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Cupcake Crimes #7

Red Velvet Villainy

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Valentine's Day is about to take a turn for the worse.

Charlotte McKay has a passion for baking cupcakes, but when the owner of the Soup Alleyoop restaurant is attacked, she trades in her baking hat for a chef's apron to help in the kitchen making soups. The beloved Gus wouldn't hurt a fly, so when he ends up in the hospital after being attacked, no one quite knows where to point the finger.

With the restaurant hanging on by a thread and a criminal on the loose, Charlotte knows she will have to solve this crime with a soup ladle in one hand and a cupcake pan in the other. When it becomes clear that there is more to the coveted soup recipes than meets the eye, Charlotte is certain that the person who attacked Gus won't stop until Gus is silenced once and for all.

"Red Velvet Villainy" is filled with layered clues and cozy moments, written by Molly Maple, which is a pen name for a USA Today bestselling author.

150 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 2, 2022

70 people are currently reading
236 people want to read

About the author

Molly Maple

19 books83 followers
Molly Maple believes in the magic of hot tea and the romance of rainy days.

She is a fan of all desserts, but cupcakes have a special place in her heart. She spends her days searching for fresh air, and her evenings reading in front of a fireplace.

Molly Maple is a pen name for USA Today bestselling fantasy author, Mary E. Twomey. Visit her online at www.MollyMapleMysteries.com.

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5 stars
247 (51%)
4 stars
150 (31%)
3 stars
70 (14%)
2 stars
8 (1%)
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2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
Profile Image for Wendi.
315 reviews25 followers
April 14, 2023
This series is certainly a go to for me when I need a light/fun/fast read. This edition to the story is no disappointment.
The Bonus: every book features a cupcake and at the end of each book is the recipe for that cupcake. I must admit that this one has me more excited than any of the others so far. I can't wait to test out this recipe and have my taste buds experience the story.
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
20.7k reviews359 followers
January 4, 2022
Who Attacked Gus ? . . .

Planning out a Valentine's Day party sponsored by the “Live Forever Club” ladies, Charlotte and Aunt Winnie stop at Soup Alleyoop to check it out as a possible place to hold the party. To their surprise, they find the owner, Gus, badly beaten, tied up, and unconscious in a closet. Who would do such a thing to Gus?

Charlotte juggles running Gus’ restaurant along with her own business while Gus is recovering from the attack. She also knows she needs to get to the bottom of what is going on here, so she starts her investigation of the crime! Can she juggle all of these things and still find the attacker? Is she putting herself in danger? Will she find out what the person was after?

This was a cute cozy mystery with likable characters and a story line that flows well to keep the reader entertained as Charlotte tries to figure out the details. Grab your copy and enjoy!
Profile Image for Shannon.
366 reviews
December 25, 2021
It's a delightful cozy mystery that starts with Charlotte and her aunt Winnie searching for a place for a Valentine's Day party. And they find a body...fortunately Gus isn't dead, though who would want to hurt the sweet old man? Luckily for Gus, Charlotte has a knack for mystery solving.
It's a fun little story with no murder this time! Charlotte does her thing, by helping out both Gus with his business and solving his case. She learns a little about herself and how she wants people to enjoy her cupcakes. With a mystery to solve and some babysitting to do, she has her work cut for her.
All in all, a fun mystery to read!!
Note: this is a series, but each can be read alone, though I'd recommend reading all of them for maximum enjoyment for the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Kelli.Henshaw.
45 reviews
January 14, 2025
Chapter 11 was so cute I teared up a ton. Obsessed with Charolette giving it to Bill haha he deserved it.
Profile Image for Lene Blackthorn .
1,826 reviews7 followers
January 7, 2022
Charlotte is a master chef when it comes to her cupcake bakery, but stepping into the shoes of a soup master artist? That is definitely an unexpected challenge. However, finding the sweet old man tied and unconscious with a need for medical attention, there is no other choice for Charlie than to take the apron and tend to the customers until Gus' return. All the while making new friends, maintaining her own relationship, and maybe solving a mystery of who could have attacked the sweet old man.
This cozy mystery was a happy fast read for me, switching off my brain and going away from reality, focusing on the plot and the clues in the story instead. Even though I did not read the previous books in the series and hence missed some past references, it did not diminish the joy from the reading experience and it was still easy to follow. The characters in this book represent a typical variety for a small town, and Charlie is a very selfless heroine with heart of gold (which can bite her one day, but it's her choice :) ) I really liked the book and maybe I will find some time to read the previous volumes to catch up.
Profile Image for Michelle.
1,539 reviews13 followers
December 20, 2021
Charlotte is helping her Aunt Winnie with plans for the Live Forever Club’s Valentines Day bash. When they arrive at the venue a unique eatery called Soup Alleyoop they find the owner Gus has been attacked and stuffed in a closet. Charlotte goes from full time cupcake maker to baker and part time soup maker in order to help Gus out. She’s shocked to the core that something so heinous could happen in their sweet little town. In her very small amount of spare time she tries to get to the bottom of who hurt Gus.
Enjoyed the small town atmosphere. Lots of focus on soup making and baking. Felt a bit confused about the relationships and who’s who. I would’ve like a quick reintroduction for those like me who have not read previous books in the series. Especially as this book is more character focused than mystery focused. It’s an enjoyable read. I liked seeing the growth of Charlotte as she tries new things. I’d definitely be interested in reading more in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
75 reviews1 follower
January 2, 2022
I've read all of the books in this series, and can say they're about 80% enjoyable. The side characters and settings are all interesting and feel alive (especially this book!). And who doesn't love a baker finding her confidence and building a new life?

My cons...which in this book especially are pronounced... 1) Charlotte sometimes is an idiot. The hesitancy she feels in the finale of this book is ludicrous, especially when we all figured out who it was pages ago. 2) The constant repetition of: she's a baker, this is her bf, this is her bff, this is who she's related to, do you know she's new in town? do you know she loves cupcakes?...i understand repeating elements for those who haven't read earlier books but this happens over and over and over. I started skimming past those paragraphs! when they came up.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Judy Johnson.
839 reviews2 followers
January 3, 2022
Really 4.5 stars (but that's not a choice). Another fun read in this cozy mystery series that features books that are well written and detailed so that they do just fine as a standalone if this is your first venture (into this series). Twists and turns and just the right amount of humor are the perfect ingredients in this culinary cozy series of books with fun characters and never a dull moment. Never a spoiler in my reviews here's what else you need to know: Enjoyable book featuring Charlotte and Aunt Winnie both of whom can't seem to steer clear of trouble...full of great characters that keep your interest until you get to the end! Keeps you guessing and makes you smile! Just what you hope for in a cozy mystery and just the right length to give you what you would expect, moving at a good pace without getting boring.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Leena Aluru.
611 reviews41 followers
January 5, 2022
SWEET AS CUPCAKE 🧁

This is another sweet gem, a fitting continuation to the existing series. It center's around the Valentine Day party that the Live Forever Club wants to organize, at the Alleyhoop Soup , a niche soup serving restaurant. The owner of the restaurant,Gus is found hurt and tied up in the pantry.

Charlotte, chips in to the daily running of the soup center along with baking her muffins. In the process,she not only makes a a new friend,but helps out with babysitting and teaches a kid to juggle and catches the culprit.

I love this series for the simplicity of plot and character. There's only one mainstream plot here- pure kindness. It heartens me to read this series and hope to continue to do so.

A very pleasant read and even though its part of a series, one can happily manage without reading the previous books.

Recommended : 👍 definitely.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
229 reviews5 followers
January 7, 2022
I have read and truly loved every book in this series but this one touched me more than the others. Valentine's Day is right around the corner and, while trying to lock down a place to hold their party, Charlotte and her great-aunt, Winnie come across the assaulted owner of the local soup restaurant. They jump into action and Charlotte knows she needs to find the culprit. She ends up helping at the restaurant and it was nice to see her enjoying herself doing something else besides making cupcakes. Even though this book follows the others in that Charlotte and her bestie, Marianne, investigate, I enjoyed reading about her connecting with other locals and making a difference in their lives. I also loved her burgeoning friendship with the owner of the soup restaurant. I highly recommend this series. Happy Reading!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
336 reviews3 followers
January 9, 2022
An Attack during Valentine's Season in Sweetwater Falls!!!

Red Velvet Villainy is a seventh book in a Cupcake Crimes Series and it can be read as a standalone.

Charlotte McKay owns the Bravery Bakery in Sweetwater Falls that she lives with her Aunt Winifred "Winnie". Her Bakery is doing very well with Marianne, her best friend, helps as a baking assistant. When Gus, the owner of the Soup Alleyoop restaurant, is attacked and still recovering, Charlotte jumps in to help running Gus's Soup restaurant while also running her own Bakery and she still needs to get to the bottom of who attacked Gus and why???

This is a fun, fast paced, enjoyable, exciting cozy mystery full of mystery, humor and romance. I really enjoy this book and would recommend it to any cozy mystery fan. It is very entertaining and I am looking forward to read the next books in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Judy R.
294 reviews2 followers
December 17, 2021
Oh my gosh, I just so enjoying reading the exploits of Charlotte and her friends and family.
In this installment, her great aunt Winnie and her are meeting with the owner of the soup and recreational shop for kids. After waiting for a while, they finally go exploring to find him. Someone has attacked the poor man. Charlotte, being herself, offers to help out in the kitchen while he is recuperating.

She does find the time to check in with her friend Marianne even if they don’t see each other since Charlotte is so busy. Charlotte also stops to see her friend Agnes and helps her finally clear out Agnes’ deceased husband’s items so that she can more on.

With all of this occurring, Charlotte is still trying to come up with her Cupcake of the Month flavor. She’s one busy lady.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for J.
4,061 reviews19 followers
January 3, 2022
Maple does it again in this wonderful cozy mystery. Charlotte is back in all her cupcake baking perfection and mystery solving ways. I adore Charlotte and all her gang. Every time I see a Maple mystery I get so excited, cause I know it's going to be sweet and satisfying. Well written with great storyline and flow - these cozy mysteries are sure to delight.
In this read, we're set for valentines day celebrations with Charlotte helping the Live Forever Club with the festivities when they find that the owner of their venue has been attacked! Charlotte can't believe something like this could happen in their small lil town and in her spare time (what's that?!?) tries to get to the bottom of it all!
Get ready for some laughs and cupcake cravings and a mystery to be solved!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Debbie Orazi.
1,755 reviews26 followers
January 3, 2022
Another great book in this series!

It is Valentine's season and Charlotte still needs to come up with a flavor of the month. It is also time for the annual Valentine's Day party put on by the Live Forever Club ladies. Charlotte goes along with Aunt Winnie to check out Soup Alleyoop as the venue for the party. They find the elderly owner Gus tied up in a closet and unconscious. Charlotte decides to help run the restaurant while Gus is recovering along with running her own business. While helping out she makes friends with Laura, an overwhelmed mother of three rambunctious boys, and gets an appreciation for Gus' artistry which she then incorporates into her baking.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
6,020 reviews45 followers
January 5, 2022
Not only do Charlotte and Aunt Winnie plan and execute an amazing Valentines party extravaganza, with the help of the Live Forever Club and associates, Charlotte picks up a few new friends, as well as some dance moves

A fellow food artist has some troubles literally wallop him over the head. As a result, Charlotte learns some things about savory foods, and appreciation for food as artist, and a means of bringing joy to people- not just a means to run a business.

surprising friendships, romances, and betrayals

another fun read, with warm friendships and neighborly connections and disconnects

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Leisel.
745 reviews4 followers
January 7, 2022
Sweetness Galore

I've now read a few of author Molly Maple's stories and I've thoroughly enjoyed each one. This is simply yet another delightful adventure we get to see her character Charlotte McKay and "the live forever" club take on all whilst surrounding the enticing world of baking sweet and yummy treats.
Sometimes reading a book is simply for a time to escape real life and drop yourself into a wonderful world of adventure and this was just one of these moments for me. A story and to date a series of stories of Charlotte McKay, her Aunty and friends to help you see a different spark to life.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Heather.
721 reviews
December 21, 2021
Sweetwater Falls is the sweet little town all these books take place in. This particular story surrounds The Soup Alleyoop. Gus the owner is discovered tied up in a closet when Charlotte and Aunt Winnie arrive. They are there to check out the space for their Valentine’s Day party. No one can understand who would attack Gus because he is so nice. Charlotte steps in to help Gus out while he is recovering, but she is also trying to solve who attacked him. Will Charlotte be able to solve the crime before someone comes for her instead?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
709 reviews5 followers
January 4, 2022
A great cozy to get us ready for the next holiday, Valentine's Day. Soup Alleyoop was the furthest from her mind when Charlotte's helps her Aunt Winnie find a venue for their Valentine's party but finding the owner almost bludgeoned to death and tied up was an even bigger surprise. Anxious to clear the name of her curmudgeon former boss Bill, she finds herself getting closer to truth and danger.

In return for her help in keeping Gus' business alive while he was incapacitated, she receives the advice she needs to showcase her passion through her cupcakes as he does his soup.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Pam.
351 reviews4 followers
January 10, 2022
Charlotte has been baking cupcakes and loves it. However when the new soup restaurant gets attacks
she jumps in to help out in the kitchen. Gus is a well loved character in town and no one knows who
might have wanted to hurt him. Charlotte has found that whoever attacked Gus will not stop until he
is dead and his recipes are up for grabs. Will she succed? This is one that you won't be able to put
down

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
5,665 reviews63 followers
January 25, 2022
Charlotte runs a bakery and when a fellow restaurant own gets hurt, she pitches in to keep the place going. Her aunt Winnie and a friend who helps at the bakery also pitch in while she is trying to figure out who has it in for the guy. The characters have great backstories and determination to keep going. The storyline has fun situations, roadblocks, secrets, dangerous plans and more. The book really keeps you entertained and the whole series has been really good.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Tantalizing Tomes.
182 reviews2 followers
February 22, 2022
Good story, GREAT characters

For the first time in the series the crime is not a murder mystery, there is a mystery that still needs to be solved. This book is like the others well written, and the perpetrator of the crime is one that is unexpected yet not at the same time. The humor is not as prolific in this book as the others, though it is still having plenty of humor. I do love this series a good cozy mystery that always has some humor that will make me laugh out loud. Charolette is the Cupcake Baker of the little town that always seems to stumble into trouble and with her curious mind and crazy group of friends. Again, this is a Bell Pepper on the Pepper scale, and I give this a 4 out of 5 stars.
I hope this helps you find your next Tantalizing Tome.
3,352 reviews18 followers
January 8, 2022
Valentine’s Day is about to take a turn for the worse.

Valentine's Day is supposed to be about love, romance, flowers, candy and cupcakes, not attempted murder. The story has suspense, mystery and intrigue that keep you turning the pages and holds your attention from beginning to end. You enjoy getting to know the characters with every turn of the page. Cozy mystery fans won't want to miss this one.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Profile Image for Mzlegz.
756 reviews2 followers
January 27, 2022
4.5/5 Stars - The Live Forever Club may have taken a back seat in this story, yet it still had some of the funny elements in previous stories. I wished that there was more interactions with Logan and Charlotte, but her friends (new and old) proved there was strength in numbers. I"m not a fan of clam chowder either but red velvet is in my top 5 favorite flavors.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3 reviews
Read
June 3, 2022
Don't plan anything tonight!

I started reading this fantastic Cupcake Crimes Series a couple days ago and found that I can't put it down. The mystery is always perfectly written and the cozy community shows how a teal community should be, loving and co!melted to being the best. Love Charlotte and how she, along with her crew solve the mysteries as well as become closer in the community.
Profile Image for Jay.
599 reviews11 followers
March 20, 2024
SPOILERS

Okay, so this one may not have been a murder, but it was another person found in a closet and another book that ended with Charlotte being strangled. We didn't even know the murderer existed as a character until way too far into the book. Then, once they showed up it was 100% obvious who it was, and even worse, the characters should have all known right away too! But they did not. This book was more frustrating than interesting cozy.
Profile Image for Natalie B.
187 reviews
July 30, 2024
Cute story, clean read. I really like this series. I read a book from the series between my favorite genre, thrillers, to give my brain a little break. I’ve grown fond of the characters. The reason for the 3 stars isn’t because it was bad. I love this cupcake series, it’s more that it’s easy reading and it’s not something that keeps me up at night. It’s cute reading but not something that will wow you.
Profile Image for Elisabeth Marschner.
31 reviews2 followers
December 12, 2021
Charlotte can't help herself when it comes to helping those who are close to her. After all the support and love the Live Forever Club has given her since she moved to Sweetwater Falls.
Charlotte makes some new friends and helps Agnes with a couple personal things.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for  Sophie.
2,003 reviews
January 4, 2022
Early pleaser for Valentine's Day. Charlotte and her Aunt Winnie at it again. Crime solving is fun with them. The ladies are hilarious. Its really entertaining. These two characters put a smile easily on your face by the end.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,714 reviews10 followers
January 4, 2022
This is a cozy mystery. It was easy to read and a page turner. Charlotte is meeting new people and making friends. In this mystery she has to find out who hurt Gus. I really enjoyed this read and would recommend it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for E.
1,876 reviews
April 5, 2022
Sweet story

It's Valentine's Day time & Charlotte's Aunt Winnie & her friends are looking for a place to throw a party. While checking out a venue they stumble upon the owner who has been hurt and tied up. Lots going on in this one while they try to figure things out. This is quickly becoming one of my favorite series. I look forward to reading the next book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews

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