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Books & Biscuits Mystery #2
Soul of a Killer
In this mouthwatering cozy mystery series, fraternal twins Keaton and Koby know running a combined bookstore and soul food café is tricky, but when it comes to solving murders, it’s do or dine.
Keaton and Koby are fraternal twins who were separated as children, but now they’ve found each other and opened Books & Biscuits in the pleasant Pacific Northwest town of Timber Lake. Business is booming. But the course of bookselling never did run smooth.
Mama Zola, Koby’s devoted foster mom, has taken up residence in Timber Lake. She and Pete, one of the bookstore’s quirky employees, bring a peach cobbler over to a local bible study group, and there they discover the body of someone that both of them have recently quarreled with. They find themselves suspects in the murder, but luckily Koby and Keaton are ready to sling out a side of justice.
Keaton and Koby are fraternal twins who were separated as children, but now they’ve found each other and opened Books & Biscuits in the pleasant Pacific Northwest town of Timber Lake. Business is booming. But the course of bookselling never did run smooth.
Mama Zola, Koby’s devoted foster mom, has taken up residence in Timber Lake. She and Pete, one of the bookstore’s quirky employees, bring a peach cobbler over to a local bible study group, and there they discover the body of someone that both of them have recently quarreled with. They find themselves suspects in the murder, but luckily Koby and Keaton are ready to sling out a side of justice.
336 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 4, 2022
28 people are currently reading
922 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
June 9, 2023
I am not sure what to say.... As a cozy mystery lover and a black female author lover, I want to give this a 4-5 star rating. There is an insane amount of repetition of Keaton saying "my twin brother Koby." How many times do we have to learn about there childhood. I listened to this book. After listening to the first book I vowed not to do that again. Yet here we are. When the narrator wanted to change her voice for one of the characters, SHE PINCHED HER NOSE!!!! It was too obvious and just weird!!
I have other issues I won't get into.
Will I continue this series? Yes. I love the idea of a cozy mystery about black (male/female) twin sleuths' and the found family troupe. And I am always surprised as who and why the murder is.
I will make sure to read the next installment.
I have other issues I won't get into.
Will I continue this series? Yes. I love the idea of a cozy mystery about black (male/female) twin sleuths' and the found family troupe. And I am always surprised as who and why the murder is.
I will make sure to read the next installment.
October 19, 2023
I really like Abby Collette's books. I haven't read one that disappointed me yet. I love the wholesomeness of the characters. I've seen other reviews where some people think it's weird that Keaton, who I believe is in her 30s, hasn't really dated, doesn’t own a TV, doesn’t often use her computer or phone. This doesn’t bother me at all. It's actually quite refreshing. Someone who is pretty content with themself and doesn’t have to do what everyone else is doing is more noble than blindly following the crowd. The mystery was pretty interesting. I like how Keaton and her twin brother, Koby team up. I love their relationship. There were a lot of suspects and while the person/people were on my radar, I wasn't 100% until the end. The ending also leaves it open for a third book which I will happily check out. I recommend Abby Collette's books if you enjoy cozy mysteries. Happy reading. 😊🐶🐱🫗
February 14, 2023
Another wonderful installment in a series full of books, delicious sounding food, and murder. Keaton and Kolby are becoming a wonderful sleuthing team in addition to their new business venture. I wish I could stop by Books & Biscuits because it sounds like a lovely time. I also really enjoyed seeing more of Mama Zola; she is loving and loyal and I appreciate how she stands up for Pete. There are a couple different working theories for the motiving in this book and I was definitely kept on my toes until the very (dramatic) end! I love this series and can't wait to read more mysteries and also watch the development of their new venture.
March 28, 2023
I am enjoying this series and hope there are more to come. I love Keaton and Koby’s bookstore and wish I could visit. His cooking sounds so good. The mystery was good and while I picked up on the main clue to identify the culprit I still didn’t guess whodunnit. Recipes included at the end, always a plus.
October 24, 2022
Second in the series and sorry to say I just was not feeling it.
February 17, 2024
having read both books so far in the series I think personally these books aren’t for me, and it’s nothing to do with the characters or the theme I think mostly I just am not a fan of the narrator and how she expresses herself throughout the story, and I don’t think I’m into the meta cozy mystery thing going on with the “wow it’s almost like we’re in a cozy mystery or something”
bonus points for talking about murder, she wrote - a true icon of a show and Angela is my queen
if you’re into cozy mysteries though with a fun cast of characters these books are definitely for you ! and if you’re into mysteries from the hallmark channel these books are also for you
bonus points for talking about murder, she wrote - a true icon of a show and Angela is my queen
if you’re into cozy mysteries though with a fun cast of characters these books are definitely for you ! and if you’re into mysteries from the hallmark channel these books are also for you
August 1, 2022
This is the second book in this series.
Although it is the first I've read in this series,
it is a standalone book.
Koby and Keaton, brother and sister that have reunited
after Keaton was adopted, have reunited and now own
a cafe/bookstore.
When one of their employees is accused of murder at a potluck
luncheon at the church Koby's foster mom attends because of
a prior working relationship with the deceased.
Koby and Keaton set out to prove his innocence.
Pro's:
Developed characters, a solid storyline and some humor.
Con's:
Keaton's character tends to second guess almost everything
while her brother jumps in feet first without giving thought or
care to any consequences of what his actions may be. And those
actions are mostly detrimental to Keaton and her wellbeing.
Even though Keaton does have an intuition about how things may
have happened, her brother tends to simply override her opinions
as she never stands up for what she thinks.
It was a good story and I will read the next in the series.
I'd like to thank Berkley publishing and the author for allowing me to
read this Advanced Readers Copy.
Although it is the first I've read in this series,
it is a standalone book.
Koby and Keaton, brother and sister that have reunited
after Keaton was adopted, have reunited and now own
a cafe/bookstore.
When one of their employees is accused of murder at a potluck
luncheon at the church Koby's foster mom attends because of
a prior working relationship with the deceased.
Koby and Keaton set out to prove his innocence.
Pro's:
Developed characters, a solid storyline and some humor.
Con's:
Keaton's character tends to second guess almost everything
while her brother jumps in feet first without giving thought or
care to any consequences of what his actions may be. And those
actions are mostly detrimental to Keaton and her wellbeing.
Even though Keaton does have an intuition about how things may
have happened, her brother tends to simply override her opinions
as she never stands up for what she thinks.
It was a good story and I will read the next in the series.
I'd like to thank Berkley publishing and the author for allowing me to
read this Advanced Readers Copy.
December 11, 2022
Separated for years, fraternal twins Kody and Keaton have opened a bookstore-cafe, with the help of one of Kody's foster mothers, Mama Zola. Their other employee Pete offers to help her with a church potluck, but when a much-disliked church member is murdered, Pete is the main suspect because of his police record. Then the police point to Mama Zola as his accomplice. As the twins investigate, they find much in the background of the church members to feed their suspicions. Once again, Keaton finds herself in danger when the murderer finds her before she can figure out where the danger lies.
October 9, 2024
I enjoy this series, it’s just a cute, cozy set of mysteries! The twins frustrate me with their scheming and amateur sleuthing, but it’s a cute series and I’ll continue to read them as they come out! Not bad at all, just feels like a solid 3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
September 22, 2023
A good little mystery.
November 3, 2024
I absolutely adore these! The mystery in this, the crazy situations they get into with the could be killers. Obsessed. I would love to go to this bookstore.
October 7, 2025
This was so annoying because literally why was the ending rushed like that…
March 24, 2025
It's been more than 2 years the odds of getting a 3rd is unlikely but if we do I'd read it
November 30, 2025
that ending shocked even me
February 27, 2023
Keaton sets herself apart from most cozy sleuths in that she will readily admit when she doesn't know something. She does this to the people around her and to the reader. She's also more than willing to ask for help. That said, she's still hindered by preconceptions that sometimes get her into danger.
http://pussreboots.com/blog/2023/comm...
http://pussreboots.com/blog/2023/comm...
September 1, 2022
https://openbooksociety.com/article/s...
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie
This is a fun, fast-paced addition to a series that appeals to those of us who enjoy bookstores and cats and/ or specialty cafes and dogs. It captured and held my attention from the beginning and throughout. The mystery was very well plotted and kept me guessing until almost the very end.
Fraternal twins Koby and Keaton had been given up by their mother when they were two years old. Keaton was fortunate to be adopted by a loving couple soon afterwards but didn’t remember she had a twin. Koby had gone from one foster or group home to another until he met Mama Zola. When he learned he had a twin sister, he began to put together a plan to find her. Reunited as adults, they just opened a unique store, Books & Biscuits. Keaton has always loved to read, so opening a bookstore was perfect. Koby learned how to cook from Mama Zola, the foster mom who was like a real mother to him. The Biscuits part of the store is a soul food café, with biscuits being his specialty.
Mama Zola is thrilled to be cooking with Koby and creates a signature dish, soul rolls, that outshines even Koby’s biscuits. She recently moved to Timber Lake, the town the store is in, and found a church she wants to join. She has been cooking since 3 AM, making foods to take to the church Founder’s Day potluck. Pete, Keaton’s assistant on the bookstore side, went with Zola to help her set up and serve at the potluck. Within a few short hours, Zola called Koby. She may be arrested for killing someone, and by the end of the day, the acting chief of police prefers to railroad Pete to prison.
The victim is Austin James, former preacher at a megachurch he started that ended up shutting its doors. Austin had gone to prison for fraud, money laundering, and embezzlement at the huge trading firm where he, Pete, and Zola’s pastor, Calvin Lee used to work. It was suspected some of the money to start the megachurch was funneled from the funds Austin had managed. The former preacher died because of an older coffee maker rigged to a frayed cord by someone who knew Austin had a pacemaker, how to set the trap, and how much Austin loved coffee.
Pete had once been in prison because of working with Austin at the trading firm, and it cost him his wife, children, and reputation. The acting police chief is certain Pete is guilty partly to get revenge for those losses, never considering the many people whose retirement accounts were taken by Austin. Koby is determined to not let Pete go down for something he didn’t do. Keaton is much more amenable to helping solve this mystery than the last one they were involved in and discovered she is getting good at it. “Koby and I are living a cozy mystery” was a sobering thought, however, when remembering she was almost killed when they tracked a killer just weeks earlier. She believes in Pete’s innocence as much as Zola and her twin do.
The author has crafted a delightful variety of personalities for both principal and one-time characters. Keaton and Koby are my favorites. They have the twin telepathy thing going on. Keaton and I have a couple things in common, one being that we prefer books to cooking. Like me, she also enjoys cats but unlike me, she has only one. Koby’s dogged determination in finding his twin and his background from being in group homes and on the street make him very understanding in employee relations and at helping others.
I appreciate that the twins are primarily focused on their family, and that for them, family includes those related by choice rather than blood. Working on building their new business is also a priority, and for Koby especially, finding their finding their birth mother is their current, ongoing challenge. Looking for Mr. or Miss Right doesn’t figure into the equation yet, and that is admirable.
The plot has a variety of twists and turns, especially when, as Keaton said, there could literally be thousands of people with motive to kill Austin. My guess list kept changing until almost the very end. I finally had a good idea who the bad guy was but took no pleasure in being right. I highly recommend this cozy mystery, and this series! I hope this series will be around for the long haul, as it has almost every element I enjoy in a cozy mystery.
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie
This is a fun, fast-paced addition to a series that appeals to those of us who enjoy bookstores and cats and/ or specialty cafes and dogs. It captured and held my attention from the beginning and throughout. The mystery was very well plotted and kept me guessing until almost the very end.
Fraternal twins Koby and Keaton had been given up by their mother when they were two years old. Keaton was fortunate to be adopted by a loving couple soon afterwards but didn’t remember she had a twin. Koby had gone from one foster or group home to another until he met Mama Zola. When he learned he had a twin sister, he began to put together a plan to find her. Reunited as adults, they just opened a unique store, Books & Biscuits. Keaton has always loved to read, so opening a bookstore was perfect. Koby learned how to cook from Mama Zola, the foster mom who was like a real mother to him. The Biscuits part of the store is a soul food café, with biscuits being his specialty.
Mama Zola is thrilled to be cooking with Koby and creates a signature dish, soul rolls, that outshines even Koby’s biscuits. She recently moved to Timber Lake, the town the store is in, and found a church she wants to join. She has been cooking since 3 AM, making foods to take to the church Founder’s Day potluck. Pete, Keaton’s assistant on the bookstore side, went with Zola to help her set up and serve at the potluck. Within a few short hours, Zola called Koby. She may be arrested for killing someone, and by the end of the day, the acting chief of police prefers to railroad Pete to prison.
The victim is Austin James, former preacher at a megachurch he started that ended up shutting its doors. Austin had gone to prison for fraud, money laundering, and embezzlement at the huge trading firm where he, Pete, and Zola’s pastor, Calvin Lee used to work. It was suspected some of the money to start the megachurch was funneled from the funds Austin had managed. The former preacher died because of an older coffee maker rigged to a frayed cord by someone who knew Austin had a pacemaker, how to set the trap, and how much Austin loved coffee.
Pete had once been in prison because of working with Austin at the trading firm, and it cost him his wife, children, and reputation. The acting police chief is certain Pete is guilty partly to get revenge for those losses, never considering the many people whose retirement accounts were taken by Austin. Koby is determined to not let Pete go down for something he didn’t do. Keaton is much more amenable to helping solve this mystery than the last one they were involved in and discovered she is getting good at it. “Koby and I are living a cozy mystery” was a sobering thought, however, when remembering she was almost killed when they tracked a killer just weeks earlier. She believes in Pete’s innocence as much as Zola and her twin do.
The author has crafted a delightful variety of personalities for both principal and one-time characters. Keaton and Koby are my favorites. They have the twin telepathy thing going on. Keaton and I have a couple things in common, one being that we prefer books to cooking. Like me, she also enjoys cats but unlike me, she has only one. Koby’s dogged determination in finding his twin and his background from being in group homes and on the street make him very understanding in employee relations and at helping others.
I appreciate that the twins are primarily focused on their family, and that for them, family includes those related by choice rather than blood. Working on building their new business is also a priority, and for Koby especially, finding their finding their birth mother is their current, ongoing challenge. Looking for Mr. or Miss Right doesn’t figure into the equation yet, and that is admirable.
The plot has a variety of twists and turns, especially when, as Keaton said, there could literally be thousands of people with motive to kill Austin. My guess list kept changing until almost the very end. I finally had a good idea who the bad guy was but took no pleasure in being right. I highly recommend this cozy mystery, and this series! I hope this series will be around for the long haul, as it has almost every element I enjoy in a cozy mystery.
November 12, 2022
This second in series is even more delightful than the first, perhaps because I am invested in fraternal twins Koby and Keaton. They recently opened Books & Biscuits, a bookstore and soul food café. Keaton and her adoptive mother Imogene, and Koby and his finest foster mother, Mama Zola, are very well defined and engaging. The mystery kept me guessing throughout, especially since someone the twins have come to care about is the top person of interest.
Keaton runs the bookstore with the help of their assistant, Pete. Koby quickly learned to not let Keaton in the kitchen, as she doesn’t have the talent that he and Mama Zola do. They had thought Koby’s wonderful biscuits would be the signature dish in the café, but when Mama Zola introduced “soul rolls,” with a variety of fillings and a wrap similar to an eggroll, was introduced, the soul rolls draw in many happy customers. I certainly wish I could try the soul rolls and biscuits!
Mama Zola recently moved much closer to the Books & Biscuits so she could help regularly. She also changed churches to a nearby one and was taking part in their Annual Founder’s Day Potluck. Zola was up in the middle of the night cooking so she could bless the members of the church. She would borrow Pete for the day to help deliver, set up, and serve with her.
Before the potluck is over, Zola and Peter are suspected of killing Austin, the former pastor of a megachurch he founded and started with some of the funds that went missing from the trading house where he, Pete, and Zola’s new paster, Calvin, once worked. Pete soon was the only suspect, as he had gone to prison for his possible involvement with the embezzlement and fraud for which Austin went to prison.
Keaton would rather read mysteries, not try to solve real life murders. Koby persists, and they work together to find whodunit to get Pete off the hook. They already solved another murder right after their store opened. In addition, Koby still wants to find his and Keaton’s birth mother, so their sleuthing days are far from over.
Some of the things I appreciate in this cozy mystery include that Keaton feels the same way about books, reading, cooking, and cats that I do. I appreciate that finding romance currently isn’t important to either twin; they have other priorities such as their business, their family and friends, finding their birth mother, and their pets. I also appreciate that, in the acknowledgment, the author gives credit to God as He has always seen her through.
The author uses plot twists well and knows exactly how to keep the suspense rising. While I had a good idea whodunit, it was one of the times I was sorry to be right. I was intrigued with the new police chief, however, and look forward to what it will add to the next in series, as well as the progress on the twins locating their birth mother.
Only the one who knows the joy and value of stories could write, “. . . books do indeed have attributes that arouse all five of our senses, not to mention the sparks they ignite in our neurons.” We as readers have far richer lives when savoring the words written by someone who loves what they do while taking us around the corner, the country, or the world. I highly recommend this to all who enjoy well written cozy mysteries with bookstores, soul food, and pets while treasuring family and friends.
Keaton runs the bookstore with the help of their assistant, Pete. Koby quickly learned to not let Keaton in the kitchen, as she doesn’t have the talent that he and Mama Zola do. They had thought Koby’s wonderful biscuits would be the signature dish in the café, but when Mama Zola introduced “soul rolls,” with a variety of fillings and a wrap similar to an eggroll, was introduced, the soul rolls draw in many happy customers. I certainly wish I could try the soul rolls and biscuits!
Mama Zola recently moved much closer to the Books & Biscuits so she could help regularly. She also changed churches to a nearby one and was taking part in their Annual Founder’s Day Potluck. Zola was up in the middle of the night cooking so she could bless the members of the church. She would borrow Pete for the day to help deliver, set up, and serve with her.
Before the potluck is over, Zola and Peter are suspected of killing Austin, the former pastor of a megachurch he founded and started with some of the funds that went missing from the trading house where he, Pete, and Zola’s new paster, Calvin, once worked. Pete soon was the only suspect, as he had gone to prison for his possible involvement with the embezzlement and fraud for which Austin went to prison.
Keaton would rather read mysteries, not try to solve real life murders. Koby persists, and they work together to find whodunit to get Pete off the hook. They already solved another murder right after their store opened. In addition, Koby still wants to find his and Keaton’s birth mother, so their sleuthing days are far from over.
Some of the things I appreciate in this cozy mystery include that Keaton feels the same way about books, reading, cooking, and cats that I do. I appreciate that finding romance currently isn’t important to either twin; they have other priorities such as their business, their family and friends, finding their birth mother, and their pets. I also appreciate that, in the acknowledgment, the author gives credit to God as He has always seen her through.
The author uses plot twists well and knows exactly how to keep the suspense rising. While I had a good idea whodunit, it was one of the times I was sorry to be right. I was intrigued with the new police chief, however, and look forward to what it will add to the next in series, as well as the progress on the twins locating their birth mother.
Only the one who knows the joy and value of stories could write, “. . . books do indeed have attributes that arouse all five of our senses, not to mention the sparks they ignite in our neurons.” We as readers have far richer lives when savoring the words written by someone who loves what they do while taking us around the corner, the country, or the world. I highly recommend this to all who enjoy well written cozy mysteries with bookstores, soul food, and pets while treasuring family and friends.
October 19, 2022
Soul of a Killer by Abby Collette
8h 18m read by L. Malakia Cooper, 320 pages
Books & Biscuits Mystery #2
Genre: Cozy Mystery, Family, Mystery Thriller, Fiction
Featuring: Twins, Adoption, Foster Care, Seattle, Churches, Murder She Wrote by J.B. Fletcher, Dog, Cat, Pet Conversations, Bookshop, All Her Little Secrets by Wanda M. Morris, Recipes, Cozy Mystery
Rating as a movie: PG-13
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️½
My thoughts: 📱11% 56:54 Ch. 5 - The opening is better than the first book; however, she is still overexplaining everything.
📱83% 6:51:35 Ch. 33 - I don't know how to explain it. This book is written better than the first book, but it's not as good as the first book; something is just off about it.
Although this story was better written than the previous book, it was just as annoying. There is a lot of the same repetition about cozies and overexplaining thoughts and ideas. Finally, I figured out the difference between this book and the last book is that I didn't care who the murderer was. There just wasn't a lot invested in the characters, and I did not figure out who the murderer was until the last minute still before NC but only because they were not very good at investigating so I didn't have enough information to point the finger. I could see people loving this series, so don't discount based on my experience, but if you see me eyeing the third book, stop me.
Recommend to others?: Maybe. This is right up some people alley, especially if you like food and mysteries; however, it does repeat information, which can be bothersome to some.
8h 18m read by L. Malakia Cooper, 320 pages
Books & Biscuits Mystery #2
Genre: Cozy Mystery, Family, Mystery Thriller, Fiction
Featuring: Twins, Adoption, Foster Care, Seattle, Churches, Murder She Wrote by J.B. Fletcher, Dog, Cat, Pet Conversations, Bookshop, All Her Little Secrets by Wanda M. Morris, Recipes, Cozy Mystery
Rating as a movie: PG-13
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️½
My thoughts: 📱11% 56:54 Ch. 5 - The opening is better than the first book; however, she is still overexplaining everything.
📱83% 6:51:35 Ch. 33 - I don't know how to explain it. This book is written better than the first book, but it's not as good as the first book; something is just off about it.
Although this story was better written than the previous book, it was just as annoying. There is a lot of the same repetition about cozies and overexplaining thoughts and ideas. Finally, I figured out the difference between this book and the last book is that I didn't care who the murderer was. There just wasn't a lot invested in the characters, and I did not figure out who the murderer was until the last minute still before NC but only because they were not very good at investigating so I didn't have enough information to point the finger. I could see people loving this series, so don't discount based on my experience, but if you see me eyeing the third book, stop me.
Recommend to others?: Maybe. This is right up some people alley, especially if you like food and mysteries; however, it does repeat information, which can be bothersome to some.
October 3, 2022
This is the second book in the Books and Biscuits mystery! I really have grown to love these characters! Twins Koby and Keaton were separated when they were babies, Keaton got adopted into a well to do family and Koby went from foster home to foster home until he came to Mama Zolas house! She offered him love and stability and even now that he is grown they are very close. Koby and twin sister Keaton were reunited as adults and go into business together! Koby runs the food side of things with Mama Zola and Keaton runs the bookstore!
In this book someone from mama Zolas church ends up dead and the manner of death seems suspicious. The police start to look into the direction of an employee of Books and Biscuits and even look into Mama Zola as being involved! Koby and Keaton quickly start looking into suspects and try to find the real killer before the wrong person goes to jail!
I thought this was a very well written and well planned out story. The mystery itself was interesting and kept me guessing until the end! All and all a good cozy mystery anyone would enjoy! I highly recommend this series and thanks the author and the publisher for the ARC and opportunity to read it in exchange for an honest review #netgalley
In this book someone from mama Zolas church ends up dead and the manner of death seems suspicious. The police start to look into the direction of an employee of Books and Biscuits and even look into Mama Zola as being involved! Koby and Keaton quickly start looking into suspects and try to find the real killer before the wrong person goes to jail!
I thought this was a very well written and well planned out story. The mystery itself was interesting and kept me guessing until the end! All and all a good cozy mystery anyone would enjoy! I highly recommend this series and thanks the author and the publisher for the ARC and opportunity to read it in exchange for an honest review #netgalley
January 28, 2024
The twin sleuths were so fun in their first book that I figured I'd check out the second.
In their second brush with a murderer, Keaton and Koby have to figure out who killed a former megachurch who pretty much everyone hates. Definitely narrows the field down. The main suspect is their employee, though, with Koby's foster mom also under a cloud of suspicion. It didn't help that she said the acting police chief didn't know how to act.
These books are fun, easy reads, and I actually managed to predict the killer before they were revealed, which may or may not be a bad sign because I am the anti-detective. Still fun getting to know the cast of characters, though. Looking forward to the next installment!
In their second brush with a murderer, Keaton and Koby have to figure out who killed a former megachurch who pretty much everyone hates. Definitely narrows the field down. The main suspect is their employee, though, with Koby's foster mom also under a cloud of suspicion. It didn't help that she said the acting police chief didn't know how to act.
These books are fun, easy reads, and I actually managed to predict the killer before they were revealed, which may or may not be a bad sign because I am the anti-detective. Still fun getting to know the cast of characters, though. Looking forward to the next installment!
April 5, 2023
While I enjoy the overall genre of cozy mysteries set in restaurants/diners, this series isn't really doing it for me. At first I enjoyed the storyline of the twins meeting after being separated and raised apart, starting a business together and growing closer. As the story developed, the interaction between the siblings seems borderline offensive, with the brother dragging the sister into really dangerous situations. It feels like an unrealistic portrayal of siblings. Also the reference to binary gender norms really did not sit well with me. I find the characters to be very one dimensional. I will say, the murder is often not predictable, which is nice!
February 7, 2025
I enjoy the characters in this series and the setting and setup work pretty well. I’m not so invested that I’m likely to remember to ever read more of it once it’s published, but I am interested in finding out their origins. I really appreciate that romance isn’t a focus in the series though I can see some potential relationships. I fear since there hasn’t been a new book every year like most cozy mysteries do that this series is never going to get another book and I’ll never get answers. The author’s website doesn’t even mention the series so it doesn’t look like there’s any up to date info to know if there’s more to come.
August 10, 2022
Soul of a Killer totally held my attention and had an ending that was a complete surprise. I loved the interesting variety of colorful characters and combination of story threads that included topics way beyond a murder mystery. The rivalry between twin siblings recently reunited after being separated for years was interesting but never fully developed regarding their birth mother search. It was not necessary to read the first book in the Biscuits and Books series (Body and Soul Food) to enjoy the sequel.
September 2, 2022
I have to admit that when I began reading this book I wasn’t particularly impressed. It just seemed to get bogged down. But once I got past the first few chapters I was drawn into the story and became invested in the characters lives. The storyline was centered around twins who were separated and raised apart only to reunite as adults. Their twin telepathy still works just fine even if one twin is a bit more into the amateur sleuthing they do. The mystery was well plotted and the characters all a bit quirky. A fun read.
I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.
I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.
September 10, 2022
Koby and Keaton are twins that were separated as babies, they never knew who their real mother was. Koby wanted to find Keaton, and he did. Now they own a book/cafe that they enjoy running along with Koby's adoptive mom Mama Zola. At the latest potluck dinner at the local church, a man is murdered by electrocution. The twins seem to be involved in finding out who did it. This is a great mystery with twists and turns and lot of action and suspects. A great story, I look forward to reading more in this series.
September 29, 2022
An interesting mystery. Keaton and Koby are helping Mama Zola set stuff up at her church's potluck when someone finds a dead body. The man was not very well liked by many people. Turns out he had conned quite a few people over the years. When Keaton and Koby's employee is brought in for questioning, they know they have to help prove his innocence. He also has a past, but he isn't a murderer. The police even think Mama Zola may have been his accomplice. Can they find the real murderer before they convict the wrong person?
December 13, 2022
I love Keaton and Kody and the fact there loves are just like a cozy mystery you good pick of up Books & Biscuits and this story does not disappoint.
Momma Solana joined a new church but it comes with some drama when one of the members is found dead and who is the number one suspects but employee Pete an Momma Zola herself.
Now the twins must figure out what really happened before someone they care for goes to jail.
Not to mention still running their new business and trying to find clues to find there birth mother.
This story will have you hooked from the first chapter.
Momma Solana joined a new church but it comes with some drama when one of the members is found dead and who is the number one suspects but employee Pete an Momma Zola herself.
Now the twins must figure out what really happened before someone they care for goes to jail.
Not to mention still running their new business and trying to find clues to find there birth mother.
This story will have you hooked from the first chapter.
August 25, 2024
honestly, keaton frustrates me as a main character and she has some serious not-like-other-girls syndrome. there are other parts of the book (dialogue, narration) that give me pause as well. BUT the premise of the brother/sister duo running a book store and soul food restaurant together keeps me coming back for more. there’s a certain charm colette creates there, that is undeniable. this is my third abby collette book and i’m sure it won’t be the last, and if there were to be another entry in this series i’d likely still pick it up! a fun cozy.
October 28, 2024
Just Like the First One
Much like the first book in this series, there were parts that I enjoyed. Other parts were cheesy like most cozy mysteries. Overall, it was just an okay read. Keaton was such an annoying character. Her nerdy personality put a damper on the story. It would’ve been more interesting if told from somebody else’s point of view. I was able to guess who the villain was, but it did take me some time. Outside of the main storyline, the mystery of finding the twins’ birth mother was interesting. Their backstory has been the best part of the series for me.
Much like the first book in this series, there were parts that I enjoyed. Other parts were cheesy like most cozy mysteries. Overall, it was just an okay read. Keaton was such an annoying character. Her nerdy personality put a damper on the story. It would’ve been more interesting if told from somebody else’s point of view. I was able to guess who the villain was, but it did take me some time. Outside of the main storyline, the mystery of finding the twins’ birth mother was interesting. Their backstory has been the best part of the series for me.
July 28, 2025
This one was truly a “cozy murder mystery”. Still not sure how those descriptions go together, but no gore or descriptions of violence, so cozy in that way. I enjoyed the family story line, and the idea of twins running a bookshop and a soul food cafe adjacent to each other (Books and Biscuits)
The characters were well described as I could imagine even their tone of voice, and body language.
I suppose I was just in the mood for something a little more, but would recommend this for those looking for a comfy cozy weekend read.
The characters were well described as I could imagine even their tone of voice, and body language.
I suppose I was just in the mood for something a little more, but would recommend this for those looking for a comfy cozy weekend read.
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