Murder takes the cake in an irresistible Emergency Dessert Squad mystery from the national bestselling author of The Silence of the Flans. The Emergency Dessert Squad business is booming, with owner and baker Winnie Johnson working overtime to satisfy the emergency cravings of Silver Lake, Ohio. Her latest order, a plate of motivational desserts for an artists’ retreat, is just what she needs to … is just what she needs to keep her mind off her own relationship woes.
But Winnie’s problems seem like trifles when she discovers the body of retreat owner Sally Dearfield mere inches away from five oh-so-eccentric and viable suspects. Now, this baking detective must uncover the inspiration behind Sally’s murder before another creative genius is iced.
RECIPES INCLUDED
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When Winnie gets an advance order for the people staying at the retreat out of town, she gladly spends the weekend thinking up fun desserts to encourage these artists. However, when she goes to deliver them, she arrives just as the owner of the retreat center dies. Only later, Winnie begins to question what she saw. Was someone trying to deceive her at the time? Can she figure out what really happened?
This is such a fun idea and fun series, and this book was no exception. I did feel the emphasis was on the series regulars and their sub-plots, but I didn’t mind too much since I do like these characters. And that’s not to say we didn’t get some twists along the way to the climax. The suspects add to the fun as they are a very unique group of people.
Charming characters and delectable desserts make this book a treat from start to finish!
Sub-Themes: Culinary mystery, multi-generational friendships.
Can You Start this Series from the Middle: I have read each installment of this series, but I would think you could. Winnie does have a back story (mostly a budding romance) that you get different pieces of from each book. It is an interesting story that involves her boyfriend’s teenage daughter. For that reason I’d recommend starting from the beginning to get the full effect of that story.
I was worried at the beginning of this book because I felt Winnie starts off as weak and needy in the first chapter. But she quickly redeemed herself and was the endearing character I remember in past installments. Winnie’s elderly neighbors and friends have a central role in this book and I like the depth that is added to their personalities. It was nice to hear more about what they are going through; their fears and concerns and how they overcome them. This is always a fun series and enjoyed this book quite a bit.
https://cozyexperience.com/book-review-dial-m-mousse/
This series is an origonal twist on an old old plot line; there are only so many new ways to tell a mystery but this author has found one of the last and its good! Read this series from the beginning folks you won’t be disappointed!
911! I’ve fallen for the Emergency Dessert Squad Mysteries!
Since the first book, ÉCLAIR AND PRESENT DANGER, I have been hooked on this deliciously tasty series. Having enjoyed my previous visits to Silver Lake, Ohio, I couldn’t wait to get back to visit with Winnie Johnson, and the wonderful characters of the Emergency Dessert Squad Mysteries. It was worth the wait!
Author Laura Bradford has one again delivered a mystery treat that I couldn’t put down! DIAL M FOR MOUSSE was a fast moving, full-flavored read that made me hungry for more with every page I read.
A first class murder mystery in every way, I was completely enthralled as I tried to figure out the who in the dunit, as well as the what, and why. I was so lost in the story, I found myself at the surprising, and brilliant conclusion before I knew it!
DIAL M FOR MOUSSE was the last book I read and reviewed for 2017, and I couldn’t have picked a better book to end the year with!
I loved this book as I do the series. It is such a unique theme and I wish it existed, emergency desserts to your door when you feel the need. Winnie and the gang are so much fun and it’s easy to get involved in their lives. I want to hang around with these people, the friendship of Winnie and Renee shines through and how they have each others backs. Of course Mr. Nelson and Bridget when they get together always have me laughing, and I did have a few laugh out loud moments. The mystery was excellent and kept me guessing, I had no clue and as more is discovered the more confused I got as to who did it. I eagerly await the next in this series.
Oh and there is the added bonus of two yummy sounding recipes in the back each with Winnie’s unique titles: Your Jokes Make Me Snicker-Doodle cookies and Now You See ‘Em, Now You Don-Uts (Maple Glazed), how can you go wrong?
Winnie Johnson’s Emergency Dessert Squad business is growing by leaps and bounds every day. The business has a competitive and creative edge over traditional bakeries. A fact that has Sally Dearfield, the owner of an artists’ retreat, soliciting Winnie for her decadent desserts. Upon delivery of the treats designed, named, and prepared individually for each artist, Winnie and Renee find themselves going to the main building. What they find is shocking and upsetting – Sally Dearfield is dead on the floor surrounded by each of the individual artists to whom they just hand delivered desserts, and the death is ruled suspicious. Winnie and her trusty sidekicks decide to “help” the local police identify the murderer before anyone else is murdered.
Throughout the novel we also get a glimpse into Winnie’s complicated love life. As Winnie is trying to solve the mystery behind Sally’s death, the threads of her relationship with Jay are woven within. He and his daughter are away and the circumstances make Winnie question everything she thought they had together. When he returns, Winnie isn’t sure what to expect, and that has her tied up in knots.
One of the ideas behind Dial M for Mousse that I found interesting was that none of the suspects had anything to do with the main characters in the book. In most cozies I’ve read lately, the heroine, one of her family members, or some of her friends end up being suspects. I enjoyed the deviation from the same ole – same ole. Winnie’s compassion, caring, and friendship with the elders in her neighborhood is a wonderful aspect to the Emergency Dessert Squad Mystery series.
The author did a great job keeping the suspect protected from identification by the readers. I really didn’t have any idea which of the five artists it could have been. All of them had secrets that could have ignited to the point that killing Sally was their final option. Dial M for Mousse was fun, fast-paced, and enjoyable to read.
The characters are well-developed and the author continues the development throughout the book. Winnie’s interactions with all of her friends is filled with nothing but kindness and compassion. Winnie’s relationship status in the book isn’t smooth and the author does a great job writing the issues realistically and without either character looking bad. She continues some world building, as well, as she continues to describe the growth of Winnie’s Emergency Dessert Squad business. I recommend the entire series to all cozy mystery lovers.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC.