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THEATER NIGHTS ARE MURDER, the fourth book in the Poppy McAllister Mystery series by Libby Klein, is a zany romp with memorable characters that kept me turning pages to find out what happens next. The protagonist, Poppy McAllister, lives with her 80-something-year-old Aunt Ginny, and runs the Butterfly Wings Bed & Breakfast they just opened in Aunt Ginny’s Grand Victorian. Not only does Poppy have her hands full with the B & B, she’s been roped into helping her aunt and senior citizens with their upcoming play. She’s also busy baking gluten-free treats for the dreamy Italian barista, Gia, along with desserts for her ex-boyfriend’s restaurant. Poppy (along with another character) express at the beginning of the book that “nobody likes a love triangle”. I have to wholeheartedly agree and I had high hopes as I waited for the author to write a decision for Poppy. Alas, it didn’t happen which detracted from my overall enjoyment of the story.
Other than that, I thoroughly loved the zippy dialog penned along with highly descriptive language that makes you feel like you’re right there. Each of the characters surrounding Poppy, including her Persian cat, Figaro (aka Sir Figaro Newton) are well-developed and I was especially enamored with Aunt Ginny. A red-headed hoot, Poppy describes her aunt as getting into ‘more trouble than a 5-year-old on a sugar binge’. Ms. Klein knows how to tell an appealing story with plenty of laugh out loud moments throughout the story. There’s also non-stop action from the very first page and she weaves in several subplots into the main murder mystery that keeps the reader engaged no matter what the characters are involved in. With an edge-of-your-seat reveal, the clues are pulled together into an entertaining read that keeps fans coming back for more.
Poppy keeps Gia’s coffee house stocked with gluten-free treats and Ms. Klein has included several recipes at the back of the book to whet the reader’s appetite. Even if you don’t have to eat gluten-free, these all sound delicious enough to try. I was drawn to her recipe for Paleo Carrot Cake Muffins with Rum Raisins because well… cake and rum raisins in an acceptable breakfast form! And they didn’t disappoint! These breakfast cakes are chock-full of flavor while the carrots and raisins add a nice moistness and the walnuts add a nice crunch. I also liked that they weren’t overly sweet since the muffins rely on honey and raisins in keeping with the paleo premise. I’ll be making these again soon for a yummy breakfast treat or afternoon teatime snack!
Amazon Synopsis
The last thing gluten-free baker Poppy McAllister needs in her life is more drama—or more murder.
Poppy thought her toughest challenge this winter would be sticking to her Paleo diet and filling all her orders for her gluten-free goodies, but now she has to choose between two suitors. She’s not the only one with boyfriend drama. Aunt Ginny’s long-ago high-school beau, Royce Hanson, a retired Broadway actor, has returned to Cape May, New Jersey, to star in a Senior Center staging of Mamma Mia. Leaving Aunt Ginny to wonder: What’s his motivation?
Slated to open February 13th, the problem-plagued production seems to be cursed—with stolen props, sabotage, and even a death threat. But when a cast member plunges to his death from a catwalk, it soon becomes clear a murderer is waiting in the wings. Now Polly, Aunt Ginny, and a supporting cast must take center stage to catch the killer—before it’s curtains for someone else.
A special thanks to Libby Klein for providing one winner with an arc print copy of THEATER NIGHTS ARE MURDER. Giveaway is limited to U.S. residents only. Contest ends Saturday, December 28, 2019 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!)
- 1-1/2 cups golden raisins
- 1 cup rum, or enough to cover the raisins
- 1-1/2 cups shredded carrots, about 3 medium (do not use the packaged pre-shredded carrots)
- 2 cups almond flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger
- 1 tablespoon grated orange peel
- 3 eggs room temperature
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup almond oil
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
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In a glass bowl, pour rum over raisins. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and microwave for 3 minutes. Let sit.
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Peel and grate carrots.
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Preheat over to 350 degrees (F). Line a muffin tin with parchment liners or spray with coconut spray.
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In a large bowl, add the almond flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and grated orange peel.
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In another large bowl, add eggs, honey, almond oil, vanilla extract, and orange juice.
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Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix together.
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Add the shredded carrots, rum raisins, and chopped walnuts. Combine and scoop into the muffin liners.
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Bake for 25 - 28 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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When microwaving raisins, set a plate beneath the bowl in case the rum bubbles over.
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I was provided an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I did attend the production of Hair here in 2018.
I did attend a community theater event, but it was a long time ago ~
I can’t wait to read Theater Nights are Murder — I love this series! I have been to a community theater production before, but it was a long time ago.
My husband and I enjoy community theater. We attended most when a nephew of ours was heavily involved for years. It became a family affair with even my brother taking a role. Good times.
Yes i attend different ones depending on what they’re performing.
Love this recipe. Rum is my favorite flavor and these look so yummy!! Thank you.
When I knew people that were performing I would attend. I don’t know many people here so I haven’t attended in TN yet.
I do occasionally. The last was a high school performance of Legally Blonde–what fun! The recipe looks great too! Always on the look out for something different. Thanks!
I love going to plays! I’ve seen Grease, Wicked, Wizard Of Oz etc. Always exciting!
I love community theater – a friend of mine has been performing for about 10 years, and last year directed for the first time – he is great as an actor and a director
I have always attended community theater. My favorite memories of community theater was The Little Theater in Chattanooga. It was a gem.
My mom and I get season ticket for broadway shows at Bass Hall each year.
I have never attended a community theater event or any been to any type of theater but would love to go to Broadway to see a show or 2.
I do attend community theater productions if the production is of interest to me.
I attend if the production interests me.
My mother and I will be seeing Wicked in February. I cannot wait! As far as community theatre, I have not since I used to watch plays at the Princess Theatre in Decatur, AL.
I don’t usually attend community theater events. I would have to go by myself because my husband wouldn’t enjoy them, and I wouldn’t really like going by myself.
I once took my daughter to see The Nutcracker years ago when she was dancing. Would love to be able to see it again with her.
This book sounds great. I participated in drama and speech in high school and had so much fun in our plays. Now I try to catch a show now and then at a community college nearby. They put on wonderful performances. I wish I could participate too, but I’m not sure my current work schedule will allow it.
Though I love community theater and many members of my family even participate, because of severe hypersensitivities to perfumes/colognes/etc. I cannot go to places like that. 🙁
I love going to our community theater, my son was in theater high school through college and I never missed one play he was in.
I have before, but not in a long time.
We just went to a community theater to see a Christmas play last weekend and go to other theaters throughout the year.
I don’t have access to community theater.
We do attend – when they have them, which is usually around the Christmas holiday. When we travel, especially to the Amish communities we can usually find a play to go see and we do. Love them!
We only seem to go when the grandkids perform
We love attending our community productions
I attend and have performed as well as done off stage work. This is a fun series. I also pinned the recipe.
welcome today. Oh but these muffins look great. I will be trying them. thank you for sharing the recipe.
this book looks like it will be a lot of fun.
My husband and I like to go to the local theaters. Then we will have dinner before or after. Date night.
When the kids were home, my husband and son were in theater in church a lot. Our daughter and I helped out backstage.
Merry Christmas to you an yours
I live near a very small town in the Rockies. There are no theaters near us! We are just too isolated! Thanks for the chance to win!
I don’t attend much theater, community or not. I have in the past and enjoyed it, so I should again.
No,I’ve never attended a theatrical production.
Love anything with Community Theater I used to do props for one. I still attend every chance I get. The books sounds wonderful…
Marilyn [email protected]
I saw Grapes of Wrath performed at the Shaw Festival in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario about eight years ago. I’d like to go a show more often. Recipe sounds delicious. Thanks for the chance to win!
I’ve seen a number of theater performances. Thanks for your great generosity.
I do attend community theater productions.
At the high school they awesome musicals really talented kid. I did go to a really fun play that was a community production. It was close by like 17 miles in Green Bay.
My daughter in law (and her mother) are involved in community theatre.
Only went win kids and grandkids were performing. Receipt looks good.
I’ve been to the Valentine Theatre in Toledo, Ohio.
Not regularly but we did go to one several years ago that my niece was in.
I go to some community and campus theater and concerts, but I used to go more than I do now.
Yes, I do.
We do have a small playhouse in my town but I have never been. I want to go someday! I would love to read Theater Nights Are Murder! Thanks for the chance!
I’ve been to many community theatre events, though not recently, and absolutely loved attending. I love cozy mysteries and thank you for the chance.
No I don’t attend community theater events. Thank you for a chance to win a print copy of Theater Nights Are Murder
Yes, I attended community theater events! I was actual involved in it when I was younger.
I attended community theater events when I lived in Wichita KS but I don’t think the Dallas Summer Musicals here would count.
We go every summer to the free Shakespeare in the Part both in our area and in Boston.
I did when my son’s friend was acting but not since I moved from that area.
I don’t even know of any community theater events around here, but I would go if I did!
digicats {at} sbcglobal {dot} net
I need to try this muffin recipe.
Yes I do attend community theater a couple of times a year. They are fun to attend.
I have not attended any community theater as the cost is more than I can muster up. Besides, my Cajun hubby wouldn’t enjoy it and I wouldn’t want to go solo!
Libby, I have found that with having Hypothyroidism, I need to start eating gluten-free! I will be checking out all the recipes in all your books!
I don’t think we have any events in our area or maybe I’m just bit aware of any.?
I haven’t been to a community theater in a long time, but I love going. Thank you for this chance! I love this series!
I attend Hamilton Gibson Productions regularly and have been in their Radio Theater Productions.
I like to when I can. My last event was a mystery murder train. 🙂
Love attending local and surrounding local events! Goal is to go to a larger event with my daughter- she is my theater/music/art passionate daughter:)
I have, and I do, attend community theater events. I also have attended school plays and concerts, including university ones.
We now live in a metro area. Our town itself is small, but the metro, consisting of many large & small places, is large — not like NY, or Dallas, or LA, but large for our state. Anyway, hubby and I have now attended several theatrical events at the Lyric Theater and at our Civic Center. I think these are perhaps a bit more than community theater — not professional, but certainly more than just amateur plays once or twice a year. And the presentations we have seen so far, are musical. The last we went to was A CHRISTMAS CAROL. This is done every year, and has about 7 performances a week, for 6, or 7, or 8 weeks. That’s more than community theater, I think,
We love attending the theater. Even had a part a couple of times. Especially like working with the kids.
I used to attend community theatre events all the time but since I moved I haven’t done so in awhile. I used to participate in them too!
Yes I have attended our Community Theater. Our little theater is called Straw Hat theater and have done plays from The Nutcracker to Nunsence. For amateur actors they productions are quite good.
What an exciting book!
Yes we saw one at our local theater last year and it was great. Thanks for the chance.
Yes we saw a play last year and our local community theater and it was great. Thanks for the chance.
The book sounds amazing.
I love to attend community theater. Use to live in the DC area and there were numerous theaters – and Ford’s Theater even participated in Today Tix free first preview. I was fortunate to get tickets to various shows free previews over the last 3 years. Just move to Charlotte, NC and excited to find the community theater in this area. I think this book sounds fun – especially since I was born on a February Friday the 13th. 🙂
Years ago I attended community theater. Not recently. The book seems interesting.
Thank you all so much for commenting. And a huge Thank you to Kim for reviewing me. My muffins look amazing when you make them! You are truly gifted. I hope you’ll all give Theater Nights Are Murder a read. If you enjoy stage productions you’ll really enjoy it. If you’ve been involved in putting on a stage production, you’ll absolutely love it! xoxo