Carol E. Ayer

Overall, this was a fun mystery. The beginning was a little slow, and clunky at times, but things really picked up after the murder happened. I enjoyed Kayla as narrator, and found her to be a fairly relatable character. I didn't like how a lot of her personality seemed to revolve around being a Highly Sensitive Person, and I think it gave her less depth because of it. The mystery itself kept me guessing, wondering who was behind it all. The setting was unique and fun, and very well described. Perfect for cozy mystery lovers.… (plus d'informations)

One of the Facebook groups that I'm a member of recently had a Facebook party to celebrate the release of "Peppermint Cream Die" by Carol E. Ayer and although I was not familiar with the author's name I was intrigued by the title as it reminded me of the Peppermint Bark candy that I've enjoyed giving as a gift over the years (and yes, purchasing a little extra to have at home over the holiday season). I've also discovered that attending a FB release party is a lovely way to spend time with an author and it's always a joy to add to the list of authors that you'd like to read.

This is the perfect title to share with someone that needs a little encouragement and inspiration to think of something she/he is passionate about and then to turn that passion into becoming an entrepreneur. Kayla Jeffries turned her passion into Kayla's Home-Baked Goods by the Sea leaving the San Francisco Bay area where she had always lived and moving and renting a little cottage in Seaside Shores, a non-gated planned community on a hillside overlooking Oceanville Bay. How enticing to think of becoming an entrepreneur, working from home, and taking walks on the beach for a break. Little did Kayla realize that she might one day also become an amateur sleuth.

I was also appreciative to learn that "HSP" means "Highly Sensitive Person" in the series title of The HSP Mysteries." I found the last paragraph of the author's "Acknowledgements" to be very meaningful as follows:

"Lastly, I want to recognize my fellow HSPs...may your life be at the exact level of stimulation that is just right for you. Never forget that the world needs your gentle nature."

A very special Christmas cozy mystery (that could be enjoyed at any time of the year) that I found to be an interesting and multi-faceted story and I'm quite delighted in the discovery of this "series opener." I definitely want to enjoy more of Kayla's adventures.… (plus d'informations)

Peppermint Cream Die by Carol Ayer has Kayla Jeffries investigating the death of her friend, Trudy when not baking up tasty treats for her clients. It is a challenge for Kayla who is an HSP (Highly Sensitive Person), but she is determined to get justice. The killer believes Kayla has something he wants. He will do what it takes to recover it and tie up loose ends. Peppermint Cream Die introduces us to Kayla Jeffries who recently moved to Seaside Shores in California where she has started Kayla’s Home Baked Goods in her cozy cottage. She bakes up delicious treats for her clients and friends. We get to learn about HSP and how it affects Kayla. We see how loud noises affect her along with stressful situations. I had not heard of this condition before nor have I seen it in a cozy mystery prior to this. I found Peppermint Cream Die easy to read. I would have liked more time devoted to character development so I could learn more about Kayla. Kayla finds Trudy dead in her home which devastates her. She becomes determined to find out who harmed her friend. Kayla talks to various people, overhears some promising clues, and keeps detailed notes. Kayla shares information with her best friend, Isabella who is dating the investigating officer (allows her to get some helpful intel for Kayla). I liked the action in the story that helped propel the story forward toward the suspenseful reveal. Kayla begins dating Jason and they spend quite a bit of time together. Their romance is prominent in the story along with Kayla’s baking. I would have preferred the mystery be at the forefront. The ending is sweet and left me smiling. Peppermint Cream Die is a charming cozy mystery with a bevy of baking, a cute cat, scrumptious peppermint pie, a steady suitor, a bellicose killer, and a Merry Christmas.… (plus d'informations)