the latest in the Cupcake Catering Mystery Series, continues the adventures of baker Emory Martinez. In this installment, Emory is assisting her twin sister Carrie in preparing a Fourth of July “all white party” for a demanding and unpleasant couple,the Jorgensons. The festivities are cut short when Mr Jorgenson drops dead moments after accusing Carries employee Sal of murdering his son. Emory, certain of Sal’s innocence, tries to discover the killer with the help of her octogenarian friend Tillie.
I really enjoy this series and this story has all the familiar elements of the last two plus a few great twists. Tillie is prominently featured in the story as is Emory’s gay BFF brad and his partner Gabe. Rounding out the cast of characters is WiIl Trenton, a lawyer who tries to help prove Sal’s innocence, his adorable puppy Missy and of course Emory’s goldendoodle Piper.
Emory has grown throughout the stories and I was very happy to see that growth continue in this story. She is no longer the shy, hesitant character from Book 1, and a couple of life changes happen in the course of this story that she handles admirably well. We also learn more about Tillie’s family the Skylers in this story.
The mystery had plenty of suspects. The conclusion to the mystery was a bit sudden, but it did make sense. As with all of Ms. Davis’ mysteries, there are plenty of recipes at the back of the book, including the recipes for most of the dishes served at the ill-fated white dinner party. They all sound delicious and I am especially eager to try the orzo salad recipe.
Highly recommended or fans of this series or fans of cozies with a strong heroine and lots of recipes. I am eagerly awaiting the next installment in this series and hoping ti will bring more good things for Emory.
Emory Gosser Martinez, cupcake baker is helping her sister serve at a catered event at a Laguna Beach Fourth of July festivity. Emory has made the cupcakes while her sister, Carrie and her employee, Sal prepped the white meal ordered by the client. The attendees at the event are all wealthy and several arguments are overheard among the males attendees. The host takes an immediate dislike to Sal due to his ethnic background. He also tries to accost Emory. When the fireworks display begins and the cupcakes are being passed out, the host eats one cupcake, knocks the tray Sal is using to serve the cupcakes onto Sal then drops over dead. What just happened??? When the police arrive Sal is taken into custody as the host had accused Sal of killing his son. So now Sal is frosted with cupcake icing and framed. This has just turned into a case for Emory and her octogenarian sleuth, Tillie ( Matilda to her sons and society acquaintances). Many, many twists, turns, thrills and chills mix the main plot with several subplots such as missing items from the home where Emory keeps accounts for a wealthy man, a new police detective to work with, a new lawyer friend, a company that a partner had taken all the money and disappeared, the huge bodyguard employment in the murdered man and his wife, threatening messages and broken doors plus a spray painted car and Emory’s nieces and nephew and her new sister. All this melts together to bring the reader on a mouth watering but dangerous adventure. I enjoyed the cast of characters and their backstories. They were cleverly used to weave the various workings together. Fast paced, riveting read. The fur babies, Piper the mini golden-doodle and Will’s dog adopted by Tillie enhance the story. Recipes included at the end. I volunteered to read Framed and Frosted. This is book # 3 in the Cupcake Catering Mystery series. Thanks to the author via the Book Siren for the opportunity. My opinion is voluntary and my own.
Framed and Frosted is another entertaining book in the Cupcake Catering Mystery Series by Kim Davis. Since I read book two in the series, I was more familiar with the characters this time. Though most cozy mysteries can be read as stand-alone books, knowing the characters from previous books makes them more enjoyable (in my opinion). You feel a connection to them; therefore, you're more invested in what happens to them.
In Framed and Frosted, Emory's (and her sister's) catering businesses are on the line when one of the guests at the party they're catering drops dead. Oh yeah. And he drops dead because he was poisoned! Of course, they're worried about no one hiring them after that, but they're even more concerned about Sal, a new employee, who gets accused of the poisoning! Emory, obviously, thinks she's got to find more suspects even though the detective tells her to leave it to the police. Emory and her octogenarian landlady are on the case again!
I love the plot in Framed and Frosted. Along with a well-crafted mystery, a lot of other things happen in the book. As much as I'd love to divulge those things, I won't! You'll have to find them out for yourself. I didn't read book 1 in the series, and I wasn't lost reading book 2. If you've got the time, I'd recommend reading at least book 2 before diving into Framed and Frosted. You'll be a lot more excited about the "other things" that occur during the story. Sure, you'll be intrigued by the mystery, but you might not appreciate the little side scenes as much. And I loved those little side scenes!
The characters really came to life for me in Framed and Frosted. I could totally sympathize with Emory's sister who is super sleep deprived because of a teething baby. Oh, those were the days! The main characters are well-developed, and the side characters are essential to driving the plot forward.
Be prepared to crave cupcakes while you're reading. My advice...don't have any in the house, or you'll eat them all!
I think cozy mystery lovers will be very entertained by Framed and Frosted. It's got all of the elements of a great cozy: great characters, a gorgeous setting, humorous dialogue, and a mystery that'll keep you guessing.
I have not read the previous books in this series but if they are half as exciting as this book, I can't wait! Complicated and emotionally charged, you will find yourself worried for everyone involved.
Carrie and Emory are twins, both struggling to build food businesses, helping each other as much as they can. Carrie has young children at home, so we feel her being pulled in many directions. That is reflected by a new detective introduced, a single mother, who admits she feels she must work harder and smarter and give more effort to be taken seriously by the men in her profession and who report to her. That is not the only kind of prejudice that is addressed in the tangled plot lines of this fast paced and fascinating novel.
As you can tell from the cover and title, this book has a holiday theme as well as the food angle. Friendship and family, biological as well as self created, are strong themes too. I felt many communities were well represented. There is more than one mystery to solve and many difficult decisions to make. Nothing is all black and white, or red, white and blue.
Sometimes the ones we keep closest to us are the ones capable of hurting us the worst. They may not feel they have any choice but choices must be made, both in actions taken and how we respond.
Exciting and complicated and so well written that I look forward to more of Ms Davis's talent. Everything I look forward to in a cozy or escape read.
I received an ARC free from BookSirens and this is my voluntary honest review. If you are looking for an escape read or needing some simple fun then this is the book for you. Murder! Mystery! Suspense! Enjoy this entertaining, well written adventure, complicated and emotionally charged, relatable characters, and a well plotted story. Intreging with twist and turns. It's even better the second time around Enjoy!
This is the 3rd book in the series and a newly discovered author for me. Twin sisters Carrie and Emory are both in the culinary business - Carrie with her Catering business and Emory with a Cupcake business. Carrie has Emory, along with new employee Sal, help cater a last minute booking for an upscale Diner en Blanc Fourth of July party But the Jorgensen’s aren’t the easiest clients to work for. Husband Arthur has had too much to drink before the festivities start and is obnoxious throughout the event - insulting the food, manhandling Emory and accusing Sal of murdering his son! His wife Lizette, scolds but mostly ignores his behavior. The catering team begins handing out Champagne and cupcakes as the fireworks begin and Arthur takes a cupcake and shoves the tray of cupcakes into Sal’s face, then drops dead after trying the cupcake. Lizette accuses Sal of poisoning Arthur and he’s arrested for murder. Of course, Carrie and Emory are sure Sal’s innocent, and Tillie agrees to pay a lawyer to defend him. Then Tillie, Emory and the lawyer Will start investigating and strange and scary things begin to happen. This is a fascinating and entertaining story with truly wonderful characters, including the doodles Piper and Missy! I received an ARC from the author through BookSirens and write this review entirely voluntarily .
Framed and Frosted Cupcake Catering Mystery Series Book 3 by Kim Davis is a fun mystery. Carrie, Emory and Sal are catering a posh 4th of July party for Mr and Mrs Jorgenson. Unfortunately, when a drunk Mr Jorgenson falls over dead, Sal is blamed and Carrie must solve the murder and save Sal. I really enjoyed this book. The characters are believable and the story is well written. Kim Davis built the story and kept the pace moving so that I just couldn’t put the book down! I loved the ending and can’t wait to read book 4. Please Kim, I want more of this wonderful series. Framed and Frosted is a perfect way to spend an afternoon reading. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.
'Framed and Frosted' Book #3 of the Cupcake Catering Mystery Series is a charming stand alone cozy mystery. I like this book because 'Framed and Frosted' has all the important components of a good mystery including an awful, generally disliked man, an amateur sleuth and her friends, a dog and an innocent suspect. I like the characters of this book, Emory with her big heart made this book. I hope that in future books that Carrie and Emory find romantic matches. The twists and turns of 'Framed and Frosted'were just right. I recommend this book and give it a 4 star rating. I received this book from BookSiren with the understanding that I would give an honest review. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is a delightful series, with the continuing theme of the family life and a murder occurring right off the bat. The murder actually happens at a 4th of July event which Emory and her sister Carrie are catering. And the murdered person is the obnoxious man hosting the event. Sal, their new assistant is immediately sighted as the murderer with the police consider him to be a suspect. Emory and her land lady Tillie to use their ties to the guests at the party to find out what really happened. The ending – well I won’t tell – you just have to read it!
I received an advance review copy of this book and is voluntarily reviewing.
A very interesting and enjoyable read. Characters were well matured and the plot was wonderful. Had enough drama and mishaps to keep me going through the night. Will be reading more of this author.
This is the 3rd book in this series, although It is the first one I have read. My not having read the first two did not detract from my enjoyment of the book. It has engaging characters, a top notch plot and just fun to read.
Emory Martinez is helping her sister out with a catering job to with an obnoxious host whose husband ends up dead and Emory's sister's employee Sal being framed for it. Its up to Emory and her senior citizen friend Tillie to find the killer and get Sal off the hook.
There is a murder, relationship angst, a theft, and family drama to go around, all handled in Cozy fashion. Along with the description of some delicious food that will make you hungry LOL.
I can't wait till the next installment (and I am going to rush out and get the first two in the series)
Full Disclosure: I was gifted a copy in return for an honest review by the Author.
Framed and Frosted written by Kim Davis is the third book of the Cupcake Catering Mystery Series. Although I was able to follow the characters and the storyline without difficulty, I would recommend reading the series in order.
Emory Martinez is the main character and the storyteller. The characters are evolving, likable and quirky.
The storyline is plausible.This is an enjoyable cozy mystery fillled with action and twists and turns.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
“Framed and Frosted” is a fun-filled novel filled with murder, blackmail, manslaughter, theft, and total chaos that will have one flipping through the pages like mad to find out what happens next!