Tag: #SmallTownMystery

Donut shop owner Suzanne Hart knows how to treat her customers. But sometimes life can get a bit sticky. When a spat she has with a local blacksmith—one that could have been solved with a handshake and a mixed dozen—ends with his murder, Suzanne is caught dead in her tracks. Suddenly everyone in April Springs has their eyes on her. And they’re hungry with suspicion.
Left with little choice but to catch the killer herself, Suzanne starts lining up suspects. But her case is full of holes. How did the killer strike in the middle of the day without a single witness to the crime? Who knew that the humble blacksmith was actually an heir to a family fortune? The heat is on as Suzanne tries to solve the case and save her business. Can she have her cake-donut and eat it too?

Editorial Reviews

Powdered Peril
Jessica Beck
It’s hard to keep a secret in April Springs—especially when it involves a no-good cheater like Peter Morgan. Donut shop owner Suzanne Hart has tried to be civil with the guy, since he’s dating her best friend Grace. But when Grace shows up at her doorstep—sobbing—Suzanne’s the first to admit she’s glad the relationship is over. She’s also the first to spot the footprints leading to Peter’s dead body…
Instead of the usual morning donuts, the police are busy rounding up suspects and sifting through clues: Why did Peter splash yellow paint on Suzanne’s shop window before he was murdered? How angry was Grace when she learned that her boyfriend was two-timing (or three- or four-timing)? Suzanne is willing to bet dollars to donuts that her friend is innocent. Now she has to prove it—before the real killer takes a powder…

Editorial Reviews

Review

“A delight. Suzanne Hart is a lovable amateur sleuth who has a hilariously protective mother and great donut recipes! Readers will have a blast with this book.” ―Diane Mott Davidson, New York Times bestselling author of Fatally Flaky, on the Donut Shop Mysteries

“A tribute to comfort food and to the comfort of small town life. With great donut recipes!” ―JoAnna Carl, author of The Chocolate Cupid Killings, on the Donut Shop Mysteries

“If you like donuts–and who doesn’t?–you’ll love this mystery. It’s like a trip to your favorite coffee shop, but without the calories!” ―Leslie Meier, author of the Lucy Stone mysteries New Year’s Eve Murder and Wedding Day Murder, on the Donut Shop Mysteries

“The perfect comfort read: a delicious murder, a likeable heroine, quirky Southern characters–and donut recipes!” ―Rhys Bowen, Agatha and Anthony award–winning author of the Molly Murphy and Royal Spyness mysteries, on the Donut Shop Mysteries

“A yummy new treat in the culinary mystery genre. Skillfully weaving donut recipes throughout a well-plotted story, the author proves that life after divorce can be sweet; all you need are good friends, your own business, and comfort food. Delicious!” ―Tamar Myers, author of Death of a Rug Lord and The Cane Mutiny, on the Donut Shop Mysteries

“A cleverly plotted cozy mystery with a wonderful small Southern town…Fatally Frosted is a great follow-up to Glazed Murder. Suzanne is a great heroine, Ms. Beck has a sure-fire winner!” ―Fresh Fiction

“A sugary concoction that provides readers a glimpse through the donut hole of living in a small town.” ―Harriet Klausner, Genre Go Round Reviews, on the Donut Shop Mysteries

“Along with the hilarious plot, author Jessica Beck treats the readers to a few recipes strategically placed within the novel. Sinister Sprinkles will keep you guessing until the very end.” ―The Mystery Librarian

From the Back Cover

WELCOME BACK TO DONUT HEARTS―
where the coffee is hot, the donuts are fresh, and justice is oh-so-sweet…

It’s hard to keep a secret in April Springs―especially when it involves a no-good cheater like Peter Morgan. Donut shop owner Suzanne Hart has tried to be civil with the guy, since he’s dating her best friend Grace. But when Grace shows up at her doorstep―sobbing―Suzanne’s the first to admit she’s glad the relationship is over. She’s also the first to spot the footprints leading to Peter’s dead body…

“A delight. Suzanne Hart is a lovable amateur sleuth.” ―Diane Mott Davidson

Instead of the usual morning donuts, the police are busy rounding up suspects and sifting through clues: Why did Peter splash yellow paint on Suzanne’s shop window before he was murdered? How angry was Grace when she learned that her boyfriend was two-timing (or three- or four-timing)? Suzanne is willing to bet dollars to donuts that her friend is innocent. Now she has to prove it―before the real killer takes a powder…

“The perfect comfort read [with] a likeable heroine, quirky Southern characters―and donut recipes!” ―Rhys Bowen

Drop Dead Chocolate is a sinfully sweet addition to Jessica Beck’s delicious Donut Shop Mystery Series.
The whole town of April Springs is stirring over the upcoming mayoral election. Suzanne Hart’s mother, for one, is dead-set on replacing the current mayor…and what better way for Momma to drum up support than by luring in voters with Suzanne’s drop-dead-delicious donuts? Just add chocolate, and they’re sure to kill the competition…
With Momma’s half-baked campaign heating up faster than a donut shop deep fryer, Suzanne wonders if they’ve bitten off more than they can chew. But when Momma’s opponent is brutally murdered, the odds of winning are suddenly, and suspiciously, in their favor. Sure, they’d been planning to beat the mayor—but with speeches and donuts, not a blunt instrument. If Suzanne hopes to reveal the killer’s recipe for revenge, she’ll have to uncover a plot that’s darker than any chocolate…

Editorial Reviews

Review

“A delight. Suzanne Hart is a lovable amateur sleuth who has a hilariously protective mother and great donut recipes! Readers will have a blast with this book.” ―Diane Mott Davidson, New York Times bestselling author of Fatally Flaky, on the Donut Shop Mysteries

“A tribute to comfort food and to the comfort of small town life. With great donut recipes!” ―JoAnna Carl, author of The Chocolate Cupid Killings, on the Donut Shop Mysteries

“If you like donuts–and who doesn’t?–you’ll love this mystery. It’s like a trip to your favorite coffee shop, but without the calories!” ―Leslie Meier, author of the Lucy Stone mysteries New Year’s Eve Murder and Wedding Day Murder, on the Donut Shop Mysteries

“The perfect comfort read: a delicious murder, a likeable heroine, quirky Southern characters–and donut recipes!” ―Rhys Bowen, Agatha and Anthony award–winning author of the Molly Murphy and Royal Spyness mysteries, on the Donut Shop Mysteries

“A yummy new treat in the culinary mystery genre. Skillfully weaving donut recipes throughout a well-plotted story, the author proves that life after divorce can be sweet; all you need are good friends, your own business, and comfort food. Delicious!” ―Tamar Myers, author of Death of a Rug Lord and The Cane Mutiny, on the Donut Shop Mysteries

“A cleverly plotted cozy mystery with a wonderful small Southern town…Fatally Frosted is a great follow-up to Glazed Murder. Suzanne is a great heroine, Ms. Beck has a sure-fire winner!” ―Fresh Fiction

“A sugary concoction that provides readers a glimpse through the donut hole of living in a small town.” ―Harriet Klausner, Genre Go Round Reviews, on the Donut Shop Mysteries

“Along with the hilarious plot, author Jessica Beck treats the readers to a few recipes strategically placed within the novel. Sinister Sprinkles will keep you guessing until the very end.” ―The Mystery Librarian

From the Back Cover

WELCOME BACK TO DONUT HEARTS―where the coffee is hot, the donuts are fresh, and murder is cheaper by the dozen…

The whole town of April Springs is stirring over the upcoming mayoral election. Suzanne Hart’s mother, for one, is dead-set on replacing the current mayor…and what better way for Momma to drum up support than by luring in voters with Suzanne’s drop-dead-delicious donuts? Just add chocolate, and they’re sure to kill the competition…

“A yummy new treat in the culinary mystery genre…Delicious!”―Tamar Myers

With Momma’s half-baked campaign heating up faster than a donut shop deep fryer, Suzanne wonders if they’ve bitten off more than they can chew. But when Momma’s opponent is brutally murdered, the odds of winning are suddenly, and suspiciously, in their favor. Sure, they’d been planning to beat the mayor―but with speeches and donuts, not a blunt instrument. If Suzanne hopes to reveal the killer’s recipe for revenge, she’ll have to uncover a plot that’s darker than any chocolate…

“A tribute to comfort food and small-town life. With great donut recipes!”

― JoAnna Carl, author of The Chocolate Cupid Killings

About the Author

Jessica Beck loves donuts, and has the figure to prove it. It’s amazing what someone can convince themselves is all in the name of research! For each recipe featured in the donut mysteries, a dozen more are tried and tested. When not enjoying delicious treats, Jessica enjoys the rare snowfalls near her home in the foothills of North Carolina.