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A Piece of Cake Mystery #1
A Sheetcake Named Desire
New Orleans pastry chef Rita Lucero is out to bake her way to the top. But when she finds her almost-ex-husband killed with a chef's knife in his back, she becomes suspect number one. Now it's up to her to find the real killer before she winds up as the next victim served.
296 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 2, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 188 reviews
April 6, 2024
An okay cozy involving the death of a master cake decorator. The setting was in Louisiana. I found it difficult to relate to any of the characters, thus my 3 Star rating.
March 6, 2016
I have been wanting to start this series for the longest time. Let me start off by saying I had a huge craving for cake through this entire book. LOL! The author does a great job with her descriptions, especially her descriptions of cake.
Rita Lucero goes to New Orleans to get her soon-to-be ex-husband’s, Philippe, signature on the divorce papers, but she never gets a chance to see him face to face. Instead, she finds his dead body and immediately becomes the prime suspect in his murder. When she, and his mother Miss Frankie, inherit everything, Rita becomes even more of a suspect.
At Miss Frankie’s insistence, Rita temporarily runs Phillipe’s bakery. Unfortunately, everyone seems to oppose Rita taking over, even if it’s only for a short time. So, life is anything but easy for Rita. To top it all off, Miss Frankie begs Rita’s help in finding her son’s killer. She can’t refuse Miss Frankie anything. She agrees to help, especially since she doesn’t think the police will have much luck in finding the killer.
I really enjoyed this book. Great characters, an intriguing mystery and a surprise ending – everything I love about a cozy mystery. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series. I have some catching up to do!
Rita Lucero goes to New Orleans to get her soon-to-be ex-husband’s, Philippe, signature on the divorce papers, but she never gets a chance to see him face to face. Instead, she finds his dead body and immediately becomes the prime suspect in his murder. When she, and his mother Miss Frankie, inherit everything, Rita becomes even more of a suspect.
At Miss Frankie’s insistence, Rita temporarily runs Phillipe’s bakery. Unfortunately, everyone seems to oppose Rita taking over, even if it’s only for a short time. So, life is anything but easy for Rita. To top it all off, Miss Frankie begs Rita’s help in finding her son’s killer. She can’t refuse Miss Frankie anything. She agrees to help, especially since she doesn’t think the police will have much luck in finding the killer.
I really enjoyed this book. Great characters, an intriguing mystery and a surprise ending – everything I love about a cozy mystery. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series. I have some catching up to do!
January 16, 2016
Rita Lucero has waited two years for her divorce, all she needs is for her almost ex Philippe Renier to sign on the proper line. He has been avoided her phone calls and emails so she decides to go directly to him, to his high end cake shop in New Orleans, and sit in the office until he faces her and signs the papers.
Rita arrives just a few minutes too late or at the perfect time if you are a killer. Rita discovers her husband dead with a chef's knife in his chest. Because their divorce was not final she is still his legal heir and inherits part ownership of the fancy cake shop, Zydeco Cakes. This inheritance also makes her the prime suspect in Philippe's murder. Her mother-in-law believes she had nothing to do with his death and begs her to stay in New Orleans and take over operations at Zydeco and to find out who really killed her son. A lot of Zydeco's employees are friends she had when she was with Philippe and they don't know if they can trust her. But more importantly she doesn't know who she can trust because there is a killer out there and she does not want to be sliced and served as the next victim.
Word of warning: You are going to be craving cake the entire time you are reading this book!
A perfectly mixed cozy mystery. The theme is scrumptious, the characters are well blended, the plot is well written and tasty. Plenty of swirls and twirls that make you think you know whodunit and then realize nope, it's someone else and then maybe you were right the first time. The humor, oh the humor. This author made shopping for caskets hysterical. The whole story was as smooth a fondant but with a little edge of pulled sugar. This is definitely a book you want to eat, I mean read!!!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Berkley Prime Crime. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of this book. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Rita arrives just a few minutes too late or at the perfect time if you are a killer. Rita discovers her husband dead with a chef's knife in his chest. Because their divorce was not final she is still his legal heir and inherits part ownership of the fancy cake shop, Zydeco Cakes. This inheritance also makes her the prime suspect in Philippe's murder. Her mother-in-law believes she had nothing to do with his death and begs her to stay in New Orleans and take over operations at Zydeco and to find out who really killed her son. A lot of Zydeco's employees are friends she had when she was with Philippe and they don't know if they can trust her. But more importantly she doesn't know who she can trust because there is a killer out there and she does not want to be sliced and served as the next victim.
Word of warning: You are going to be craving cake the entire time you are reading this book!
A perfectly mixed cozy mystery. The theme is scrumptious, the characters are well blended, the plot is well written and tasty. Plenty of swirls and twirls that make you think you know whodunit and then realize nope, it's someone else and then maybe you were right the first time. The humor, oh the humor. This author made shopping for caskets hysterical. The whole story was as smooth a fondant but with a little edge of pulled sugar. This is definitely a book you want to eat, I mean read!!!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Berkley Prime Crime. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of this book. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
August 2, 2017
Cozy mystery about a cake decorator attempting to get her husband to sign divorce papers. Before she can even see him, he is murdered. A few twists in the plot, which kept it interesting. I will most likely read the next book in the series.
July 23, 2015
3.5 stars
Pastry Chef Rita Lucero is tired of her husband Philippe Reinier's ignoring her divorce papers. She's spent the last two years trying to get over him while working in her uncle's Mexican restaurant in New Mexico. Now she's in New Orleans to present the papers to her ex in person. She gets the brush off from his faithful manager Edie but is prepared to wait. When an employee comes rushing in with the news that Philippe and his friend Ox are going at it on the loading dock, Rita is concerned. Last she knew, the two were old pals who loved each other like brothers. When she searches for Philippe, she discovers Ox on the ground with a bloody head and finally, Philippe with a giant knife stuck through his chest. As far as the NOPD are concerned, Rita is suspect #1 since she inherits everything. His flighty girlfriend Quinn may have something to say about that but his mother, Miss Frankie, prefers Rita and asks Rita's help in making final arrangements AND finding out who killed her son. Rita is certain it wasn't Ox but he may know who did it. There's also the matter of who sabotaged the bakery. Was the person the same as the killer? Does rival Dimitri Wolff have anything to do with one crime or the other? Rita is determined to find out.
This book is slightly above average for a cozy mystery, though it's long. The descriptions of New Orleans from the weather to the food and the music are incredible. I felt like I was right there. The author captured the flavor of New Orleans very well. The writing style is above average but not terribly sophisticated. The descriptions are the best part. The mystery is so engaging I couldn't put it down. I never ever guessed whodunnit. In fact, I think the author made a huge mistake making it that person. The timeline seems wrong to me. How could the murder happen that fast? That person did cross my mind but I forgot my suspicions early on and focused on someone else and then someone else again.
The characters seem like they could be well drawn and they might evolve over time but are somewhat flat here. There's the goth girl, the bubbly chubby girl, the gold digger, the evil rival, etc. etc. Rita is a good character. She's a tough cookie because she was orphaned at a young age and raised by her aunt and uncle out of a sense of duty. She feels inadequate among the old-money New Orleanians and still has insecurities from her past. It's obvious she loves Philippe still and hasn't yet moved on. She's caring towards her mother-in-law and kind but firm with the staff.
I'm not sure I like the sound of Philippe. The reports of him are so contrary and his personal life plot wasn't completely resolved. Why would he fall for a bimbo like Quinn when all his friends and even his own mother couldn't stand her? Why would he risk alienating his staff and his family? Why does she bring out the worst in him? Was he trying to go for the opposite of Rita or did their relationship not work out because he wanted an adoring trophy wife? I wish there had been some answers to those questions but we are left to speculate since the man is dead and can't speak for himself.
My favorite character was Miss Frankie. She epitomizes that old world southern lady with a backbone of steel and a frosty glint in her eye. Even though her exterior seems tough, she's hurting inside and Rita is familiar and comfortable for her. The scene in the funeral parlor is hilarious!
I don't really feel compelled to read more of this series, but I did enjoy this one and I might read another soon.
Pastry Chef Rita Lucero is tired of her husband Philippe Reinier's ignoring her divorce papers. She's spent the last two years trying to get over him while working in her uncle's Mexican restaurant in New Mexico. Now she's in New Orleans to present the papers to her ex in person. She gets the brush off from his faithful manager Edie but is prepared to wait. When an employee comes rushing in with the news that Philippe and his friend Ox are going at it on the loading dock, Rita is concerned. Last she knew, the two were old pals who loved each other like brothers. When she searches for Philippe, she discovers Ox on the ground with a bloody head and finally, Philippe with a giant knife stuck through his chest. As far as the NOPD are concerned, Rita is suspect #1 since she inherits everything. His flighty girlfriend Quinn may have something to say about that but his mother, Miss Frankie, prefers Rita and asks Rita's help in making final arrangements AND finding out who killed her son. Rita is certain it wasn't Ox but he may know who did it. There's also the matter of who sabotaged the bakery. Was the person the same as the killer? Does rival Dimitri Wolff have anything to do with one crime or the other? Rita is determined to find out.
This book is slightly above average for a cozy mystery, though it's long. The descriptions of New Orleans from the weather to the food and the music are incredible. I felt like I was right there. The author captured the flavor of New Orleans very well. The writing style is above average but not terribly sophisticated. The descriptions are the best part. The mystery is so engaging I couldn't put it down. I never ever guessed whodunnit. In fact, I think the author made a huge mistake making it that person. The timeline seems wrong to me. How could the murder happen that fast? That person did cross my mind but I forgot my suspicions early on and focused on someone else and then someone else again.
The characters seem like they could be well drawn and they might evolve over time but are somewhat flat here. There's the goth girl, the bubbly chubby girl, the gold digger, the evil rival, etc. etc. Rita is a good character. She's a tough cookie because she was orphaned at a young age and raised by her aunt and uncle out of a sense of duty. She feels inadequate among the old-money New Orleanians and still has insecurities from her past. It's obvious she loves Philippe still and hasn't yet moved on. She's caring towards her mother-in-law and kind but firm with the staff.
I'm not sure I like the sound of Philippe. The reports of him are so contrary and his personal life plot wasn't completely resolved. Why would he fall for a bimbo like Quinn when all his friends and even his own mother couldn't stand her? Why would he risk alienating his staff and his family? Why does she bring out the worst in him? Was he trying to go for the opposite of Rita or did their relationship not work out because he wanted an adoring trophy wife? I wish there had been some answers to those questions but we are left to speculate since the man is dead and can't speak for himself.
My favorite character was Miss Frankie. She epitomizes that old world southern lady with a backbone of steel and a frosty glint in her eye. Even though her exterior seems tough, she's hurting inside and Rita is familiar and comfortable for her. The scene in the funeral parlor is hilarious!
I don't really feel compelled to read more of this series, but I did enjoy this one and I might read another soon.
August 17, 2011
All Rita Lucerno wants is a divorce and to get on with her life but her soon-to-be ex has been dragging his feet for two years over signing the papers. Finally, Rita has had it; she travels to New Orleans to confront hubby, Philippe, at Zydeco, his bakery. The bakery is in chaos; someone has sabotaged one of their largest orders and Philippe seems to be among the missing. Joining in the search, Rita is the unlucky one to find him. Needless to say, he won't be signing any papers ever again, not judging by the large chef's knife protruding from his chest.
Although Rita is separated from Phillipe, she's still very fond of her mother-in-law, Miss Frankie, and vice versa. Rita reluctantly agrees when Miss Frankie asks her to stay on, take over the bakery, and try to uncover the saboteur/murderer. She has her work cut out for her as after some preliminary digging, Rita finds out the bakery is in financial trouble, Philippe has a very mercenary girlfriend, he and his second in command have been butting heads over the business and the rival bakery down the street would stop at nothing to cut out the competition.
Unfortunately for Rita, the police view her as the main suspect with a very realistic motive. Since she and Philippe were not officially divorced, Rita now is heir to the bakery and all his other wordly goods. Of course, this drives Philippe's girl friend, Quinn, to hissy-fit-inducing hysterics. Philippe's employees aren't too happy either. They don't know if Rita is trustworthy or not. That's okay, as her feelings are mutual; she is not too sure one of them isn't the culprit. Not going to be a piece of cake figuring this one out!
From the author of numerous romance and mystery novels, comes a bright and shining new series - I loved it! First off, how could you not be attracted to the title? When I first read it, I wanted to scream, Stelllll -ahh. Silliness aside, seriously, for cozy fans this is one not to be missed. The sequel, titled Cake on a Hot Tin Roof will be published in Feb, 2012. Who comes up with these ever so clever titles? 4****
Disclosure: A review copy of the book was provided by Berkley in exchange for my honest opinion.
October 15, 2020
Such hilarity. Such ridiculous hilarity. Such ridiculous hilarity with caricatures named things like Dog Leg McGee.
August 3, 2020
Good first novel in the series setting everything up at Zydeco bakery in New Orleans. I can't wait to read more about the cakes that they make there - they sound amazing! I liked Rita and I liked her style. The other characters and setting were good too. #readforkimberly
August 26, 2019
The first in this mystery series that had been recommended to me was well done. Rita Lucero, who lived with her aunt and uncle in New Mexico after her parents were killed, trained as a cake artist at the French Pastry School in Chicago. There she met and married her husband Philippe Renier. At the beginning of this story, Rita, intent on a face-to-face meeting, traveled from New Mexico to Philippe's shop in New Orleans' Garden District with the divorce papers that he had been sidestepping signing for the two years since their separation. For the second day in a row, Philippe's business manager Edie told Rita the he wasn't available, but this day she had come prepared to wait outside his office all day if necessary. A big commotion occurred in the bakery workspace and she was able to trail Edie in only to realize that Philippe had created Zydeco Cakes based on a sketch Rita had made frequently of an ideal production bakery. Then, as people came into focus, she realized that he had hired several of their Chicago friends and fellow students who, having kept in occasional touch with Rita via Facebook, hadn't bothered to mention their work for Philippe.
The commotion that opened up the view for Rita led to a reveal that someone had been trying to sabotage Zydeco and that there was a murder in the garden outside the bakery. Knowing that her Uncle Nestor would be upset, Rita was torn between helping in New Orleans and returning as planned. She stayed to help and a very good mystery ensued.
The commotion that opened up the view for Rita led to a reveal that someone had been trying to sabotage Zydeco and that there was a murder in the garden outside the bakery. Knowing that her Uncle Nestor would be upset, Rita was torn between helping in New Orleans and returning as planned. She stayed to help and a very good mystery ensued.
October 27, 2017
The end of this book [from the reveal of the murderer to the end] is what took this from a 2 star read to a 3 star read. I am not in love with these characters [though they did grow on me as the book went on] and I swear if the author says that "it is hot" or "it is muggy" one more time I may scream - the book is set in New Orleans; OF COURSE it is hot and muggy. We certainly don't need reminded of that 100 times over while reading the book.
Initially I was not going to read number 2 but as the end of this picked up and I was totally flabbergasted at who the murderer was [I will give the author this - you never see this one coming], I am willing to read the second one. Hopefully it will be a better read than this one initially was.
Initially I was not going to read number 2 but as the end of this picked up and I was totally flabbergasted at who the murderer was [I will give the author this - you never see this one coming], I am willing to read the second one. Hopefully it will be a better read than this one initially was.
November 26, 2017
I liked this book better than most I have read lately. I read the vast majority of it in the first day. It was a quick easy read and I liked all of the "good" characters immensely. Rita did annoy me some, but not so much that I didn't like her, and Miss Frankie has so typically deep South old money that you just had to love her. I think my favorite character was Old Dog Leg (the blind trumpet player) and I really hope he is a regular so I can watch his development. The story moved pretty quickly and I loved the turns in plot that caught Rita (and me) totally off-guard. Yes, the culprit surprised me, and I found the resolution satisfying. Looking forward to continuing the series.
December 4, 2020
I love a good cozy mystery and I love NOLA! Aside from the smattering of internalized misogyny (oh 2011, how far we've come) and the conflation of creole and cajun (no, they aren't the same), I really enjoyed this book. The descriptions of food were great, it really made my mouth water.
Not an overt spoiler, but I discuss the ending below.
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I docked two stars because of the ending, no spoilers!! I feel like the line between a good plot twist and the author making it impossible to figure out the mystery is a little thin in this book, leaning towards the latter. I was disappointed in the end not because my theories were wrong, but because I felt like I just didn't have all the cards on the table to begin with.
Not an overt spoiler, but I discuss the ending below.
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I docked two stars because of the ending, no spoilers!! I feel like the line between a good plot twist and the author making it impossible to figure out the mystery is a little thin in this book, leaning towards the latter. I was disappointed in the end not because my theories were wrong, but because I felt like I just didn't have all the cards on the table to begin with.
April 21, 2020
This was just what I expected, a nice cozy mystery with a good storyline that leaves you wanting the next book. This series is set in New Orleans so I know I will enjoy it because I love all things based around Louisiana. If you need a new cozy mystery series give this a try.
July 7, 2020
Very quick, fast read. I was surprised by the end. Can’t wait to read the others in the series
June 14, 2012
3.4
Reminds me of Cleo Coyle's Coffeeshop Mysteries just set in New Orleans and minus the coffee info.
Pretty decent cozy mystery in which the main character is pretty much a prime suspect from the word 'jump'.
The author made the city of New Orleans a sort of character in this book, much more so than some of Rita's colleagues.
The character development was great for Rita and Miss Frankie but I could've used a bit more depth on Ox and the rest of the crew. Especially seeing as this book seemed more of a character led mystery and not a by the numbers formula; the book could've used an infusion of character from the second-tier.
The mystery itself wasn't too easy to figure out and I have to admit I was a bit surprised and I could see why Rita didn't figure it out but I'll be honest. I felt that more could've been built up to make the bad-guy...I don't know...more bad?
Anyway, I liked that there wasn't a romance in this because any addition of that would have demeaned Rita's character development and Rita has the potential to be a pretty good cozy heroine. She's fairly smart (minus the pre-requisite bad judgement at the end of the book) and she has a personality that a reader can easily identify with and let's hope the next book doesn't dumb her down.
Also, we didn't get too many character descriptions. I'll be honest, I don't quite know what Rita looks like or Sullivan. I know Sparkle, Ox and Estelle but what about the rest? It didn't have to be laid out but it kind of bugs me when I don't know what a character looks like or how other people see her.
What you should know is that Rita has a ton of insecurities. True to character, you'll see it creep up. Of course, since I don't really know what she looks like, I'm not sure if these insecurities are based in reality or in her head. Again, she's relatable so some of her issues are ones that every one has experienced at least once or twice. As long as the author doesn't beat us over the head with 'telling' us about Rita's issues we should be good.
Miss Frankie is pretty cool and not what I thought she'd be at all. You'll see what I mean.
So, hopefully in the next book we learn more about the second-string characters, Sullivan and what the hell Rita looks like!
Reminds me of Cleo Coyle's Coffeeshop Mysteries just set in New Orleans and minus the coffee info.
Pretty decent cozy mystery in which the main character is pretty much a prime suspect from the word 'jump'.
The author made the city of New Orleans a sort of character in this book, much more so than some of Rita's colleagues.
The character development was great for Rita and Miss Frankie but I could've used a bit more depth on Ox and the rest of the crew. Especially seeing as this book seemed more of a character led mystery and not a by the numbers formula; the book could've used an infusion of character from the second-tier.
The mystery itself wasn't too easy to figure out and I have to admit I was a bit surprised and I could see why Rita didn't figure it out but I'll be honest. I felt that more could've been built up to make the bad-guy...I don't know...more bad?
Anyway, I liked that there wasn't a romance in this because any addition of that would have demeaned Rita's character development and Rita has the potential to be a pretty good cozy heroine. She's fairly smart (minus the pre-requisite bad judgement at the end of the book) and she has a personality that a reader can easily identify with and let's hope the next book doesn't dumb her down.
Also, we didn't get too many character descriptions. I'll be honest, I don't quite know what Rita looks like or Sullivan. I know Sparkle, Ox and Estelle but what about the rest? It didn't have to be laid out but it kind of bugs me when I don't know what a character looks like or how other people see her.
What you should know is that Rita has a ton of insecurities. True to character, you'll see it creep up. Of course, since I don't really know what she looks like, I'm not sure if these insecurities are based in reality or in her head. Again, she's relatable so some of her issues are ones that every one has experienced at least once or twice. As long as the author doesn't beat us over the head with 'telling' us about Rita's issues we should be good.
Miss Frankie is pretty cool and not what I thought she'd be at all. You'll see what I mean.
So, hopefully in the next book we learn more about the second-string characters, Sullivan and what the hell Rita looks like!
August 22, 2011
Rating: 4.5/5
Jacklyn Brady is a new author to the cozy mystery genre, and her first offering, A SHEETCAKE NAMED DESIRE, is truly delectable. Brady's amateur sleuth, pastry chef Rita Lucero, has made my list of favorites. Rita is fed up with getting the run around from her soon-to-be ex-husband Philippe Renier. After two years of being in divorce limbo, she travels to New Orleans to make him sign the papers and make it final. Not long after she arrives at his upscale bakery, Rita finds Philippe dead with a knife in his chest, making her the heir to his fortune. This fact doesn't bode well with the police or with Philippe's employees at Zydeco Cakes.
The one person who does have faith in Rita is Miss Frankie, Philippe's mother. She asks Rita to take over Zydeco, at least temporarily, to scope things out. When Rita starts investigating, she discovers that in addition to murdering Philippe, someone has been sabotaging Zydeco's business - stealing cake designs, destroying equipment, and ruining the finished cakes. Rita is determined to uncover the guilty party, because as Philippe's heir, she could be next.
A SHEETCAKE NAMED DESIRE was a well-crafted murder mystery with a cast of colorful characters, from charming to down right detestable. Something that really stood out in this book was the character depth. I'm still fairly new to the cozy mystery genre, but in the ones I've read, usually the protagonist does not have an emotional attachment to the murder victim. This was not the case in this book. Though on the verge of divorce, it was clear that Rita still cared for Philippe and his mother, Miss Frankie. That added an extra layer of of emotional depth to the story. (Any cozy that makes me tear up a couple of times gets extra points in my book!)
In addition to the interesting mystery and great characters, I really enjoyed the rich descriptions of the sights and flavors of New Orleans. I could almost taste the jambalaya. I would recommend this book to any cozy mystery fan. Up next in the A Piece of Cake Mystery series: CAKE ON A HOT TIN ROOF with an expected publication date of 2/7/2011.
I received my copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Jacklyn Brady is a new author to the cozy mystery genre, and her first offering, A SHEETCAKE NAMED DESIRE, is truly delectable. Brady's amateur sleuth, pastry chef Rita Lucero, has made my list of favorites. Rita is fed up with getting the run around from her soon-to-be ex-husband Philippe Renier. After two years of being in divorce limbo, she travels to New Orleans to make him sign the papers and make it final. Not long after she arrives at his upscale bakery, Rita finds Philippe dead with a knife in his chest, making her the heir to his fortune. This fact doesn't bode well with the police or with Philippe's employees at Zydeco Cakes.
The one person who does have faith in Rita is Miss Frankie, Philippe's mother. She asks Rita to take over Zydeco, at least temporarily, to scope things out. When Rita starts investigating, she discovers that in addition to murdering Philippe, someone has been sabotaging Zydeco's business - stealing cake designs, destroying equipment, and ruining the finished cakes. Rita is determined to uncover the guilty party, because as Philippe's heir, she could be next.
A SHEETCAKE NAMED DESIRE was a well-crafted murder mystery with a cast of colorful characters, from charming to down right detestable. Something that really stood out in this book was the character depth. I'm still fairly new to the cozy mystery genre, but in the ones I've read, usually the protagonist does not have an emotional attachment to the murder victim. This was not the case in this book. Though on the verge of divorce, it was clear that Rita still cared for Philippe and his mother, Miss Frankie. That added an extra layer of of emotional depth to the story. (Any cozy that makes me tear up a couple of times gets extra points in my book!)
In addition to the interesting mystery and great characters, I really enjoyed the rich descriptions of the sights and flavors of New Orleans. I could almost taste the jambalaya. I would recommend this book to any cozy mystery fan. Up next in the A Piece of Cake Mystery series: CAKE ON A HOT TIN ROOF with an expected publication date of 2/7/2011.
I received my copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
September 4, 2024
The story was ok but I couldn’t feel much warmth for the characters.
July 27, 2011
Sheetcake is the first in the A Piece Of Cake Mystery series.
This is a very interesting story with a good mix of characters. Brady provides the reader with characters they will love to hate and some that they will just love.
Phillipe Renier is the owner of Zydeco Cakes in New Orleans, an upscale cake bakery. His wife, Rita Lucero, a trained French Pastry chef, has been living in Albuquerque and working in her aunts and uncle's Mexican restaurant for two years. She has been trying to get Phillipe to sign their divorce papers, but to no avail. She heads for New Orleans to just appear at Zydeco and get the divorce papes signed when he shows up. While she is waiting in the reception area, a ruckus is heard coming from out back. Following everyone out she pass the delivery van with damaged cake that was about to be delivered. Off to the side Rita finds Ox who has head injuries and under some bushes she the finds the dead body of Phillipe. Rita and Ox end up being prime suspects. But there are other employees who might like to see their boss dead. Then there's the current girlfriend whose not what she appears to be. Plus the owner of Zydeco's main competitor wants to buy it.
Still being legally married, Rita inherits half of the business. Her mother in law, who owns the other half, pleads with Rita to hang around and take over the business and find the killer of her son. Rita has mixed emotions about leaving her aunt and uncle, who had raised her and sent her off to a French Pastry school. But then there is the satisfaction from finding the killer and running a succesful business. So Rita sets off to find the killer, with the detective assigned to the case keeping a watchful eye on her.
Very much looking forward to the next book in the series,
This is a very interesting story with a good mix of characters. Brady provides the reader with characters they will love to hate and some that they will just love.
Phillipe Renier is the owner of Zydeco Cakes in New Orleans, an upscale cake bakery. His wife, Rita Lucero, a trained French Pastry chef, has been living in Albuquerque and working in her aunts and uncle's Mexican restaurant for two years. She has been trying to get Phillipe to sign their divorce papers, but to no avail. She heads for New Orleans to just appear at Zydeco and get the divorce papes signed when he shows up. While she is waiting in the reception area, a ruckus is heard coming from out back. Following everyone out she pass the delivery van with damaged cake that was about to be delivered. Off to the side Rita finds Ox who has head injuries and under some bushes she the finds the dead body of Phillipe. Rita and Ox end up being prime suspects. But there are other employees who might like to see their boss dead. Then there's the current girlfriend whose not what she appears to be. Plus the owner of Zydeco's main competitor wants to buy it.
Still being legally married, Rita inherits half of the business. Her mother in law, who owns the other half, pleads with Rita to hang around and take over the business and find the killer of her son. Rita has mixed emotions about leaving her aunt and uncle, who had raised her and sent her off to a French Pastry school. But then there is the satisfaction from finding the killer and running a succesful business. So Rita sets off to find the killer, with the detective assigned to the case keeping a watchful eye on her.
Very much looking forward to the next book in the series,
October 11, 2011
This first in a new mystery series by Jacklyn Brady is delicious from start to finish. And it’s also a real behind-the-scenes look at how those mouth-watering cakes that are featured on so many reality television shows are actually put together.
Struggling pastry chef Rita Lucero, separated from super star New Orleans pastry chef Philippe Renier, wants her divorce to be finalized so she can move on with her life. But she has one problem: she can’t get Philippe to sign the papers. So she decides to pay him a surprise visit at his trendy bake shop, Zydeco Cakes, and force the issue.
Unfortunately, Rita’s timing is pretty bad, as she finds Philippe dead with a chef’s knife in his chest. So instead of becoming the ex-wife, Rita finds herself a widow, the heiress to Philippe’s considerable assets (including the cake shop), and a prime suspect in his murder.
Her mother-in-law begs Rita to find out who killed her son, and the cake shop employees don’t know whether to trust her or not. The feeling is mutual, when it becomes clear that one of them must be the real murderer. And Rita’s snooping may land her in bigger trouble than she ever imagined.
A yummy series. I’ll have a second helping, please! And the sooner, the better.
Reviewed by Susan Santangelo, author or “Moving Can Be Murder” for Suspense Magazine
Struggling pastry chef Rita Lucero, separated from super star New Orleans pastry chef Philippe Renier, wants her divorce to be finalized so she can move on with her life. But she has one problem: she can’t get Philippe to sign the papers. So she decides to pay him a surprise visit at his trendy bake shop, Zydeco Cakes, and force the issue.
Unfortunately, Rita’s timing is pretty bad, as she finds Philippe dead with a chef’s knife in his chest. So instead of becoming the ex-wife, Rita finds herself a widow, the heiress to Philippe’s considerable assets (including the cake shop), and a prime suspect in his murder.
Her mother-in-law begs Rita to find out who killed her son, and the cake shop employees don’t know whether to trust her or not. The feeling is mutual, when it becomes clear that one of them must be the real murderer. And Rita’s snooping may land her in bigger trouble than she ever imagined.
A yummy series. I’ll have a second helping, please! And the sooner, the better.
Reviewed by Susan Santangelo, author or “Moving Can Be Murder” for Suspense Magazine
August 9, 2011
I read it in one day because I was stuck in a hospital waiting room for about 9 hr. While the story had some good points of interest, I found too much was left unsaid to make me really care about the main character, Rita, or her murdered soon-to-be-exhusband. We learn they separated 2 yrs ago and went their different ways, but have no idea why. She was well treated and loved by her mother-in-law but had no contact (not even an address for her?) after the separation. She's a talented cake artist but is working in her uncles Mexican restaurant as a sous chef...why? No explanation why she gave up work that she loved with seemingly no effort to find a place to practice her craft. Stuff like that makes me question the writers ability because the vague back-story that is referenced several times in the book feeds my desire to know more about that than I do about the current mystery. Oh, and I 'knew who done it' very early in the story, which also killed some of the zing of the unraveling of the mystery. Book 2 is listed to come out Feb '12, and I might look at it in the store. Whether I'll buy it, as I did this one, is undecided at this time.
January 21, 2015
Overall, the story was enjoyable. But I had a ton of questions regarding Rita's past that weren't answered in the book. Like her friends whom she thought of so fondly didn't really seem to reciprocate her feelings. Also, why was she working at her uncle's place instead of finding work that would make use of her specialty. I realize they raised her but i'm sure they wouldn't want her holding herself back. Also, with regards to Philippe, do people really change that much in a few years? So much so that their entire personality: their way of dealing with people, their likes and dislikes, their trust/loyalty/friendship is a complete 180 degrees? I guess I just didn't like how every uncharacteristic action was chalked up to too much time being passed separately.
August 3, 2015
Meh. Did not really enjoy this, even though I've recently come to appreciate mass-market paperback cozy mysteries for what they are. It was one of those mysteries where you're kept completely in the dark as to who the murderer could be and then it turns out to be a minor character who comes out from left field. You know, the kind of character who's mentioned a couple times in the establishing chapters and then disappears only to become the villain in the climactic fight. The setup was great (woman can't get her husband to sign the divorce papers, comes down to get them signed only to find husband murdered, teams up with former mother-in-law to solve the crime), but the execution? Not so much.
August 2, 2025
This story has a great foundation, an interesting murder mystery, and vivid descriptions that give a tangible sense of place. The reveal at the end is a surprise and provides a perfect, climactic, life-or-death battle.
Too bad the characters are not as vividly drawn! Rita lacks a backbone and possibly self-esteem (working a dead-end job that's far beneath her talents or claiming and supporting friends who disrespect her, for example). I will say that her reactions are realistically portrayed. The rest of the cast is one-dimensional, for the most part. I was prepared to love this book: NOLA, cake, misused lead who gets her step-up... What's not to love? Disappointingly, the execution did not support the premise very well.
Too bad the characters are not as vividly drawn! Rita lacks a backbone and possibly self-esteem (working a dead-end job that's far beneath her talents or claiming and supporting friends who disrespect her, for example). I will say that her reactions are realistically portrayed. The rest of the cast is one-dimensional, for the most part. I was prepared to love this book: NOLA, cake, misused lead who gets her step-up... What's not to love? Disappointingly, the execution did not support the premise very well.
March 2, 2012
If you love great culinary cozies, you'll enjoy this one from Jacklyn Brady. Rita Lucero travels to New Orleans from Chicago, when she received a mysterious phone call from her soon-to-be ex-husband, Phillippe Renier. When she arrives there, she learns he was murdered and his bakery is in trouble. With help from her mother-in-law, she tries to piece the puzzles together on Phillppe's life and business--everyone's a suspect. His new girlfriend, his co-workers, his rivals. Meanwhile, she put herself in trouble and in harm's way, while Detective Liam Sullivan helps her figure it out, before it's too late for her. Great yummy recipes included.
February 12, 2015
I only wish I'd gotten to this wonderful series sooner. But I have three more waiting for me so that is one of the positives of letting them stack up. And all because of the Tennessee Williams connection of the title. I love the wonderful character of Rita! This had a fast paced plot and a solid cast of characters that kept moving things forward. I felt like I just took my first trip to New Orleans!
August 8, 2011
This one is a solid 4.5 stars or a 9 in my own grading system. I REALLAY liked this one. Good story, "real" characters and a great location. I always enjoy stories set in New Orleans. I'll definitely be on board for the next one!
February 3, 2016
3.75 stars
The silly title is misleading for this competent and above average debut, set in the Big Easy in the world of expensive designer cakes. This first in series establishes the scene and players and I will be checking out the next entry.
The silly title is misleading for this competent and above average debut, set in the Big Easy in the world of expensive designer cakes. This first in series establishes the scene and players and I will be checking out the next entry.
January 25, 2016
I've resisted reading this book, based on its title, for several years. However it was a good mystery with likeable characters, a believable plot and the obvious, too good to be true villain. I look forward to the next in the series.
April 21, 2021
This is a formulaic cozy mystery, only instead of the suspects being trapped in a country house, they work in a high-end New Orleans bakery together, and instead of the heroine being suspected of the murder, she has to figure out whodunnit to clear her old friends.
Unfortunately, each of those old friends has one memorable character trait (at most). The victim is neither very likeable nor very consistent. And the intrepid heroine has a nice narrative voice, but despite the length of the book we never really understand her relationship to the victim (her soon-to-be ex-husband), or her family of origin (mentioned over and over but not really there), or even her craft. We do learn a few things about cake design, but they're not worth the price of admission. The handsome heroic cop is a stereotype, and the villain could have been any of three or four people and I wouldn't have batted an eye, because there just aren't enough clues to narrow it down.
The only reason I didn't give this book a one-star rating is Miss Frankie. It was worth having the victim die so Rita could reunite with her mother-in-law!
Unfortunately, each of those old friends has one memorable character trait (at most). The victim is neither very likeable nor very consistent. And the intrepid heroine has a nice narrative voice, but despite the length of the book we never really understand her relationship to the victim (her soon-to-be ex-husband), or her family of origin (mentioned over and over but not really there), or even her craft. We do learn a few things about cake design, but they're not worth the price of admission. The handsome heroic cop is a stereotype, and the villain could have been any of three or four people and I wouldn't have batted an eye, because there just aren't enough clues to narrow it down.
The only reason I didn't give this book a one-star rating is Miss Frankie. It was worth having the victim die so Rita could reunite with her mother-in-law!
April 18, 2018
I liked the idea... baking, cake decorating, New Orleans, mystery. There were a few problems, however. I felt that the character development was seriously lacking. It was difficult for me to care about the characters because I never really developed a connection with them, which in turn made it hard for me to care whether the criminal was ever found. The end seemed like it was out of nowhere.
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