Jenn McKinlay’s third outing in the Cupcake Bakery Mystery series is even more addictive than the previous two installments. McKinlay’s words flow off the page smoothly, the pages turn effortlessly and you are mesmerized. Death by the Dozen is to be devoured in one sitting – just like the delicious concoctions Mel and Angie serve at their Fairy Tales Cupcakes bakery.
McKinlay’s well-developed characters take center stage and glisten like aurora borealis in this well crafted tale. Melanie Cooper (Mel) and Angie DeLaura are entering the Scottsdale Food Festival and the ladies are intent on winning first prize. Winning the challenge will mean a lot of publicity for the owners, and creaming Olivia — owner of rival bakery, Confections — will be the delectable icing on top. Mel’s culinary school mentor – now celebrity chef on the Food Channel Vic Mazzotta — is one of the judges. Though Mel and Angie aren’t taking advantage of the situation, they are creating yummy sugary concoctions laced with secret ingredients to melt the competition. When Vic is found frozen everyone is wondering who put the infamous judge on ice. Mel and Angie are determined to uncover the cold-blooded killer before they end up next on the chopping block.
McKinlay’s dialogue is crisp, the amateur sleuths are lovable, intriguing, and the fast-paced plot will keep you up late.
Pssst — I’ve no restraint whatsoever when it comes to buttercream cupcakes and McKinlay’s scrumptious series. There, I said it.
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