Of Spice and Men takes place in a coastal town in Washington. The main characters include Marley (owner of the restaurant The Flip Side), her boyfriend Brett, as well has her co-workers and friends. The story begins when a big Hollywood production company comes to town to shoot part of their remake of a cult horror classic. All the ladies in town are hoping to get a glimpse of the hunky actor Chase Lowman. Marley and her youngest staff member, Sienna, end up befriending some of the production crew while they are dining at The Flip Side and offer them a tour of the makeup and special effects trailer later that evening. But as they get to the production sight, something is wrong. The trailer they are supposed to be visiting is on fire!

At first everyone thinks it is a tragic accident, but the detective soon arrives to deem it MURDER! Marley, being the amateur sleuth she is, begins investigating the matter herself, with some unlikely help from other cast members and neighbors, to uncover who was behind the murder, and why.

The author did an exemplary job at describing the town setting, right before several storms roll in, and I could easily picture her entire little town, and I long to be there. It sounds fantastic and cozy. I was not all too fond of the subplot with Marley's and Brett's relationship issues, I tend to not like much extra (romantic) drama in my cozy mysteries, but in the end I was pleased.

I have read other books in the Pancake House mystery series, so it was fun to see progression in Marley's life. I think you could read the book without having read the previous books. I like the Pancake House setting on the east coast. Winter is approaching and the town is stormy and quiet, except for the movie crew that has come to town to remake an old horror film.
The book is mostly about Marley. How she thinks about things. How she feels about finding out that her boyfriend Brett has an almost fiancé that is an actress in the movie being made. How she is the one that can solve the mystery of who murdered Christine, the makeup artist.
How she stumbles upon who killed Christine and nearly dies herself.
I liked the other books in the series. This one bothered me a bit. I'm not a big fan of movie based books but I get that you need outsider to come to a small town if the author is going to set murders there otherwise you kill off your population or make everyone paranoid. What bothers me is Marley acting like she is the only smart one around and then keeps just stumbling upon the murderer. She doesn't really solve it, she just puts her life in danger.

Thank you for the opportunity to read and review this title.

I would like to thank Random House Publishing Group - Alibi for providing me with a free electronic ARC of this book, via Netgalley, in exchange for an open and honest review.

This is another book I read a while ago and am only just now getting a chance to leave a review for.

‘Of Spice and Men’ is the third book in the ‘A Pancake House Mystery’ series – of which I’ve read all three. And, for the most part, I have enjoyed. I mean, I freely admit now that as soon as I hear Ms Fox is soon to be releasing a book I go lurk on Netgalley until it’s there to be requested. ;-)

So, yes, I am a fan of this series and so do hope everyone takes the following constructive criticism with a grain of salt… as I DID enjoy ‘Of Spice and Men’, but really felt like it took waaaaay too long to get to the point.

Here is my criticism… It seemed to be more a soap opera about Marley and her boyfriend with a hint of an actual murder mystery thrown in on the side.

Yes, harsh I know, but it’s how I read it. Sorry. There seemed to be about maybe 20% murder mystery content, 10% gorgeous seaside setting of the scene and all the rest was focussed on where Marley’s relationship was going.

Now, some readers might really enjoy this mix… but I am a cosy crime before nooky sort myself and so I wanted the percentages to be more cosy and less relationship angst. If that makes sense?

I honestly did find myself saying “oh just get ON with it!” a few times as I wanted more cosy mystery and less contemplating the inner emotions and dramas of a love life.

Besides that, it was a good book… but I can’t say it is my favourite in the series and I really do hope the next book goes away from the angst and back to cosy crime. If it doesn’t, I can’t honestly see myself continuing with the series. Gosh what a picky pants I am!

Also, being an ARC there were the odd typo and the formatting for eBook was a bit all over the place, but I am always sure this is all sorted out before the final draft so no biggie.

Would I recommend this book to others?

Yes I would, but only if they had read the other two books first. ‘Of Spice and Men’ really can’t be read as a stand-alone and so people need to go buy and read the first two books in the ‘A Pancake House Mystery’ series first. I mean, if you don’t you miss out on some really scrummy free recipes at the back, if nothing else! ;-)

Would I warn them about my feel for this book? No, as who is to say others will see it like I did? I’ve been through a few pretty tough months (emotionally) of late and so who’s to say my opinion isn’t all screwy right now? All I can do is give my opinion here and hope for the best.

Would I buy this book for myself?

I would… as I do like the series - and Ms Fox’s writing style - and always like to own every book in a series… but I would probably hold off doing so until I’d read the next book in the hopes this one was just a minor glitch in an otherwise enjoyable series.

In summary: True to the series so far, but a little too much relationship soap opera and not enough actual cosy crime for me.

Of Spice and Men by Sara Fox is a cozy mystery that meets my trifecta of perfection. It is the third book in the Pancake House Mystery Series. Marley McKinney owner of the Flip Side Pancake House is trying to solve a mystery that involves a film crew, and famous actors filming a horror film in the town of Wildwood Cove. Christine, the head makeup actress of the film has been seen arguing with a few members of the cast by Marley and then right before they are about to meet for a tour, Christine is murdered. Marley is set on finding out who the killer is, to make matters worst, the main suspect; Alyssa Jayde, use to date Marley's boyfriend.

I enjoyed this story and was able to follow the dynamics of the characters without having read the previous Pancake House Mystery books. It is a fun, light read, and at the end of the book there are a few recipes from treats mentioned in the story. Marley's character seems to be that classic female sleuth, who takes advantage of living in a small town and gets herself involved in police activity more than she should. I liked that even though she was clearly getting herself into things she should not, she was never of the mentality that she had to do things by herself, she accepted help from other and always had a friend who wanted to join her in her escapades.

If you love a cozy mystery, this is for you.
Marley McKinney and her cat live on a Wildwood Cove beach in a beautiful Victorian home (inherited) walking distance from her restaurant, The Flip Side Pancake House (also inherited).
When a Hollywood film crew comes to town to make a movie, Marley naturally gets involved. When the head makeup artist is murdered. Marley is determined to identify the killer.
This is the second Pancake House Mystery I've read. I love the characters and the stories keep my interest.

Marley McKinney is the owner of The Flip Side Pancake House in Wildwood Cove.
Marley is a likable character and the mystery of the killer had me guessing. The plot appeared to be weak and I found myself wandering as I tried to read. The impression I had was Marley felt entitled to be investigating this death. I was let down on the motive for the death.
This is the first of the series that I have read. I understand the other two are better written. I would have preferred more time on the investigation than on Marley and Brett’s relationship or insecurities.

Who doesn't love pancakes? When a film company arrives in the West Coast town of Wildwood Cove to do a remake of horror classic The Perishing, the whole town is excited. Marley, who owns the Flip Side Pancake House is fine with it...until she finds out that the leading lady, a real knock out, used to date her boyfriend. Before you can say Flap Jack, the lady in question dies in a fire. It's murder and there are plenty of suspects and twists, catching me by surprise. I like the pace, the location and the mystery and I really enjoy the cast of characters. There are three in this satisfying series and I look forward to more.

I enjoyed reading this fun, cozy mystery. The characters were well crafted and realistic and the recipes made me hungry as I was reading! Great read.

A fun and interesting mystery.
Good characters, especially with the eccentricities of the movie people added in.
Is anyone who they seem? Are is it all part of a script?
Fun stuff.

I am really enjoying the Pancake House Mystery Series, and was thrilled to see this new one. I was not disappointed! I really enjoy Marley as a main character, and found this book to be a very quick and easy one to read. I was caught up in the storyline from beginning to end, and I'm looking forward to seeing Marley and her cohorts again.

In this book Marley is invited to a movie set while filming is going on in town. Christine, the head make-up artist who issued the invitation, is found dead in a burning trailer on the set. Marley is quickly involved in trying to find out what really happened, and her own life may be in jeopardy.

I love the backdrop of the Flip Side Pancake House for this series. Of Spice and Men was fun and entertaining, and a great addition to the series. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing a copy of the book in return for an honest review.

What a delightful read. This series keeps getting better and more fun to read. This is book 3 in the Pancake House series. It's fall on the Oregon coast and the tourist have left town replaced by a film crew shooting a horror movie. Lots of the crew are enjoying the food served by Marley and her staff. When the make up artist is murdered the town turns to Marley and Brett to help solve the crime. Love Flapjack the cat and all the friends who help out. Good mystery and great setting.

These funny, punny titles suck me right in! I'm so glad to have been able to read another book in this delightful series. Marley's lot in life is dealing with murders. Thankfully, she still has the pancake shop. Romance is growing, mysteries need solving, and overall, a lovely cozy read. I'm well pleased with this third book in the series. Please write more!

My copy came from Net Galley. My thoughts and opinions are my own. This review is left of my own free volition.

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I enjoyed this book very much. It's exactly the kind of cozy I love because it has the perfect blend of intriguing mystery and sweet hint of romance.

A great addition to this collection!

A Hollywood film crew comes into town to film a horror movie and all the residents of Wildwood Cove are in a buzz. When the owner of The Flip Side Pancake House Marley McKinney gets wind that the leading actress, Alyssa Jayde, was her boyfriend's crush, she knows things are about to get interesting. As the crew gets a close and personal acquaintance with Marley’s pancakes, the make-up artist Christine invites her for a tour behind-the-scenes. As she arrives, she is faced with a trailer on fire and Christine inside.
As she digs into the complicated lives of the cast members, the investigation leads to more suspects with a plausible motive. Can she get to be bottom of the murder before the killer decides to get her next?

The writing style is just as great as the first novel. It flows smoothly, makes the story easy and quick to read. The author is very talented in describing everything and I get hungry for reading about pancakes and recipes. The novel is full of colour and smells that characterize Sarah Fox’s style so well.

The plot is good and it has enough twists to keep the reader guessing. The more of the characters and their stories are revealed, the more addictive the story becomes.

The characters are amazing and, like the previous instalment, memorable. I felt like there were too many characters at some point, even if they all belong to the film crew. I had to make an effort to keep track of everyone and their role. Marley is a great protagonist with a curious mind, cunning attitude and very smart. Her style and her way to get information on the lives of the cast members are brilliant and I found myself admiring her. The tension between her and her boyfriend Brett adds spice to the story and it definitely keeps the reader interested in what might happen between them by the end of the story. I would definitely want to jump into the story to meet Marley and her friends at the Pancake House and of course, to eat some delicious pancakes.

A cosy-mystery that fans of the genre and the series shouldn’t miss!

Thank you NetGalley, the publisher Alibi and the author for allowing me to read and review a digital copy of this book.

This is book 3 in the Pancake House mystery series. This works well as a standalone; you don’t have to read the first two books to understand what is going on.

One thing I really like about this series is that the characters are so very human. They have good days and bad; people they argue with and yet are willing to make amends when they are at fault. In this story, Marley experiences jealousy and hurt feelings when almost every time she sees her boyfriend he is soothing his distraught ex-girlfriend, a very attractive actress, who is suspected of murder.

By the end of the book everything is the mystery is neatly tied up. There are also recipes, so you can make some of the appealing recipes mentioned in the story. This is an enjoyable cozy mystery, and if you like them as much as I do, this is a good choice.

Wildwood Cove is looking forward to a visit from Hollywood. A film crew, with several well-known stars, is filming the remake of a cult horror film. Even Marley McKinney, owner of the Flip Side Pancake House is mildly interested, although she is no horror fan. All the crew loves eating at the pancake house so the lead makeup artist, Christine, invites Marly for an exclusive tour. Upon arriving, Marley finds Christine dead and her trailer in flames. The police rule her death a homicide, and Alyssa Jayde, the lead actress in the film, becomes the prime suspect. Further complications arise when Marley discovers that Alyssa is an old flame of her boyfriend, Brett. Marley sets out to find out who the murderer is but there are many people with motives on the film crew. As she learns more about them, it seems that Marley might be the next victim.

I have enjoyed the two previous books in this cozy series. The small town coastal village atmosphere is evocative, and Marley is a likable character. She has a lot of insecurities stemming from the loss of most of her family in an accident that play into her life, and her attempts to overcome them are brave and believable. Of Spice and Men is an excellent addition to the series.

Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for an advance digital copy. The opinions are my own.

Princess Fuzzypants here:
The Pancake House mysteries have provided hours of reading entertainment and not a few rumblies in the tummy from the lip smacking dishes served to the customers. This book delivers more of the same although with a film crew in town making a movie, at times it felt more like one of the other series I like which takes place on movie sets.
Poor Marley and her trusty feline Flapjack have got their paws full when one of the crew is murdered and the prime suspect turns out to be a gorgeous but nasty actress who just happened to live with Marley’s beau for three years. Marley’s insecurities threaten the relationship but it is her life that is threatened worse as she digs into the big secret someone will kill to keep from being revealed. I do like Marley. I like the supporting characters and the story lines. Sometimes she is a little too eager to investigate and can be cavalier about her own safety. She is a smart lady who doesn’t act that way from time to time. While it irritates, it does not ruin the enjoyment of the read.
I still give it four purrs and two paws up. Maybe I just have a soft spot for Flapjack.