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Deputy Donut Mystery #7
Cinnamon Twisted
Weeks before summer begins, Deputy Donut Café owner Emily Westhill has it all—a tabby cat by her side, cinnamon twists powdered to perfection, and a murderer on her case . . .
An ordinary late-spring afternoon for Deputy Donut Cafe owner Emily Westhill becomes one that will remain baked into her memory from the moment a customer gives Emily’s cat a toy donut and then flees Deputy Donut, dropping an earring in her panic. Concerned about the customer, Emily attempts to return the earring . . . only this time the customer doesn’t have a pulse. Things get more complicated when an ambitious police detective finds the earring and an unsealed envelope addressed to Emily at the murder scene. The envelope contains a cryptic letter and a fading photograph of a woman standing in front of Emily’s house.
Why did the customer grab her cinnamon twists and flee Deputy Donut? With the detective eying Emily as a prime suspect, Emily is determined to find out. But once a donut-shaped murder weapon is discovered in her own backyard, Emily has no time to lose as she pulls apart the connection between the victim and the strange history of her property—while stopping the real culprit from ensuring her fate is done and sugar-dusted . . .
An ordinary late-spring afternoon for Deputy Donut Cafe owner Emily Westhill becomes one that will remain baked into her memory from the moment a customer gives Emily’s cat a toy donut and then flees Deputy Donut, dropping an earring in her panic. Concerned about the customer, Emily attempts to return the earring . . . only this time the customer doesn’t have a pulse. Things get more complicated when an ambitious police detective finds the earring and an unsealed envelope addressed to Emily at the murder scene. The envelope contains a cryptic letter and a fading photograph of a woman standing in front of Emily’s house.
Why did the customer grab her cinnamon twists and flee Deputy Donut? With the detective eying Emily as a prime suspect, Emily is determined to find out. But once a donut-shaped murder weapon is discovered in her own backyard, Emily has no time to lose as she pulls apart the connection between the victim and the strange history of her property—while stopping the real culprit from ensuring her fate is done and sugar-dusted . . .
304 pages, Paperback
Published April 25, 2023
47 people are currently reading
500 people want to read
About the author
Ginger Bolton
14 books521 followersGinger Bolton writes the Deputy Donut mystery series--cops, crime, coffee, donuts and one curious cat. When Ginger isn't writing or reading, she's crocheting, knitting, walking her two rescue dogs and generally causing trouble.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 147 reviews
May 4, 2023
Cinnamon Twisted by Ginger Bolton is the seventh book in the cozy Deputy Donut Mystery series. As with most cozy mystery series each book of this series can be enjoyed as a standalone or in any order with the mystery being completely solved within each book. Of course there is some character building that carries over from book to book for those that follow the series from the beginning.
In the first book of this series we met Emily Westhill who co-owns the Deputy Donut donut shop named after her tabby cat in small-town Fallingbrook, Wisconsin. Emily used to work as a 911 dispatcher until the day her husband who was a police officer was killed so now she and her retired police chief father-in-law sell donuts at their shop instead. Although Emily thought opening a donut shop would be safe she keeps finding herself mixed up in solving murders.
This time around it’s spring in Fallingbrook, Wisconsin and Emily is working in her shop when a customer comes in and befriends Emily’s cat giving him a a toy donut. The lady leaves in a hurry though dropping one of her earrings on the way out of the shop. Emily tries to return the dropped earring but instead of finding her customer and making her happy Emily finds herself in the middle of a murder scene and becomes the main suspect by an ambitious police detective takes over the case.
The Deputy Donut Mystery series is another cozy series that I have followed from the beginning and find myself always excited to return. This series checks off all of my boxes when it comes to cozies, plenty of humor, some quirky characters and a lovely setting with the bonus of a cute furry sidekick. On top of all of that this does offer a character with some law enforcement connections which I also enjoy and after this wonderful installment I’ll of course be looking forward to the next.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
In the first book of this series we met Emily Westhill who co-owns the Deputy Donut donut shop named after her tabby cat in small-town Fallingbrook, Wisconsin. Emily used to work as a 911 dispatcher until the day her husband who was a police officer was killed so now she and her retired police chief father-in-law sell donuts at their shop instead. Although Emily thought opening a donut shop would be safe she keeps finding herself mixed up in solving murders.
This time around it’s spring in Fallingbrook, Wisconsin and Emily is working in her shop when a customer comes in and befriends Emily’s cat giving him a a toy donut. The lady leaves in a hurry though dropping one of her earrings on the way out of the shop. Emily tries to return the dropped earring but instead of finding her customer and making her happy Emily finds herself in the middle of a murder scene and becomes the main suspect by an ambitious police detective takes over the case.
The Deputy Donut Mystery series is another cozy series that I have followed from the beginning and find myself always excited to return. This series checks off all of my boxes when it comes to cozies, plenty of humor, some quirky characters and a lovely setting with the bonus of a cute furry sidekick. On top of all of that this does offer a character with some law enforcement connections which I also enjoy and after this wonderful installment I’ll of course be looking forward to the next.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
March 15, 2023
Entertaining cozy with bakery theme. Emily Westhill, her tortie cat, Dep; and Detective boyfriend, Brent Fyne, must reason out the death of a strange woman who gives Dep a catnip donut toy at the bakery. Chief Agnew with the local police department is a thorn in their side. He does nothing by the book and is covering up evidence. Emily is one of his top suspects. There is also a tie-in with the history of the house Emily owns. It seems someone believes treasure is hidden there and she’s having mysterious intruders.
I’ve read every story in the Deputy Donut series and found this plot a bit contrived, yet still an interesting read. The perpetrator is wily and the ending wrap-up is neat as everything is explained.
I honestly reviewed an unedited digital arc provided by NetGalley and Kensington Publishing. All opinions are my own.
I’ve read every story in the Deputy Donut series and found this plot a bit contrived, yet still an interesting read. The perpetrator is wily and the ending wrap-up is neat as everything is explained.
I honestly reviewed an unedited digital arc provided by NetGalley and Kensington Publishing. All opinions are my own.
February 7, 2023
A dropped earring and an envelope with a cryptic note and picture inside point towards Emily Westhill as a murderer. .Add to it that the victim was seen at her donut shop and you have a mystery that if not solved may mean the end of everything Emily holds dear.
What a great mystery! Emily is coming into her own as an amateur sleuth but this case is a tricky one. I enjoyed the red herrings and twists and turns. The descriptions of the delicious donuts was good too! A mystery with a little romance, lots of family and friends around to help and the lovable feline sleuthing partner Dep by her side make for a cozy read you won't want to put down!
I received an ARC from NetGalley and the opinions expressed in this review are my own.
What a great mystery! Emily is coming into her own as an amateur sleuth but this case is a tricky one. I enjoyed the red herrings and twists and turns. The descriptions of the delicious donuts was good too! A mystery with a little romance, lots of family and friends around to help and the lovable feline sleuthing partner Dep by her side make for a cozy read you won't want to put down!
I received an ARC from NetGalley and the opinions expressed in this review are my own.
April 21, 2023
I love this series so much and this book is no exception. Emily and her friends are the best and to be able to read about another happy (and lovely sounded) wedding where Emily could just enjoy her friends' and family's company. Of course there is a murder mystery going on, so I am proud of her for focusing on the happy times. I am so excited for Emily's romance, even though Bret is not physically in town during this book, his love and calming presence is always so nice to read. Dep constantly stole the show with her cat antics and her furry personality shines through. I love how Emily is smart and caring and also no nonsense when it comes to sticking up for herself and others. Especially when there is a stubborn, hard headed new police chief that seems to do everything wrong and not care about the people of his own town. The mystery had many suspects and I enjoyed all the twists and turns and loved the shocking ending! (I did not see it coming). I cannot wait for more of this series.
May 22, 2023
You have to read the whole thing - the end is the best part! I enjoyed the mystery but I wish Brent would have been around more. I agree with Emily and hope that the new police chief finds a new job. Great characters make this one of my favorite series!
May 27, 2023
This is one of my favorite cozy mystery series! I love the protagonist. She is intelligent, caring, resilient, and doesn't go around bugging others in the community whom she thinks might be suspects with stupid questions. I love how she interacts with her sweet kitty Dep. and her new boyfriend. This was a very well written plot and held my interest throughout the book. The ending could not have been more perfect! I am looking forward to reading book #8.
May 20, 2023
Dollycas’s Thoughts
We are back in Fallingbrook, Wisconsin and again Emily Westhill is in the middle of a murder investigation. A woman had been coming into the Deputy Donut Café for a couple of days and she was clearly troubled by something. The woman quickly left the café after giving a toy to Dep. Emily noticed she dropped an earring on her way out so she thought returning it would be the perfect opportunity to find out if she could help the woman with whatever problem she was having. Unfortunately, when she arrived the woman was dead. She was hoping it was a freaky accident but the police determine it was murder and that Emily was the new police chief’s prime suspect.
Now Emily is determined to clear her name in a case that has more twists than the cinnamon twists at Deputy Donut. The evidence seems to mount against her but she doesn’t give up, but can she catch the killer before the killer catches her?
Emily has always had a special relationship with the Fallingbrook law enforcement community. She was a 911 dispatcher until the day her detective husband was killed in the line of duty. In Cinnamon Twisted, that relationship is tested as a new police chief is hired and he is faced with his first murder. Because he pins top suspect honors on Emily her new boyfriend Detective Brent Fyne is sent away on an assignment in Green Bay. I enjoyed this twist even though I was furious with the new chief and his attitude and actions. Emily’s determination impressed me and it was nice that she had support from Fyne even from afar and that DCI Agent Rex Clobar had her back and common sense. As always the relationship Emily has with her former in-laws always warms my heart. Ms. Bolton’s core characters are always so genuine and true to life.
I loved the history that was woven through the entire story. The history of Emily’s house was so interesting complete with Viking relics. I always love learning new things.
We are also treated to a special wedding. The location was really perfect as was the bride’s gift to her groom.
The author did such a fantastic job of twisting all the subplots and main plots together adding humor in all the right places and a little bit of romance too. The complex mystery was so cleverly plotted that the reveal was almost a total surprise. I had just a little inkling about part of it but needed some of the info that was provided at the end to firm up my theory.
Donuts to “donuts” Cinnamon Twisted is a splendid addition to this series. The ending was wonderful and perfectly timed. I truly can’t wait for the next installment of the Deputy Donut Mysteries.
Be sure to check out the Cinnamon Twists recipe and others in the back of the book!
We are back in Fallingbrook, Wisconsin and again Emily Westhill is in the middle of a murder investigation. A woman had been coming into the Deputy Donut Café for a couple of days and she was clearly troubled by something. The woman quickly left the café after giving a toy to Dep. Emily noticed she dropped an earring on her way out so she thought returning it would be the perfect opportunity to find out if she could help the woman with whatever problem she was having. Unfortunately, when she arrived the woman was dead. She was hoping it was a freaky accident but the police determine it was murder and that Emily was the new police chief’s prime suspect.
Now Emily is determined to clear her name in a case that has more twists than the cinnamon twists at Deputy Donut. The evidence seems to mount against her but she doesn’t give up, but can she catch the killer before the killer catches her?
Emily has always had a special relationship with the Fallingbrook law enforcement community. She was a 911 dispatcher until the day her detective husband was killed in the line of duty. In Cinnamon Twisted, that relationship is tested as a new police chief is hired and he is faced with his first murder. Because he pins top suspect honors on Emily her new boyfriend Detective Brent Fyne is sent away on an assignment in Green Bay. I enjoyed this twist even though I was furious with the new chief and his attitude and actions. Emily’s determination impressed me and it was nice that she had support from Fyne even from afar and that DCI Agent Rex Clobar had her back and common sense. As always the relationship Emily has with her former in-laws always warms my heart. Ms. Bolton’s core characters are always so genuine and true to life.
I loved the history that was woven through the entire story. The history of Emily’s house was so interesting complete with Viking relics. I always love learning new things.
We are also treated to a special wedding. The location was really perfect as was the bride’s gift to her groom.
The author did such a fantastic job of twisting all the subplots and main plots together adding humor in all the right places and a little bit of romance too. The complex mystery was so cleverly plotted that the reveal was almost a total surprise. I had just a little inkling about part of it but needed some of the info that was provided at the end to firm up my theory.
Donuts to “donuts” Cinnamon Twisted is a splendid addition to this series. The ending was wonderful and perfectly timed. I truly can’t wait for the next installment of the Deputy Donut Mysteries.
Be sure to check out the Cinnamon Twists recipe and others in the back of the book!
October 26, 2022
This series just gets better with each book, and Cinnamon Twisted is a fast paced story that will keep you guessing until the end.
Emily is getting ready for her friends wedding, her parents are in town, and her boyfriend, Brent, is busy working.
Things seem normal for Emily until a bizarre murder sets everyone on edge.
Whenever a book has a character I really dislike, I know its going to be a great story. Chief Agnew fits this perfectly, his condescending attitude, his immediate dislike of Emily, and his belligerent disposition are just a few of the things that annoyed me.
I highly recommend this book and the series by the talented Ginger Bolton.
#CinnamonTwisted #NetGalley
Emily is getting ready for her friends wedding, her parents are in town, and her boyfriend, Brent, is busy working.
Things seem normal for Emily until a bizarre murder sets everyone on edge.
Whenever a book has a character I really dislike, I know its going to be a great story. Chief Agnew fits this perfectly, his condescending attitude, his immediate dislike of Emily, and his belligerent disposition are just a few of the things that annoyed me.
I highly recommend this book and the series by the talented Ginger Bolton.
#CinnamonTwisted #NetGalley
April 2, 2025
This is the seventh book in the deputy donut series. I loved catching up with Emily. In this book, Emily comes across a dead body when she goes to return an earring to a woman who had been in Deputy Donuts earlier in the day. The new police chief suspects her in the crime so she has to prove her innocence. I enjoyed the story and the plot of the book. I wish we would have gotten more of Brent and the characters at deputy donuts. However, I did feel it was a good change of pace to have Brent out of town and not actively investigating. This was a solid read and I am looking forward to reading more.
April 20, 2025
There's a new police chief in town who accuses Emily of murdering a customer at a lakeside cabin and the stealing antiques from the woman! To make matters worse, the chief sends Brent out of town and insists on investigating himself. Emily knows she has to be careful or she'll end up behind bars. Can she solve this one and prove her innocence? She has a strong suspicion the chief is the murderer but can't prove it. Why else would he be so focused on her and how did he get to the crime scene so quickly after Emily called it in?
The plot should be right there with the first or second book and not all the way at #7. The arrogant incompetent cop storyline is old and tired by now. The motive for murder was very strange and unbelievable. Yet what happened in the 1890s made sense and I figured that one out right away. I like how the timeline takes place over years and not days or weeks like most cozies! YET the relationship subplot has happened a lot off page. I didn't like that Brent wasn't there in Fallingbrook and we don't get to see Emily and Brent together. The plot picks up full speed ahead at the end which was too sudden for me. I wanted more swoony romantic moments with Brett and Emily! I also really missed the relationship with Samantha, Misty and Emily. With Misty on her honeymoon, the trio didn't get to interact much and share their usual witty banter.
Aww now Misty and Scott are getting married! Sniff! Their wedding sounds like fun and perfect for them. It's horrible that Brent couldn't get time off for the rehearsal and cookout afterwards. He BARELY makes it to the wedding on time. He's the best man and that should have been PTO on the books ahead of time and the chief would have to allow it, teach his class himself and call in DCI to assist with the investigation. Hooligan and his temporary partner can help.
Pamela Firston seemed nice, but sad and maybe scared at first but then there are other reports of her that make her sound not so nice. You can argue that nurture or lack thereof played a role- she was raised by her grandmother, a bitter, angry woman who didn't love her and perhaps brought Pamela up in the same self-entitled, bitter manner. How can someone who asked to meet Dep be a bad person? Dep seemed to like her or maybe the catnip was a distraction so Who was she afraid of? Did that person kill her?
Why is Chief Agnew so determined to arrest Emily for SOMETHING? He tries to railroad her from beginning to end, barging into her home, accusing her of stealing her own family antiques (who would put a stolen watch on display in a prominent place in the living room?), failing to obtain warrants; even trying to force her to sign an incomplete witness statement and wanting to arrest her for assault at the very end. He's so arrogant and probably power hungry, he thinks he can do whatever he wants? He should not have been allowed to investigate because he had a strong motive for murdering Pamela to begin with! DCI should have sent Rex Clobar a lot sooner. He has a sense of humor and an understanding of small town life. He trusts Emily. Why doesn't Chief Agnew? Just because she's close to Brent? AND she's "buddy buddy" with law enforcement? She can't help it. Misty was her BFF since junior high and she married Alec and then Alec and Tom became family and Brent a friend. Small town... everyone is connected. As far as I'm concerned this guy needs to be fired immediately and taken off the force. He can not demonstrate lack of bias, neutrality or fairness. The old chief wasn't great but this guy is worse.
There are so many suspects! At first I wondered if Diana at the bridal shop was the ex Pamela was afraid of. It seemed like Diana recognized Pamela and was pointing at her. Diana claims to have a good alibi but she can't exactly prove she didn't leave her house at the time of the murder! She does have a motive. What about Emily's new neighbor? He's awfully interested in the history of Emily's house but he seems so nice! He's young, sweet and maybe naive. Dep likes him and she's proven to be a good judge of character. Could she be wrong this time? Kayla, a carpenter and friend of Emily's parents, is a free spirit. She's camping in Fallingbrook for the summer with her boyfriend, Logan, who intends to stay and teach at the high school. Kayla met Emily's parents when they were in Florida and they seem to like her but they like everyone. They're aging hippies who make peace not war. Kayla seems suspicious to me. She's eager for a job and lo and behold, she gets a job working on Emily's new garage. She's spotted in Emily's yard after work hours with a metal detector and a lame excuse. I don't trust her at all.
There's no way Summer Peabody-Smith is the murderer just because she has keys to the cabin her parents own. Renting the cabin is a source of income for her parents. She's an art co-op owner and probably can't support her parents on her own. She's a fun character and friends with Emily. Now Gregory Tinsletter might be the ex Pamela was afraid of. He left a threatening or angry voicemail on Pamela's phone, left town supposedly, very suddenly, when he claimed he was making a sales pitch at the hospital on a Sunday. He seems suspicious to me!
I didn't love this one and hope the next one gets back on track.
The plot should be right there with the first or second book and not all the way at #7. The arrogant incompetent cop storyline is old and tired by now. The motive for murder was very strange and unbelievable. Yet what happened in the 1890s made sense and I figured that one out right away. I like how the timeline takes place over years and not days or weeks like most cozies! YET the relationship subplot has happened a lot off page. I didn't like that Brent wasn't there in Fallingbrook and we don't get to see Emily and Brent together. The plot picks up full speed ahead at the end which was too sudden for me. I wanted more swoony romantic moments with Brett and Emily! I also really missed the relationship with Samantha, Misty and Emily. With Misty on her honeymoon, the trio didn't get to interact much and share their usual witty banter.
Aww now Misty and Scott are getting married! Sniff! Their wedding sounds like fun and perfect for them. It's horrible that Brent couldn't get time off for the rehearsal and cookout afterwards. He BARELY makes it to the wedding on time. He's the best man and that should have been PTO on the books ahead of time and the chief would have to allow it, teach his class himself and call in DCI to assist with the investigation. Hooligan and his temporary partner can help.
Pamela Firston seemed nice, but sad and maybe scared at first but then there are other reports of her that make her sound not so nice. You can argue that nurture or lack thereof played a role- she was raised by her grandmother, a bitter, angry woman who didn't love her and perhaps brought Pamela up in the same self-entitled, bitter manner. How can someone who asked to meet Dep be a bad person? Dep seemed to like her or maybe the catnip was a distraction so Who was she afraid of? Did that person kill her?
Why is Chief Agnew so determined to arrest Emily for SOMETHING? He tries to railroad her from beginning to end, barging into her home, accusing her of stealing her own family antiques (who would put a stolen watch on display in a prominent place in the living room?), failing to obtain warrants; even trying to force her to sign an incomplete witness statement and wanting to arrest her for assault at the very end. He's so arrogant and probably power hungry, he thinks he can do whatever he wants? He should not have been allowed to investigate because he had a strong motive for murdering Pamela to begin with! DCI should have sent Rex Clobar a lot sooner. He has a sense of humor and an understanding of small town life. He trusts Emily. Why doesn't Chief Agnew? Just because she's close to Brent? AND she's "buddy buddy" with law enforcement? She can't help it. Misty was her BFF since junior high and she married Alec and then Alec and Tom became family and Brent a friend. Small town... everyone is connected. As far as I'm concerned this guy needs to be fired immediately and taken off the force. He can not demonstrate lack of bias, neutrality or fairness. The old chief wasn't great but this guy is worse.
There are so many suspects! At first I wondered if Diana at the bridal shop was the ex Pamela was afraid of. It seemed like Diana recognized Pamela and was pointing at her. Diana claims to have a good alibi but she can't exactly prove she didn't leave her house at the time of the murder! She does have a motive. What about Emily's new neighbor? He's awfully interested in the history of Emily's house but he seems so nice! He's young, sweet and maybe naive. Dep likes him and she's proven to be a good judge of character. Could she be wrong this time? Kayla, a carpenter and friend of Emily's parents, is a free spirit. She's camping in Fallingbrook for the summer with her boyfriend, Logan, who intends to stay and teach at the high school. Kayla met Emily's parents when they were in Florida and they seem to like her but they like everyone. They're aging hippies who make peace not war. Kayla seems suspicious to me. She's eager for a job and lo and behold, she gets a job working on Emily's new garage. She's spotted in Emily's yard after work hours with a metal detector and a lame excuse. I don't trust her at all.
There's no way Summer Peabody-Smith is the murderer just because she has keys to the cabin her parents own. Renting the cabin is a source of income for her parents. She's an art co-op owner and probably can't support her parents on her own. She's a fun character and friends with Emily. Now Gregory Tinsletter might be the ex Pamela was afraid of. He left a threatening or angry voicemail on Pamela's phone, left town supposedly, very suddenly, when he claimed he was making a sales pitch at the hospital on a Sunday. He seems suspicious to me!
I didn't love this one and hope the next one gets back on track.
April 3, 2023
This is the seventh book in the series and my first. I was able to read as a standalone. The mystery caught me from the first page and I had to find out why and why. I really enjoyed this book and can't wait to see what happens next in the series.
December 10, 2022
There was lots of excitement in my house when I saw that Cinnamon Twisted, the next book in the series, was available on @netgalley thanks to @kensingtonbooks. It comes out April 25th, 2023, so it’s a huge treat for my daughter to get to read it early.
I think fans of this series will be very satisfied with this installment. My daughter loved the scenes with Dep; Dep was extra feisty in this book, especially when she was high on catnip. There was a lot of romance in this book; we witness a marriage AND Emily and a certain someone are finally, after seven books, in a relationship! Now, my daughter is often romance averse, but she is such a huge fan of all the characters that I think she actually liked the romance!
The mystery is intriguing because it actually seems centered around Emily’s house and the owner who originally built it long ago. This added interest to the storyline because we wanted to know what Emily would discover not only about the murder, but also about her home. There are many potential suspects, including a mean mean police chief who got my daughter riled up with his rude and shady ways! Extra tension is created by Emily being a suspect and by someone trespassing on her property. My daughter and I enjoyed talking through the different motives and alibis. I think we were both surprised as the solution was revealed!
I love reading this series with my daughter and I look forward to more books in the series.
I think fans of this series will be very satisfied with this installment. My daughter loved the scenes with Dep; Dep was extra feisty in this book, especially when she was high on catnip. There was a lot of romance in this book; we witness a marriage AND Emily and a certain someone are finally, after seven books, in a relationship! Now, my daughter is often romance averse, but she is such a huge fan of all the characters that I think she actually liked the romance!
The mystery is intriguing because it actually seems centered around Emily’s house and the owner who originally built it long ago. This added interest to the storyline because we wanted to know what Emily would discover not only about the murder, but also about her home. There are many potential suspects, including a mean mean police chief who got my daughter riled up with his rude and shady ways! Extra tension is created by Emily being a suspect and by someone trespassing on her property. My daughter and I enjoyed talking through the different motives and alibis. I think we were both surprised as the solution was revealed!
I love reading this series with my daughter and I look forward to more books in the series.
November 20, 2022
The newest Deputy Donut mystery finds Emily investigating after she finds a mystery woman murdered. After a woman visits her donut shop and leaves looking scared, Emily is curious. Then on the way to visit her parents, she finds that woman murdered. Amidst all her other life events, she tries to investigate to clear herself and others, especially with the new police chief in town.
I didn't enjoy this as much as others in the series. It was still good, but it felt like there was a lot of other plot and not as much Emily investigating as in other books!
I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I didn't enjoy this as much as others in the series. It was still good, but it felt like there was a lot of other plot and not as much Emily investigating as in other books!
I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 9, 2023
DNF at 70%. I kept hoping it would get better because I've enjoyed some of her previous books in the series. However, with this one, it felt like the writing was truly reaching. For example, a certain prominent character in an important position kept pinning allegations on others with little to no evidence and repeatedly did so.
May 6, 2023
https://openbooksociety.com/article/c...
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie
I have grown very attached to this series! Of course, I’ve been hungry for donuts since I began to read this latest mystery! For those who enjoy trying new recipes, several are included. I always look forward to seeing “Dep” Deputy Donut, Emily’s beautiful cat, and the gang at the donut shop named after Dep. Emily and her late husband’s father, Tom, are partners in this delightful shop that serves specialty coffees, donuts, and other creative food and beverage items. It is popular with residents, tourists, and Fallingbrook’s first responders.
Being around law enforcement people is second nature to Emily, whose husband Alec had been killed in the line of duty. Tom had once been the police chief, and she had been a 911 operator. Brent, a detective and Alec’s former partner, had been close friends with both of them when Alec was alive, and a friend to Emily since. They recently began dating, having grown close in the years since Alec’s death.
It is June and Misty, a police officer and one of Emily’s best friends, is getting married in a couple days. Pamela, a new customer, suddenly acts as if afraid of someone outside. She had brought a special catnip toy in for Dep that she asked to give to Dep in Emily’s office, which has been specially outfitted to keep Dep entertained when Emily is there.
Through the office window, Pamela saw a man come into the shop, looked more frightened, and ran out the back. She dropped an earring in the alley, and Emily picked it up to give back to her. Gregory, the man who came in just before Pamela ran out, also wants to see Dep, who uncharacteristically scratched him just before he, too, left out the back.
Emily was heading to Misty’s wedding rehearsal and dinner. She decided to make a quick stop at Pamela’s rental to make sure that whoever she was afraid of hadn’t bothered her. Pamela didn’t answer the door, the smoke alarm screeched, and something inside smelled hot. Emily ran in, took care of the stove, skillet, and its burnt offering. She found Pamela, dead, buried under the contents of a closet.
Brent, the only detective in the department, arrived first. The new police chief was next, but remained in his SUV. Chief Agnew told Emily to leave and give her statement at the station the next day. He saw them embrace and assumed the couple were too close for his detective to be objective. He took Brent off the case and sent him out of town to teach a class Agnew had been scheduled to teach. Agnew tried to find evidence to blame Emily for the murder, even going to her home and searching around the exterior when she was at Misty’s wedding. Chief Agnew is constantly after Emily and her neighbor, Daniel. They have been discussing the original owner of the property she lives in, local history, and an aged item she and Dep found hidden in the garden. Agnew kept trying to get both of them to confess to Pamela’s murder. Emily has helped with several cases in the past and is trying to stay uninvolved, especially with Chief Agnew on her heels.
I enjoy visiting the characters as much as I would old friends. They are described well and continue to grow throughout the series. It is wonderful how close Emily is with her in-laws, and how they support Emily and Brent being a couple now. I also like her parents and how close Brent and Emily are to her two long-time best friends and their spouses, all of whom are with the police or fire department. I did not like Agnew, and had less kinder titles for him than chief! I do love little Dep, the kitty after whom the donut shop is named.
Each time someone was added to my pet suspect list, removed them. This clever mystery kept me guessing, especially when it was clear that Agnew was familiar with the victim long before she came to town. I was completely surprised at who the bad guy was! The ending was very satisfactory, leaving no donuts uneaten. I highly recommend this mystery and series!
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie
I have grown very attached to this series! Of course, I’ve been hungry for donuts since I began to read this latest mystery! For those who enjoy trying new recipes, several are included. I always look forward to seeing “Dep” Deputy Donut, Emily’s beautiful cat, and the gang at the donut shop named after Dep. Emily and her late husband’s father, Tom, are partners in this delightful shop that serves specialty coffees, donuts, and other creative food and beverage items. It is popular with residents, tourists, and Fallingbrook’s first responders.
Being around law enforcement people is second nature to Emily, whose husband Alec had been killed in the line of duty. Tom had once been the police chief, and she had been a 911 operator. Brent, a detective and Alec’s former partner, had been close friends with both of them when Alec was alive, and a friend to Emily since. They recently began dating, having grown close in the years since Alec’s death.
It is June and Misty, a police officer and one of Emily’s best friends, is getting married in a couple days. Pamela, a new customer, suddenly acts as if afraid of someone outside. She had brought a special catnip toy in for Dep that she asked to give to Dep in Emily’s office, which has been specially outfitted to keep Dep entertained when Emily is there.
Through the office window, Pamela saw a man come into the shop, looked more frightened, and ran out the back. She dropped an earring in the alley, and Emily picked it up to give back to her. Gregory, the man who came in just before Pamela ran out, also wants to see Dep, who uncharacteristically scratched him just before he, too, left out the back.
Emily was heading to Misty’s wedding rehearsal and dinner. She decided to make a quick stop at Pamela’s rental to make sure that whoever she was afraid of hadn’t bothered her. Pamela didn’t answer the door, the smoke alarm screeched, and something inside smelled hot. Emily ran in, took care of the stove, skillet, and its burnt offering. She found Pamela, dead, buried under the contents of a closet.
Brent, the only detective in the department, arrived first. The new police chief was next, but remained in his SUV. Chief Agnew told Emily to leave and give her statement at the station the next day. He saw them embrace and assumed the couple were too close for his detective to be objective. He took Brent off the case and sent him out of town to teach a class Agnew had been scheduled to teach. Agnew tried to find evidence to blame Emily for the murder, even going to her home and searching around the exterior when she was at Misty’s wedding. Chief Agnew is constantly after Emily and her neighbor, Daniel. They have been discussing the original owner of the property she lives in, local history, and an aged item she and Dep found hidden in the garden. Agnew kept trying to get both of them to confess to Pamela’s murder. Emily has helped with several cases in the past and is trying to stay uninvolved, especially with Chief Agnew on her heels.
I enjoy visiting the characters as much as I would old friends. They are described well and continue to grow throughout the series. It is wonderful how close Emily is with her in-laws, and how they support Emily and Brent being a couple now. I also like her parents and how close Brent and Emily are to her two long-time best friends and their spouses, all of whom are with the police or fire department. I did not like Agnew, and had less kinder titles for him than chief! I do love little Dep, the kitty after whom the donut shop is named.
Each time someone was added to my pet suspect list, removed them. This clever mystery kept me guessing, especially when it was clear that Agnew was familiar with the victim long before she came to town. I was completely surprised at who the bad guy was! The ending was very satisfactory, leaving no donuts uneaten. I highly recommend this mystery and series!
May 27, 2023
Cinnamon Twisted is the first book in the “Deputy Donut Mystery” series that I have read. I figured you couldn’t go wrong with donuts and murder. The murder of a customer who was fascinated by the shop's namesake, Dep the cat, and a detective that is certain Emily is guilty of killing someone she didn’t even know; add in a background mystery about the main characters home, and you have everything you will need for several hours of enjoyment.
At first, I was a bit lost on the characters and the story. To be honest, I didn’t realize the shop was named after Dep, Emily’s cat, and I’m still not sure what the cinnamon twists had to do with anything. The characters were well-written, but I didn’t find many I could relate to, and I wasn’t overly fond of Emily. The police chief and the new detective on the case are a nightmare and untrustworthy. I was uncertain about Emily’s boyfriend, Brent; he didn’t play a big enough role for me to care. Emily’s neighbor Daniel was interesting, and I would have liked to learn more about him.
The mystery was okay; the suspects were far and few between, mainly Emily and then Daniel. At one point, I thought maybe the detective would accuse Dep of killing the woman with the cinnamon twists, but thankfully he didn’t go that far. The ending was good, the killer, once unmasked, was who I thought it was, but the unveiling made the book worth reading. I enjoyed the story overall, but it took a while for me to warm up to the characters. This I attribute to not having read the other books in the series. I highly suggest that new readers start at the beginning of this series to get a good idea of who all the characters are, a better run down on the town, and Emily’s shop, before reading this book.
At first, I was a bit lost on the characters and the story. To be honest, I didn’t realize the shop was named after Dep, Emily’s cat, and I’m still not sure what the cinnamon twists had to do with anything. The characters were well-written, but I didn’t find many I could relate to, and I wasn’t overly fond of Emily. The police chief and the new detective on the case are a nightmare and untrustworthy. I was uncertain about Emily’s boyfriend, Brent; he didn’t play a big enough role for me to care. Emily’s neighbor Daniel was interesting, and I would have liked to learn more about him.
The mystery was okay; the suspects were far and few between, mainly Emily and then Daniel. At one point, I thought maybe the detective would accuse Dep of killing the woman with the cinnamon twists, but thankfully he didn’t go that far. The ending was good, the killer, once unmasked, was who I thought it was, but the unveiling made the book worth reading. I enjoyed the story overall, but it took a while for me to warm up to the characters. This I attribute to not having read the other books in the series. I highly suggest that new readers start at the beginning of this series to get a good idea of who all the characters are, a better run down on the town, and Emily’s shop, before reading this book.
February 23, 2023
This was absolutely delightful! As it so often happens, I started the series out of order (this is book 7, so I'm reeeeeally out of order this time) but had no problem falling in love with the characters and getting drawn into the mystery. (Really, isn't that the best part about cozies? Even when everything is unfamiliar, it still feels like sitting down with an old friend.)
Despite knowing nothing about her previous adventures, I was immediately drawn to Emily-- smart, funny, and incredibly likable, she seems like the sort of person I'd like to know in real life. I'm beyond excited to get the first books in this series and learn more about her, and anytime that happens, you know you've found a good read. There is plenty of small-town charm, plenty of suspects, and I honestly had no idea whodunnit until it was revealed to me. A definite upside to using this book as an introduction to the whole cast of characters was that I didn't know who I could trust-- except Dep, of course, but I'll always side with the cat :)
And as an added bonus, the included recipes all sound delicious--I've already bought the ingredients to make the pesto & mozzarella twists, and since I am *technically* on a diet, I don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing...but regardless, I'm looking forward to making them and then shoveling them in my mouth while I start reading book #1.
So whether this is your first look at the Deputy Donut Mysteries or you've been around since the very first cruller, you'll find reasons to enjoy this story (and reasons to dislike Chief Agnew, a LOT 😂)
Despite knowing nothing about her previous adventures, I was immediately drawn to Emily-- smart, funny, and incredibly likable, she seems like the sort of person I'd like to know in real life. I'm beyond excited to get the first books in this series and learn more about her, and anytime that happens, you know you've found a good read. There is plenty of small-town charm, plenty of suspects, and I honestly had no idea whodunnit until it was revealed to me. A definite upside to using this book as an introduction to the whole cast of characters was that I didn't know who I could trust-- except Dep, of course, but I'll always side with the cat :)
And as an added bonus, the included recipes all sound delicious--I've already bought the ingredients to make the pesto & mozzarella twists, and since I am *technically* on a diet, I don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing...but regardless, I'm looking forward to making them and then shoveling them in my mouth while I start reading book #1.
So whether this is your first look at the Deputy Donut Mysteries or you've been around since the very first cruller, you'll find reasons to enjoy this story (and reasons to dislike Chief Agnew, a LOT 😂)
March 7, 2023
Cinnamon Twisted is the latest addition to the Deputy Donut mystery series by Ginger Bolton. This was a fast paced book with a mystery set off by a dropped donut earring and a woman acting terrified about something. I really love Emily as a main character simply because she seems to be someone I would like to know in real life.
I thought that the mystery was set up well and that it seemed natural for Emily to do a little investigating because she herself came under suspicion as a murder suspect. I also thought that there were great twists and turns throughout the story. Just as I started to think I had figured out who the killer was, that person would end up with a solid alibi and I would be back at square one.
I thought the way the mystery was resolved was well thought out and logical and I am definitely hoping that we’ve seen the last of police chief Irving Agnew. He was not my favorite character. I am also thrilled that Emily’s romantic life is heating up now and I LOVED the way the book ended. I adore this series and cannot wait to read the next book in the series. I hope this series continues for a long, long time.
I thought that the mystery was set up well and that it seemed natural for Emily to do a little investigating because she herself came under suspicion as a murder suspect. I also thought that there were great twists and turns throughout the story. Just as I started to think I had figured out who the killer was, that person would end up with a solid alibi and I would be back at square one.
I thought the way the mystery was resolved was well thought out and logical and I am definitely hoping that we’ve seen the last of police chief Irving Agnew. He was not my favorite character. I am also thrilled that Emily’s romantic life is heating up now and I LOVED the way the book ended. I adore this series and cannot wait to read the next book in the series. I hope this series continues for a long, long time.
April 20, 2023
This series is a delight ! I am so thankful it remains published as its been a couple of years since the last release. Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley for the opportunity. My review opinon is my own. This is the 7th book in the Deputy Donut Mystery series. I have enjoyed the entire series and all the likable charcters. Emily owns a charming donut shop that is well loved by the town. This is placed in small town Wisconsin which is both charming and enjoyable to read. The coffee, donuts and the conversations are pleasantly friendly to the reader .
Emily has a new mysterious customer that leaves in a hurry after gifting her cat a toy. When she leaves behind her earring Emily runs out to find her and finds the woman murdered. The local police chief is contensious and rude to Emily believing her as the primary suspect. Emily has to quickly solve this mystery tio save herself and her business .
I loved this return to the series. All of the charcters are well crafted, the sleuth was enticing to conclusion and I pleasantly did not figure out the ending. A enjoyable read I highly recommend.
Emily has a new mysterious customer that leaves in a hurry after gifting her cat a toy. When she leaves behind her earring Emily runs out to find her and finds the woman murdered. The local police chief is contensious and rude to Emily believing her as the primary suspect. Emily has to quickly solve this mystery tio save herself and her business .
I loved this return to the series. All of the charcters are well crafted, the sleuth was enticing to conclusion and I pleasantly did not figure out the ending. A enjoyable read I highly recommend.
February 19, 2023
I received an advance copy via NetGalley.
I enjoy cozy mystery series like this one, where I can pickup the seventh book and immediately get pulled into the world. I didn’t feel lost at all as I came to know Emily in her small Wisconsin town where she runs a donut shop. After a suspiciously-acting customer loses an earring near the shop, Emily drops by her rental house to return it and finds the woman dead—and herself listed as suspect number one by the town’s new inept police chief.
The mystery moves along at a good pace, with many suspects in the mix, but a number of elements felt forced, especially at the climax. The guilty party was apparent a bit early on. Even so, I enjoyed the setting and characters, and I’d read more in this series.
I enjoy cozy mystery series like this one, where I can pickup the seventh book and immediately get pulled into the world. I didn’t feel lost at all as I came to know Emily in her small Wisconsin town where she runs a donut shop. After a suspiciously-acting customer loses an earring near the shop, Emily drops by her rental house to return it and finds the woman dead—and herself listed as suspect number one by the town’s new inept police chief.
The mystery moves along at a good pace, with many suspects in the mix, but a number of elements felt forced, especially at the climax. The guilty party was apparent a bit early on. Even so, I enjoyed the setting and characters, and I’d read more in this series.
June 22, 2023
Fun and fast-paced cozy mystery. So much is going on....murder and danger, an interesting mystery, and plenty of red herrings/suspects to keep you guessing. Emily has to stay on her toes...and one step ahead of the new chief (who's looking at her as a likely murder suspect), if she wants to figure out whodunit before she finds herself underwater....or in jail.
Fun book and series. I love Emily, Dep-the-cat, and all the other characters in the town. Once I start reading a book in this series, I never wanna put it down until I'm done.
Many thanks to Kensington Publishing and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book. My thoughts and opinions are my own and without bias or favor or expectation.
Fun book and series. I love Emily, Dep-the-cat, and all the other characters in the town. Once I start reading a book in this series, I never wanna put it down until I'm done.
Many thanks to Kensington Publishing and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book. My thoughts and opinions are my own and without bias or favor or expectation.
April 27, 2023
Emily is worried about a young woman who left her store in a hurry leaving behind an earring. She decides to return the earring hoping to ease her distressed feelings over the woman. She soon learns her gut feeling was right when she finds said woman dead, murdered. Things go from bad to worse when the new chief of police decides to take over the case and send her boyfriend off to teach some classes. It seems like the chief has it out for her and is looking at her as the prime suspect. Knowing she needs to clear her name she begins looking into the murder. Follow along as she investigates, will she be able to clear her name and find a killer or will she end up behind bars?
February 11, 2023
As an avid reader, especially of cozy mysteries, I have many series I love and eagerly await the next installment of. This series by Ginger Bolton is one of the ones I wait for most eagerly and this didn’t disappoint! I love all the characters in this series. Emily is someone I have come to have great respect for, and I know I would be friends with her! And Dep is a cat I could actually go for! I’m much more of a dog person but Dep is adorable! I found the mystery in this book to be a lot of fun to try and solve, and I found myself hungry thinking of all the donuts! I look forward to trying the recipes!! If you haven’t read the rest of this series, start now so you can read this great one too!
March 18, 2023
Thanks to #NetGalley for a chance to read an ARC of this book! I have enjoyed this series for a long time and this latest volume is no different! I enjoy this series because Emily is a smart amateur sleuth who uses common sense and doesn't make stupid mistakes. When she comes across the body of a murdered women who spent the last two afternoons in the donut shop and definitely seemed afraid of something or someone she realizes that she might need to get involved as the new Chief of Police sees her as a suspect. With Brett sent out of town and another one of her friends on the force on her honeymoon, Emily realizes she had better do a little looking into things herself if she wants to stay out of jail!
February 22, 2023
I enjoyed this latest Deputy Donut mystery. Emily was investigating the murder of one of her new customers. The police chief was a bit untoward in this story and I had a hard time figuring out whodunit. Definitely a great story that keeps you guessing and turning the pages. Plus don't miss the sweet scene at the end
November 18, 2024
grabs you from the beginning
Fast paced and exciting, this story was a fun and quick read with lots of twists, just as the title promised.
Fast paced and exciting, this story was a fun and quick read with lots of twists, just as the title promised.
April 3, 2023
Emily observes a nervous woman sitting alone at a table in Deputy Donut. She decides to see if she can engage her in conversation. Someone frightens the stranger and she flees. In her haste she drops part of her earring. Later Emily tries to see if she's okay and finds her dead. What happens next will keep you reading Cinnamon Twisted to find out how Emily and her torbie Dep find the truth. I liked the characters and the small town setting. Dep is a fun. I liked her attitude. She made me smile. The romance between Emily and Brent is definitely sigh worthy. The writing of Ginger Bolton flows smoothly and kept me reading. I loved this cozy. The book gave me a contented feeling. I'm enjoying this series.
I received a copy of this book which I voluntarily read and reviewed. My comments are my honest opinion.
I received a copy of this book which I voluntarily read and reviewed. My comments are my honest opinion.
June 10, 2023
It's possible to read this book without first reading the other six books in the series, but I enjoyed this story even more because I have read all of them. The character development plays a huge role for me. The mystery story was interesting because there were several possible suspects and a new police chief who has absolutely NO people skills. He tries to make the witnesses look like the murderer, and he makes everyone uncomfortable, angry or both. I intend to read the next book in the series after it is published.
May 22, 2023
Another good book with good recipes at the end and a happy ending too! You always have one character some times in a book that you want to punch or yell at....Chief Agnew was the one character that I wanted to punch....such a mean guy! But Emily hung in there. So another cozy mystery that you will enjoy for sure...
December 27, 2022
Through NetGalley, I received a free copy of CINNAMON TWISTED (Book 7 of the Deputy Donut mysteries) by Ginger Bolton, in exchange for an honest review. Deputy Donut Cafe owner Emily Westhill is puzzled when a customer suddenly flees her cafe. The fleeing woman drops an earring, so Emily attempts to return the jewelry. However, the woman is past worrying about a missing bauble. When officers find an envelope addressed to Emily, it looks like Emily had a prior connection to the woman. So, Emily must clear her name since she's now the prime suspect.
I liked this book. I didn't read the prior books, but I had no problem following the storyline or distinguishing the characters. I recommend this book to fans of the series and to fans of cozy mysteries featuring murder and eateries.
#CinnamonTwisted #NetGalley
I liked this book. I didn't read the prior books, but I had no problem following the storyline or distinguishing the characters. I recommend this book to fans of the series and to fans of cozy mysteries featuring murder and eateries.
#CinnamonTwisted #NetGalley
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