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Murder Takes The Cake (Daphne Martin, Bk 1)
Murder Takes The Cake - Daphne Martin, Bk 1
Author: Gayle Trent
Cozy murder mystery. When the meanest gossip in Brea Ridge dies mysteriously, suspicions turn to cake decorator Daphne Martin. But all Daphne did was deliver a spice cake with cream cheese frosting -- and find Yodel's body. Now Daphne's got to help solve the murder and clear her good name. Problem is, her Virginia hometown is brimming wi...  more »
ISBN-13: 9780980245363
ISBN-10: 0980245362
Publication Date: 9/30/2008
Pages: 260
Rating:
  • Currently 3.4/5 Stars.
 12

3.4 stars, based on 12 ratings
Publisher: Bell Bridge Books
Book Type: Paperback
Members Wishing: 0
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review

Top Member Book Reviews

vintagejoy avatar reviewed Murder Takes The Cake (Daphne Martin, Bk 1) on + 337 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
In my opinion, excellent first book in a new series. Gayle Trent also writes under the name Amanda Lee, and she has an ongoing series there, these are really good.

In this book Daphne Martin is trying to make a go of her new cake baking business. During a delivery, she finds one of her customers dead. The woman has been poisoned, and even though she never even saw the cake Daphne delivered, the small town rumor mill has decided that the cake may be a little suspicious. This of course does nothing to help business. Lots of action. One of those "I couldn't put it down" books. Looking forward to the next novel. The second book is "Dead Pan", with the third being published 10/11/11; "Killer Sweet Tooth."
VickyJo avatar reviewed Murder Takes The Cake (Daphne Martin, Bk 1) on + 49 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Daphne Martin has just moved back to her small hometown of Brea Ridge in Virginia after divorcing an abusive ex. She is determined to start her life over, with family support (Mom, Dad and sister Violet all live nearby) and a new business making decorated cakes.
She gets off to a rocky start when she discovers her first customer dead. Word soon spreads that maybe her cake was the culprit, and so Daph must clear her cakes, and her name. In the process, she uncovers some secrets that others want kept hidden, and she reconnects with Ben, a childhood friend who is now a HAG (Hot Available Guy).

I enjoyed this,even though the mystery was a little uneven. There are lots of motives, and twists and turns, and I found myself getting a little lost. She relies a lot on women's maiden names and relations to reveal clues. On the other hand, that is very true in a small community! However, I loved Daphne and there were some laugh-out-loud lines that made this a fast, fun read. She describes cake decorating, and I have to say that as a child, I watched my mom decorate enough cakes to recognize what Daphne was doing...it was a little nostalgic! She includes two recipes at the end of the book.

This is the first in the series. She has written a second mystery featuring Daphne, called "Dead Pan" which I bought and am reading right now. (This is the first book I read on my Kindle, btw!)
myhotstylist avatar reviewed Murder Takes The Cake (Daphne Martin, Bk 1) on
Helpful Score: 1
Meh... it was just OK. Id been excited forever to read this book, but it was dissaponting. I lost intrest about 1/2 way through. The main character, Daphne, wasnt all that interesting. Like other reviews, this felt more like chick-lit than mystery. I will not be continuing the series.
reviewed Murder Takes The Cake (Daphne Martin, Bk 1) on
Helpful Score: 1
I really enjoyed this book! It moved along quickly and had believable characters with personalities I want to meet again and again. Keep writing!
Read All 9 Book Reviews of "Murder Takes The Cake Daphne Martin Bk 1"

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ladycholla avatar reviewed Murder Takes The Cake (Daphne Martin, Bk 1) on + 2081 more book reviews
Excellent cozy, suspected the villain part way in, but didn't put it all together until closer to the end. All the why's and wherefores didn't fall into place for awhile. Good story, looking forward to the next one. Good cake decorating tips and recipes. Either name she writes under is fine with me. (Amanda Lee) Easy, quick read, very relaxing.
moondance120 avatar reviewed Murder Takes The Cake (Daphne Martin, Bk 1) on + 422 more book reviews
Amanda Lee writing as Gayle Trent. Daphne has moved to a small town following her divorce and opened a cake decorating business. When her first major client dies, Daphne becomes a suspect. i enjoyed the cake tips and the small town intrigue 3.5 stars.
readermuse avatar reviewed Murder Takes The Cake (Daphne Martin, Bk 1) on + 96 more book reviews
d have to say this was a fun easy and quick read. Usually, I don't always like these type of mysteries since they can quickly become more about stories of gossip. I don't care for gossip stories. However, this one didn't bother me. Yes, it involves gossip, but it is set in a small town and a portion of her own life story was woven into the mystery. Therefore I can see why she sought out more information even if it was through the gossip line.

I give this book 3 stars. It wasn't a complicated mystery but more toward the chick lit side of the mystery genre. It had a lot to do with family and growing in life as well as solving a mystery. I recommend this one to people who want a mystery, but don't want something too heavy.


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