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Cupcake Bakery Mystery #2
Buttercream Bump Off
Melanie Cooper and Angie DeLaura's Fairy Tale Cupcakes bakery is gearing up for Valentine's Day. Unfortunately someone has iced Baxter Malloy on his first date with Mel's mother. Now Mom's a suspect, and Mel and Angie need to find time around frosting to dig into the man's shady past and discover who served him his just desserts.
240 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 4, 2011
402 people are currently reading
3175 people want to read
About the author
Jenn McKinlay
70 books5,248 followersJenn is the New York Times, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly bestselling author of several mystery and romance series. She is also the winner of the RT Reviewers’ Choice Award for romantic comedy and the Fresh Fiction award for best cozy mystery. A TEDx speaker, she is always happy to talk books, writing, reading, and the creative process to anyone who cares to listen. She lives in sunny Arizona in a house that is overrun with books, pets, and her husband’s guitars.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 601 reviews
March 16, 2022
It's been a few years since I read the debut in the Cupcake Bakery series written by Jenn McKinlay. Given the author has 6 or 7 series, I dove into several others first, and now that I've caught up on those, I am turning back to this one. Today, I reread reviews of the first book to reorient myself again, then I took on Buttercream Bump Off, the second in the series. It was easy to settle back into the story, as McKinlay's writing style is strong and witty.
At first, I struggled to keep the two main female protagonists separated: Mel and Angie have co-owned the bakery with their third pal, Tate, for years. Though the POV is 3rd person, it generally focuses more on Mel, who is dating 1 of Angie's 7 brothers. Angie and Tate secretly love each other but have been dating different people. They call each other's family 'Mom' sometimes, so it was a little tricky but by the end of the book, I had it sorted out. Mel's mom is in trouble this time, when she goes on a first date decades after her husband passed away. What a hoot! But he dies in the hot tub, and Mel's mom looks guilty because she had an investment that went belly up with the man. She blames the dress, which had coincidentally given a man in a department store a heart attack when she purchased it!
Overall, the mystery was clever but the killer revealed him/herself rather quickly. I actually guessed the identity well in advance, but at the same time... the details were a bit missing to really believe it 100%. That said, it's funny and has great scenes, so overall, it's a solid read. A lot like a Janet Evanovich novel, just not as spicy. I will continue to read them all and catch up to the ~15th or so waiting in my queue! Ah, the life of a reader... thankfully we have variety and creative authors like McKinlay to keep us entertained.
At first, I struggled to keep the two main female protagonists separated: Mel and Angie have co-owned the bakery with their third pal, Tate, for years. Though the POV is 3rd person, it generally focuses more on Mel, who is dating 1 of Angie's 7 brothers. Angie and Tate secretly love each other but have been dating different people. They call each other's family 'Mom' sometimes, so it was a little tricky but by the end of the book, I had it sorted out. Mel's mom is in trouble this time, when she goes on a first date decades after her husband passed away. What a hoot! But he dies in the hot tub, and Mel's mom looks guilty because she had an investment that went belly up with the man. She blames the dress, which had coincidentally given a man in a department store a heart attack when she purchased it!
Overall, the mystery was clever but the killer revealed him/herself rather quickly. I actually guessed the identity well in advance, but at the same time... the details were a bit missing to really believe it 100%. That said, it's funny and has great scenes, so overall, it's a solid read. A lot like a Janet Evanovich novel, just not as spicy. I will continue to read them all and catch up to the ~15th or so waiting in my queue! Ah, the life of a reader... thankfully we have variety and creative authors like McKinlay to keep us entertained.
August 21, 2017
This review can also be found at Carole's Random Life in Books.
I had a lot of fun with this cozy mystery! This is the second book in the Cupcake Bakery Mystery series but it could be easily read as a stand-alone novel. Fans of the series will enjoy seeing some of their favorite characters from the first book back for this installment. This audiobook never had a boring moment since there were so many things going on in the story. This was a rather short audiobook that I was able to finish up in just a couple of days and really enjoyed myself in the process.
Thing get moving pretty quickly in this story and there is really a whole lot going on in this one. Melanie's mom has a big date that she is very excited about. Melanie and Angie are teaching a couples cupcake class with some pretty interesting clients. They also decide to host a contest that brings one very determined senior citizen to their bakery. There is a rock star drummer shaking things up and of course, a murder that needs to be solved.
Susan Boyce once again does a fabulous job narrating this installment in the series. I really enjoy her portrayals of all of the characters in the book. She really handles a very diverse cast of characters flawlessly. I think that her delivery of some of the funnier moments in the book really added to the humor. I plan to listen to more of her work very soon.
I would recommend this series to fans of cozy mysteries. This book is filled with wonderful characters and it was just a lot of fun. I love that the book balances the mystery with romance and humor very well. I can't wait to read more of this series very soon.
I received a review copy of this audiobook from Dreamscape Media, LLC via Audiobook Jukebox.
Initial Thoughts
This was a fun cozy mystery! So much is going on at the cupcake shop in this installment. There is murder, romance, and few funny moments. Love all of the characters in this little town.
I had a lot of fun with this cozy mystery! This is the second book in the Cupcake Bakery Mystery series but it could be easily read as a stand-alone novel. Fans of the series will enjoy seeing some of their favorite characters from the first book back for this installment. This audiobook never had a boring moment since there were so many things going on in the story. This was a rather short audiobook that I was able to finish up in just a couple of days and really enjoyed myself in the process.
Thing get moving pretty quickly in this story and there is really a whole lot going on in this one. Melanie's mom has a big date that she is very excited about. Melanie and Angie are teaching a couples cupcake class with some pretty interesting clients. They also decide to host a contest that brings one very determined senior citizen to their bakery. There is a rock star drummer shaking things up and of course, a murder that needs to be solved.
Susan Boyce once again does a fabulous job narrating this installment in the series. I really enjoy her portrayals of all of the characters in the book. She really handles a very diverse cast of characters flawlessly. I think that her delivery of some of the funnier moments in the book really added to the humor. I plan to listen to more of her work very soon.
I would recommend this series to fans of cozy mysteries. This book is filled with wonderful characters and it was just a lot of fun. I love that the book balances the mystery with romance and humor very well. I can't wait to read more of this series very soon.
I received a review copy of this audiobook from Dreamscape Media, LLC via Audiobook Jukebox.
Initial Thoughts
This was a fun cozy mystery! So much is going on at the cupcake shop in this installment. There is murder, romance, and few funny moments. Love all of the characters in this little town.
August 12, 2016
You know not only do I think I might have found a new favorite series, but I think I found a favorite author. Yeah let's go with both. This one I think won me over. I mean I liked the first one just fine. But the second one in the series was just fun. Actually 2 books so far, made these books fun to read.
Basically, this is probably my favorite, so far anyway. Throughout the mystery, I was like oh wow the timing, the timing. Especially near the end with the reveal I was aww, then oh wait, mystery, and I so knew it!
Anyway, another fun read in the Cupcake mystery series thus far. Looking forward to the next Mel and Angie mystery, and the author's other series.
Basically, this is probably my favorite, so far anyway. Throughout the mystery, I was like oh wow the timing, the timing. Especially near the end with the reveal I was aww, then oh wait, mystery, and I so knew it!
Anyway, another fun read in the Cupcake mystery series thus far. Looking forward to the next Mel and Angie mystery, and the author's other series.
February 25, 2018
This was an okay book.
Here are the pluses:
*I didn't know who the murderer was [ALWAYS a good thing]
*Angie finally gets noticed, recognized, and liked for just who she is
* The addition of Marty to the group of already eccentric characters that I love
What I DID NOT LIKE:
*The rather rude references to people who are older than 30. There was several of these and it was rude and offensive. FIFTY IS NOT OLD. Seriously. Geesh.
*The constant reference to the fact that Joe and Mel have been dating for some time and still have not had sex. WHO THE FRICK CARES? And why is it such a FREAKING BIG DEAL to Mel and Joe's friends? THAT was also rude and offensive. It was no one's business but Mel and Joe's and the fact that the author decided to make such a freaking big deal about something that should be private and only between others if they choose to tell them, PISSED. ME. OFF. And that is why, even with the pluses [because not knowing who the killer is is a HUGE bonus], this is a 2 star read for me; I truly hope that the next one is better because I really like these characters and want to really like this series.
Here are the pluses:
*I didn't know who the murderer was [ALWAYS a good thing]
*Angie finally gets noticed, recognized, and liked for just who she is
* The addition of Marty to the group of already eccentric characters that I love
What I DID NOT LIKE:
*The rather rude references to people who are older than 30. There was several of these and it was rude and offensive. FIFTY IS NOT OLD. Seriously. Geesh.
*The constant reference to the fact that Joe and Mel have been dating for some time and still have not had sex. WHO THE FRICK CARES? And why is it such a FREAKING BIG DEAL to Mel and Joe's friends? THAT was also rude and offensive. It was no one's business but Mel and Joe's and the fact that the author decided to make such a freaking big deal about something that should be private and only between others if they choose to tell them, PISSED. ME. OFF. And that is why, even with the pluses [because not knowing who the killer is is a HUGE bonus], this is a 2 star read for me; I truly hope that the next one is better because I really like these characters and want to really like this series.
May 7, 2023
Wonderful fun book to read!
September 12, 2018
Book 2 completed for my 24 hour cozy mystery readathon.
Mel now trying to prove her mom isn't a killer. Her mom happy to be dating again after so long but once her date is murdered she's wondering if the killer going to come after her next.
Friendship, love and secrets are tested among Mel her friends Angie and Tate.
Enjoyed the mystery but I admit I figured out the killer at like 100 pages in. I'll continue with the series because I'm curious about some relationships that gotten started.
Mel now trying to prove her mom isn't a killer. Her mom happy to be dating again after so long but once her date is murdered she's wondering if the killer going to come after her next.
Friendship, love and secrets are tested among Mel her friends Angie and Tate.
Enjoyed the mystery but I admit I figured out the killer at like 100 pages in. I'll continue with the series because I'm curious about some relationships that gotten started.
November 5, 2011
I will pre-warn readers that I am going to rave about BUTTERCREAM BUMP OFF in a complete fangirly way! I am just starting to get back into cozy mysteries again, and I certainly chose a great series to start with. I absolutely adored SPRINKLE WITH MURDER, the first book in the Cupcake Bakery Mystery, and I loved the second book, BUTTERCREAM BUMP OFF, even more.
BUTTERCREAM BUMP OFF puts Melanie's mom in the spotlight, as Joyce is a suspect in a murder case. During her first date in many decades, Joyce's date dies half-way through her date! It's up to the dynamic duo of Tate, Angie and Mel to try and solve the case, and stay out of trouble.
There is cupcakes, there is a murder and there is some toe-curling romance, how can you not love this book? The mystery was good, and I didn't pick out the murderer before Mel did, which was a nice surprise. The romance was absolutely red-hot. I will not give away too much because I want everyone to go out and read it, but look for some definite tension, and lots of romance amongst all our favourite characters!
Lucky for me I grabbed DEATH BY THE DOZEN, the third book in the series, this week from my library. So needless to say I will starting the next book right away!
BUTTERCREAM BUMP OFF puts Melanie's mom in the spotlight, as Joyce is a suspect in a murder case. During her first date in many decades, Joyce's date dies half-way through her date! It's up to the dynamic duo of Tate, Angie and Mel to try and solve the case, and stay out of trouble.
There is cupcakes, there is a murder and there is some toe-curling romance, how can you not love this book? The mystery was good, and I didn't pick out the murderer before Mel did, which was a nice surprise. The romance was absolutely red-hot. I will not give away too much because I want everyone to go out and read it, but look for some definite tension, and lots of romance amongst all our favourite characters!
Lucky for me I grabbed DEATH BY THE DOZEN, the third book in the series, this week from my library. So needless to say I will starting the next book right away!
December 20, 2020
I liked this book much much better than the first one. There was so much happening in this book. Mel and Angie are great characters. And there's the addition of another character, Marty, in this story who added so much comedy. He's a sport 😁 It felt like there was going to be a love triangle in Mel's relationship but I liked how things turned out in the end and hope that it stays the same. The mystery was great, there was a lot of sleuthing going on. The only character that I dont like is Tate. I know he's one of the main friends but I just don't like him yet.
August 17, 2021
As others mentioned, the series grows on you. It's not the best but it is a cute, easy read, light cozy mystery.
definitely makes me crave cupcakes.
ah ..the love triangle heats up b/w the lawyer & the cop for Mel.
and what up w/Tate & Angie...I mean...come on...
A bit more humor in this one.
And seriously, how does EVERYONE know about her intimacy status???That is just embarassing!!
definitely makes me crave cupcakes.
ah ..the love triangle heats up b/w the lawyer & the cop for Mel.
and what up w/Tate & Angie...I mean...come on...
A bit more humor in this one.
And seriously, how does EVERYONE know about her intimacy status???That is just embarassing!!
January 8, 2019
I'm late to the party on this series but after only two books in I can say I am hooked. Book 2 was a quick, easy and fun read which I enjoyed as much as the first book. This is a delightful series that has a cast of wonderful characters. The camaraderie between the three friends is tangible and engaging. I love how they quote movie lines at one another and have fun seeing how many of them I know. The stories move along at a nice pace and keep me engaged and entertained. The mystery was woven throughout the story and did have a good number of plausible suspects. i was a bit surprised that I figured out the identity of the killer but it didn't detract from my enjoyment. I always like to see how the protagonist discovers the identity of the killer and how it is revealed to the reader and other characters.
This is a charming series and I am off to start book three which I also borrowed from my library.
This is a charming series and I am off to start book three which I also borrowed from my library.
May 22, 2017
3.5 Stars
Valentine's Day is fast approaching. Love is in the air, and the couples classes at the The Fairy Tale Cupcake Bakery mostly appreciate the "Cupid's Touch." Melanie Cooper's mother is even in the mood. Joyce Cooper even has a date. All is going well until she finds her date face down the Hot tub, dead. Can you say number 1 suspect?
A close second is Roach Malloy, the son of the dead man and Mel's partner, Angie DeLaura's new love interest.
Will the girls find the actual killer in time for Valentine's Day?
A delightful, funny quick read that will keep readers laughing with each page turned.
Valentine's Day is fast approaching. Love is in the air, and the couples classes at the The Fairy Tale Cupcake Bakery mostly appreciate the "Cupid's Touch." Melanie Cooper's mother is even in the mood. Joyce Cooper even has a date. All is going well until she finds her date face down the Hot tub, dead. Can you say number 1 suspect?
A close second is Roach Malloy, the son of the dead man and Mel's partner, Angie DeLaura's new love interest.
Will the girls find the actual killer in time for Valentine's Day?
A delightful, funny quick read that will keep readers laughing with each page turned.
July 4, 2021
Just so funny and made me smile! I’m such a fan of this friend group too!! Love love love the characters.
This one had so much drama!! I also loved Angie and her seven overprotective brothers! So fun.
This one had so much drama!! I also loved Angie and her seven overprotective brothers! So fun.
February 20, 2015
Love is in the air as Valentine’s Day approaches. Even Mel’s widowed mother is getting back into the dating game. But Joyce calls part way through the evening when she finds her date floating face down in his pool. Baxter was despised by all who knew him, but who actually decided to kill him?
It had been a while since I read the first in the series, but the characters came back to me very quickly. I enjoyed seeing them again and meeting the fun cast introduced here. The plot was a little thin at times, but Mel’s antics as she investigated the case more than made up for it. This was fun, and I will be visiting these characters again soon.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
It had been a while since I read the first in the series, but the characters came back to me very quickly. I enjoyed seeing them again and meeting the fun cast introduced here. The plot was a little thin at times, but Mel’s antics as she investigated the case more than made up for it. This was fun, and I will be visiting these characters again soon.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
February 20, 2020
So light and fluffy and delicious!
April 26, 2020
Buttercream Bump Off, the second book in Jenn McKinlay’s Cupcake Bakery mystery series, is a fun and entertaining mystery, with just enough sweetness to keep you wanting more. And the wonderful narration by Susan Boyce is just icing on the cake!
With Valentine’s Day on the horizon, Mel Cooper and her partner Angie DeLaura have love – not murder – on their minds. Mel’s widowed mother, Joyce, is likewise contemplating the dating scene, agreeing to go out with the wealthy Baxter Malloy. Things go awry, however, when in the middle of their date, Joyce discovers her date floating lifelessly in the pool. When the police focus their investigation on Joyce, Mel must step in to help clear her mother’s name and to find a killer.
Possibly because of the Valentine’s Day theme, this book is as much a romance as a mystery. With Joyce reentering the dating pool, Angie exploring new dating options, Tate sorting through his feelings for Angie, and Mel and Joe’s relationship stepping up, there seems to be an endless stream of romantic (and sometimes funny) moments throughout the book. The mystery, however, is where this book truly shines. Baxter Malloy, it turns out, was a fraud who was despised by nearly everyone. With so many people who would wish him harm, there are a plethora of clues and dead ends to be investigated, as well as plenty of plot twists that keep the intrigue flowing.
If you’re in the mood for a novel that combines mystery and romance with a touch of humor, Buttercream Bump Off is an excellent choice.
With Valentine’s Day on the horizon, Mel Cooper and her partner Angie DeLaura have love – not murder – on their minds. Mel’s widowed mother, Joyce, is likewise contemplating the dating scene, agreeing to go out with the wealthy Baxter Malloy. Things go awry, however, when in the middle of their date, Joyce discovers her date floating lifelessly in the pool. When the police focus their investigation on Joyce, Mel must step in to help clear her mother’s name and to find a killer.
Possibly because of the Valentine’s Day theme, this book is as much a romance as a mystery. With Joyce reentering the dating pool, Angie exploring new dating options, Tate sorting through his feelings for Angie, and Mel and Joe’s relationship stepping up, there seems to be an endless stream of romantic (and sometimes funny) moments throughout the book. The mystery, however, is where this book truly shines. Baxter Malloy, it turns out, was a fraud who was despised by nearly everyone. With so many people who would wish him harm, there are a plethora of clues and dead ends to be investigated, as well as plenty of plot twists that keep the intrigue flowing.
If you’re in the mood for a novel that combines mystery and romance with a touch of humor, Buttercream Bump Off is an excellent choice.
September 11, 2020
Melanie and Angie own a cupcake bakery.
So the mystery is set against that backdrop in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Melanie's mother decides to go on a date with Baxter Malloy. Unfortunately for Melanie's Mom, Joyce, Baxter is found deceased next to the hot tub. Joyce becomes a suspect and of course Melanie's feels she has to find out what is going on!
Meanwhile, it turns out that Baxter was not a nice guy and the suspects are many.
Cute cozy!
So the mystery is set against that backdrop in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Melanie's mother decides to go on a date with Baxter Malloy. Unfortunately for Melanie's Mom, Joyce, Baxter is found deceased next to the hot tub. Joyce becomes a suspect and of course Melanie's feels she has to find out what is going on!
Meanwhile, it turns out that Baxter was not a nice guy and the suspects are many.
Cute cozy!
October 23, 2019
This was an awesome mystery with a lot of good funny scenes sprinkled throughout it. I got the biggest kick out of Mel's mom and her date with a guy who got killed during the date. Angie also cracks me up with her sense of humor, and the older guy who was helping out in the shop while Angie dated a rock drummer was a lot of fun to read about, especially his makeover!
I had sort of guessed the killer but definitely not the why of it all. If a showdown can be at all funny, this one was along with being exciting and a little nail biting. I'm more anxious than normal to go on to the next book because while the main mystery was cleared up and the perp hauled off to prison, Angie has a dilemma that needs to be solved. I don't want to give away what that is, but since I know the long-term outcome of the series, I'm interested in reading book three really soon!
I've enjoyed hearing this narrator read in another series before, so I was happy to find her familiar name when I borrowed this audio book from Hoopla Digital via my library.
I had sort of guessed the killer but definitely not the why of it all. If a showdown can be at all funny, this one was along with being exciting and a little nail biting. I'm more anxious than normal to go on to the next book because while the main mystery was cleared up and the perp hauled off to prison, Angie has a dilemma that needs to be solved. I don't want to give away what that is, but since I know the long-term outcome of the series, I'm interested in reading book three really soon!
I've enjoyed hearing this narrator read in another series before, so I was happy to find her familiar name when I borrowed this audio book from Hoopla Digital via my library.
November 20, 2011
Cheerful, reads quick. Mystery was thin but the central characters mostly engaging, and I like the idea that the MC is surrounded by longtime friends. McKinlay likes a good set piece, unfortunately those she writes feel like they're ripped from some preteen Disney sitcom. No idea why it's important to have a rivalry with another cupcake shop. No idea why I had to suffer through that whole bit about the MC not having slept with her boyfriend yet (really?)/isn't it hilarious that the whole town knows that (no)/did you seriously just use the phrase "horizontal mambo"? (yes).
December 30, 2016
Pretty good, but many of the characters seemed immature and the killer was projected very early on. I will read the next one, however.
July 15, 2022
I liked this second installment in the Cupcake Bakery Mystery series. I really like Mel, and her best friend Angie. I really thought it was funny when Tate told Mel she must not be "sleeping" with her new boyfriend yet because she isn't coming up with any new baking creations. What a tell! I think I will continue with this series, but next time I'm going to do an actual book rather than audio. While the narration was great, I think I miss certain nuances when I listen to a book that I'm just discovering.
December 4, 2024
Things are going well with the cupcake business, when Melanie's mother decides to go out on a date. The guy dies mysteriously, and Melanie's mother is a prime suspect. This gets Melanie back out of the bakery and on the case.
Meanwhile, Angie, Melanie's partner, falls for the drummer in a rock band, to the consternation of most of the other characters in the book. Nice little bit of illusion of progress.
On the whole, one of the more satisfying entries in the series.
Meanwhile, Angie, Melanie's partner, falls for the drummer in a rock band, to the consternation of most of the other characters in the book. Nice little bit of illusion of progress.
On the whole, one of the more satisfying entries in the series.
April 15, 2019
Melanie Cooper and Angie DeLaura's Fairy Tale Cupcakes bakery is gearing up for Valentine's Day. Unfortunately someone has iced Baxter Malloy, the first date Melanie's mother has had since her husband died 35 years ago. Now Mom's a suspect, and Mel and Angie need to find time around frosting to dig into the man's shady past and discover who served him his just desserts.
This is my second in the series and it's not as great at the first. The people are great, the mystery is interesting, but all the discussion about Melanie's sex life-actually non-existent sex life, is a bit over the top and annoying after a while. I'm going to get the 3rd in the series on audio.
This is my second in the series and it's not as great at the first. The people are great, the mystery is interesting, but all the discussion about Melanie's sex life-actually non-existent sex life, is a bit over the top and annoying after a while. I'm going to get the 3rd in the series on audio.
March 2, 2023
This book was a lot of fun. I love the humor and banter between friends. Too bad cupcakes don't magically appear while reading.
May 21, 2019
There is something to be said for a good cozy mystery. Occasionally, I will run into a series that teaches me a little something as an added bonus, but this one is pure brain candy, and I am ok with that.
What I liked about Buttercream Bump Off:
The main characters - Angie, Mel, and Tate are amusing and likable. I enjoy spending time with them. They aren't overly well-developed but that doesn't hinder the book or the series, at least to this point.
Marty - Marty was a new character added in for book two of this series. I love him. I hope that he becomes a permanent fixture.
Brain candy - As I mentioned earlier, this series is mostly silly, funny fluff. The plot and hi-jinks were exaggerated and unbelievable but worth suspending disbelief for pure entertainment value.
Fewer similes - My review of book one in this series mentioned an overuse of similes. I don't mind a lot of description in the right story but this isn't it. I was happy to see their use had been considerably toned down for book two.
Move lines - One of the quirks of this series in the use of classic movie lines between the three main characters. This is charming and a unique way to add a little more fun to the story.
Location - I don't think any of the other book series I read are set in Arizona, so while it is a minor detail, I like when books have a unique setting.
What I didn't care for:
Similes are down but that doesn't mean there aren't other "overuses" - If this author doesn't find a new word to use instead of 'glowering', I...don't know what I will do but mercy, get a thesaurus! Off the top of my head, I can think of: frowning, scowling, glaring, staring angrily. Also, I don't need to be reminded that they use special movie theme songs for their cell phone ringtones. I got it. If you say "the theme from Gone with the Wind" suddenly started playing, I will know that Mel's cell is ringing. If Tate's phone rings, I will know it sounds like the James Bond theme. I know these things because they were already mentioned previously in the book. Once is enough.
A bit sex-obsessed - I'm not sure what everyone's preoccupation was with Mel's sex life. I don't mind a little romance in my cozy mysteries. I don't even mind the allusion to intimacy. But that isn't why I read a cozy mystery. This felt forced to me and a bit out of place. I don't recall it from book one, so hopefully this is an anomaly.
Constant closing of the cupcake shop - Seriously. How do they stay in business? If I wanted to stop by my local cupcake shop and frequently found the doors locked at random times, I'd quickly look for a new establishment. It won't be competition from the obnoxious Olivia that drives them out of business but their own inconsistency in their business practice. Heck, even Mel's mom and Tate pointed it out!
I think I've read this plot before - It was a while ago, and I am certain that there were some differences in the details, but I'm pretty sure I remember the basics of this plot from Hannah Swensen's Peach Cobbler Murder by Joanne Fluke.
Whew. I had a lot to say about this one, I guess! Overall, the book did not lag and I was entertained the entire time. About halfway (or so), I started thinking about who I suspected. I try to look beyond the obvious and for no particular reason, I locked in on my personal prime suspect...and I was correct! This didn't detract from the remainder of the book for me as I had no clue what the motive was right up until it was revealed and I kept watching for clues that would either support or refute my theory. I will absolutely be rejoining the cupcake gang in the future to see what's next for our little trio.
What I liked about Buttercream Bump Off:
The main characters - Angie, Mel, and Tate are amusing and likable. I enjoy spending time with them. They aren't overly well-developed but that doesn't hinder the book or the series, at least to this point.
Marty - Marty was a new character added in for book two of this series. I love him. I hope that he becomes a permanent fixture.
Brain candy - As I mentioned earlier, this series is mostly silly, funny fluff. The plot and hi-jinks were exaggerated and unbelievable but worth suspending disbelief for pure entertainment value.
Fewer similes - My review of book one in this series mentioned an overuse of similes. I don't mind a lot of description in the right story but this isn't it. I was happy to see their use had been considerably toned down for book two.
Move lines - One of the quirks of this series in the use of classic movie lines between the three main characters. This is charming and a unique way to add a little more fun to the story.
Location - I don't think any of the other book series I read are set in Arizona, so while it is a minor detail, I like when books have a unique setting.
What I didn't care for:
Similes are down but that doesn't mean there aren't other "overuses" - If this author doesn't find a new word to use instead of 'glowering', I...don't know what I will do but mercy, get a thesaurus! Off the top of my head, I can think of: frowning, scowling, glaring, staring angrily. Also, I don't need to be reminded that they use special movie theme songs for their cell phone ringtones. I got it. If you say "the theme from Gone with the Wind" suddenly started playing, I will know that Mel's cell is ringing. If Tate's phone rings, I will know it sounds like the James Bond theme. I know these things because they were already mentioned previously in the book. Once is enough.
A bit sex-obsessed - I'm not sure what everyone's preoccupation was with Mel's sex life. I don't mind a little romance in my cozy mysteries. I don't even mind the allusion to intimacy. But that isn't why I read a cozy mystery. This felt forced to me and a bit out of place. I don't recall it from book one, so hopefully this is an anomaly.
Constant closing of the cupcake shop - Seriously. How do they stay in business? If I wanted to stop by my local cupcake shop and frequently found the doors locked at random times, I'd quickly look for a new establishment. It won't be competition from the obnoxious Olivia that drives them out of business but their own inconsistency in their business practice. Heck, even Mel's mom and Tate pointed it out!
I think I've read this plot before - It was a while ago, and I am certain that there were some differences in the details, but I'm pretty sure I remember the basics of this plot from Hannah Swensen's Peach Cobbler Murder by Joanne Fluke.
Whew. I had a lot to say about this one, I guess! Overall, the book did not lag and I was entertained the entire time. About halfway (or so), I started thinking about who I suspected. I try to look beyond the obvious and for no particular reason, I locked in on my personal prime suspect...and I was correct! This didn't detract from the remainder of the book for me as I had no clue what the motive was right up until it was revealed and I kept watching for clues that would either support or refute my theory. I will absolutely be rejoining the cupcake gang in the future to see what's next for our little trio.
November 3, 2018
It took me a bit to get used to the three main characters. But once I did, it was smooth sailing. I liked everyone : mom, the elderly temp, joe the boyfriend, even the drummer who sounds like he won’t be around for too long. I’m just not sure how long a cupcake store would stick around, let alone two. It’s like Red Velvet Cake - a fad for a while. A cute murder that was nicely wrapped up with a murderer I only guessed pages from the end.
June 5, 2014
Till now I've read three Jenn McKinlay books. None of them have hit the high notes. Sometimes a cozy can be too full of romance and fun. I've rated boring and nice cozies 5 stars before. On the other hand, there are some cozies that not only are boring but suffer from bad writing. All of this give me food for thought. As for this book, I liked the romantic angle a lot. I just wished that not every book has a sensational kisser in its folds. Makes me feel kind of jealous. So I think it's safe to say that the bits that don't gel with me are targeted towards women. That is fine with me.
There are quite a few brilliant women writers around. I respect cozy writers, especially the good female authors. This book had too many suspects and it set up the murderer as one whose identity won't shock us. Though there was not one character that was outright irritating, there was not one who stood out as interestingly layered, except for maybe Mel and Angie. The movie quotes were fun and never got old. That's about it.
There are quite a few brilliant women writers around. I respect cozy writers, especially the good female authors. This book had too many suspects and it set up the murderer as one whose identity won't shock us. Though there was not one character that was outright irritating, there was not one who stood out as interestingly layered, except for maybe Mel and Angie. The movie quotes were fun and never got old. That's about it.
January 17, 2015
An interesting, funny and quite an easy read, complete with some mouthwatering cupcake recipes at the end.
Not much of a mystery but then I have realised that the cozy mystery genre, doesn't really emphasize much on crime solving in the usual way as much as it does on relationship building and some fun quirky tidbits that are usually centered around the theme in question, which in this case is cupcakes! Altvhough I must say that this one handled the crime and mystery solving aspect a little better than the first one. The suspense was maintained till the very end, which in my opinion makes way for a good book/read.
Lots of movie quotes here, given that the main characters are old movie buffs, which adds flavour to the story while also making you laugh.
So, if you are in a mood for a light read, which has some yummy temptations, fun loving quotes and uber funny MCs, go for it. Am sure you will enjoy it but please don't go into it expecting a wonderfully constructed crime story, for you shall be disappointed.
Not much of a mystery but then I have realised that the cozy mystery genre, doesn't really emphasize much on crime solving in the usual way as much as it does on relationship building and some fun quirky tidbits that are usually centered around the theme in question, which in this case is cupcakes! Altvhough I must say that this one handled the crime and mystery solving aspect a little better than the first one. The suspense was maintained till the very end, which in my opinion makes way for a good book/read.
Lots of movie quotes here, given that the main characters are old movie buffs, which adds flavour to the story while also making you laugh.
So, if you are in a mood for a light read, which has some yummy temptations, fun loving quotes and uber funny MCs, go for it. Am sure you will enjoy it but please don't go into it expecting a wonderfully constructed crime story, for you shall be disappointed.
May 22, 2018
Mel and Angie have plenty to keep them busy, running their cupcake shop, but they still have time to try to track down a murderer. Mel’s mom is finally going on a date, but it doesn’t end well, especially for her date. Now her mom is a suspect in his death, and Mel stops at nothing to snoop out the truth to clear her mom. Peopled with interesting characters both good and bad, this entertaining cozy is liberally sprinkled with humor. The second in the series, this book works as a standalone, but the characters’ backstory will have you wanting to read the first one if you haven’t already, and you’ll be wishing for the next one, to find out what trouble Mel and Angie stumble into next.
October 1, 2020
McKinlay develops a real sense of place in Buttercream Bump Off by populating her story with the right demographic population. If there’s one thing more noticeable in Scottsdale, Arizona, than the open desert views, it’s the oldsters wintering in the mild climate. It seems natural that more than one retiree soothes a sweet tooth in Mel and Ang’s Fairy Tale Cupcakes bakery.
But don’t worry, no death by dessert in the second book of the series. It’s Joyce, Mel’s widowed mom, who ventures a toe back into the dating pool only to find her date dead in the water. Literally.
But don’t worry, no death by dessert in the second book of the series. It’s Joyce, Mel’s widowed mom, who ventures a toe back into the dating pool only to find her date dead in the water. Literally.
February 6, 2012
Not as good as the first, just a little to over the top in parts, I'd really rate this as a two and a half star book but gave it three because a couple of the scenes were laugh out loud funny and I really liked the new characters Marty and Roach but especially Marty. The hair hat wearing oldster really added to the story.
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