What do you think?
Rate this book
Piper Sandstone Savory Mystery #5
Crab Cake Criminal
Going undercover just got complicated…
She’s a Chicago detective hiding in a Gulf Coast town. With a price on her head, Piper Sandstone is forced undercover as a waitress at a local cafe. But when a dognapping and murder shake up the local community, Piper finds herself tangled in the mystery. Now, keeping a low profile is not an option anymore if she wants to survive.
Better known as Alligator Alley, Savory is not your typical tourist Gulf Coast town. Why? Because it’s home to the three-time AKC champion poodle Victory Cup Valentino, but this year bad things are about to go down. Even before Piper can get unpacked, there is a murder, and the poodle goes missing right before the Westminster Dog Show.
Piper can’t resist looking into the case, and she can’t risk blowing her cover if she wants to make her way back home. But before she can get any answers, all hell breaks loose when a body turns up in the bayou. And she's at the center of the crime scene.
Fortunately for Piper, a group of retired ladies known as the Dentures and Diamonds Crime Squad is on her side, and they are a force to be reckoned with. Now, they must work together to solve the crime and stop the murderer before another Savory resident winds up dead.
Crab Cake Criminal, the fifth installment in the Savory Mystery Series, is a fun, thrilling cozy mystery that will keep you riveted to your seat with twists and turns that you won’t see coming. It's Miss Congeniality meets the Golden Girls with a little Agatha Christie.
Includes savory recipes.
She’s a Chicago detective hiding in a Gulf Coast town. With a price on her head, Piper Sandstone is forced undercover as a waitress at a local cafe. But when a dognapping and murder shake up the local community, Piper finds herself tangled in the mystery. Now, keeping a low profile is not an option anymore if she wants to survive.
Better known as Alligator Alley, Savory is not your typical tourist Gulf Coast town. Why? Because it’s home to the three-time AKC champion poodle Victory Cup Valentino, but this year bad things are about to go down. Even before Piper can get unpacked, there is a murder, and the poodle goes missing right before the Westminster Dog Show.
Piper can’t resist looking into the case, and she can’t risk blowing her cover if she wants to make her way back home. But before she can get any answers, all hell breaks loose when a body turns up in the bayou. And she's at the center of the crime scene.
Fortunately for Piper, a group of retired ladies known as the Dentures and Diamonds Crime Squad is on her side, and they are a force to be reckoned with. Now, they must work together to solve the crime and stop the murderer before another Savory resident winds up dead.
Crab Cake Criminal, the fifth installment in the Savory Mystery Series, is a fun, thrilling cozy mystery that will keep you riveted to your seat with twists and turns that you won’t see coming. It's Miss Congeniality meets the Golden Girls with a little Agatha Christie.
Includes savory recipes.
71 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 14, 2021
104 people are currently reading
57 people want to read
About the author
Karen McSpade
35 books228 followersRaised in the Arkansas River Valley, Karen McSpade grew up with a fishing pole in one hand and her trusty .410 shotgun in the other. Exploring the creeks and woods around her hometown while hunting with her father kept her “entertained and out of jail,” as her mom likes to say.
As a child, her most prized possessions were her books and her Michael Jackson album collection. These led her to a brief venture into breakdancing and poetry slamming before discovering her true passion, bringing stories and characters to life. Today, she focuses on the two things that still inspire her creativity—her love for food and dishing up mysteries with a dash of humor.
Karen’s novels feature compassionate and strong-willed leading ladies determined to uncover the truth and seek justice. She loves creating stories filled with mystery, romance, magic, and adventure that allow readers to join her characters on their journey, leaving behind the real world for a few hours at a time.
When she’s not writing, Karen’s favorite things are spending time with family, traveling, cooking, reading, gardening, and enjoying nature. She lives in Northwest Arkansas with her family and a very spoiled Wheaten Terrier who doubles as her writing assistant.
As a child, her most prized possessions were her books and her Michael Jackson album collection. These led her to a brief venture into breakdancing and poetry slamming before discovering her true passion, bringing stories and characters to life. Today, she focuses on the two things that still inspire her creativity—her love for food and dishing up mysteries with a dash of humor.
Karen’s novels feature compassionate and strong-willed leading ladies determined to uncover the truth and seek justice. She loves creating stories filled with mystery, romance, magic, and adventure that allow readers to join her characters on their journey, leaving behind the real world for a few hours at a time.
When she’s not writing, Karen’s favorite things are spending time with family, traveling, cooking, reading, gardening, and enjoying nature. She lives in Northwest Arkansas with her family and a very spoiled Wheaten Terrier who doubles as her writing assistant.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
January 16, 2024
Entertaining mystery listening 🎶🎧
This kindle e-book novella is from my Kindle Unlimited account book 5 of 5 in the series.
Piper Sandstone in in witnesses protection program on the coast of Alabama. She has made a number of friends including the ladies crime club. With their help they investigate the kidnapping of the dog and two murders. It all comes together leading to their capturing the killer on the local golf course. She gets a phone call from the chief in Chicago. He tells her she is going undercover in the Alabama coast.
I would recommend this series and author to readers of romantic family and friends relationship adventure mystery novels. 2024 👒🤗😡🏝
This kindle e-book novella is from my Kindle Unlimited account book 5 of 5 in the series.
Piper Sandstone in in witnesses protection program on the coast of Alabama. She has made a number of friends including the ladies crime club. With their help they investigate the kidnapping of the dog and two murders. It all comes together leading to their capturing the killer on the local golf course. She gets a phone call from the chief in Chicago. He tells her she is going undercover in the Alabama coast.
I would recommend this series and author to readers of romantic family and friends relationship adventure mystery novels. 2024 👒🤗😡🏝
December 17, 2021
I enjoyed this book!!!
I really enjoyed this book, had a satisfying ending that I hope there is another series. All the the climb of the slope and the reveal of the climax to the ending was entirely great and fulfilling. This was a great end to the series. Hopefully we see more!! Fingers crossed!
I really enjoyed this book, had a satisfying ending that I hope there is another series. All the the climb of the slope and the reveal of the climax to the ending was entirely great and fulfilling. This was a great end to the series. Hopefully we see more!! Fingers crossed!
December 8, 2021
Crab Cake Criminal. Ms. McSpade takes part five of this Piper Sandstone mystery to a brilliant conclusion. The Delta Queens provide just the best backup for Sharon as they work together to catch a killer. This is a great conclusion to this five part series.
I received an ARC copy from the author but the opinion given is mine. Don't miss out on this one. It's great!
I received an ARC copy from the author but the opinion given is mine. Don't miss out on this one. It's great!
December 6, 2021
Chicago detective Piper Sandstone is hiding out in Savory, Alabama while waiting for the dirty cops she exposed to go on trial. She's masquerading as a waitress named Sharon, and has met four interesting older ladies who call themselves the Dentures and Diamonds Crime Squad. When a champion dog and his trainer both go missing, the ladies think there's been foul play, and when a dead body winds up in the bayou, they know for sure.
They've roped Piper into their schemes, and Piper isn't hesitating -- you can take the cop out of the city, but she's still a cop through and through. So she's curious as to who killed the young woman, and what is really going on. But as the mystery deepens, so does Piper's interest, and she's determined to find the face of a killer who has no remorse and may be ready to kill again...
This is the fifth book in the series and I have read them all; with great enjoyment for each one. Piper is an interesting character, but the Dentures and Diamond ladies are a hoot. They have no qualms about anything they do, even if it might bring them trouble down the line. Unfortunately, they're all trying to stay under the radar when it comes to the sheriff, who is already suspicious about Piper as it is.
The ladies are all quite adept at what they do, even if they do get themselves in near-trouble, they manage to find their way out easily, and some of the situations are downright funny. But murder isn't funny in the least, and Piper, along with her friends, manage to put the pieces together nicely.
In this last episode, we discover the identity of the murderer and the reasons for the killings as well. It's a rather insane reason, but then again, aren't killers crazy (to say the least) in the first place? The climax is done very well, and the plot keeps you reading; and we're given a satisfactory ending to the book. I have been delighted in them all and in the finality of this one as well. Highly recommended.
I was given an advance copy from the author but this in no way influenced my review.
They've roped Piper into their schemes, and Piper isn't hesitating -- you can take the cop out of the city, but she's still a cop through and through. So she's curious as to who killed the young woman, and what is really going on. But as the mystery deepens, so does Piper's interest, and she's determined to find the face of a killer who has no remorse and may be ready to kill again...
This is the fifth book in the series and I have read them all; with great enjoyment for each one. Piper is an interesting character, but the Dentures and Diamond ladies are a hoot. They have no qualms about anything they do, even if it might bring them trouble down the line. Unfortunately, they're all trying to stay under the radar when it comes to the sheriff, who is already suspicious about Piper as it is.
The ladies are all quite adept at what they do, even if they do get themselves in near-trouble, they manage to find their way out easily, and some of the situations are downright funny. But murder isn't funny in the least, and Piper, along with her friends, manage to put the pieces together nicely.
In this last episode, we discover the identity of the murderer and the reasons for the killings as well. It's a rather insane reason, but then again, aren't killers crazy (to say the least) in the first place? The climax is done very well, and the plot keeps you reading; and we're given a satisfactory ending to the book. I have been delighted in them all and in the finality of this one as well. Highly recommended.
I was given an advance copy from the author but this in no way influenced my review.
October 25, 2022
Things heat up for our sleuths as the girls find out that Adam and Valorie are only lovers and not killers. However, a chance spotting of a kid in the diner getting an order prompts Sharon (Piper) to ask her friends who he is and it’s revealed he is the driver for
Richard- Winston’s business partner. Finding out further information leads to the conclusion of who is
behind the murders and abduction and the girls have a thrilling chase scene leading to catching him red handed in poisoning Winston’s drink and getting Richard arrested. Sharon comes clean about who she really is to her friends and the sheriff and it appears she’ll stay in Savory for a while as a new series is being launched.
I enjoyed this series though I wish some areas were cleared up more but overall it was a good read. I recommend this series to all who love cozy mysteries but suggest you get the box set instead of 5 individual books so you can go from one book to the next without having to find the next book in your library. Having them all together in one place is much more convenient and less time consuming and besides these books are so quick to read you can read this entire series in a day if you aren’t interrupted! Each book takes just over an hour to read and even less if you’re a speed reader But I like the leisurely pace myself.
Get this series and then be ready to continue reading about Piper and the Dentures and Diamonds Crime Squad in the new series Bacon Bodyguards and Ballistics!
Richard- Winston’s business partner. Finding out further information leads to the conclusion of who is
behind the murders and abduction and the girls have a thrilling chase scene leading to catching him red handed in poisoning Winston’s drink and getting Richard arrested. Sharon comes clean about who she really is to her friends and the sheriff and it appears she’ll stay in Savory for a while as a new series is being launched.
I enjoyed this series though I wish some areas were cleared up more but overall it was a good read. I recommend this series to all who love cozy mysteries but suggest you get the box set instead of 5 individual books so you can go from one book to the next without having to find the next book in your library. Having them all together in one place is much more convenient and less time consuming and besides these books are so quick to read you can read this entire series in a day if you aren’t interrupted! Each book takes just over an hour to read and even less if you’re a speed reader But I like the leisurely pace myself.
Get this series and then be ready to continue reading about Piper and the Dentures and Diamonds Crime Squad in the new series Bacon Bodyguards and Ballistics!
December 22, 2022
Better known as Alligator Alley, Savory is not your typical tourist Gulf Coast town. Why? Because it’s home to the three-time AKC champion poodle Victory Cup Valentino, but this year bad things are about to go down. Even before Piper can get unpacked, there is a murder, and the poodle goes missing right before the Westminster Dog Show.
Piper can’t resist looking into the case, and she can’t risk blowing her cover if she wants to make her way back home. But before she can get any answers, all hell breaks loose when a body turns up in the bayou. And she's at the center of the crime scene.
Fortunately for Piper, a group of retired ladies known as the Dentures and Diamonds Crime Squad is on her side, and they are a force to be reckoned with. Now, they must work together to solve the crime and stop the murderer before another Savory resident winds up dead.
Crab Cake Criminal, the fifth installment in the Savory Mystery Series, is a fun, thrilling cozy mystery that will keep you riveted to your seat with twists and turns that you won’t see coming. It's Miss Congeniality meets the Golden Girls with a little Agatha Christie.
Includes savory recipes.
Two murders and a dog napping makes this book and the others in the series excellent.
Piper and the Dentures and Diamonds Crime Squad solved the murders and saved the day.
I borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
Piper can’t resist looking into the case, and she can’t risk blowing her cover if she wants to make her way back home. But before she can get any answers, all hell breaks loose when a body turns up in the bayou. And she's at the center of the crime scene.
Fortunately for Piper, a group of retired ladies known as the Dentures and Diamonds Crime Squad is on her side, and they are a force to be reckoned with. Now, they must work together to solve the crime and stop the murderer before another Savory resident winds up dead.
Crab Cake Criminal, the fifth installment in the Savory Mystery Series, is a fun, thrilling cozy mystery that will keep you riveted to your seat with twists and turns that you won’t see coming. It's Miss Congeniality meets the Golden Girls with a little Agatha Christie.
Includes savory recipes.
Two murders and a dog napping makes this book and the others in the series excellent.
Piper and the Dentures and Diamonds Crime Squad solved the murders and saved the day.
I borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
December 8, 2021
Pulling It All Together . . .
Chicago detective Piper Sandstone has been hiding out as the waitress “Sharon Sanders” at a local café in Savory, Alabama, after an undercover operation in Chicago goes wrong. A valuable poodle goes missing right before the Westminster Dog Show. Then a body turns up in the bayou. Piper just can’t keep her nose out of crime.
Another death occurred at the Crabby Clam Cafe where Piper works, when Mike ate a poisoned bowl of gumbo. The Delta Queens are backing Piper/Sharon up in trying to catch the killer. With Sharon hiding in a closet and listening in, they determine that Adam and Valorie are not the killers, but they are having an affair. It seemed obvious now. Were her Chicago PD skills getting rusty out here? What could they be missing that they can’t seem to get a handle on this one?
The characters are fun and friendly, and you won’t want to miss how the author ties it all together for us. This was fun and I look forward to additional stories now that we’ve all been adopted into the town and are good friends with the Delta Queens! So grab your copy and see who the murderer is! (And just as a preference, I would have preferred having all these parts put into one book so it could be read at whatever pace the reader chooses without having to wait for the next part. But I did enjoy the mystery.)
Chicago detective Piper Sandstone has been hiding out as the waitress “Sharon Sanders” at a local café in Savory, Alabama, after an undercover operation in Chicago goes wrong. A valuable poodle goes missing right before the Westminster Dog Show. Then a body turns up in the bayou. Piper just can’t keep her nose out of crime.
Another death occurred at the Crabby Clam Cafe where Piper works, when Mike ate a poisoned bowl of gumbo. The Delta Queens are backing Piper/Sharon up in trying to catch the killer. With Sharon hiding in a closet and listening in, they determine that Adam and Valorie are not the killers, but they are having an affair. It seemed obvious now. Were her Chicago PD skills getting rusty out here? What could they be missing that they can’t seem to get a handle on this one?
The characters are fun and friendly, and you won’t want to miss how the author ties it all together for us. This was fun and I look forward to additional stories now that we’ve all been adopted into the town and are good friends with the Delta Queens! So grab your copy and see who the murderer is! (And just as a preference, I would have preferred having all these parts put into one book so it could be read at whatever pace the reader chooses without having to wait for the next part. But I did enjoy the mystery.)
August 21, 2024
I received an advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Crab Cake Criminal is the fifth and final installment in the Piper Sandstone Savory Mystery series.
The story continues just where it left off in book 4.
Adam and Valorie are revealed to be lovers, which leads Piper and her gal pals down other avenues of investigation.
In the end, all the mysteries are solved, & the killer is caught.
Piper tells the story of how and why she came to Savory to the Delta Queens, afraid they'll be mad at her for keeping such a secret.
They assure her they understand & no hard feelings.
Later at the Café, she recounts the same story to Jake & he lectures her that as a detective she should have known better than to behave as she did, but he admits she did good, and helped solve several crimes.
Things still aren't safe enough for Piper to go back to her life in Chicago, so the stage is set for continuing adventures of the Dentures and Diamonds Crime Squad & their newest junior member, Piper Sandstone.
All things considered, it was a fun little story, but I would have preferred it to be written as one complete novel instead of a collection of short novellas.
Crab Cake Criminal is the fifth and final installment in the Piper Sandstone Savory Mystery series.
The story continues just where it left off in book 4.
Adam and Valorie are revealed to be lovers, which leads Piper and her gal pals down other avenues of investigation.
In the end, all the mysteries are solved, & the killer is caught.
Piper tells the story of how and why she came to Savory to the Delta Queens, afraid they'll be mad at her for keeping such a secret.
They assure her they understand & no hard feelings.
Later at the Café, she recounts the same story to Jake & he lectures her that as a detective she should have known better than to behave as she did, but he admits she did good, and helped solve several crimes.
Things still aren't safe enough for Piper to go back to her life in Chicago, so the stage is set for continuing adventures of the Dentures and Diamonds Crime Squad & their newest junior member, Piper Sandstone.
All things considered, it was a fun little story, but I would have preferred it to be written as one complete novel instead of a collection of short novellas.
October 31, 2024
Crab Cake Criminal is the fifth and final book in the Piper Sandstone Savory Mystery series by Karen McSpade. It has been fun reading the Piper Sandstone Savory Mystery series. I have thoroughly enjoyed following Piper and the ladies as they investigated the case of the missing champion poodle Victory and the murder cases. The suspense kept me glued to the story through each book in the series.
I was very surprised when the killer and the reasons behind the killing and dognapping came out. I do believe it came as a shock to Piper and the ladies as well.
I have to say that I am sad to see the end of this series or is it the end? I am not quite sure how the end came about. I am hoping for more books with Piper and the Dentures and Diamonds Crime Squad ladies. Oh, I almost forgot about Mister. I can’t leave him out as he is so cute and lovable.
I recommend Crab Cake Criminal to all cozy mystery fans! Grab a copy of Crab Cake Criminal today!
I was very surprised when the killer and the reasons behind the killing and dognapping came out. I do believe it came as a shock to Piper and the ladies as well.
I have to say that I am sad to see the end of this series or is it the end? I am not quite sure how the end came about. I am hoping for more books with Piper and the Dentures and Diamonds Crime Squad ladies. Oh, I almost forgot about Mister. I can’t leave him out as he is so cute and lovable.
I recommend Crab Cake Criminal to all cozy mystery fans! Grab a copy of Crab Cake Criminal today!
September 1, 2022
by Barbara Kelley
This book was Part 5 of 5 of the Piper Sandstone Savory Mystery series. I absolutely loved Piper Sandstone/Sharon Sanders, as well as the Delta Queens, also known as the Dentures and Diamonds Squad of amateur retired lady sleuths. I loved Jake, the hottie sheriff of Savory. I loved all of the characters, whether they were good, bad, or ugly acting. I kinda sorta had it figured out who the killer was by that person's facial reaction during an event that happened in either part 2 or 3. I won't say anymore about that, except that unless you have read a gazillion murder mysteries like I have, you probably won't figure out who the killer is until Piper figured it out herself. I gave this part, as well as the entire series a big fat 5 star rating!
This book was Part 5 of 5 of the Piper Sandstone Savory Mystery series. I absolutely loved Piper Sandstone/Sharon Sanders, as well as the Delta Queens, also known as the Dentures and Diamonds Squad of amateur retired lady sleuths. I loved Jake, the hottie sheriff of Savory. I loved all of the characters, whether they were good, bad, or ugly acting. I kinda sorta had it figured out who the killer was by that person's facial reaction during an event that happened in either part 2 or 3. I won't say anymore about that, except that unless you have read a gazillion murder mysteries like I have, you probably won't figure out who the killer is until Piper figured it out herself. I gave this part, as well as the entire series a big fat 5 star rating!
December 2, 2021
Karen McSpade has written a charming and delightful cozey mystery murder series that has been a joy to read. The characters are so vibrant and colorful.The mystery full of intrigue with multiple suspects to fallow along with bringing one twist after another to fallow up on for a group of small town spunky senior women and one frustrated female under cover city detective Piper Sandstone to try figure out bringing mayhem and laughter to carry you through to the finnally of this zany mystery adventure. Acquire " Crab Cake Criminal " to find out if Piper and her new found friends Dentures and Diamond Crime squad crack the case.😀 Kat
December 9, 2021
Short enough to read at lunchtime or when you just feel like sitting down to take a short rest, this series is super fun and enjoyable, and as a matter of fact, you can read them all in one day. You do need to read them in order so you don't have those question marks well-thought-outer your head as you delve in. Plenty of twists and turns (even though this is a short, quick read) take you to a satisfying conclusion, the only sad part is that the series has ended. Quirky fun characters in well-thought-out sequences will be sure to satisfy any mystery/cozy lover. You'll find yourself in love with Savory, AL, and Sharon/Piper. Just get this series now, you won't be disappointed.
December 13, 2021
Piper and the Delta Queens manage to unravel a few puzzles and whittle away at the identity of a murderer - as well as a few other folks who have secrets.
A few colleagues drop by, after getting her phone number and determining her location- Piper really needs to have the safety conversation with her mom again, as Piper is hiding out in Savory after a disastrous attempt to deal with some dirty cops. Is Piper safe in Savory? Are the people around her safe?
humorous sisterhood sleuthing meets serious inquiries in law and justice
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A few colleagues drop by, after getting her phone number and determining her location- Piper really needs to have the safety conversation with her mom again, as Piper is hiding out in Savory after a disastrous attempt to deal with some dirty cops. Is Piper safe in Savory? Are the people around her safe?
humorous sisterhood sleuthing meets serious inquiries in law and justice
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 13, 2021
Oh my gosh, this book was so worth the wait especially the epic takedown of the killer by none other than Piper-pretending-to-be-Sharon who knew she'd have some splainin' to do. It picked right up from the end of the fourth book. I'd wondered how they were going to get out of the stakeout without being seen, lol.
I really loved the ending for this book and definitely wouldn't mind seeing another little mini series featuring Piper in her new home only as herself. Those ladies were such a hoot and reacted so awesomely when they found out the truth about their friend. Definitely be sure to read this series in order or risk being a little confused, lol.
I really loved the ending for this book and definitely wouldn't mind seeing another little mini series featuring Piper in her new home only as herself. Those ladies were such a hoot and reacted so awesomely when they found out the truth about their friend. Definitely be sure to read this series in order or risk being a little confused, lol.
August 21, 2023
Crab Cake Criminal - a review by Rosemary Kenny.
Piper Sandstone is a Chicago PD Detective on the run from the drug lords she unmasked at a gala.
Now undercover in the quaintly-named small town of Savory, she masquerades as Sharon, the new bakery employee and gets to know the gaggle of local women who've become the Delta Queens, aka the Dentures and Diamonds Justice Team of amateur sleuths.
Before long 'Sharon's' skills and training are in demand, as locals die and a pedigree pooch vanishes, in a case worthy of Jessica Fletcher or Columbo.
Whodunit?
To find out, you'll have to get a copy of Crab Cake Criminal by Karen McSpade - don't delay, get to the bookstore right away!
Piper Sandstone is a Chicago PD Detective on the run from the drug lords she unmasked at a gala.
Now undercover in the quaintly-named small town of Savory, she masquerades as Sharon, the new bakery employee and gets to know the gaggle of local women who've become the Delta Queens, aka the Dentures and Diamonds Justice Team of amateur sleuths.
Before long 'Sharon's' skills and training are in demand, as locals die and a pedigree pooch vanishes, in a case worthy of Jessica Fletcher or Columbo.
Whodunit?
To find out, you'll have to get a copy of Crab Cake Criminal by Karen McSpade - don't delay, get to the bookstore right away!
January 3, 2025
This was book 5 of the Piper Sandstone Savory Mystery Series and to have to say it was the best one by far! They identified the killer and stopped another murder from happening just in the nick of time!
Piper was able to come clean to her friends and I think that will help the series. I do wish her buddy from Chicago would be more in the story but he’s in Chicago still.
Looks like book 6 starts a new mystery for them to solve.
My one real complaint is that I still feel like it took too many books to find the killer. Each book is so short that it was a little annoying to have to keep getting the next book in the series instead of having one longer book.
Piper was able to come clean to her friends and I think that will help the series. I do wish her buddy from Chicago would be more in the story but he’s in Chicago still.
Looks like book 6 starts a new mystery for them to solve.
My one real complaint is that I still feel like it took too many books to find the killer. Each book is so short that it was a little annoying to have to keep getting the next book in the series instead of having one longer book.
December 4, 2021
Last book in this little group.... I really enjoyed this book. There was never a dull moment. I really liked how the ending wrapped up as well. (Don't worry no spoilers) I've really have enjoyed getting to know Piper aka Sharon, and the crazy Diamond squad. Hopefully there are more adventures with them since I can see so many more stories unfold with them. I enjoyed them being short reads. As much as I love regular size length books its nice to have one where if you binge read at bedtime your not up all night. Great read, hope there is more, but overall a good book and fun series.
October 31, 2022
I waited until the end of the mystery to say anything. I cannot believe Piper ever made the grade of Detective. She is so inept and doesn't seem to have a clue as to what she is doing. If she did, why did it take her so long to realize there was something about the pimple faced boy at the pet store. The next time she saw him she should have known where she saw him before (especially as he almost ran her down with his car). Another thing that irked me was the way she was so insecure and not being able to act like any kind of a police officer. Thumbs down!
November 12, 2022
So sad to come to the end of this suspenseful and gripping whodunit. Through twists and being stumped, the killer is finally apprehended! Now what will Pipper do! Is she able to go back home or will she have to stay? Just have to read to find out! Don't forget about the delicious recipes!
Thanks to the author for providing this book for my honest review!
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Realistic. Easy-to-read. Wonderful characters. Page-turner. Original. Action-packed. Unpredictable. Witty. Happily Ever After Whimsical Entertaining
Thanks to the author for providing this book for my honest review!
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Realistic. Easy-to-read. Wonderful characters. Page-turner. Original. Action-packed. Unpredictable. Witty. Happily Ever After Whimsical Entertaining
August 13, 2024
Crab Cake Criminal is part 5 in Karen McSpade's Piper Sandstone Savory Mystery Collection. As the finale, it does a fine job wrapping up the murder case that's been plaguing Savory, Alabama's police force and citizen's alike. Sharon/Piper and the Delta Queen's do some impressive undercover spy work to identify and catch the killer. But are they in time before he can strike again, or will another innocent victim lose to his personal motives? Definitely read Crab Cake Criminal to finally find out who has been causing all of this trouble for the quaint southern town.
November 30, 2021
Without spoiling the story, I'll simply say that McSpade has wrapped up this particular adventure of Sharon/Piper's well. The criminal is caught, after an impromptu murder board is created along with a few more adventures.
Piper gets a surprise visit, too, that I think helped move the process along. Nicely done, Ms. McSpade. While concluding this story, it is left open to the possibility of further adventures in Savory. I liked it!
I received an ARC; this is my honest review.
Piper gets a surprise visit, too, that I think helped move the process along. Nicely done, Ms. McSpade. While concluding this story, it is left open to the possibility of further adventures in Savory. I liked it!
I received an ARC; this is my honest review.
December 7, 2021
Piper isn't as confident as she once was in solving crimes. She just can't get a handle on the latest murders in the small town of Savory where she is hiding from the 'bad boys' in Chicago. Even with the Denture and Diamond ladies, things just are not coming together like it should. What are they missing? Has to be something to lead them to the killer they are not seeing. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
December 7, 2021
I read the 5 books in one sitting, losing sleep, but not caring. I couldn’t put my iPad down. Treat yourselves to the series, the Denture and Diamond ladies are amateur sleuths who don’t stop till they get to the truth. Funny in parts and Karen McSpade certainly excelled with this series of books. I wish I could give it more than 5 stars. I won’t give away the plot , you would spend more on a coffee though you wouldn’t enjoy it as much as the series.
December 9, 2021
Read books in order, you dont want to miss a thing.
Well, would you really expect a Detective from a Big City, having to be incongnito- she was shipped to
a small town, working as a waitress. Her cover name was Sharon. With alot of crimes coming out,
she is drawn into the thick of it, the Dentures and Diamonds " detectives"-aka geriatric women solving mysteries and crimes. together they are more fun that a sack full of baby raccoons.
You will love every step in their high jinx and adventures. This is a really fun adventure you dont want to miss!
Well, would you really expect a Detective from a Big City, having to be incongnito- she was shipped to
a small town, working as a waitress. Her cover name was Sharon. With alot of crimes coming out,
she is drawn into the thick of it, the Dentures and Diamonds " detectives"-aka geriatric women solving mysteries and crimes. together they are more fun that a sack full of baby raccoons.
You will love every step in their high jinx and adventures. This is a really fun adventure you dont want to miss!
December 10, 2021
The 5th and unfortunately last in this series is definitely a not to be missed, it's a hilarious series about an undercover cop who pretends to be a waitress and the great team calling themselves the dentures and diamonds crime squad with a murder to solve, the good news is not only is it a fun read but the characters are well written and you feel like you are along for the ride. Its unfortunate that this is the last of the series but it is a can't miss read and a twist filled ride
January 14, 2022
finished
Five books into this series, I ran into a very satisfying ending. Piper aka Sharon is a fun character. The Diamond and Denture girls are entertaining. Put all five ladies together, mix in mystery and murder, add a secret past, and read along for a wild, funny, entertaining story. I can’t wait to see what disasters are around the corner for this off-beat group of sleuths.
Five books into this series, I ran into a very satisfying ending. Piper aka Sharon is a fun character. The Diamond and Denture girls are entertaining. Put all five ladies together, mix in mystery and murder, add a secret past, and read along for a wild, funny, entertaining story. I can’t wait to see what disasters are around the corner for this off-beat group of sleuths.
January 30, 2024
Sharon and the Delta Queens press on in their investigation and suddenly they see something that begins to make some sense but realize they need to see Winston to protect him. This ends up as a chase on the golf course where they catch the killer in action trying to kill Winston. Love theses ladies and their style, they are such fun, the kind of people you'd like to have as friends. Great read.
August 26, 2024
This was a delightful series! Sharon AKA Piper belongs in Savory with the Denture and Diamonds Crime Squad. They have more success than the local law enforcement. Probably because rules and regulations do not hold them back. Poor Jake keeps getting frustrated because he keeps finding Sharon in compromising locations. When she finally solves the mystery, she saves a life and comes clean to her friends and Jake. I enjoyed this series immensely.
December 3, 2021
Sharon and the girls have solved the case. It was someone who no one expected to be a killer but he was and apparently a dognapper to boot. Sharon aka Piper also tell the diamond and.dentures crew her true identity and then she also tells.Jake but he doesn't get mad. What are the undercover assignment chief Hobbs wants Piper to help with, hopefully we will find out soon.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 7, 2021
A great finish to the Savory Mystery Series! I enjoyed each book. This was the first time I’ve read a series like this. I liked having the short books so I could squeeze them in during the busy holiday season. I enjoyed the quirky characters and the crazy adventures of the group. I highly recommend each of the books in this series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews