A great start for a series. Loved all the characters and the settings. I will be reading the rest of the series. ( )

Cupcake caterer Emory Gosser Martinez has just seen, with her own eyes, her husband and her best friend Tori together. Several people witness the public altercation that took place outside Tori's house. Not only did Tori break up Emory's marriage, she also posted a fake photo of Emory in a compromising situation - a photo that went viral. So when Tori is found murdered, Emory is the prime suspect. It seems to her that the police aren't even looking into anyone else. It's up to Emory to dig into the past of her ex-best friend and find out who wanted her dead.

This is a little more gritty than the cozies I've read. It was kinda refreshing. I liked Emory. One thing after another was thrown at her and she persevered. Some of the goodies she baked sounded delicious - there's lots of recipes included! It was interesting to dig up Tori's past. An entertaining read and a good start to a new series. I look forward to reading book number two!

Thank you to Netgalley and Cinnamon & Sugar Press for an ARC. ( )

In Sprinkles Of Suspicion, the first book in the Cupcake Catering Mystery Series, author Kim Davis weaves an intriguing cozy mystery tale that follows the amateur sleuth adventures of accountant / aspiring cupcake caterer Emory Martinez.

Set in Costa Mesa, California, Emory Martinez wakes up with a massive hangover, a love bite on her neck, and no memory after a night out with best friend Tori Carlton. That night out costs Emory a lot, she finds her husband Philip cheating with Tori, and after a nasty cat fight on Tori's front lawn, they threaten each other, but Tori goes too far and plasters a naughty picture of Emory on Facebook that goes viral, and costs Emory her husband and her job! But that's just the beginning of Emory's troubles, she goes back over to confront Tori, and finds her dead on her bedroom floor. The next thing you know, Emory is considered the number one suspect in the murder of her ex-friend. With evidence pointing towards Emory, she is determined to clear her name and find out the identity of the killer.

Sprinkles Of Suspicion is an entertaining and fast-paced cozy whodunit tale that has enough quirky characters, witty banter and humor, romance, family drama, danger, and intriguing twists and turns. Told in the first person narrative, the reader can't help but get caught up in Emory's crazy amateur sleuth goose chase of an adventure as she tries to clear her name and solve Tori's murder. The story unfolds with a wonderful balance of comedy, romance, and drama that easily kept me guessing, and left me wanting more. I can't wait to read the next book in this delightful cozy mystery series!

I would be remiss if I didn't mention that at the end of the book is a scrumptious collection of recipes that will make your mouth water!

Sprinkles Of Suspicion is an entertaining story that cozy murder mystery fans will enjoy reading!

https://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot.com/2020/10/sprinkles-of-suspicion-by-kim... ( )

Sprinkles of Suspicion by Kim Davis
Book #1: Cupcake Catering Mystery Series
Source: NatGalley
Rating: 3/5 stars

**MINI-REVIEW**

The Bottom Line: OK, the brutal truth is this: I liked this book, but some issues need to be dealt with if I am going to continue reading this series. First and foremost is the constant dimwitted nature of Emory; it is an absolute wonder she made it to the end of the book without getting herself killed. Even a handful of characters comment on her oblivious nature and that needs to change if I’m going to take her seriously outside of the kitchen. Next, the writing needs to be tightened up to avoid repetition and the plot needs to be a bit more complex to keep readers truly interested and engaged. With all that being said, I still liked this book. As it stands, it isn’t a big thinker, but a nice little escape that kept me turning pages. I have to say, I was largely turning pages because of the descriptions of Emory’s tasty creations, the elderly woman she goes to work for, and her dog. In the long run, these aren’t going to be enough to keep a series moving forward successfully, but there are changes that can be made to ensure success. I see a great deal of potential here and have high hopes for changes in future installments of the series. ( )

Emory starts the story on a down note--she didn't do so hot in finding a new best friend in Tori, who went on to sleep with her husband and somehow use the internet against her as well. And that's just the first chapter of this fast paced, quirky mystery. I liked Em's family too, even though you can tell her mother disapproves of a lot! And her twin, along with their burgeoning catering business, is a great vehicle for many delicious party and dessert ideas. Of all the characters, I liked the introduction of Tillie near the end. I think they will have a mutually beneficial friendship and hope to see more of her and her industrial kitchen in the next book! ( )