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Cupcake Bakery Mystery #16
Fondant Fumble
The Fairy Tale Cupcakes crew helps two professional football players in knead when the athletes are suspected of murder and their dream of opening a bakery is crushed, from New York Times bestselling author Jenn McKinlay.
Professional football players Keogh Graham and Tyler Matthews want to open a Fairy Tale Cupcakes franchise. They’re spending the off-season in Scottsdale working in Mel’s bakery, learning about the business and how to bake show-stopping cupcakes. The popular athletes bring a boom of customers to the store as football fans flock to see the friends mixing batter and piping icing.
Everyone’s excited the athletes are pursuing their dream of owning a bakery—except for those who fear the players will ditch football for fondant and retire early from professional sports. The angry naysayers include their team owner and Keogh's sports agent, along with some very vocal fans.
When the owner of their team, the Arizona Scorpions, is found dead on the floor of their new bakery following an argument with Keogh, the pros become prime suspects. As the investigation heats up, Mel and the rest of the cupcake bakery crew must step up and prove their franchise owners are innocent before it’s game-over for the new bakers.
Professional football players Keogh Graham and Tyler Matthews want to open a Fairy Tale Cupcakes franchise. They’re spending the off-season in Scottsdale working in Mel’s bakery, learning about the business and how to bake show-stopping cupcakes. The popular athletes bring a boom of customers to the store as football fans flock to see the friends mixing batter and piping icing.
Everyone’s excited the athletes are pursuing their dream of owning a bakery—except for those who fear the players will ditch football for fondant and retire early from professional sports. The angry naysayers include their team owner and Keogh's sports agent, along with some very vocal fans.
When the owner of their team, the Arizona Scorpions, is found dead on the floor of their new bakery following an argument with Keogh, the pros become prime suspects. As the investigation heats up, Mel and the rest of the cupcake bakery crew must step up and prove their franchise owners are innocent before it’s game-over for the new bakers.
271 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 4, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 176 reviews
May 8, 2024
Wow! Football and murder, along with some delectable cupcake treats. I finished two books this morning, and I had a light day, so I moved on to a third in between my nap and dinner prep this evening. Two famous football stars want to open a franchise, so Mel and Angie allow it to happen. This installment mostly focuses on Mel and how she solves the crime... less on Tate and Angie. I liked the side cast but there weren't a whole lot of possible suspects. It also felt like it moved rather quickly... so while I enjoyed it, I think it needed a bit more substance. That said, Jenn McKinlay is writing 4 books a year lately, so I totally understand why it's lighter this time. Hoping it gets back on track in the next one.
June 11, 2024
Fondant fumble is a touchdown! This was a really fun addition to the series! I love the characters in this series and it is always so fun to be back hanging w/ the fairy tale cupcake gang! I also enjoyed that Mel and Dear Joe got a big surprise!
I would recommend this book to any cozy mystery lover!
I would like to thank netgalley, the author Jenn McKinlay and the publisher for the opportunity to review this book!
I would recommend this book to any cozy mystery lover!
I would like to thank netgalley, the author Jenn McKinlay and the publisher for the opportunity to review this book!
June 29, 2024
This is book 16 in the Cupcake Bakery Mystery series and while it is the first one I have read that didn’t hinder my enjoyment at all. The Fairy Tale Cupcakes crew is thrilled when two local football stars want to open a franchise. As they help them set up a man is found dead in the store covered in scorpions (as far as stumbling on a body in cozy mysteries goes this was pretty unique). When one of the franchise owners is suspected as the killer Mel knows she has to investigate and ensure the right killer is sent behind bars. I really liked the cast of characters in this one and thought Mel although Mel wasn’t the greatest skilled amateur sleuth (her deductive reasoning skills needed some work) I liked her and want to read more books with her in them. The descriptions of delicious cupcakes didn’t hurt either. Overall 4.5 stars rounded up because it’s a series I will be happy to revisit.
May 17, 2024
This book is so perfect like how does Jenn McKinlay do this? I'm serious, how does she just manage to cook up something so fresh (see what I did there?) after 15 books have already been published? This book is awesome. This book follows Melanie "Mel" DeLaura when she finds yet another dead person while opening up her new franchise location. One of her business partners is being accused of the crime so she decides that she must help him clear his name. What was really fun is that we get new characters as well as the antics of all the known players which is why I recommend reading the series but the book is so good that it would stand on its own if you don't want to do that. I found this book charming and honestly you can never go wrong with a Jenn McKinlay book, she's just an absolute legend when it comes to writing warm and cozy books. I highly recommend!
Thank you to NetGalley, Berkley Publishing Group | Berkley, and Jenn McKinlay for letting me read an advance reader copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to NetGalley, Berkley Publishing Group | Berkley, and Jenn McKinlay for letting me read an advance reader copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
May 31, 2024
Another fun addition to the series! I love my visits with Mel, Angie, Tate, and the gang, and this mystery had me guessing until the very end. There was no shortage of suspects and despite the serious subject matter of murder, there were still some humorous and even more heartwarming moments. Hoping for more in the series.
I received a copy from #NetGalley and #DreamscapeMedia for an honest review.
I received a copy from #NetGalley and #DreamscapeMedia for an honest review.
May 27, 2024
When two professional football players, Keogh Graham and Tyler Matthews, announce their intent to open their own Fairy Tale Cupcakes franchise, the news is met with mixed reactions, to say the least. No one is more opposed to the plan than the team owner since the dynamic football duo is the team's only hope for a championship win. Unfortunately, said owner is soon found dead on the new bakery's floor, and Keogh is the primary person of interest in his murder. As the evidence mounts against Keough, Mel is determined to prove his innocence by identifying the murderer; but the stakes become higher than she anticipated.
This is Jenn McKinlay at her finest! Mel, Dear Joe, Tate, Angie, and other beloved characters all make appearances, some more than others, but the movie quotes and their camaraderie have not changed. The pace and the dialogue flow, and the mystery is complex enough to keep readers guessing. Keogh, Tyler, and Keogh's mother - Mama June, are all welcome additions to the series, and I hope we have not seen the last of them.
Allyson Ryan does her usual superb job of voicing these characters, bringing them to life.
I received a copy of this audiobook from #NetGalley and #dreamscapemedia for an honest review.
This is Jenn McKinlay at her finest! Mel, Dear Joe, Tate, Angie, and other beloved characters all make appearances, some more than others, but the movie quotes and their camaraderie have not changed. The pace and the dialogue flow, and the mystery is complex enough to keep readers guessing. Keogh, Tyler, and Keogh's mother - Mama June, are all welcome additions to the series, and I hope we have not seen the last of them.
Allyson Ryan does her usual superb job of voicing these characters, bringing them to life.
I received a copy of this audiobook from #NetGalley and #dreamscapemedia for an honest review.
May 29, 2024
Fondant Fumble (Cupcake Bakery Mystery #16) by Jenn McKinlay
Narrated by Allyson Ryan
Publisher: Dreamscape Media
Genre: General Fiction (Adult), Mystery & Thrillers
Expected Publication Date: June 4, 2024
Fondant Fumble is the 16th book in the Cupcake Bakery Mystery series by Jenn McKinlay. This book can be enjoyed as a standalone cozy mystery or as part of the series. I have not read all of the previous books (this is the third book from this series that I’ve read) and I enjoyed it very much.
This was such a fun read! I loved how this book brought in characters from the local professional football team. This was a nice treat to get me to the start of pre-season!
The one thing I didn’t like about this book was it revolved around a pregnancy. Instead of focusing on the murder or further character development, each chapter was diluted with morning sickness and pregnancy chatter. I probably won’t be continuing with the series because of this. Motherhood isn’t in the cards for me, so reading sickly sweet stories of pregnancy and babies aren’t my thing anymore. (I do get that most readers enjoy those topics, but I have trouble relating and it’s a turnoff for me.)
I enjoyed the narration by Allyson Ryan. I liked how she gave a voice to each character.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Narrated by Allyson Ryan
Publisher: Dreamscape Media
Genre: General Fiction (Adult), Mystery & Thrillers
Expected Publication Date: June 4, 2024
Fondant Fumble is the 16th book in the Cupcake Bakery Mystery series by Jenn McKinlay. This book can be enjoyed as a standalone cozy mystery or as part of the series. I have not read all of the previous books (this is the third book from this series that I’ve read) and I enjoyed it very much.
This was such a fun read! I loved how this book brought in characters from the local professional football team. This was a nice treat to get me to the start of pre-season!
The one thing I didn’t like about this book was it revolved around a pregnancy. Instead of focusing on the murder or further character development, each chapter was diluted with morning sickness and pregnancy chatter. I probably won’t be continuing with the series because of this. Motherhood isn’t in the cards for me, so reading sickly sweet stories of pregnancy and babies aren’t my thing anymore. (I do get that most readers enjoy those topics, but I have trouble relating and it’s a turnoff for me.)
I enjoyed the narration by Allyson Ryan. I liked how she gave a voice to each character.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 30, 2024
Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy!!! Big things are in store for Mel, Joe, Angie & Tate as well as the rest of the cupcake crew in this installment of the Cupcake Girls Mystery Series! The newest franchisee is turning out to be huge for promoting the business, but also brings huge opportunities for sabotage as someone is killing off perceived enemies to the newest franchise owner! Add in lots of personal drama and you have a hilarious afternoon of reading or in my case, listening! The narration on the audiobook is outstanding as they really bring the unique personalities to life and give the story an added dimension! As always, wonderful characters fully developed to lure you in and make you care about the outcome of the story as well as a delightfully woven mystery to keep you guessing and turning pages or listening! A truly can't miss series and this book is an absolute must read or listen!
April 14, 2024
FONDANT FUMBLE is the latest installment to Jenn McKinlay’s Cupcake Bakery series and it’s definitely a fun one! If you’re a football fan, then I have no doubt that you’ll devour this book.
When two professional football players come to the bakery to learn how to bake, it brings a flock of fans and excitement along with it. Creating such an interesting event in a long-standing series like this one is a huge feat, but McKinlay did just a good job with it. I never thought I would see a football theme in a bakery mystery series, but this worked out so well.
That being said, this might be one of my favorite books in the series. The unique concept enlivened the already fun-loving series, making it fun and exciting. I cannot wait to see what other tricks McKinlay has up her sleeve for future books in the series.
Only Jenn McKinlay can find a way to mix football and baking together in one book! FONDANT FUMBLE is a massive touchdown, perfectly blending together humor, mystery and fun into one delicious treat!
When two professional football players come to the bakery to learn how to bake, it brings a flock of fans and excitement along with it. Creating such an interesting event in a long-standing series like this one is a huge feat, but McKinlay did just a good job with it. I never thought I would see a football theme in a bakery mystery series, but this worked out so well.
That being said, this might be one of my favorite books in the series. The unique concept enlivened the already fun-loving series, making it fun and exciting. I cannot wait to see what other tricks McKinlay has up her sleeve for future books in the series.
Only Jenn McKinlay can find a way to mix football and baking together in one book! FONDANT FUMBLE is a massive touchdown, perfectly blending together humor, mystery and fun into one delicious treat!
February 27, 2024
When a couple of NFL stars decide a Fairy Tale Cupcake franchise would be a great investment and retirement plan, Mel and the gang can't believe it. Once the bakery is open though everything starts to go wrong. Great addition to the series. I could not put this book down. Amazing characters with some laugh out loud surprises, with a good mystery.
July 16, 2024
At first, I didn't think I was going to be into the franchise aspect of the story, but I wound up really enjoying it. The mystery was good, and made sense, and I still got to enjoy the Fairy Tale Cupcake crew, including some Oz.
June 4, 2024
The newest franchisees of Fairy Tale Cupcakes are a little different than the other franchise owners. These owners are both pro football players. And not just any pro players - they are the star QB and receiver for the Arizona Scorpions, Mel and Angie's local team. The team that everyone cheers for. Wanting to invest in a local business, Keogh Graham and Tyler Matthews have decided to open the bakery near their stadium. Problem is, not everyone is as thrilled as the girls and Angie's brothers. Before they even opened, a rival fan was outside the bakery making a nuisance. And then the team owner, who is now married to Keogh's ex, is found dead in their new bakery...
I love this series, but this may be it. Small spoiler is why: The mystery was enjoyable, and I found it tough to figure out the guilty party. I really hate to give up on this series, but we'll see.
I love this series, but this may be it. Small spoiler is why: The mystery was enjoyable, and I found it tough to figure out the guilty party. I really hate to give up on this series, but we'll see.
June 4, 2024
Fairytale Cupcakes is back to solve the case in Jenn McKinlay's newest addition to the series, Fondant Fumble.
When two local NFL superstars decide to buy a franchise of Fairytale Cupcakes, things seem to be only looking up. That is until Mel finds the body of the owner of the local NFL team dead in the franchise bakery. Fingers are quick to point to the team's quarterback, Keogh Graham, who was first in the bakery calling 911 when Mel arrived. Mel isn't about the let this franchise fail and Keogh go to jail for something he obviously didn't do.
I really enjoy this series and this one didn't disappoint. We are introduced to two new characters, Keogh and Tyler, who buy the franchise. They are a nice addition the delightful cast of characters we've come to know throughout this cozy mystery series. The only thing that would make listening to this mystery any better would be to have a tray of cupcakes at my side while I was listening. As with each new story in the series, I hope this isn't the last we see of the Fairytale Cupcake crew and they'll be back for more sleuthing in the future.
Thank you to Dreamscape Media and Netgalley for a copy in exchange for review consideration.
When two local NFL superstars decide to buy a franchise of Fairytale Cupcakes, things seem to be only looking up. That is until Mel finds the body of the owner of the local NFL team dead in the franchise bakery. Fingers are quick to point to the team's quarterback, Keogh Graham, who was first in the bakery calling 911 when Mel arrived. Mel isn't about the let this franchise fail and Keogh go to jail for something he obviously didn't do.
I really enjoy this series and this one didn't disappoint. We are introduced to two new characters, Keogh and Tyler, who buy the franchise. They are a nice addition the delightful cast of characters we've come to know throughout this cozy mystery series. The only thing that would make listening to this mystery any better would be to have a tray of cupcakes at my side while I was listening. As with each new story in the series, I hope this isn't the last we see of the Fairytale Cupcake crew and they'll be back for more sleuthing in the future.
Thank you to Dreamscape Media and Netgalley for a copy in exchange for review consideration.
June 10, 2024
Mel can’t believe it when 2 players from the Phoenix Scorpions want to open a cupcake franchise. But when one of them is framed for murder, she’s going to have to solve the case before the franchise and Phoenix lose out. I loved this new book in the series, and appreciate the Packer colors on the front. New characters are fun, but I did miss being in the bakery a bit. Thanks to Netgalley for the free copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 9, 2024
Mel and Angie don't believe Tate when he announces Arizona Scorpions stars Keogh Graham and Tyler Matthews want to open a Fairy Tale Cupcakes franchise. When the two football players walk into the bakery, Mel and Angie are stunned - and a bit starstruck! The quarterback and wide receiver are looking for a small business to invest in as they prepare to retire and they have decided on Fairy Tale Cupcakes! When Mel goes to the new location to teach the guys how to bake, she finds an eager participant in Keogh while Tyler is excited to eat his weight in cupcakes. Not everyone is excited for the football players to turn bakers, however, One overzealous fan of their rival team makes a scene before they're even open. Mel panics about her bakery's reputation and encourages security cameras. Before Ray DeLaura can get the cameras from his guy, the newest Fairy Tale franchise opens to a packed house with all existing stock sold! The opening is a rousing success - until the team's owner, Chad Dayton and his trophy wife Kendall enter the building. Chad is openly hostile towards Mel and insists she fire the guys, cancel their franchise and even offers to pay her so the players stay focused solely on the game and winning championships. Mel can't be swayed and it isn't her decision to make. Keogh and Tyler stand firm in their decision but the next day, when Mel comes to help bake, she discovers a man lying on the floor unresponsive. When she tries to see if he is breathing, a scorpion crawls out of his sleeve causing Mel to panic and move away. When rescue arrives, it's too late. Arizona Scorpions owner Chad Dayton was killed by his team's namesake- or was he? The police suspect Keogh is the killer! Mel knows in her heart he didn't do it and when Keogh's Mama June arrives from Savannah to support her baby, they team up to ask questions and find out who might be framing Keogh. Mel isn't feeling so great, food poisoning or something... Everyone has opinions, however, and she's in a panic about whether they're right and if so, how to tell Joe?!
Meh. Football. Yuck. I was terribly upset that this entry in my favorite series revolved around football! Too much toxic masculinity for me there. However, I enjoyed the mystery a lot. It was a little cartoonish, especially at the end, but kept me guessing. I relate strongly to Mel and have the same prejudices for the same reasons so I was thinking the same things she was but then she changed her mind and I did too. I wasn't entirely sure who the murderer was. I actually thought it was someone else until a shocking and sad development halfway through. What I did NOT enjoy about this book was the "cozy" development or lack thereof. The running gag got old super fast and it was gross and silly. I was very annoyed by that plot line and am very upset at this latest development.
Also, the crew is missing from the action! They all make cameos but none of the regulars are involved in the sleuthing. The only regular cast member who appears on page more than once or twice is Ray. I love Ray! He's such a stereotype but he's more intelligent than he looks and acts. He's a softie lurking under a gangster exterior. Of course he's a comic character so he goes and ruins things with his wannabe side hustle, also proving he doesn't really understand supply and demand after all. More signed jerseys equal LESS money than fewer signed jerseys. Get Keogh to sign ONE jersey and ONE apron! Sell to the highest bidder. Do not repeat! Ray's comments about why men react to sports losses the way they do are interesting and informative but once again, he adds a usual bon mot. Tara has been good for him. It's an odd pairing but somehow they work. Steve Wolfmeier appears on scene to represent Keogh.
Mel doesn't even do much sleuthing either. Mel is pretty naïve or really stupid not to realize what's going on with her body. I figured it out very quickly. I don't like babies, don't have them, don't want them, don't enjoy reading about them AT ALL.
I don't think Mel and Joe should have children. He's already been worried about the bad guys coming after Mel, it's going to be much worse if they have children. They both work late a lot and they have two adorable furbabies who may or may not welcome a two-legged sibling. Who is going to clean Captain Jack's litterbox? Even though numerous people have keys to the house, I can't see Joyce doing it or even Maria or any of the brothers or Tate (he's busy working too). Angie is busy with her baby so that leaves Joe who works long hours and often falls asleep as soon as he's home. Angie's personality transplant is super obnoxious. I liked her better when she was a firecracker prepared to defend her friends and bakery. Joyce is super obnoxious and she's very rude to Mel in this book. Mel takes words unsaid as a compliment but I think Joyce's words she did say were rude and her praise of "Dear Joe" but not of her own daughter speaks volumes about her feelings towards Mel. Yikes!
I did like some of the new characters. Keogh is great! He's business savvy, self-aware enough to know when it might be time to walk away from the game for the sake of his health. He's a sweetheart who loves his teammates like brothers, praises his understudy whatever you call it and is enthusiastic about baking. His mama raised him right. Speaking of mama, I adore Mama June! She loves her baby but mostly allows him to be a man. She knows he's not a killer and knows instinctively the best way to go about investigating the murder. Mama June is kind and loving towards everyone, even giving second chances. I hope she comes back! Tyler, on the other hand, is not so easy to love as Keogh. He's kind of sexist and is not as business savvy as Keogh. He dismisses the bakery as a mere side hustle, unimportant and complains a lot about Mel's signature pink color scheme. If you don't like the look why are you buying this franchise? I think Tyler might be the murderer. He seems to have lied about where he was when the body was discovered and there are other clues that point to him.
Chad Dayton was so awful! He had to go. He's owned the team for only 10 years and they have yet to give him a Super Bowl ring so he has a chip on his shoulder. Dayton thinks they need to focus only on the game. No family, no friends, no social life, no hobbies, no side hustle- no NOTHING except football! He's pushing Keogh to sign a new contract when Keogh isn't sure he can be fully committed to the game. Keogh is worried about his health and Dayton dismisses Keogh's concerns. He tries to intimidate, threaten and bully his way towards getting what he wants. It seems to have worked with Kendall, his trophy wife. She once dated Keogh but he broke up with her and she quickly married the recently divorced, much older Chad Dayton. Kendall is a human Barbie doll. Her face has been Botoxed to death and she can barely move a muscle. She's vapid. Kendall doesn't seem to like other women much. She's rude to Mel because Mel (and probably other women) don't fall for her batting her eyelashes, tossing her hair trick. Yuck. Kendall can't even really muster enough energy to be a proper mean girl but there's an inner mean girl lurking there. She sounds like a gold digger too. Kendall also does seem genuinely upset at the death of her husband though.
What's up with Cheri the chef? She rushes out of there when she learns the police are coming. How did her prior record not show up when they hired her? Why did she run if she's innocent of killing Dayton? Coach Casella is a better choice for murderer. He gently stands up to his boss and is kind to Mel, at first but then he starts acting like Dayton shouting about staying in the game, winning championships. Seriously? Does no one in this sport value the human cost? C.J. and Thad Dayton, the team owner's sons, are buffoons and blowhards but I would not have put it past them to hire someone to kill their dad. However, the timing is bad because he left the team to Kendall. If they can pin the murder on HER then they could inherit the team but they seem to be focused on Keogh which doesn't make sense. They're not clever criminals if they did do it. Another good suspect is Blaise, the sports agent. If Keogh and Tyler retire, Blaise Benson loses his generous income too. He'd have to find new clients and apparently Keogh and Tyler are to Arizona are what Brady and Gronk are to my dad and his buddies and the nearly entire male population of New England. (eyeroll) Blaise isn't super nice, he's motivated to keep his client out of jail but if Keogh announces his retirement, then Blaise would probably turn on Keogh and claim he had evidence Keogh was the killer.
Detective Rivera is a tough detective. He's eager to catch a murderer but not to look at the bigger picture. He's quick to judge Keogh and part of his judgment is based on personal animosity towards Joe and Uncle Stan! Personal feelings about something silly shouldn't interfere with a murder investigation. His conduct was uncomfortably realistic. The crime occurred outside of Uncle Stan's jurisdiction so he can't investigate.
I truly hope the series doesn't end here (or ever). At the very least I hope for some updates on what the characters are up to in the future and some recipes to try! She also owes us a Hat Shop wedding! The back of this book features a preview for a new Library Lovers mystery I can't wait to read!
Meh. Football. Yuck. I was terribly upset that this entry in my favorite series revolved around football! Too much toxic masculinity for me there. However, I enjoyed the mystery a lot. It was a little cartoonish, especially at the end, but kept me guessing. I relate strongly to Mel and have the same prejudices for the same reasons so I was thinking the same things she was but then she changed her mind and I did too. I wasn't entirely sure who the murderer was. I actually thought it was someone else until a shocking and sad development halfway through. What I did NOT enjoy about this book was the "cozy" development or lack thereof. The running gag got old super fast and it was gross and silly. I was very annoyed by that plot line and am very upset at this latest development.
Also, the crew is missing from the action! They all make cameos but none of the regulars are involved in the sleuthing. The only regular cast member who appears on page more than once or twice is Ray. I love Ray! He's such a stereotype but he's more intelligent than he looks and acts. He's a softie lurking under a gangster exterior. Of course he's a comic character so he goes and ruins things with his wannabe side hustle, also proving he doesn't really understand supply and demand after all. More signed jerseys equal LESS money than fewer signed jerseys. Get Keogh to sign ONE jersey and ONE apron! Sell to the highest bidder. Do not repeat! Ray's comments about why men react to sports losses the way they do are interesting and informative but once again, he adds a usual bon mot. Tara has been good for him. It's an odd pairing but somehow they work. Steve Wolfmeier appears on scene to represent Keogh.
Mel doesn't even do much sleuthing either. Mel is pretty naïve or really stupid not to realize what's going on with her body. I figured it out very quickly. I don't like babies, don't have them, don't want them, don't enjoy reading about them AT ALL.
I don't think Mel and Joe should have children. He's already been worried about the bad guys coming after Mel, it's going to be much worse if they have children. They both work late a lot and they have two adorable furbabies who may or may not welcome a two-legged sibling. Who is going to clean Captain Jack's litterbox? Even though numerous people have keys to the house, I can't see Joyce doing it or even Maria or any of the brothers or Tate (he's busy working too). Angie is busy with her baby so that leaves Joe who works long hours and often falls asleep as soon as he's home. Angie's personality transplant is super obnoxious. I liked her better when she was a firecracker prepared to defend her friends and bakery. Joyce is super obnoxious and she's very rude to Mel in this book. Mel takes words unsaid as a compliment but I think Joyce's words she did say were rude and her praise of "Dear Joe" but not of her own daughter speaks volumes about her feelings towards Mel. Yikes!
I did like some of the new characters. Keogh is great! He's business savvy, self-aware enough to know when it might be time to walk away from the game for the sake of his health. He's a sweetheart who loves his teammates like brothers, praises his understudy whatever you call it and is enthusiastic about baking. His mama raised him right. Speaking of mama, I adore Mama June! She loves her baby but mostly allows him to be a man. She knows he's not a killer and knows instinctively the best way to go about investigating the murder. Mama June is kind and loving towards everyone, even giving second chances. I hope she comes back! Tyler, on the other hand, is not so easy to love as Keogh. He's kind of sexist and is not as business savvy as Keogh. He dismisses the bakery as a mere side hustle, unimportant and complains a lot about Mel's signature pink color scheme. If you don't like the look why are you buying this franchise? I think Tyler might be the murderer. He seems to have lied about where he was when the body was discovered and there are other clues that point to him.
Chad Dayton was so awful! He had to go. He's owned the team for only 10 years and they have yet to give him a Super Bowl ring so he has a chip on his shoulder. Dayton thinks they need to focus only on the game. No family, no friends, no social life, no hobbies, no side hustle- no NOTHING except football! He's pushing Keogh to sign a new contract when Keogh isn't sure he can be fully committed to the game. Keogh is worried about his health and Dayton dismisses Keogh's concerns. He tries to intimidate, threaten and bully his way towards getting what he wants. It seems to have worked with Kendall, his trophy wife. She once dated Keogh but he broke up with her and she quickly married the recently divorced, much older Chad Dayton. Kendall is a human Barbie doll. Her face has been Botoxed to death and she can barely move a muscle. She's vapid. Kendall doesn't seem to like other women much. She's rude to Mel because Mel (and probably other women) don't fall for her batting her eyelashes, tossing her hair trick. Yuck. Kendall can't even really muster enough energy to be a proper mean girl but there's an inner mean girl lurking there. She sounds like a gold digger too. Kendall also does seem genuinely upset at the death of her husband though.
What's up with Cheri the chef? She rushes out of there when she learns the police are coming. How did her prior record not show up when they hired her? Why did she run if she's innocent of killing Dayton? Coach Casella is a better choice for murderer. He gently stands up to his boss and is kind to Mel, at first but then he starts acting like Dayton shouting about staying in the game, winning championships. Seriously? Does no one in this sport value the human cost? C.J. and Thad Dayton, the team owner's sons, are buffoons and blowhards but I would not have put it past them to hire someone to kill their dad. However, the timing is bad because he left the team to Kendall. If they can pin the murder on HER then they could inherit the team but they seem to be focused on Keogh which doesn't make sense. They're not clever criminals if they did do it. Another good suspect is Blaise, the sports agent. If Keogh and Tyler retire, Blaise Benson loses his generous income too. He'd have to find new clients and apparently Keogh and Tyler are to Arizona are what Brady and Gronk are to my dad and his buddies and the nearly entire male population of New England. (eyeroll) Blaise isn't super nice, he's motivated to keep his client out of jail but if Keogh announces his retirement, then Blaise would probably turn on Keogh and claim he had evidence Keogh was the killer.
Detective Rivera is a tough detective. He's eager to catch a murderer but not to look at the bigger picture. He's quick to judge Keogh and part of his judgment is based on personal animosity towards Joe and Uncle Stan! Personal feelings about something silly shouldn't interfere with a murder investigation. His conduct was uncomfortably realistic. The crime occurred outside of Uncle Stan's jurisdiction so he can't investigate.
I truly hope the series doesn't end here (or ever). At the very least I hope for some updates on what the characters are up to in the future and some recipes to try! She also owes us a Hat Shop wedding! The back of this book features a preview for a new Library Lovers mystery I can't wait to read!
May 25, 2024
"Fondant Fumble (Cupcake Bakery Mystery #16)" by Jenn McKinlay is perfect for the cupcake, sports, cozy mystery person. When two pro football players are looking to franchise with Fairy Tale Cupcakes, they're looking for their retirement careers but maybe a smidge less pink than Mel's standard design. There are some in their lives that think cupcakes are too different and not brawny enough at all for them. Along the way craziness breaks out resulting in a very hilarious disarming of the ultimate culprit.
June 4, 2024
Keogh and Tyler, both nearing retirement from professional football, want to open a Fairy Tale Cupcakes franchise. They plan to be hands-on owners as much as possible, and they have the full support of almost everyone connected with their team – players, coaches, even fans. The team owner, though, fears the new business venture will take their minds away from the game, and is quite vocal in his opposition to their plan. When his body is found in their new bakery, the two men become prime suspects, and Mel and the rest of *her team pitch in to prove their innocence.
This is one of my favorite cozy series, and I was very excited to get an ARC of this book to read this spring. After fifteen previous books, this felt like sitting down with old friends and catching up on their lives – with just a little excitement thrown in for good measure.
The primary murder victim in this story was one of those people everyone loves to hate, so at first there were quite a few suspects to consider. My mental list kept changing as the book progressed, and although the actual killer *was on my list, they weren’t in the top spot. The motive seemed sad to me, but it fit the character.
The only bad thing about reading this book is that now I have to wait another year for the next one... but I’ll be waiting with bated breath!
Thank you to Edelweiss and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
This is one of my favorite cozy series, and I was very excited to get an ARC of this book to read this spring. After fifteen previous books, this felt like sitting down with old friends and catching up on their lives – with just a little excitement thrown in for good measure.
The primary murder victim in this story was one of those people everyone loves to hate, so at first there were quite a few suspects to consider. My mental list kept changing as the book progressed, and although the actual killer *was on my list, they weren’t in the top spot. The motive seemed sad to me, but it fit the character.
The only bad thing about reading this book is that now I have to wait another year for the next one... but I’ll be waiting with bated breath!
Thank you to Edelweiss and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
June 7, 2024
2.5⭐️
This series, in my opinion, has run its course. Joe wasn’t even present and the pregnancy drama was ridiculous.
This series, in my opinion, has run its course. Joe wasn’t even present and the pregnancy drama was ridiculous.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 8, 2024
So sad. I didn’t even finish it. I’ve listened to all of the previous books in this series and enjoyed them all. It was like they were old friends who showed up once a year and told me stories.
The new narrator is remarkably monotonous. Hard to tell the difference between some of the characters.
If there’s another book in the works and they bring back the original narrator, I’ll listen. If not, I’ll be happy I had 15 enjoyable listens and call it a day.
The new narrator is remarkably monotonous. Hard to tell the difference between some of the characters.
If there’s another book in the works and they bring back the original narrator, I’ll listen. If not, I’ll be happy I had 15 enjoyable listens and call it a day.
Read
June 24, 2024Story [Library Book] - 2 Stars
What I loved:
* GREAT new narrator
* New franchise owners that really work with the story and are fun and engaging whenever they are on the page and left me hoping we see them again in future books [and can we please have more kind, caring gentlemen in books? Jenn McKinlay is knocking it out of the park in this department! Well done]
*Gruesome dead body [I know, I am a weirdo]. I too do not want a bucketful of scorpions dumped on me!!
* I will always love when Oz is on the page. I am so glad that he has stayed in the stories even whilst working his skills elsewhere.
*MAMA JUNE!!! What an outstanding character and I found myself missing her when she wasn't on the page.
*Second chances and forgiveness and the renewal of trust.
What didn't work for me:
** New narrator adjustment. I know this seems weird, but even though I was seriously NOT a fan of the previous narrator, I was "used to" her way of voicing the characters, so its going to take me some time to adjust to the new voices, especially Angie, Joyce, Olivia, and Marty [Angie and Marty especially; those were the two voices I actually enjoyed the previous narrators version of, and the new narration left me missing Angie's sharpness and Marty's cackling and smart-alekness]. I know I will adapt, but it did affect my listening experience.
** Speaking of Angie, there was not nearly enough of her and of Tate and WHERE THE HECK was Uncle Stan [one showing of him was not nearly enough]. I missed them tremendously.
** The mystery, or rather, the lack of it. I missed having to think even a little bit about it or being led astray by a red herring. It made me sad.
** The whole surprise that takes up most of the book
Will I keep reading these? As of now, yes [the new narrator was a game-changer for me and made a book I was struggling with better]. We will see how they progress.
After 16 books, I am so fully invested in these characters that I'd hate to let them go. I do hope that we get back to more mystery-centered stories though; there have been really good ones in the past and it would be awesome to get back to that vibe.
Audiobook [NetGalley] - 4 Stars
Allyson Ryan is one of my favorite narrators [I first heard her in Ms. McKinlay's other series that I love, The Library Lover's Series] and am always excited to see her as a narrator for a book I am reading.
Other than my issue with adjustment [see double bullet point 1 above], Ms. Ryan did an amazing job and I was so glad to listen to her tell this tale.
Thank you to NetGalley, Jenn McKinlay, Allyson Ryan - Narrator and Dreamscape Media for providing this audiobook ARC in exchange for an honest review.
What I loved:
* GREAT new narrator
* New franchise owners that really work with the story and are fun and engaging whenever they are on the page and left me hoping we see them again in future books [and can we please have more kind, caring gentlemen in books? Jenn McKinlay is knocking it out of the park in this department! Well done]
*Gruesome dead body [I know, I am a weirdo]. I too do not want a bucketful of scorpions dumped on me!!
* I will always love when Oz is on the page. I am so glad that he has stayed in the stories even whilst working his skills elsewhere.
*MAMA JUNE!!! What an outstanding character and I found myself missing her when she wasn't on the page.
*Second chances and forgiveness and the renewal of trust.
What didn't work for me:
** New narrator adjustment. I know this seems weird, but even though I was seriously NOT a fan of the previous narrator, I was "used to" her way of voicing the characters, so its going to take me some time to adjust to the new voices, especially Angie, Joyce, Olivia, and Marty [Angie and Marty especially; those were the two voices I actually enjoyed the previous narrators version of, and the new narration left me missing Angie's sharpness and Marty's cackling and smart-alekness]. I know I will adapt, but it did affect my listening experience.
** Speaking of Angie, there was not nearly enough of her and of Tate and WHERE THE HECK was Uncle Stan [one showing of him was not nearly enough]. I missed them tremendously.
** The mystery, or rather, the lack of it. I missed having to think even a little bit about it or being led astray by a red herring. It made me sad.
** The whole surprise that takes up most of the book
Will I keep reading these? As of now, yes [the new narrator was a game-changer for me and made a book I was struggling with better]. We will see how they progress.
After 16 books, I am so fully invested in these characters that I'd hate to let them go. I do hope that we get back to more mystery-centered stories though; there have been really good ones in the past and it would be awesome to get back to that vibe.
Audiobook [NetGalley] - 4 Stars
Allyson Ryan is one of my favorite narrators [I first heard her in Ms. McKinlay's other series that I love, The Library Lover's Series] and am always excited to see her as a narrator for a book I am reading.
Other than my issue with adjustment [see double bullet point 1 above], Ms. Ryan did an amazing job and I was so glad to listen to her tell this tale.
Thank you to NetGalley, Jenn McKinlay, Allyson Ryan - Narrator and Dreamscape Media for providing this audiobook ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 7, 2024
Well, Mel, Angie, and company are at it again, a new franchise and a new murder! This time, our cupcake entrepreneurs are teaming up with a professional quarterback and his favorite tight end to open a new Fairy Tale Cupcake franchise. When the owner of the football team is found dead, in the new bakery, after a public argument with his star quarterback on opening day, rumors, temperatures, and entrepreneurship are all running wild! Did the famous quarterback kill his boss? Who else had a motive? Will the Fairy Tale name take a major hit? Come along for the ride as Mel, Angie, Tate, Joe, and all of our favorite characters are on board for a wild, funny, and crazy adventure.
June 5, 2024
*****Happy Publishing Day!!!******
This is the 16th book in the series and it’s pretty consistent with the other books within the series. There is a big surprise within this book, that will change the series going forward. But the tone of this book remains the same.
I have listened to all the other books in this series, so I was excited for the newest book in this series. However, I was not excited with the new narrator. I always like it in a series when the narrator stays consistent, so I was a little taken back when there was a new narrator, this far along in the series.
I would rate this book as three stars, just because it was nothing extra special, and it was pretty easy to figure out who the murderer was, in my opinion, of course. However, when you enjoy a series, you wanna stay with the series. So I will continue to listen to the rest of the series no matter how long it goes, but that doesn’t mean I will enjoy it as much as I did at the beginning.
Big thank you to #Netgalley and #DreamscapeMedia for an advanced audio copy of this book. I am happy to give my opinion without hesitation.
This is the 16th book in the series and it’s pretty consistent with the other books within the series. There is a big surprise within this book, that will change the series going forward. But the tone of this book remains the same.
I have listened to all the other books in this series, so I was excited for the newest book in this series. However, I was not excited with the new narrator. I always like it in a series when the narrator stays consistent, so I was a little taken back when there was a new narrator, this far along in the series.
I would rate this book as three stars, just because it was nothing extra special, and it was pretty easy to figure out who the murderer was, in my opinion, of course. However, when you enjoy a series, you wanna stay with the series. So I will continue to listen to the rest of the series no matter how long it goes, but that doesn’t mean I will enjoy it as much as I did at the beginning.
Big thank you to #Netgalley and #DreamscapeMedia for an advanced audio copy of this book. I am happy to give my opinion without hesitation.
June 11, 2024
Another in the Cupcake Bakery Mystery series, once again the four friends and their colleagues must band together to solve a murder. This series is always fresh and delightful - and makes readers want to eat a cupcake, or two!
September 14, 2024
Thos one was absolutely hilarious! This is absolutely one of my favorite cozy series, and this is one of my favorites of the series. The mystery was really good and the subplot was such fun. Loved this one!
September 25, 2024
Jenn's books are always fun to read and this is no exception. I must admit to being a bit frustrated with Mel throughout the story, but overall I enjoyed the book; the unlikely combination of football players and a cupcake bakery was great and I loved Mama June!
May 31, 2024
Fans of the series won't want to miss this one!
June 9, 2024
Jenn McKinlay has done it again! I was hooked the entire time and was guessing right up until the end as to who the murderer was. This is one of my all time favorite series and I am excited for the next chapter in Mel and Angie’s lives!
June 20, 2024
That was a bit of a wild ride.
June 21, 2024
Mama June is the best of this book!!
June 24, 2024
The story is centered around two football players who buy a franchise but encounter a lot of problems along the way including two dead bodies. The book was an easy read.
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