Greetings Friends!
Today, I have a review of Another One Bites the Crust by Ellie Alexander, the newest book in the Bakeshop Mysteries series.
RATING:
SYNOPSIS:
Torte, the beloved small-town bakeshop run by Jules Capshaw, is set to hit the stage. But who would have guessed that murder would makes a surprise appearance?It’s the role of a lifetime for Jules. The Shakespeare Festival has returned to Ashland, Oregon, for the season and Torte has been cast as the supplier of Elizabethan-era treats for the main event. But on the eve of opening night, a brawl between Jules’s friend Lance, the artistic director, and a strapping young thespian named Anthony almost brings down the house, and the next morning, Anthony is dead. Jules knows that Lance loves his drama―and his just desserts―but she also knows that murder is way off-script for him. Now it’s up to Jules to cut through a bevy of backstage betrayals and catty co-stars who all have their own secrets―before the curtain drops on someone else.
Order your copy on Amazon HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
REVIEW:
I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
After really enjoying the previous book (full review here), A Crime of Passion Fruit, I was super excited to get approved for an advance copy and find out what Jules has been up to since arriving back on shore! I’ve been slowly making my way through the series since finishing the last one, but these are definitely stand-alones, so you can start with this one without feeling like you are missing anything.
This is such a fabulous addition to the series, which is a cut above the average cozy mystery. As an actual pastry chef, Jules is a true foodie and her descriptions of ingredients and flavors merging together to create delicious baked goods will leave your mouth watering and your pantry empty! There are also recipes provided, which I’m still trying to find time to recreate!
Some of my favorite moments were the interactions between Jules and her staff at Torte. She has put together a hard-working, reliable, and dedicated team and the concern they express towards one another is truly heartwarming, especially during these cold, winter months!
While I did have to suspend my disbelief again with the mystery element to the story, it was much more engaging this time around. Jules is not butting heads with any form of law enforcement, incompetent or otherwise, and free to conduct her own form of investigating without much negative consequence. Ultimately, I would have liked to see more push and pull between Jules and any antagonists, regardless of their involvement to the case; however, if you like your mysteries more character centered and not easily seen coming, then you should really enjoy this one.
Many thanks to Ellie Alexander, St. Martin’s, and NetGalley. It was a pleasure providing a review!
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