What do you think?
Rate this book
Baker's Rise Mysteries #2
Pie Comes Before a Fall
Flora and her new feathered friend are at it again in the much-anticipated next instalment of the Baker’s Rise Mysteries series!
Ray Dodds, landlord of the Baker’s Rise village pub, the aptly named Bun in The Oven, and self-confessed local Lothario, meets an untimely demise in this second book of the popular cosy mystery series.
With the man killed by one of his own frozen pies, Detective Bramble is not short of suspects, though it seems the case is cut and dried when someone very close to home appears guilty.
When her friend is accused of the deed, reluctant amateur sleuth Flora Miller is compelled to investigate with her trusty feathered sidekick. Unable to rest while she feels the wrong person is suspected, can Flora find the true culprit in time?
Packed with humour and suspense, colourful characters and a sprinkle of romance, this next Baker’s Rise Mystery will certainly leave you hungry for more!
(Includes a tasty pie recipe!)
Ray Dodds, landlord of the Baker’s Rise village pub, the aptly named Bun in The Oven, and self-confessed local Lothario, meets an untimely demise in this second book of the popular cosy mystery series.
With the man killed by one of his own frozen pies, Detective Bramble is not short of suspects, though it seems the case is cut and dried when someone very close to home appears guilty.
When her friend is accused of the deed, reluctant amateur sleuth Flora Miller is compelled to investigate with her trusty feathered sidekick. Unable to rest while she feels the wrong person is suspected, can Flora find the true culprit in time?
Packed with humour and suspense, colourful characters and a sprinkle of romance, this next Baker’s Rise Mystery will certainly leave you hungry for more!
(Includes a tasty pie recipe!)
- GenresMystery
158 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 2, 2021
117 people are currently reading
28 people want to read
About the author
R.A. Hutchins
30 books67 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
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
November 28, 2021
Hands down, Reggie the foul-mouthed bird is the perfect character. He is full of humor, plot directing, and is drawn with so much reality, there is no doubt he exists. Especially when he is squawking at a tiny dog not much bigger than he is.
If you missed it in book 1, the naming of the chapters with ingredients for baking is a wonderful touch. This series defines the cozy genre, and is also a gentle nostalgic romance too. This time, for several of the suspects the clues make a connection between who fathered who in the village.
Everyday life in the village, both quaint and unchanged-- to a point--- is sometimes a red herring in itself, the reader is led to look there for something that may not be important. The contrast between the protagonist using a vintage typewriter and in the next second a cell phone is a reminder of how long traditions stay in small villages.
The scenes are lavishly detailed, and there is never any doubt what the protagonist is thinking. As usual, sometimes she isn't, which leads her into trouble. The attack on her by the killer was in keeping with the gentle and nostalgic theme. It would be great if we see Flora drawn into taking the initiative, in solving the crimes and in her personal life, in future books of the series.
A great cozy, well worth reading.
If you missed it in book 1, the naming of the chapters with ingredients for baking is a wonderful touch. This series defines the cozy genre, and is also a gentle nostalgic romance too. This time, for several of the suspects the clues make a connection between who fathered who in the village.
Everyday life in the village, both quaint and unchanged-- to a point--- is sometimes a red herring in itself, the reader is led to look there for something that may not be important. The contrast between the protagonist using a vintage typewriter and in the next second a cell phone is a reminder of how long traditions stay in small villages.
The scenes are lavishly detailed, and there is never any doubt what the protagonist is thinking. As usual, sometimes she isn't, which leads her into trouble. The attack on her by the killer was in keeping with the gentle and nostalgic theme. It would be great if we see Flora drawn into taking the initiative, in solving the crimes and in her personal life, in future books of the series.
A great cozy, well worth reading.
January 27, 2022
This book is the second I have read in the series and I am looking forward to reading more. The author has presented believable characters with a protagonist that is also believable without being dramatic and over stepping the reality of life’s boundaries.
Floria has inherited a mansion in Northern England just as her marriage is ending in divorce providing her an opportunity to proceed with a dream — opening a tea room and being part of a community/village. Little does she know that along with the beauty of the English countryside she has now accepted the solving of the many secrets that have accompany her inheritance.
The community/village is filled with lovely people that are accepting of her venture as well as problematic people who provide many obstacles to her happiness.
Floria has inherited a mansion in Northern England just as her marriage is ending in divorce providing her an opportunity to proceed with a dream — opening a tea room and being part of a community/village. Little does she know that along with the beauty of the English countryside she has now accepted the solving of the many secrets that have accompany her inheritance.
The community/village is filled with lovely people that are accepting of her venture as well as problematic people who provide many obstacles to her happiness.
February 15, 2024
Flora Miller's recent inheritance includes a sassy feathered friend named Reggie. The parrot has a colorful vocabulary learned from his first owner that Flora is trying to replace with phrases that might not be so cheeky to greet their guests, especially when they're at "Tearoom on the Rise." Flora is enjoying her new entrepreneurship at the tearoom. Still, as an estate owner, she has many roles competing for her time and attention, not to mention the stories she's writing for children. However, a date night at the local pub with Adam Bramble turns from relaxing to a night of duties for the detective and a care night for a friend's son for Flora.
What a charming cozy in every sense of the description. Baker's Rise has shops that, by the names alone, have one wishing to step between the pages and visit Baker's Rise Essential Supplies and Baker's Rise Cuts and Dyes, but of course, one must steer clear of Bun in the Oven for now until the police tape is removed. There's news circulating that Baker's Rise Candy Surprise will be the next shop to open. But the true entertainment and enchantment is visiting Flora and Reggie. Flora is a lovely soul that one would love to have as a friend, and there's never a dull moment with Reggie, from his antics for attention to his comforting presence.
If you love recipes, you'll enjoy following
I recommend your armchair travel to Baker's Rise, Northumberland, England. Don't delay.
What a charming cozy in every sense of the description. Baker's Rise has shops that, by the names alone, have one wishing to step between the pages and visit Baker's Rise Essential Supplies and Baker's Rise Cuts and Dyes, but of course, one must steer clear of Bun in the Oven for now until the police tape is removed. There's news circulating that Baker's Rise Candy Surprise will be the next shop to open. But the true entertainment and enchantment is visiting Flora and Reggie. Flora is a lovely soul that one would love to have as a friend, and there's never a dull moment with Reggie, from his antics for attention to his comforting presence.
If you love recipes, you'll enjoy following
"the instructions given in the chapter headings, in order, you will have made a traditional apple and blackberry pie to enjoy whilst you read!"You may also read the instructions for the pie recipe by viewing the chapter headings in the Table of Contents.
I recommend your armchair travel to Baker's Rise, Northumberland, England. Don't delay.
"Note from the author: Since the same quirky cast of characters feature in each installment of the Baker's Rise Mysteries, the books are best enjoyed when read in order!"
December 10, 2021
I loved picking up book 2 in the Baker's Rise Mysteries series. The familiar characters were welcoming and I found myself quickly sucked into the story. As Flora finds herself faced with another mystery we learn a little more about the habitants of Baker Rise. My favourite character has to be Reggie, with his sass and sudden protective nature! A lovely cosy book and I'm looking forward to reading the next one.
November 15, 2022
Book two of the Baker’s Rise Mysteries by R.A. Hutchins “Pie Comes Before a Fall” is a perfect comfort read to reconcile oneself with the inevitable arrival of the cold season.
Well, in my part of the world the fall has already come. With a bit of a winterish breath even. And it was absolute bliss to spend a few evenings wrapped up in warm blankets, with a cup of hot, orange, and cinnamon-flavoured tea, reading the next story about Flora and Reggie.
A quaint English village with the charm of the old days' lifestyle is one of my favourite settings. Baker’s Rise is perfect in every way. Its inhabitants know each other and everyone who had ever lived next door. Even if they'd left a long time. Even if it’s someone who didn’t live there for decades and made no serious impact on local life. For example, a wife number XYZ of a local pub landlord and legendary – on the Baker’s Rise scale, of course – womanizer.
In a place like Baker’s Rise, titles of a Best Scone or Spongiest Sponge maker aren’t treated lightly. And if in the local contest your pastry gets acknowledged as the Most Victorious Victoria Sponge… You get the picture, I’m sure.
So, when one more murder happens in Baker’s Rise, it’s not the police the culprit has to be afraid of! Of course, it’s local inhabitants who are able to get to the heart of the whodunnit mystery quicker than Hercule Poirot or any Scotland Yard detective.
In book two, we see that Flora has comfortably settled into the life of a small village. For a high-level “white-collar” career woman who spent twenty years climbing the corporate ladder, she managed to do it remarkably quickly. But Baker’s Rise doesn’t leave the smallest chance to feel bored. Almost every day, some small secret or one with the potential to turn into a huge scandal gets revealed. Someone new arrives, old-timers change their routines, and sometimes, a villager dies…
“Pie Comes Before a Fall” is warm and full of humorous moments. It’s a book that will make you giggle, run to the kitchen to make some tea and grab some chocolate. The story will also make you shed a tear or too, mainly because when something nice happens to the characters, you feel their joy as your own.
I’m looking forward to reading more about Flora and her feathered sidekick’s adventures. Reggie, you are definitely a corker!
Well, in my part of the world the fall has already come. With a bit of a winterish breath even. And it was absolute bliss to spend a few evenings wrapped up in warm blankets, with a cup of hot, orange, and cinnamon-flavoured tea, reading the next story about Flora and Reggie.
A quaint English village with the charm of the old days' lifestyle is one of my favourite settings. Baker’s Rise is perfect in every way. Its inhabitants know each other and everyone who had ever lived next door. Even if they'd left a long time. Even if it’s someone who didn’t live there for decades and made no serious impact on local life. For example, a wife number XYZ of a local pub landlord and legendary – on the Baker’s Rise scale, of course – womanizer.
In a place like Baker’s Rise, titles of a Best Scone or Spongiest Sponge maker aren’t treated lightly. And if in the local contest your pastry gets acknowledged as the Most Victorious Victoria Sponge… You get the picture, I’m sure.
So, when one more murder happens in Baker’s Rise, it’s not the police the culprit has to be afraid of! Of course, it’s local inhabitants who are able to get to the heart of the whodunnit mystery quicker than Hercule Poirot or any Scotland Yard detective.
In book two, we see that Flora has comfortably settled into the life of a small village. For a high-level “white-collar” career woman who spent twenty years climbing the corporate ladder, she managed to do it remarkably quickly. But Baker’s Rise doesn’t leave the smallest chance to feel bored. Almost every day, some small secret or one with the potential to turn into a huge scandal gets revealed. Someone new arrives, old-timers change their routines, and sometimes, a villager dies…
“Pie Comes Before a Fall” is warm and full of humorous moments. It’s a book that will make you giggle, run to the kitchen to make some tea and grab some chocolate. The story will also make you shed a tear or too, mainly because when something nice happens to the characters, you feel their joy as your own.
I’m looking forward to reading more about Flora and her feathered sidekick’s adventures. Reggie, you are definitely a corker!
November 28, 2021
Another Really Good Read
This is the second book in the Baker's Rise Mystery series and it was just as good and exciting as the first one. The beginning of the book continues the tale where the first one left off. Summarizing the outcomes of events told in the first book, this story starts rolling out nicely detailing and revealing life in the village including that of the next murder victim. From there, the intriguing story of the murder victim comes to light. It is one of infidelity, and how that infidelity affects others. Reggie the parrot is in rare form and is a hero in this story. Romance is alive and well in this story on many fronts. The writing is good in this book and had my emotions on edge several times. I highly recommend this series and I almost forgot, this book has a feature that is really unique. The titles of each chapter is part of the directions to making a tea time treat! Such a unique way to present a recipe!
This is the second book in the Baker's Rise Mystery series and it was just as good and exciting as the first one. The beginning of the book continues the tale where the first one left off. Summarizing the outcomes of events told in the first book, this story starts rolling out nicely detailing and revealing life in the village including that of the next murder victim. From there, the intriguing story of the murder victim comes to light. It is one of infidelity, and how that infidelity affects others. Reggie the parrot is in rare form and is a hero in this story. Romance is alive and well in this story on many fronts. The writing is good in this book and had my emotions on edge several times. I highly recommend this series and I almost forgot, this book has a feature that is really unique. The titles of each chapter is part of the directions to making a tea time treat! Such a unique way to present a recipe!
December 19, 2021
I'm loving this series so, so much & I hope you enjoy them just as much.
The second in the Baker's Rise Mystery series, we once again join our super sleuths Flora & her feathered, foul mouthed sidekick Reggie on their journey to solving another crime.
The chapter titles this time round give you the recipe for a delicious sounding pie...this is such a fun idea.
I still may have to purchase myself physical copies as the covers are so bright & eye catching.
I could imagine living in a village like this, with the character's beginning to feel like old friends whom you've gone to visit. Although I have an inkling that Baker's Rise is going to be the next Midsomer by the end of the series.
The second in the Baker's Rise Mystery series, we once again join our super sleuths Flora & her feathered, foul mouthed sidekick Reggie on their journey to solving another crime.
The chapter titles this time round give you the recipe for a delicious sounding pie...this is such a fun idea.
I still may have to purchase myself physical copies as the covers are so bright & eye catching.
I could imagine living in a village like this, with the character's beginning to feel like old friends whom you've gone to visit. Although I have an inkling that Baker's Rise is going to be the next Midsomer by the end of the series.
February 28, 2023
Flora and Reggie return as the village of Baker’s Rise continues everyday life after Harold’s murderer is caught. This instalment let’s us see Flora settling more into village life and her relationship with love interest Adam. However, there are some prickly relationships Flora has to manage and of course it wouldn’t be Baker’s Rise without incident, a murderous incident at that! As a local resident falls to their death, suspicion could be everywhere and Flora is determined to get to the bottom of it, with her feathered assistant of course!
A wonderful, colourful and engaging read with brilliant characters and quirky humour. Highly recommended and I’m looking forward to reading book three in this superb series!
A wonderful, colourful and engaging read with brilliant characters and quirky humour. Highly recommended and I’m looking forward to reading book three in this superb series!
September 3, 2022
Pie Comes Before a Fall is the second book in the Baker's Rise series of contemporary cosy mysteries. As with the first book, we follow Flora who owns a teashop, after moving to Baker's Rise following an inheritance. Both this and Here Today, Scone Tomorrow really focus on the cosy part of the cosy murder mystery genre, and I am thoroughly enjoying that aspect. I did notice myself struggling to differentiate between a couple of characters, which I think was an issue I also had with the first book. I know this genre isn't typically known for brilliant characterisation, so it doesn't bother me too much. I'll also happily admit that I rushed through this book quite a bit, so I might just have myself to blame. I really enjoy how crucial the village of Baker's Rise is to the mysteries so far, and I appreciate the effort the author has gone to illustrate this quintessential cosy English village. I don't think there's much substance to the book, but it's a lovely little cosy mystery and I do want to continue with the series.
May 27, 2023
This is the 2nd in this easy to read, humorous, cozy mystery series. Flora has inherited the Manor House in Bakers Rise, and is now Lady of the Manor. She's running a tearoom out of one of the converted stable blocks and is in the middle of planning the annual Summer fete.
When the landlord of the local pub is found dead, Flora can't help but try and find the murderer; the alternative otherwise is that one of the few friends she's made in the village is his killer!
Her relationship with the local Police Detective, Adam Bramble, is going well. She's also getting on well with Reggie, the parrot she inherited from the estate, despite his somewhat saucy language sometimes.
The books are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and series.
When the landlord of the local pub is found dead, Flora can't help but try and find the murderer; the alternative otherwise is that one of the few friends she's made in the village is his killer!
Her relationship with the local Police Detective, Adam Bramble, is going well. She's also getting on well with Reggie, the parrot she inherited from the estate, despite his somewhat saucy language sometimes.
The books are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and series.
December 1, 2021
Delightful
I found this story delightful and charming. Reggie is hilarious to say the least. Flora gets more than she bargained for and the murderer- I did manage to figure out the "who done it" near the end. Includes a lovely recipe for blackberry pie. Five stars. Please note for future readers who don't know European writing, the WC in this story stands for Water Closet which is a bathroom.
I found this story delightful and charming. Reggie is hilarious to say the least. Flora gets more than she bargained for and the murderer- I did manage to figure out the "who done it" near the end. Includes a lovely recipe for blackberry pie. Five stars. Please note for future readers who don't know European writing, the WC in this story stands for Water Closet which is a bathroom.
September 23, 2022
Pie Comes Before a Fall Book Two of Baker's Rise Mysteries
All I can say is I want some of Flora's vitamins! Everyday is lots of work and worry and I couldn't keep up! Adam sees to be perfect, but I would take Reggie is my hero. Beautiful wedding for Betty and Harold! Glad there are more books!
All I can say is I want some of Flora's vitamins! Everyday is lots of work and worry and I couldn't keep up! Adam sees to be perfect, but I would take Reggie is my hero. Beautiful wedding for Betty and Harold! Glad there are more books!
December 7, 2022
A satisfactory resolution
I found this book not as good as the first one in the series. Flora and Reggie as characters were well developed but her relationship with Adam appeared to be rushed and underdeveloped.
Apart from that it was a well constructed plot. On too the next one.
I found this book not as good as the first one in the series. Flora and Reggie as characters were well developed but her relationship with Adam appeared to be rushed and underdeveloped.
Apart from that it was a well constructed plot. On too the next one.
June 2, 2023
A lovely book
Its a story I enjoyed reading, one time. Not one I would read again. Entertaining.. There are readers who will feel differently. That's good. Just because I have a different opinion, doesn't mean others will agree. I recommend the book. The writing was good.
Its a story I enjoyed reading, one time. Not one I would read again. Entertaining.. There are readers who will feel differently. That's good. Just because I have a different opinion, doesn't mean others will agree. I recommend the book. The writing was good.
December 16, 2021
Baker’s Rise Mysteries Book Two was every bit as delightful as it’s predecessor!
Pie Comes Before A Fall sees us back in the village with the loveable character of Flora.
I love the way these books have atmosphere, humour and mystery, yet still feel ultimately soothing to me.
I can picture myself in the tea shop as I read!
Another delight and will be awaiting the next instalment xx
Pie Comes Before A Fall sees us back in the village with the loveable character of Flora.
I love the way these books have atmosphere, humour and mystery, yet still feel ultimately soothing to me.
I can picture myself in the tea shop as I read!
Another delight and will be awaiting the next instalment xx
November 20, 2021
This series is such fun to write! This book follows on from the first in the series, and sees Flora and her feathered friend trying to settle into Baker's Rise without ruffling too many feathers!
With the same cast of quirky characters in a quaint English village, and some plot points that run through the books, this series is best read in order.
I hope you enjoy visiting Baker's Rise and will consider leaving a review!
With the same cast of quirky characters in a quaint English village, and some plot points that run through the books, this series is best read in order.
I hope you enjoy visiting Baker's Rise and will consider leaving a review!
August 7, 2023
Good Mystery
Ray Dodds, landlord of the Baker’s Rise village pub, the aptly named Bun in The Oven, and self-confessed local Lothario, meets an untimely demise in this second book of the popular cosy mystery series.
This is a good mystery! Full of trepidation and Reggie's good modes. I borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited. This in no way affects my opinion of this book.
Ray Dodds, landlord of the Baker’s Rise village pub, the aptly named Bun in The Oven, and self-confessed local Lothario, meets an untimely demise in this second book of the popular cosy mystery series.
This is a good mystery! Full of trepidation and Reggie's good modes. I borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited. This in no way affects my opinion of this book.
January 6, 2025
The best part of this series is Reggie, Flora's talkative parrot. He was part of her inheritance, but seems so comfortable with her that he could have always belonged with her.
There is another murder mystery as the story is barely underway and the perpetrator is again not who you expect.
There is another murder mystery as the story is barely underway and the perpetrator is again not who you expect.
June 17, 2025
Another triumph!
I loved this second entry. More background and drama from the villagers with light touches of romance. And most of all, my new favorite pet duo of Reggie and Tina!
On to book three!
I loved this second entry. More background and drama from the villagers with light touches of romance. And most of all, my new favorite pet duo of Reggie and Tina!
On to book three!
October 17, 2023
Who killed Ray Dodds and why??? He said that he had so many children just coming out of the woodwork??? I enjoyed this story and recommended the book.
August 7, 2023
Yet another high quality book in a great cozy mystery series! The unique hook is the cheeky parrot sidekick. Good fun!
September 28, 2024
This is an enjoyable series, but the fact that there is a bird hopping around on the tearoom tables when people are eating is very off putting and gross. Birds crap everywhere.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews