Hard Dough Homicide

Spice Isle Bakery Mysteries, Book 2

By: Olivia Matthews

Narrated by: Janina Edwards

Spice Isle Bakery owner Lyndsay Murray is always looking for new ways to grow her family’s business. But she already regrets agreeing to host the retirement dinner for local high-school principal Emily Smith. The tyrant used to be her mother's boss, and they did not get along. Six guests arrive for the celebration, but only five survive. Emily starts convulsing—right after eating the curry chicken—and dies soon after. It’s not long before the police are knocking on Spice Isle’s door, bringing the Murray family back into the heart of another murder investigation—driving away customers in the process. Lyndsay can't help but wonder if this is the end of the bakery, even though it's just begun. She must put aside her reservations about investigating another crime, because the Murrays refuse to go down without a fight.

©2023 Olivia Matthews (P)2023 Dreamscape Media

5 Stars

This is a well developed book with engaging characters and an entertaining plot. I look forward to the next book.

Family

I cannot think of anything. Great listen.....I don't have 15 words to share anything of dislike

intriguing

I like that the story is easily followed. The twisted at the very, very end. That keeps you on your toes, guessing.

Get over it

I really wanted to like this series, but it took everything I had to finish this book. I love cozies, but there are 2 times they drive me insane: 1) when the police constantly fit a character to a crime no matter what happens and, 2) when the suspect /suspect’s friend/family are constantly being irritated they’re a suspect, when it’s completely reasonable for them to be suspected. This book (and the first in the series) some how manages to do both. I didn’t even know that was possible. Stop whining! Stop the repetition! Maybe just investigate to clear your/their name, but stop harping on how horrible they are to investigate you/your family. And for someone who is so afraid of confrontation, the mc sure is confrontational. I get that she’s supposed to be growing/getting more self-confident, and it makes sense when she is confronted and is willing to push back to protect her family. But, she is constantly confrontational. I love the concept of this series - the setting, the family, etc. but I don’t think I will continue.

Like going home for the holidays

Lyndsay is a courageous protagonist and her granny is a feisty senior citizen who enjoys herself and has no turn off button. The rest of the characters fit nicely within the storyline.

The plot was simple, but entertaining. The way the murder occurred was unique and unexpected. The close family atmosphere comes through, loud and clear, throughout the story, and it’s this feeling that makes the story so satisfactory. I really liked the hints of romance for Lyndsay and hope that keeps evolving with future books.

The author is very descriptive with her writing. You can not only picture the bakery easily, but the smells, hit you as well. The story flowed well with wonderful moments of humor, friendship, and family. Recipes are included in the book, which is always a bonus for any cozy mystery reader.

The narrator was excellent. She knew exactly how to bring Lindsay and her family straight to the readers heart.

My review is voluntary and all comments and opinions are my own.