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Baker's Rise Mysteries #5
Out With the Old, In With the Choux
Flora and Reggie are back in this fifth instalment of the Baker’s Rise Mysteries series, with more shocks and surprises, and of course more of the community spirit and charm that make these books so popular!
Turning her attention to the manor house, Flora has some big decisions to make concerning what to do with The Rise.
In the meantime, however, the onset of spring encourages her to hire a new gardener to bring the grounds back to their former glory.
With a wedding to organise, and the bookshop and tearoom also keeping her busy, Flora feels pulled in too many directions. The last thing she needs is another murder investigation right on her doorstep!
Packed with twists and turns, colourful characters and more than a sprinkle of romance, this new mystery will certainly leave you hungry for more!
Note from the author: Since the same quirky cast of characters feature in each instalment of the Baker's Rise Mysteries, the books are best enjoyed when read in order!
Turning her attention to the manor house, Flora has some big decisions to make concerning what to do with The Rise.
In the meantime, however, the onset of spring encourages her to hire a new gardener to bring the grounds back to their former glory.
With a wedding to organise, and the bookshop and tearoom also keeping her busy, Flora feels pulled in too many directions. The last thing she needs is another murder investigation right on her doorstep!
Packed with twists and turns, colourful characters and more than a sprinkle of romance, this new mystery will certainly leave you hungry for more!
Note from the author: Since the same quirky cast of characters feature in each instalment of the Baker's Rise Mysteries, the books are best enjoyed when read in order!
236 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 22, 2022
100 people are currently reading
21 people want to read
About the author
R.A. Hutchins
30 books67 followersR. A. Hutchins is a British author of both cosy murder mysteries and even cosier romance. What her books all share in common, though, is a strong sense of place and strength of community as well as an endearing cast of characters.
In Rachel's contemporary romance, you can normally find themes of hope and new beginnings, loss and mental health, though her characters are always guaranteed their happily ever after and her stories have more than a splash of heady romance!
Rachel's favourite hobbies are reading, walking along the beach with her family, visiting new places, and seeing her flowers grow in the spring and summer months. Rachel particularly enjoys going out for coffee and cake when it also involves catching up with good friends. Now living in northeast England, Rachel has fond memories of the nine years she spent in Scotland.
Rachel's website is www.authorrachelhutchins.com
From there you can see details of new releases and special offers,
She also has a page on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/RAHutchinsAu...
And on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/ra_hutchins...
In Rachel's contemporary romance, you can normally find themes of hope and new beginnings, loss and mental health, though her characters are always guaranteed their happily ever after and her stories have more than a splash of heady romance!
Rachel's favourite hobbies are reading, walking along the beach with her family, visiting new places, and seeing her flowers grow in the spring and summer months. Rachel particularly enjoys going out for coffee and cake when it also involves catching up with good friends. Now living in northeast England, Rachel has fond memories of the nine years she spent in Scotland.
Rachel's website is www.authorrachelhutchins.com
From there you can see details of new releases and special offers,
She also has a page on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/RAHutchinsAu...
And on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/ra_hutchins...
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
July 14, 2022
As usual, R. A. Hutchins delivers. Her books always include a great set of instructions for a recipe as chapter headings, and a quaint English village full of intrigue, gossip and murder.
As the 5th book, the pacing here is even better than the previous books, and the plotting does something unusual: as it leads up to the murder, the red herrings split between two possible victims, not murderers-- making a most refreshing plot twist. Also, instead of only a few suspects, nearly everyone in the village could be wearing the murderer's hat.
Plotting aside, I love Reggie the foul-mouthed irritable and devoted parrot. His repertoire includes:
"Stupid git, You sexy beast, Not that jerk, She's a corker, Visitors-- visitors with money!" As his owner Flora finds out, putting a cheeky parrot on a diet isn't easy, and setting paper signs on tearoom tables saying not to feed him, had Reggie flinging them off the tables. One hit Flora in the back of the head.
In this book, the descriptions continue to fit the situation and color it well. Example: "flapping his wings wildly in situ" finished the picture of Reggie squawking a line.
What makes the story work well? The sense of quaintness, of a timeless village, and the little touches, like a floral jacket or a lilac pillow evoke a peaceful and cozy mystery. There are also multiple romantic threads running throughout.
One of the romantic rivals described another man as a "Wee maggot" and Reggie loved that line, and uses it liberally.
A fun cozy for a lazy afternoon, and highly recommended.
As the 5th book, the pacing here is even better than the previous books, and the plotting does something unusual: as it leads up to the murder, the red herrings split between two possible victims, not murderers-- making a most refreshing plot twist. Also, instead of only a few suspects, nearly everyone in the village could be wearing the murderer's hat.
Plotting aside, I love Reggie the foul-mouthed irritable and devoted parrot. His repertoire includes:
"Stupid git, You sexy beast, Not that jerk, She's a corker, Visitors-- visitors with money!" As his owner Flora finds out, putting a cheeky parrot on a diet isn't easy, and setting paper signs on tearoom tables saying not to feed him, had Reggie flinging them off the tables. One hit Flora in the back of the head.
In this book, the descriptions continue to fit the situation and color it well. Example: "flapping his wings wildly in situ" finished the picture of Reggie squawking a line.
What makes the story work well? The sense of quaintness, of a timeless village, and the little touches, like a floral jacket or a lilac pillow evoke a peaceful and cozy mystery. There are also multiple romantic threads running throughout.
One of the romantic rivals described another man as a "Wee maggot" and Reggie loved that line, and uses it liberally.
A fun cozy for a lazy afternoon, and highly recommended.
May 6, 2022
The mysteries continue with murder
This is a nice murder mystery story that will have you trying to figure out who did the worst deed as you read about the villagers of Baker's Rise. I was able to figure out the culprit this time, and love abounded along with one person rather seriously ill for a time. The story makes you laugh out loud with Reggie's antics and his knew phrases he has learned. Five stars.
This is a nice murder mystery story that will have you trying to figure out who did the worst deed as you read about the villagers of Baker's Rise. I was able to figure out the culprit this time, and love abounded along with one person rather seriously ill for a time. The story makes you laugh out loud with Reggie's antics and his knew phrases he has learned. Five stars.
May 29, 2023
This is the 5th book in this unputdownable cozy mystery series, I just can't stop reading them!
Flora is renovating the Manor House, and she has hired a new gardener, he seems ok but is he really who he says he is?
She has been persuaded to hold a pastry competition there between the ladies of Baker's Rise and the next village, Witherham. However, she's on her guard because the Lord of the Manor in Witherham is trying to buy her out. When someone collapses and dies at the competition, it seems fate has struck again, can she just have one event not swathed in murder and police?
I really enjoy reading these books, whilst each one a standalone mystery, the books are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and series.
I'm really looking forward to the next book in the series.
Flora is renovating the Manor House, and she has hired a new gardener, he seems ok but is he really who he says he is?
She has been persuaded to hold a pastry competition there between the ladies of Baker's Rise and the next village, Witherham. However, she's on her guard because the Lord of the Manor in Witherham is trying to buy her out. When someone collapses and dies at the competition, it seems fate has struck again, can she just have one event not swathed in murder and police?
I really enjoy reading these books, whilst each one a standalone mystery, the books are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and series.
I'm really looking forward to the next book in the series.
May 27, 2022
Another Good Story
This was another exciting story set in Baker's Rise with Flora and Reginald Parrot. Flora can get herself mixed up in the middle of a murder mystery without half trying, but to me Reggie, the parrot, is the real start of the show. This author has a way with words that absolutely brings Reggie to life. I love reading about village life and am on the edge of my seat when Flora gets herself tangled up in the mystery with the murderer. This tale, like the ones prior, is a tightly woven who-done-it, not to be missed! Can't wait for the next book in the series!
This was another exciting story set in Baker's Rise with Flora and Reginald Parrot. Flora can get herself mixed up in the middle of a murder mystery without half trying, but to me Reggie, the parrot, is the real start of the show. This author has a way with words that absolutely brings Reggie to life. I love reading about village life and am on the edge of my seat when Flora gets herself tangled up in the mystery with the murderer. This tale, like the ones prior, is a tightly woven who-done-it, not to be missed! Can't wait for the next book in the series!
April 23, 2022
Another great addition to the Baker's Rise Mysteries. We're welcomed by the familiar characters as a new murder has to be solved. With a few suspicious new comers and lack of motive, the village are left wondering what is happening. There's also a worrying time for one of our favourites, which only reminded me how much I've come to love these characters. This book just missed out on five stars as I feel a few aspects of the plot were rushed - perhaps it's just me being greedy and wanting more and more from the stories!
September 27, 2022
Out With the Old, In With the Choux Book five
Lots of action as Mitch, Flora's gardener, uses his wiles and charms to get Phoebe and Missy to help him cause havoc at the Rise. The W.I. ladies have their annual culinary competition and Mitch poisons his aunt with Wolf's bane.
After Flora collapses after the murder, she and Reggie lose all focus and appetite. Flora finally figures out who the culprit is and life returns to normal. By then Harry returns to good health and the ladies finally get some rest!
Lots of action as Mitch, Flora's gardener, uses his wiles and charms to get Phoebe and Missy to help him cause havoc at the Rise. The W.I. ladies have their annual culinary competition and Mitch poisons his aunt with Wolf's bane.
After Flora collapses after the murder, she and Reggie lose all focus and appetite. Flora finally figures out who the culprit is and life returns to normal. By then Harry returns to good health and the ladies finally get some rest!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 20, 2025
Three cheers for Reggie!
A gardener, a pastry competition and so much more in this episode of mystery at Baker's Rise. And our intrepid Flora and Reggie outwit the villain to save the day again.
I have read this series non-stop and love each book.
A gardener, a pastry competition and so much more in this episode of mystery at Baker's Rise. And our intrepid Flora and Reggie outwit the villain to save the day again.
I have read this series non-stop and love each book.
August 7, 2023
Yet another high quality book in a great cozy mystery series! The unique hook is the cheeky parrot sidekick. Good fun!
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews