Devil's Food Cake

A Culinary Mystery #3

by Josi S. Kilpack

It s been years since author Thom Mortenson has been back to Garrison, Colorado. As part of the committee who invited the bestselling writer to speak at the library fundraising benefit, Sadie Hoffmiller wants everything to be perfect right down to the homemade devils food cake she baked herself. Certainly, murder was not on the menu. When Thoms manager ends up dead on stage, Sadie jumps in to offer her guidance and expertise to investigators. But when the police refuse to take her seriously, Sadie has no choice but to pursue justice on her own. After all, is Sadie to blame if she keeps stumbling over information? Can Sadie turn her back when people intricately woven into the deception keep crossing her path? With her son, Shawn, at her side, her reputation on the line, and a full cast of suspicious characters, Sadie Hoffmiller is once again cooking her way through a case that offers far more questions than answers.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Lds Fiction, Adult, Cozy Mystery, Adult Fiction, Book Club

361 pages, Paperback

First published March 3, 2010

About the author

I wrote my first book while on bed rest with my third child in 1998 and haven't stopped. My most recent books have been Historical Romance through the Proper Romance line with Shadow Mountain Publishing.

I currently live in Willard, Utah with my husband, and children.

Reviews

[Brandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't really know why I keep reading these books. Through the entire first half of the book I am usually bugged by the way the main character acts and thinks. Sadie Hoffmiller is the star of this particular series and she always starts out very annoying to me. She is obsessive about weight (hers and others), the way she looks, the way she dresses and she is also very judgy. The exact kind of person I would not want to be friends with. And since characters in books usually become my "friends" I am still confused why I keep reading this series.

But by the middle/end of the book, she has stopped obsessing quite so much and I actually see a bit of the humor in her personality. She is pretty caricature. And by that time I am wanting to figure out the murder mystery.

And of course, by the very end, I am wanting to read the next one. But I will say, I have to be in the mood. I wish these books were just a bit shorter so they were even a quicker read.

So even though this wasn't my favorite book, I am too intrigued in the new romantic relationship to not read the next book.

[Josi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Sadie Hoffmiller culinary mystery series. She's back in Colorado and, once again, in the middle of a murder investigation.

[Mindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Josi's books just get better and better. I love Sadie. She is so funny. What goes through her mind at times, even times of stress, makes me laugh. I appreciate how detailed and important everything is, even little things like a character's daughter. I did figure something out though, and I'm glad it will be "discussed" in the next book. This story takes place in a very short amount of time, and yet it doesn't seem rushed. It flows well, and once you get going, you won't want to stop. I really enjoyed this book and give it 4 1/2 stars. I'm wanting to try "Evil Chicken"!

[Shawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I do not know what it is but these books are always slow to start for me but I keep reading and then I am glad I do. This installment has Sadies son Sean home on break and he decides to stick by his mother as she investigates yet another murder. This time she is suspect and goes on the run with a man named Eric whom she meets while hiding from someone wanting to do her harm.

I now want to read the next book to see what happens with her and Pete, the detective and this new man Eric.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fast paced delight

Who knew so much could happen to Sadie in 24 hours. This was a lot of fun to read. You've got to love how Sadie just happens to stumble upon interesting information that leads to solving murders. She is a delightful and quirky heroine with recipes that are a sweet and delicious bonus.

[Katherine Tingen · Rating 5 out of 5]

At the beginning of the book Devil's food cake Sadie waits for her date Pete at the Carmichael Hotel ballroom. Right after Pete shows, Mark gets shot in the middle of the stage. Sadie wants to learn more but get arrested for being to nosy. When Jane Seeley shows to help with the case Sadie is relieved. Later when looking for clues Sadie goes to Josh's house only to find that Thom and Josh are real good friends. When Sadie is chased of she falls into a window well and meets Eric. After awhile everyone thinks that Mark committed suicide. Sadie comes home only to find that Thom is at her house. When she gets inside Thom attacks her and she find that he is the murderer and a maniac. Thom injures Sadie and she has to go to the hospital. Thom is then set off to get special care. Sadie, after getting relieved of the stress, goes out on a date with Pete.

One example of alliteration is "The glass made traction impossible, so she rolled onto her back and tried kicking Thom's hand" (Kilpack 336). Another example is "Sadie wasn't sure she liked the bossy Breanna, but had finally convince her and Shawn to get her some real food" (342). An example of a simile is, "She kicked her own leg as much as she kicked him though" (336). An example of an onomatopoeia is, "Knock, knock?" (339). An example of and allusion is, Bonnie and Clyde (347).

I liked that the murder happened so quickly in the book. It took place in the first twenty pages. I also like that the twist in the end was spot on amazing. And then last of all, I liked having the feeling that I was in Sadie's shoes when she is going against the law. What I disliked about the book is that I hated the character Eric. Even more so then Eric; I disliked Jane Seleey and her slyness. And then I hated the Thom's backstory because it was so sad.

[Helynne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I agree with other critics who have said that Kilpack really hit her stride with this third of her series of culinary mysteries. This plot shows more imagination and inventiveness than the first two, and really keeps the pages turning. After a stint in England (second book), Sadie Hoffmiller is back in her hometown in Colorado and another murder has occurred by a shotgun blast right in front of a group of townspeople at a meeting. (Eww). Sadie, of course, feels she must rise to the occasion (despite the fact that her gentlemen friend Detective Pete Cunningham, repeatedly tells her to just go home). What I especially love about Sadie besides her stubborn determination and cleverness in figuring things out, is her love of food and the way she tries to control her sweet tooth, but always gives in. At the beginning of this story, Sadie is supposed to be on a diet after her adventure in England where she enjoyed a little too much trifle and too many scones and crumpets and gained 12 pounds in two weeks. "Is that even possible?" said asks herself. (Yeah, Sadie, it is). The description of Sadie savoring a piece of her own devil's food cake just before the murder occurs is worth the whole read. This book also introduces Sadie's adopted son Shawn as a principal character, and he proves to be as creative and likeable as Sadie herself. He even does his share of cooking--a tasty recipe called "evil chicken." This is a nice contrast to the other recipes the book includes, which are mostly variations of luscious chocolate cakes. This is a fun read with some interesting twists and turns and a hint that Sadie just might have two gentlemen friends to choose from in the future.

[Holly (2 Kids and Tired) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Sadie Hoffmiller. She's a kick and she's eccentric. But, she's also loyal. Josi Kilpack has created a charming character who just continues to grow on you as you read each successive story.

Sadie imagines herself an amateur, yet very experienced sleuth and since the police aren't listening to her, she decides to investigate things on her own. What follows is an intricate comedy of errors as Sadie uncovers layer upon layer of deception and secrets. If she's not tracking down potential criminals, she's cooking for them. And in this story, we meet her son Shawn, who's just like his mother at getting into trouble and tracking down criminals. He seems to have inherited her cooking skills too.

The story and Sadie's shenanigans are completely implausible, but hysterically funny. I wish Jane's character was better developed and that she got more of a comeuppance, but I also think that she will make a return appearance at some point.

Baking and cooking are as important to Sadie as breathing. So, just as in the first two novels, Lemon Tart and English Trifle, Josi includes the recipes that are relevant to the story. I can't wait to try several.

A delightful book, and easily recommended. I'm looking forward to the next one in the series, Key Lime Pie.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sadie Hoffmiller is at it again! But of course it's not her fault she just happens to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Bestselling author, and former resident of Sadie's hometown, Thom Mortenson arrives to give a presentation for the library fundraiser.

When Thom's manager is mysteriously shot while getting the microphone ready on the stage, Sadie is right there to uncover all of the clues. No, she didn't actually see the shot blast because she was savoring--eyes closed--a delicious bite of her very own Devil's Food Cake. But that fact would never deter Sadie's spry involvement.

As the whirlwind night unfolds, Sadie is drawn into a complex web of information, each turn more surprising than the next. But the only caveat is that she must follow the trail of clues without the police, which takes a bit of navigation on Sadie's part.

Sadie Hoffmiller is a delightful character, quirky, funny, and never fails to disappoint. Devil's Food Cake is another Kilpack classic, and like the other books in this culinary mystery series, the "whodunit" comes at a surprise.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

I keep coming back to these books even though they sometimes annoy me and I find myself rolling my eyes in disbelief. I know that the main character is a HUGE busy-body, but deep down I can totally sympathize with her...I think I have a little bit of that "need to know" obsession in me. I wouldn't dare go to the lengths that she goes to, but I would think about it. The plot was captivating and kept me guessing the whole way through. But the one thing I love about these books is the recipes. They each sound divine and made me so hungry. She doesn't just throw in a recipe, she works it into the plot in the cleverest of ways. I actually meant to copy down some of these recipes before I returned the book. I really need to try a few of them.

[Sheila (sheilasbookreviewer) · Rating 4 out of 5]

It had been awhile since I had read a Sadie Hoffmiller mystery, but I jumped right back into these stories and the main character. I hate reading a series out of order, so I read this one(and the others) before reading and reviewing book #8. I enjoyed this one and the recipes. I like Sadie. Some people find her annoying, but I really like her and can understand her in many ways. I'm not as adventurous as her, but her being a "busybody" is part of Sadie and why these stories happen. This story moved a lot and did surprise me at the end. :)

[A.L. Sowards]

A fun read, even if the food obsession got a little silly a few times. I think Josi Kilpack did a great job of infusing the book with the main character's personality. I don't think I'd want to be close friends with Sadie Hoffmiller, but it was fun to read about her. I was debating between 3 and 4 stars. I wasn't completely convinced that the villain could fool everyone so well for so long, but I decided on 4 stars because the last paragraph left me with a huge grin on my face.

[Sandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's been years since author Thom Mortenson has been back to Garrison, Colorado. As part of the library fundraising committee, who invited him to speak, Sadie Hoffmiller wants everything to be perfect—right down to the homemade Devil’s Food Cake she made herself. Murder, however, was not on the menu.

[Aubrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just when I thought that everything was going to work out in such a way I was thrown a curveball. I have to admit, I was a bit shocked then I went over the evidence in my head and it makes sense. Because of the one thing that didn't fit in originally now does. The one thing that I didn't like was: introducing a love triangle. Seriously? Now? Is that what Sadie should have now. No.

[June Guymon · Rating 3 out of 5]

A book with believeable characters and a satisfying resolution. There are also recipes scattered at the end of many chapters, and the reader will be anxious to try them out as they all sound delicious. This book is recommended for cozy mystery lovers.

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

An exciting, fast-paced read. I love Sadie and can't wait to read Key Lime Pie!

[Jasmyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Re read while in labor and the first few days with a newborn. 😊

I think these books are fun little reads...I like her style and it's not too gruesome. She usually has bad guys die.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this series from Josi Kilpack. She does such a great job weaving the mystery I have honestly second guessed myself through each book! I highly recommend this series.

[Trinna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a fun easy read! I love Sadie! She has such a funny character. Can't wait to try out some of her recipes!

[Cami Checketts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fabulous book. Definitely read this series if you haven't already.
Full review here - http://camicheckettsbooks.blogspot.co...

[Hillary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Probably my favorite -so far- of the three that are released! Sadie does it again!

[Beth Peninger · Rating 4 out of 5]

The library fundraising dinner gets interrupted, and Sadie's Devil's Food Cake gets smashed when hometown author Thom Mortenson's agent is brutally murdered in front of the entire crowd. What has already turned into a long day, and evening, becomes an even longer night of Sadie investigating on her own since the police, and her beau Detective Pete, don't want to listen to her very astute observations. Sadie's son, Shawn, home for a long weekend gets pulled into his mother's sleuthing and serves as a grounding point for Sadie, who can easily get caught up in the whirlwind of theories and lose track of all the things. Within 24 hours, Sadie and her team of investigative help, are able to put the pieces together and figure out why Thom's agent was killed and who did the deed. And on a personal note, Detective Pete has got some competition for Sadie's attention - he had better step up his game if he wants to keep seeing her, because Eric is now on the scene and without even realizing it, he's making a play for Sadie.

There is no way, NO WAY, that Sadie - and her help - could have accomplished anything that they did in the time frame allotted to them in this story. It was like Kilpack made time stand still - that was the longest night and 24 hours on record. That being said, it was a fast-paced read and had a nice twist to the mystery.

[Lexie M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sadie and her daughter come back from England and Sadie goes to a dinner to celebrate Thom Mortenson writing a book. Thom ends up getting shot and killed at the party. Sadie, like always, is trying to figure out who the murderer was. The police won't let her in on the case, and she investigates some neighbours. Sadie's son helps her along the way, and so does a man named Eric. He falls in love with Sadie, but she doesn't fall in love with him. They end up finding out who it is, but I won't give any spoilers. I think the theme that fits this book very well is, other people can help out, and they are capable of anything. The reason this fits it well, is because the officers don't ever think Sadie will be able to find out the killer. And Eric helps her a lot, which is pretty unexpected. This is a very good book. Every single time they found a clue, it would just keep you guessing. I love how we end up finding out who the killer is. I think Eric should back off of Sadie, but he probably won't.

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one is as sweet and unfulfilling as the cake on the cover.

I liked the premise, the style, the mystery, and how it unfolded. It was well paced and had snappy dialogue. Also I’m legit planning to make most of the recipes. And I’m head over heels in love with the idea that we have a pudgy middle-aged teacher obsessed with baking as the lead. It’s about time.

But when it comes down to it I found her vigilante-isms annoying as all get out. I wanted to cheer when she was finally arrested. Most of the time Sadie was quirky and endearing, but I would be absolutely terrified of her if we met in real life.

I can’t hate on her too hard though- the book did exactly what I wanted it to do: satisfy my sweet tooth and giggle away my afternoon.

[Lyssa · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5

I liked this one a little less just because of the subject matter. Sad and violent. *SPOILER* Though, I did laugh out loud at the fact that Sadie had her eyes closed as a murder happened right in front of her due to her savoring the cake she made. HA!

I was amazed at the number of times she got herself in super dangerous situations and how she handled it. She stepped right into open trap after open trap. I could understand her wariness of the police after what happened in a previous book, but her trust of complete strangers and poor decisions made me uncomfortable if not anxious.

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

2 1/2 stars. Captivating mystery, and yet Sadie is showing “Mary Sue” qualities in that nobody can accomplish anything without her. She needs to either join the police force or get her private detective license. The “who done it” was a surprise, but I should have probably seen coming. Not sure how I feel about the potential love triangle that’s forming, but I’d choose the new guy at this moment.

Will I read book 4? Probably, because each book is a fast read, and I need to know if Sadie is ever going to reign herself in.

[Anastasia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Devil's Food Cake by Josi S. Kilpack is the 3rd book in A Culinary Mystery series. Sadie Hoffmiler is attending a Garrison Library fundraiser benefit to hear local author Thom Mortenson when his manager is shot on stage. This is a reread for me having read the entire series previously and I found that the books get better as the series progresses. Sadie is particularly meddlesome and amateurish in this book and there is a lot happening. Everything occurs in less than 24 hours so there is plenty of quick action. Fast with plenty of recipes included along the way.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so captivating. Sadie, over a 24 hour time period, had so many suspects and leads to follow-up on that it kept my attention throughout. Never picked Thom as the murderer. He certainly covered his tracks well until he ran into Sadie, who had moves to throw on Thom to render him unconsious. Sweet ending to the book about Eric bringing flowers to the hospital and leaving that message about Bonnie and Clyde - leads you to believe there might be a relationship developing there.

[Nicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

I agree with the other reviews about the main character Sadie Hoffmiller sometimes being overly annoying and making it hard to get though the books. I usually struggle during the beginning of these books, I have to force myself to keep reading when it feels like it’s just dragging on but overall I really love these books. The ending is what really sold me on this book I still consider Lemon Tart my favorite book of the series however, this book is a close competitor.

[Groucho42 · Rating 2 out of 5]

The main story in this one is much better than the last one. A one-book, famous writer comes back to town, and his manager is killed in an over-the-top method. The mystery starts. The basics are ok, but I finally had to realize something that was more in my hindbrain in the first two books. Sadie, the main character, is a self-centered, self-involved, a-hole. I don't like her and I'm not willing to read more in the series.