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Baker's Rise Mysteries #1
Here Today, Scone Tomorrow
A delightful new series from successful author R. A. Hutchins mixes humour and suspense with the charm of a quirky English village in this cosy page-turner.
When the self-titled Lord of the Manor, Harold Baker, meets an untimely end, the residents of Baker’s Rise believe that he has simply died from choking. It is fair to say that they are certainly not sad to see him go!
Former city dweller Flora Miller, new to the quaint English village and in charge of the recently restored Tearoom on the Rise, is the unlucky recipient of the late man’s parrot. Her new feathered companion has no filter and a vibrant personality that cannot be ignored! Witness to Harold’s murder, the bird won’t let the matter lie, and it’s not long before Flora becomes suspicious.
A quest to bake the perfect scone is put on hold whilst Flora helps the charming Detective Bramble to investigate Harold’s death. She has set her hopes on writing the next bestseller, not on becoming an amateur sleuth, but life sometimes has surprises in store!
Will they find the killer before they strike again, and can Flora find the acceptance and friendship she seeks amongst her new neighbours?
Packed with twists and turns, colourful characters and a sprinkle of romance, this is the first book in the series of Baker’s Rise Mysteries. It will certainly leave you hungry for more!
(Includes a traditional scone recipe!)
When the self-titled Lord of the Manor, Harold Baker, meets an untimely end, the residents of Baker’s Rise believe that he has simply died from choking. It is fair to say that they are certainly not sad to see him go!
Former city dweller Flora Miller, new to the quaint English village and in charge of the recently restored Tearoom on the Rise, is the unlucky recipient of the late man’s parrot. Her new feathered companion has no filter and a vibrant personality that cannot be ignored! Witness to Harold’s murder, the bird won’t let the matter lie, and it’s not long before Flora becomes suspicious.
A quest to bake the perfect scone is put on hold whilst Flora helps the charming Detective Bramble to investigate Harold’s death. She has set her hopes on writing the next bestseller, not on becoming an amateur sleuth, but life sometimes has surprises in store!
Will they find the killer before they strike again, and can Flora find the acceptance and friendship she seeks amongst her new neighbours?
Packed with twists and turns, colourful characters and a sprinkle of romance, this is the first book in the series of Baker’s Rise Mysteries. It will certainly leave you hungry for more!
(Includes a traditional scone recipe!)
266 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 2, 2021
172 people are currently reading
122 people want to read
About the author
R.A. Hutchins
34 books69 followersR. A. Hutchins is a British author of both cosy murder mysteries and even cosier romance. What her books all share in common, though, is a strong sense of place and strength of community as well as an endearing cast of characters.
In Rachel's contemporary romance, you can normally find themes of hope and new beginnings, loss and mental health, though her characters are always guaranteed their happily ever after and her stories have more than a splash of heady romance!
Rachel's favourite hobbies are reading, walking along the beach with her family, visiting new places, and seeing her flowers grow in the spring and summer months. Rachel particularly enjoys going out for coffee and cake when it also involves catching up with good friends. Now living in northeast England, Rachel has fond memories of the nine years she spent in Scotland.
Rachel's website is www.authorrachelhutchins.com
From there you can see details of new releases and special offers,
She also has a page on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/RAHutchinsAu...
And on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/ra_hutchins...
In Rachel's contemporary romance, you can normally find themes of hope and new beginnings, loss and mental health, though her characters are always guaranteed their happily ever after and her stories have more than a splash of heady romance!
Rachel's favourite hobbies are reading, walking along the beach with her family, visiting new places, and seeing her flowers grow in the spring and summer months. Rachel particularly enjoys going out for coffee and cake when it also involves catching up with good friends. Now living in northeast England, Rachel has fond memories of the nine years she spent in Scotland.
Rachel's website is www.authorrachelhutchins.com
From there you can see details of new releases and special offers,
She also has a page on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/RAHutchinsAu...
And on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/ra_hutchins...
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
February 21, 2022
This cozy mystery, the first in the Baker’s Rise series, was so cute! Set in quaint English village, it follows Flora Miller as she investigates the murder of Harold Baker, a wealthy property owner in the area who rented property to many of the local villagers… and who wasn’t a particularly nice fellow. Flora has a personal connection with the case that is revealed later in the book and has also opened a tea room where she is selling baked goods. Additionally, she has inherited the deceased’s pet parrot “Peanut” who was one of my favorite characters. I really liked the cute format of having the chapter titles work out to form a recipe for scones when put together. Being an avid cozy mystery reader, I am always a fan of quirky characters, and this book had them in spades, from the vet who was overly enthusiastic about cows to all the master bakers in town. The pacing and reveal of clues was well done as Flora combs through boxes of records and learns of neighbors troubled by rent increases. The only problem is… she has too many suspects. This was a delightful cozy mystery and I look forward to more in the series!
October 8, 2021
First, in this wonderful story, the author had a inventive idea to make each chapter header a line from the recipe for fruit scones. I haven't made them yet, but will. There was even a chapter header that reminded you to put on your apron.
This story is full of cozy, with a capital C, and the quaintness of the inhabitants of the village extends all the way to how the gossip was delivered in a "cozy" village way.
The characters are well-developed, and matched to their actions, especially Flora. Her ability to judge herself is evident "....I'm doing it now....introducing people by their spouses' position in the village" to her this is a flaw, to the reader, it is evidence of a skillful writer painting the picture of the character.
The romance underlying the story did not interfere with the plot, but the interruptions to Flora's romantic designs on Bramble had many interruptions. Even by her pet bird, who at one point, called Bramble "oh. Sexy beast," much to Flora's embarrassment.
The bird talks, as some do, and his words throughout the story could not be discounted, what if he gave the reader a clue?
How the author named everything continues the theme. The Baker's Rise. The puns and buns were everywhere, and served to draw the reader comfortably into the story.
During the final scene, the details were strewn with artistry, even using Tupperware, that makes the denouement as "cozy" as possible.
No spoiler here; the solution was gently telegraphed, and allowed the reader to ignore the clues if they so chose to, just for the enjoyment of reading how it turned out without any pressure.
This story is full of cozy, with a capital C, and the quaintness of the inhabitants of the village extends all the way to how the gossip was delivered in a "cozy" village way.
The characters are well-developed, and matched to their actions, especially Flora. Her ability to judge herself is evident "....I'm doing it now....introducing people by their spouses' position in the village" to her this is a flaw, to the reader, it is evidence of a skillful writer painting the picture of the character.
The romance underlying the story did not interfere with the plot, but the interruptions to Flora's romantic designs on Bramble had many interruptions. Even by her pet bird, who at one point, called Bramble "oh. Sexy beast," much to Flora's embarrassment.
The bird talks, as some do, and his words throughout the story could not be discounted, what if he gave the reader a clue?
How the author named everything continues the theme. The Baker's Rise. The puns and buns were everywhere, and served to draw the reader comfortably into the story.
During the final scene, the details were strewn with artistry, even using Tupperware, that makes the denouement as "cozy" as possible.
No spoiler here; the solution was gently telegraphed, and allowed the reader to ignore the clues if they so chose to, just for the enjoyment of reading how it turned out without any pressure.
April 21, 2022
If you are on the look-out for a perfect recipe of a cozy mystery, look no further! “Here Today, Scone Tomorrow” by R.A. Hutchins is what you’ve been looking for.
Ingredients:
- a newly-divorced forty-something lady with a hefty check from her ex-husband on its way and a glamorous wardrobe
- a quirky English village
- even quirkier village inhabitants
- a talking parrot
- a murder (the victim is an extremely unpleasant individual over whose demise nobody mourns)
- a handsome detective
Spiced with humour, delicious pastry, and secrets of the village inhabitants.
Cooking method:
Transplant a high-level “white-collar” career woman who spent twenty years climbing the corporate ladder and married to an equally ambitious and successful guy from the city of London to a traditional English village, where it seems that the time had stopped when Jane Austen was still alive.
Add all the ingredients mentioned above. Don’t forget to throw in a hearty portion of the required spices.
I don’t hide that I have a soft spot in my book-obsessed heart for heroines who are long past their adolescence years. I mean there is nothing wrong with teenage angst “he loves me / he loves me not”, but we all have our preferences in everything, and this is mine. I love reading about grown-up women who have been through their life struggles – and those struggles can be a good old lousy marriage that didn’t work or “I’m not pretty” even though men fall in dozens to her feet – and who start afresh. And I also love pets.
So, Flora with her exquisite dresses and shoes that don’t really fit into the Baker’s Rise rural picture, and the parrot who can’t keep his tongue tied even when the words he utters can put him and others in danger, were the most welcome guests on my bookshelf.
Besides, I love small-town stories where the secrets of its inhabitants get gradually revealed.
“Here Today, Scone Tomorrow” is the first instalment of Baker’s Rise Mysteries. Don’t hesitate to come in for a freshly baked scone with a dash of mystery and English humour.
Ingredients:
- a newly-divorced forty-something lady with a hefty check from her ex-husband on its way and a glamorous wardrobe
- a quirky English village
- even quirkier village inhabitants
- a talking parrot
- a murder (the victim is an extremely unpleasant individual over whose demise nobody mourns)
- a handsome detective
Spiced with humour, delicious pastry, and secrets of the village inhabitants.
Cooking method:
Transplant a high-level “white-collar” career woman who spent twenty years climbing the corporate ladder and married to an equally ambitious and successful guy from the city of London to a traditional English village, where it seems that the time had stopped when Jane Austen was still alive.
Add all the ingredients mentioned above. Don’t forget to throw in a hearty portion of the required spices.
I don’t hide that I have a soft spot in my book-obsessed heart for heroines who are long past their adolescence years. I mean there is nothing wrong with teenage angst “he loves me / he loves me not”, but we all have our preferences in everything, and this is mine. I love reading about grown-up women who have been through their life struggles – and those struggles can be a good old lousy marriage that didn’t work or “I’m not pretty” even though men fall in dozens to her feet – and who start afresh. And I also love pets.
So, Flora with her exquisite dresses and shoes that don’t really fit into the Baker’s Rise rural picture, and the parrot who can’t keep his tongue tied even when the words he utters can put him and others in danger, were the most welcome guests on my bookshelf.
Besides, I love small-town stories where the secrets of its inhabitants get gradually revealed.
“Here Today, Scone Tomorrow” is the first instalment of Baker’s Rise Mysteries. Don’t hesitate to come in for a freshly baked scone with a dash of mystery and English humour.
September 29, 2021
As the author, I had such fun writing this book! Baker's Rise is a small, rural community, with quirky residents and a whole lot of history! Don't be fooled by the initial quietness of Flora's feathered friend - once he finds his voice, there's no stopping him! I hope you enjoy this cozy read and that you'll consider leaving a review!
April 18, 2022
Distinctly charming series opener!
The murder of Harold Baker occurs in his manor known as "The Rise" in Baker's Rise, Northumberland, England. Ten months later, former actuarial consultant Flora Miller has opened "Tearoom on the Rise" and with hopes of success will hire someone to run the tearoom while she pursues her dream of becoming a successful novelist. It was not until two months after the murder that the only remaining relative and newly divorced Flora was informed she had not only inherited the manor house, coach house, and other properties in the village but a parrot. The parrot's name is "Peanut" but oops! I meant to say... Well, you'll just have to read the cozy to find out his real name. Perhaps I did have it correct. A fresh start begins for Flora and her parrot!
I've read multiple cozies of a new entrepreneur opening a tearoom. However, Flora is unique as she doesn't make her own creations and even has trouble using the machine purchased to provide specialized coffee treats she is aiming to serve besides tea. Thankfully, she can put the kettle on! Humor is added with delectable puns and as the parrot has no nuances in acting differently with Flora or when they have guests at home or in the tearoom.
I loved this cute and charming cozy! If you love recipes, you'll enjoy knowing
p.s. It was hard not to giggle while writing this review as I found it looking on a list for an Easter cozy. Don't worry about reading it at a different time of year as the setting of this story is in the month of July. Some-bunny got that a little mixed up! Lucky for me!!
The murder of Harold Baker occurs in his manor known as "The Rise" in Baker's Rise, Northumberland, England. Ten months later, former actuarial consultant Flora Miller has opened "Tearoom on the Rise" and with hopes of success will hire someone to run the tearoom while she pursues her dream of becoming a successful novelist. It was not until two months after the murder that the only remaining relative and newly divorced Flora was informed she had not only inherited the manor house, coach house, and other properties in the village but a parrot. The parrot's name is "Peanut" but oops! I meant to say... Well, you'll just have to read the cozy to find out his real name. Perhaps I did have it correct. A fresh start begins for Flora and her parrot!
I've read multiple cozies of a new entrepreneur opening a tearoom. However, Flora is unique as she doesn't make her own creations and even has trouble using the machine purchased to provide specialized coffee treats she is aiming to serve besides tea. Thankfully, she can put the kettle on! Humor is added with delectable puns and as the parrot has no nuances in acting differently with Flora or when they have guests at home or in the tearoom.
I loved this cute and charming cozy! If you love recipes, you'll enjoy knowing
"If you follow the instructions given in the chapter headings, in order, you will have made a batch of delicious fruit scones to enjoy whilst you read!"So don't flutter away and swoop in to open this cozy to read as soon as you can! You won't be disappointed!
p.s. It was hard not to giggle while writing this review as I found it looking on a list for an Easter cozy. Don't worry about reading it at a different time of year as the setting of this story is in the month of July. Some-bunny got that a little mixed up! Lucky for me!!
October 29, 2021
Cozy Mystery Romance
This is a nice and clean mystery romance set in England. Chapter titles are unique in that if followed in succession, one will end up with tasty warm scones fresh from your own oven. I had wanted to see Flora get together with a great looking, via author description, detective but maybe that will happen in the next book in this series. Romance and mystery for all. Needs light edits but nothing detracts from the story. Five stars.
This is a nice and clean mystery romance set in England. Chapter titles are unique in that if followed in succession, one will end up with tasty warm scones fresh from your own oven. I had wanted to see Flora get together with a great looking, via author description, detective but maybe that will happen in the next book in this series. Romance and mystery for all. Needs light edits but nothing detracts from the story. Five stars.
June 2, 2022
Here Today, Scone Tomorrow is the first in the Baker's Rise Mysteries, a cosy murder mystery series set in the small English Village of Baker's Rise. We follow Flora, recent inheritor of the Manor House, who begins to suspect that there may be more to her predecessors death. I was initially charmed by the title of this book because I love a punny title, and looking ahead at the series they just keep getting punnier. I'd probably go so far as to say I bought the book on the title alone. Some books are cover buys. This book was a title buy. And I am so glad that I did. This was an exceptionally quick read, which I always like in this genre. In theory it does take Flora a while to suspect that a murder has been committed, but because it was such a quick read, it didn't feel like it was dragging. I really enjoyed the mystery itself, and was certain I had worked it out early on, only to have the rug pulled out from beneath me. I liked the baking elements of the book, as Flora is learning to bake, and I hope this is carried though the subsequent books. At the moment I'm not in the mood for romance, and while the romance in this book was very little, I can see it becoming a bigger part of the plot in the future. Overall, I very much enjoyed my time with this book finding it to be very warm and cosy, and I want to continue with the series.
December 18, 2021
This is the first in the Baker's Rise Mysteries series. The cover aesthetic is absolutely gorgeous isn't it, so bright & colourful, unlike most books of this genre.
The book's chapter titles lead you through the recipe for making fruit scones, which is a fun addition to the book.
The perfect lighthearted, cosy mystery, filled with charm, humour & wit.
The characters are fantastic & I can't wait to see how our sleuth Flora alongside her (I'm guessing) sidekick Reggie (the parrot) develop further & what lays in store for them next.
@nicolaloweauthor thankyou for piquing my interest in this delightful series
The book's chapter titles lead you through the recipe for making fruit scones, which is a fun addition to the book.
The perfect lighthearted, cosy mystery, filled with charm, humour & wit.
The characters are fantastic & I can't wait to see how our sleuth Flora alongside her (I'm guessing) sidekick Reggie (the parrot) develop further & what lays in store for them next.
@nicolaloweauthor thankyou for piquing my interest in this delightful series
September 22, 2022
Here Today, Scone Tomorrow Book O
Enjoyed this delightful culinary cozy murder mystery. It is definitely a lighthearted gem. My folks lived in England for a decade or two before retiring
back here in the States. It was a real treasure to see the small towns and unusual personalities in this story. Loved Reggie the profane parrot, and his desire to warn Flora Miller of unpleasant neighbors. Quick and very entertaining read!
Enjoyed this delightful culinary cozy murder mystery. It is definitely a lighthearted gem. My folks lived in England for a decade or two before retiring
back here in the States. It was a real treasure to see the small towns and unusual personalities in this story. Loved Reggie the profane parrot, and his desire to warn Flora Miller of unpleasant neighbors. Quick and very entertaining read!
June 18, 2022
Great read
I really enjoyed this first book in a new series. A parrot for a pet is a nice change. I was wondering if he was going to help solve the murder with his talking. Maybe next q! 😉
I really enjoyed this first book in a new series. A parrot for a pet is a nice change. I was wondering if he was going to help solve the murder with his talking. Maybe next q! 😉
May 15, 2022
If you like British cozy mysteries, this is definitely one you will want to pick up. Ms. Hutchins is a great storyteller. Flora's an interesting character, as is Reggie the parrot. I can't wait to see if there is a relationship between Flora and the handsome Detective Bramble.
October 19, 2021
Just finished Here Today, Scone Tomorrow, It’s so good. I don’t generally like reading things that stress me out, I have enough of that in life. Reading this, was like being tucked up in a gorgeous cafe, with a lovely cake, listening to the locals. It relaxed me, it amused me, it made me smile! I’ll definitely be reading more xx
February 28, 2023
This is the first instalment in the cosy mysteries of R A Hutchins. Having read her other books, and loving them, I was looking forward to this.
It’s didn’t let me down. It was absolutely brilliant and had the perfect ingredient of mystery, intrigue, quirky characters, charm, village customs and humour. The addition of Reggie / Peanut the parrot was a delight.
There was also a beautiful addition of a recipe as the chapter headings.
This would make a great TV series and was one of the best books I’ve read in a long time, I can’t recommend this book enough and can’t wait to read the rest of the series.
It’s didn’t let me down. It was absolutely brilliant and had the perfect ingredient of mystery, intrigue, quirky characters, charm, village customs and humour. The addition of Reggie / Peanut the parrot was a delight.
There was also a beautiful addition of a recipe as the chapter headings.
This would make a great TV series and was one of the best books I’ve read in a long time, I can’t recommend this book enough and can’t wait to read the rest of the series.
May 26, 2023
This is the first book in a new cozy mystery series written by an author I've never read before, so I was excited to start this book. I wasn't disappointed, it held my attention throughout and I can see I'll have to read all the books on this series.
Set in Bakers Rise, a small village in England, Harold, the Lord of the Manor dies, and his estate is bequeathed to a distant relative, Flora Miller. She arrives but wants to remain anonymous to the villagers, only one person knows who she is. Flora opens a tearoom on the estate, and people are intrigued to know who she is. When Harold's parrot, Reggie (also bequeathed to Flora) finds a fragment of something in the now derelict manor house, Flora doesn't initially think much of it, until certain other things fall into place. Could it be Harold was murdered?
Humorous in places, small village characters and a mystery; it's a quick, good read, especially if you like cozy mysteries. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
Set in Bakers Rise, a small village in England, Harold, the Lord of the Manor dies, and his estate is bequeathed to a distant relative, Flora Miller. She arrives but wants to remain anonymous to the villagers, only one person knows who she is. Flora opens a tearoom on the estate, and people are intrigued to know who she is. When Harold's parrot, Reggie (also bequeathed to Flora) finds a fragment of something in the now derelict manor house, Flora doesn't initially think much of it, until certain other things fall into place. Could it be Harold was murdered?
Humorous in places, small village characters and a mystery; it's a quick, good read, especially if you like cozy mysteries. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
March 13, 2022
If you’re on the look out for a light, pleasant, cozy mystery, I definitely recommend this book by R.A. Hutchins. I was instantly drawn into the story: finding myself rooting for the protagonist in the beginning already, and wondering till the end who the villain might be. I thought the chapter titles were a wonderful idea too. One thing that did confuse me a bit though were the names of some characters, which sounded similar (e.g. Messrs Baker, Bentley, Bramble, Blatchet; then Henry, Harry, Joe, Jones, etc.) and I found myself having to double check which character was which. Besides this minor distraction, I very much enjoyed this story. Cozy mystery is not a genre I frequently read, but I am hooked now, and I am definitely getting the other books in this series! And I’m going to be making myself some scones too… Thank you, R.A. Hutchins for the cozy getaway!
November 8, 2021
Oh this story was absolutely delightful!! The author did a wonderful job putting together great characters, humor and mystery in this lighthearted read. I certainly had some chuckles.
You'll end up being able to bake your own scones as you read each chapter but don't burn them!!
The cast of characters in Bakers Rise will surely entertain you.
This is the first book I've read by R.A. Hutchins and I look forward to more.
Highly recommend you read!!
You'll end up being able to bake your own scones as you read each chapter but don't burn them!!
The cast of characters in Bakers Rise will surely entertain you.
This is the first book I've read by R.A. Hutchins and I look forward to more.
Highly recommend you read!!
November 23, 2021
Fun Story
I really enjoyed this cozy mystery with its quirky characters and Reggie the parrot, Reggie has quite the vocabulary but tends to be an affectionate bird. Set in a small English village, murder is afoot, but the new mistress of Baker's Rise is bound to sort it out. A fast paced mystery with a bit of potential romance, this is the start of a good series. I am already eyeing the next installment.
I really enjoyed this cozy mystery with its quirky characters and Reggie the parrot, Reggie has quite the vocabulary but tends to be an affectionate bird. Set in a small English village, murder is afoot, but the new mistress of Baker's Rise is bound to sort it out. A fast paced mystery with a bit of potential romance, this is the start of a good series. I am already eyeing the next installment.
November 14, 2021
What a lovely cozy mystery filled with lots of witty puns! A great setting filled with lots of 'interesting' characters. I really enjoyed the addition of Reggie the parrot - a very quirky addition to the story. Would have loved a little more development on some of the relationships. Very much looking forward to book 2!
November 29, 2022
Murder in the countryside
An interesting read bit of an abrupt ending. We didn't know the outcome until the last few pages, as it should be.
After all a pleasant read , not too demanding.
An interesting read bit of an abrupt ending. We didn't know the outcome until the last few pages, as it should be.
After all a pleasant read , not too demanding.
November 12, 2021
Thoroughly enjoyed the first of this series. Can't wait for the second book to come out.
June 10, 2022
A Fun Read
This is a very fun cozy to read. I finished it in one sitting, except for a few food breaks because of the regular mention of scones through the book. The cast of characters in Baker’s Rise are quite entertaining. Having Flora and Reggie the parrot helping solve the murder of Flora’s distant relative, from whom she inherited a manor, kept me reading to see how things turn out.
This is a very fun cozy to read. I finished it in one sitting, except for a few food breaks because of the regular mention of scones through the book. The cast of characters in Baker’s Rise are quite entertaining. Having Flora and Reggie the parrot helping solve the murder of Flora’s distant relative, from whom she inherited a manor, kept me reading to see how things turn out.
January 14, 2022
An enjoyable read!
Here Today, Scone Tomorrow is the rare cozy mystery where the murderer is named in the beginning pages; but like the amiable protagonist, I had much to learn about the citizens of Baker’s Rise! Hutchins introduces a variety of interesting characters to love, hate, and scratch your head over as events unfold. An enjoyable read!
Here Today, Scone Tomorrow is the rare cozy mystery where the murderer is named in the beginning pages; but like the amiable protagonist, I had much to learn about the citizens of Baker’s Rise! Hutchins introduces a variety of interesting characters to love, hate, and scratch your head over as events unfold. An enjoyable read!
June 28, 2022
A cute and quirky read (that, to be honest, made me kinda hungry)! Cozy mysteries aren't normally a genre I gravitate toward, but I decided to give this one a try and I wasn't disappointed. Flora Miller is recently divorced and looking to leave everything from her former life behind. She moves to a quaint English village, unaware that things aren't as idyllic as they seem. As Flora embarks on a quest to learn how to bake the perfect scone, she becomes wrapped up in a murder mystery. An overall fun read, though I though the ending was a bit abrupt. If you like this genre, I think you'll love this one!
July 29, 2023
Fabulous Mystery
Former city dweller Flora Miller, new to the quaint English village and in charge of the recently restored Tearoom on the Rise, is the unlucky recipient of the late man’s parrot. Her new feathered companion has no filter and a vibrant personality that cannot be ignored! Witness to Harold’s murder, the bird won’t let the matter lie, and it’s not long before Flora becomes suspicious. We know from the first that the killer was a woman but which one? The bird was a funny character. I borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited. This in no way affects my opinion of this book.
Former city dweller Flora Miller, new to the quaint English village and in charge of the recently restored Tearoom on the Rise, is the unlucky recipient of the late man’s parrot. Her new feathered companion has no filter and a vibrant personality that cannot be ignored! Witness to Harold’s murder, the bird won’t let the matter lie, and it’s not long before Flora becomes suspicious. We know from the first that the killer was a woman but which one? The bird was a funny character. I borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited. This in no way affects my opinion of this book.
February 24, 2026
Ohhh, I really liked this book!!
It's written in a different style than I am used to The first chapter starts with 'revealing' the killer and then the story begins, however at the end there is a clever twist which starts from a sentence in the first chapter regarding lipstick. As the story progressed through there were hints here and there but the only real clues are the lipstick sentence and much later on a part about a photograph.
Great start to a series! I have already started the second in the series.
It's written in a different style than I am used to The first chapter starts with 'revealing' the killer and then the story begins, however at the end there is a clever twist which starts from a sentence in the first chapter regarding lipstick. As the story progressed through there were hints here and there but the only real clues are the lipstick sentence and much later on a part about a photograph.
Great start to a series! I have already started the second in the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 4, 2023
note to self
Nice little twist there at the end, but ending seemed to be rushed. Found the parrot to be an interesting animal addition as it’s usually dogs or cats as sidekicks.
The way the pages were typeset seemed amateurish, but maybe that’s because it was it was a kindle version of the book.
Nice little twist there at the end, but ending seemed to be rushed. Found the parrot to be an interesting animal addition as it’s usually dogs or cats as sidekicks.
The way the pages were typeset seemed amateurish, but maybe that’s because it was it was a kindle version of the book.
October 17, 2023
Who killed Harold Baker and why??? I also have a peanut allergy. So, I understand that part of the story!!! I enjoyed this story, won't judge anything that may contain those peanuts, and recommended the book.
December 12, 2023
scone
I’m so sorry but I just didn’t enjoy this book. I think it would have been nice if it was half as long there was way to much rambling. The main characters never really got it together.
I’m so sorry but I just didn’t enjoy this book. I think it would have been nice if it was half as long there was way to much rambling. The main characters never really got it together.
June 13, 2025
Hooked on cozy!
This was my first cozy mystery and I'm hooked!
I loved the way Flora rediscovered her confidence and found her footing in Baker's Rise. Reggie is a delight as are most of the villagers. Now, on to book two. After I make some scones!
This was my first cozy mystery and I'm hooked!
I loved the way Flora rediscovered her confidence and found her footing in Baker's Rise. Reggie is a delight as are most of the villagers. Now, on to book two. After I make some scones!
June 20, 2023
Wonderful, funny cozy mystery with great characters and Reggie, the parrot, is hilarious. Reading entire series!
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