Lyndsay Murray is finally opening her Caribbean bakery. Brooklyn greats the new West Indian cafe and bakery with great enthusiasm, that is with the exception of Claudio Fabrizi. Claudio owns a bakery several blocks away and see the new Spice Isle Bakery as competition, even though they offer different goods. Claufio confronts Lyndsay loudly and publicly on the crowded opening day. The following day he is found dead and Lyndsay is the main suspect. With little being done to find the real murderer, it is up to Lyndsay and her family and friends to find the truth and clear her name. Piece of cake, or not!

The beginning of the book moves terribly slow. With this being the first installment of a panned series, this may have been a way of introducing characters, but I had to push on, I found this cozy mystery ok, but not my favorite characters to curl up with, I will give it another chance when the next installment is released. Hoping for good things to come out of this oven!

My thanks to NetGalley for the ARC of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

Against the Currant by Olivia Matthews is the first book in the promising new Spice Isle Bakery Mystery series. It was charming and fun!

The book centers on Lyndsay and her family, who are realizing her lifelong dream of opening a West Indian bakery in their neighborhood in Brooklyn's Little Caribbean. However, a rival baker threatens to shut them down to avoid competition, Lyndsay defends herself, but their disagreement is public and witnessed by several people. Soon after, Lyndsay becomes the prime suspect in this man's murder. Setting out to clear her name and save her bakery, Lyndsay sets out to catch a killer.

I loved the characters in this book! Lyndsay is relatable, intelligent, and very likable. No spoilers, but I enjoyed one scene where she researches online how to investigate a murder. It made me laugh, thinking many of us would do the same! Surrounding Lyndsay is a lively cast of characters, including her loving and supportive family. Her grandmother, Genevieve, stood out as a character full of warmth and wisdom. Strong bonds are explored in the book, family, extended family, and community. Even though set in Brooklyn, the neighborhood is tight-knit, making it feel cozier. The writing is very descriptive with the strong world-building you expect in a first in a series. I enjoyed learning about the culture and foods of Grenada and how Lyndsay and her family wanted to share their culture with the community. The food descriptions were fantastic and had me dying to try a currant roll and coconut bread! Combining this with the twisty murder plot makes for a delightful book. Very much looking forward to future installments of this series!

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the chance to read and review this ARC.

AGAINST THE CURRANT is the first book in the brand-new Spice Isle Bakery Mysteries by Olivia Matthews. Multi-layered conflicts begin from the very first page and the tension builds throughout the story, holding the reader’s attention. Protagonist Lyndsay Murray is close to fulfilling a lifelong dream of opening a family-run bakery featuring food from her Grenadian heritage. The description of food, bakery décor, and music brought the setting and the Caribbean vibe to life. I adore her close-knit family and how they all pitch in to make her dream become a reality. Their interaction is both loving and respectful, which adds to the charm of the book. Especially delightful is her grandmother, who most often can be found with a crocheting project in hand while dispensing advice to family, friends, and customers, whether or not anyone wants it.

Despite Lyndsay’s lack of self-confidence in herself and her avoidance of confrontation at all costs, she snaps when a local bakery owner, Claudio, threatens to shut her down on her opening day. Too many people witnessed the verbal altercation and heard her threaten Claudio… and she ends up being the prime suspect in his death. Even though her family worries for Lyndsay’s safety when she tries to hunt down other suspects, I liked how they band together to assist her since family comes first. As she questions people and listens to the gossips who frequent her new bakery, it becomes apparent that Claudio was not a nice man. Even his own son might have had reasons to kill him. There were plenty of clues to follow and a twist or two to keep things interesting. The reveal caught me by surprise but had me cheering Lyndsay on as she used her skills to keep from becoming the next victim. While Lyndsay may have started out as a meek young woman, she grew over the story and proves she can make the bakery a success and face any situation thrown her way.

There are many mentions of food being served at the bakery, both sweet and savory. I was pleased to find a couple delicious sounding recipes at the back of the book that reflect Lyndsay’s Grenadian heritage.

I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I very much liked the Caribbean flavour of this novel. The characters in Lynsday's family are genuine, likeable and believable people and I could identify with their reactions to the situation. Would love to try the recipes at the end too.

I enjoyed the setting, culture, and family dynamic in this book. I wish the main character had more layers and depth, more of a personality beyond sleuthing and cooking. If this will become a series, then she needs to be developed a bit more!

Against the Currant is a fun mystery to read. Lyndsy and her family open a Caribbean
bakery in their neighborhood. The owner of the other bakery in the area does not want
the competition and makes threats to close them down. When he turns up dead Lynds
becomes the prime suspect. Can she and her extended family prove the police are
wrong?
This is a great story of family supporting each other and working together. They share
their Caribbean beliefs along with their neighbors who also believe in Lynds innocence.
The characters are all realistic and act in believable ways.
I really enjoyed this book and give it 5 stars.
I received an advance copy of this book from the Netgalley in exchange for my honest review..

This is a gorgeous family story. Lyndsay Murray and her family are of Grenadine descent. They open a bakery in Queens and run into issues with a competitor. The story is a cozy murder mystery. It has wonderful and witty characters. Lyndsay is accused of murder and sets out to clear her name with the help of her entire family. The author does a great job keeping the pace of the plot steady and interesting. The lead up to the discovery of the killer is wonderful. It is a page turning and great story to read.

Lyndsay (Lynds) and her family are having a soft opening for their Caribbean (Granada) style bakery, when another baker from town storms in and threatens them if they don't shut down. Claudio Fabrizi has a reputation for driving out "competition" one way or another, but this time someone takes him out first.

Despite Claudio's popularity as being unpleasant and a bit of a crook, Lyndsay's short but public exchange with him convinces the police of her guilt, and they show no evidence of looking for other suspects. (Idiot police detectives syndrome.) So Lyndsay investigates.

This book mentioned Granada and some food traditions, but otherwise did little more than follow the "I have a store and have been accused of murder, thus I must clear my name" formula. Some things were repeated so often, they rated eye rolls, even in me! (Which is saying something!)

It does bring to light the need for therapy for victims of bullying as children. The store owner experiences flashbacks whenever she has a confrontation.

Lyndsay showed some growth and improvement over time, but I didn't like her more.

2/5 Stars

Thanks to St. Martin's Press, St. Martin's Paperbacks, and NetGalley, for the temporary digital preview; any review is voluntary and my own opinion.

#AgainsttheCurrant #
#ASpiceIsleBakeryMystery
#OliviaMatthews #OliviaMatthewsAuth
#FemaleSleuth
#GranadaCookingCulinaryCozyMystery
#CaribbeanStyleCulinaryCozyMystery
#BlackanfAfricanAmericanMysteryThrillerandSuspenseFiction
#BlackandAfricanAmericanMysteryThrillerand Suspense
#CozyCulinaryMystery

3.5 stars

A strong debut for the Spice Isle Bakery series. Main character Lyndsay and her close family are realizing Lyndsay's dream of opening a Grenadian bakery and restaurant. She had to win the family over but they are committed now, and firmly in her corner. Her family are major characters in the plot, and they are numerous, but they are well fleshed out and it doesn't take long to figure out how and where they fit in.

The trouble begins at their soft opening, when a neighboring business owner storms in, threatens Lyndsay and the business, and causes a public scene, claiming she will steal customers from his bakery. Lyndsay has tried reasoning with him, but he's a well-known local curmudgeon and she finally loses her temper and throws him out of the shop.

So, when his dead body is discovered, the cops come knocking on her bakery door. Soon it is obvious that someone is trying to frame her for the murder. Lyndsay doesn't feel like they are investigating other obvious suspects with much stronger motives so she starts an investigation of her own.

This is quite readable, and we are rooting for her to be successful. The narrative is well-paced and the Caribbean flavor of the dialogue, food and setting make it fun. Thanks to the publisher and to Net Galley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

3.5 out of 5 stars

Lyndsay Murray and her West Indian family have recently opened a new bakery shop and become public enemy number 1 of Claudio, who also owns his own bakery shop in the same district. Claudio is known as the bully on the street and has made it his business to see that the Murrays fail. After having enough of Claudio's harrassment, Lyndsay has a very public spat with him and seems to threaten him. The next day Lyndsay receives a visit from the police who inform her that Claudio has been found dead. Due to their spat, she has now found herself as the prime suspect in a murder investigation.

Against the Currant is a debut cozy (heavy on the cozy) murder mystery from Olivia Matthews. I knew from the cover that this wasn't going to be the typical mystery/thriller that I normally read, and that couldn't have been more correct. Having said that, I think you'll have to be a fan of cozy murder mysteries in order to enjoy this. There isn't much of a hook and it's pretty medium to slow paced. The local police are completely ridiculous and really do nothing in terms of an investigation, but I also understand that's for the plot. I thought there would be more there with the reporter who seemed to somewhat want to help Lyndsay but that story line kind of fell flat for me. I did think that the baking aspect was a cute overall theme.

The one thing that was a little hard for me to get past was that it read a little like YA. I think Lyndsay was around 26, she felt so much younger. I actually double checked a few time while reading to see if it actually was YA. But, I haven't read any cozy murder mysteries prior to this so they could all just typically read very tame and YA-ish.

Overall, if you enjoy cozy murder mysteries and are used to the pacing, I think you would enjoy this. It looks like this is going to be the first in a series, and I would honestly probably pick up the next book. It's a good palate cleanser after you've read lots of creepy thrillers and cheesy romance.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press, Olivia Matthews, and NetGalley for this e-ARC. All opinions in this review are my own. Review will be posted to my bookstagram, @ReadingWithTrey, and my Goodreads account on Tuesday, December 27.

Tired, wornout plot with a West Indian twist. Nothing new or unusual in this book. Trite characters, weak plot and ridiculous police action. After only one encounter with brusque, bully baker Claudio Fabrizi, Lyndsay Murray is questioned by the police after Claudio is found dead. I don't recommend it.

Thank you NetGalley, Olivia Matthews and St. Martin's Press for the ARC of Against the Currant. This is my personal review.
Against the Currant is the first book in a new cozy series - A Spice Isle Bakery Mystery. I am always looking for new cozy series to read and really was looking forward to this one.
Lyndsay Murray is opening Spice Isle Bakery in the community she loves. She has a big problem on her hands with another bakery owner in the same neighborhood. He makes it well known he is happy about her bakery. Then the worst thing happens when he turns up dead. Lyndsay is the main suspect. This leaves it up to her to prove she is innocent.
The mystery was for me dull, and it did not give me the twists and turns I wanted. I like trying to figure out the guilty person, but this cozy did not have the zing I like.
I knew I had to read to the end to find out who really was guilty.
I am hoping the next in the series is more of what I want in a mystery

Against The Currant is a debut cozy mystery about Lindsey and her family's Caribbean bakery. The family ties are strong and the mystery is good. At the bakery's grand opening a competitor, Claudio, causes a scene and then Claudio ends up dead. Lindsey is the prime suspect. She begins to investigate to clear her name. One of the Detectives on the case is Bryce who Lindsey had a crush on in high school. The characters are likable and the mystery kept me guessing until the end. The pace is good and there is enough going on to keep the reader's attention. An enjoyable cozy mystery! #AgainstTheCurrant #NetGalley

Against the Currant was such a delightful read. The mystery was paced well and successfully kept me on my toes throughout. What made Against the Currant so enjoyable, though, was the specificity Matthews brought to the characters and setting. I loved the close-knit community/family dynamic, and Granny’s comments had me dying laughing. The recipes included at the end were icing on the cake—I can’t wait to channel Lyndsay’s newfound confidence and bake some currant rolls of my own :)

Thank you to NetGalley and to St. Martin’s Press for providing me with an ARC of Against the Currant in exchange for an honest review.

This is my first time reading a book by Olivia Matthews, and I am impressed. I felt like I had traveled to Brooklyn, NY, and could visualize the Caribbean culture that is described. I have a better appreciation for the cultural nuances woven into this cozy mystery. Lyndsay Murray and her family are likeable characters that developed in my mind as I read the book. The protagonist and her family own Spice Isle Bakery, which is an interesting setting, and I would love to find such a bakery in real life during a visit to this NY neighborhood. I liked the plot, and felt it was plausible and intriguing. I look forward to reading another cozy adventure featuring Lindsay, her family and cast of characters in the Little Caribbean area of Brooklyn. I recommend this book to cozy mystery fans.

Thank you, St., Martin's Press and Net Galley for allowing me to read an advance copy of this book.

When Lyndsay's family opens Little Spice Bakery it seems like her dreams have come true until opening day and an altercation with another local baker, Claudio, wrecks the day. When Claudio is found murdered the next days all eyes turn to Lyndsay. This is an enjoyable cozy mystery not only with a good story and characters but also introduces you to West Indian culture as known in Brooklyn. An enjoyable read!
#AgainsttheCurrant#NetGalley#St.Martin'sPress

This was a delightful cozy mystery. It was very light on romance, which I wasn't expecting from someone who writes romance under another name, but I could see the set up for a future romance. I loved the entire family and Lyndsay is a great protagonist. She's got a lot of room for growth in future books. This did leave the story a little slow, but not badly so. I loved that it actually dealt with the reality of the way that a Black immigrant family was likely to interact with the police - and they with her..

I look forward to reading more of the series.

Lyndsay Murray's dream of opening a family bakery in the Little Caribbean neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York has come true. But the soft opening of Spice Isle Bakery is tainted by disgruntled bakery owner Claudio Fabrizi's threats to shut them down. When Claudio is murdered at his bakery with a serrated bread knife & Lyndsay's distinctive charm bracelet is found at the scene. Lyndsay is frustrated by the inactions of the NYPD detectives in looking for another suspect besides herself & decides to do her own sleuthing to clear her name & save the bakery.

I wanted to like this mystery but the pacing of the story was off and I had difficulty in reading the book. . The interactions between Lyndsay, her lawyer brother Dev, their anxious parents, granny & cousin were good, and the Grenadian baked goods and hot meals served at the bakery were a nice touch. 3.5 stars.

I received a digital ARC from Netgalley and St. Martin's Press. My opinions are my own.

Bestselling author Olivia Matthews is a veteran romance author writing under several different pen names, has created a new culinary mystery series, and the first installment is Against the Currant: A Spice Isle Bakery Mystery. This is a fun novel, and captures the ambiance of the Caribbean culture and Little Caribbean in Brooklyn, New York. Lyndsay has just opened her new bakery with her family, and on opening day, Claudio Fabrizi, who owns a bakery nearby and has a reputation of being a bully, comes in and threatens her for being competition to his bakery. When he is found murdered the next day, Lyndsay becomes the main suspect in the murder, and her family must get together to find the real murderer before Lyndsay goes to jail.

The protagonist, Lyndsay Murray, is very likeable and well-developed, and the supporting characters (except the murderer, of course) are delightful. Although having characters in their late 20s and early 30s calling their parents “mommy” and “daddy” seems a bit juvenile – maybe they refer to their parents like that in the Caribbean, it is irritating all the same. However, readers will fall in love with the characters anyway and although all readers won’t be from the Caribbean, they will enjoy the cultural aspect of this fun cozy.

Matthews does an excellent job of weaving a good plot; it is well-organized and flows, with ups and downs as well as a bit of danger for the main characters. The food references are mouthwatering, and although there are two recipes for desserts served at the bakery/café, readers will want more, especially for the main dishes.

Readers will definitely want to finish this before the second installment is released; hopefully it will also include mouthwatering recipes as this one does. Culinary mystery fans will enjoy this series.


Special thanks to NetGalley for supplying a review copy of this book.

Against the Currant by Olivia Matthews is the coziest of mysteries full of family, delicious treats in the family’s new bakery & of course, a crime to solve along the way. This is book #1 in A Spice Isle Bakery Mystery series & a wonderful start to a series for which I am now eager to return to.

This book revolves around Lyndsay Murray & her family opening up her childhood dream bakery in Little Caribbean, Brooklyn, New York called Spice Isle Bakery. This exciting business adventure is a way to honor her Grenadian roots while also giving back to the community. However, Lyndsay didn’t plan for the rival bakery owner from blocks away that had been causing her grief to wind up dead shortly after opening her dream. The police seem keen to pin this on Lyndsay thanks to their public argument. Lyndsay can’t watch her dreams wash down the drain, so she dons her detective cap & gets to work. As Lyndsay tries to balance her new business, overprotective family, nosy reporters along with an array of suspects, there’s an entering adventure to watch unfold in currant time.

I was absolutely charmed with their family unit & loved the way they supported each other. I also loved how close-knit both the immediate & extended family was. The importance of family was interwoven into the story in a way that was heartwarming to witness. This was also just an absolutely lovely cozy mystery with an superbly fast pace that kept me guessing until the end.

I would also love to go to this bakery in real life. This was such a lovely start & setting. Between the family members & friends, there’s so much potential for both mayhem & romance & I cannot wait to dive back in.

Massive thanks to NetGalley & St. Martin’s Press for the arc, which I voluntarily read & reviewed. All thoughts & opinions are my own.

Trigger warnings: This book mentions &/or contains murder, overdose, violence, guns & gambling.

I will post this on social media closer to publish date & add links once I do.