Culinary Mystery – LDS Women's Book Review

Wedding Cake by Josi S. Kilpack

Posted by Mindy Book Reviews

Oct 142014

Wedding Cake

Author: Josi S. Kilpack

Publisher: Shadow Mountain

Publish Date: December 30th, 2014

ISBN13: 9781609079321

Paperback: 368 pages

Culinary mystery

Reviewed by Mindy

FTC FYI: Received an eARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Goodreads Summary

When Sadie Hoffmiller receives a threatening, anonymous text message just days before her wedding, she is determined not to let it interfere with the celebration she has carefully planned for months. But when the threat changes from a distant fear to a frightening reality, Sadie realizes just how much she is underestimated the situation. Desperate to put an end to the game she has been forced to play, Sadie, her fiancé, Pete, and her children pull out all the stops resolved to stop running and see justice done. What they do not know, however, is just how far Sadie’s nemesis is willing to go and just how many people may be hurt in the process. There is no turning back for anyone in this riveting conclusion to the twelve-volume series, and the question becomes whether or not Sadie will have a future left when the game finally comes to an end.

Author and Reviewer Warning!

*Make sure you have read the first 11 books before you start Wedding Cake. The gloves are off when it comes to holding back the details on the previous mysteries. Some of the other book plots are revealed, especially the books that involve Jane.*

My Review

The word perfect doesn’t even come close to how utterly awesome this book is. As much as I have been looking forward to reading Wedding Cake, I was also dreading it. Not in a way that it was something I didn’t want to do, believe me, it was only because I knew Sadie’s story would be ending. That being said, that never would have stopped me from reading and loving Wedding Cake. I know all things must come to an end, like Harry Potter :), and WOW, what an end! My heart raced, my head pounded, and my stomach hurt all while reading in anticipation, turning the pages as fast as I could. As I read, I thought, what next! Poor Sadie, poor Pete, poor everyone!

When I read the teaser chapter at the end of Fortune Cookie earlier this year, I knew this book was going to be a wild ride. Jane has been keeping herself quiet for awhile, but she has been bidding her time. I’m sure we all have been wondering what has happened to Jane since her last words to Sadie in Pumpkin Roll. The books since have mentioned her, but in Wedding Cake, she makes her presence known right at the start, and is not holding back. This will be spoiler free review, with no details given, but when you do get to read this, prepare your life for not getting anything else done until you finish this book. The epilogue is so lovely, it had me smiling through my tears.

5 out of 5 stars. This book is everything I wanted it to be with many surprises mixed in. Again, Jane doesn’t hold anything back when it comes to Sadie and the people she loves. It was fun to have the other book’s mysteries mentioned and their characters. Sadie will forever be one of my all-time favorite characters, and Pete is including on that list as well. Sadie is nothing short of amazing, as is the author who created her.

Author Links

Goodreads / Website / Facebook / Twitter

Pre-order Links

Amazon / Deseret Book

Fortune Cookie by Josi S. Kilpack – Blog Tour & Giveaway

Posted by Shanda Blog Tours, Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews

Apr 072014

Fortune Cookie

Author: Josi S. Kilpack

Publisher: Shadow Mountain

Published: March 2014

Softcover/Kindle/Nook/Audio: 356 pages

Genre: Culinary Mystery/Mystery-Suspense

ISBN# 9781609077877

Reviewed by: Shanda

FTC FYI: received a free hardcopy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

Summary (Goodreads)

Sadie Hoffmiller has always liked things to be just so. A place for everything and everything in its place. Order over chaos. And of all things Sadie should be able to control, her own wedding is at the top of the list. With the big day just three weeks away, Sadie is busily adding the perfect final touches to her wedding plans. But the arrival of a mysterious letter that bears a San Francisco postmark and no return address could change everything. The only person Sadie knows in San Francisco is her older sister, Wendy, whom she hasn’t seen or heard from since their mother’s funeral nearly fifteen years ago. Sadie has faced off with murderers and crooks in recent years, yet the potential of her sister reentering her life is both overwhelming and frightening. But, as Sadie soon discovers, the letter is just the beginning. Wendy’s world turns out to be a place of unanswered questions, twisted truths, and more than one motive for murder.

Review

In Fortune Cookie, book eleven in the Sadie Hoffmiller Culinary Mystery series, readers join Sadie in San Francisco, her sister’s place of residence for many years. My husband and I honeymooned in San Francisco, so it was great to revisit the city with Sadie and Pete.

Sadie never got along well with her sister. Wendy left home when Sadie was twelve, and other than a handful of interactions, there wasn’t much of a relationship between the two women. It was interesting to get to know more about Sadie, her childhood, and her family. She isn’t the only one struggling with difficult issues though. With only three weeks to the wedding, Pete finds himself facing some situations he didn’t expect as well. My heart was aching for both he and Sadie.

I love that, even after so many books, I feel like I am still getting to know Sadie. Josi’s hard work keeping characters interesting and plots mysterious pays off every time. I really had no clue who was going to be the bad guy until it was revealed, though I had a running list that changed often, sometimes from chapter to chapter. This series is one of the few I’ve read where I haven’t figured out who the villain is well before the big reveal.

What I appreciate even more than an unguessable antagonist are well-written characters. More than just description and dialogue, each character’s interactions, concerns, weaknesses, efforts, and motivations are relatable and believable, even those we only meet briefly in the course of Sadie’s investigation. The reader can’t help but feel the emotion and suspense the story is designed to evoke.

The Sadie Hoffmiller series is one of my absolute favorites. As sad as I am that it is winding down, I’m looking forward to Wedding Cake, the last book in the series due to be released in Fall 2014. There is a cliffhanger chapter from Wedding Cake at the end of Fortune Cookie that’s going to keep me on edge all summer. Thanks a lot, Josi. ;)

Visit Josi:

WEBSITE | BLOG | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOODREADS

Find Fortune Cookie:

Blog Tour Giveaway

$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 4/30/14

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Banana Split (Sadie Hoffmiller #7) by Josi S. Kilpack

Posted by Shanda Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews

Apr 082013

Banana Split (Sadie Hoffmiller Culinary Mystery #7)

Author: Josi S. Kilpack

Publisher: Shadow Mountain

Published Date: March 2012

Softcover; 372 pages

Genre: Culinary Mystery

ISBN# 978-1-60908-903-0

Reviewed by: Shanda

Summary

Sadie Hoffmiller has survived eighteen months of nonstop adventures filled with murder, deceit, and danger. She could really use some rest—and maybe even some time to heal—relaxing in the tropical paradise of Kaua’i. However, palm trees and sunshine are not as effective a medication as Sadie had hoped. And when she finds herself entangled—literally—with a dead body, she is forced to face the compounding fears and anxieties that are making her life so difficult to live.

Her determination to stay out of danger and to focus on overcoming her anxieties soon takes a backseat when she meets eleven-year-old Charlie, the son of the woman whose body she discovered near Anahola Beach. Charlies has some questions of his own about what happened to his mother, and he is convinced that only Sadie can help him. If only Sadie were as confident in her abilities as Charlie is.

With the help of her best friend and a local social worker, Sadie dives into another mystery with the hope that, at the end, she’ll be able to find the peace and closure that has eluded her.

Review

After the traumatic events during her visit to Boston, Sadie is in dire need of rest and relaxation. She heads to Hawai’i to recuperate, but after a few weeks the anxiety takes over. Sadie spends most of the day locked in a small condo, not even finding pleasure in cooking as she once did.

When she finally ventures out at the insistence of her friends, the Blue Muumuus, what was supposed to be a peaceful snorkeling trip ends in Sadie discovering a body trapped in the water. It’s enough to send her over the edge and into the care of a therapist.

The young son of the woman whose body Sadie found seeks her out with a list of questions about his mother. Sadie decides to learn more and use the experience to help her deal with the memories of the grisly encounter. She puts her investigative skills to use and uncovers details that lead her to think the circumstances surrounding the woman’s death may not be what they first seem.

It was interesting to see Sadie in Hawai’i, alone in a small condo with no family around her. It made me a little sad to see her so affected by what she’d gone through the past several months, and yet it was reassuring and realistic, adding depth to Sadie’s character. The description of her interaction with the woman’s dead body, while far from graphic, was creepy enough to make my skin crawl.

There was great suspense and misdirection. I often figure out the bad guy in other mysteries, but I love how Josi keeps me guessing in every book. I’m never sure of the villain until the end and I’m always surprised by something.

I’m not sure how Josi manages to keep things so fresh in this series, but she has, especially as it has grown into something bigger than I think even she expected. As long as she keeps writing Sadie Hoffmiller books, I will keep reading them. I love this series and recommend it to everyone.

Visit Josi:

Find Banana Split:

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | DESERET BOOK | SEAGULL BOOK | GOODREADS

***Read Mindy’s review: Banana Split by Josi S. Kilpack***

Baked Alaska by Josi S. Kilpack – Blog Tour and Giveaway

Posted by Shanda Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews

Mar 042013

Baked Alaska (Sadie Hoffmiller Culinary Mystery #9)

Author: Josi S. Kilpack

Publisher: Shadow Mountain/Deseret Book

Published Date: February 18, 2013

Softcover; 358 pages

Genre: Culinary Mystery

ISBN# 978-1-60907-328-2

Reviewed by: Shanda

FTC FYI: received a free review PDF in exchange for an honest review

Summary

An Alaskan cruise is the setting for amateur detective Sadie Hoffmillers latest adventure. Sadie plans to spend time relaxing with her two grown children, Breanna and Shawn, and her boyfriend, Pete, while enjoying the luxury and cuisine of an elegant cruise ship and helping to plan her daughters upcoming wedding. But even as the crew prepares to leave port, Sadie has suspicions about the voyage ahead and the relationship between her normally easygoing son and a mysterious female passenger he obviously knows but refuses to discuss. When the woman is discovered unconscious during the second night at sea, Sadies apprehension escalates. Over the last few years, Sadie has developed an extreme dislike for secrets and it would seem her son is keeping one from her. *Includes eight new mouthwatering recipes, tested and approved by the official bakers of Sadie’s Virtual Test Kitchen. *Josi’s culinary mysteries have become favorites with members of Goodreads and other book networking sites. *Readers guide available online.

Review

Sadie hopes that a week-long cruise to Alaska will give her grown children, Shawn and Breanna, a chance to get to know her boyfriend, Pete Cunningham, a bit better. Things don’t work out so well right from the start. Shawn is hiding something from her and Sadie’s feelings are hurt that everyone seems to know what it is but her. Suspicious activity on the cruise ship leads to someone being hurt and the authorities take Shawn in for questioning. Determined to help clear Shawn’s name, Sadie embarks on a search for answers in a mystery that ultimately claims more than one victim.

When I pick up one of Josi’s culinary mysteries, I know I will be pulled in to the story until the last page. Baked Alaska was no exception. Just when I thought I had something figured out, a new twist sent me down another path. Though cruises aren’t my preferred vacation, reading about Sadie and company’s cruise to Alaska was an entertaining escape and just as much fun as the rest of Sadie’s adventures.

The Sadie Hoffmiller series has become more than just the mystery for me. Reading each book is like visiting good friends. I have loved watching the characters’ relationships change and develop from book to book. I really like Pete and the way he has accepted Sadie and her quirks. Breanna and Shawn have grown as well. I was surprised at the end and might have blinked away a tear or two. I closed the book (well, the PDF) with a huge grin on my face.

Fans of Sadie Hoffmiller are going to enjoy Baked Alaska. I can’t wait to see what happens in Rocky Road. This is one of my favorite book series and I can’t recommend it enough.

Visit Josi: WEBSITE | BLOG | FACEBOOK | TWITTER

Find Baked Alaska:

Blog Tour Giveaway

$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 3/20/13

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareader.com and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Banana Split by Josi S. Kilpack — Blog Tour

Posted by Mindy Blog Tours, Book Reviews, Mindy's Reviews

Apr 112012

Banana Split: A Culinary Mystery

Author: Josi S. Kilpack

Publisher: Shadow Mountain

Published: February 2012

Paperback: 372 pages

ISBN-13: 978-1-60908-903-0

FTC FYI: Review Copy

Reviewed by Mindy

Goodreads Summary: “Sadie Hoffmiller has survived eighteen months of nonstop adventures filled with murder, deceit, and danger. She could really use some rest—and maybe even some time to heal—relaxing in the tropical paradise of Kaua’i. However, palm trees and sunshine are not as effective a medication as Sadie had hoped. And when she finds herself entangled—literally—with a dead body, she is forced to face the compounding fears and anxieties that are making her life so difficult to live.

With the help of her best friend and a local social worker, Sadie dives into another mystery with the hope that, at the end, she’ll be able to find the peace and closure that has eluded her.”

My Review

Sadie is having a rough time. All that has happened to her in the last 18 months has finally taken it’s toll. Her panic attacks are getting more frequent, and in the middle of one, after an attempt at snorkeling, Sadie finds another dead body under a pier. Sadie visits Dr. McKay, her new psychiatrist. He talks with her about PTSD, and how he feels she is suffering from that. Determined to feel better, Sadie makes a list of things to do everyday.

Go outside every day.

Eat fruit every day.

Talk to Pete every day.

Do something brave every day.

When the son of the woman whose body Sadie found comes to her, it takes time, but she realizes that she needs to help this boy. Sadie finds a list of Charlie’s that he left at her house. That spurs her into action.

This is another strong offering from Josi. The best thing about her books is not only do they get better and better, but they are unique in their own way and can stand alone. Sadie is a different person in his book. She is hurting, mentally and physically. It’s quite a change to see her react the way she does, my heart just ached for her. What I love most about Sadie is, even though she has forgotten this, she is a very strong lady. Sadie finds herself getting better when she is investigating, and it helps with her anxiety. She also remembers that helping others is a good thing, and she is not a dead body magnet. Gayle helps her see that it’s okay to let someone else help her, too.

5 out of 5 stars. Follow Josi on Facebook and Twitter. Here are some purchase links as well.

AMAZON / BARNES AND NOBLE / DESERET BOOK / SEAGULL BOOK

Blackberry Crumble by Josi S. Kilpack

Posted by Shanda Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews

Aug 242011

Blackberry Crumble

Author: Josi S. Kilpack

Published Date: March 2011

Publisher: Deseret Book

Softcover; 366 pages

Genre: Mystery-Suspense

ISBN# 978-1-60641-941-0

Reviewed by: Shanda

FTC FYI: Free review copy in exchange for honest review. (Or did I buy this one? I can’t remember now.)

First Things First

I am a big fan of Sadie Hoffmiller. I think it’s because she is so many things I am not and I get to experience the story through someone very different than myself.

Sadie is a widow; I’m celebrating 15 years with my hubby next month. Sadie is a fifty-something retired school teacher with two grown children in college; I am a stay-at-home mom with four kids ranging in ages from 13 to 2.5 years old. Sadie loves to cook and bake; I love to eat things other people have cooked and baked. Her curiosity gets her into some serious scrapes; I would be to nervous to do anything and just let the police handle it. She loves food; I love food. Wait…

Speaking of food, the Blueberry Muffin Tops on page 11 are absolutely delicious. They make me so HAPPY. Light, sweet, lemon-blueberry goodness…*ahem*…

Blackberry Crumble is the fifth book in the Sadie Hoffmiller Mystery series. This story is different in that Sadie is sought out by another character, May, to look into her father’s death. May feels that her father was murdered, though his death was ruled as a heart attack. Sadie is undecided about helping May, especially after Jane, the easy-to-despise reporter publishes a sensationalized article about Sadie in the Denver Post.

Sadie finds herself being shunned by those who know her because of the lies printed about her in the article. Even her church “friends” are being uncharitable, condemning Sadie without asking her side. Ultimately, Sadie decides to get away from all the gossip, takes the case and heads up to Portland.

My Thoughts

Blackberry Crumble was well-written, descriptive and full of red herrings. I honestly didn’t know who would end up being the bad guy and I was surprised by the end. The overall pace felt a little slower than the others but there was still plenty of suspense and action. There was a bit of humor along with a higher level of emotions like grief, guilt, regret, resentment, and family contention.

I’ve already mentioned the Blueberry Muffin Tops, but did you know there was such a thing as Bacon Ice Cream? At first I wrinkled my nose but looking at the recipe it actually sounds really good. My husband would love it.

There was also a certain amount of resolution with Pete that I’ve been waiting to see for a couple of books. While Lemon Tart and Devil’s Food Cake are my favorites in the series, there is something to be appreciated in each of the books. I feel that Blackberry Crumble is where action and consequence come full circle for Sadie and I’m very interested to see where Josi takes the series from here.

What’s Next?

Luckily, the wait for the next book in the series is almost over. Pumpkin Roll is due to be released September 7, 2011. I can’t wait. Not only does the cover make me hungry, it actually makes me look forward to fall. (Summer took so long to get here that I’ve been intentionally avoiding anything that even hints that winter is coming again.)

Josi is currently working on the seventh Sadie Hoffmiller Mystery book, Banana Split.

For more information and a list of book signings and other events where you can find Josi, visit her webpage and follow her on Twitter @josiskilpack.

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