When her catering event turns frosty, pastry chef-slash-amateur sleuth Sophia Cummings must solve a murder if she wants to earn her dough Sophia Cummings may be unlucky in love, but she knows that the way to a man’s heart is through his sweet tooth. This evening, she plans to use that knowledge—and her skills as a New York City-trained pastry chef—to open the hearts and wallets of Rumford, … wallets of Rumford, Kentucky’s richest men. Sophia, proprietress of For Goodness Cakes, has been commissioned to cater the Heart of the Town Library charity fundraiser at Grape Valley Winery. She’s spent all her dough to make this a successful event, raise her profile, and win more plum catering jobs.
At first, the going is as smooth as an elegant chocolate ganache. After nibbling Sophia’s tasty treats, Ray Peel, the winery’s landlord, announces he will pay off Rumford’s library loan. But the evening soon turns decidedly frosty when Ray is murdered—before he can make good on his promise, and before he can pay Sophia for her catering services.
For Goodness Cakes will collapse if Sophia can’t collect what she’s owed. So Sophia once again puts on her sleuthing apron to figure out who iced Ray. A glass of your favorite red or white is the perfect accompaniment to Maymee Bell’s scrumptious Batter Off Dead―with authentic Southern recipes!
For fans of Joanne Fluke and Leslie Meier comes the second in Maymee Bell’s delectable Southern Cake Baker mysteries.
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Book 2 in this series and I HAVE to go back and read the first in the series. There were definitely no spoilers in this so I honestly have no idea what happens aside from the name of the Bakery. Sophia Cummings is our sassy Southern heroine who brings humor with her quick wit as well as delicious baked goods to her catering customers and all the clients of For Goodness Cakes. The character development and world building is so well done I had no idea this was only the second book in the series. Maymee Bell never fails to bring us endearing characters and dazzling worlds to lose ourselves within. The whodunit was so fantastic I had no clue as to who it was or why. I guessed so wrong. The recipes at the end made me want to dive into the kitchen but honestly, I have no hope of doing them justice.
Thank you to Crooked Lane Books, Maymee Bell, and NetGalley for giving me the chance to read this book and share my honest thoughts and opinions with others.
There is a big fund raising event for the local library. It is being held out at the Grape Valley Winery. On her way to the office to get paid, Sophia literally stumbles over the body of Ray Peel, the landlord of the winery. When the sheriff and Sophia’s boyfriend, arrests Madison for the murder, Sophia can’t sit by and let this happen. Come to find out that Mr. Peel was going back on his word to more than a few people. Can they find out who the killer really is and why? You will have to read the book to find the answer. I would like to thank Net Galley for a free ARC of this book
Batter Off Dead by Maymee Bell has us traveling to Rumford, Kentucky. Sophia Cummings has opened For Goodness Sakes, a bakery, in her hometown with the help of her best friend, Charlotte Harrington. It is Sunday and they are busy preparing the treats for The Heart of the Town fundraiser being held that evening at Grape Valley Winery owned by Giles Dugan. The fundraiser is to raise funds for the new library addition. This is Sophia’s first big catering gig for which she has laid out a significant amount of money, so she wants to make sure that everything is perfect. At the fundraiser, Ray Peel is making enemies left and right. He reneges on the donation he promised the library, insults Madison Ridge, and has upset the winery owners. Sophia is on her way to the winery offices to collect her check, when she trips and finds herself face to face with a dead Ray Peel. Sophia quickly calls Sheriff Carter Kincaid who races to the scene to comfort her and then takes charge of the crime scene. The next day, Charlotte requests that Sophia don her sleuthing cap once again. Their friend, Madison finds herself at the top of the suspect list and her realtor clients are dropping her like a hot potato. Sophia has her hands full since Ray had made numerous enemies and her mother is assisting her with what she has termed Operation Merlot. She also must create her baked delights for the bakery and deal with a coupon issue. Someone, though, is not happy with Sophia’s involvement and tries to dissuade her. Grab a glass of wine and settle down to join Sophia on her latest case in Batter Off Dead.
Batter Off Dead is a humorous cozy mystery. There are quirky characters and a charming, small Southern town for which Tonya Kappes is known for creating. Sophia is opening up her bakery, but she has not worked out all the kinks yet. She is unsure whether to ask for deposits from catering clients (the answer is yes) nor does she have them sign a contract (every catering event should have a contract with a deposit). Catering The Heart of the Town will show clients what For Goodness Sakes can provide, but Sophia has outlaid a large amount of money for The Heart of the Town fundraiser. After Sophia makes a big deal about getting paid, the matter then gets dropped and is not resolved. Sophia’s mother, Bitsy is not happy that Sophia has stumbled over another dead body, but it tickled when Sophia asks her to keep her ears open for helpful gossip. Sheriff Carter Kincaid does not want Sophia sticking her nose into his case and repeatedly warns her (he is wasting his breath). I like Maymee Bell’s (aka Tonya Kappes) writing style. It is what I refer to as conversational or friendly which engages the reader. It makes for an easy to read story which is enhanced with the steady pacing and Southern humor. I recommend reading Cake and Punishment before embarking on Batter Off Dead. It sets the stage for the rest of the series. The mystery will have you guessing with multiple suspects who each have a good motive to kill the victim. There are recipes at the end for the yummy baked goods Sophia creates in her bakery. Batter Off Dead contains friendship, family, wine, scrumptious confectionary delights, community, murder, romance and wit.
Batter Off Dead is a cozy bakery mystery with the right dose of lightness and a great whodunit. The book is peppered with the great turn of phrase that can only be found in the south. As a Kentucky girl, the characters came to live for me in a very realistic and lyrical way, as the words were steeped in dialect I could go down the road and hear among my neighbors. Sophie, small town baker and town snoop, has a gift for stumbling on bodies and sniffing out the truth all the while staying one step in front of her boyfriend the town’s sheriff. Knowing Ray had help kicking the bucket, Sophie finds the suspect pool growing by the minute and the danger along with it. The characters seem like they could be your best friends and the mystery keeps you guessing until the end for a delightful, airy cozy complete with recipes.
A wonderful Southern cozy! I love the charm of the town, the characters, and the delicious sounding recipes for pastries. In this book, Sophia helps investigate to clear her friend, Madison, after she is accused of murdering a man. Lots of intrigue and twists. I can’t wait to read more of this fun series and see Sophia and Carter’s relationship develop!!!
Dollycas’s Thoughts
For Goodness Cakes is open for business and Sophia Cummings is doing everything to build her clientele and bring in customers. She is thrilled to be catering the desserts at the Heart of the Town Library charity fundraiser at Grape Valley Winery. The library is planning a huge addition and most of the money has been pledged by Ray Peel. He is the winery’s landlord and has his hands in many other businesses in the area.
Shortly after the fundraiser begins he informs the librarian he will no longer be funding the renovations, insults local realtor and Sophie’s friend, Madison Ridge, has an argument with woman in town for a wine conference, and tells Giles Dugan owner of Grape Valley Winery that he will not be renewing their lease and plans to shut them down at the conclusion of the night’s event.
Sophia thinks with all the chaos caused by Mr. Peel she’s better get her money for her part of the fundraiser as soon as possible. On her way to the main office, she trips over something and comes face to face with a very dead Ray Peel. She quickly makes a call to boyfriend, Sheriff Carter Kincaid who does his best to calm her down. After looking at the crime scene and interviewing witnesses he decides Sophie’s friend, Madison is his prime suspect. Seriously?? For Goodness Sakes! This put Sophie into a tizzy and she proclaims she will do everything she can to prove her friend had nothing to do with that man’s demise.
I was having a stressful day, my husband was having a long and complicated surgery and I really needed something to keep my mind off that and watching the clock. I can say this book was just what I needed. Maymee Bell’s (Tonya Kappes) story worked on me just like A Calgon, take me away bath. Of course, I had to keep my giggling internal because the waiting room was full of people, but I did share bits with the woman sitting close to me. She was quick to write down the author and the title as well as some of the author’s other books I told her about.
Maymee Bell has a distinctive voice and she creates such unique characters. Sophie softens up the suspects with treats from her shop to get them to talk. Carter is not happy with her “help” and sometimes she tells him her plan and then does the complete opposite that frustrates him to no end. At least he knows from the start, she is going to butt in, especially with her best friend involved. Sophia’s mother, Bitsy, just cracks me up. She was my favorite in this story. The dialogue between all the characters is very comfortable which makes the story so easy to read.
Solving this mystery wasn’t easy. It was fun to follow along with Sophie as Operation Merlot was put into effect and suspects were crossed off the “murder board”. The story was very well-plotted with plenty of red herrings. I was totally surprised by the ending.
Engaging characters and a delightful mystery. A truly Perfect Escape for me. Thank you, Ms. Bell, your story was just what the doctor ordered. The pages flew and so did my day.
A truly fun mystery. Suspects abound and the mystery takes you on a wonderful ride. Tough is not a strong enough word to describe Sophia and her friend Charlotte, they are a force of nature. The small town flavor is endearing. If you want to laugh this is the book to read, and it will keep you guessing till the end. Love the way Maymee Bell (Ms. Kappes) writes and will continue to read all her books. Hope to read another very soon. I purchased a hardcopy of this book and will pass it on to a friend to enjoy.
I am so glad that I work overnights, it gave me the chance to read this book in one sitting. This was a quick and fun read. Maymee Bell (AKA Tonya Kappes) is one of my favorite cozy mystery authors. There were many twists and turns lots of suspects to choose from. This book will keep you guessing until the end. The characters are quirky and the small town setting is just delicious. This book will make you laugh and also crave some of those wonderful cakes. I really enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the next installment.
Sophia Cummings and her shop For Goodness Cakes are going from strength to strength. The opportunity to cater for the fundraiser for the local library can only open more doors for her. But when a well heeled local business man reneges on his pledge and is then found dead, by none other than Sophia herself, she can see her dreams slipping away!
Madison is the local real estate agent and seems to be top of the suspect list. But as Sophie’s friend she has an in-built investigator. Sophie will take on anyone who says Madison is guilty, even Carter, her boyfriend/Sheriff!
Sophie and Carter may be at odds during the investigation but he is a bit of a white knight when Sophie is then targeted for looking into the murder! Delightfully madcap and like a younger, more modern Miss Marple – Kentucky edition! Great supporting characters and some recipes to try out too (if I can figure out the US/UK weight differences!)
Another sweet cozy which takes place in the small Kentucky town of Rumford to open her own bakery. Could it really be that simple? Of course not! The body of a rather unpopular businessman is found dead, and the fun ensues! Sophia is determined to solve this mystery which seems to envelop all of her closest friends. A super fun read great characters that you both love to love and love to hate, all well developed in an easy to follow mystery story with an ending that has a great twist and is super surprising. Get this book, you won’t be sorry. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy and the opinions expressed here are voluntary and unsolicited
Sophia must figure out who killed Ray or she might not be able to save her company. After all, he hadn’t paid her yet for the catering job. But can she figure it out? And will she be able to recoup all that’s she’s spent? This story hooked me from the start. I really enjoyed it, and I highly recommend it.
Sophia can’t help herself. She is not only an awesome baker but a great detective!!! When her bff Madison becomes the prime suspect she can’t not help. Carter isn’t really happy but he loves her so…. I love this series and being from KY it is especially dear to my heart. Can’t wait for book 3!!!!
WILL MAKE YOU HUNGRY!
Batter Off Dead (A Southern Cake Maker Mystery Book 2) will make you hungry as you read it! This book made be read as a stand-alone or as a part of the series. Sophia Cummings went off to a famous Culinary School but has returned to her small hometown of Rumford, KY to fulfill her lifelong dream of owning her own bakery shop. Her shop is called For Goodness Cakes and it is in the town’s former Ford Bakery space. Sophia is making quite a name for herself with her specialty items and beautifully created cakes.
Kappes doesn’t disappoint in this installment of the series! It is action packed and loaded with family drama, friend drama, business drama, town drama, relationship drama and of course a big dose of murder and mayhem thrown in as well! She includes all the necessary elements to make this a wonderful, entertaining cozy. Her characters are believable (both the returning characters and the new characters). The setting is her shop, her parents’ home, the RCC, the Sheriff’s Office, the Winery, the Library and downtown Rumford. You feel as though you now the place by heart. The plot is good and Kappes keeps you guessing until the very end. I was provided an ARC of this book by the author. The opinions expressed here are completely my own and without influence.
This is a fun, feel good, cozy mystery with lots of comfort food and some good laughs. Sophia owns her own bakery, For Goodness Cakes. I would love to eat all the sweets she makes and just hang out at the bakery, but I guess that’s not going to happen… The problem is Sophia finds a dead body in the vineyard during the fundraiser for the library. Not only that, but it’s a murder and her friend, Madison, is the only suspect. Since Madison is involved she really wants to look into things. Her boyfriend, Carter, is the sheriff and he’s not happy about the situation. This is a good cozy and the plot is well written. ‘Who done it’ is definitely a surprise to me.
Batter Off Dead by Maybee Bell (Tonya Kappes) is the second book in the Southern Cake Baker Mystery series. I was excited to read this installment as I loved the first story.
You are taken back to Rumford, Kentucky where Sophia has just opened her bakery, For Goodness Cakes. While serving at a fund raiser for the local library, Sophia stumbles onto a dead body. Though she promises her boyfriend, the sheriff, she will not get involved when her best friend is the main suspect she is again in the hunt for the actual killer. When her bakery is vandalized, does it mean she is getting close to finding the killer or is someone else just trying to silence her.
This is a great cozy mystery that can be read as a stand alone. It is filled with likeable, realistic characters. I love how you feel right at home in Rumford. You get romance, mystery, humor, and a craving for maple doughnuts. You will be kept guessing until the end.
There are recipes included.
I was given an ARC by Netgalley for an honest review.
Sophia has a catering event for the towns Library at a local winery and is looking forward to the evenings much anticipated donation from a local business man. You see the library is putting in a new addition and without this mans money they won’t be able to move ahead. When Sophia decides to step out for some fresh air and trips over the body of Ray Peel, the man with the money, she is shocked. Who would want to murder him and why, because it was indeed murder? When the police start looking at one of her best friends she knows she must do her own investigation to help find the killer and clear her friends name. Along the way she learns that Ray wasn’t the nice man he made himself out to be, not only did he decided not to give the Library the money he was also going to sell the land that the winery leaving the owners without a business. He also made an enemy of his ex-wife and an ex-girlfriend, could they have been mad enough to do him in? When someone breaks into her house and throws a brick through her window Sophia wonders who she has upset and if she is getting close to the killer. Follow along as she looks for clues, questions people and brings her sweet treats to soften them up. This is such a fun series with great characters, a wonderful setting, and story line that leaves you wanting more.
I did enjoy this book even though it reminds me of the Campers Series and Killer Coffee Mystery Series by Tonya Kappes a/k/a Maymee Bell. I really enjoyed the recipes in this book. This is a good Cozy Mystery that will keep you guessing until the end. I like that Carter and Sophia are already together and that he knows that he can’t hold Sophia back on investigating. I do want to make some of the recipes in the book. All the books are really good Cozy Mysteries, where you fall in love with the town, people and want to know who the killer is.
*I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.*
A wonderful, fun story. Full of interesting, quirky characters, a mystery and romance. What more can you ask for. I received a complimentary copy and I am voluntarily reviewing.
BATTER OFF DEAD, the second book in the Southern Cake Baker Mystery Series, by Maymee Bell (aka Tonya Kappes) is sure to delight fans of culinary cozies. Its lovely small town Kentucky setting and cast of warm and quirky characters drew me into the story from the first page. Protagonist and baker Sophia is a strong, albeit stubborn, amateur sleuth. Her sheriff boyfriend Carter is a good man and counterpart for Sophia’s antics. Sophia’s friends and parents add variety and are appealing. The mystery about Ray Peel’s death is strong, even though the investigation is a bit repetitive, and I was surprised by the killer’s identity. The goodies from Sophia’s bakery definitely left me hungry and eager to try the recipes included in the back of the book.
BATTER OFF DEAD is a fun, quickly paced whodunit. Recommended to any cozy mystery fan.
I received an ARC of this title from the author and NetGalley and voluntarily shared my thoughts here.
This second book in Maymee Bell’s Southern Cake Baker Mystery series is the only one I’ve read, and I know I will go back and read the first!
Welcome to Rumford, Kentucky, the home of Sophia Cummings and For Goodness Cakes, her new bakery. Much to the chagrin of her boyfriend, Sheriff Carter Kincaid, Sophia has a way of getting involved in local murder investigations. This time the deceased is Ray Peel, owner of the property where the Grape Valley Winery is located. Sophia’s friend, Madison Ridge, is considered a prime suspect and Sophia takes it upon herself to try and help clear her name.
Characters in this book are well rounded and have a purpose for being a part of the story. Details of the investigation are not neglected, and the reader learns the same information that Sophia does as she works to clear Madison’s name. I love the way that the author uses words and expressions that are in keeping with the Kentucky setting.
Ms. Bell does a fabulous job of keeping us guessing who killed Ray as she leads the reader from one possibility to the next. Let’s not forget that Sophia has a bakery. The descriptions of some of her treats had my mouth watering, and I was delighted to see that a few recipes are included at the end of the book.
I received an Advance Readers Copy of this book from NetGalley. However, this review is completely voluntary, and any opinions expressed are expressly my own.