First in a new series in a Bookish Baker Mystery Series. Teddie St. John is a breast cancer survivor in her early forties and is going flat chested. This is brought up several times and her Mother who is very stylish wants her to wear a bra and Teddie refuses. She is all about being herself and comfortable but wears scarves to not draw attention to her lack of chest. She has her own style and is an author of a cozy mystery series. Teddie is joining her Mother at her best friend Char’s bookstore who is hosting a book signing for best-selling author Tavish Bentley. Teddie has baked cookies for the event and hits it off immediately with Tavish who is a Colin Firth look alike. She is intrigued but just as the event starts she has a terrible hot flash (she is menopausal because of the chemo) and rushes to the rest room to cool off but gets her dress wet she needs to go home for a change, but before she can leave as she is in the stall, two women come in and have a heated discussion about Tavish and when she goes to leave she finds her scarf is missing. When she returns to the bookstore after going home to clean up and change, she finds the fiancé no really the ex-fiancé Kristi of Tavish strangled with her stolen scarf. Teddie becomes a suspect and then the fun begins. Teddie has a strong circle of friends, Char and Sharon along with Sheriff Brady but her attraction to Tavish is real but she is shocked he is attracted to her as she looks nothing like his barbie doll ex fiancé. I enjoyed this story and how the mystery was solved. Teddie is a strong heroine and is not going to give up the dream of her life after her battle with cancer. It makes her vulnerable and strong at the same time. Teddie and her Mother don’t seem to get each other but there are moments where she really does shine. The romance seems a little quick for me but they do really click. Tavish seems like a great guy who gets Teddie, so how will a small town cozy author and New York best-selling author make it work. Looking forward to the next installment. This is a winner.

This was a fun book to dive into, does make one hungry though. If you have never had a Kringle, you will want one after you read this book.

Theodora St. John, AKA Teddie, to her friends, is pursuing her dream of being a mystery writer after successfully beating breast cancer. She lives in the small town of Lake Potowomi, Wisconsin, a town of proud Danish heritage, as evidenced by all the yummy baked goods peppering the story. Her friend, Char, owns a local bookstore where famous author Tavish Bently, has come to give a book signing. Unfortunately, murder follows in his wake and the weapon of choice is Teddie's trademark scarves.

I confess I wanted to read this book because of the darling dog on the cover and I am happy to say she features prominently in the story. I very much enjoyed this cozy and the characters behind it. Teddie is a delightful protagonist and there were several parts where I definitely laughed out loud. I would most definitely want to read the next book in this series.

One thing I look for in a cozy (no spoilers) is if I can guess whodunit before the end of the book. I did with this one but I still enjoyed it enough to give it five stars. I was easily able to lose myself in the story and tag along with Teddie on her adventures. I also appreciated the literary references that are scattered throughout. Definitely a favorite to add to my cozy shelf.

A fun, promising cozy series launch from Laura Jensen Walker (whose other upcoming cozy series debuts in January 2021 with Hope, Faith, and a Corpse, which I also reviewed). I enjoyed the small-town Wisconsin setting and I will be watching for more in the series!

*Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an e-galley in exchange for an honest review.

Murder Most Sweet is a new cozy mystery series by Laura Jensen Walker. Both the author and the main character, Theodora (Teddie) St John, are breast cancer survivors. It makes the story realistic but it is done with humor. Teddie is a published version author of mysteries in a small town. Her friends are great! Char owns the local bookstore. Char's boyfriend, Brady is the sheriff, and another long time friend of Teddie's. Sharon and Jim own a B&B. Teddie's mom is a bit cold and critical but she becomes more likable. Char's bookstore is having an event with famous British author Tavish Bentley and he and his assistant Melanie are staying at the B&B. Teddie and Tavish hit it off as both are authors and have a lot in common. Tavish's ex-fiancee causes a scene at the bookstore. Teddie has a hot flash and runs to the ladies room to cool off. She wears scarves to cover her lack of breasts (due to breast cancer) and one is stolen. And later found with a dead body which results in Teddie being a suspect. Luckily she is good friends with Sheriff Brady. Teddie and her friends work to clear her name. There are a few suspects but they clear some and then add a couple more. It kept me guessing until the end!
Very enjoyable cozy mystery! #NetGalley #MurderMostSweet

This was such a fun, light read. I would recommend to any one who loves a great mystery and loves having animals in their cozies.

I loved this book!! I am always a bit worried when I start a new mystery series that it won’t catch my attention or the plot will have holes. This time none of that happened! Teddie is the most likable character I have read in awhile. The supporting characters all fit in great too! The writing is fantastic and the author leaves the reader wanting more! I definitely would recommend this debut to any reader. And I will be looking for more in the future from this author.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by NetGalley.

Very good debut book. I enjoyed the storyline and characters. I look forward to reading more from this author.

At first, I wasn't to sure about this one. I was not a big fan of the opening chapter, but fortunately, a new twist popped up each time I thought that I had it all figured out. Those twists kept me reading & by the end, I was looking forward to a book 2 in the series!

Tho was an enjoyable mystery with some light romance. I liked the characters and really enjoyed Ted. The recipes at the end were a bonus!
Many thanks to Crooked Lane Books and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

This is the first book in a series. I enjoyed reading this book. However, there were a few things that confused me a bit. Our protagonist Theodora, Teddie, St. James is a breast cancer survivor and author. She is a resilient, likable, and doesn’t take her life for granted. However, she is a little self-deprecating and insecure. Also, even though she wants to live her life to the fullest, I think her relationship with a fellow author whom she has just met seemed to move a little to fast. The mystery is fast-paced with no shortage of suspects and full of twists and turns to keep the reader guessing. I look forward to seeing how this series develops.

All thoughts and opinions are my own, and in no way, I have been influenced by anyone.

There was nothing 'not to like' about this first offering of Laura Jensen Walker. None of the characters in 'Murder Most Sweet' were one dimensional. They all progressed (and sometimes) regressed as the book went forth. The author took enough time to develop the plot and the characters and I appreciated not feeling rushed. All of this combined with wonderful recipes has me looking forward to more.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Teddie St, John - author, breast cancer survivor, amateur sleuth and one of the most relatable and fun cozy mystery main characters I've "met"! When Teddie's best friend Char hosts an author signing in her Wisconsin hometown bookstore, who could have known murder, stalkers, "exes", intrigue and love would come with the arrival of handsome English author, Tavish Bentley? Certainly, not Teddie who was perfectly happy writing her cozy mystery series, baking delicious Danish & Norwegian treats, enjoying life and being a "Mom" to her adorable ball of canine fluff - Gracie.

There are so many great things to say about this book - Teddie is smart, kind, full of life and humor and has a different view of her life after surviving breast cancer and mastectomy. Her charm and wit make for an incredibly positive and likable amateur sleuth. Her group of friends - The Three Musketeers -are 40-something women you'll love and Teddie's fashionista mother is a force to be reckoned with! The mystery is fast-paced and full of twists and turns.

I didn't want the book to end and I can't wait to catch up with Teddie and her friends & of course, the delightful Gracie!

I received an ARC from NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own.

I enjoy cozy mysteries and this one was a first for me where the protagonist was an older woman. The story moved along, but unfortunately I figured out the murderer way before the story ended. I did like the character development of Teddie St. John and the others. I also liked that she was a baker and the author shared the recipes at the end. Although I didn't care for Teddie's inner-monologue because I felt that it took away from the storyline, but I did enjoy reading this book.

This was a quick, fun, light read. I enjoyed the writing style and the characters. I look forward to more.

This is the first book in a new series.
It had an interesting premise and the protagonist’s breast cancer was certainly something you don’t see mentioned in cozies.
It had good characters but it just didn’t hold my attention.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.

I love cozy mysteries and this one is another one to love. Hope to read more by this author. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC...

A baker who writes, a murder, and a beautiful setting all wrapped into a mystery that keeps you guessing. Full of twists, turns, and quirky characters, this story is hard to put down.

I enjoyed this first book in a new cozy series. The characters are likable and I would love to try some of Teddie's fabulous sounding desserts. I like that Teddie is a woman that doesn't beat around the bush and is comfortable in her own skin unless she's having a hot flash.

I thought the mystery was intriguing and well-crafted. I had a hard time putting it down so I stayed up late and finished it. . It was an easy read that included some yummy recipes. I'm ready for the next one in the series and I hope that I don't have to wait too long..

Release Date: September 8th 2020
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Teddi is a small town cozy mystery writer who meet Tavish Bentley a NYT best seller mystery writer at a local book signing. The two hit it off, but then Tavish’s ex fiancé is strangled with one of Teddi’s signature scarves. What a girl to do but solve the crime?
I liked this book but I pinpointed the murderer immediately. I like for there to be more red herrings and twists than this book had to offer. Teddi believes Tavish when he says he didn’t kill anyone instead of ruling him out as a logical suspect. It was a quick read but I don’t think it was worth it.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

#bookstagram #netgalleyreads #bookrecommendations

Teddie St. John is a breast cancer survivor and cozy mystery writer. She attends a book signing for Tavish Bentley at her friend, Sharon's inn. While she is in the restroom, she hears two women arguing and one of them steals Teddie's scarf. Her scarf is soon used in the murder of the Tavish's ex fiancé. The sheriff, an old friend of Teddie's, doesn't believe she killed her but has to look into it since it was her scarf and she found the body. When a second body shows up belonging to a stalker of Tavish's who was also killed with a scarf of Teddie's things get even worse. She and her two best friends start their own investigation.

I really enjoyed this book. I love Teddie as a main character and her dog, Gracie. The supporting characters of her friends were great and well-developed. I'm not sure how I feel about her mother though. At times she was rude and obnoxious and others was great. I loved the interactions between Teddie and Tavish and am looking forward to seeing where their relationship goes in future books. I received this book from net galley in exchange for an honest review.