Review - Donut Disturb

 I haven't read any of the previous fourteen books in the series but I was able to jump right in just fine.  This new-to-me cozy mystery series features an upscale bakeshop owner as amateur sleuth.  See what I thought of it, and if you've read any of the books in this series, leave a comment about what you thought.  

Author: Ellie Alexander

Copyright: June 2022 (St. Martin's) 285 pgs

Series: 15th in Donut Disturb Mysteries

Sensuality: Mild

Mystery Sub-genre: cozy mystery

Main Characters: Juliet Capshaw, owner of Torte-a friendly, family bake shop

Setting: Modern day, Ashland, Oregon (a Shakespearan themed town)

Obtained Through: Publisher for honest review

Book Blurb: "Love is in bloom in Ashland, Oregon. The Shakespearean hamlet is bursting with fresh spring energy. Fragrant lilacs and the sweet aroma of vanilla cake fill the air as everyone in town gathers at Lithia Park for the celebration of the year—Thomas and Kerry’s wedding.

It’s a picture perfect day. Guests gather on picnic blankets in front of the bandshell to watch Kerry walk down the aisle and wed Ashland’s favorite detective in training, Thomas. Jules and her team at Torte have been tasked with catering the outdoor reception and everything is going according to plan, until a wedding crasher shows up.

The uninvited guest isn’t just someone looking to score a free glass of champagne. It’s Kerry’s estranged father who is supposed to be behind bars. Kerry is distraught. Jules vows to do everything she can to make sure that there are no other surprises on her friend’s big day. But when the bassist for Heart Strings, the wedding band, is found stabbed with the blunt end of his instrument Jules’s promise takes on new meaning. Now she’ll have to slice through the five tiered cake and a bevy of potential suspects in order to track down a killer before they turn the knife on her." 

My thoughts:

Ashland, the town where this novel takes place, is a truly cozy town.  The characters who populate this mystery and delightful (for the most part).  The police chief is called The Professor even, how charming is that?  I found the interpersonal relationships of the townspeople one of the strongest elements of the book.  Although, I wasn't enjoying Carlos much, which is difficult since he is Juliet's husband.  The mystery was solid with a few mis-directions.  The killer reveal was exciting with good tension and a highlight of the book.  The wrapup is typically just tying up loose story strands, but in this case it was touching and stood out.  I am looking forward to starting at the beginning of the series.

Rating:  Excellent - Loved it! Buy it now and put this author on your watch list