What do you think?
Rate this book
Shake Shop #2
A Sprinkle in Time
The first shake shop mystery delivers all the delectable ingredients cozy mystery fans crave. This terrific series debut is certain to tempt the reading palates of fans of Cleo Coyle, Sarah Graves, and the much-missed Diane Mott Davidson. -- Library Journal , STARRED Review for Pint of No Return The second book in the Shake Shop Mysteries--a new murder in town has Trinidad Jones thrown for a scoop! It's Alpenfest in Upper Sprocket! Yodelers are congregating in the square, tourists flocking to the town, and Trinidad Jones is scooping up some fall flavors at her Shimmy and Shake Shop. The cherry on the sundae is her upcoming feature in The Scoop magazine. She's determined to serve up the perfect interview, but it won't be easy, thanks in part to her meddling Cuban grandfather Papa Luis who has decided to make Sprocket his home for the foreseeable future. Papa Luis has set himself up as a taxi driver in his classic 1951 Buick. But things take a turn when Papa Luis tells her he's found a corpse in his trunk. Upon closer investigation, they realize the body has disappeared. With the assistance of Juliette and Bonnie (her sisterhood of exes) and the way too handsome nut farmer Quinn Logan, Trinidad must solve the mystery of the disappearing corpse, before her father is up to his neck in a murderous mess. Praise for Pint of No Return , Book 1 of the Shake Shop Murder offers the heroine a surprisingly fresh start in this charming series kickoff-- Kirkus Reviews A delicious charmer featuring a triple scoop of murder-- Library Journal
447 pages, Paperback
First published May 24, 2022
48 people are currently reading
2801 people want to read
About the author
Dana Mentink
205 books2,217 followersUSA TODAY bestseller Dana Mentink enjoys writing in many different capacities. She currently writes for Harlequin's Love Inspired Suspense and Poisoned Pen Press.
Dana is the recipient of a Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice Award, two ACFW Carol Awards as well as a Holt Medallion.
Dana loves feedback from her readers. Contact her via her website at www.danamentink.com. and be sure to follow her on Bookbub!
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/dana-...
Dana is the recipient of a Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice Award, two ACFW Carol Awards as well as a Holt Medallion.
Dana loves feedback from her readers. Contact her via her website at www.danamentink.com. and be sure to follow her on Bookbub!
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/dana-...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 176 reviews
July 21, 2022
Thanks to Poisoned Pen Press for my ARC of “A Sprinkle in Time” by USA Bestselling Author Dana Mentink for an honest review.
You know a book with such a cute and clever title is going to be great. And “A Sprinkle in Time” doesn’t fail. Sweets + Mystery + yodeling dog (Noodles) = Rollicking Good Time!!! During these blistering hot summer days, we all need some cold ice cream reads!! I also loved that although this is a 300+ page novel, it’s conveniently sized to fit in a standard purse or beach bag. Author Dana Mentink writes effortlessly so you’re scooped in (pun intended) before you can even consider putting down this book. A definite summer must read. More sprinkles please!!!
You know a book with such a cute and clever title is going to be great. And “A Sprinkle in Time” doesn’t fail. Sweets + Mystery + yodeling dog (Noodles) = Rollicking Good Time!!! During these blistering hot summer days, we all need some cold ice cream reads!! I also loved that although this is a 300+ page novel, it’s conveniently sized to fit in a standard purse or beach bag. Author Dana Mentink writes effortlessly so you’re scooped in (pun intended) before you can even consider putting down this book. A definite summer must read. More sprinkles please!!!
May 25, 2022
I think what I liked the most about book 2 of Dana Mentink’s Shake Shop Mystery series were the wonderful characters. In book one Trinidad Jones had just moved to Upper Sprocket in Eastern Oregon and was just getting to know her divorced husbands former wives. In this book they had bonded and became like family to one another. I enjoyed the intriguing mystery and there was a lot of clues and suspects who all had motives to murder the victim. I found the book to be a tad bit scary from time to time. A few situations caused me to shift to the edge of my seat. Definitely unpredictable and had its share of twists and turns. Kept me guessing and glued to the pages. Can’t wait for the next book in this series to be released.
Trinidad Jones swears she won’t get involved in this murder investigation when the town’s Wheeler Dealer, Forge Emberly is found dead in the trunk of her Grandpa Luis’s classic Chevy. But then when Chief Bigley and her deputy arrive to investigate, the body has up and disappeared and nowhere to be found. Is it really murder when there’s no body?
Trinidad is insecure in her relationship with Quinn Logan. He lied to her and seems to be holding things back from her. Trinidad’s former no good for nothing husband Gabe Bigley lied to her too . Can she trust Quinn when he really seems to be no different than Gabe was?
In spite of Trinidad’s best efforts not to get involved in this murder investigation she finds herself being drawn in. Now there seems to possibly be another murder too. A girl had disappeared years ago but now clues seem to tie the two cases together. Trinidad finds herself once again deeply involved in the investigation and she doesn’t even like sleuthing.
I recommend A Sprinkle in Time to readers of Cozy Mystery and fans of the Author. If you liked book one of the series you won’t want to miss reading this book. This book is scheduled to be released on may 24th 2022.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book . All thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.
#asprinkleintime#netgalley
I think what I liked the most about book 2 of Dana Mentink’s Shake Shop Mystery series were the wonderful characters. In book one Trinidad Jones had just moved to Upper Sprocket in Eastern Oregon and was just getting to know her divorced husbands former wives. In this book they had bonded and became like family to one another. I enjoyed the intriguing mystery and there was a lot of clues and suspects who all had motives to murder the victim. I found the book to be a tad bit scary from time to time. A few situations caused me to shift to the edge of my seat. Definitely unpredictable and had its share of twists and turns. Kept me guessing and glued to the pages. Can’t wait for the next book in this series to be released.
Trinidad Jones swears she won’t get involved in this murder investigation when the town’s Wheeler Dealer, Forge Emberly is found dead in the trunk of her Grandpa Luis’s classic Chevy. But then when Chief Bigley and her deputy arrive to investigate, the body has up and disappeared and nowhere to be found. Is it really murder when there’s no body?
Trinidad is insecure in her relationship with Quinn Logan. He lied to her and seems to be holding things back from her. Trinidad’s former no good for nothing husband Gabe Bigley lied to her too . Can she trust Quinn when he really seems to be no different than Gabe was?
In spite of Trinidad’s best efforts not to get involved in this murder investigation she finds herself being drawn in. Now there seems to possibly be another murder too. A girl had disappeared years ago but now clues seem to tie the two cases together. Trinidad finds herself once again deeply involved in the investigation and she doesn’t even like sleuthing.
I recommend A Sprinkle in Time to readers of Cozy Mystery and fans of the Author. If you liked book one of the series you won’t want to miss reading this book. This book is scheduled to be released on may 24th 2022.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book . All thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.
#asprinkleintime#netgalley
#sprinkleintimetag@poisonedpenpress
@dana_mentink
Trinidad Jones swears she won’t get involved in this murder investigation when the town’s Wheeler Dealer, Forge Emberly is found dead in the trunk of her Grandpa Luis’s classic Chevy. But then when Chief Bigley and her deputy arrive to investigate, the body has up and disappeared and nowhere to be found. Is it really murder when there’s no body?
Trinidad is insecure in her relationship with Quinn Logan. He lied to her and seems to be holding things back from her. Trinidad’s former no good for nothing husband Gabe Bigley lied to her too . Can she trust Quinn when he really seems to be no different than Gabe was?
In spite of Trinidad’s best efforts not to get involved in this murder investigation she finds herself being drawn in. Now there seems to possibly be another murder too. A girl had disappeared years ago but now clues seem to tie the two cases together. Trinidad finds herself once again deeply involved in the investigation and she doesn’t even like sleuthing.
I recommend A Sprinkle in Time to readers of Cozy Mystery and fans of the Author. If you liked book one of the series you won’t want to miss reading this book. This book is scheduled to be released on may 24th 2022.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book . All thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.
#asprinkleintime#netgalley
I think what I liked the most about book 2 of Dana Mentink’s Shake Shop Mystery series were the wonderful characters. In book one Trinidad Jones had just moved to Upper Sprocket in Eastern Oregon and was just getting to know her divorced husbands former wives. In this book they had bonded and became like family to one another. I enjoyed the intriguing mystery and there was a lot of clues and suspects who all had motives to murder the victim. I found the book to be a tad bit scary from time to time. A few situations caused me to shift to the edge of my seat. Definitely unpredictable and had its share of twists and turns. Kept me guessing and glued to the pages. Can’t wait for the next book in this series to be released.
Trinidad Jones swears she won’t get involved in this murder investigation when the town’s Wheeler Dealer, Forge Emberly is found dead in the trunk of her Grandpa Luis’s classic Chevy. But then when Chief Bigley and her deputy arrive to investigate, the body has up and disappeared and nowhere to be found. Is it really murder when there’s no body?
Trinidad is insecure in her relationship with Quinn Logan. He lied to her and seems to be holding things back from her. Trinidad’s former no good for nothing husband Gabe Bigley lied to her too . Can she trust Quinn when he really seems to be no different than Gabe was?
In spite of Trinidad’s best efforts not to get involved in this murder investigation she finds herself being drawn in. Now there seems to possibly be another murder too. A girl had disappeared years ago but now clues seem to tie the two cases together. Trinidad finds herself once again deeply involved in the investigation and she doesn’t even like sleuthing.
I recommend A Sprinkle in Time to readers of Cozy Mystery and fans of the Author. If you liked book one of the series you won’t want to miss reading this book. This book is scheduled to be released on may 24th 2022.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book . All thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.
#asprinkleintime#netgalley
#sprinkleintimetag@poisonedpenpress
@dana_mentink
May 18, 2022
I enjoyed this second trip to Upper Sprocket, Oregon for a visit with Trinidad as she continues getting her Shimmy and Shake Shop up and running. I think it would be fun to try out some of her ice cream creations. She is loving her new town with her Papa Luis and her pup, Noodles. It is great to see how she and the other exes are developing a close sister type friendship. She is happy that she and Quinn are seeing quite a bit of each other. Things are looking up if she can find a way to stay afloat during the winter.
It is Alpenfest time with lots of yodelers in town for the festivities, including good eats, dancing, and much more. But then a body is found in the trunk of Papa Luis' prized Chevy Bel Air. Then it disappeared! This is a good mystery to unravel and find answers to his murder, but it also might be connected to a cold case from thirty years ago. Lots of suspects to consider. This is a series that is filled with quirky and interesting characters that you expect to find in a small town all set in a lovely setting. This is a great cozy mystery,series and I am looking forward to what might happen in the next book.
I received a complimentary ARC from Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine only.
It is Alpenfest time with lots of yodelers in town for the festivities, including good eats, dancing, and much more. But then a body is found in the trunk of Papa Luis' prized Chevy Bel Air. Then it disappeared! This is a good mystery to unravel and find answers to his murder, but it also might be connected to a cold case from thirty years ago. Lots of suspects to consider. This is a series that is filled with quirky and interesting characters that you expect to find in a small town all set in a lovely setting. This is a great cozy mystery,series and I am looking forward to what might happen in the next book.
I received a complimentary ARC from Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine only.
March 30, 2025
Excellent cozy mystery! I enjoy the characters and pets. The murder mystery is intriguing.
May 26, 2022
A Sprinkle In Time is the second book in the Shake Shop Mystery series, the first book is, Pint of No Return which I have read and loved as well as this one.
We are once again returning to Upper Sprocket this time for the Alpenfest. Tourist are flocking there but ice cream isn't the only thing being served up when the new fall flavors are introduced. Would you like a side of murder with that?
Trinidad Jones has it all planned out she'll serve up the perfect interview for her feature in Scoop magazine. She's not counting on her pesky grandfather Papa Luis deciding Sprocket is his new home away from home and he's going to show off his classic 1951 Buck and even worse become a taxi driver.
Could it possibly get any worse? Yes, there is a body discovered in the trunk that then disappears when the investigating starts.
There were twists and turns and a whole host of characters that had one reason or another to suspect they may have done it. I was kept engrossed as I tried to figure out who did it.
I am really enjoying this series and can't wait to see what the author scoops up next.
Pub Date 24 May 2022
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
We are once again returning to Upper Sprocket this time for the Alpenfest. Tourist are flocking there but ice cream isn't the only thing being served up when the new fall flavors are introduced. Would you like a side of murder with that?
Trinidad Jones has it all planned out she'll serve up the perfect interview for her feature in Scoop magazine. She's not counting on her pesky grandfather Papa Luis deciding Sprocket is his new home away from home and he's going to show off his classic 1951 Buck and even worse become a taxi driver.
Could it possibly get any worse? Yes, there is a body discovered in the trunk that then disappears when the investigating starts.
There were twists and turns and a whole host of characters that had one reason or another to suspect they may have done it. I was kept engrossed as I tried to figure out who did it.
I am really enjoying this series and can't wait to see what the author scoops up next.
Pub Date 24 May 2022
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
May 21, 2022
Dana Mentink's newest series, the Shake Shop Mysteries began with Pint of No Return and featured Trinidad Jones as the newest resident of Upper Sprocket, Oregon--and an ad-hoc sleuth when not creating her amazing freakshakes.
I loved that first book. So, when I had a chance to snag a review copy of book two, A Sprinkle in Time, I snatched it up so fast it wasn't funny.
What Happens When the Past Rears Its Ugly Head and Murder Ensues?
Snappy dialogue and enough plays on words to make Shakespeare jealous. That's what. This time, Trinidad Jones has the most bizarre experience stumbling across a murder (she's got some seriously bad luck, folks). In a move reminiscent of Merry Kramer in Gayle Roper's Amhearst Mysteries, a body shows up in her grandpa's trunk... but unlike poor Merry, it disappears before she can get the cops there to do something about it!
May the small-town chaos, gossip, and backbiting commence. Okay, so there's a lot of sweet support, encouragement, and sticking up for folks who just "couldn't have done it." With characters you love and others you love to hate, it's hard to know if you're rooting for someone to go to jail or stay out of it! And... more people could be guilty than not it seems.
About one-third of the way through, I decided I knew "whodunnit." About halfway through, I was no longer certain. Someone else had edged in and made me squirm. What if...? Then, I had this wild idea... and in the end, yeah. I figured it out. I usually do. But guys... this was not a cut-and-dried, cookie-cutter, cut of the same cloth... (Running out of idioms featuring scissors or other cutting implements to my cutting humor... yeah. I'm going to quit here).
So... the verdict?
If you love a good cozy mystery (and who doesn't?) with quirky characters and enough ice cream puns to make you dream of delectable frozen confections, A Sprinkle in Time will keep you on your toes. And this is a good thing because you're going to need a workout after all the ice cream you'll need to consume for the most authentic reading experience.
Oh, and try the browned butter apple bar recipe. Let me know how they are. It's summer here in the desert. I can't turn on the oven until November! I will, however, be making mint chocolate chip ice cream after church tonight. #BecauseIceCream
P.S. While this is a general market mystery, Dana's faith shines on every page, and there are even a couple of Scriptures sprinkled in for good measure.
I loved that first book. So, when I had a chance to snag a review copy of book two, A Sprinkle in Time, I snatched it up so fast it wasn't funny.
What Happens When the Past Rears Its Ugly Head and Murder Ensues?
Snappy dialogue and enough plays on words to make Shakespeare jealous. That's what. This time, Trinidad Jones has the most bizarre experience stumbling across a murder (she's got some seriously bad luck, folks). In a move reminiscent of Merry Kramer in Gayle Roper's Amhearst Mysteries, a body shows up in her grandpa's trunk... but unlike poor Merry, it disappears before she can get the cops there to do something about it!
May the small-town chaos, gossip, and backbiting commence. Okay, so there's a lot of sweet support, encouragement, and sticking up for folks who just "couldn't have done it." With characters you love and others you love to hate, it's hard to know if you're rooting for someone to go to jail or stay out of it! And... more people could be guilty than not it seems.
About one-third of the way through, I decided I knew "whodunnit." About halfway through, I was no longer certain. Someone else had edged in and made me squirm. What if...? Then, I had this wild idea... and in the end, yeah. I figured it out. I usually do. But guys... this was not a cut-and-dried, cookie-cutter, cut of the same cloth... (Running out of idioms featuring scissors or other cutting implements to my cutting humor... yeah. I'm going to quit here).
So... the verdict?
If you love a good cozy mystery (and who doesn't?) with quirky characters and enough ice cream puns to make you dream of delectable frozen confections, A Sprinkle in Time will keep you on your toes. And this is a good thing because you're going to need a workout after all the ice cream you'll need to consume for the most authentic reading experience.
Oh, and try the browned butter apple bar recipe. Let me know how they are. It's summer here in the desert. I can't turn on the oven until November! I will, however, be making mint chocolate chip ice cream after church tonight. #BecauseIceCream
P.S. While this is a general market mystery, Dana's faith shines on every page, and there are even a couple of Scriptures sprinkled in for good measure.
December 16, 2021
It's Alpenfest in Upper Sprocket, the "Swiss Alps of Oregon."
I do love a cozy mystery taking place during a festival.
You may perhaps understand a few of the secondary characters a bit better if you have read the first book of this delightful series, but you can start here and follow almost as well.
Trinidad Jones has been unlucky in love, but her disastrous marriage made it possible for her to build a new life and be building a new family far from her Florida roots. Her grandfather, Papa Luis, has moved in to keep an eye on her. As you can imagine, adjusting to the climate is a challenge for them both.
Trinidad runs an ice cream shop and is frantically thinking how to keep it profitable as the seasons change. Who wants to enjoy a frozen treat when they are freezing themselves?
She is also figuring out if her heart is ready for a new romantic relationship. Small signs are appearing that secrets are being kept from her by the man she is interested in. Is he too good to be true?
More stress is not what she needs when Papa Luis shakily tells her she must see something in the trunk of his car, that something being a body which disappears before the authorities arrive.
Upper Sprocket was a quiet, peaceful small town, at least it seemed, before Trinidad and her "sister" ex~wives moved there.
Great world building, moments of humor, and characters you'll care about are all within these pages.
Enough suspects and motives to keep you guessing until the very end.
I do love a cozy mystery taking place during a festival.
You may perhaps understand a few of the secondary characters a bit better if you have read the first book of this delightful series, but you can start here and follow almost as well.
Trinidad Jones has been unlucky in love, but her disastrous marriage made it possible for her to build a new life and be building a new family far from her Florida roots. Her grandfather, Papa Luis, has moved in to keep an eye on her. As you can imagine, adjusting to the climate is a challenge for them both.
Trinidad runs an ice cream shop and is frantically thinking how to keep it profitable as the seasons change. Who wants to enjoy a frozen treat when they are freezing themselves?
She is also figuring out if her heart is ready for a new romantic relationship. Small signs are appearing that secrets are being kept from her by the man she is interested in. Is he too good to be true?
More stress is not what she needs when Papa Luis shakily tells her she must see something in the trunk of his car, that something being a body which disappears before the authorities arrive.
Upper Sprocket was a quiet, peaceful small town, at least it seemed, before Trinidad and her "sister" ex~wives moved there.
Great world building, moments of humor, and characters you'll care about are all within these pages.
Enough suspects and motives to keep you guessing until the very end.
September 2, 2023
Dollycas's Thoughts
The yodelers have come to Upper Sprocket for Alpenfest along with the tourists and Trinidad Jones is ready to scoop up some new autumn flavors at her Shimmy and Shake Shop. She is also excited about her upcoming feature in The Scoop magazine.
Papa Luis had decided to stick around and has become a taxi driver using his Classic 1951 Buick. He was enjoying himself until he found a dead body in his trunk. Then by the time the police arrived the body had disappeared leaving everyone pretty confused. Trinidad, Bonnie, and Juliette (the sisterhood of exes) team up with a certain hunky nut farmer to try to find the body and the killer before Papa Luis is scooped up and tossed in jail.
______
Trinidad has an interesting life in Upper Sprocket. She and her friends Juliette and Bonnie all managed to marry and divorce the same man and then became best friends, a sisterhood of exes. Trinidad is trying to build a new life for herself with her Shimmy and Shake Shop and serving her special "freak shakes". Her Papa Luis has moved to town and moved in to keep an eye on her. She also has a lovable dog named Noodles with some extraordinary skills. Yodeling is not really one of those skills but he gives it a good shot. She is not sure if she is ready to open her heart to another romance but local nut farmer Quinn is definitely interested. I can't forget Chief of Police Cynthia Bigley, who just happens to be the sister of Trinidad, Juliette, and Bonnie's ex. All the characters Ms. Mentick has created feel very true to life but the connections they have are very unique.
There are all kinds of events going on with Alpenfest but finding a dead body and then losing it definitely was on the calendar. The mystery to solve is very complicated. When the body is found and identified it is clear the person had made their share of enemies. It doesn't take long for people to think the death is tied to an old cold case and some new proposed changes to the Upper Sprocket area. The author serves up some nice twists and turns but I did hone in on the culprit before all the clues fell into place for Trinidad. I did really like the way the reveal and the showdown played out.
There was a mini-mystery involving Quinn and his brother Doug that really caught me by surprise. The subplot was very important and I appreciated the way the author handled it. I am interested to see how and if it continues in future books.
I do love the whole ice cream theme and the freak shakes sound huge and amazing. There are two recipes that follow the story. Trinidad's Browned Butter Apple Bar Recipe and Cheery Cherry "Do It Yourself" Pickle Jar Ice Cream. The first I have already copied to try as soon as possible and the second sounds like fun to try with my grandchildren.
A Sprinkle in Time is full of a delightfully quirky cast of core characters all wrapped up in an entertaining mystery. I really enjoyed my second visit to Upper Sprocket, Oregon, and can't wait to return soon for Spoon to be Dead set to be released on October 31. It isn't a Halloween mystery though, it will be winter in Upper Sprocket.
The yodelers have come to Upper Sprocket for Alpenfest along with the tourists and Trinidad Jones is ready to scoop up some new autumn flavors at her Shimmy and Shake Shop. She is also excited about her upcoming feature in The Scoop magazine.
Papa Luis had decided to stick around and has become a taxi driver using his Classic 1951 Buick. He was enjoying himself until he found a dead body in his trunk. Then by the time the police arrived the body had disappeared leaving everyone pretty confused. Trinidad, Bonnie, and Juliette (the sisterhood of exes) team up with a certain hunky nut farmer to try to find the body and the killer before Papa Luis is scooped up and tossed in jail.
______
Trinidad has an interesting life in Upper Sprocket. She and her friends Juliette and Bonnie all managed to marry and divorce the same man and then became best friends, a sisterhood of exes. Trinidad is trying to build a new life for herself with her Shimmy and Shake Shop and serving her special "freak shakes". Her Papa Luis has moved to town and moved in to keep an eye on her. She also has a lovable dog named Noodles with some extraordinary skills. Yodeling is not really one of those skills but he gives it a good shot. She is not sure if she is ready to open her heart to another romance but local nut farmer Quinn is definitely interested. I can't forget Chief of Police Cynthia Bigley, who just happens to be the sister of Trinidad, Juliette, and Bonnie's ex. All the characters Ms. Mentick has created feel very true to life but the connections they have are very unique.
There are all kinds of events going on with Alpenfest but finding a dead body and then losing it definitely was on the calendar. The mystery to solve is very complicated. When the body is found and identified it is clear the person had made their share of enemies. It doesn't take long for people to think the death is tied to an old cold case and some new proposed changes to the Upper Sprocket area. The author serves up some nice twists and turns but I did hone in on the culprit before all the clues fell into place for Trinidad. I did really like the way the reveal and the showdown played out.
There was a mini-mystery involving Quinn and his brother Doug that really caught me by surprise. The subplot was very important and I appreciated the way the author handled it. I am interested to see how and if it continues in future books.
I do love the whole ice cream theme and the freak shakes sound huge and amazing. There are two recipes that follow the story. Trinidad's Browned Butter Apple Bar Recipe and Cheery Cherry "Do It Yourself" Pickle Jar Ice Cream. The first I have already copied to try as soon as possible and the second sounds like fun to try with my grandchildren.
A Sprinkle in Time is full of a delightfully quirky cast of core characters all wrapped up in an entertaining mystery. I really enjoyed my second visit to Upper Sprocket, Oregon, and can't wait to return soon for Spoon to be Dead set to be released on October 31. It isn't a Halloween mystery though, it will be winter in Upper Sprocket.
March 10, 2022
A cute little mystery by Dana Mentik.
This author is a wonderful writer in anything she does.
I gave this book 5 stars for keeping me entertained the whole way through.
There was always something going on and I loved guessing right up until the end.
I will warn you that this delightful little story will make you drool especially if you love ice cream! Yum!
I especially love that there was a dog involved and Trinidad well she's just an amazing girl that handles anything that comes along her way.
This is the 2nd book in this series. I look forward to the next one.
I highly recommend.
You'll be hooked and be wanting to read this author's other books which are awesome too.
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
This author is a wonderful writer in anything she does.
I gave this book 5 stars for keeping me entertained the whole way through.
There was always something going on and I loved guessing right up until the end.
I will warn you that this delightful little story will make you drool especially if you love ice cream! Yum!
I especially love that there was a dog involved and Trinidad well she's just an amazing girl that handles anything that comes along her way.
This is the 2nd book in this series. I look forward to the next one.
I highly recommend.
You'll be hooked and be wanting to read this author's other books which are awesome too.
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
February 9, 2022
Secrets. Ambition. Family. Justice. All these and more play a role in the murder mystery in "A Sprinkle of Time". Secrets kept are good, right? Not necessarily, especially if they allow ambition to rule one's actions, especially when others are involved. Family....secrets kept can destroy a family, even if kept with the best intentions. As for justice, to quote the book, "Justice was satisfying, but it came with consequences of so much pain for so many."
I have to admit to finding it slow going at first, maybe because I hadn't read the first book i the series, but I was quickly able to sort out who was who and how they were connected and was hooked. While it was intriguing to see Trinidad Jones' mind process the clues, we also learn quite a bit about not just her and boyfriend Quinn but her grandfather Papa Luis, who drives the 1951 Buick that becomes a vital element of the mystery. I also loved her old dog, Noodles, who seemed to know more about what was going on within the various characters than they sometimes seemed to realize themselves.
I won't detail the plot, plot recaps are easily available, but this was definitely the first cozy mystery I've read where it basically begins with the main characters finding a body that then disappears before the local police can arrive. Who was it? Where did the body go? How did someone get it from the trunk to move it elsewhere so quickly? Or, whoa, was the person even dead? Why did Quinn sell his timber acres? How did Gabe's three exes all become such close friends? Can one moment of carelessness change lives forever? The answer to all these and more can be found in "A Sprinkle in Time'.
Thank you #NetGalley and #PoisonedPenPress for letting me visit Upper Sprocket for awhile. I'm looking forward to revisiting and maybe, just maybe, caging a ride in Papa Luis' '51 Buick
I have to admit to finding it slow going at first, maybe because I hadn't read the first book i the series, but I was quickly able to sort out who was who and how they were connected and was hooked. While it was intriguing to see Trinidad Jones' mind process the clues, we also learn quite a bit about not just her and boyfriend Quinn but her grandfather Papa Luis, who drives the 1951 Buick that becomes a vital element of the mystery. I also loved her old dog, Noodles, who seemed to know more about what was going on within the various characters than they sometimes seemed to realize themselves.
I won't detail the plot, plot recaps are easily available, but this was definitely the first cozy mystery I've read where it basically begins with the main characters finding a body that then disappears before the local police can arrive. Who was it? Where did the body go? How did someone get it from the trunk to move it elsewhere so quickly? Or, whoa, was the person even dead? Why did Quinn sell his timber acres? How did Gabe's three exes all become such close friends? Can one moment of carelessness change lives forever? The answer to all these and more can be found in "A Sprinkle in Time'.
Thank you #NetGalley and #PoisonedPenPress for letting me visit Upper Sprocket for awhile. I'm looking forward to revisiting and maybe, just maybe, caging a ride in Papa Luis' '51 Buick
May 29, 2022
Dana Mentink’s A Sprinkle In Time is the type of mystery that I enjoyed. Yes, there are murders, but they happen off screen and I’m never scared. There is a good bit of humor and a full cast of characters so you’re left guessing as to whodunit until the very end.
Trinidad is the owner of an ice cream shop where she makes homemade ice cream and Freakshakes (a strange name but they sound delicious). The author doesn’t go overboard in her coverage of owning a business or making ice cream, which is cool. The romance is lacking, though. There is a romance or I wouldn’t mention it, but the pair don’t spend nearly enough time together and really don’t date at all for most of the book so I was disappointed in that arena. There was also a bit of lost reality in the Railriders component—who in the world would pay that much money to pedal through the woods on a rail? But there are a lot of weird things about the story that add to the humor, so there’s that.
I do recommend this book as a funny mystery where you’re left trying to figure out the culprit. Just don’t try to replicate one of her milkshakes or you may have a heart attack then and there.
Trinidad is the owner of an ice cream shop where she makes homemade ice cream and Freakshakes (a strange name but they sound delicious). The author doesn’t go overboard in her coverage of owning a business or making ice cream, which is cool. The romance is lacking, though. There is a romance or I wouldn’t mention it, but the pair don’t spend nearly enough time together and really don’t date at all for most of the book so I was disappointed in that arena. There was also a bit of lost reality in the Railriders component—who in the world would pay that much money to pedal through the woods on a rail? But there are a lot of weird things about the story that add to the humor, so there’s that.
I do recommend this book as a funny mystery where you’re left trying to figure out the culprit. Just don’t try to replicate one of her milkshakes or you may have a heart attack then and there.
May 10, 2022
I really enjoyed A Sprinkle in Time by Dana Mentink! And just like the first book in the Shake Shop Mysteries, Pint of No Return, Mentink really shines with her characters. I love that she has a diverse group. Twin teens who help her run the ice cream shop, her spunky grandfather who makes friends with everyone, her nut farming boyfriend, and his brother who is on the spectrum, and Noodles, the main character’s retired service dog, make for a fabulous cast of characters… along with the main character, Trinidad, of course.
Besides her fantastic characters that feel like friends, her descriptions of the town and the amazing ice cream creations called Freakshakes, are a joy to read about. Combine that with a mystery that has lots of red herrings and an interesting twist towards the end, and A Sprinkle in Time is sure to be another hit with the cozy mystery crowd.
Besides her fantastic characters that feel like friends, her descriptions of the town and the amazing ice cream creations called Freakshakes, are a joy to read about. Combine that with a mystery that has lots of red herrings and an interesting twist towards the end, and A Sprinkle in Time is sure to be another hit with the cozy mystery crowd.
December 23, 2021
I liked visiting with Trinidad and Sprocket again. Trinidad's insecurities and worries about her business felt more realistic than in many cozy mysteries. The small-town rivalries, relationships, and tensions made for an interesting set of characters, too. I like how Trinidad and Gabe's other exes are growing closer, supporting each other!
The plotting was good, but two things bothered me. The clue in Felice's treasure jar was way too heavily foreshadowed, and I had no idea what railriders were until very late in the book, when it was explained. This may be common in some areas, but I wish Mentink had explained it earlier in the book.
Overall, an enjoyable read!
Review copy provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
The plotting was good, but two things bothered me. The clue in Felice's treasure jar was way too heavily foreshadowed, and I had no idea what railriders were until very late in the book, when it was explained. This may be common in some areas, but I wish Mentink had explained it earlier in the book.
Overall, an enjoyable read!
Review copy provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 24, 2021
This ARC was provided to me via Kindle by Poisoned Pen Press and #NetGalley for my honest opinion. Opinions expressed are completely my own.
Quick, quaint, cozy read!
Quick, quaint, cozy read!
May 3, 2022
A SPRINKLE IN TIME, the second book in the Shake Shop Mysteries, by Dana Mentink, is another fantastic read in an entertaining series! With characters who practically beg to become your friend, the story kept me captivated from the very first. The author has created quirky characters and developed unique relationships between them, which gives the cozy mystery book a fresh twist. Trinidad Jones, newly moved to Upper Sprocket, Oregon thanks to a cheating ex-husband, has finally gotten her ice cream shop, Shimmy and Shake Shop, up and running. I adore that her Cuban grandfather, Papa Luis has left Miami and moved in with her for the foreseeable future. He’s become a bit of a sidekick along with her elderly failed service-dog rescue, Noodles. The pair add moments of humor to lighten the story. The author’s descriptive voice lends to the overall enjoyment and I couldn’t help but chuckle over her description of Noodles trying to take part in the Yodel fest event.
When Papa Luis discovers a body in the trunk of his beloved 1951 Buick, it disappears before the police arrive. Ms. Mentink sets up several sub-mysteries within the mystery as Trinidad tries to determine if the body was even dead, and the identity of the body, and who might have put the body in the trunk in the first place. As she tries to investigate—something she is loath to do—her two friends, Bonnie and Juliette, who also happen to be ex-wives of her ex-husband, help. I adore the development of the friendship between the three women and am glad to see the reader gets to know more about them. As the identity of the body becomes known, it becomes apparent that many people had reasons to hate him. And with a thirty-year-old cold case involving a missing local young woman thrown in, the twists just keep coming. Ms. Mentink does an admirable job keeping the book on pace and the subplot threads straight without it becoming confusing. As all was revealed, it all came together in a satisfying, cohesive story.
With the backdrop of the setting featuring the Shimmy and Shake Shop, Trinidad’s massive Freakshake creations lends plenty of opportunities to make the reader crave ice cream desserts. The multitude of yummy descriptions had me drooling. The author has included a couple recipes at the back of the book.
I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
When Papa Luis discovers a body in the trunk of his beloved 1951 Buick, it disappears before the police arrive. Ms. Mentink sets up several sub-mysteries within the mystery as Trinidad tries to determine if the body was even dead, and the identity of the body, and who might have put the body in the trunk in the first place. As she tries to investigate—something she is loath to do—her two friends, Bonnie and Juliette, who also happen to be ex-wives of her ex-husband, help. I adore the development of the friendship between the three women and am glad to see the reader gets to know more about them. As the identity of the body becomes known, it becomes apparent that many people had reasons to hate him. And with a thirty-year-old cold case involving a missing local young woman thrown in, the twists just keep coming. Ms. Mentink does an admirable job keeping the book on pace and the subplot threads straight without it becoming confusing. As all was revealed, it all came together in a satisfying, cohesive story.
With the backdrop of the setting featuring the Shimmy and Shake Shop, Trinidad’s massive Freakshake creations lends plenty of opportunities to make the reader crave ice cream desserts. The multitude of yummy descriptions had me drooling. The author has included a couple recipes at the back of the book.
I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 25, 2022
A Sprinkle InTime: A Dessert Cozy Mystery is the second book in the A Shake Shop Mystery series by Dana Menthink.
People and yodelers from all over are heading to Upper Sprocket for an Alpenfest gathering. Trinidad Jones has learned that her therapy drop-out dog Noodles seems to enjoy yodeling, as he frequently joins in with yodeling of his own.
Trinidad goes with her grandfather, Papa Luis’ 1951 Chevy Bel Air, to get a case of blueberries that her friend Bonnie has sent from her diner. But in addition to the blueberries, they find a body wrapped in a rug with only a hand exposed. They return to Trinidad’s house to call the police. About a half-hour later, Chief Cynthia Bigley arrives, and when the trunk is opened, the rug and body are gone. The body will be found in a nearby stream the next day and is identified as Forge Emberly. Forge had had a heated argument with Mayor Hardwick a couple of days ago about expanding his business, Forge Railriders.
With the help of Trinidad’s new friends, Bonnie and Juliette, who are also ex-wives of Trinidad’s ex-husband, set off to learn who the murderer might be. They soon find there is no shortage of suspects. Also, a thirty-year-old cold case of a teenage girl who had gone missing is skillfully written into the story.
The book is well-written and plotted and reads at a nice pace. The book’s characters are well-developed, believable, and enjoyable. I particularly enjoy Diego and Carlos, Trinidad’s teenage employees. There were plenty of twists and turns that I kept guessing until the book.
Delicious sounding recipes are also included in the book.
I will be watching for the next book in this series.
People and yodelers from all over are heading to Upper Sprocket for an Alpenfest gathering. Trinidad Jones has learned that her therapy drop-out dog Noodles seems to enjoy yodeling, as he frequently joins in with yodeling of his own.
Trinidad goes with her grandfather, Papa Luis’ 1951 Chevy Bel Air, to get a case of blueberries that her friend Bonnie has sent from her diner. But in addition to the blueberries, they find a body wrapped in a rug with only a hand exposed. They return to Trinidad’s house to call the police. About a half-hour later, Chief Cynthia Bigley arrives, and when the trunk is opened, the rug and body are gone. The body will be found in a nearby stream the next day and is identified as Forge Emberly. Forge had had a heated argument with Mayor Hardwick a couple of days ago about expanding his business, Forge Railriders.
With the help of Trinidad’s new friends, Bonnie and Juliette, who are also ex-wives of Trinidad’s ex-husband, set off to learn who the murderer might be. They soon find there is no shortage of suspects. Also, a thirty-year-old cold case of a teenage girl who had gone missing is skillfully written into the story.
The book is well-written and plotted and reads at a nice pace. The book’s characters are well-developed, believable, and enjoyable. I particularly enjoy Diego and Carlos, Trinidad’s teenage employees. There were plenty of twists and turns that I kept guessing until the book.
Delicious sounding recipes are also included in the book.
I will be watching for the next book in this series.
October 3, 2023
In this second of the series, ice cream shop owner Trinidad Jones is feeling a little more comfortable in her new town. And then a dead body surfaces and her friend Quinn appears to be hiding something from her. Will Trinidad be able to use her amateur sleuth skills to solve the mystery?
May 30, 2022
A great cozy mystery, methinks, filled with murder and jammed with milkshakes such as the Autumn Apple Avalanche shake which sounds scrumptious!. A Sprinkle in Time features thirty-six-year-old Trinidad Jones who runs her Shimmy and Shake Shop. Her Cuban grandad, Papa Luis has set himself up as a taxi service but finding a dead body in the boot of his Buick Chevy alongside the blueberries is a huge shock for him.
Well written and extremely alluring, I thought I had the murderer figured out but doubt kept setting in causing me to guess again. I was surprised by the murderer's identity in the end. I'm looking forward to meeting up with Trinidad and her Labrador dog, Noodles, in the tiny town of Upper Sprocket, Oregon again soon.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Poisoned Pen Press via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
Well written and extremely alluring, I thought I had the murderer figured out but doubt kept setting in causing me to guess again. I was surprised by the murderer's identity in the end. I'm looking forward to meeting up with Trinidad and her Labrador dog, Noodles, in the tiny town of Upper Sprocket, Oregon again soon.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Poisoned Pen Press via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
December 13, 2021
Alpenfest has arrived and Upper Sprockerians are doing their best to bring in the tourists. When Trinidad overhears that Quinn sold some land to a local business owner he doesn’t care for, Trinidad wonders what could have caused him to sell some of his land. When the business man is found murdered, Trinidad knows Quinn is hiding something, but she sure doesn’t believe he’s a murderer. Can she find out what killed the man and get Quinn to tell her what’s going on? Or will Trinidad walk into the killer’s trap and be silenced once and for all?
The second book in this series is another solid whodunit filled with red herrings. Just when you think you know who did it, you change your mind right up until the final reveal. A great cozy series with recipes!
The second book in this series is another solid whodunit filled with red herrings. Just when you think you know who did it, you change your mind right up until the final reveal. A great cozy series with recipes!
June 19, 2022
Funny, and clever (look at that title!) and just as captivating as the first book in Mentink's Shake Shop Mysteries series.
Absolutely love the small town setting and the cast of quirky secondary characters -- especially Trinidad's grandfather, Papa Luis, who is the perfect mix of elder wise and sharp-wit comic. And no one writes 'dog' better than this author. Trinidad's canine sidekick (and therapy dog flunkee,) Noodles makes this read all the sweeter. :-)
There's a great balance between the mystery and cozy elements along with a light touch of romance (and no sign of a Love Triangle in sight!) I mean, it can't get much better than this in my cozy loving world.
A Sprinkle in Time could definitely be read as a standalone, but the first book is a really great introduction to Upper Sprocket and Trinidad's back story so I would recommend reading it first.
Absolutely love the small town setting and the cast of quirky secondary characters -- especially Trinidad's grandfather, Papa Luis, who is the perfect mix of elder wise and sharp-wit comic. And no one writes 'dog' better than this author. Trinidad's canine sidekick (and therapy dog flunkee,) Noodles makes this read all the sweeter. :-)
There's a great balance between the mystery and cozy elements along with a light touch of romance (and no sign of a Love Triangle in sight!) I mean, it can't get much better than this in my cozy loving world.
A Sprinkle in Time could definitely be read as a standalone, but the first book is a really great introduction to Upper Sprocket and Trinidad's back story so I would recommend reading it first.
January 14, 2022
It's Alpenfest in Upper Sprocket. Yodelers are congregating in the square, tourists flocking to the town, and Trinidad Jones is hoping to scoop up her own portion of visitors with her Shimmy and Shake Shop.
To this end, this week Trinidad plans on showcasing some of her flavors: Apple Pie and Caramel Crunch. Each of the flavors would be made into a Freakshake. 🥧 🍏
The Apple Pie would be transformed into an Autumn Apple Avalanche shake. The dessert would include generous scoops of freshly churned ice cream 🍦blended with pieces of cinnamon pie crust, doused with a pecan sauce, and topped with a hefty chunk of browned butter apple bar and swirls of whipped cream🍨.
The flavors have been featured on the flyers she passed out the day before the yodel fest. Her assistants, twins Diego and Carlos are there to assist.
Her Cuban grandfather Papa Luis has decided to make Sprocket his home and has set himself up as a taxi driver in his classic 1951 Buick.
While retrieving a box of blueberries 🫐 from his car he discovers a dead body in the trunk. How did it get there? And who is the victim?
Quickly Trinidad calls the chief of police Cynthia Bigley, her ex-sister-in-law who arrives with Officer Alvin Chang. When they head to the car, they find the body missing. Who stole it and why?
Later the following day with the Yodel festival in full swing, Chief Bigley informs Trinidad about some evidence on the missing corpse. Apparently, the body turned up in a lake where the body-snatcher dumped it. More so the body belonged to a local named Forge Emberly.
Earlier there was an altercation between Forge and Mayor Ramona Hardwick at Bonnie’s inn. (Bonnie is also an ex-wife of Trinidad’s now ex-husband Gabe.)Though they both get along.
Forge planned on expanding the railriders route the previous fall, and Quinn– a guy Trinidad’s been seeing– had agreed to sell Forge his piece of land for that purpose.
Mayor Hardwick was opposed to his proposal which was denied. Forge was also running for mayor against Mayor Hardwick. Could this have been a motive?
When someone mentions in passing that he overheard Quinn threatening to kill Forge, Quinn becomes a suspect. It's up to Trinidad to help clear Quinn’s and her grandfather’s names.
An interesting cozy small-town mystery with fun characters including Trinidad’s Labrador, Noodles 🐩. Also filled with mouthwatering recipes such as Trinidad’s Browned Butter Apple Bar Recipe 🧈 and Cheery Cheery “Do-it-Yourself” Pickle Jar Icecream🍦
Thank you to Dana Mentink, NetGalley, and Poisoned Pen Press for the ARC of this book.
To this end, this week Trinidad plans on showcasing some of her flavors: Apple Pie and Caramel Crunch. Each of the flavors would be made into a Freakshake. 🥧 🍏
The Apple Pie would be transformed into an Autumn Apple Avalanche shake. The dessert would include generous scoops of freshly churned ice cream 🍦blended with pieces of cinnamon pie crust, doused with a pecan sauce, and topped with a hefty chunk of browned butter apple bar and swirls of whipped cream🍨.
The flavors have been featured on the flyers she passed out the day before the yodel fest. Her assistants, twins Diego and Carlos are there to assist.
Her Cuban grandfather Papa Luis has decided to make Sprocket his home and has set himself up as a taxi driver in his classic 1951 Buick.
While retrieving a box of blueberries 🫐 from his car he discovers a dead body in the trunk. How did it get there? And who is the victim?
Quickly Trinidad calls the chief of police Cynthia Bigley, her ex-sister-in-law who arrives with Officer Alvin Chang. When they head to the car, they find the body missing. Who stole it and why?
Later the following day with the Yodel festival in full swing, Chief Bigley informs Trinidad about some evidence on the missing corpse. Apparently, the body turned up in a lake where the body-snatcher dumped it. More so the body belonged to a local named Forge Emberly.
Earlier there was an altercation between Forge and Mayor Ramona Hardwick at Bonnie’s inn. (Bonnie is also an ex-wife of Trinidad’s now ex-husband Gabe.)Though they both get along.
Forge planned on expanding the railriders route the previous fall, and Quinn– a guy Trinidad’s been seeing– had agreed to sell Forge his piece of land for that purpose.
Mayor Hardwick was opposed to his proposal which was denied. Forge was also running for mayor against Mayor Hardwick. Could this have been a motive?
When someone mentions in passing that he overheard Quinn threatening to kill Forge, Quinn becomes a suspect. It's up to Trinidad to help clear Quinn’s and her grandfather’s names.
An interesting cozy small-town mystery with fun characters including Trinidad’s Labrador, Noodles 🐩. Also filled with mouthwatering recipes such as Trinidad’s Browned Butter Apple Bar Recipe 🧈 and Cheery Cheery “Do-it-Yourself” Pickle Jar Icecream🍦
Thank you to Dana Mentink, NetGalley, and Poisoned Pen Press for the ARC of this book.
June 3, 2022
A Sprinkle in Time, the second book in Dana Mentink’s Shake Shop Mysteries, is another entertaining read in this mouthwatering series. It will delight ice cream lovers and those who relish a good mystery.
Trinidad Jones, proprietor of the Shimmy and Shake shop, is preparing for Upper Sprocket’s Alpenfest. When her grandfather, Papa Luis, delivers an order of fresh blueberries, however, he discovers something quite unexpected – a dead body in his trunk. Or was it? Trinidad immediately calls the police, who arrive to discover that the body is missing. A short while later, the body of Forge Emberly, a local entrepreneur who was unanimously disliked for his plan to expand his business at the expense of local forest land, is found floating in the lake. Was this the body from Papa’s car? Trinidad is drawn to the mystery and soon finds herself in full-blown investigation mode.
Ms. Mentink really knows how to weave a story. Both the writing and the plotting are superb. The murder investigation, while not overly complex, involved several suspects with proven motives and a possible tie-in to a cold-case murder some thirty years ago. Trinidad and Papa are distinct characters with warm, intelligent personalities. The surrounding cast is both quirky and extremely likeable. A subplot involving why Quinn (Trinidad’s potential romantic interest) is suddenly willing to sell his tree-lined property to Emberly after vehemently protesting the project adds a very personal and poignant moment to the novel. And Noodles, Trinidad’s senior dog, rounds out the cast with his own special brand of humor and warmth.
All told, A Sprinkle in Time is a delightful follow-up to the first book in the series – Pint of No Return. I definitely am looking forward to the time I can return to Upper Sprocket and visit Trinidad and her friends again.
Note: I received an ARC of A Sprinkle in Time from NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press. The above is my honest review.
Trinidad Jones, proprietor of the Shimmy and Shake shop, is preparing for Upper Sprocket’s Alpenfest. When her grandfather, Papa Luis, delivers an order of fresh blueberries, however, he discovers something quite unexpected – a dead body in his trunk. Or was it? Trinidad immediately calls the police, who arrive to discover that the body is missing. A short while later, the body of Forge Emberly, a local entrepreneur who was unanimously disliked for his plan to expand his business at the expense of local forest land, is found floating in the lake. Was this the body from Papa’s car? Trinidad is drawn to the mystery and soon finds herself in full-blown investigation mode.
Ms. Mentink really knows how to weave a story. Both the writing and the plotting are superb. The murder investigation, while not overly complex, involved several suspects with proven motives and a possible tie-in to a cold-case murder some thirty years ago. Trinidad and Papa are distinct characters with warm, intelligent personalities. The surrounding cast is both quirky and extremely likeable. A subplot involving why Quinn (Trinidad’s potential romantic interest) is suddenly willing to sell his tree-lined property to Emberly after vehemently protesting the project adds a very personal and poignant moment to the novel. And Noodles, Trinidad’s senior dog, rounds out the cast with his own special brand of humor and warmth.
All told, A Sprinkle in Time is a delightful follow-up to the first book in the series – Pint of No Return. I definitely am looking forward to the time I can return to Upper Sprocket and visit Trinidad and her friends again.
Note: I received an ARC of A Sprinkle in Time from NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press. The above is my honest review.
January 3, 2022
Fun, quick and cozy mystery. Trinidad Jones is a likable character. The town is small and has that everyone knows everyone feeling. Overall good book.
#asprinkleintime#netgalley
#asprinkleintime#netgalley
December 31, 2021
Cute second book in a series. Trinidad is a good character, and I think over time she will become another favorite for me.
The ladies in the book share a unique history, and it's interesting to see how they bond.
I'm looking forward to watching this new series continue.
The ladies in the book share a unique history, and it's interesting to see how they bond.
I'm looking forward to watching this new series continue.
January 17, 2022
The yodelers are in town for Alpenfest and it's a boon for the business owners of Upper Sprocket, especially Trinidad Jones at the Shimmy and Shake and her sister-in-ex, Bonnie, at the Station. Unfortunately Papa Luis comes home from Bonnie's with a little something more than blueberries in the trunk of his beloved classic car.
This book gives us a twist on the classic cozy mystery, instead of going straight to the whodunit, we spend some time pondering whowasit. It doesn't take long to figure out the missing body was that of Forge, a ruthless local businessman with enemies aplenty. Carlos and Diego dig up a potential connection to a local girl who went missing 30 years earlier and a mysterious traveling reporter seems awfully interested in certain people around town.
I really like the characters in this book. Trinidad is kind and vulnerable but never weak. Her relationships with Bonnie and Juliette are becoming stronger and make what she went through with cheating ex-husband Gabe almost worthwhile. Felice, Bonnie's daughter, plays an increasing role in this book and she's a very charming kid who's wormed her way completely into Trinidad's heart (not to mention the reader's).
The killer was kind of easy to spot, but there were enough other characters with plenty of motive that I was not completely convinced until the very end and even then I didn't realize the connections that existed between other characters until the big reveal. The author weaved past events into the current events well and sprinkled plenty of evidence around. This is a series I will definitely continue to read and highly recommend.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
This book gives us a twist on the classic cozy mystery, instead of going straight to the whodunit, we spend some time pondering whowasit. It doesn't take long to figure out the missing body was that of Forge, a ruthless local businessman with enemies aplenty. Carlos and Diego dig up a potential connection to a local girl who went missing 30 years earlier and a mysterious traveling reporter seems awfully interested in certain people around town.
I really like the characters in this book. Trinidad is kind and vulnerable but never weak. Her relationships with Bonnie and Juliette are becoming stronger and make what she went through with cheating ex-husband Gabe almost worthwhile. Felice, Bonnie's daughter, plays an increasing role in this book and she's a very charming kid who's wormed her way completely into Trinidad's heart (not to mention the reader's).
The killer was kind of easy to spot, but there were enough other characters with plenty of motive that I was not completely convinced until the very end and even then I didn't realize the connections that existed between other characters until the big reveal. The author weaved past events into the current events well and sprinkled plenty of evidence around. This is a series I will definitely continue to read and highly recommend.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
January 24, 2022
Ice Cream. Friendships. Dogs, Mystery, Ice Cream...what more can you ask for in a book. Learning more about the characters in Upper Sprocket is always good for a smile and a laugh. I really like how Papa Luis interacts with people. Trinidad and her sisters are forming a great "family" I really can't wait for the next read.
Thank you Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for the advance read.
Thank you Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for the advance read.
January 8, 2022
I'm liking this series because it choses to go in a different direction than some cozies. Yes, you have the middle aged female main character who is starting anew in a quaint small town after a disasterous relationship, but it is doesn't use some of the usual ploys.
The pacing is sometimes slow with a ton of detail about the townsfolk and Sprocket, but some of those details end up playing a big role in the end. However, you really can't solve the mystery based on the limited clues we are given.
I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
The pacing is sometimes slow with a ton of detail about the townsfolk and Sprocket, but some of those details end up playing a big role in the end. However, you really can't solve the mystery based on the limited clues we are given.
I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
May 23, 2022
I had a nice review written the day I finished this, but apparently Goodreads cyber gremlins ate it. Hopefully I can recreate it here. And no, I didn't read this twice as GR seems to want to think I did, but I can't figure out how to fix that.
This was a fun fall festival until a body was dumped in Papa's car. Trinidad went into full-on sleuth mode without trying to be too conspicuous about it. I loved that her new unlikely friends or sisters as she calls them are none other than her ex's other exes. But that's better than feeling like scratching out their eyes, right? Trini even loves Bonnie's sweet little daughter Felice aka Fee like she's her own niece.
Quinn had a side mystery going on but eventually came clean on it with Trinidad having not even told his brother Doug this particular secret. I like that they're growing closer and realizing they shouldn't have secrets from each other.
The showdown was peaceful yet a nail biter if that makes sense since it was kinda planned. With another successful case solved, everyone gathered at the end for explanations, food and fellowship. Finally Trinidad felt at home!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher via NetGalley, an my opinions are my own.
This was a fun fall festival until a body was dumped in Papa's car. Trinidad went into full-on sleuth mode without trying to be too conspicuous about it. I loved that her new unlikely friends or sisters as she calls them are none other than her ex's other exes. But that's better than feeling like scratching out their eyes, right? Trini even loves Bonnie's sweet little daughter Felice aka Fee like she's her own niece.
Quinn had a side mystery going on but eventually came clean on it with Trinidad having not even told his brother Doug this particular secret. I like that they're growing closer and realizing they shouldn't have secrets from each other.
The showdown was peaceful yet a nail biter if that makes sense since it was kinda planned. With another successful case solved, everyone gathered at the end for explanations, food and fellowship. Finally Trinidad felt at home!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher via NetGalley, an my opinions are my own.
May 28, 2022
Now you see it, now you don't. Papa Luis has set himself up as a taxi service but finding an unidentified body in the trunk of his pristine 1951 Chevy Bel Air alongside the blueberries comes as a shock. A really big shock when it vanishes before the police can confirm his story. Trinidad has been looking forward to her new business, Shimmy and Shake Shop being featured in The Scoop magazine. The disappearing corpse may well put a damper on that. Time to gather the ex wives and solve the puzzle. As usual, the one hitch is their ex husbands' sister who blames them for her baby brother (THE EX) being behind bars. She just happens to be the Chief of police. Life is complicated in Upper Sprocket, OR.
Not only is this a clever mystery set in a very nice small town but the ex-wives are great. Add the hunky Quinn, the nut farmer, her dog Noodles and her grandfather, Papa Luis and I'd like to stay awhile. I'm sure that I would become one of Trinidad's best customers for her super sized luscious shakes.
My thanks to the publisher Poisoned Pen Press and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
Not only is this a clever mystery set in a very nice small town but the ex-wives are great. Add the hunky Quinn, the nut farmer, her dog Noodles and her grandfather, Papa Luis and I'd like to stay awhile. I'm sure that I would become one of Trinidad's best customers for her super sized luscious shakes.
My thanks to the publisher Poisoned Pen Press and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
June 3, 2022
A great follow up to the first in the series, this book really gets your attention! I love the relationship between the three ex wives and the bonds they are forming. They all work hard at their businesses and that forms a backdrop for this book's first suspicious act. After helping Bonnie at an event at her B and B, Trinidad and Papa get home to find a dead body in the back of his vintage car, the only problem, when the police show up it's gone. This is only the start of a really wild ride, with half the townspeople somehow involved will Trinidad be able to figure out what is going on, or only get herself into trouble? A mystery that will definitely keep you engaged.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 176 reviews