Joy L. (vintagejoy) -
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."
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."
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!)
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!)
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.
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!
