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MURDER AT THE LOBSTAH SHACK is the third book in the Cozy Capers Book Group Mystery series by Maddie Day. You can always count on this author to start her books off with a bang and this newest release is no different. Up front, you know you’re in for an exciting read with plenty of colorful characters, red herrings, and suspects galore. Mac Almeida, owner of the Cape Cod town’s bicycle shop, is an appealing protagonist. She’s kind, thoughtful, and cares deeply for her family, friends, and community. I appreciate that Ms. Day shows Mac actually working and interacting with her customers, instead of relying completely on her brother (a single dad) to run the shop. Another strength of this series is the tender family dynamic that is the central theme of the story and I love how close-knit Mac is to her brother, niece, father, mother, grandmother, and boyfriend, Tim. Their interaction allows their inner character to shine. But by far, my favorite character has to be Belle, Mac’s adorable African Gray Parrot. She steals each scene she’s in while providing many chuckles to lighten the book.
When a body is found in Mac’s friend’s Lobstah Shack, Mac utilizes her friends in her cozy book club to help solve the mystery. I adore how Ms. Day mentions and quotes from other popular cozy mystery books (in this case Fogged Inn by Barbara Ross) and draws parallels to their own investigation. And did I mention they meet at a lighthouse where Mac’s brother lives? Talk about an intriguing location! The plot was well paced and there were enough suspects to keep me guessing as I turned the pages. As the story wound up, I was impressed at the research the author must have had to do to come up with such a unique method for the death. The cohesive conclusion answered all my questions and brought the story to a close with a satisfying ending and new changes to look forward to in Mac’s life.
Mac is fortunate to be surrounded by people who love to cook and bake. Her boyfriend owns a bakery and her mother loves to serve wholesome, delicious dishes. There are several recipes at the back of the book and I decided to try the recipe for Apple Spice Muffins. Using 100% whole wheat flour, I worried they might be on the heavy side even though I loved the idea of a healthier, whole grain, breakfast option. My fears were for naught and these muffins proved to be a hit. Brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg provides warming flavors and the apples provided a nice moistness to complement the whole wheat flour. These aren’t overly sweet and while Ms. Day suggests serving with butter, peanut butter, or cream cheese, I think a drizzle of honey makes a fine accompaniment as well.
Amazon Synopsis
When murder turns out to be the special of the day at her friend’s seafood restaurant, bicycle shop owner Mackenzie “Mac” Almeida and her fellow book club sleuths have to net a killer . . .
From clam chowdahs to oysters on the half-shell, Tulia Peters’ Lobstah Shack offers locals and tourists in Westham, Massachusetts, some of Cape Cod’s most amazing cuisine. But when the body of Annette DiCicero is discovered in the kitchen’s walk-in freezer—with a custom-made claw-handled lobster pick lodged in her neck—spoiled appetites are the least of Tulia’s worries.
After a heated public argument with Annette, Tulia is a person of interest in the police’s homicide investigation. To clear Tulia’s name, Mac and the Cozy Capers Book Group snoop into Annette’s personal life. Between her temperamental husband, his shady business partner, and two women tied to Annette’s past life as “Miss New Bedford”, there are now several suspects and multiple motives. And they’re getting crabby about Mac intruding on their affairs. . .
A special thanks to Maddie Day for providing a winner with a print copy of MURDER AT THE LOBSTAH SHACK. Contest ends Sunday, December 5, 2021 at 11:59 pm PST and is limited to U.S. residents. Please use the Rafflecopter box located below to enter. The winner will be announced on this page and on Cinnamon & Sugar’s Facebook page, as well as notified by email (so check your spam folder!)
Astra bakes these easy fall muffins as a Sunday morning treat.
Makes 12.
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 cups chopped apples (about 3 small apples)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts (optional)
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Preheat oven to 375 degrees (F) and grease a standard muffin pan.
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Combine eggs, sugar, milk, apples, and vanilla and mix well.
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Separately combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, spices, and walnuts (omit nuts if allergies are an issue).
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Stir dry ingredients into wet with a fork until just mixed. Spoon batter into prepared muffin pan.
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Bake 20 - 25 minutes or until brown on top. Run a knife around each muffin and cool in the pan on a rack.
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Serve warm or at room temperature with butter, peanut butter, or cream cheese.
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I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
“Lobster: yea or nay?” Kind of yea, but it has to be cooked just right. You always think, “Ooh, lobster, an exciting luxury food!,” but it might be kind of intrinsically flavorless. That’s probably why it used to be considered “peasant food.”
True, John!
I’ve lived in land locked states my entire life. I’ve been to Red Lobster exactly once and had the Shrimp Scampi. I’ve never had the opportunity to try Lobstah but I have heard it’s really good.
I love it, Sarah.
It is ok sometimes, but I prefer crab and scallops for a real treat.
Those are delish!
Lobster….YAY! With lots of melted butter! YUM! And the apple spice muffins look yummy too! The book sounds like a great read and I love the cover(esp. the lobster) so cute!
Nay to lobster.
Oh yes! I could eat my weight in Lobster! LOL!
Nay to lobster. Not a seafood eater.
If you had asked me this years ago, it would be yea, but I have given up eating living creatures. More room for cake and muffins!
I’ve never had lobster. We’re nowhere near lobster territory so it’s not something we see much of and it’s quite expensive. I do like other seafood though.
I have never had it.
Lobster? Yea!
Yea
Lobster … yes or no? I generally am yes. However, when we were in Maine, I tried the lobster roll … really good, but I wasn’t expecting it to be cold. I like to put lobster in dips and soups during the holidays.
Lobster? Absolutely! We have if every New Years Day.
And whenever we’re in Maine, of course!
Yes, I like lobster.
No thanks on Lobster for me. Thanks book and recipes look awesome. Thanks for your great generosity.
I like lobster in a lobster roll.There is a place that makes their own mayo seasoned Old Bay.That is delicious! A lobster tail dipped in butter,well I can take it or leave it.Very nice giveaway. Thanks!?
Yes, please!
Yea on the lobster!
not anymore after adopting a vegan life
I’d never seen a recipe using pumpkins spices. But it looks really good.
No lobster for me, thanks!
YES! I love lobster!
No to lobster.
I love lobster. I haven’t had it that many times and I’ve only ever cooked it myself once. I felt bad killing it. Lobster mac and cheese is my favorite.
Love lobster any way I can get it. Sadly living so far inland, we don’t “get” it very often. It’s a favorite when we travel towards the coastline though.
Thanks, Dawn!
Christine, it’s not to everyone’s taste.
Alma, love your enthusiasm!
Leslie, many aren’t.
Marci – more room for cake!
Alicia, I hope you get to try it someday.
Cinda, it’s SO good.
Julie – agree!
Karen M – absolutely.
Heidi – warm lobster is great.
Libby, what a fun New Year’s treat!
Alicia Haney – you have company!
Linda, you are so welcome.
Catherine, lobster rolls can be SO good.
Teresa – same here!
Dianne, me too.
Jacquie – a great move for health.
Angela, they pair really well with apples.
Leslie, you are not alone!
Kay – next time you come to New England!
Lobster–yea, but it’s not my favorite. I prefer crab legs or shrimp!!
Yea. Love it!
love it!!
Nay
Lobster is definitely a yeah for me. I have always wanted to be able to live in Cape Cod or along the eastern shoreline where seafood is more abundant. Thanks for the opportunity to enter this giveaway for Maddie Day/Edith Maxwell’s book.
Yes I like lobster!
Never had lobster. It doesn’t look appetizing
The only lobster I’ve ever had was in a Chinese restaurant and I wasn’t too thrilled. Probably much better at a nice seafood restaurant!
No to lobster. Never tried it. I’m not into seafood. I just like tuna from a can or pouch.
Yea! I love lobster as long a I don’t have to meet him/her first! Just bring it to me ready-to-eat!
Yes, I love to eat lobster. Its one of my special meals when I go out to eat.
I love lobster, especially lobster rolls and lobster bisque soup.
I’m not a fan of lobster, but I’ll take crab anytime.
I have never had it so nay!
A most definite yes!!! I love lobster!!
I had lobster once, when we were on a cruise. It did not have much taste to it and was rubbery. Some one said it was over cooked. I don’t think I would order it again.
I was born and raised(2nd generation) on Eastern Ling Island. Growing up we had all tue seafood anyone could wamt. I only like fish…no other kinds of seafood— my brothers said I mist be adopted(I am not)!! LOL. The last time we went to Red Libster was for my husband’s birthday many years ago. The waitress dumped an entire tray of oyster ice water on my 3 year old granddaughter and mu husband never got his meal. Horrendous and we have never.gone back!
Have never had lobster. Hate to spend that much
money on something I might not like.
thanks for the recipe.
txmlhl(at)yahoo(dot)com
Not a huge fan so that’s a nay from me.
Yea! But as previously mentioned if it isn’t cooked right it’s a huge disappointment.
Lobster is a Yea for me!