“Batter Off Dead” is the second in a series about a small town bakery, run by a former big-city pastry chef. However, the chef did not count on dealing with murder when she came back to town.

The murder occurs in a local vineyard, and the plot moves the action forward to the final apprehension of the murderer. During the course of the investigation, the amateur sleuth ignores the admonitions of the sheriff (her boyfriend) to stay out of the case. As the suspects are eliminated one by one, the suspense builds to its final conclusion.

This was the first book in the series that I read, and I enjoyed the quirky characters. I suggest readers suspend their disbelief that law enforcement would even allow the continual involvement of an amateur sleuth in a murder investigation to the extent written in this novel.

I received this book from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

Sophia Cummings has moved to Rumford for good. With her best buddy Charlotte Harrington, she co-manages the bakery - For Goodness Cakes. For Goodness seems to be Bitsy's (Sophia's mum) favorite word. Hence the name - For Goodness Cakes.

The duos are busy baking and preparing for the fund-raising event that is going to take place that evening at the Grape Valley Vinery. The place is owned by Ray Peels and managed by Giles and Tammy Dugan - the father-daughter duo. The event aims to raise money for the newly constructed (additional) two storeys at the library. Catherine Fraxman, the librarian, is disappointed to hear that Ray, who had promised to give half-a-million dollars to the library has now taken a step back. He says that he's selling the Vinery and he would not be giving any money to the library.

Catherine is angry and so is Madison. Madison is Sophia's friend and real estate agent. She was supposed to look after the dealings of the Vinery. But when Ray makes insulting remarks by saying that she's a hilly billy real estate agent, Madison loses her temper. She innocently remarks that she could do with strangling the guy for making such an audacious statement.

Sophia is now worried about the payment. She has spent a lot of money on the baking for the fundraiser and what if Ray refuses to pay? Off she goes in search of Ray Peel when she stumbles and falls in the Vineyard. She falls headlong onto something... or rather, someone - Ray! The guy is bashed in the head and his eyes are now lifeless, staring into oblivion.

With a couple of witnesses testifying that they heard Madison's remark, Madison is now the main suspect in Ray's murder. But Sophia knows that her best buddy is innocent. Though her boyfriend-sheriff - Carter - warns her not to poke her nose into something that can get her into trouble, Sophia decides to find the perp and clear her friend's name.

The first thing I noticed about the story is the variety of baked goodies that Sophia makes! Cherry flip-flops, peanut butter and jam sandwiches, custom-made birthday cakes, macaroons, and whatnot, absolutely drool-worthy!

Bitsy, Sophia's mother, is funny and weird. She always dreams (secretly) of her daughter marrying a rich guy and having a couple of babies. She's also a bit disappointed that her daughter likes baking better than laces and pearls. But deep inside, Bitsy is proud of her daughter.

Charlotte and Madison, Sophia's friends, play a very good role in the story. From always being there for each other to helping out each other in tough times, the trio's strong bond is well portrayed in the story. Sophia's character is likable. Her loving and caring nature is portrayed every now and then in the story.

When Sophia learns that Madison is a suspect, she vouches to do whatever it takes to clear her friend's name. Carter, the sheriff and Sophia's boyfriend is another likable character in the story. A loving and caring partner, Carter, though sometimes disappointed that Sophia wants to play detective, protects her.

The four ladies - Sophia, Bitsy, Charlotte, and Madison form a "detective" group of their own - Operation Merlot. Although it's only Sophia who does all the snooping around while the others gorge on baked goodies and drink wine. Duchess, Sophia's Persian cat, was a cute addition to the story.

The story gets even more interesting when Sophia returns to her house after a date night with Carter and finds her house ransacked. To add to this mess, someone throws a brick through her shop window and threatens her. Carter is worried that Sophia might be in danger but nothing can stop her.

The identity of the perp was shocking and unexpected. This is what I like about a good whodunnit. The suspects' list is long - there's Reba (works at the Vinery), the Dugans, Lanie ( who slapped Ray), and Catherine. With a rumored affair between Ray and Reba, things get saucily interesting.

The author's storytelling skills' good. I liked the way the story proceeds, from a couple of people in the suspect list to ticking them off as innocent and finally ending up with none in the list. What else does one need in a Cozy story - baked goodies, a little bit of romance, a murder or two, someone threatening to stop the investigation, and a long suspects list. The story is a really good blend of all these and many more. The story is interesting and keeps you hooked on till the end. And, for those who love to bake, there are a couple of recipes in the end.

Overall Rating: 4.5/5 (rounding it off to 5)

A truly fun mystery. Suspects abound and the mystery takes you on a wonderful ride. Tough is not a strong enough word to describe Sophia and her friend Charlotte, they are a force of nature. The small town flavor is endearing. If you want to laugh this is the book to read, and it will keep you guessing till the end. Love the way Maymee Bell (Ms. Kappes) writes and will continue to read all her books. Hope to read another very soon. I purchased a hardcopy of this book and will pass it on to a friend to enjoy.

Tonya Kappes, writing as Maymee Bell, has written a practically perfect cozy mystery. The characters, locale, and story are all on point.
As Batter Off Dead begins, Sophia Cummings is settling into life back in her hometown of Rumford, Kentucky. Her bakery, For Goodness Cakes, is doing well; she is happily dating the town sheriff, and she has avoided finding any more corpses.
Sophia has won the contract to provide desserts for a major fundraiser for the town library being held at the local winery. On the way to pick up her check, Sophia trips and falls onto the body of Ray Peel. When her best friend, Maddie, is accused of the murder, Sophia knows she has to investigate to prove her friend innocent.
Batter Off Dead is fast-paced, fun, and the big reveal of whodunit surprised me. I highly recommend both this book and the Southern Cake Baker Mystery series.

I am so glad that I work overnights, it gave me the chance to read this book in one sitting. This was a quick and fun read. Maymee Bell (AKA Tonya Kappes) is one of my favorite cozy mystery authors. There were many twists and turns lots of suspects to choose from. This book will keep you guessing until the end. The characters are quirky and the small town setting is just delicious. This book will make you laugh and also crave some of those wonderful cakes. I really enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the next installment.

What could be better than a mystery where there are cakes involved? You will want to be baking some of these recipes. This was a fun, fast read, and I found the characters enjoyable. I am very happy to have discovered this series. Thanks to Crooked Lane Books and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

Batter Off Dead by Maymee Bell has us traveling to Rumford, Kentucky. Sophia Cummings has opened For Goodness Sakes, a bakery, in her hometown with the help of her best friend, Charlotte Harrington. It is Sunday and they are busy preparing the treats for The Heart of the Town fundraiser being held that evening at Grape Valley Winery owned by Giles Dugan. The fundraiser is to raise funds for the new library addition. This is Sophia’s first big catering gig for which she has laid out a significant amount of money, so she wants to make sure that everything is perfect. At the fundraiser, Ray Peel is making enemies left and right. He reneges on the donation he promised the library, insults Madison Ridge, and has upset the winery owners. Sophia is on her way to the winery offices to collect her check, when she trips and finds herself face to face with a dead Ray Peel. Sophia quickly calls Sheriff Carter Kincaid who races to the scene to comfort her and then takes charge of the crime scene. The next day, Charlotte requests that Sophia don her sleuthing cap once again. Their friend, Madison finds herself at the top of the suspect list and her realtor clients are dropping her like a hot potato. Sophia has her hands full since Ray had made numerous enemies and her mother is assisting her with what she has termed Operation Merlot. She also must create her baked delights for the bakery and deal with a coupon issue. Someone, though, is not happy with Sophia’s involvement and tries to dissuade her. Grab a glass of wine and settle down to join Sophia on her latest case in Batter Off Dead.

Batter Off Dead is a humorous cozy mystery. There are quirky characters and a charming, small Southern town for which Tonya Kappes is known for creating. Sophia is opening up her bakery, but she has not worked out all the kinks yet. She is unsure whether to ask for deposits from catering clients (the answer is yes) nor does she have them sign a contract (every catering event should have a contract with a deposit). Catering The Heart of the Town will show clients what For Goodness Sakes can provide, but Sophia has outlaid a large amount of money for The Heart of the Town fundraiser. After Sophia makes a big deal about getting paid, the matter then gets dropped and is not resolved. Sophia’s mother, Bitsy is not happy that Sophia has stumbled over another dead body, but it tickled when Sophia asks her to keep her ears open for helpful gossip. Sheriff Carter Kincaid does not want Sophia sticking her nose into his case and repeatedly warns her (he is wasting his breath). I like Maymee Bell’s (aka Tonya Kappes) writing style. It is what I refer to as conversational or friendly which engages the reader. It makes for an easy to read story which is enhanced with the steady pacing and Southern humor. I recommend reading Cake and Punishment before embarking on Batter Off Dead. It sets the stage for the rest of the series. The mystery will have you guessing with multiple suspects who each have a good motive to kill the victim. There are recipes at the end for the yummy baked goods Sophia creates in her bakery. Batter Off Dead contains friendship, family, wine, scrumptious confectionary delights, community, murder, romance and wit.

Sophia Cummings and her shop For Goodness Cakes are going from strength to strength. The opportunity to cater for the fundraiser for the local library can only open more doors for her. But when a well heeled local business man reneges on his pledge and is then found dead, by none other than Sophia herself, she can see her dreams slipping away!

Madison is the local real estate agent and seems to be top of the suspect list. But as Sophie's friend she has an in-built investigator. Sophie will take on anyone who says Madison is guilty, even Carter, her boyfriend/Sheriff!

Sophie and Carter may be at odds during the investigation but he is a bit of a white knight when Sophie is then targeted for looking into the murder! Delightfully madcap and like a younger, more modern Miss Marple - Kentucky edition! Great supporting characters and some recipes to try out too (if I can figure out the US/UK weight differences!)

After reading and enjoying the first mystery in this series, Cake and Punishment, I was looking forward to reading Batter Off Dead. It was worth waiting for. Sophia returned to her childhood home and was living with her parents. Having left New York and her job as a baker, she was looking for a new start. Now we follow her in her new endeavor - as owner of the town's one and only bakery. She has a lot riding on this business and is thrilled that she has landed two very well paying catering gigs. Both involve a local winery. The first is a fundraiser for the library addition and the other for a wine convention. All goes well until Sophia overhears news that shocks her. The owner of the land the winery sits on, the man who has promised a half million dollar donation to the library fund....he has decided to sell the land and rescind his donation. The only reason the library got the bank loan was due to that donation. Needless to say, Sophia and many others are affected. She hasn't been paid and decides to go to the winery office to get her check. On the way she trips over the body of Ray Peel amongst the grape vines.
When the police focus on Sophia's best friend, a local real estate agent added to her own need to get her payment, she, of course, ignores the advice from the sheriff (who is also her boyfriend) and investigates. On the way she puts herself on a collision course with the killer and her life is put in danger. Plenty of twists, turns and tension to keep the reader happy.
I enjoyed the characters, especially her father, a lawyer and her mother. This group of people and the small town setting meet my definition of the classic cozy mystery. I will be looking forward to the next mystery in this series.

A lovely cozy mystery, it was fun to read and entertaining.
It was nice to meet again the cast of characters and the small, read about their life and what was going on.
I love the style of writing, full of humor, and I love the characters.
The plot was sound, no plot hole, and it kept me guessing till the end.
I look forward to reading the next instalment in this series.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to Crooked Lane Books and Netgalley for this ARC

A delightful and charming series. Intriguing and interesting tale. Yummy treats. A little romance. Family issues. Surprising ending.

There is a big fund raising event for the local library. It is being held out at the Grape Valley Winery. On her way to the office to get paid, Sophia literally stumbles over the body of Ray Peel, the landlord of the winery. When the sheriff and Sophia's boyfriend, arrests Madison for the murder, Sophia can't sit by and let this happen. Come to find out that Mr. Peel was going back on his word to more than a few people. Can they find out who the killer really is and why? You will have to read the book to find the answer. I would like to thank Net Galley for a free ARC of this book

A delectable cozy mystery with the right amount of sleuthing and charm

Maymee Bell (aka Tonya Kappes) is one of my favorite cozy mystery writers! She builds worlds though her words and brings these characters to life. The amount of southern charm that exudes from these characters is precious and one cannot help falling instantly in love with them. The bonus of course is the delicious recipes that are included in the story and I cannot wait to try them! If you are a culinary cozy mystery lover like myself (or a fan of Joanne Fluke, another author of the genre) this book and series is a must read!

Batter off Dead is the second book in the Southern Cake Baker mystery series and should be read in order. If you would like to purchase a copy of the first book you can find it here ➜ CAKE AND PUNISHMENT. It follows cake baking sleuth, Sophia Cummings, as she dishes up desserts while trying to find a killer.

Sophia Cummings has recently moved back to the town of Rumford Kentucky after leaving her job in New York. Things are looking great for Sophia as she has finally settled into her new home and new bakery. However, when she finds another body (yes, ANOTHER) at a catering gig, things start to get hot in the kitchen! Not wanting her best friend to go to jail for the murder she stops at nothing- not even the warning from her new boyfriend and police officer, Carter, to find the killer!

Cozy Mystery fans, this book is not to be missed! I very much recommend it. You will have no problem flipping the pages and devouring the book as you work with Sophia to find the killer before it's too late!

Batter Off Dead by Maybee Bell (Tonya Kappes) is the second book in the Southern Cake Baker Mystery series. I was excited to read this installment as I loved the first story.
You are taken back to Rumford, Kentucky where Sophia has just opened her bakery, For Goodness Cakes. While serving at a fund raiser for the local library, Sophia stumbles onto a dead body. Though she promises her boyfriend, the sheriff, she will not get involved when her best friend is the main suspect she is again in the hunt for the actual killer. When her bakery is vandalized, does it mean she is getting close to finding the killer or is someone else just trying to silence her.
This is a great cozy mystery that can be read as a stand alone. It is filled with likeable, realistic characters. I love how you feel right at home in Rumford. You get romance, mystery, humor, and a craving for maple doughnuts. You will be kept guessing until the end.
There are recipes included.
I was given an ARC by Netgalley for an honest review.

I really enjoy this series. This is the second installment of this fabulous series. Sophia Cummings is the owner of a new business, a bakery called For Goodness Cakes. She has been hired to cater the Heart of the Town Library charity fundraiser at Grape Valley Winery. She’s spent all of her money to make this a successful event, raise her profile, and win more plum catering jobs. This is a downer because she didn’t collect most of the fee upfront. The winery’s landlord, Ray Peel is her client and dies after the event before he’s paid his bill or been able to pay off the library loan as he announced.

Sophia becomes involved in the investigation when her BFF, Charlotte Harrington, becomes the prime suspect. During the course of the investigation, it is revealed that Ray Peel has begun to renege and break his promises.

I like the quaint town, the characters, and the plot. I’ll be looking for the next installment. This is a standalone story.

I volunteered to read and review an ARC of this book provided by Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley. These are my unsolicited opinions.

I did enjoy this book even though it reminds me of the Campers Series and Killer Coffee Mystery Series by Tonya Kappes a/k/a Maymee Bell. I really enjoyed the recipes in this book. This is a good Cozy Mystery that will keep you guessing until the end. I like that Carter and Sophia are already together and that he knows that he can't hold Sophia back on investigating. I do want to make some of the recipes in the book. All the books are really good Cozy Mysteries, where you fall in love with the town, people and want to know who the killer is.


*I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.*

BATTER OFF DEAD, the second book in the Southern Cake Baker Mystery Series, by Maymee Bell (aka Tonya Kappes) is sure to delight fans of culinary cozies. Its lovely small town Kentucky setting and cast of warm and quirky characters drew me into the story from the first page. Protagonist and baker Sophia is a strong, albeit stubborn, amateur sleuth. Her sheriff boyfriend Carter is a good man and counterpart for Sophia’s antics. Sophia’s friends and parents add variety and are appealing. The mystery about Ray Peel’s death is strong, even though the investigation is a bit repetitive, and I was surprised by the killer’s identity. The goodies from Sophia’s bakery definitely left me hungry and eager to try the recipes included in the back of the book.

BATTER OFF DEAD is a fun, quickly paced whodunit. Recommended to any cozy mystery fan.

I received an ARC of this title from the author and NetGalley and voluntarily shared my thoughts here.

Sadly I wasn’t able to enjoy this book as much as some of my previous NetGalley selections. I read mysteries because I enjoy a mental puzzle. I want to sort through and piece together the clues to determine whodunnit, often trying to see how early I can accurately predict the culprit.

This expectation and goal for the genre is what makes this book less satisfying for me. Although I liked the main character, insufficient clues to the solution were provided for it to be satisfying as a puzzle for me.

I was additionally frustrated at contradictory information regarding the source of the solution. In one scene, the police officer claims to have obtained information independently of the sleuth but in the closing scene he credits the sleuth as the only source. This might seem trivial to some people, but for me contradictions like this, even when provided late in the game, make me suspicious of the rest of the book, undermining the entire reading experience.

Finally, the opener felt slow, although the timing of the death is within the standard range for the genre.

So while other readers may be quite happy with the book because of different expectations, I can’t fairly give more than a low three stars for my own satisfaction.

Batter Off Dead
A Southern Cake Baker Mystery, Book #2
Maymee Bell
5 Stars

Synopsis:

For fans of Joanne Fluke and Leslie Meier comes the second in Maymee Bell’s delectable Southern Cake Baker mysteries.

Vanquishing the villain who vitiated a village vintner vexes vaunted pastry chef Sophia Cummings in this sweetly sinister second Southern Cake Baker mystery.

Sophia Cummings may be unlucky in love, but she knows that the way to a man's heart is through his sweet tooth. This evening, she plans to use that knowledge—and her skills as a New York City-trained pastry chef—to open the hearts and wallets of Rumford, Kentucky’s richest men. Sophia, proprietress of For Goodness Cakes, has been commissioned to cater the Heart of the Town Library charity fundraiser at Grape Valley Winery. She’s spent all her dough to make this a successful event, raise her profile, and win more plum catering jobs.

At first, the going is as smooth as an elegant chocolate ganache. After nibbling Sophia’s tasty treats, Ray Peel, the winery’s landlord, announces he will pay off Rumford’s library loan. But the evening soon turns decidedly frosty when Ray is murdered—before he can make good on his promise, and before he can pay Sophia for her catering services.

For Goodness Cakes will collapse if Sophia can’t collect what she’s owed. So Sophia once again puts on her sleuthing apron to figure out who iced Ray. A glass of your favorite red or white is the perfect accompaniment to Maymee Bell’s scrumptious Batter Off Dead―with authentic Southern recipes! (Goodreads)

Review:

The writing style flows smoothly and it defines the characters very clearly by their actions and words. The author’s descriptive writing drew me into the story and carried me along until the end of the book. Rumford, Kentucky, came to life in my mind and it is a place i want to visit.

The characters are well rounded and well developed. Sophia is a hard working loyal friend and she loves her business, For Goodness Cakes. When her business is threatened she will do whatever it takes to save it, including finding a murderer.

The mystery was well plotted and moves along at a nice pace. There are plenty of suspects to consider and clues to sift through, with a few red herrings to thrown in, making it a difficult mystery to solve.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. With plenty of humor, great characters and a homey setting, this book is a winner.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, Crooked Lane Books, and NetGalley, which I greatly appreciate.

This second book in Maymee Bell’s Southern Cake Baker Mystery series is the only one I’ve read, and I know I will go back and read the first!

Welcome to Rumford, Kentucky, the home of Sophia Cummings and For Goodness Cakes, her new bakery. Much to the chagrin of her boyfriend, Sheriff Carter Kincaid, Sophia has a way of getting involved in local murder investigations. This time the deceased is Ray Peel, owner of the property where the Grape Valley Winery is located. Sophia’s friend, Madison Ridge, is considered a prime suspect and Sophia takes it upon herself to try and help clear her name.

Characters in this book are well rounded and have a purpose for being a part of the story. Details of the investigation are not neglected, and the reader learns the same information that Sophia does as she works to clear Madison’s name. I love the way that the author uses words and expressions that are in keeping with the Kentucky setting.

Ms. Bell does a fabulous job of keeping us guessing who killed Ray as she leads the reader from one possibility to the next. Let’s not forget that Sophia has a bakery. The descriptions of some of her treats had my mouth watering, and I was delighted to see that a few recipes are included at the end of the book.

I received an Advance Readers Copy of this book from NetGalley. However, this review is completely voluntary, and any opinions expressed are expressly my own.