Life has been so busy lately – haven’t had time, it seems, for much of anything – and yet I seem (somehow) to have managed to finish three books this month.
Granted, they have been short books… short and sweet one
s. They’re part of a cute series of mysteries – the Cupcake Bakery Series by Jenn McKinlay.
I’m not sure how I ended up with the first one – maybe a Friday Freebie?
I read it pretty quickly – it was really cute and “light” (if a murder mystery can be light) and a great escape at the end of the busy days of October.
The story revolves around three best friends who own a cupcake bakery together… and the murder in which one of them becomes the prime suspect.
There were a few sub-plots involving the main characters, which continue throughout the three stories, developing as they go.
I liked this continuity of story, combined with the different murders in each book – the characters are just off-beat enough to be fun and while it is hard to believe these folks have this many murders surround them (you’d start to wonder – in real life – what was up if you had this many murders around you!) the ongoing stories and goofball characters they encounter keep you engaged and curious enough to see what is coming next.
There’s the hateful owner of the bakery who is their chief competition, the eccentric fashion designers, the couples who take the Valentine’s-themed baking class and can’t stop arguing, the geriatric gentleman who tries to win the raffle for a Valentine’s dream dinner so that he can “get a life” – the books are full of colorful characters.
I’m reading #3 in the series now, which is focused on a cooking contest in which one of the judges is killed. Of course, he was a mentor and close friend of one of the main characters and she feels compelled to investigate his murder at the same time she is competing against her nemesis (the hateful bakery owner) in this competition. Add to that the fact that her uncle is the investigating detective and her boyfriend is the DA (and her best friend and co-owner’s big brother) and you have some kookiness to come.
If you’re looking for something light and fun – a great escape from everyday life – this is a great series of books to read.
Thoughts Along Life's Highway 
I decided to try these books based on your review of them. You were right. I love them! I’m almost done with the third one. Thanks for the suggestion!
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I’m so glad you liked them!!
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Thank you both for the kind words about my series! I so enjoy writing about these oddball characters and I’m just delighted when readers enjoy them, too! Happy Holidays!
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Oh, how exciting that you have visited my blog! I can’t wait to read more of your series. I have told TONS of folks about the books and my mother is currently reading my copies. My daughter is next in line once she finishes.
Thanks for creating such unique characters (and recipes!) and great stories to escape in.
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