It took me awhile to get into this book.

At the town's fete Dame Clare, who everyone dislikes, falls over dead. Her doctor claims it was a heart attack since she did have heart issues; however, the old biddies and Gemma's Mom suspect murder. The author does a great job having several possibilities on how and why Clare was killed. Was it the gardener? a fellow cat show participant? a book seller? the daughter? All have reasons to kill Dame Clare. ( )

As always Ellie Alexander has left my heart fluttering and my mouth watering! This was the 8th book in The Bakeshop Mystery series featuring the amazing baker Jules Capshaw. She has a lot on her plate during this book! A wedding to plan, an expansion of her bakeshop Torte, her feelings for her estranged husband, and trying to be there for her friends. To top it off someone has a grudge towards Jules herself and tries to poison her!

This book had me laughing, it had me tearing up, and falling in love with the characters over and over again. Ellie has a way with her characters, she brings them alive. She is able to weave words of meaning, feeling, and scrumptiousness like The Bard himself!

I recommend this series to anyone who loves coffee, friends, family, and a good mystery! You will find yourself lost in the world of the characters trying to figure out the 'whodunit'. This book had me on my toes the whole time guessing and I loved every second of it! ( )

A lovely account of preparations for a wedding, in particular by a bakery, as well as a lovely account of the wedding itself. As is all too common with this series, the mystery was weak. I do love the descriptions of pastries, though! ( )

When our local library resumed its booksales, I snatched up as many cozy mysteries as I could find. This was one of them. I've not read the series previously. I wasn't overly lost while reading this book, but there is a lot going on and it's possible that I would have understood more of the subtext if I'd read previous entries in the series.

This is one of those series that if another book from it presented itself I would probably read it but not one that I will probably go seek out the previous titles in the series to read it.

I did enjoy the "family" atmosphere of the workers at Torte (and apparently most of the town). I liked how people pulled together to marry Jules's mom and Doug (the Professor). However, despite how much that is mentioned in the build up, there is actually very little in the book about the wedding itself which surprised me.

I suspected what Carlos and Ramiro would ask at the end of the book. ( )

4.5 Stars rounded up. I always enjoy my visits to Ashland, Oregon and to Torte. It is like visiting with old friends, they are so likeable and work so well together. Jules and her team at Torte have been very busy finalizing plans for the surprise wedding of Helen (Jules' mother) and Doug (aka The Professor) under the guise of a grand reopening celebration of Uvo Winery owned by Jules, Carlos, Lance and Richard Lord (Jules' nemesis). While this is going on, there are major renovations at Torte, even causing a closure for a few days. Carlos (Jules' estranged husband) and his son are visiting to help with the preparations. The mystery in this book involves Lance and his family. It was nice to finally learn more about this quirky character. Lance has hired a private investigator because he is sure his brother hastens his father's death, for money.

This book kept me turning pages quickly. There were several twists and surprises along the way. With more than one death, attempted murders and the introduction of Lance's boorish brother, the reader is kept guessing. There is a hint of further romance between Jules and Carlos, as well as a possible love interest for Thomas, Jules' childhood boyfriend. With some new characters introduced in this story, we continue to learn more about Ashland and the area. It definitely grows on you and makes me want to visit there more than ever. Another wonderful addition to the Bakeshop Mystery Series and one that left me wanting more. I can hardly wait for the next book in this series to find out where Jules, Carlos and the crew at Torte will go next. The publisher, St. Martins, generously provided me with a copy of this book after my request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own. ( )