Cracker Jacked

A Juli Butler Mystery, Book 1

By: Barbara Witek

Narrated by: Anna Crowe

When the news of her mother’s passing finally reaches her, a guilt-ridden Juli returns home ready to make amends with her past. Turning her mother’s antique store into an organic café for people and their pets seems to be the fresh start she needs. Only she doesn’t count on her old friend, Chase Hargrave, being the town Sheriff or that she’d be his number one suspect when a man turns up dead in her mother’s rose garden.

As clues are discovered, there seems to be more going on in New Hope than murder. Juli will stop at nothing, even if it means teaming up with a feisty parrot and Chase's needy sheepdog, to clear her name and gain his trust. Can two old friends abide by the rules, find a killer, and make peace...or has Juli cooked up more trouble than she can handle?

©2025 Barbara Witek (P)2025 Barbara Witek

Love the book

Really like this book, has some laughs and end made me cry. Kept me guessing, usually i can guess the killer. Wish the next books waa available so i can buy them.

Main character frustrating

Some of the characters were very cringeworthy, especially the main character who made such giant, annoying leaps in her logic and deductions.

Great mystery storytelling!

This high quality cozy mystery has the perfect combination of fast-paced action, giggles of humour, witty dialogue and vibrant personalities. The chemistry sizzles.. I'll definitely get more books in this series!

Fine story, decent narrator, unlikeable mc

The story is fine and checks all my cozy mystery requirements, but I just find the main character kind of unlikeable. She makes giant leaps about who the killer is several times and accuses people based on almost nothing. And chase follows along even though he’s supposed to be a great guy and good at his job. Even though they’re supposed to be best friends she’s not nice to him and the relationship doesn’t feel believable.

Cute whodunnit

Slow start but got going and had a pretty good ending. Will read the next one.