What do you think?
Rate this book
Cupcake Bakery Mystery #14
Strawberried Alive
The crew from the Fairy Tale Cupcakes shop risks getting burned when they set out to find a murderer who is terrorizing their town, in the fourteenth Cupcake Bakery Mystery from New York Times bestselling author Jenn McKinlay.
Life is smooth as buttercream at the Fairy Tale Cupcakes bakery, and newlyweds Mel and Joe are stopping to smell the flours. But things start to crumble one night when an unknown gunman takes a shot at Mel. Though the bullets miss their mark, the cupcake crew goes on high alert to figure out who would want to kill a small-town baker, and why.
When more business owners are attacked, things turn fatal, and locals start to wonder if the killer could be one of their own. Every shop owner in town starts to fear it's only a matter of time before they too become victims of the mystery murderer. Despite the cupcake crew's superb baking skills, it will be anything but a piece of cake to catch the killer, as they try to prevent anyone else from being berried.
Life is smooth as buttercream at the Fairy Tale Cupcakes bakery, and newlyweds Mel and Joe are stopping to smell the flours. But things start to crumble one night when an unknown gunman takes a shot at Mel. Though the bullets miss their mark, the cupcake crew goes on high alert to figure out who would want to kill a small-town baker, and why.
When more business owners are attacked, things turn fatal, and locals start to wonder if the killer could be one of their own. Every shop owner in town starts to fear it's only a matter of time before they too become victims of the mystery murderer. Despite the cupcake crew's superb baking skills, it will be anything but a piece of cake to catch the killer, as they try to prevent anyone else from being berried.
Audiobook
First published May 3, 2022
125 people are currently reading
1330 people want to read
About the author
Jenn McKinlay
70 books5,249 followersJenn is the New York Times, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly bestselling author of several mystery and romance series. She is also the winner of the RT Reviewers’ Choice Award for romantic comedy and the Fresh Fiction award for best cozy mystery. A TEDx speaker, she is always happy to talk books, writing, reading, and the creative process to anyone who cares to listen. She lives in sunny Arizona in a house that is overrun with books, pets, and her husband’s guitars.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 322 reviews
March 17, 2025
After thirteen books and weddings for all the main characters, author Jenn McKinlay needed to do something different in the Cupcake Bakery Mysteries. Strawberried Alive focuses on a killer who seems to be after Mel for something she did in the past... something possibly to do with one of the 13 killers she brought to justice. As she takes a trip down memory lane, her family and Joe's family keep things humorous and lighthearted but murder is serious. Soon, the pot shots that missed Mel hit other local store owners, who all rebel and want Mel to close down her bakery. What's really going on? A nice twist to the cozy, and enjoyed the various connections. The culmination was good but I wanted it to be even more strong... it was a bit between a cross of a typical cozy, Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series, and an Agatha Christie plot.
May 6, 2022
Mel DeLaura is spending a late night at Fairy Tale Cupcakes in Old Town Scottsdale thanks to a bridezilla who needs a last-minute change to her cupcake order. That’s why she finds herself alone behind the bakery well after dark. She’s just locked up when someone starts shooting at her. Fortunately, they missed, but a neighboring business owner isn’t so lucky the next night. As Mel’s family and friends go into protection mode, another incident happens. What is going on in Old Town?
This book starts right out with the action. The plot is a little different, which I mostly enjoyed. Unfortunately, the execution didn’t quite work out, leaving us with a climax that felt a little rushed. Don’t worry, everything makes sense. The characters we love are all here, which is wonderful since I love spending time with them, and their interactions provide some great laughs. Much of the action takes place around Old Town Scottsdale, so we get to meet more of Mel’s business neighbors, which is fun. Of course, they also serve as suspects, and they do a great job of it. This book will leave you craving cupcakes, so watch for four delicious sounding recipes at the end. Long time fans will be happy to visit these friends again. If you are new to the series, you’ll soon find herself devouring all of them almost as quickly as you would a cupcake.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
This book starts right out with the action. The plot is a little different, which I mostly enjoyed. Unfortunately, the execution didn’t quite work out, leaving us with a climax that felt a little rushed. Don’t worry, everything makes sense. The characters we love are all here, which is wonderful since I love spending time with them, and their interactions provide some great laughs. Much of the action takes place around Old Town Scottsdale, so we get to meet more of Mel’s business neighbors, which is fun. Of course, they also serve as suspects, and they do a great job of it. This book will leave you craving cupcakes, so watch for four delicious sounding recipes at the end. Long time fans will be happy to visit these friends again. If you are new to the series, you’ll soon find herself devouring all of them almost as quickly as you would a cupcake.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
April 30, 2022
Angie, Mel, Tate, Joe, and the gang are back for another adventure. Angie is busy with her six-month-old daughter which leaves Mel handling Fairy Tale Cupcakes. She has a bridezilla customer who changed the color of her bridesmaid dresses at the last minute which she failed to report to Mel. It means an all-nighter redoing three hundred cupcakes. When Mel finally leaves the bakery to head home, someone begins shooting at her. Uncle Stan, Joe, and her new brother-in-law’s close ranks to keep Mel safe. Joe even hires a bodyguard to protect her. One Old Town owner leads the charge to get Fairy Tale Cupcakes booted out claiming they are the cause of the trouble in Old Town. The shooter is not done and attacks other shop owners in the area. Mel with cupcakes in hand does a little sleuthing when she can slip away from her guards. Mel begins sifting through the clues and arrives at a bitter answer. They will need to act quickly if they are going to catch the culprit before they take a powder. Strawberried Alive delicious tale. I always enjoy my visits with these fun characters. I thought Strawberried Alive was well-written with developed characters. They have come a long way since the beginning. There is plenty of humor in this story. I laughed so often while reading Strawberried Alive. The DeLaura brothers are a hoot, especially Ray. Dwight and Marty with their bickering was entertaining. I loved the descriptions of Old Town with its charming shops. Jenn McKinlay brought the area alive with her word imagery. I especially enjoyed reading about Naomi’s Natural Soap. The various scents would have sent my allergies into overdrive, but I love handmade soap. I am especially intrigued with the vanilla and chocolate soap inspired by a cupcake. Strawberried Alive is a mystery driven tale. I just love the whodunit. It was well-plotted and complex. The reveal was complete, and I like how humor was incorporated into it. The cupcake descriptions will have your mouth watering. I find it amusing that whenever there is a traumatic incident (or a joyful one), they all troop to the bakery for a cupcake fix. It is a good thing that the DeLaura brothers do not hang out there too often or the bakery would be in the red. Strawberried Alive by Jenn McKinlay is the fourteenth A Cupcake Bakery Mystery. While Strawberried Alive can be read as a standalone, you will be missing out on the background of the characters and the relationships (who is related to whom and how). This series just keeps getting better. I hope there will be many more tales in A Cupcake Bakery Mysteries. There are recipes for the cupcakes and their frostings at the end of the book. There is also a preview for The Plot and the Pendulum which is the next A Library Lover’s Mystery which comes out in the fall. Strawberried Alive is tasty treat with a troublous bridezilla, scrumptious cupcakes, bothersome brothers, an annoying uncle, a beloved baby, a mystifying murder, a puzzling petition, and a curious crime.
April 28, 2022
Another wonderful visit with the characters of Fairytale Cupcakes and Old Town that have become more like old friends rather than just characters on a page. The narrator of the audiobook does such a wonderful job of bringing the well written characters, their emotions and actions to life making the visit seem all that more real. If you haven't started this series, you really should as there is hours of delightfully entertainment for you to get lost in not to mention all the wonderful cupcake creations that they come up with as they work to untangle the mystery in each book. This book was fantastic as it kept you guessing who was trying to kill the shop owners in Old Town and once again Mel and crew were right in the middle of things! This series just keeps getting better and watching the characters evolve is just the thing you need to really connect with them. I can't wait for the next book to come out!
June 10, 2022
4.5 stars for another great entry in one of my favorite series. Mel DeLaura is shot at as she’s leaving Fairy Tale Cupcakes after a late night of redoing cupcakes for a bridezilla. At first she thinks it’s maybe in vengeance for her previous sleuthing, but then other Old Town business owners are attacked. Mel decides to investigate, despite the protests of husband Joe and police officer Uncle Stan. It’s very entertaining when Mel investigates because she ends up with an entourage, determined to protect her. Marty, Oz, Tate, Angie and the always fun DeLaura brothers are all here to add to the enjoyment. The mystery is good and has a plausible explanation. The real attraction of this series is the wonderful characters and relationships. Another winner!
April 27, 2023
This one was excellent! Great plot twists and turns and OMG that ending! I love my Fairy Take Cupcake family, they are such great characters. As always the cupcakes sounded amazing and recipes are included. Forever a #readforkimberly series.
May 7, 2022
Jenn McKinlay never fails to write a fun cozy mystery! I love Mel and her crew and their mystery adventures. The mystery was very well paced and had me on the edge of my seat! Highly recommend!
May 23, 2022
The tangled web is big in this one! I loved how Mel and her crew solved it in the end. It was like a little game being revealed. My only problem is that it's over and now we have to wait forever for the next one! 🙁
May 19, 2022
An interesting ride with all our cupcake friends at Fairy Tale Cupcakes. While finishing up a special order gone wrong late one night, Mel gets shot at, it's only Oz's quick thinking with a flowerpot from above that saves her. Is someone after Mel or is she at the wrong place at the wrong time? When several more business owners are killed or maimed it's obvious that something is not right in Old Town. Can Mel and company figure it out before one of them gets taken out? Come along for the ride!
May 20, 2022
I know I've said it before, but I really enjoy this series.
But seriously... I apparently have missed a few, as the last I read was Dying for Devil's Food. But I have clear memories of being annoyed at how every male character was ordering Angie around because she may possibility just barely be pregnant. In this one, we get EVERY SINGLE MALE ordering Mel around, even to the point where Joe demands that she close the bakery.
It was seriously rage inducing. Yes, Mel got shot at late one night behind her shop. Sooooo...let's put her in a safehouse and have round the clock body guards as well as police watching her house, her shop, and herself. It was complete overkill (sorry for the pun). On a practical point, how can the police department justify that much money being spent protecting anyone?
Now to the story. This part was at least realistic. Mel learns that some of the other small business owners are upset with the bakery because they are flourishing, and times are tough for other shops.
Unfortunately, I have no problem believing that some people would take out their businesses frustrations on their successful neighbors. Mel's shop-neighbor gets killed and everyone assumes Mel was the target. Then all hell really breaks loose.
I adore this series, but I wasn't very happy with this one. I liked that the plot was fairly different, but the whole thing seemed so unrealistic. What Joe, Uncle Stan, Tate and all the rest should really do for Mel buy her a gun to carry, take her to the range and teach her how to shoot it. The amount of testosterone and dick measuring going on was enough to drive a woman nuts.
Still...I will buy the next one and track down the ones I missed because I do love them. And now, off to find some cupcakes...
But seriously... I apparently have missed a few, as the last I read was Dying for Devil's Food. But I have clear memories of being annoyed at how every male character was ordering Angie around because she may possibility just barely be pregnant. In this one, we get EVERY SINGLE MALE ordering Mel around, even to the point where Joe demands that she close the bakery.
It was seriously rage inducing. Yes, Mel got shot at late one night behind her shop. Sooooo...let's put her in a safehouse and have round the clock body guards as well as police watching her house, her shop, and herself. It was complete overkill (sorry for the pun). On a practical point, how can the police department justify that much money being spent protecting anyone?
Now to the story. This part was at least realistic. Mel learns that some of the other small business owners are upset with the bakery because they are flourishing, and times are tough for other shops.
Unfortunately, I have no problem believing that some people would take out their businesses frustrations on their successful neighbors. Mel's shop-neighbor gets killed and everyone assumes Mel was the target. Then all hell really breaks loose.
I adore this series, but I wasn't very happy with this one. I liked that the plot was fairly different, but the whole thing seemed so unrealistic. What Joe, Uncle Stan, Tate and all the rest should really do for Mel buy her a gun to carry, take her to the range and teach her how to shoot it. The amount of testosterone and dick measuring going on was enough to drive a woman nuts.
Still...I will buy the next one and track down the ones I missed because I do love them. And now, off to find some cupcakes...
February 23, 2025
One night after an extended baking session a mysterious figure shoots at Mel on her way out of the bakery. This causes quite a stir among Old Town businesses and customers. Then another shooting happens and it's clear it wasn't a one time occurrence. But who would do something like this and who is really the target?
As always it's fun to return to Fairy Tale Cupcakes and all of our favorite returning characters. There is always humor and delicious cupcakes.
The mystery is good as it's hard to tell what is really going on. There is never a dull moment. Things are pretty over the top though, including how everyone converges around Mel. The mystery is pretty hard to solve and the resolution takes some time to get straight. It's over the top which fits the vibe for the whole book. It's an entertaining, quick read though and, as always, leaves you wanting more.
3.75 stars
As always it's fun to return to Fairy Tale Cupcakes and all of our favorite returning characters. There is always humor and delicious cupcakes.
The mystery is good as it's hard to tell what is really going on. There is never a dull moment. Things are pretty over the top though, including how everyone converges around Mel. The mystery is pretty hard to solve and the resolution takes some time to get straight. It's over the top which fits the vibe for the whole book. It's an entertaining, quick read though and, as always, leaves you wanting more.
3.75 stars
June 29, 2022
Couldn't put it down! A one night read. Absolutely lived up to my anticipation for the book as I love this series. Very interesting plot line and reveal.
June 24, 2022
Another great entry in this series!! I especially liked the ending of this one, as it is not a typical cozy mystery ending. It was fun to see all the regular cast members, and to meet a couple of new ones!!
May 12, 2022
This book has all the elements I love in a cozy mystery... Quirky setting, interesting characters, good mystery. I really enjoyed the read until about halfway in. I figured it out way before any of the characters began to suspect which made it a little less compelling. Unfortunately the real problem for me was that the lead started doing things that were really stupid. Things that could get her and her friends killed for no good reason. Things that would have ultimately nullified court cases and convictions. SHE'S NOT A COP! SHE'S A BAKER! Her step dad is chief of police and her husband is a prosecuting attorney for crying out loud... And neither of them ever tell her off for literally tampering with evidence? Come on!
There is a line between nosy investigation by a lay person, and lay person who solves the crime but completely ruins the court case and therefore my overall enjoyment of the story. In the second half of the story I just kept thinking "what are you doing!?!" over and over again. She kept literally ruining the investigation. It's frustrating to read a cozy murder mystery where you know that probably nobody is going to jail because the main character messed everything up in the name of helping.
All that said, I mostly enjoyed the story. I would probably read another one in the series because I liked the characters and the setting enough to tune in again. If you enjoy cozy mysteries you'll probably enjoy this one.
There is a line between nosy investigation by a lay person, and lay person who solves the crime but completely ruins the court case and therefore my overall enjoyment of the story. In the second half of the story I just kept thinking "what are you doing!?!" over and over again. She kept literally ruining the investigation. It's frustrating to read a cozy murder mystery where you know that probably nobody is going to jail because the main character messed everything up in the name of helping.
All that said, I mostly enjoyed the story. I would probably read another one in the series because I liked the characters and the setting enough to tune in again. If you enjoy cozy mysteries you'll probably enjoy this one.
April 13, 2022
I was not prepared for everything going on in this book.
Someone fires shots at Mel as she is leaving her bakery, and everyone is on full alert to keep her safe. Angie is worried about her best friend and it seems that the perpetrator isn't stopping.
I became glued to the pages as I read this book, and was shocked to find I read it without stopping!
This was the perfect book for a lazy Sunday at home, and I recommend this book to anyone who likes to read a good, solid mystery.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of Strawberried Alive.
#StrawberriedAlive #NetGalley
Someone fires shots at Mel as she is leaving her bakery, and everyone is on full alert to keep her safe. Angie is worried about her best friend and it seems that the perpetrator isn't stopping.
I became glued to the pages as I read this book, and was shocked to find I read it without stopping!
This was the perfect book for a lazy Sunday at home, and I recommend this book to anyone who likes to read a good, solid mystery.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of Strawberried Alive.
#StrawberriedAlive #NetGalley
May 17, 2022
Wow! I did not love this one. I dont know if its the narrator that annoyed me this time (its been the same one all along) or the story or what. Didnt like it at all.
The mystery seemed to be lacking and more fluff than substance.
I'll read the next one, of course.
The mystery seemed to be lacking and more fluff than substance.
I'll read the next one, of course.
August 5, 2022
STRAWBERRIED ALIVE is the fourteenth book in the Cupcake Bakery Mystery series by Jenn McKinlay. With action that starts right off the bat with a demanding bridezilla and then a random shooter taking a shot at Mel, this newest release kept me turning pages until I’d read the last word all in one sitting. It was such a pleasure catching back up with Fairy Tale Cupcake bakery owner, Mel. She’s a newlywed, but that doesn’t mean she’s neglecting her hard-earned successful business. But with word going around that there’s a shooter on the loose, with another murder victim, the local shop owners in Old Town Scottsdale turn their angst to evicting Mel and her crew from their midst. This book had a different feel than most of them. It examined community despair and an almost mob-like mentality that came from their deep-seated fears. Mel is eager to get to the bottom of the mystery, but Joe, and all the rest of the men in her life, from her uncle to her brothers-in-law, decide she needs protection. It became more of a group investigation rather than Mel and her best friend jumping in and saving the day. Despite that, this is a well-plotted, page-turning read and I look forward to the next installment in this endearing series!
July 15, 2022
Good series about three friends who own a bakery and get involved with solving mysteries.
Wonderful characters and friends of the family. You feel like you are revisiting people that are your friends!
Mel, Angie and Tate own the Fairytale cupcake bakery as well as a new chain of them nationwide.
But now, Mel and Angie are both fairly newly married and are looking forward to a little married bliss time together with their husbands. Angie also has a young baby that is taking most of her time.
Everything is going well until Mel is working late one night and exits the bakery only to get shot at.
Luckily her Uncle is a detective on the police force and her husband is the District Attorney.
So she will have help as she tries to solve the case.
However, things get worse and other business owners are attacked. Things look bleak for the business owners in the area. But Mel keeps digging. With the help of her co-workers and her crazy Italian brothers in law she might just figure it out.
Wonderful characters and friends of the family. You feel like you are revisiting people that are your friends!
Mel, Angie and Tate own the Fairytale cupcake bakery as well as a new chain of them nationwide.
But now, Mel and Angie are both fairly newly married and are looking forward to a little married bliss time together with their husbands. Angie also has a young baby that is taking most of her time.
Everything is going well until Mel is working late one night and exits the bakery only to get shot at.
Luckily her Uncle is a detective on the police force and her husband is the District Attorney.
So she will have help as she tries to solve the case.
However, things get worse and other business owners are attacked. Things look bleak for the business owners in the area. But Mel keeps digging. With the help of her co-workers and her crazy Italian brothers in law she might just figure it out.
April 20, 2022
This is my favorite Cozy mystery series! This book did not disappoint. I liked the new take on the murder aspect of this book. It almost felt as if i was watching a TV show. Of course we had all of our favorite characters and some good humor sprinkled in when possible.
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to listen to this book early.
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to listen to this book early.
January 11, 2023
Bookish Books Reading Challenge & #LibraryLoveChallenge
May 14, 2022
Registered on Bookcrossing - https://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/...
Another wonderful book in this series. No one else writes a better cozy mystery. ❤
Another wonderful book in this series. No one else writes a better cozy mystery. ❤
July 9, 2023
When a bridezilla demands Mel redecorate her cupcakes two days before the wedding, Mel agrees to please the bride's mother, a longtime good customer. Mel has to work late replacing the old aqua fondant with teal. While locking up she spies a figure all in black near the shop and hopes it's just Oz. When the person takes shots at Mel, she knows it's not Oz and fears for her life. Luckily Oz is home in his apartment above the shop and comes to Mel's rescue. Unfortunately the shooter gets away and all anyone has to go on is a vague description, the model of the car and a partial license plate. Uncle Stan and Joe are terrified that a bad person or family member of a bad person Joe or Mel helped put away is out to get Mel. Mel swears she doesn't have any enemies and now they're on alert the shooter won't return. Her neighbors in the Small Business Association are fearful and blame Mel for a lot of their problems. Some want to shut Fairy Tale for good. When another business owner is shot, Mel becomes neighborhood public enemy #1. She's not going down without a fight. She'll figure this out, save her mystery and see justice done for her friend!
The mystery was really good, very complicated. I never totally put the clues together although they were there. I did figure out a few things ahead of the characters and that meant the first shooting didn't quite make a lot of sense. The mystery is a little dark with a high body count but the story is lighthearted and funny as usual.
I always love catching up with the Fairy Tale crew. The gang's all here. Not to worry because Oz has a new job, he's a big part of the story. Angie takes more of a side role because of baby Emari who is now 6 months old. This time Tate gets in on the investigation. He's not a very good sidekick but he is a great guy and truly an asset to the community. He does have a bit of a temper though. Who knew? On the flip side, if this had been the first book in the series, I would not have liked Mel. Yes she's a busybody and that I can handle but in this book she is WAY too stubborn. Uncle Stan AND Joe tell her to do things to be safe and she ignores them just for the sake of being "independent." You can't be independent if you're dead. That's just being stupid. Yes it's a story and Mel needs to be where the action is but it could have been done better. Poor Uncle Stan has his hands full with this one. Mel's life could be in danger and the suspect pool is way too wide. Plus he's trying to romance Joyce, Mel's mom, when he's NOT working, which is like never thanks to Mel. Even Joe gets tough with Mel. He loves her so much and he knows what evil could be out there. He doesn't want her hurt or worse. He couldn't live without her! Mel can dish it out and worry about others but not take it. She doesn't worry about herself enough.
As always, Marty provides the comic relief. Sometimes he goes a little too far in this book. He's loyal, I'll give him that, but heckling other business owners back isn't going to help matters. Sweet Oz tries to play the hero and help Mel. While ultimately he's successful, he acts recklessly. Wonder where he learned that behavior?! Angie has changed since becoming pregnant. She's more mellow, quieter and thoughtful. Before baby she would be the one charging in and assaulting anyone who dares insult her shop, her friend and husband. I'd like to see that actually LOL!
Other recurring characters appear to move the story along. Mick, the tattoo guy, is a sweetheart. He looks scary but he is actually kind and caring. He's sympathetic to both sides of the issue but doesn't believe closing Fairy Tale is the answer. Dwight, Mel's high school nemesis, returns to assist with watching over Mel. He says he's her bodyguard and she stupidly insists she doesn't need one. Dwight is also doubling as cyber security, tracking down the criminals Mel helped put behind bars. He needs to know which are still at large and who might have family coming after Mel. Dwight is still Mel's nemesis. They act like siblings the way they fight. Dwight has hidden layers. Like Mick, he acts like a tough guy but is quite caring underneath. The brothers, Ray and Al DeLaura, tag along, unasked, to help protect Mel. Neither one has much in the brains department but they're good brothers, wanting to protect their honorary little sister. (Joe and Angie would kill them if anything happened to Mel). The DeLauras are always amusing. I agree about the food though. Hurray for Det. Martinez! Tara IS a good cop in spite of her animosity towards Mel. She can do her job when it counts and make people listen to her. I was happy with the way she handled the SBA meeting. Also with how she handles Ray LOL!
Newcomers to the story are all neighboring small businesses in Old Town Scottsdale. Naomi, a natural soap maker, is the newest business. Mel clicks with her next door neighbor instantly. They both make products that smell good to entice customers in and they even look alike. Naomi seems nice but she's so new. How does Mel know Naomi can be trusted? How does Mel know Naomi didn't bring enemies to Old Town? I don't trust her. My theories were literally shot down and when Naomi was shot I was as devastated as Mel. Naomi wasn't really a fleshed out character but I think the drama may center around her but my first choice suspect for shooter is actually Emerson Henry, the bridezilla. She's horrid! A spoiled brat who DEMANDS the world revolve around her would not hesitate to destroy someone she didn't like. Tate dodged a bullet there.
John Billings, president of the Old Town Small Business Association, is a fixture around town. He's a wealthy businessman and seems to love being in control of the meetings. I think he has a big ego. He's OK with being overruled and letting someone else speak if he has to though. Nikki Guthrie, artisan jewelry maker, has a vendetta against Mel for some reason. She blames Fairy Tale's success for her businesses failures. What is her problem? Why blame Mel? You can't compare cupcakes to jewelry or any other business. A piece of jewelry or an antique has to be saved up for and is an expensive purchase. A $4 cupcake is an indulgence but for most tourists it won't bankrupt them. Many tourists are on a budget and can buy artisan jewelry and antiques at home or online. A cupcake is an experience. You can smell it, taste it right then and there and enjoy your surroundings. As Mel points out, many people walk around eating their cupcakes and looking in shop windows. I could see if Nikki had a cake shop or bakery or ice cream - something similar but she doesn't. Her anger does not make sense.
Clint Carlisle will hopefully be the next victim. He owns an exotic pet shop, something I didn't know was legal and is not a nice man. He hates Mel for some reason. She's never even been IN his shop. Even Millie Cartwright, a little old lady, does not seem to like Mel. Lyn Andres Anderson, a sculptor and Mel's friend, could care less about the drama. She does her thing, Mel does her thing and everyone else does theirs. Lyn understands. Will that make her a victim of Nikki's wrath? At this point I think Nikki is the shooter! If it wasn't Nikki it was Jacob Wright, an unpleasant antiques dealer who has never seemed to have a problem with Mel before. Really people... apples and oranges! Animosity towards Tate for being wealthy isn't productive either. No one can help the family they're born into and he happens to be wealthy in his own right. This Jacob dude needs to stop and consider there is a person, a person with a family and loved ones, behind those nasty words and accusations. Jacob doesn't know about the drama between Tate and his family and doesn't need to know. Tate is an asset to the community and Mel's shop brings in tourist dollars and keeps the neighborhood looking nice. I don't see the problem here. I also don't think Mel brought the shooter. I think the nasties do protest too much. Nikki or Jacob is the shooter or knows who is!
Mindy Rios, owner of the Triple Fork Saloon, at least still seems to like Mel. HER business is booming and I don't see anyone complaining yet a bar could have attracted a random nutter intent on shooting random people in the neighborhood. Mindy is a good person to know. As a bar owner, she is up on the latest gossip and provides what could be a vital clue to the investigation. Business Equity Life is a shady and probably fake business if I ever heard of one. Who in their RIGHT MINDS would fall for that? It seems like this business is at the center of the mystery but I just find it hard to accept that anyone with half a brain would not run in the other direction, no matter how desperate.
The story wraps up to a conclusion but luckily this is not an end! There will be at least two more.
Cupcake recipes are unusual ones this time. Strawberry surprise looks good but I don't think gluten free grapefruit and chai frosting go together. The vegan coconut cake sounds yummy too. I can't wait to see what recipes Jenn/Mel cooks up next!
Update July 2023
OMG The Strawberry Surprise cupcakes are Ah-MAZING! A six year old said they smell like pancakes! She was absolutely right. They smell heavenly just out of the oven and taste amazing. I didn't make the frosting. Of the three types of cupcakes I made for the 4th of July, these were the most popular and the yummiest!
The mystery was really good, very complicated. I never totally put the clues together although they were there. I did figure out a few things ahead of the characters and that meant the first shooting didn't quite make a lot of sense. The mystery is a little dark with a high body count but the story is lighthearted and funny as usual.
I always love catching up with the Fairy Tale crew. The gang's all here. Not to worry because Oz has a new job, he's a big part of the story. Angie takes more of a side role because of baby Emari who is now 6 months old. This time Tate gets in on the investigation. He's not a very good sidekick but he is a great guy and truly an asset to the community. He does have a bit of a temper though. Who knew? On the flip side, if this had been the first book in the series, I would not have liked Mel. Yes she's a busybody and that I can handle but in this book she is WAY too stubborn. Uncle Stan AND Joe tell her to do things to be safe and she ignores them just for the sake of being "independent." You can't be independent if you're dead. That's just being stupid. Yes it's a story and Mel needs to be where the action is but it could have been done better. Poor Uncle Stan has his hands full with this one. Mel's life could be in danger and the suspect pool is way too wide. Plus he's trying to romance Joyce, Mel's mom, when he's NOT working, which is like never thanks to Mel. Even Joe gets tough with Mel. He loves her so much and he knows what evil could be out there. He doesn't want her hurt or worse. He couldn't live without her! Mel can dish it out and worry about others but not take it. She doesn't worry about herself enough.
As always, Marty provides the comic relief. Sometimes he goes a little too far in this book. He's loyal, I'll give him that, but heckling other business owners back isn't going to help matters. Sweet Oz tries to play the hero and help Mel. While ultimately he's successful, he acts recklessly. Wonder where he learned that behavior?! Angie has changed since becoming pregnant. She's more mellow, quieter and thoughtful. Before baby she would be the one charging in and assaulting anyone who dares insult her shop, her friend and husband. I'd like to see that actually LOL!
Other recurring characters appear to move the story along. Mick, the tattoo guy, is a sweetheart. He looks scary but he is actually kind and caring. He's sympathetic to both sides of the issue but doesn't believe closing Fairy Tale is the answer. Dwight, Mel's high school nemesis, returns to assist with watching over Mel. He says he's her bodyguard and she stupidly insists she doesn't need one. Dwight is also doubling as cyber security, tracking down the criminals Mel helped put behind bars. He needs to know which are still at large and who might have family coming after Mel. Dwight is still Mel's nemesis. They act like siblings the way they fight. Dwight has hidden layers. Like Mick, he acts like a tough guy but is quite caring underneath. The brothers, Ray and Al DeLaura, tag along, unasked, to help protect Mel. Neither one has much in the brains department but they're good brothers, wanting to protect their honorary little sister. (Joe and Angie would kill them if anything happened to Mel). The DeLauras are always amusing. I agree about the food though. Hurray for Det. Martinez! Tara IS a good cop in spite of her animosity towards Mel. She can do her job when it counts and make people listen to her. I was happy with the way she handled the SBA meeting. Also with how she handles Ray LOL!
Newcomers to the story are all neighboring small businesses in Old Town Scottsdale. Naomi, a natural soap maker, is the newest business. Mel clicks with her next door neighbor instantly. They both make products that smell good to entice customers in and they even look alike. Naomi seems nice but she's so new. How does Mel know Naomi can be trusted? How does Mel know Naomi didn't bring enemies to Old Town? I don't trust her. My theories were literally shot down and when Naomi was shot I was as devastated as Mel. Naomi wasn't really a fleshed out character but I think the drama may center around her but my first choice suspect for shooter is actually Emerson Henry, the bridezilla. She's horrid! A spoiled brat who DEMANDS the world revolve around her would not hesitate to destroy someone she didn't like. Tate dodged a bullet there.
John Billings, president of the Old Town Small Business Association, is a fixture around town. He's a wealthy businessman and seems to love being in control of the meetings. I think he has a big ego. He's OK with being overruled and letting someone else speak if he has to though. Nikki Guthrie, artisan jewelry maker, has a vendetta against Mel for some reason. She blames Fairy Tale's success for her businesses failures. What is her problem? Why blame Mel? You can't compare cupcakes to jewelry or any other business. A piece of jewelry or an antique has to be saved up for and is an expensive purchase. A $4 cupcake is an indulgence but for most tourists it won't bankrupt them. Many tourists are on a budget and can buy artisan jewelry and antiques at home or online. A cupcake is an experience. You can smell it, taste it right then and there and enjoy your surroundings. As Mel points out, many people walk around eating their cupcakes and looking in shop windows. I could see if Nikki had a cake shop or bakery or ice cream - something similar but she doesn't. Her anger does not make sense.
Clint Carlisle will hopefully be the next victim. He owns an exotic pet shop, something I didn't know was legal and is not a nice man. He hates Mel for some reason. She's never even been IN his shop. Even Millie Cartwright, a little old lady, does not seem to like Mel. Lyn Andres Anderson, a sculptor and Mel's friend, could care less about the drama. She does her thing, Mel does her thing and everyone else does theirs. Lyn understands. Will that make her a victim of Nikki's wrath? At this point I think Nikki is the shooter! If it wasn't Nikki it was Jacob Wright, an unpleasant antiques dealer who has never seemed to have a problem with Mel before. Really people... apples and oranges! Animosity towards Tate for being wealthy isn't productive either. No one can help the family they're born into and he happens to be wealthy in his own right. This Jacob dude needs to stop and consider there is a person, a person with a family and loved ones, behind those nasty words and accusations. Jacob doesn't know about the drama between Tate and his family and doesn't need to know. Tate is an asset to the community and Mel's shop brings in tourist dollars and keeps the neighborhood looking nice. I don't see the problem here. I also don't think Mel brought the shooter. I think the nasties do protest too much. Nikki or Jacob is the shooter or knows who is!
Mindy Rios, owner of the Triple Fork Saloon, at least still seems to like Mel. HER business is booming and I don't see anyone complaining yet a bar could have attracted a random nutter intent on shooting random people in the neighborhood. Mindy is a good person to know. As a bar owner, she is up on the latest gossip and provides what could be a vital clue to the investigation. Business Equity Life is a shady and probably fake business if I ever heard of one. Who in their RIGHT MINDS would fall for that? It seems like this business is at the center of the mystery but I just find it hard to accept that anyone with half a brain would not run in the other direction, no matter how desperate.
The story wraps up to a conclusion but luckily this is not an end! There will be at least two more.
Cupcake recipes are unusual ones this time. Strawberry surprise looks good but I don't think gluten free grapefruit and chai frosting go together. The vegan coconut cake sounds yummy too. I can't wait to see what recipes Jenn/Mel cooks up next!
Update July 2023
OMG The Strawberry Surprise cupcakes are Ah-MAZING! A six year old said they smell like pancakes! She was absolutely right. They smell heavenly just out of the oven and taste amazing. I didn't make the frosting. Of the three types of cupcakes I made for the 4th of July, these were the most popular and the yummiest!
June 21, 2022
Strawberried Alive
Cupcake Bakery Mystery, Book #14
Jenn McKinlay
5 Stars
Synopsis:
The crew from the Fairy Tale Cupcakes shop risks getting burned when they set out to find a murderer who is terrorizing their town
Life is smooth as buttercream at the Fairy Tale Cupcakes bakery, and newlyweds Mel and Joe are stopping to smell the flours. But things start to crumble one night when an unknown gunman takes a shot at Mel. Though the bullets miss their mark, the cupcake crew goes on high alert to figure out who would want to kill a small-town baker, and why.
When more business owners are attacked, things turn fatal, and locals begin to wonder if the killer could be one of their own. Every shop owner in town starts to fear it’s only a matter of time before they too become victims of the mystery murderer. Despite the cupcake crew's superb baking skills, it will be anything but a piece of cake to catch the killer, as they try to prevent anyone else from being berried.
Review:
The characters are well rounded and well developed. Mel and Angie are still the best of friends, and along with their significant others, they are all besties. Mel is shot at when she is leaving the bakery and she does not know why. When more business owners are also targets, Mel and the gang will have to figure out who is behind the shootings and why.
The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and these descriptions pulled me into the story from the very beginning. The writing style flows smoothly and it defines the characters very clearly by their actions and words. The mystery is well plotted and there are enough clues to soft through and suspects to consider.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. This series just keeps getting better and it is one of my favorites.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, Berkley Publishing Group, and NetGalley, which I greatly appreciate.
Cupcake Bakery Mystery, Book #14
Jenn McKinlay
5 Stars
Synopsis:
The crew from the Fairy Tale Cupcakes shop risks getting burned when they set out to find a murderer who is terrorizing their town
Life is smooth as buttercream at the Fairy Tale Cupcakes bakery, and newlyweds Mel and Joe are stopping to smell the flours. But things start to crumble one night when an unknown gunman takes a shot at Mel. Though the bullets miss their mark, the cupcake crew goes on high alert to figure out who would want to kill a small-town baker, and why.
When more business owners are attacked, things turn fatal, and locals begin to wonder if the killer could be one of their own. Every shop owner in town starts to fear it’s only a matter of time before they too become victims of the mystery murderer. Despite the cupcake crew's superb baking skills, it will be anything but a piece of cake to catch the killer, as they try to prevent anyone else from being berried.
Review:
The characters are well rounded and well developed. Mel and Angie are still the best of friends, and along with their significant others, they are all besties. Mel is shot at when she is leaving the bakery and she does not know why. When more business owners are also targets, Mel and the gang will have to figure out who is behind the shootings and why.
The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and these descriptions pulled me into the story from the very beginning. The writing style flows smoothly and it defines the characters very clearly by their actions and words. The mystery is well plotted and there are enough clues to soft through and suspects to consider.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. This series just keeps getting better and it is one of my favorites.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, Berkley Publishing Group, and NetGalley, which I greatly appreciate.
November 29, 2024
Rated 4.5 stars on platforms that accommodate my nuance
It was time for another visit to my favorite cupcake shop in Arizona! It did not disappoint, so let's get right to the review, shall we?
What I liked about Strawberried Alive:
Fast-paced and intense - By far, the most intense book of this series, at least as I can recall. So much action and so many plot twists. In fact, there was one late in the book that might be one of the best in the whole series. I never even suspected it was coming.
This was a unique plot line - I read a lot of mysteries, so it's hard to deliver a mystery that I haven't encountered in some form elsewhere. This one managed to do so and I applaud that.
Intrigue mixed with humor - There were several instances when I burst out laughing, especially in scenes that included Marty or Dwight.
What I didn't care for:
I don't get why this was the title - Really, that's my only complaint.
I really do enjoy this mystery series. It's sassy and the characters are incredibly likeable. There are delicious cupcakes to imagine (though I will never understand how they eat several per sitting, unless they're smaller than I'm picturing?). I am looking forward to seeing what adventures they are up to next, especially because there was ome interesting foreshadowing (or so it felt) concerning Mel!
It was time for another visit to my favorite cupcake shop in Arizona! It did not disappoint, so let's get right to the review, shall we?
What I liked about Strawberried Alive:
Fast-paced and intense - By far, the most intense book of this series, at least as I can recall. So much action and so many plot twists. In fact, there was one late in the book that might be one of the best in the whole series. I never even suspected it was coming.
This was a unique plot line - I read a lot of mysteries, so it's hard to deliver a mystery that I haven't encountered in some form elsewhere. This one managed to do so and I applaud that.
Intrigue mixed with humor - There were several instances when I burst out laughing, especially in scenes that included Marty or Dwight.
What I didn't care for:
I don't get why this was the title - Really, that's my only complaint.
I really do enjoy this mystery series. It's sassy and the characters are incredibly likeable. There are delicious cupcakes to imagine (though I will never understand how they eat several per sitting, unless they're smaller than I'm picturing?). I am looking forward to seeing what adventures they are up to next, especially because there was ome interesting foreshadowing (or so it felt) concerning Mel!
May 5, 2022
When a book opens with a bridezilla, what can I say, I was drawn in immediately. Jenn McKinlay writes wonderful cozy mysteries and this series is one of my favorites. Not only will the foods make your mouth water but the story and mystery itself will keep you turning the pages until you find out who done it.
Jenn McKinlay is a must read cozy mystery writer for me. She never disappoints with her storylines and this one was just as good if not better than the prior books in the series.
Thank you to #netgalley and #berkleypublishing for allowing me to read the eARC of this book. All opinions expressed above are my own.
Jenn McKinlay is a must read cozy mystery writer for me. She never disappoints with her storylines and this one was just as good if not better than the prior books in the series.
Thank you to #netgalley and #berkleypublishing for allowing me to read the eARC of this book. All opinions expressed above are my own.
July 5, 2022
4.5 stars
A quick, fun read that works as a standalone. I've read the whole series and really enjoyed this one. I love that Mel, Joe, Angie, and Tate all play an important part in the book. The plot of the Old Town Scottsdale business owners being in danger is unique and provides the perfect reason for Mel to investigate and the reader to get to know some of the other business owners in the area. This book is a winner and I hope there is more to come in this delightful series. You will crave cupcakes while reading it, though. Luckily, there are recipes included!
A quick, fun read that works as a standalone. I've read the whole series and really enjoyed this one. I love that Mel, Joe, Angie, and Tate all play an important part in the book. The plot of the Old Town Scottsdale business owners being in danger is unique and provides the perfect reason for Mel to investigate and the reader to get to know some of the other business owners in the area. This book is a winner and I hope there is more to come in this delightful series. You will crave cupcakes while reading it, though. Luckily, there are recipes included!
April 20, 2022
This is one of my favorite series because I love the way that it has evolved since the beginning. Each mystery is a standalone but the ongoing story revolving around Mel and her friends has grown and gotten a little darker since this one starts out with someone trying to kill Mel. This story kept me involved and guessing at the murderer until the very end. I could not put this one down.
I received a copy from #NetGalley and #DreamscapeMedia for an honest review.
I received a copy from #NetGalley and #DreamscapeMedia for an honest review.
February 26, 2023
I love this series. Reading it is like coming home. Not only is it set in an area I grew up around, but I've been reading this one for years and look forward to each release so I can see what my favorite characters are up to. Murder mysteries are always high stakes, but this one really had me stressing out in that I was worried Mel would be forced to lose her business. I feel a bit odd worrying about that more than the increasing body count, but that's where I was with this. I do miss Angie being more involved in solving the mysteries. I get that she has the baby at home to care for. I just miss her being there and what she added to the process.
May 10, 2022
Jenn McKinlay does it again!
I never tire of Mel and her Cupcake family and friends. Especially Oz, I always worry he will not be around now that he has a new career but the whole gang is here again, helping solve who attacked Mel and other business owners in town.
If you love a cozy mystery with the best found family as well as real solid family support, you must pick up the Cupcake Bakery Mysteries!
I never tire of Mel and her Cupcake family and friends. Especially Oz, I always worry he will not be around now that he has a new career but the whole gang is here again, helping solve who attacked Mel and other business owners in town.
If you love a cozy mystery with the best found family as well as real solid family support, you must pick up the Cupcake Bakery Mysteries!
May 12, 2022
I was provided an ARC audiobook copy of this book from Netgalley and Dreamscape Media in exchange for an honest review
Displaying 1 - 30 of 322 reviews