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Cannabis Café Mysteries #1
A Half-Baked Murder
Emily George launches a groundbreaking, irresistible new series unlike anything else out there, as twenty-eight-year-old California pastry chef Chloe Barnes takes her career higher, opening a cannabis café where she can use her Michelin-star skills to transform dry, bland pot brownies into gourmet treats. With a unique and culturally relevant hook, authentic fresh voice, and the classic tropes of the genre that all cozy fans love, everyone’s buzzing about the Cannabis Café Mysteries!
Formally trained pastry chef Chloe Barnes is opening a cannabis bakery. That’s not at all what the twenty-eight-year-old envisioned while living the dream in Paris with a hot fiancé and a Michelin star restaurant gig around the corner. But the rising “it girl” of choux puffs rethinks everything after a scathing food review and humiliating breakup make her long for home in sunny California. When her beloved grandmother falls ill, Chloe returns to quaint Azalea Bay to start over in the most satisfying way possible—concocting delicious edibles with her quirky Aunt Dawn.
Combining French luxury and THC, Baked by Chloe will take pot brownies to another level. That is, until a creepy past acquaintance rehashes old drama and shockingly turns up dead—landing Aunt Dawn as the number one murder suspect. Now, alongside her closest confidants, a stunned Chloe must alternate between budding entrepreneur and amateur sleuth to clear her aunt’s name, open the best bakery in town, and weed out the real culprit from a list of unsettling suspects!
Formally trained pastry chef Chloe Barnes is opening a cannabis bakery. That’s not at all what the twenty-eight-year-old envisioned while living the dream in Paris with a hot fiancé and a Michelin star restaurant gig around the corner. But the rising “it girl” of choux puffs rethinks everything after a scathing food review and humiliating breakup make her long for home in sunny California. When her beloved grandmother falls ill, Chloe returns to quaint Azalea Bay to start over in the most satisfying way possible—concocting delicious edibles with her quirky Aunt Dawn.
Combining French luxury and THC, Baked by Chloe will take pot brownies to another level. That is, until a creepy past acquaintance rehashes old drama and shockingly turns up dead—landing Aunt Dawn as the number one murder suspect. Now, alongside her closest confidants, a stunned Chloe must alternate between budding entrepreneur and amateur sleuth to clear her aunt’s name, open the best bakery in town, and weed out the real culprit from a list of unsettling suspects!
304 pages, Paperback
First published February 21, 2023
81 people are currently reading
5284 people want to read
About the author
Emily George
3 books151 followersEmily George is an Australian author who writes modern murder mysteries that feature her favourite F words: female friendships, family and furry friends. She also likes alliteration.
Like her sleuths, she’s an elder Millennial who grew up on a steady diet of late 90’s romantic comedies, Spice Girls songs and Babysitter’s Club books. When she’s not figuring out creative ways to kill people (fictionally, of course) she enjoys knitting, baking, playing video games, and listening to true crime podcasts.
She resides in Canada with her husband.
Like her sleuths, she’s an elder Millennial who grew up on a steady diet of late 90’s romantic comedies, Spice Girls songs and Babysitter’s Club books. When she’s not figuring out creative ways to kill people (fictionally, of course) she enjoys knitting, baking, playing video games, and listening to true crime podcasts.
She resides in Canada with her husband.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 436 reviews
February 16, 2023
Emily George has created a new series for lovers of cozy mysteries, set in the beautiful beachside town of Azalea Bay in California, we get to know Chloe Barnes, pastry chef extraordinaire who’s life has suddenly changed bringing her home from Paris where she has lived and worked to make a name for herself for the past five years, but with her wedding cancelled and her dearly loved grandmother sick Chloe is home and determined to do well.
With all of her training in Paris and the help from her quirky aunt Dawn Chloe decides to open a cannabis café in the small town, this is going to be a lot of work but she knows that it will help a lot of people as she adds her special touch to pot brownies and creates the most gorgeous of cannabis treats.
A couple of days home and she has a run in with a past acquaintance who ends up dead in the park the next day and the police suspect Aunty Dawn as the killer and there is no way Chloe is going to stand by and let their family name have mud thrown at it. Chloe becomes a good sleuth checking up on clues and working hard to get the café up and running and experimenting with her delicious French cooking added to THC. It is not long before Chloe seems to be getting to the truth and she finds herself and her family in danger, will they get to the truth and will they all be safe?
I loved this story and the fabulous characters that live in Azalea Bay, Emily George has created the best characters and setting to make this a blockbuster series, not only did she have me guessing all the way through I was learning a lot about the help that cannabis can do with people and their medical problems, how much help it can be and the delightful deserts, drinks and meals that can be created with THC.
I do highly recommend this book and I am really looking forward to the next book in the series.
My thanks to Netgalley for my digital copy to read and review.
With all of her training in Paris and the help from her quirky aunt Dawn Chloe decides to open a cannabis café in the small town, this is going to be a lot of work but she knows that it will help a lot of people as she adds her special touch to pot brownies and creates the most gorgeous of cannabis treats.
A couple of days home and she has a run in with a past acquaintance who ends up dead in the park the next day and the police suspect Aunty Dawn as the killer and there is no way Chloe is going to stand by and let their family name have mud thrown at it. Chloe becomes a good sleuth checking up on clues and working hard to get the café up and running and experimenting with her delicious French cooking added to THC. It is not long before Chloe seems to be getting to the truth and she finds herself and her family in danger, will they get to the truth and will they all be safe?
I loved this story and the fabulous characters that live in Azalea Bay, Emily George has created the best characters and setting to make this a blockbuster series, not only did she have me guessing all the way through I was learning a lot about the help that cannabis can do with people and their medical problems, how much help it can be and the delightful deserts, drinks and meals that can be created with THC.
I do highly recommend this book and I am really looking forward to the next book in the series.
My thanks to Netgalley for my digital copy to read and review.
May 13, 2023
I've been in a cozy mystery mood lately so when I saw that my library had a copy of this one, I immediately put it on hold. It took a while to get through because I was reader a host of other things, but for the most part it was a solid start to a new series. 3.5 Stars. CW: attempted sexual assault, death on page, bullying, abuse
A Half-Baked Murder is the first book in the new Cannabis Café Mysteries series that follows Chloe who leaves her career in France to come back home after a split from her fiancé. Emily has experience cooking with cannabis and does it to help out her ailing grandmother but she's encouraged by her aunt to utilize her professional French culinary schools to create baked goods infused with cannabis to sell to the community. Unfortunately, Chloe has an uncomfortable run in with an individual that she used to know while living in the town. Not long after, he turns up dead and Chloe's aunt is a prime suspect. To clear her aunt's name, Chloe inevitable inserts herself into the investigation.
What I Liked: This would have been a quick read if I didn't have a million other things going on. Chloe was a fun character and and I was really interested in seeing how she would progress with opening a bakery that solely focused on selling ingredients that include cannabis. Emily George writes with fluidity and really engages readers. There was clearly a close bond between Chloe and her Aunt Dawn so when Chloe became concerned about her well-being I was concerned as well. George also showcases a beautiful and tight-knit relationship between Chloe and her grandmother. I always enjoy novels that focus on strong familial relationships especially those that may exist between the women in the family. It was nice to see Chloe have such a great support system considering that while this investigation is going on, she's still dealing with a humiliating break up that resulted in her getting a bad food review from a critic.
What I Didn't Like: While there was some addressing of the stigma that comes with the consumption of cannabis, I wish that George would have at least touched on the legal ramifications for BIPOC individuals. It's kind of a stretch, in my opinion, to talk about this stigma's of cannabis consumption, legal or not, without thoroughly addressing this topic. I'm not asking for a full dissertation, but just an acknowledgement from Chloe that she, as the creator of this bakery, is aware of the implications that it would have for others not like her. I also felt as though the path to figuring out the murderer was easy. There were so many signs in the beginning of the book that I was able to figure it out before the novel came to a close.
Overall, this was a solid read with lots of good character development and plot development. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
A Half-Baked Murder is the first book in the new Cannabis Café Mysteries series that follows Chloe who leaves her career in France to come back home after a split from her fiancé. Emily has experience cooking with cannabis and does it to help out her ailing grandmother but she's encouraged by her aunt to utilize her professional French culinary schools to create baked goods infused with cannabis to sell to the community. Unfortunately, Chloe has an uncomfortable run in with an individual that she used to know while living in the town. Not long after, he turns up dead and Chloe's aunt is a prime suspect. To clear her aunt's name, Chloe inevitable inserts herself into the investigation.
What I Liked: This would have been a quick read if I didn't have a million other things going on. Chloe was a fun character and and I was really interested in seeing how she would progress with opening a bakery that solely focused on selling ingredients that include cannabis. Emily George writes with fluidity and really engages readers. There was clearly a close bond between Chloe and her Aunt Dawn so when Chloe became concerned about her well-being I was concerned as well. George also showcases a beautiful and tight-knit relationship between Chloe and her grandmother. I always enjoy novels that focus on strong familial relationships especially those that may exist between the women in the family. It was nice to see Chloe have such a great support system considering that while this investigation is going on, she's still dealing with a humiliating break up that resulted in her getting a bad food review from a critic.
What I Didn't Like: While there was some addressing of the stigma that comes with the consumption of cannabis, I wish that George would have at least touched on the legal ramifications for BIPOC individuals. It's kind of a stretch, in my opinion, to talk about this stigma's of cannabis consumption, legal or not, without thoroughly addressing this topic. I'm not asking for a full dissertation, but just an acknowledgement from Chloe that she, as the creator of this bakery, is aware of the implications that it would have for others not like her. I also felt as though the path to figuring out the murderer was easy. There were so many signs in the beginning of the book that I was able to figure it out before the novel came to a close.
Overall, this was a solid read with lots of good character development and plot development. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
August 22, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - Library Book 📕
Chloe Barnes is a classically trained chef who has left Paris after finding out her fiancé was cheating on her. Chloe goes home to nurse her broken heart, but instead finds herself wrapped up in a murder mystery when her aunt is questioned by police about the body found in the park. There’s also a handsome neighbor, her grandmother who is fighting cancer and her new business venture, a cannabis cafe. All in all, a good read.
Chloe Barnes is a classically trained chef who has left Paris after finding out her fiancé was cheating on her. Chloe goes home to nurse her broken heart, but instead finds herself wrapped up in a murder mystery when her aunt is questioned by police about the body found in the park. There’s also a handsome neighbor, her grandmother who is fighting cancer and her new business venture, a cannabis cafe. All in all, a good read.
February 12, 2023
An enjoyable cozy debut with a hip vibe that’s centered around the somewhat controversial subject of cannabis/weed/marijuana. The lovely coastal town of Azalea Bay is an attractive, cozy setting for protagonist, Chloe Barnes to move back to when her beloved Grandma Rose is undergoing chemo treatments for breast cancer. When Chloe’s quirky Aunt Dawn encourages her to use her pastry making skills to open a bakery and use pot as an ingredient for medicinal and stress relief purposes, Chloe likes the idea, especially if it helps Rose’s suffering. With Dawn’s help, Chloe rents a cute space, applies for a bank loan and then a license, and Baked by Chloe will be opening soon!
Chloe then runs into Brendan Chalmers, a guy she greatly disliked in high school, and he’s just as mean and annoying as ever, and not happy when she rejects his advances. The police chief has to intervene, yet Chalmers still threatens Chloe. The next a.m., Brendan’s dead body is discovered in a park and the chase is on to find his killer.
The author explores the subject of cannabis in all seriousness and no one gets ‘stoned’ from eating or drinking the delicious sounding foods or drinks mentioned in the story. Most of the characters are friendly, likeable, and relatable; Sabrina is a great bestie; Grandma Rose and Aunt Dawn are lovable and huggable; the hunky guy living next door is a possible romantic interest; cute pets; and several variables concerning alleged suspects hold reader’s’ attention from the story’s beginning. This was an entertaining choice for a weekend read! Recipes follow at the end.
I honestly reviewed an unedited digital arc provided by NetGalley and Kensington Publishing. All opinions are my own.
Chloe then runs into Brendan Chalmers, a guy she greatly disliked in high school, and he’s just as mean and annoying as ever, and not happy when she rejects his advances. The police chief has to intervene, yet Chalmers still threatens Chloe. The next a.m., Brendan’s dead body is discovered in a park and the chase is on to find his killer.
The author explores the subject of cannabis in all seriousness and no one gets ‘stoned’ from eating or drinking the delicious sounding foods or drinks mentioned in the story. Most of the characters are friendly, likeable, and relatable; Sabrina is a great bestie; Grandma Rose and Aunt Dawn are lovable and huggable; the hunky guy living next door is a possible romantic interest; cute pets; and several variables concerning alleged suspects hold reader’s’ attention from the story’s beginning. This was an entertaining choice for a weekend read! Recipes follow at the end.
I honestly reviewed an unedited digital arc provided by NetGalley and Kensington Publishing. All opinions are my own.
December 13, 2022
Review coming soon.
October 18, 2022
Chloe trained as a pastry chef in Paris. Now she's back in Azalea Bay, CA after her fiance got one of his assistants pregnant. Her Aunt Dawn encourages her to open a shop with cannabis infused baked goods. Then there is a murder, and Dawn is suspected, so Chloe decides to do a little investigating to try and clear Dawn's name. I liked the characters, the small town setting, and the unique concept of the bakery, and interesting recipes were also included. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
February 26, 2023
3-3.5 stars. I was really looking forward to this one and for the most part it was an okay read. Chloe frustrated me to no end several times. First, she came across as being judgmental when it came to Jake after he revealed his "white lie" which honestly was not that bad and i have to agree with her aunt and grandmother that given she is opening up a weed bakery, that's a bit hypocritical of her. Second, everyone and I mean everyone is telling her to STOP running around town as a bulldozer trying to investigate the murder and yet she keeps asking questions putting herself and her grandmother (who is going through chemo) in danger. Third, AFTER being explicitly told DO NOT INVESTIGATE, after being warned by the killer that she will be harmed, after being attacked and hurt, what does she do, she leaves the safety of her home and chases after the killer in the middle of the night.. ALONE..!!! I swear, authors are determined to make an otherwise good book have the dumbest main characters ever!!
The mystery itself is relatively mainstream, it has all the regular elements of a cozy mystery, heartbreak, potential romantic interest, small town, police warning main character not to interfere, busy body main character who refuses to listen, blah blah blah.. the book had the potential to be be much much more but somewhere along the line fell victim to the normal toupee instead of standing out, especially with the unique subject matter of a baker starting a bakery with legacy weed infused products for medicinal purposes and otherwise. At times even Chloe and her aunt's efforts to get the business started fell to the wayside where the author could have built more around that (more tasting parties? more introduction to the town and potential clients? etc etc)
die shall see how Book 2 goes.
The mystery itself is relatively mainstream, it has all the regular elements of a cozy mystery, heartbreak, potential romantic interest, small town, police warning main character not to interfere, busy body main character who refuses to listen, blah blah blah.. the book had the potential to be be much much more but somewhere along the line fell victim to the normal toupee instead of standing out, especially with the unique subject matter of a baker starting a bakery with legacy weed infused products for medicinal purposes and otherwise. At times even Chloe and her aunt's efforts to get the business started fell to the wayside where the author could have built more around that (more tasting parties? more introduction to the town and potential clients? etc etc)
die shall see how Book 2 goes.
February 13, 2023
My cute and cozy mystery shelf has found a new member!
Meet A Half-baked Murder, a book where Chloe plans to open a Cannabis Bakery in a small town to get a fresh start from her ruined career and love life. Only it's not such a good start to have a dead body nearby. Settling back into this town is getting complicated when her key supporter is convicted as a key suspect for the murder and she is now stuck!
I enjoyed reading sassy characters that spice up the plot a bit. There aren't many twists here but did I have fun reading it? Hell yes! The coziness is full to the brim with baking, cute guys and a lot of experimentation with cannabis food products.
Genre: #cozymystery #murdermystery
Rating: 4/5 ⭐️
Thankyou @netgalley @kensingtonbooks @tantoraudio @stefanielondon for the digital ARC
Meet A Half-baked Murder, a book where Chloe plans to open a Cannabis Bakery in a small town to get a fresh start from her ruined career and love life. Only it's not such a good start to have a dead body nearby. Settling back into this town is getting complicated when her key supporter is convicted as a key suspect for the murder and she is now stuck!
I enjoyed reading sassy characters that spice up the plot a bit. There aren't many twists here but did I have fun reading it? Hell yes! The coziness is full to the brim with baking, cute guys and a lot of experimentation with cannabis food products.
Genre: #cozymystery #murdermystery
Rating: 4/5 ⭐️
Thankyou @netgalley @kensingtonbooks @tantoraudio @stefanielondon for the digital ARC
February 15, 2023
Chloe Barnes is a trained pastry chef who returns from Paris back to Azalea Bay when her beloved grandmother falls ill, nursing a broken heart. Chloe is looking to start over and Chloe's Aunt Dawn has just the perfect plan for Chloe's baking skills, but with a little twist concocting delicious edibles. For the most part, Chloe is excited to be back and with new prospects on new horizons, this might be exactly what Chloe needed - until she runs into a creepy past acquaintance in a confrontation that leaves him threatening Chloe. What's worse? He turns up dead the next morning, and her beloved Aunt might be one of the suspects.
To clear her aunt's name, Chloe does a little snooping of her own, with a little help from Jake.
I enjoyed this one! It was such an exciting, different, fresh new series. I love the liberties and how careful the author was about a subject that might still be sore with some people. I also love that she twined this into such a different new cozy mystery series, with a great cast of lovable characters sprinkled with some slow romance. It was such a fast and fun read that I am definitely looking forward to the next book in this series because I just loved how everything was handled, the information sprinkled throughout the book, the ins and the outs, and Chloe herself was a very likable character.
The narration of the book made me feel a bit sleepy, but once sped up I did not have an issue with it.
To clear her aunt's name, Chloe does a little snooping of her own, with a little help from Jake.
I enjoyed this one! It was such an exciting, different, fresh new series. I love the liberties and how careful the author was about a subject that might still be sore with some people. I also love that she twined this into such a different new cozy mystery series, with a great cast of lovable characters sprinkled with some slow romance. It was such a fast and fun read that I am definitely looking forward to the next book in this series because I just loved how everything was handled, the information sprinkled throughout the book, the ins and the outs, and Chloe herself was a very likable character.
The narration of the book made me feel a bit sleepy, but once sped up I did not have an issue with it.
September 6, 2022
Pastry chef Chloe Barnes has left Paris and a broken engagement behind as she returns home to Azalea Bay with her broken heart. She wouldn’t want to be nowhere else as her Gran is undergoing chemo and Chloe wants to help her through the treatment.
Putting her culinary talents to work, Chloe begins making Cannabis edibles for her grandmother and they become a big hit with not only Gran, but her closest friends as well. This leads Chloe and her aunt to opening cannabis bakery and bistro to sell her gourmet goodies. As soon as Chloe and Aunt Dawn agree to be partners, an old classmate harasses Chloe and then is found murdered. With Aunt Dawn as the main suspect, Chloe has to clear her Aunt’s name before she can even really open the business if she wants the town’s support. Will Chloe succeed or are she and Aunt Dawn both done for before they even get their business license?
This is a great start to a new series! Being a chronic pain sufferer, I’ve learned the benefits of cannabis and I love having a series that takes the stigma away and makes it mainstream! Love the recipes too, because it’s the taste that is the biggest problem for me as I only do edibles and don’t smoke. SO much potential in this series, with the right dose of cozy and mystery! Can’t wait for more!
Putting her culinary talents to work, Chloe begins making Cannabis edibles for her grandmother and they become a big hit with not only Gran, but her closest friends as well. This leads Chloe and her aunt to opening cannabis bakery and bistro to sell her gourmet goodies. As soon as Chloe and Aunt Dawn agree to be partners, an old classmate harasses Chloe and then is found murdered. With Aunt Dawn as the main suspect, Chloe has to clear her Aunt’s name before she can even really open the business if she wants the town’s support. Will Chloe succeed or are she and Aunt Dawn both done for before they even get their business license?
This is a great start to a new series! Being a chronic pain sufferer, I’ve learned the benefits of cannabis and I love having a series that takes the stigma away and makes it mainstream! Love the recipes too, because it’s the taste that is the biggest problem for me as I only do edibles and don’t smoke. SO much potential in this series, with the right dose of cozy and mystery! Can’t wait for more!
March 1, 2024
A Half-Baked Murder by Emily George
I love cozy mysteries when I’m in the mood for them and this one was so good! It was a fast and fun read that holds your attention throughout the story. My favorite parts were Chloe’s relationships to her aunt Dawn and her grandmother, it really had me missing my own tia. Stories with strong and close familial relationships will always have my heart and if you add baking to the mix?? I already know I’m going to love it! And I did love it! A Half-Baked Murder is the first installment in the Cannabis Café Mysteries and I will definitely be reading the rest!
Happy reading
I love cozy mysteries when I’m in the mood for them and this one was so good! It was a fast and fun read that holds your attention throughout the story. My favorite parts were Chloe’s relationships to her aunt Dawn and her grandmother, it really had me missing my own tia. Stories with strong and close familial relationships will always have my heart and if you add baking to the mix?? I already know I’m going to love it! And I did love it! A Half-Baked Murder is the first installment in the Cannabis Café Mysteries and I will definitely be reading the rest!
Happy reading
February 10, 2023
5🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
📖Book 21/100
💫Genre: Murder Mystery, Thriller, General Fiction
🎧ARC🎧
✨✨✨✨✨✨✨
This was such a fun and unique read with a twist. Was it life changing? No, but I absolutely loved it! Emily George experimented with the perfect blend of mystery, romance, humor, & cannabis😆🙌🏻
👩🏻🍳Chloe returns back home from studying culinary/pastry in Paris after she learns about her grandmother’s cancer diagnosis. Dun, Dun, Dun, then there’s a murder🔪🩸 Her aunt recommends she opens a bakery with edibles to help those that need it medically since it’s legal in California, but the murder takes the small town by surprise as many suspect Auntie Dawn is the killer🔪🩸 It was such a cozy read, and I truly understand this might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it even got me up from bed and baking some chicken pot pies 🥧 for the record without the cannabis😆 A great pick-me up type of read with humor that had me laughing. All the characters were such a delight! There’s even a recipe in the end👩🏻🍳
The narration was perfection thanks to Chelsea Stephens👌
💫Thank you @netgalley and RB Media for this amazing and enjoyable read in exchange for an honest review.
💫Pub Date 21 Feb 2023
#NetGalley #AHalfBakedMurder
#bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookstagrammersunite
#bookreview #booktok #book #books #booksarelife #booksaremagical #bookrecommendations #bookrecommendation #bookclubforintroverts #booklovers #booklover #fictional #fiction #fictionbooks #booknerd #bookworm #bookworms #bibliophile #murdermystery #thrillerbooks #netgalleyreviewer #netgalleyreader #arcreader #netgalleyarc
📖Book 21/100
💫Genre: Murder Mystery, Thriller, General Fiction
🎧ARC🎧
✨✨✨✨✨✨✨
This was such a fun and unique read with a twist. Was it life changing? No, but I absolutely loved it! Emily George experimented with the perfect blend of mystery, romance, humor, & cannabis😆🙌🏻
👩🏻🍳Chloe returns back home from studying culinary/pastry in Paris after she learns about her grandmother’s cancer diagnosis. Dun, Dun, Dun, then there’s a murder🔪🩸 Her aunt recommends she opens a bakery with edibles to help those that need it medically since it’s legal in California, but the murder takes the small town by surprise as many suspect Auntie Dawn is the killer🔪🩸 It was such a cozy read, and I truly understand this might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it even got me up from bed and baking some chicken pot pies 🥧 for the record without the cannabis😆 A great pick-me up type of read with humor that had me laughing. All the characters were such a delight! There’s even a recipe in the end👩🏻🍳
The narration was perfection thanks to Chelsea Stephens👌
💫Thank you @netgalley and RB Media for this amazing and enjoyable read in exchange for an honest review.
💫Pub Date 21 Feb 2023
#NetGalley #AHalfBakedMurder
#bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookstagrammersunite
#bookreview #booktok #book #books #booksarelife #booksaremagical #bookrecommendations #bookrecommendation #bookclubforintroverts #booklovers #booklover #fictional #fiction #fictionbooks #booknerd #bookworm #bookworms #bibliophile #murdermystery #thrillerbooks #netgalleyreviewer #netgalleyreader #arcreader #netgalleyarc
February 10, 2023
I love cozies that push the boundaries of the genre; I think I’ve gotten tired of the overly cutesy books where everything is all sunshine and roses (well, except for the murder). I was a little hesitant to read this one with the cannabis theme, picturing Dazed and Confused characters investigating a crime (which would also be amusing) but I was pleasantly surprised by this one – I loved it! The writing drew me in from the very beginning and flowed so well. The characters were lovable and perfectly flawed, especially Chloe who is able to laugh at herself in just the right amount of self-deprecating humor. The bakery idea was fresh and it fills a niche that I wouldn’t have even thought of. The references to cannabis are well done, educating me on a topic I knew nothing about and dispelling any stereotypes I had built up in my head. I enjoyed this one so much and I can’t wait to see what happens next!
I received a copy from #NetGalley for an honest review.
I received a copy from #NetGalley for an honest review.
February 23, 2023
A fun first in series! I loved the characters and the setting and the main character's unique business idea. This well-planned mystery kept me guessing until the very end. Although I won't be trying out the included cannabis recipes they were still interesting to read.
I'm looking forward to reading the next book in this series!
I'm looking forward to reading the next book in this series!
February 16, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
WOW! I didn’t think I would like this one as much as I did, ordered as a joke for some giggles but turns out this is one of my favorites this month so far!! What I thought would be a rom com was a perfect murder mystery novel. It was adorable, suspenseful and funny all at the same time with some incredible life advice tidbits too. Would for sure recommend!
August 17, 2025
This was perfectly fine but not as polished or well-written as it could have been. I might read on in the series! I also might not.
Buzzword 2025: food and drink (on the cover)
Buzzword 2025: food and drink (on the cover)
October 30, 2022
Emily George is starting off her new cozy mystery series with a bang! Chloe is back from Paris, fresh off a breakup and a bad review to care for the grandmother who raised her, but now has cancer. Her free spirit aunt is trying to convince her to use her pastry skills to open up a cannabis cafe, but she's unsure if her small town is ready for that. While she's deciding, the bully from her high school day (who accosted her again the day he died) is killed and her aunt is the prime suspect. Well, that can't stand!
Overall, I really liked this one a lot. I'll definitely continue with the series. My only small beef is that there felt like there were too many characters introduced a d it was hard to keep them apart. Every time someone was mentioned, I'd have to stop and try to remember who we were talking about. Still, overall, I definitely recommend this one.
Overall, I really liked this one a lot. I'll definitely continue with the series. My only small beef is that there felt like there were too many characters introduced a d it was hard to keep them apart. Every time someone was mentioned, I'd have to stop and try to remember who we were talking about. Still, overall, I definitely recommend this one.
February 24, 2023
Dollycas’s Thoughts
After her life in Paris falls apart pastry chef Chloe Barnes returns to Azalea Bay, California. Her grandmother has just been diagnosed with cancer and is beginning chemo treatments so Chloe is happy to be coming home to take care of her and all the side effects chemo brings.
She does have to find a way to support herself, thinking maybe she can work at her friend’s B&B but her Aunt Dawn has another idea. She wants to partner with Chloe and open up a Cannabis Café. Baked by Chloe will challenge the pastry chef to use her training to create luscious baked goods enriched with THC. She will not be baking just any pot brownies, her creations will be amazing. Plus she knows her pastries will help cancer patients like her grandmother and others dealing with chronic pain and stress.
Getting her business off the ground doesn’t go as planned though. She runs into a horrible man she knew in high school who soon after is found dead and Aunt Dawn is the police’s top suspect. Now Chloe has to come up with a recipe to find a killer so she can clear her aunt of the crime while baking up delicious treats as she prepares to open her bakery. Hopefully, both she and Dawn are around for the grand opening.
Ms. George has created some strong characters for this series. and they develop very well over the course of this story. As a breast cancer survivor, I easily identified with Chloe’s Grandma Rose. I knew exactly the way she felt after chemo. Sadly, pot brownies are not legal here and they would never taste like Chloe’s.
Chloe was eleven we her mother left town, because motherhood “didn’t suit her”. She had never known her father. She grew up with her grandparents who gave her many pearls of wisdom. This quote was great, something I highlighted immediately in the text.
“Nobody is going to gift you the future you want, Chloe. It’s a house you must build yourself. Your grandfather and I will teach you how to mix cement and lay a strong foundation, but you’re responsible for turning a pile of bricks into a life.”
She also had her Aunt Dawn who never had children of her own and “dabbled in everything from tarot to tree-shaping to competitive duck herding.” Now she is into “dog-dancing”. I have said a lot of characters are a hoot, well Dawn is a hoot and a half. Quirky, lovable and the woman has a huge heart especially when it comes to her niece Chloe. The loved these characters have for each other is so heartwarming.
The author has also introduced a fresh theme featuring cannabis when making it legal is still a very controversial issue. She explains things clearly and the medicinal uses and relief it can provide. I appreciated the time she took and the way she presented it within the story. She also took the time to explain the process Chloe goes through to use cannabis in her recipes and the amounts used. A recipe for Cannabis-Infused Butter (Cannabutter) to be used for baking is included in the book.
The mystery she tangled her characters in was very well-plotted, and written with a very quick pace. The suspect was downright creepy and didn’t have many friends. There were plenty of people that could have killed him. I started to wonder how he survived as long as he did. Chloe worked hard to sort through all the clues but her quest was made even more difficult because her aunt was definitely hiding something. I did enjoy that Rose’s hunky next-door neighbor worked with Chloe to reveal a very important clue. That important clue leads to a very exciting ending. I was holding my breath as the pages flew.
A Half-Baked Murder is a fantastic debut for this series. The theme is unique. The characters are lovable and engaging. The mystery kept me guessing and the subplots were fun and interesting. I am so excited for this series to continue.
After her life in Paris falls apart pastry chef Chloe Barnes returns to Azalea Bay, California. Her grandmother has just been diagnosed with cancer and is beginning chemo treatments so Chloe is happy to be coming home to take care of her and all the side effects chemo brings.
She does have to find a way to support herself, thinking maybe she can work at her friend’s B&B but her Aunt Dawn has another idea. She wants to partner with Chloe and open up a Cannabis Café. Baked by Chloe will challenge the pastry chef to use her training to create luscious baked goods enriched with THC. She will not be baking just any pot brownies, her creations will be amazing. Plus she knows her pastries will help cancer patients like her grandmother and others dealing with chronic pain and stress.
Getting her business off the ground doesn’t go as planned though. She runs into a horrible man she knew in high school who soon after is found dead and Aunt Dawn is the police’s top suspect. Now Chloe has to come up with a recipe to find a killer so she can clear her aunt of the crime while baking up delicious treats as she prepares to open her bakery. Hopefully, both she and Dawn are around for the grand opening.
Ms. George has created some strong characters for this series. and they develop very well over the course of this story. As a breast cancer survivor, I easily identified with Chloe’s Grandma Rose. I knew exactly the way she felt after chemo. Sadly, pot brownies are not legal here and they would never taste like Chloe’s.
Chloe was eleven we her mother left town, because motherhood “didn’t suit her”. She had never known her father. She grew up with her grandparents who gave her many pearls of wisdom. This quote was great, something I highlighted immediately in the text.
“Nobody is going to gift you the future you want, Chloe. It’s a house you must build yourself. Your grandfather and I will teach you how to mix cement and lay a strong foundation, but you’re responsible for turning a pile of bricks into a life.”
She also had her Aunt Dawn who never had children of her own and “dabbled in everything from tarot to tree-shaping to competitive duck herding.” Now she is into “dog-dancing”. I have said a lot of characters are a hoot, well Dawn is a hoot and a half. Quirky, lovable and the woman has a huge heart especially when it comes to her niece Chloe. The loved these characters have for each other is so heartwarming.
The author has also introduced a fresh theme featuring cannabis when making it legal is still a very controversial issue. She explains things clearly and the medicinal uses and relief it can provide. I appreciated the time she took and the way she presented it within the story. She also took the time to explain the process Chloe goes through to use cannabis in her recipes and the amounts used. A recipe for Cannabis-Infused Butter (Cannabutter) to be used for baking is included in the book.
The mystery she tangled her characters in was very well-plotted, and written with a very quick pace. The suspect was downright creepy and didn’t have many friends. There were plenty of people that could have killed him. I started to wonder how he survived as long as he did. Chloe worked hard to sort through all the clues but her quest was made even more difficult because her aunt was definitely hiding something. I did enjoy that Rose’s hunky next-door neighbor worked with Chloe to reveal a very important clue. That important clue leads to a very exciting ending. I was holding my breath as the pages flew.
A Half-Baked Murder is a fantastic debut for this series. The theme is unique. The characters are lovable and engaging. The mystery kept me guessing and the subplots were fun and interesting. I am so excited for this series to continue.
February 3, 2023
A Half-Baked Murder by Emily George is the first book in the author's brand new Cannabis Cafe series. The book was just as much fun as I thought it would be.
Story Recap:
Chloe Barnes has returned home to the small town in California to care for her grandmother. She was living in Paris as a pastry chef, but her career was shattered after a bad review and a humiliating breakup with her fiancé. So, when her grandmother became sick, Chloe was ready to rush home and help. But, now that she’s in Azeala Bay, she needs something to keep her busy. With two bakeries already established, her aunt suggests that she open a Cannabis Cafe and use her culinary skills to make good-tasting infused pasties.
Before she can get her business up and running, an old acquaintance shows up murdered and Chloe’s Aunt Dawn is the prime suspect. Now, Chloe must get a business up and running as she works to help clear her Aunts name.
My Thoughts:
I enjoyed this unique and cute cozy mystery. The backdrop of a Cannabis Cafe makes for an interesting story. In this first book of the series, Chloe is just getting started on her cafe, and it’s more of a concept for most of the story. I think in future books when she gets the business up and running there will be more room for unique and interesting stories and murders. But, this was a great first book for the series as it introduces us to the characters and the town.
Chloe, her grandmother, and her Aunt Dawn are all terrific characters, and I enjoyed the beach setting of Azalea Bay, a small town on the California coast. The murder and mystery were well-developed with plenty of interesting suspects that kept me guessing until the very end.
Recommendation:
I highly recommend A Half-Baked Murder to anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Story Recap:
Chloe Barnes has returned home to the small town in California to care for her grandmother. She was living in Paris as a pastry chef, but her career was shattered after a bad review and a humiliating breakup with her fiancé. So, when her grandmother became sick, Chloe was ready to rush home and help. But, now that she’s in Azeala Bay, she needs something to keep her busy. With two bakeries already established, her aunt suggests that she open a Cannabis Cafe and use her culinary skills to make good-tasting infused pasties.
Before she can get her business up and running, an old acquaintance shows up murdered and Chloe’s Aunt Dawn is the prime suspect. Now, Chloe must get a business up and running as she works to help clear her Aunts name.
My Thoughts:
I enjoyed this unique and cute cozy mystery. The backdrop of a Cannabis Cafe makes for an interesting story. In this first book of the series, Chloe is just getting started on her cafe, and it’s more of a concept for most of the story. I think in future books when she gets the business up and running there will be more room for unique and interesting stories and murders. But, this was a great first book for the series as it introduces us to the characters and the town.
Chloe, her grandmother, and her Aunt Dawn are all terrific characters, and I enjoyed the beach setting of Azalea Bay, a small town on the California coast. The murder and mystery were well-developed with plenty of interesting suspects that kept me guessing until the very end.
Recommendation:
I highly recommend A Half-Baked Murder to anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
February 13, 2023
As predicted, this was a cute cozy murder mystery! We follow our main character as she considers opening a bakery that adds cannabis to their items. She’s looking into the logistics of such a business when a man who had accosted her recently is found murdered…but she isn’t the suspect, it’s her aunt. Chloe, our main character, is determined to get to the bottom of it and get Aunt Dawn out of the trouble she’s found herself in.
I received the audiobook through NetGalley and I loved it. It was fast paced and hilarious and I can’t say that there was a dull moment! The narrator was perfect for a cozy mystery and the vibes were on point.
The book ends with recipes which honestly just had me rolling with laughter. It’s amazing, check it out!
I received the audiobook through NetGalley and I loved it. It was fast paced and hilarious and I can’t say that there was a dull moment! The narrator was perfect for a cozy mystery and the vibes were on point.
The book ends with recipes which honestly just had me rolling with laughter. It’s amazing, check it out!
February 8, 2024
I received this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Copy provided by Kensington Books.
Formally trained pastry chef Chloe Barnes is opening a cannabis bakery. That is not at all what the twenty-eight-year-old envisioned while living the dream in Paris with a hot fiancé and a Michelin star restaurant gig around the corner. But the rising it girl of choux puffs rethinks everything after a scathing food review and humiliating breakup make her long for home in sunny California. When her beloved grandmother falls ill, Chloe returns to quaint Azalea Bay to start over in the most satisfying way possible—concocting delicious edibles with her quirky Aunt Dawn.
Combining French luxury and THC, Baked by Chloe will take pot brownies to another level. That is, until a creepy past acquaintance rehashes old drama and shockingly turns up dead—landing Aunt Dawn as the number one murder suspect. Now, alongside her closest confidants, a stunned Chloe must alternate between budding entrepreneur and amateur sleuth to clear her aunt’s name, open the best bakery in town, and weed out the real culprit from a list of unsettling suspects.
This was a very cute cozy mystery. It is a very different from other culinary mysteries I have read. I really liked each character, especially Chloe. She was so cute. I really liked the writing. It had good wit and humor and a few genuinely funny descriptions. I also enjoyed that this book gives practical information on how to cook with cannabis There were plenty of interesting suspects, but I did not see the ending coming, because it just made no sense. Also the plot went nowhere for most of the book where we kept rehashing the same things over and over again with no new information. It could of been easily half as long and we would have not missed out on anything. The mystery of the book really came as an after thought. I do however look forward to the next book in the series.
Formally trained pastry chef Chloe Barnes is opening a cannabis bakery. That is not at all what the twenty-eight-year-old envisioned while living the dream in Paris with a hot fiancé and a Michelin star restaurant gig around the corner. But the rising it girl of choux puffs rethinks everything after a scathing food review and humiliating breakup make her long for home in sunny California. When her beloved grandmother falls ill, Chloe returns to quaint Azalea Bay to start over in the most satisfying way possible—concocting delicious edibles with her quirky Aunt Dawn.
Combining French luxury and THC, Baked by Chloe will take pot brownies to another level. That is, until a creepy past acquaintance rehashes old drama and shockingly turns up dead—landing Aunt Dawn as the number one murder suspect. Now, alongside her closest confidants, a stunned Chloe must alternate between budding entrepreneur and amateur sleuth to clear her aunt’s name, open the best bakery in town, and weed out the real culprit from a list of unsettling suspects.
This was a very cute cozy mystery. It is a very different from other culinary mysteries I have read. I really liked each character, especially Chloe. She was so cute. I really liked the writing. It had good wit and humor and a few genuinely funny descriptions. I also enjoyed that this book gives practical information on how to cook with cannabis There were plenty of interesting suspects, but I did not see the ending coming, because it just made no sense. Also the plot went nowhere for most of the book where we kept rehashing the same things over and over again with no new information. It could of been easily half as long and we would have not missed out on anything. The mystery of the book really came as an after thought. I do however look forward to the next book in the series.
March 9, 2023
A Half-Baked Murder marks the start of a cozy series with a newish twist; it features a character who owns a bakery dedicated to cannabis treats. Pastry chef, Chloe Barnes returns to Azalea Bay, California, helps her grandmother feel better, and grows a thriving business. There is a quaint small town, an appealing amateur sleuth, lots of yummy-sounding food, and a great mystery. Very highly recommended.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Kensington Books via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Kensington Books via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
March 15, 2023
My new favorite cozy mystery to listen to! Fantastic character development, wonderful plot with just enough twists and turns to keep you guessing without becoming convoluted. A unique take on the bakery and lots of information about the special ingredient used that I knew nothing about until reading this cozy. I am very excited to see where this series goes as it has a multigenerational and diverse cast with a variety of unique hobbies and jobs to keep the reader engaged and entertained! I can't wait to see where the author goes in the next book and I will definitely be looking for the audio version as the narration was outstanding. The narrator really brought the characters to life!
April 30, 2023
Murder, Pastries, and Cannabis
Thank you Kensington for my gifted ARC copy of A Half-Baked Murder in exchange for this honest review!
↓ Similar Reading Experiences ↓
1. Misha Popp’s Magic, Lies, and Deadly Pies
2. Tamara Berry’s Buried in a Good Book
3. Frank Anthony Polito’s Renovated to Death (on my TBR!)
Chloe Barnes was living her ideal life as a formally trained pastry chef at a Michelin star restaurant in Paris with her handsome chef fiance. It all crumbled when she heard of her grandmother’s cancer diagnosis back home and her fiance’s infidelity. Now, Chloe has moved back in with Grandma Rose in Azalea Bay, CA, attending her best friend’s D&D nights and occasionally baking her grandma a batch of “special” brownies. One thing leads to another, and suddenly Chloe’s aunt, Dawn, convinces her to open a cannabis cafe! Things finally seem to be looking up for her…until a dead body is discovered and Dawn is the police’s no. 1 suspect.
As soon as Kensington advertised this debut novel in the brand new Cannabis Cafe Mystery series, I couldn’t get my hands on a copy soon enough! I loved everything about this concept: 1) the protagonist is a young 28-year-old woman still figuring things out (like me!); 2) George is inviting the cozy mystery genre to keep up with the times, fighting back against the old taboo of legalized cannabis and highlighting the diverse population this product caters: cancer patients, people with chronic pain or anxiety/stress, etc.; and 3) this book still features all of the staple tropes and elements that cozy readers adore. Chloe has a warm, endearing personality with a fierce protectiveness of her family and friends, the community of Azalea Bay is tightknit but vibrant, and the murder mystery involves a lot of suspects with secrets to hide!
I fell in love with Azalea Bay as a setting, and Chloe’s circle of friends and family had a great dynamic. The mystery was intriguing, and Chloe’s entanglement in it felt believable for the most part. It is important to note certain content warnings: childhood neglect, eating disorders, and attempted sexual assault. George handles each of these issues well and with respect. Regarding ED, I would say the characters could have been a bit more informed about the various causes for developing EDs, not just societal idolization of thinness. With that said, George does acknowledge this by the end of the novel, but I personally would have liked it highlighted more. Overall. I actually more amazed at how many current topics/issues the author was able to infuse into one novel. Can’t wait to see what she does next.
This is my official request to Kensington to please keep this series going!! I cannot wait to see the various adventures that Chloe will face once her shop, Baked by Chloe, is finally up and running. I am heavily invested in her family, a new furry edition to said family, and the romantic love interest who happens to live right next door. I think Emily George does a great job of creating a world that speaks to long-time cozy readers and newcomers to the genres alike.
Thank you Kensington for my gifted ARC copy of A Half-Baked Murder in exchange for this honest review!
↓ Similar Reading Experiences ↓
1. Misha Popp’s Magic, Lies, and Deadly Pies
2. Tamara Berry’s Buried in a Good Book
3. Frank Anthony Polito’s Renovated to Death (on my TBR!)
Chloe Barnes was living her ideal life as a formally trained pastry chef at a Michelin star restaurant in Paris with her handsome chef fiance. It all crumbled when she heard of her grandmother’s cancer diagnosis back home and her fiance’s infidelity. Now, Chloe has moved back in with Grandma Rose in Azalea Bay, CA, attending her best friend’s D&D nights and occasionally baking her grandma a batch of “special” brownies. One thing leads to another, and suddenly Chloe’s aunt, Dawn, convinces her to open a cannabis cafe! Things finally seem to be looking up for her…until a dead body is discovered and Dawn is the police’s no. 1 suspect.
As soon as Kensington advertised this debut novel in the brand new Cannabis Cafe Mystery series, I couldn’t get my hands on a copy soon enough! I loved everything about this concept: 1) the protagonist is a young 28-year-old woman still figuring things out (like me!); 2) George is inviting the cozy mystery genre to keep up with the times, fighting back against the old taboo of legalized cannabis and highlighting the diverse population this product caters: cancer patients, people with chronic pain or anxiety/stress, etc.; and 3) this book still features all of the staple tropes and elements that cozy readers adore. Chloe has a warm, endearing personality with a fierce protectiveness of her family and friends, the community of Azalea Bay is tightknit but vibrant, and the murder mystery involves a lot of suspects with secrets to hide!
I fell in love with Azalea Bay as a setting, and Chloe’s circle of friends and family had a great dynamic. The mystery was intriguing, and Chloe’s entanglement in it felt believable for the most part. It is important to note certain content warnings: childhood neglect, eating disorders, and attempted sexual assault. George handles each of these issues well and with respect. Regarding ED, I would say the characters could have been a bit more informed about the various causes for developing EDs, not just societal idolization of thinness. With that said, George does acknowledge this by the end of the novel, but I personally would have liked it highlighted more. Overall. I actually more amazed at how many current topics/issues the author was able to infuse into one novel. Can’t wait to see what she does next.
This is my official request to Kensington to please keep this series going!! I cannot wait to see the various adventures that Chloe will face once her shop, Baked by Chloe, is finally up and running. I am heavily invested in her family, a new furry edition to said family, and the romantic love interest who happens to live right next door. I think Emily George does a great job of creating a world that speaks to long-time cozy readers and newcomers to the genres alike.
May 25, 2023
What the fuck....
Everything happens at the end of the book... fluff filled with unnecessary side stories and rarely shit was actually said about the cannabis Cafe and the murder. I was literally waiting for the plot to thicken and the climax was lackluster. The only moment is that I didn't see the sister being the murderer but her reason is so fucking stupid in my opinion. Cafe license and murder is solved second to last chapter on the last 2 pages. Next chapter is the aunt admitting that she's a lesbian and that had more of a character arc than the whole novel.
Everything happens at the end of the book... fluff filled with unnecessary side stories and rarely shit was actually said about the cannabis Cafe and the murder. I was literally waiting for the plot to thicken and the climax was lackluster. The only moment is that I didn't see the sister being the murderer but her reason is so fucking stupid in my opinion. Cafe license and murder is solved second to last chapter on the last 2 pages. Next chapter is the aunt admitting that she's a lesbian and that had more of a character arc than the whole novel.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 19, 2023
This was a great read! I was hooked from the very beginning of the story. I am not always a fan of murder mysteries because sometimes they can be too predictable but this one kept me guessing right up until the end. I also liked that it was a light hearted story even though it was involving a murder.
I loved the dynamic of Chloe and her grandmother and her aunt. It was nice to see family members who truly cared for each other and only wanted the best for each other. I also appreciated all the little twists and turns in the story. You would think one thing about a character just to find out something different!
I was a little surprised when I realized Chloe's business would be a cannabis cafe. I should have gathered that from the title and the cover but when it was first mentioned I was like "wait, did I hear that right?" Not that it was a bad thing, it just was unexpected. I do like that this book is trying to break the stigma for it though.
I was sent a free book and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for this ARC
I loved the dynamic of Chloe and her grandmother and her aunt. It was nice to see family members who truly cared for each other and only wanted the best for each other. I also appreciated all the little twists and turns in the story. You would think one thing about a character just to find out something different!
I was a little surprised when I realized Chloe's business would be a cannabis cafe. I should have gathered that from the title and the cover but when it was first mentioned I was like "wait, did I hear that right?" Not that it was a bad thing, it just was unexpected. I do like that this book is trying to break the stigma for it though.
I was sent a free book and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for this ARC
February 23, 2023
This was a cute cozy but I did have a few quibbles (see below) but it was cute.
The description made the cannabis business seem like it would be a bigger part of the storyline than it actually was. I felt like it was a missed opportunity to help people realize that cannabis is a medicine they touched on it and of course had to have some haha moments but the fact that she didn’t use the edibles herself and didn’t really seem to know much about it, I felt kind of missed the mark of the cannabis café.
Chelsea Stephens narration was well done.
3 stars
I received this book from the publisher Tantor Audio and NetGalley for a fair and honest review.
The description made the cannabis business seem like it would be a bigger part of the storyline than it actually was. I felt like it was a missed opportunity to help people realize that cannabis is a medicine they touched on it and of course had to have some haha moments but the fact that she didn’t use the edibles herself and didn’t really seem to know much about it, I felt kind of missed the mark of the cannabis café.
Chelsea Stephens narration was well done.
3 stars
I received this book from the publisher Tantor Audio and NetGalley for a fair and honest review.
February 27, 2023
Book 1 in the Cannabis Café Mystery was such a fun and cozy listen!
After breaking up with her boyfriend, Chloe finds herself moving back to her hometown. Shortly after her return, Chloe is faced with her past. Cue in the amateur sleuthing, hot guys, mystery and brownies infused with THC.
The narrator, Chelsea Stephens was very engaging. Her voice was perfect for Chloe. Chelsea was able to use a variety of tones and inflections to portray a multitude of characters and I found it very engaging.
I found the Cannabis aspect interesting and decided to give a try and I was very surprised as the book progressed to find the cooking techniques to be very unique! I found her grandma and Aunt Rose funny as well.
Special thanks to Tantor Media for the gifted ALC.
After breaking up with her boyfriend, Chloe finds herself moving back to her hometown. Shortly after her return, Chloe is faced with her past. Cue in the amateur sleuthing, hot guys, mystery and brownies infused with THC.
The narrator, Chelsea Stephens was very engaging. Her voice was perfect for Chloe. Chelsea was able to use a variety of tones and inflections to portray a multitude of characters and I found it very engaging.
I found the Cannabis aspect interesting and decided to give a try and I was very surprised as the book progressed to find the cooking techniques to be very unique! I found her grandma and Aunt Rose funny as well.
Special thanks to Tantor Media for the gifted ALC.
January 19, 2024
A really cute cozy mystery - my first about a cannabis cafe!
I liked the main character, Chloe. She was spunky and cute. I loved her aunt and grandma. The love interest was adorable. The mystery kept me reading and wondering who it could be. There may have been clues as to who it was, but I never worried about them. I just rolled right along with this fun, quick read. I hope we get more, I'd read book 2.
I liked the main character, Chloe. She was spunky and cute. I loved her aunt and grandma. The love interest was adorable. The mystery kept me reading and wondering who it could be. There may have been clues as to who it was, but I never worried about them. I just rolled right along with this fun, quick read. I hope we get more, I'd read book 2.
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February 24, 2023
I really enjoyed The Half-Baked Murder! I thought it was the perfect blend of romance and thriller with an emphasis on strong female characters. The idea of a cannabis cafe is so unique in the book world so it instantly caught my attention. I loved seeing the growth of Chloe from start to finish and her Grandma and Rose provided lots of comedy relief.
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