Book #giveaway

I’m thrilled that SPRINKLES OF SUSPICION has made it to the next level of voting for the

2021 Rone Award!

This level requires readers and fans
to vote for their favorite mystery

from the shortlisted 12 books that were chosen from the first round in the contest. If you would be so kind as to assist me in moving SPRINKLES OF SUSPICION to the final round of judging, I would be truly grateful!

In order to vote you MUST login (or create an account if you don’t have one – but it only takes a quick minute) then go to the contest page and click on the book you wish to vote for. Voting closes Sunday, April 25, 2021.

If you need to create a new account, please rest assured that you won’t get spammed and rarely do emails show up to clog your inbox. Also, and please make note of this, once you create your account, you will be required to click the verification link sent to you via email. If you don’t verify your registration with this link, you won’t be unable to vote. This is very important to help ensure that the voting is fair and maintains the high-quality standards required for this top-tier award.

To login: https://indtale.com/

To vote: https://indtale.com/polls/mystery-rone-2021

To celebrate, I’m giving away a choice of any of my three books to 1 winner. Print limited to U.S., all others will receive an ebook. Use the Rafflecopter below by Sunday, April 25, 2021.

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One glass of cheap California chardonnay cost Emory Gosser Martinez her husband, her job, and her best friend. Unfortunately, that was only the beginning of her troubles.

Distraught after discovering the betrayal by her husband and best friend, Tori, cupcake caterer Emory Martinez allows her temper to flare. Several people witness her very public altercation with her ex-friend. To make matters worse, Tori exacts her revenge by posting a fake photo of Emory in a compromising situation, which goes viral on social media. When Tori is found murdered, all signs point to Emory being the prime suspect.

With the police investigation focused on gathering evidence to convict her, Emory must prove her innocence while whipping up batches of cupcakes and buttercream. Delving into the past of her murdered ex-friend, she finds other people had reasons to want Tori dead, including Emory’s own husband. Can she find the killer, or will the clues sprinkled around the investigation point the police back to her?

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Cupcake caterer Emory Martinez is hosting a Halloween bash alongside her octogenarian employer, Tillie. With guests dressed in elaborate costumes, the band is rocking, the cocktails are flowing, and tempers are flaring when the hired Bavarian Barmaid tries to hook a rich, hapless husband. Except one of her targets happens to be Emory’s brother-in-law, which bodes ill for his pregnant wife. When Emory tracks down the distraught barmaid, instead of finding the young woman in tears, she finds her dead. Can she explain to the new detective on the scene why the Bavarian Barmaid was murdered in Emory’s bathtub with Emory’s Poison Apple Cake Pops stuffed into her mouth?

With an angry pregnant sister to contend with, she promises to clear her brother-in-law’s name. As Emory starts asking questions and tracking down the identity of the costumed guests, she finds reasons to suspect her brother-in-law has been hiding a guilty secret. Her search leads her to a web of blackmail and betrayal amongst the posh setting of the local country club crowd. Can Emory sift through the lies she’s being told and find the killer? She’ll need to step up her investigation before another victim is sent to the great pumpkin patch in the sky.

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A father’s disappearance never solved, a mother’s secret taken to the grave, a daughter deceived…

Kathryn Landry thinks her life is just about perfect. She is the owner of a successful interior designer business in Newport Beach, California, and she has an attentive, supportive husband. But her world comes crashing down when her husband, Neil Landry, vanishes without a trace… in a situation almost identical to the disappearance of her father twenty years before.

With her father’s disappearance still a mystery, Kathryn is skeptical that the detective assigned to her case will be able to find her husband. Determined to uncover the truth, Kathryn is plunged into a world of politics, high-priced call girls and wealth. As she begins to search for her husband, a decades-old secret her mother took to the grave threatens to destroy all she holds dear. Caught up in a web of betrayals and deceit, and not knowing who to trust, Kathryn must find a way to survive as she discovers the past has a way of repeating itself.

River’s Ice Cream Cake

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I’m happy to be participating in the Great Escapes Virtual Book Tour presenting SHRIMPLY DEAD, the third book in the Seafood Caper Mystery series by Maggie Toussaint. While I haven’t read any of the previous books in this series, it was a delight to jump in and get to know the protagonist, River Holloway. I found this book easily read as a standalone and the enticing characters have me wanting to go back and start the series from the beginning. River is an engaging person, full of warmth and caring of others in her community – both human and animal alike. I loved how she becomes a surrogate caretaker for so many needy animals, from an orphaned cat to an abandoned chicken flock to a large dog whose owner can no longer care for it. The scenes with her menagerie of pets are both heartwarming and provides some humor… like a cat who begs for a backseat car ride around their island home. River is also a caterer while her new husband (her childhood sweetheart from third grade) owns an ice cream shop. Their interaction is one of respect and love and I greatly enjoyed seeing them work together to solve a multitude of problems.

The mystery surrounding who killed local veterinarian and amateur botanist Jasmine Garr is well plotted with a plethora of twists thrown in to keep the reader guessing. From rampaging alligators to kidnapped chickens to a treasure hunt for an extinct Georgia tree, the reader is taken on a ride. As River begins unearthing clues to find out who killed the veterinarian, she finds the victim had her own secrets. With plenty of suspects to go around, the edge-of-your-seat reveal caught me off-guard, and wrapped the story up with a thoroughly satisfying conclusion.

With River cooking and baking up all sorts of dishes for her clients and for her husband’s shop, there are all sorts of mouthwatering treats mentioned throughout the book. Be prepared to be hungry! Ms. Toussaint provides a couple recipes at the back of the book to try at home. As a bonus recipe, she provided the recipe for River’s Ice Cream Cake for me to share with my blog post. While River bakes all sorts of yummy cookies, her husband, Pete, owns an ice cream shop. They form a partnership, with rousing success, and Ms. Toussaint has combined the two yummy treats into one delectable and stunning dessert! While the ice cream cake isn’t complicated to make, it does take several steps starting at least the day before, to allow for freezing the cake. But trust me when I say the end results are well worth it!!! I made this for a friend’s 82nd birthday celebration (for a very small gathering and everyone had their vaccines) and it was the first time in over a year that we’ve been able to get together. Since her doctor recently insisted she cut out all dairy and gluten in her diet, I made a gluten-free chocolate cake using a recipe from King Arthur Flour, and used gluten-free Oreos along with vegan ice cream, chocolate sauce, and whipped topping. It turned out spectacular and even those who don’t have dietary restrictions, loved it!

Amazon Synopsis

When veterinarian and amateur naturalist Jasmine Garr is shot in her yard, residents of Shell Island press caterer River Holloway into investigating the homicide. River dons her amateur sleuth cap and sets out to discover who killed her former catering customer.
Between Jasmine’s estranged cousin, a rival veterinarian, a wild animal trapper, the chicken lady, and a real estate broker, River has plenty of suspects to consider. As she peels back the layers of Jasmine’s life, dangerous secrets come to light.

Jasmine’s orphaned kitty, Iris, along with River’s cat Major, and her husband Pete help River sift through the evidence. At the same time, River recently expanded her catering business. She must service her regular catering clients, plus provide fresh baked goods for Pete’s ice cream shop.
The killer follows River’s every move relishing the thought of another victim. Time is running out. Will River solve the murder before she becomes a cold dish?

A special thanks to Maggie Toussaint for providing two lucky winners with a print copy of SHRIMPLY DEAD. Contest ends April 24, 2021 at 11:59 pm PST, is limited to U.S. residents, and is administered by Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours. 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!)

River's Ice Cream Cake

Ingredients

1 8-inch cake layer made according to your cake mix* directions (River suggests devil’s food cake mix; she saves the extra cake round in the freezer for next time))
1.5 quarts of ice cream* (River used Cookies and Cream Ice Cream)
Hot Fudge Sauce, room temperature
18 Oreos, separated with filling discarded. Crush about 10 Oreos and hold about 16 separated rounds in reserve.
Cool Whip non-dairy topping, refrigerated/thawed

Instructions

The Day Before Directions

Create enough room in your freezer for the assembled layer cake.
Move frozen Cool Whip into the refrigerator.
Bake the 8-inch cake layer ahead of time according to mix directions. Wrap and freeze individually. You'll only use one layer.
Soften the ice cream on the counter, about 15 minutes. Meanwhile, line your 8-inch cake pan with parchment paper. When ice cream is soft, press it into cake pan and freeze; overnight works best.**

Assembly

Mix the filling by combining 1/2 cup room temperature hot fudge sauce with the crushed Oreos.
Place one prepared and frozen 8-inch cake round on a platter or cake stand that can go in the freezer.
Spread the filling over the top of the cake layer.
Top the filling with the prepared round of ice cream.
“Ice” the cake with the entire thawed Cool Whip container. Decorate the top of the cake with 1 tablespoon room temperature hot fudge sauce pushed through a tiny hole in a zip closure bag (twist bag to force the sauce toward the hole and squeeze the bag consistently to get that thin drizzled effect).
Press reserved Oreos onto sides of the cake as decoration. Freeze the cake.

To Serve

Remove cake from freezer 10 minutes before serving. Slice and serve. If any ice cream cake remains, return it to the freezer as soon as possible.

Notes:

*For variations, substitute other cake mix and ice cream flavors.
**If your cake pans are 9 inches, use them for the cake and ice cream layers. Adjust filling to 3/4 cup room temperature hot fudge sauce and about 13 crushed Oreos.

Cinnamon & Sugar's Notes:

My cake layer shrunk during baking so the ice cream layer was too wide. I used a hot knife (dipped in hot water and dried) to carve the ice cream round to fit the cake layer. Use the shaved ice cream to fill in any spaces between the cake layer and the ice cream layer before "frosting".
If ice cream becomes soft while frosting, return to the freezer for 15 minutes then proceed.
After adhering the Oreo rounds to the side of the cake, I returned the cake to the freezer for 15 minutes to firm up the "frosting" before adding the chocolate drizzle.
I used a gluten-free, dairy-free cake, gluten-free Oreos, vegan chocolate sauce, vegan ice cream, and vegan whipped topping, which is softer than Cool Whip. I found it necessary to apply a light layer of the topping over the cake, freeze for 15 minutes, then apply another layer of the topping.

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TOUR PARTICIPANTS

April 13 – I’m All About Books – SPOTLIGHT
April 13 – Cinnamon, Sugar, and a Little Bit of Murder – REVIEW, RECIPE
April 13 – Novels Alive – GUEST POST
April 13 – #BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog – SPOTLIGHT
April 14 – Author Elena Taylor’s Blog – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
April 14 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT
April 14 – Tea Book Blanket – SPOTLIGHT
April 15 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
April 15 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT
April 16 – Christa Reads and Writes – REVIEW
April 16 – Literary Gold – REVIEW
April 17 – Sneaky the Library Cat’s Blog – CHARACTER INTERVIEW
April 17 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
April 17 – MJB Reviewers – SPOTLIGHT
April 18 – I Read What You Write – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
April 18 – Cozy Up With Kathy – SPOTLIGHT
April 19 – StoreyBook Reviews – CHARACTER GUEST POST
April 19 – A Wytch’s Book Review Blog – CHARACTER INTERVIEW
April 20 – Baroness’ Book Trove – REVIEW
April 20 – My Reading Journeys – REVIEW
April 21 – Cassidy’s Bookshelves – GUEST POST
April 21 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW, AUTHOR INTERVIEW
April 21 – My Journey Back The Journey Back – CHARACTER GUEST POST
April 22 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – CHARACTER GUEST POST
April 22 – Mysteries with Character – REVIEW
April 23 – BookishKelly2020 – SPOTLIGHT
April 23 – Mystery Thrillers and Romantic Suspense Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
April 24 – Brooke Blogs – SPOTLIGHT, RECIPE
April 24 – Books a Plenty Book Reviews – REVIEW, CHARACTER INTERVIEW

I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Scottish Pancakes

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DEADLY EDITIONS, the sixth book in the Scottish Bookshop Mystery series by Paige Shelton, is another terrific addition to one of my favorite series. The reader is treated to the enchanting city of Edinburgh, Scotland as seen through the eyes of American transplant, Delaney Nichols. I especially enjoyed how the plot revolved around pubs in the area and Ms. Shelton’s strong descriptions brings their quaint charm to life on the pages. I also think that Delaney has just about the best job in the world working as a bookseller/buyer for the Cracked Spine Bookshop and I would dearly love to spend time in such a place. She’s surrounded by a cast of delightful, well-developed characters who each contribute to the appeal and it’s been a pleasure getting to know them over the course of the series. It’s been gratifying seeing them grow and develop relationships, including a marriage between Delaney and Scottish pub owner, Tom. Delaney also has a unique gift in that she can hear “bookish voices” – quotes from books that provide clues to assist in solving a problem or a mystery. It adds to the focus of books and bookshops, and while I’m not familiar with the quotes used, I appreciate the addition.

In this newest release, the plot revolves around the theme of The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, by Robert Louis Stevenson. I loved how the author wove complex intrigue involving this classic dark tale into both an exclusive book treasure hunt and into a long-ago unsolved murder and a current day murder. (Since I couldn’t remember much of the story, I reread the classic Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde after finishing DEADLY EDITIONS!) At the center of these crimes is eccentric wealthy Shelaigh O’Connor, owner of a vast book collection. Besotted with Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Shelaigh created a scandal in her teen years by emulating some of the elements of the dark book. When a copycat appears and Shelaigh disappears, many wonder if she’s to blame for the crimes committed. As Delaney hunts for the treasured book and for Shelaigh herself, she uncovers clues to who had reasons to murder Shelaigh’s friend. As the multifaceted threads of the story came together, Ms. Shelton pens a suspenseful reveal that had me on the edge of my seat, turning pages faster and faster. My only regret was not savoring it longer since I’ll have to wait another year for the next book in the series.

While there aren’t any recipes in the book, Paige Shelton kindly provided a recipe for a delicious breakfast treat. I found these Scottish Pancakes easy to make and my granddaughters loved these as a quick on-the-go breakfast by simply eating out of hand without syrup.

Following are Paige’s comments about her recipe for Scottish Pancakes:

Scottish Pancakes AKA drop scones, these are my delicious discovery of 2021! I love them. Despite the words “pancake” and “scone,” though, they aren’t really either, at least as I’ve come to know pancakes and scones. Though they are simple, as with anything pancake-y, I am patience challenged – I ALWAYS want to flip too soon.

In my recipe research, I found that most people say that the best way to eat these is simply slathered in butter (I read one post that said there should be butter dripping down your wrist). They are sweeter than regular pancakes, so only-butter works, but I enjoy them with fruit preserves and syrups too.

A special thanks to Paige Shelton for providing a winner with a print copy of DEADLY EDITIONS! Contest ends Sunday, April 11, 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!)

Scottish Pancakes

AKA drop scones, these are my delicious discovery of 2021! I love them. Despite the words “pancake” and “scone,” though, they aren’t really either, at least as I’ve come to know pancakes and scones. Though they are simple, as with anything pancake-y, I am patience challenged – I ALWAYS want to flip too soon. In my recipe research, I found that most people say that the best way to eat these is simply slathered in butter (I read one post that said there should be butter dripping down your wrist). They are sweeter than regular pancakes, so only-butter works, but I enjoy them with fruit preserves and syrups too.

Ingredients

1-1/2 cups self-rising flour
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon salt
3 eggs
1/4 to 1/2 cup milk
Butter for pan or skillet
Toppings: butter, preserves, syrup

Instructions

My preferred way of cooking these is in an electric skillet. I set the temperature at 335 degrees. This is about medium if you use a pan on the stove, or since we’re being Scottish, the “hob.” The electric skillet heats up quickly, but if you’re on the hob-top (that’s probably not a real term), I would recommend getting it up to a consistent temperature before you start cooking.
Place the flour, sugar, salt, and eggs into a mixing bowl. Gently whisk until you have a thick, firm batter. Add the milk, a little bit at a time, until the dough smooths out into a thick but pliable batter. The batter should fall off the whisk very slowly. If you overdo the milk, add a little more flour.
Drop some butter into the pan and swirl it around. Spoon heaping tablespoons of batter into the pan. I use a small ice cream scoop. Allow the pancakes to cook until you see tiny air bubbles on top and the cakes move easily with only a gentle push of the spatula. Flip and then let them cook some more. I am a pancake-patience failure and I always flip the first few too soon. Keep in mind, even though these aren’t big, they are thicker than your normal pancakes. I found that about three minutes on each side was about right – but as you probably know, this can all depend upon getting the heat right. Sometimes I even flip them back to the original side and let them cook a little longer – I know this makes pancake experts cringe. But you gotta do what you gotta do.
You’ll need to wipe off the butter with a paper towel and add new when it begins to get too dark.

This recipe makes about 20 three-inch or so in diameter Scottish pancakes.

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I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Salted Brownie Picnic Cake

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BIG LITTLE SPIES, the seventh book in the Paws & Claws Mysteries by Krista Davis, is another fun romp through the charming town of Wagtail! The protagonist, Holly Miller, co-owns pet-friendly Sugar Maple Inn with her grandmother, Oma. I love the close relationship they have. Their furry sidekicks, Trixie, Twinkletoes, and Gingersnap, add appeal with their delightful antics. Trixie especially, with her penchant for finding dead bodies and dragging Holly into investigations. One of the many strengths of this series are the characters, both human and pet alike, whether they be the core characters or visitors enjoying all that Wagtail has to offer. As the story progresses, there are a lot of people to remember. However, there is a handy character list at the beginning of the book for referencing. In addition to the pet-centric town setting, the author always manages to set up a memorable event to capture the reader’s attention. In this newest release, visitors are flocking to the town to participate in the ‘There’s No Place Like Home’ pet adoption charity ball. With vivid descriptions, I felt like I was right there, enjoying all the tastes, smells, and delights that the town has to offer.

Ms. Davis is quick to set up the scenario for a crime to happen, and keeps a strong pace as the story unfolds. When Trixie finds the body of a visiting pet detective, Holly becomes involved. Could it be one of her guests who did the dastardly deed? As the clues are revealed, Holly finds lots of viable suspects including connections to residents in Wagtail. With a dash or two of romance, a glamorous pet and human ball, and secrets galore, this solid cozy mystery kept me turning pages until I’d read the very last word.

Running the Inn with her grandmother, Holly’s chef serves up plenty of mouthwatering food and treats for human and pet guests alike. There are several recipes at the back of the book and I was happy to see that there are several delectable recipes for people and a few safe options for dogs. I was drawn to the author’s recipe for Salted Brownie Picnic Cake (definitely for people and NOT for dogs!) because, well, chocolate! The rich, melt-in-your-mouth cake, doesn’t need frosting. However, a simple garnish of some whipped cream and summer berries makes this even more scrumptious.

Amazon Synopsis

The ladies of the Wagtail Animal Guardians, WAG for short, are in town for a pet adoption charity ball, and Holly is making sure to roll out the red carpet for her special guests. She and her furry best friend Trixie are busy keeping the WAG ladies happy and preparing for the ball when they learn that a retired judge has lost his prized pup.

The venerable citizen has hired a pet detective who has some personal ties to Holly’s new guests. His presence ruffles some feathers, and when the PI is found DOA not long before the ball, Holly wonders if one of the WAG ladies had a motive for murder. To make matters worse, some pet-loving guests of the ball nearly suffer the same deadly fate. Holly and Trixie will have to sniff out the clues and leash a callous killer before they strike again….

A special thanks to Krista Davis for providing a winner with a print copy of BIG LITTLE SPIES plus her famous dog bandana! Contest ends Wednesday, April 7, 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!)

Salted Brownie Picnic Cake

Ingredients

1/3 cup all-purpose flour, plus extra for sprinkling
10 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 ounces unsweetened chocolate
3 large eggs
1-1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
Flaked salt like Maldon
Summer berries (optional)
Sweetened Whipped Cream (optional: see recipe below)

Sweetened Whipped Cream

1 cup heavy cream
1/3 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees (F).
Grease and flour a 9-inch cake pan. Line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper.
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter and chocolate in the microwave at half power in 30-second increments, stirring when the mixture begins to melt. Stir until smooth. Set aside to cool.
Beat the eggs and sugar until thick and light yellow. Add the vanilla and continue beating. Add the 1/3 cup flour and 1/4 teaspoon salt and mix. Add the chocolate mixture and mix until combined.
Pour into the pan, sprinkle with 2 generous pinches of flaked salt, and bake 20 - 25 minutes, or until the center is just set.
Cool completely in the pan before turning onto a serving plate and peeling off the parchment paper.
Serve plain or with Sweetened Whipped Cream and summer berries.

Sweetened Whipped Cream

Beat the cream until it begins to take a shape. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla. Beat until it holds a peak.

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I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Book Sale and #Giveaway

I’m celebrating!!!

Cake Popped Off has won the “Recommended Read” award
in the Reader Ready Award Contest!

**For a limited time, Cake Popped Off is on sale for $0.99,
or, as always, free on Kindle Unlimited!**

Plus, I’m giving away a print copy of winner’s choice of
***Sprinkles of Suspicion or* *Cake Popped Off.***

Print limited to U.S. residents, all others will be awarded ebooks. Use the Rafflecopter below. Contest ends 4/4/21.

Purchase link here: CAKE POPPED OFF

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Editorial Reviews

With loads of family drama, charismatic and genuine characters, and a delectable mystery (or two) to solve, Cake Popped Off! is a wonderful cozy mystery with a Halloween theme.
~Diane Reviews Books

What a great Cozy read! I have to say this one gets my vote for favorite of the year (so far the years not over yet!) and will be featured on my fav’s list.
~My Reading Journeys

This is the second cozy I’ve read recently that floored me when the killer was revealed. Normally I have a clue as to who might be guilty but in this case? Nada, zip, zilch, nothing.
~StoreyBook Reviews

The characters are well developed and well rounded. I really enjoy the relationship between Emory and Tillie. Although they have not known each very long, they have become very close.
~MJB Reviewers

Great characters, a layered plot, and an engaging writing style combine with all the traditional elements of a cozy – plus the added bonus of delicious baked goods!
~Reading Is My SuperPower

Cake Popped Off by Kim Davis is an intriguing book about a wealthy family that has hit a bit of a rough patch with bodies being found near them…I am giving this book five stars and recommending it to all culinary cozy mystery readers out there.
~Baroness’ Book Trove

With characters you can relate to, situations that bring about all sorts of emotions, yummy food, and keep you guessing mystery you won’t be able to tout this cozy down. Makes for a fantastically fun read. I totally loved it so I give it 5/5 stars.
~Books a Plenty Book Reviews

I believe that the Cupcake Catering Mystery Series is going to become one of my favorites. With its gorgeous setting, heavenly cupcakes, baffling mysteries, and entertaining characters, you’ll love this cozy mystery book and series too!
~Christy’s Cozy Corners

Cake Popped Off! is an entertaining and fast-paced cozy whodunit tale that has enough quirky characters, witty banter and humor, romance, family secrets and drama, danger, and intriguing twists and turns.
~Jersey Girl Book Reviews

. . . let me tell you when the killer was revealed the word surprised doesn’t cover it! Blown away! Astonished! Thunderstruck! And this is not the first time Kim Davis has done this to me! Dang! she is an incredible storyteller!!
~Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book

I found the character growth and the relationship growth to be fantastic, and I hope to see that continue in future books in the series.
~Carstairs Considers….

Chocolate Gooey Butter Cake

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PICTURE PERFECT FRAME is the twelfth book in the Tourist Trap Mystery series by Lynn Cahoon. This newest addition to a long-enjoyed series is a fun return to the small beach town of South Cove, California and catching up with protagonist Jill Gardner. It’s like visiting a friend and their charming town after an absence. The descriptive setting is picture perfect, especially Jill’s delightful shop Coffee, Books, and More… a place I’d dearly love to hang out in. Ms. Cahoon has created appealing characters and I love how she introduces new ones who grow into key supporting characters over time. Most of them are hardworking, caring townsfolk, with minor idiosyncrasies. Except for Esmerelda, the town’s quirky medium, who marches to the beat of her own drummer. I really, really have enjoyed Esmerelda, who livens up each of the scenes she’s been in throughout the series and I was happy to see her receive more page time in this book.

In Picture Perfect Frame, Esmerelda is in trouble and seems to be involved in the newest murder in town. Jill’s detective boyfriend, Greg, asks Jill to find out what’s going on with Esmerelda, after she quit her job working for Greg. From there, it doesn’t take long for Jill to start hunting down clues to clear her friend’s name. I liked that instead of Greg telling Jill to stay out of the investigation, he appreciates her valuable input as long as she’s mindful of her safety. Despite there not being a plethora of suspects, there are plenty of twists and clues to keep the reader guessing. The plot moves along steadily and kept my interest. While the reveal was a bit anticlimactic, it wrapped up the threads of the investigation and with a hint at new changes in Jill’s life, leaves me wanting the next installment sooner than later.

Ms. Cahoon includes a recipe for Chocolate Gooey Butter Cake at the back of the book. I’ve never heard of gooey butter cake before so I did a bit of research. This ultra-sweet treat is a St. Louis tradition starting in the 1930’s. I appreciate that the modern version starts out with a boxed cake mix to simplify matters and with the addition of dairy and pantry staples, a scrumptious dessert is created. Ms. Cahoon puts her own spin on this yummy cake because, in her words, “…everything is better with a little chocolate, right?”

Amazon Synopsis

As the owner of Coffee, Books, and More, Jill Gardner likes to support other Main Street businesses, so she attends a paint-and-sip event where, sadly, her brushstrokes look more like blobs. It’s still fun, though—aside from some disruption by a couple doing more sipping than painting. Jill’s police-detective boyfriend is on alert, but a designated driver volunteers to take the drunken pair back to their bed and breakfast, and everything seems resolved. Until the wife’s body turns up the next morning back in the studio.

The victim, Nan, is from out of town, so it’s hard to imagine who’d have a motive aside from her spouse. Now, in between puzzling over her fortuneteller neighbor’s strange behavior, preparing for her best friend’s wedding, and pouring cups of java at the bookstore, Jill must uncover the secrets of Nan’s life and find out who wanted her out of the picture . . .

A special thanks to Lynn Cahoon for providing a winner with an E-BOOK copy of PICTURE PERFECT FRAME. Contest ends Sunday, March 28, 2021 at 11:59 pm PST. 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!)

Chocolate Gooey Butter Cake

From Lynn Cahoon: Dear readers, I have to say when I moved to St. Louis I didn't get the gooey butter cake craze. It just seemed too buttery, too wet, too gooey. Maybe it was for kids. Maybe that was the magic. Because the ones I tried were way too sweet. Then I made a chocolate gooey butter cake for Thanksgiving. And I totally fell in love. So here's my gooey butter cake. Sorry it's not the original, but everything is better with a little chocolate, right?

Ingredients

2 sticks butter, melted (keep separate)
1 package chocolate cake mix
3 eggs (1 egg for bottom cake layer, 2 eggs for cake filling layer)
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup cocoa powder
16 ounces powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla

Instructions

Heat oven to 350 degrees (F) and grease a 9-inch-by-3-inch round springform cake pan.
Mix together the cake mix, 1 egg, and 1 stick melted butter until well blended.
Pat the mixture into prepared pan and set aside.
In the stand mixer on medium speed, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the remaining 2 eggs and the cocoa powder until well mixed.
Lower the speed of the mixer and add the powdered sugar, then mix. Slowly add the remaining stick of melted butter, then mix. Add vanilla and continue to beat the mixture until smooth.
Pour the filling over the cake mixture in pan.
Bake for 40 - 50 minutes.
Cake center should still be a little gooey when finished. Remove cake from pan and let it partially cool on a wire rack before cutting into pieces.
Enjoy with whipped cream.

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I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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I’m thrilled that SPRINKLES OF SUSPICION has made it to the next level of voting for the

2021 Rone Award!

This level requires readers and fans to vote for their favorite mystery

from the shortlisted 12 books that were chosen from the first round in the contest. If you would be so kind as to assist me in moving SPRINKLES OF SUSPICION to the final round of judging, I would be truly grateful!

To login: https://indtale.com/

To vote: https://indtale.com/polls/mystery-rone-2021

I’m celebrating!!!

Cake Popped Off has won the “Recommended Read” award in the Reader Ready Award Contest!

For a limited time, Cake Popped Off is on sale for $0.99, or, as always, free on Kindle Unlimited!

Plus, I’m giving away a print copy of winner’s choice of Sprinkles of Suspicion or Cake Popped Off.

Purchase link here: CAKE POPPED OFF

Editorial Reviews

This level requires readers and fans
to vote for their favorite mystery

Cake Popped Off has won the “Recommended Read” award
in the Reader Ready Award Contest!

**For a limited time, Cake Popped Off is on sale for $0.99,
or, as always, free on Kindle Unlimited!**

Plus, I’m giving away a print copy of winner’s choice of
***Sprinkles of Suspicion or* *Cake Popped Off.***