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Cozy Corgi #27

Malicious Malts

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Old-fashioned malts, delicious waffle cones, and… poison.

Among the new businesses on Elkhorn Avenue, Doc’s Apothecary and Soda Shoppe adds a touch of yesteryear charm to the cozy Colorado mountain town of Estes Park. And while the delicious malts might be tempting, the owner is a childhood friend who elicits ambivalent emotions in Fred. To Watson, however, Donna Day is as good as any fancy treat… maybe even better!

The grand opening of Doc’s is an event that draws a mixed crowd—almost as eclectic as the ice cream flavors—that includes Fred’s closest friends and family along with others who… well, might not have Fred’s best interests at heart. A poisoning in the middle of the celebrations, and in the midst of an angry conversation, dampens the mood. Fred might want nothing more than several dirty chais, Katie’s pastries, and to curl up in the mystery room of the Cozy Corgi Bookstore and Bakery, but murder just can’t be ignored.

Following this trail leads Fred and Watson down a twisting ominous path into the past, where old secrets and dangerous connections bring consequences… for friends and enemies.

(This culinary cozy mystery includes a recipe for poison-free butter pecan ice cream.)

283 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 15, 2022

168 people are currently reading
104 people want to read

About the author

Mildred Abbott

59 books373 followers
Mildred Abbott writes twisty cozy mysteries filled with humorous and complex characters. Whether brimming with magic or simply an above average dose of curiosity, Mildred's amateur sleuths solve murders with the cutest sidekicks ever.

Fifteen years as a special education teacher and a lifetime of loving rescue dogs results in creating adventures with a ton of heart and the need for lint rollers.

Connect with Mildred Abbott’s Cozy Mysteries on Facebook to catch the latest release and find fellow addicts of books, coffee, and corgis.


Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MildredAbbot...

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mildredabbott/

Email: mildredabbottauthor@gmail.com

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5 stars
335 (74%)
4 stars
96 (21%)
3 stars
18 (4%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
87 reviews6 followers
November 29, 2022
Good read

I admit I started reading this series because of the corgi. I still don't know how the author can keep churning them out so quickly. Engaging characters, good plot, although maybe a little too much detail? Don't get me wrong, I like the books. I just wonder if the writing could be tightened up a bit more? That said, this one, like the others, is a good mystery, centered around the newest shop in town, a malt shop, and my favorite quirky characters are there, with an unsavory one or two thrown in. It's probably best to read the series from the beginning, as I have, to understand all the background.
967 reviews4 followers
November 9, 2023
A Mystery With A Surprise Ending!

"Malicious Malts" is Book 27 of the Cozy Corgi Mysteries, written perfectly by Mildred Abbott. This is one if my top 5 favorite cozy mystery series'. I have read each book and given each of them a 5 star rating. If you haven't read any of the books in the series, be sure to start with Book 1 and read them in chronological order, because if you start with this book, you will be completely lost at who Branson and the Irons Family are, and you won't have met all the wonderful characters, whether they are good guys like Winifred, Leo, Susan, Katie, Joe, and Anna and Carl, and our cozy corgi mascot Watson; and you won't know all the bad guys, either. I won't list all the bad guys, except for the pain in the hind end Ethel Beaker, because then I would be giving away the plot of the series. The series takes place in Estes Park, Colorado, a real town in Colorado. You can look up Estes Park, Colorado on the Internet.

This episode is about the murder of a local gossip columnist, and the near death of Winifred's ex-husband, Garrett. Who done it? There are way too many likely suspects, but this is one of the only mystery books I've ever read where I didn't know who the murderer is until it is revealed. Have you ever seen the movie "Unlikely Suspects"? Well, the killer is totally unexpected. It threw me for a loop. Besides this murder, a separate decades-old mystery is also solved. My favorite characters in this episode are Detective Susan Green with the Police Department (she tries to act all tough and stern, but has a guilty pleasure for female detective mystery books and Winifred's dog, Watson, who she calls " Officer Fleabag"); Donna Day, a childhood friend of Winifred's who recently moved to Estes Park; and, of course, Watson, our grumpy, loveable, ever protective corgi mascot. I also love Winifred (Fred, for short); her current husband, Leo Lopez, who is a Forest Park Ranger in the Rockies; and every single member of Winifred's family, as well as her best friend, Katie Pizzolato, who is also Winifred's business partner: Winifred owns and runs The Cozy Corgi Bookstore downstairs, while Katie runs and owns The Cozy Corgi Bakery upstairs from the bookstore. I gave this book 5 stars, and I recommend this entire series to those if you who love mysteries and dogs.
Profile Image for Victoria Smiser.
83 reviews2 followers
November 18, 2022
MALICIOUS MALTS
A COZY CORGI MYSTERY

I could always live in Estes Park as there is never a bad time for unusual and delicious sounding ice creams or the magic of a malt.
Doc’s Apothecary & Soda Shoppe has the nostalgic look of a vintage ice creamery but with unusual flavor combinations. This newest source of icy goodness comes with happy kitschy colors and collectible items to offer double treats.
The creator is one of Fred’s childhood friends and Watson’s few adored humans. Donna Day, newly arrived in Estes Park, is the younger sister of Fred’s former book publisher partner who has arrived with her new steroid-enhanced husband, actually Fred’s ex-husband.
While Fred and Family have agreed to not search for Boogeyman behind every corner, there are secrets weaving around, people pairing up in odd combinations. With a surprising, death, an almost death, and a life-changing secret reveal which makes the harridan of Estes Park attain a new low. The Scooby Gang feels as if they are dancing around odds and ends of unknown pieces. Even Fred is frustrated as her puzzle logic seems off. Not to dwell on the mystery aspect, there is plenty of furry four legged play times, and an adorable new puppy too!
All and all another superb Cozy Corgi Mystery read.
AND MOST IMPORTANT, Katie’s recipe for a no-churn Candied Butter Pecan Ice cream is included. A quick treat for tonight!
Profile Image for Shari Klase.
Author 6 books2 followers
March 25, 2023
She screamed for ice cream

How can you take ice cream and make it sinister? Turn it into a way to murder. That's what this story is about. Luckily new people keep piling into Estes to be murdered and to murder. Otherwise there would be no town left to solve a murder in. This particular saga is more of a Donna story. Donna was the sister of Charlotte who was Fred's best friend. Of course, Charlotte is now married to Garret, Fred's ex so it is clearly complicated. I liked this story but not as much as I liked pesky puppies. There was no real new information, at least about anyone who really matters. Still if harmless book murder is a guilty passion of yours as it is mine you will like this book.
176 reviews3 followers
January 30, 2023
I can’t decide if there was just too much going on in this book, or if the swift, and many, changes in “Who Done It” bothered me most. Some of the usual characters were irritating, including Fred. I heartily agreed with the mayor when she told her that she wasn’t a police officer and she did not have to answer her questions. This is one of my pet peeves in cosy mysteries. There is a limit to what the heroine/hero can get away with doing, and this exceeds my limit. I adore the series, but missed the feeling of the Scooby Gang and felt there was too much emphasis on Fred solving everything. Just my opinion. I have already started the next book
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
23 reviews
May 15, 2025
I've been reading this whole series and I love it. I started reading it because I have two corgis just like Flotsam and Jetsam (only they are Flynn and Jack). I really like all of the characters, except for Ethel. The characters are well thought out and multifaceted. I wasn't too crazy about Anna and Carl at first, but by the third book, they kinda grew on me. The plots and story lines are really intriguing and I've read several without putting them down until I finished with them. I like that more dogs have been added to the series as it has progressed. I would recommend any book in this series, but have enjoyed reading them all. Mildred Abbott writes a great story!
573 reviews3 followers
April 15, 2023
I love this series and the characters Fred & Watson, they seem to get into more trouble than most. But after Fred goes over everything she usually comes up with the killer and why they did it. But I sure hope she can get Ethel who is away there in the back ground but is never catch doing anything that they can prove. It would be nice to see Ethel get was is coming to her before she can do any more harm to anyone else. I would recommend this book if you like alot of twist and turns in your mystery.
174 reviews1 follower
March 11, 2023
Great read with continued character development of the folks in Estes Park

With continued evolving and unraveling of the many mysteries in Estes Park, Abbott makes these stories of Fred and Watson real page turners. With humor as well as mystery, murder, and mayhem, these stories are always a delight. Fred and friends continue to deal with the bad elements in their town as they solve another murder. And yet, turn some former enemies into friends.
334 reviews2 followers
July 11, 2023
I put the Cozy Corgi Mysteries aside for awhile BUT what a perfect time to be reading about malts and ice cream cones during the heat of summer and then toss in a murder surrounding these delicious treats. Plus the added bonus of the adorable interactions of the furry ones and humans. I have also appreciated the growth in the characters journey from #1 to #27 with changes in attitudes as well as friendships.
546 reviews3 followers
January 20, 2023
Just love this series

I am very familiar with Estes Park, having grown up within an hours drive from there. I don't know any corgis personally, but they sure sound like a fun breed with cute faces to boot. The mysteries are always well thought out and the endings leave me wanting to start the next one immediately. The recipes at the back of the books are bonuses!
93 reviews
January 1, 2026
Another amazing mystery!❤️. Well another secret revealed and another murder! Amazing that Ethel Beaker has so much control over the town and money and that the secret about Jonathan finally came out and put him behind vars which was her son! Tucker always and errand boy finally had enough and killed Rhonda that kepted him from climbing the ladder at the newspaper! Can't for the next book!
Profile Image for Carol Filipow Pigg.
244 reviews4 followers
November 21, 2022
I don’t know how the author keeps each new book fresh and exciting. Once again, the complexity of human nature and lies comes alive. Plus, I really want to visit the bookstore and bakery. Thanks for the entertainment.
1 review
November 24, 2022
Watson

I always enjoy reading about Watson and Anna& Carl’s dogs. It’s hard to believe they are all friends.
I liked this book even though Anna & Carl weren’t in it. I wonder how they like being left out of all the meetings to find the murderer.
Profile Image for Karen Fink Sadow.
13 reviews
November 26, 2022
Full of surprises! I was not expecting the ending. It felt like there were 2 of them. Just when you think it is over, it isn’t! Another great read from Mildred Abbott. Can’t wait for the next one!
100 reviews
November 27, 2022
Good book As always I enjoyed my visit to Estes park

As always I enjoyed my visit to Estes Park and all the charters there. Fred and the Scooby Doo gang solve another crime with a lot of twist and turns.
785 reviews
December 4, 2022
If want twists and turns this cozy mystery will fulfill your needs

As a lover of stories with dogs in them this spot on. Adding a Berner adds a great touch. Berness Mountain dog is sure to add an extra twist.
478 reviews2 followers
December 10, 2022
Blackmail and betrayal

There's lots of excitement brewing in the valley as Fred and the Scooby Gang try to figure out who killed the gossip columnist. Lots of pastries and pizza are devoured. Do not read while hungry!
890 reviews6 followers
December 12, 2022
Watch Winifred, Watson and the crew work to solve the murder and take out the crew supported by Branson. Watson, as usual will delight as he helps his savvy Mistress solve the puzzle and catch the killer. Lots of twists and turns, a mystery lovers delight.
Profile Image for Donna.
155 reviews2 followers
December 31, 2022
Book 27

Twists and turns and blackmail galore. Another great story. Have to admit I did figure out the killer very quickly. But it was a great ride waiting for Fred to figure it out!
Profile Image for Michelle Nelson Lowery.
20 reviews
February 14, 2023
Malice with intent

Malicious Malts is guilty of using our senses to keep us guessing until the close to the end and then put a twist in it so you don’t know everything until the very end. Buckle up it’s a good one!
122 reviews1 follower
February 20, 2023
Love the continuous story line.

This was a good mystery. I did not expect the villain to be that person. So many twists and turns. Mildred keep turning g out these books. Such enjoy reading.
1,368 reviews9 followers
November 23, 2022
A great mystery book. I enjoy this series so much. This is one of the best !! I bought this novel from Amazon Kindle
1,063 reviews4 followers
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December 10, 2022
A great cozy

I love this wonderful series by Mildred Abbott. Watson is special. I can't wait to see what all the wonderful characters get into next.
Profile Image for Heather.
1,553 reviews9 followers
December 14, 2022
Malicious Malts

I love this series and the character developments. I don’t love the continued Branson and Ethel storylines. I’m just ready for it to move on.
Profile Image for Arow.
636 reviews2 followers
February 24, 2023
We are getting somewhere and it's feels almost fast! Loving the last few books, it's nice to see the series heading in this direction.
108 reviews1 follower
April 5, 2023
Malicious Malts

As always a fun, entertaining read. Full of twists and turns As well as surprises.. Can’t wait for next installment!
70 reviews
June 9, 2024
Malicious Malts

Love all of the Cozy Corgi books. This one introduced new characters and included many of my favorite characters. As always Fred solves a murder mystery.
7 reviews
July 28, 2024
Another must read!

Another must read! This series is absolutely amazing! Get to know Fred and Watson and help solve another murder mystery!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews

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