Cakes and Pains

Raised & Glazed #4

by Emma Ainsley

When the past comes calling…
Sometimes a best friend has to do battle.
Owner of Dogwood Donuts and amateur sleuth, Maggie Sharpe, has noticed that something strange is going on with her best friend and donut shop manager, Ruby Cobb.
She’s distant, snappy, and facing a murder charge…
Someone from Ruby’s past has come back to haunt her in more ways than one and when they’re found dead, with all evidence pointing back to her, Maggie steps in, refusing to believe that her sweet bestie could ever do something so horrible.
A few not so friendly faces show up at the donut shop and it’s nearly impossible for Maggie to know who to trust, but she refuses to stand by while her friend takes the fall.
Can she discover the truth and save Ruby from being arrested for a crime that she didn’t commit?
Find out in this delicious Cozy Mystery!

Genres: Cozy Mystery

152 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 15, 2021

Reviews

[Anne G. Kasaba]

Each book in this series gets better. Maybe it's because the characters are becoming more fully developed. Or it could be that the storylines are getting more complex. And then there's the mysteries which are so well plotted. Whatever the reason, and it could be a combination of things, this series is one that shouldn't be missed!

The donut shop is thriving and Maggie being the good boss she is, always listens to her employees ideas. When Rubys former friend shows up and promises to help it's hard to determine if he's helping or trying to take over. And then there's the matter of Rubys old boss being murdered. Maggie jumps in to help her friend, even if Ruby is resistant to Tbilisi help.

[LESLIE J (mrsj_readsbooks)]

So many crimes in this little town 😂

[Tari]

What a crazy chain of events! Ruby was worried about Brett thinking she killed her old boss in Arkansas, then an old acquaintance came back to town seeming to have some sort of ability to persuade the usually rock-solid Ruby. And...what did all this have to do with a donut machine?

This was one of those cases where I guessed whodunit fairly early with the fun part being to sit back and watch how this person got caught. Brett was no slouch at his job, and he had a couple of FBI agents on the case as well. Even Myra's input helped with the showdown.

I really love this new series and highly recommend reading it in order to get to know everyone's story. The books do sort of build on each other a bit, so it's super helpful if you start with book 1. I'm always eager to borrow the next on in KU!

[Valorie Hunter]

Great book!!!!

I love this series!!!!
Maggie was thinking of asking Ruby to be her partner in the bakery, until Ruby's past has come back to ruin her!!!!
Ruby had questions to answer when her old employer is found. And had incriminating evidence on him.
Now Maggie has to find out how to help Ruby. And she also has problems on her farm with the new hire.
There is a lot of questions and no answers, until it got Maggie involved, that didn't feel right.
Boy, when little things start to come to light and pieces are fitting together, you are going love the results!!!!!

[Brooke]

Donut Hate Me For Loving This

Once again Emma has got another masterpiece on her hands. I just can't stop loving these characters and the antics that keep them so busy.

This story definitely gave me some mafia vibes based solely on Abel and his demise. Unfortunately for him, he got the short end of the stick. But this definitely was a storyline I want expecting with a few extra twists and characters.

I absolutely love the inclusion of more characters and I absolutely can't wait to see their future involvement in the series!

[Beth Temin]

A con artist takes Ruth for a ride

Ruby reconnects with an old "friend" when she looks for a donut-making machine. The "friend" turns out to be the murderer of Ruth's former boss. After Maggie discovers his ploy, he is arrested for threatening her. He bonds out of jail and goes to Ruby's farm, where he holds her hostage. The bad guy is caught, and there is a celebration for Myra's graduation from business school and Ruby's new cookbook. All in all, it was a happy ending, which I always love.

[SD]

3.5 rolled up to 4

The Dogwood Donut family is humming along creating delicious donut and lunch goodies. That is until Ruby's past comes crashing in. We learn a bit about her past. Maggie worries about her friend and doesn't stand by when things go south. Really enjoy how the Dogwood Donut family is growing and changing. Romance with Chief Brett Mission seems a bit stalled but it is ok.

Is Ruby going to want to stay on her farm? This is the second event there.

Oh and a donut tree? Is that a real thing? I must go explore.

Happy Reading!

[Tom]

murder and a con game surround the donut shop

When the FBI starts asking Ruby questions about the murder of her old boss Maggie worries. Then Ezra shows up and tries to sell an automatic donut machine. The action heats up with lots of surprise twists and turns and a surprise ending. A fun read.

[Terri Hermen]

Small town murder mystery.

This is the 4th book in the Raised and Glazed Cozy Mysteries Series. Maggie runs a small town donut/coffee shop. Ruby is her partner & office manager. They have Orson & Myra as their part-time helpers. When someone from Ruby's past turns up dead ... they all piece together to figure out and catch the killer.

[E]

Awesome

Really enjoying this fun series. Maggie & her crew are great characters. Well written story line & yummy setting. Would love to see some donut recipes in future books. I look forward to reading more.

[Shannon Binegar-Foster]

Great read

Wow this one was great. I had a pretty good idea who the killer was this time. I just wasn't sure which of the other two questionable people were in on it as well. I love how the characters are developing.

[Michele D.]

Still quick, still fun..

...still needlessly convoluted. I do not understand the thing between Maggie and Brett and why it is static. I do not understand why the mysteries have to be so ridiculous. I'm quickly losing patience with this author.

[Monica]

Another fun quick read where we learn a little bit more about these wonderful characters. The team is growing and business is building. Good mystery with plenty of suspects. A wonderful diversion to my day.

[Rita]

Cakes and Pains (4)

What a truly beautiful and amazing story! I've said it before but I simply can not have a complete review without stating just how much I live the characters in the stories! Those characters MAKE
these books fabulous!!

[JANE VAN HORN]

Great book

This is a great book in the Raised and Glazed series by Emma Ainsley. I can't wait for the next book.

[Joni]

Love them

A murder, a scam artist and a new bed and breakfast are all in a days work for our doughnut maker. This is a great series and I can’t wait for more!

[David M Horak]

The past

Maggie's kindred heart has new people in her life who she calls family.. One of them is threatened and Maggie fights to help her friend. Good murder cozy!

[Janice Gilman]

Another winner

WOW! I am so happy to have found the Raised and Glazed Cozy Mystery series! I read most of book 1 yesterday, finished it and books 2-4 today!

[MizReRe Irene Watson]

another cute weekend read

Each of the books in this series is just the right length to read for the weekend! Nice pace and very clean enjoyable mystery.