Known for its mouthwatering traditional breads, the Yeast of Eden bakery has gained fame across Northern California’s coast. Now the shop is bound for Reality TV—but a murder may kill its reputation . . . People come to the beach town of Santa Sofia as much for the healing properties of Yeast of Eden’s breads as for a vacation getaway. And now a cable food channel has selected the bakery as a … properties of Yeast of Eden’s breads as for a vacation getaway. And now a cable food channel has selected the bakery as a featured culinary delight for a new show. Baking apprentice Ivy Culpepper is excited as the crew arrives, ready to capture all the ins and outs of the renowned bread shop. But instead they capture something much harder to stomach: the attempted murdered of the show’s cameraman just outside Yeast of Eden . . .
With no motive and no clues, and the town craving answers, it will be up to Ivy to sift through the evidence to find the truth. But she’ll have to move quickly before someone else is targeted or the wrong person gets the heat—and the business collapses like a deflated soufflé, right before her eyes.
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Yeast of Eden’s bread shop located in
Santa Sofia, California has been chosen
to be featured on a TV Reality Show.
Olaya Solis owner, founder and head
baker of the shop takes the opportunity
to feature her Bread for a Life Program.
This program is meant to help low income
and immigrant women gain confidence
in themselves plus learn a skill to make
each one employable. Each woman will
share a bread recipe and how to make
their specialty bread with the group.
This group consists of a woman from
Eritrea, one from Canada, on
from Mexico and another from Germany.
Ivy Culpepper is one of the baker’s
assistants who has a dog named Agatha.
Ivy is impressed with Olaya’s long rise,
farm to table, every loaf by hand
philosophy that goes into the bread
making at this bakery.
The filming of the TV show begins but it
was unexpected that the two co-hosts
wouldn’t see eye to eye nor did they
hide their differences. Then the camera
man finds himself hospitalized after a
hit and run accident right in front of the
bakery. Plus Olaya becomes ill and must
take time off. What next??
How about one of the co-stars being
found dead….murdered!!!
Ivy decides to investigate.
A delicious, mouthwatering read! I
enjoyed learning about all the various
bread. There are recipes at the end of
the book for Hembesha (East African
Spiced Bread) and Rosemary Bread.
An array of characters that made it
hard to weed out the killer. I found the
twists and turns within the story kept
the reader’s attention.
This is book # 5 in the Bread Shop
Mysteries series. It can be read as a
stand alone as I felt the author
presented the past and present
together effortlessly.
I volunteered to read Dough or Die.
Thanks to the Cozy Mystery Review
Crew for the opportunity. My opinion is
voluntary and my own.
I really enjoyed the The Bread for Life program that takes place at the Yeast of Eden. I love how supportive it is of women from other cultures, bringing them together to share their recipes and help them to make better lives for themselves. And I really liked that Winnie Archer incorporated a Women’s Shelter into Dough or Die. It’s unfortunate that shelters are so needed, but for Archer to highlight them, it might encourage some readers to volunteer however they can at one of them.
In this one it felt like Ivy did all of the detecting and just handed the case over to her best friend and sheriff, Emmeline. I thought this was a bit far fetched, even for a cozy mystery. And it felt like Ivy was just accusing everyone and the sheriff just took her word, but this wouldn’t stop me from reading future books in the Bread Shop Mysteries.
As far as the mystery, it was interesting how it all tied together. There were so many suspects and different things happening to get the mystery to make sense that I actually had to read slower and stop and think a bit to see how it all combined. I don’t remember having to do this before when I’ve read a cozy, so I’m not sure if this is good or bad?!
The support that the characters have for each other and the wonderful descriptions of Yeast of Eden and all the yummy breads will have me returning to Santa Sofia.
Dough or Die is book 5 in what I find to be a very entertaining series. We return to Santa Sofia and Yeast of Eden, where the bakery has been selected to be featured on a food channel cooking TV show. Things don’t go according to plan and once again Ivy is at the center of solving a mystery. What I really enjoy most about this series is the relationship between the characters. The friendship that has developed between Ivy, Olaya, and Penelope Brandford is diverse and dimensional. The bakery is the heart of each story and fosters friendship between all of the women. Ivy’s relationship with Miguel is progressing along nicely and at a good pace. Trouble begins when one of the camera crew from the cooking show is hit by a car in front of the bakery. That is followed by the murder of the show co-host. So of course, Ivy is determined to figure out what happened. The author does a nice job with the mystery and throws in some red herrings and a final twist that I didn’t anticipate. The mystery wraps of nicely with justice for both victims.
I always look forward to a book in this series. It has a great setting and wonderful characters. Add in the author’s descriptive writing style and the story just flows, bringing the reader along for the ride. I will be back for the next book in the series.
I voluntarily read a digital advanced reader copy provided to me by the publisher, Kensington, through Netgalley. The thoughts and opinions are my own.
This is the 5th book in a series, but it works well as a standalone; I hadn’t read other books in the series, but wasn’t lost at all. The writing is good and I really enjoyed the main characters. The mystery was difficult for me to decipher along the way, which I actually like. There were a few things that weren’t super-realistic, but a lot of cozies are like that. It’s an yummy, cozy read and I recommend it. I would like to start at the beginning of the series and read it all in order, and I’d like to read other series by this author. I was provided a copy of this book, but these opinions are my own.
I loved this fast-paced read with a great cast of characters and a must-solve mystery that quickly became a page turner and kept me totally involved in all that was happening from beginning to end. I really liked Ivy Culpepper, baking apprentice at Yeast of Eden bakery who has a knack for crime solving and must put her skills to work when the cameraman for reality TV show America’s Best Bakeries is the victim of a hit and run. Even though this is the fifth book in the Bread Shop Mysteries series, it is the first I have read and had no issues reading it as a standalone. I liked the characters so much, I purchased the entire series for my Kindle so I can read all of Ivy’s adventures so far. I received an advance reader copy of “Dough or Die” and am voluntarily leaving my review.
Dough or Die is the fifth book in Winnie Archer’s A Bread Shop Mystery series. While this book is part of a series, it can be read as a stand-alone novel. This book takes readers on a plot-driven mystery to discover the truth behind the near-death hit and run of a cameraman in front of Yeast of Eden bakery. With the encouragement from the local sheriff Ivy is on the hunt to figure out who tried to kill him, and why. But she’s going to have her own issues from the past to come and put her on the lookout for her own dangers to come.
Dough or Die really caught my attention since I am an avid baker myself so I was excited to read this book and really enjoy the ride. The book all in all is a good read. The book is easy to get into and follow along with what is going on with the different characters. What I enjoyed the most about this book is the mystery element of it all. The cameraman is the victim of a hit and run and then the legwork of trying to discover what could possibly drive (no pun intended) to want to harm him. He seems to have such a clean record, but it’s not the past that is trackable that holds the answers in this case. I love the small-town vibe of this book and how there are some real-life tie ins as well. It helps to elevate the story in places to really keep readers engaged.
The pacing of the story is good, but I also found it a bit flat. There isn’t a lot of drama and tension that I have come to expect and anticipate with a mystery, even a cozy mystery. It left me a bit disappointed. Since this book is fifth in a series, all of the relationships have already been established and so there is very little of that build in this book, so it left me feeling a bit disconnected from their relationships. There are some references to past situations and issues as well, but the author doesn’t go in-depth with them. I’m sure so as to not confuse the readers on things that don’t truly get addressed or have any connection to the storyline now. I was also disappointed that we didn’t get a proper description of Billy’s fiancee Em earlier in the book. We get multiple descriptions of Ivy, but only when Ivy asks Em how she is going to do her hair for her wedding do I get any clue that she’s a black woman.
Overall, I enjoyed this book, but it wasn’t a really gripping mystery that had me frantically page-turning to learn the truth behind all the events that happened in this book. I am rating this book 4 out of 5 stars. The truth behind all the tragedy is truly heartbreaking, but the ending is decent enough. I may go back and read the series from the beginning and maybe I’ll enjoy it more. But for those who enjoy a nice quiet cozy mystery with just a hint of danger here and there then this book would be a perfect fit for them. Plus, the author includes a couple of delicious sounding bread recipes at the end as well.
The characters in this book are like new old friends that you just can’t get enough of! While it does fall in the cozy mystery genre, the plots have interesting twists that keep you guessing until the end. I love the depth of personality as well as the depth of storylines that are interwoven into this book as well as the previous ones. If you haven’t started this series, you absolutely should! I can not wait to read what happens in the next book in the series!
I am loving this series so much! I’m obsessed.
A new reality show featuring local bakeries is being filmed and they want to start with Yeast of Eden. When two of the people involved with the new show are hurt, can Ivy Culpepper find out what connects them and why they were hurt?
I’m loving getting to know Ivy so much. I love all of her friends and family. While she did some things that made me a little uncomfortable in this book, I understood her decisions. I was completely caught off guard at the end. I had no idea the ending was coming! I also enjoy that the books in this series don’t end immediately after the mystery is solved. The reader gets a little bit more to finish the whole story. I can’t wait to read the next one!
*I received a free copy of this book which I voluntarily chose to write an honest review for.
Ivy has fully embraced her new role in the bread shop just in time for a reality t.v. show to start filming what they do. Olaya is excited d about the chance at least until she gets sick. This means Ivy has to take over which would not be a problem if things went well. During a break the cameraman is hit by a car that takes off. She starts asking questions but then has doubts as similar car incidents start to occur to her as well. No clue how they are LinkedIn she plows on anyways. Then one of the hosts is found dead making things even more complicated. None of the clues are lining up for her for the longest time then it all starts to fall together with a surprising conclusion. This all makes for fascinating cozy that is full of good food and friends working together to solve the mystery. A pleasant read for fans of the genre. I really liked it so I give it 4/5 stars.
3.5 stars
Dough or Die is an intriguing mystery with delightful main characters (Olaya!) to keep you entertained and delicious, mouthwatering bread to keep you hungry haha.
I really really like Olaya – she is just a little mysterious and a lot goodhearted, and her heart to empower women who have had a rough time is definitely something I can embrace. Her work ethic and compassion are inspiring, and she’s the kind of character you can easily picture as you read. Ivy is also engaging, and their respect & affection for each other easily adds warmth to the story. The supporting characters are equally likable (except for the ones we aren’t supposed to like, of course) and keep the story moving along.
The plot was intriguing, with multiple suspects, nods to popular culture, and a reveal I didn’t quite see coming as clearly as perhaps I should have. I did have a serious problem with the way Ivy conducted part of her amateur investigation in this book – it threw out all the understood rules of interacting with a typically-protected group of people, and her choices unnecessarily endangered them. I was disappointed with the precedent this set – as well as with the strong (though fortunately infrequent) language. On a personal note, I read cozy mysteries in part because it’s generally accepted that cursing and profanity will be mild, if any are used at all, and reading several profane uses of Jesus’ names was more than a bit jarring to say the least.
Bottom Line: Dough or Die is a bread lover’s delight, and you’ll find yourself drooling over the delicious recipes that are whipped up at Yeast of Eden & by Ivy’s chef boyfriend. The way the continuing characters interact with each other – their genuine friendships, etc – is definitely a highlight of the series, and Olaya in particular is the rock of the stories even though Ivy may be the protagonist. To be honest, I was disappointed in the direction this book went and in the strong profanity that usually is absent in this genre. Take those two issues away, though, and you’ve got an entertaining read that will keep you guessing!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
I really enjoyed this book. I love that the setting is a bread shop. The characters are interesting and the story kept me entertained.
While this was a fun book to read, I think there was so much more to it. Who would think a cozy could bring up so many important points and problems of women today. Bring it all up and even combine it with one culture learning about another. That’s what Winnie Archer does here.
This is the first book I have read by Winnie Archer. I can’t say there is any reason it could not be read as a stand-alone. Although I could tell a few points might have been more familiar, I can’t say anything took away from the story. This is Book 5 of a series titled “A Bread Shop Mystery”. Hope there is a book #6 coming.
DOUGH OR DIE by Winnie Archer
The Fifth Bread Shop Mystery
Reality TV hits Santa Sofia when Yeast of Eden is chosen to be the first bakery showcased in the new series, America’s Best Bakeries. Ivy Culpepper is thrilled that her mentor, Olaya Solis, will get recognition, not only for her special artisan breads, but her community involvement and her Bread for Life program. Although Ivy notices the diva behavior of one of the hosts creating some tension, everything seems to be running smoothly. Things come to a screeching halt, however, when the cameraman, on break outside the bakery is involved in a hit and run. Did he have an enemy or is someone out to destroy the show before it even begins?
In the fifth Bread Shop mystery there is an attempted murder, a stalking, and an actual murder. But are they related? They must be, but how? Before Ivy even thinks to look into the cameraman’s “accident” she is pursued by an unknown SUV. Could she have seen something she didn’t realize? I liked how Ivy slowly began looking into the accident, trying to make connections where there seem to be none. I also appreciate the subtle manner in which clues are discovered.
DOUGH OR DIE brings a love of baking and community involvement to the forefront. Societal issues such as domestic violence are brought to light in an open and honest manner and cultural diversity is embraced.
It may be a murder mystery, but DOUGH OR DIE is a feel good novel that intelligently looks at today’s society. It’s also a complex mystery that I thoroughly enjoyed, even though it left me craving a loaf of Olaya’s rosemary bread.
FTC Disclosure – The publisher sent me a digital ARC provided through NetGalley, in the hopes I would review it.
This is the next installment of A Bread Shop Mystery. The shop, Yeast of Eden allows a safe haven for recovery. The owner, Olaya, comes from a long line of women who can infuse their baked goods with healing elements from their mood while baking. The thought of a bakery shop that not only offers classes on baking but an atmosphere of community and wellbeing.
When Olya agrees to take part in a new bakery reality show two murders quickly follow. Ivy sets to investigating the crimes. She does not want to have a negative impact on business.
Complicating matters Ivy has am stalker. She believes she knows who it is. Then again perhaps it has to do with the double homicide. As the investigation continues Ivy becomes aware of a battered womens shelter and the issues of spousal abuse.
I enjoyed this cozy mystery and enjoyed learning about baking and the different breads of other countries that are introduced by the women who participate n the bread baking course offered at the bakery to help women become marketable in the workforce. It is a quick easy read and i recommend this book to anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries.
We are back in Santa Sofia, California and our favorite bakery, Yeast of Eden, is getting ready to take center stage with the arrival of a reality show. The show features various American bakeries and that’s great for business. Soon, though, things turn deadly. A member of the film crew is hit by a car right in front of the bakery and later the show’s co-host is murdered. Not exactly how reality was defined when the bakery agreed to be showcased. Ivy, with the help of her friends, shifts gears and goes into investigation mode.
I enjoy the fact that all of the main characters support each other so well and that the bakery is so much the heart of the community. Add a very well crafted puzzle that kept me guessing – and getting it wrong – to the last chapter and a charming setting, I really enjoyed my virtual visit to Santa Sofia and am looking forward to my next visit April 27, 2021.
My thanks to the publisher Kensington and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
small-business, small-town, law-enforcement, television, murder, murder-investigation, attempted-murder, amateur-sleuth
The good news is that you won’t seem to miss a thing if you haven’t read earlier books in the series. On other news, it made me want to hunt up and read others in the series. Ivy is a character I can relate to as she is pointedly curious, not perfect, and has a sense of humor. Olaya and her bakery Yeast of Eden are the other side of the Pacific and Equator of Corinna Chapman and her shop Earthly Delights. Olaya’s other mission is to empower marginalized women through making and promoting the breads of their home peoples. The mystery is well done, too!
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Kensington Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
Dough or Die by Winnie Archer brings readers back to Santa Sofia and Yeast of Eden for another intriguing and entertaining cozy mystery.
I love this small town and would move there in a heartbeat if I could because these characters have become friends through these books. Ms. Archer’s descriptive writing of the town and characters have made me feel right at home. The mystery is quite involved with murder, attempted murder, several suspects, twists and turns and secrets from the past that come to light as Ivy once again begins to investigate. Ms. Archer’s writing is so comfortable for me that once I begin reading I don’t put the book down until it’s finished.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Kensington via NetGalley. All of the above opinions are my own.