What do you think?
Rate this book
A Mallory Beck Cozy Culinary Caper #7
Murder in the Secret Cold Case
A cop with a secret, a teenager with attitude, and a cat with a hunch...Spring has arrived in Honeysuckle Grove, and now that crime has finally settled down, Mallory is excited to put her extra time into her new catering business. Despite the lack of crime, though, Alex has been noticeably MIA in Mallory’s life, working in the background on a secretive high-profile case. Lately, it’s taking up every bit of his time, and it’s hard for Mallory not to feel both jilted and curious.Not meaning to—or at the very least, not completely—Mallory gets a glimpse of detailed clues on Alex’s case. The information leaves her breathless, as it quickly becomes clear why Alex has kept this case a secret.Mallory knows she shouldn’t meddle, but at the same time, she can’t stay out of this particular investigation, most importantly because she may have key information that will help solve it.
380 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 3, 2021
About the author
Denise Jaden
84 books495 followersBestselling author Denise Jaden loves cozy socks, cozy cats, and cozy mysteries. She’s the author of several young adult novels, nonfiction books for writers, and cozy mysteries that will make you laugh out loud while dangling at the edge of your seat.
Prior to becoming an author, Denise worked at everything from mushroom farming to acting and Polynesian dancing. Now she does most of her writing in a holding tent in the background of one of the many film sets in and around Vancouver. Sign up for updates, exclusive bonuses, and find out more about Denise, her books, and her crazy cat at DeniseJaden.com
Prior to becoming an author, Denise worked at everything from mushroom farming to acting and Polynesian dancing. Now she does most of her writing in a holding tent in the background of one of the many film sets in and around Vancouver. Sign up for updates, exclusive bonuses, and find out more about Denise, her books, and her crazy cat at DeniseJaden.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
August 15, 2022
Book 7. These series about a Widowed woman Mallory that befriended a 16 year old girl named Amber. Amber father had been murdered in one other book in the series. And Mallory and Amber helped Cop Alex find his killer. This one is about Mallory starting up her food truck called Amber & Mallory Crepe Express ( since they would make more of Crepes then anything) with the help of Amber. They decided to call it. But Amber mom Helen told Mallory and Amber they needed to cool it down with hanging out. Helen did not want Amber involved with police investigation . Anymore. So Mallory was on her own for awhile since Cop Alex her kinda boyfriend was to busy with his Police work and Amber could not hang out and helped set up their new Food Truck. Out of the blue one of Cooper ( Mallory deceased husband) friends Pete showed up. Well when he stayed for awhile they got tipsy and kissed a little. But Mallory stopped it at once. But after that scene. Alex came around and was talking to Mallory about publishers and Cooper. And also asking her if she thinks she will ever change her last name ( they had talked about before) but Mallory did not want to do that. Then it got suspicious after awhile because some deed in Cooper name showed that he th ad another house in his name that Mallory did not know anything about. She decided to go there and got the riot act from Pete and Alex. So she fibbed to them and did go back. Something fishy was going down and Mallory wanted to know what it was about if it was something her late husband Cooper. I like that there is a different friendship in these series with Mallory and Amber. Amber is very smart for an 16 year old. And her !Mallory and Alex make a good team finding the people that were to killers. I love Hunch too. Mallory cat ( Cooper first) but her and Hunch were now best of friends cause now she knew what the cat could really do. I recommend these Awesome book series
October 21, 2021
What a story!! Mallory has never been able to put the death of her husband behind her because something just didn’t seem right about it. Alec finally starts to ask her some questions about her husband and by inference her as well so Mallory feels like she’s a suspect in something she knows nothing about!
There is a twist at the end that Mallory can’t accept but luckily for her she has her cell phone and Hunch that help save her life!
This is an exciting story that is unputdownable in the last few chapters so be prepared to set aside a couple of hours to see it through without interruptions if at all possible!
I wholeheartedly recommend this book and this series if you haven’t already read any of the Mallory Beck series yet! You are going to love this foursome of three humans and a psychic cat who always seems to be where he’s needed the most!
I love this series and if you start it you’ll want to read all the books so be prepared to settle down with an author you’ll love and a series that will keep you coming back for more!
Bravo Denise for creating characters that come to life while they solve murders and cook up great food dishes at the same time! It’s a great combination in the cozy mystery genre that delights the reader and satisfies both the mind and stomach at the same time!
Pick up this book today and then get the rest of the books in the series for I know you’ll enjoy each and every one!!
There is a twist at the end that Mallory can’t accept but luckily for her she has her cell phone and Hunch that help save her life!
This is an exciting story that is unputdownable in the last few chapters so be prepared to set aside a couple of hours to see it through without interruptions if at all possible!
I wholeheartedly recommend this book and this series if you haven’t already read any of the Mallory Beck series yet! You are going to love this foursome of three humans and a psychic cat who always seems to be where he’s needed the most!
I love this series and if you start it you’ll want to read all the books so be prepared to settle down with an author you’ll love and a series that will keep you coming back for more!
Bravo Denise for creating characters that come to life while they solve murders and cook up great food dishes at the same time! It’s a great combination in the cozy mystery genre that delights the reader and satisfies both the mind and stomach at the same time!
Pick up this book today and then get the rest of the books in the series for I know you’ll enjoy each and every one!!
November 6, 2021
Pulling It All Together . . .
There are lots of things going on in this book, but primarily the big item is that Alex has been working long hours on some secret, high profile case that he excludes her from. Mallory has always had some questions about the death of her husband and couldn’t let go. When Alex asks her about him, she starts to feel like he’s investigating her too without her knowledge.
When Mallory inadvertently sees information on the case Alex is working on, she may have some missing information to solve it. Will she be angry with him for not being honest with her about it since it concerns her? Or will she freely give him the information he needs? And will Amber’s mother let her spend more time with Mallory so they can launch the food truck business they had been working on?
Good story line and likable characters keep the reader invested in this one. Can Mallory let go of the past now?
There are lots of things going on in this book, but primarily the big item is that Alex has been working long hours on some secret, high profile case that he excludes her from. Mallory has always had some questions about the death of her husband and couldn’t let go. When Alex asks her about him, she starts to feel like he’s investigating her too without her knowledge.
When Mallory inadvertently sees information on the case Alex is working on, she may have some missing information to solve it. Will she be angry with him for not being honest with her about it since it concerns her? Or will she freely give him the information he needs? And will Amber’s mother let her spend more time with Mallory so they can launch the food truck business they had been working on?
Good story line and likable characters keep the reader invested in this one. Can Mallory let go of the past now?
November 8, 2021
Fun Fast Pace Cozy Mystery!!!
Murder in the Secret Cold Case is the seventh book in a Mallory Beck Cozy Culinary Caper series but you can read it as standalone
This book is a fun, fast pace, very well written mystery with an intelligent plot and delightful characters. It's very entertaining, page turning cozy mystery that is hard to put down, the plot is filled with twists and turns that keeps you entertained as you try to figure out the mystery. I highly recommend this book to any cozy mystery fans, I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Murder in the Secret Cold Case is the seventh book in a Mallory Beck Cozy Culinary Caper series but you can read it as standalone
This book is a fun, fast pace, very well written mystery with an intelligent plot and delightful characters. It's very entertaining, page turning cozy mystery that is hard to put down, the plot is filled with twists and turns that keeps you entertained as you try to figure out the mystery. I highly recommend this book to any cozy mystery fans, I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 8, 2021
A cop with a secret, a teenager with attitude, and a cat with a hunch...
An intriguing story line that draws you in, keeps you turning the pages and unable to put it down. Mystery and suspense give you moments of sitting on the edge of your seat waiting to find out what will happen next. The characters are easy to get to know as you turn the pages as they work to solve the case.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
An intriguing story line that draws you in, keeps you turning the pages and unable to put it down. Mystery and suspense give you moments of sitting on the edge of your seat waiting to find out what will happen next. The characters are easy to get to know as you turn the pages as they work to solve the case.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 5, 2021
Murder in the Secret Cold Case is the seventh book in A Mallory Beck Cozy Culinary Caper series. This is a great addition to the series. Will Mallory's past destroy her future? This book has well-developed characters, family, friendship, secrets, and mystery.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 5, 2021
Another great book by Jaden! I adore this whole series — always well-written, well-paced, likeable and complex characters, plus a great mystery. Every time I think it can’t get better, Jaden proves us wrong. Can’t wait for the next book!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 11, 2021
Mallory really misses her teen bff Amber. both grieving the loss of someone close to them, they bonded over food and cooking.
Now that Mallory has bought a food truck, she has dreams of using it, as well as catering - and Amber has been part of the process if getting the truck prepped and licensed
Her mom suddenly restricting visits between Amber and Mallory at the urging of her therapist, has put a strain in their friendships- and both their relationships with Helen- mom to Amber
Detective Alex has been secretive and remote- and seems to be holding back himself, as well as details of a current case that might have links to Mallory
Can broken trusts be mended? Will alternate relationships cause more harm or better options?
life is complicated
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Now that Mallory has bought a food truck, she has dreams of using it, as well as catering - and Amber has been part of the process if getting the truck prepped and licensed
Her mom suddenly restricting visits between Amber and Mallory at the urging of her therapist, has put a strain in their friendships- and both their relationships with Helen- mom to Amber
Detective Alex has been secretive and remote- and seems to be holding back himself, as well as details of a current case that might have links to Mallory
Can broken trusts be mended? Will alternate relationships cause more harm or better options?
life is complicated
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 2, 2021
Mallory is looking for answers. She also is missing Amber, her teenage friend and partner in a food truck business. Amber's mother has stopped them from being together so much. Then there is Alex, he is working on a secret case and has very little contact with her. But when Mallory finds out she is part of the secret case, things get rather dicey between her and Alex. Will Mallory find the answers she is seeking? What will happen between her and Alex? Will she and Amber be able to start their food truck business? I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
October 31, 2021
Murder In A Secret Cold Case is so exciting and intriguing. You will enjoy every (almost) moment!
This is another winner of a (mostly)cozy mystery set in Honeysuckle Grove, with many of your favorite characters! Mallory and Amber are allowed to get together a bit, the food truck is taken into town for a "trial run". But this time, Mallory may even be a suspect in a case Alex is working on. Very exciting, couldn't put this one down!
Keep writing Denise! Looking forward to more books!
This is another winner of a (mostly)cozy mystery set in Honeysuckle Grove, with many of your favorite characters! Mallory and Amber are allowed to get together a bit, the food truck is taken into town for a "trial run". But this time, Mallory may even be a suspect in a case Alex is working on. Very exciting, couldn't put this one down!
Keep writing Denise! Looking forward to more books!
November 9, 2021
Mallory is a caterer with her own business and Alex has alot of secrets and shuts Mallory down. His latest case must remain secret but Mallory takes a peek. This book is full of deceit and secrecy. There are a great deal of twists in this clever cozy. It is always fun to follow the clues. It is a fast paced and brilliant read. I definitely recommend this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 1, 2021
Lots of surprises, plenty of twists, and a very satisfying conclusion to a cold case giving Mallory the closure she needs to move on with her life. Strong friendships and a hero cat and dog help solve the mystery surrounding Mallory’s husband’s death and catch the killer. Great progress in Mallory’s life both in personal growth and business growth. The mystery of Alex’s absence is solved and Amber and her mother make great progress in their relationship as well. I was hooked from page one and couldn’t put it down.
Bonus Epilogue - The Kissing Bridge - a great, sweet wrap-up with a couple of really pleasant surprises. Really wonderful wrap-up for the series.
Bonus Epilogue - The Kissing Bridge - a great, sweet wrap-up with a couple of really pleasant surprises. Really wonderful wrap-up for the series.
January 1, 2023
It's been a while since I've read books in this series so I was pleased to find 2 new releases.
Mallory Beck, a chef, lives in Honeysuckle Grove, with her cat Hunch. It's a small town and Mallory moved there with her husband, but he was killed in a fire at the local bank just over a year before. Mallory has made some friends, especially Alex, a local Police Detective and Alex, a 16year old girl who she befriended after helping to solve Alex's Fathers' death in the first book in the series.
At a loose end after being asked not to see Alex, (her Mum is also having a hard time coping), Mallory buys a food truck with the aim of setting up in business.
Mallory is also suspicious as to why Alex hasn't been round lately, and when an old family friend starts paying visits to Mallory, things become tense. Especially when Mallory finds out she's a suspect in a case Alex is working on, which he's unable to discuss with her.
I really enjoyed reading this book, and whilst each book is a standalone mystery, the books are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and series. I'm pleased there is another book to read in the series and I've downloaded it ready to read next.
Mallory Beck, a chef, lives in Honeysuckle Grove, with her cat Hunch. It's a small town and Mallory moved there with her husband, but he was killed in a fire at the local bank just over a year before. Mallory has made some friends, especially Alex, a local Police Detective and Alex, a 16year old girl who she befriended after helping to solve Alex's Fathers' death in the first book in the series.
At a loose end after being asked not to see Alex, (her Mum is also having a hard time coping), Mallory buys a food truck with the aim of setting up in business.
Mallory is also suspicious as to why Alex hasn't been round lately, and when an old family friend starts paying visits to Mallory, things become tense. Especially when Mallory finds out she's a suspect in a case Alex is working on, which he's unable to discuss with her.
I really enjoyed reading this book, and whilst each book is a standalone mystery, the books are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and series. I'm pleased there is another book to read in the series and I've downloaded it ready to read next.
May 17, 2023
Good cozy mystery series w/generic setting
Liked the characters, the twisty turney plot development and the IDEA that this series is set in West Virginia, where I grew up and lived for many years and which has a special place in my heart.
Well, folks, if you're looking for down-home idioms, beautiful twisty roads, lots of hills and mountains, Mountaineers, proud yet humble country folks, and, oh yeah, pepperoni rolls!, well then, you're fresh out of luck. This book series could be set in any inland state and has not even a taste of the heart and guts of West Virginia.
However, if you can forget where the books are supposed to take place and just read them as pretty darned good cozy mysteries, then I think you will enjoy them.
Liked the characters, the twisty turney plot development and the IDEA that this series is set in West Virginia, where I grew up and lived for many years and which has a special place in my heart.
Well, folks, if you're looking for down-home idioms, beautiful twisty roads, lots of hills and mountains, Mountaineers, proud yet humble country folks, and, oh yeah, pepperoni rolls!, well then, you're fresh out of luck. This book series could be set in any inland state and has not even a taste of the heart and guts of West Virginia.
However, if you can forget where the books are supposed to take place and just read them as pretty darned good cozy mysteries, then I think you will enjoy them.
November 7, 2021
I've read several books written by Denise Jaden; she is becoming one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read more of her books.
This is the seventh book in the Mallory Beck Cozy Culinary Caper Series; it is a stand-alone book. The story is about Mallory & Alex; he’s a detective and she runs a catering business but loves solving mysteries too. After the crime spree settles down she’s back in the shop but notices Alex’s always gone; after some checking around she finds out he working on another case but is keeping it a secret.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the seventh book in the Mallory Beck Cozy Culinary Caper Series; it is a stand-alone book. The story is about Mallory & Alex; he’s a detective and she runs a catering business but loves solving mysteries too. After the crime spree settles down she’s back in the shop but notices Alex’s always gone; after some checking around she finds out he working on another case but is keeping it a secret.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
January 25, 2022
A wonderful book that is filled with lots of intrique.
Awesome characters and wonderful storyline. Loved reading...
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Awesome characters and wonderful storyline. Loved reading...
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 2, 2022
Talk about surprising!
This really took me by surprise! Ok, as I was reading I was suspecting things, but OMG! This was such a betrayal!! Such a great story with twists and turns that I never saw coming!
This really took me by surprise! Ok, as I was reading I was suspecting things, but OMG! This was such a betrayal!! Such a great story with twists and turns that I never saw coming!
June 22, 2023
this is an awesome series
Mallory Beck was widowed too early. Amber Montrose’s dad wad murdered. The two of them cook up a storm and solve the mysteries around town. This one gives some closure for Mallory. I hope there are more
Mallory Beck was widowed too early. Amber Montrose’s dad wad murdered. The two of them cook up a storm and solve the mysteries around town. This one gives some closure for Mallory. I hope there are more
April 14, 2022
Stunning revelations❣️ and . . .
April 5, 2023
books are so good you dont want to put it down
November 2, 2021
I think this is my favorite book by this author so far. The way the author handled Mallory's mental state was very well done. The inability to rely on Amber and Alex and the betrayal by her friend took this story to a deeper level. I really liked the way Mallory's strength showed in how she interacted with her brother in law and how she overcame her fears and took the plunge to start using the food truck. Highly recommend.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 3, 2021
I really enjoyed reading this book, it had what I wanted in this type of cozy mystery. The characters were really well done and I enjoyed the storyline. I look forward to more from this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 21, 2023
All throughout the Mallory Beck Cozy Culinary Caper series there have been little clues that indicate Mallory's husband Cooper didn't just die, but might have been set up or murdered. Now, all of these details come to a head when Mallory finds out Alex has been investigating Cooper's case. This is the ultimate murder mystery for Mallory, because solving it will honor her late husband's memory and bring her a final amount of closer that she's really needed.
This was probably my favorite book in the entire series. They have all been really fun and engaging, but this one was super exciting and fast paced. A lot of crazy things happen and it's really exciting.
It's also a special case because of how personal it is for Mallory. It really brings the series back around to where it all started -- with Mallory losing her husband. And since her late husband is who inspired her to solve all these mysteries (since he was a mystery writer when he was living), it seems really fitting that Mallory would finally be here after all this time solving his own murder.
I really enjoyed it and I highly recommend this series for those who love a good cozy mystery. They are all super clean mysteries. No swearing, no sex or sexual situations, no violence or gore. So if that's the kind of murder mysteries that you like, then you'll really enjoy this book (and series).
This was probably my favorite book in the entire series. They have all been really fun and engaging, but this one was super exciting and fast paced. A lot of crazy things happen and it's really exciting.
It's also a special case because of how personal it is for Mallory. It really brings the series back around to where it all started -- with Mallory losing her husband. And since her late husband is who inspired her to solve all these mysteries (since he was a mystery writer when he was living), it seems really fitting that Mallory would finally be here after all this time solving his own murder.
I really enjoyed it and I highly recommend this series for those who love a good cozy mystery. They are all super clean mysteries. No swearing, no sex or sexual situations, no violence or gore. So if that's the kind of murder mysteries that you like, then you'll really enjoy this book (and series).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews