Publication date August 20, 2024

Summary

Lance has started a new theater troupe – The Fair Verona Players, and they will stage their performances in Uva’s Vineyard with food catering from Torte. However, a series of unexplained accidents have left Lance concerned that someone may be trying to sabotage his show before it even gets off the ground. Jimmy, the obnoxious, but talented, lead, claims he is being targeted, but almost everyone assumes he is being overly dramatic, until he is found dead. 

My Thoughts

When I pick up one of the Bakeshop Mystery books, I’m always excited to be rejoining Jules and her family and friends back at Torte. I know I’m going to find a cosy setting, some delicious recipes, a handful of useful baking tips, and a very well-crafted mystery. Somehow, Alexander always manages to balance just enough baking with just enough murder. The pacing is spot on, and there are adequate clues and the perfect number of suspects to create an intriguing puzzle.

The books in this series will absolutely stand alone, but I’d encourage you to start at the beginning so you get to know all the characters and watch them grow over time. That said, I’m currently out of order myself. I was on book 13 when I was given the NetGalley of book 18 last year, and I’m still catching up. 

I received a free eARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. 

About the Author

Ellie Alexander writes three series, has a podcast, teaches and coaches other writers, runs an etsy shop, and started the annual Ashland Mystery Fest held in October in Oregon. (Not going to lie, she impresses me! I’m fairly certain she accomplishes more in the average day than I do in an average month) Be sure to find out more about her on her website.