Hard Dough Homicide is book two in the Spice Isle Bakery Mysteries series and just as good as the first one! In this volume, we see Lyndsay take on another murder that her family is on the suspect list for. Principal Emily Smith, Lyndsay's mom's old boss, is a little unhinged. Constantly rude to all of her employees, taking credit for all of the things they accomplished, and blaming them for all of the things she messed up. It's honestly no wonder when she ends up dead after her retirement dinner. Unfortunately for Lyndsay and her family, the poisoning that killed Emily took place in her bakery, on a day when they were typically closed. With her mother being at the top of the suspect list, Lyndsay will stop at nothing to get both her mother and her bakery out of the negative spotlight. If only the dreamy detective would listen to her when she provides good evidence and leads!

The Spice Isle Bakery Mysteries series is easily becoming my new favorite cozy murder mystery series. I really love Lyndsay and her family (especially her granny) and how they work so well together to have each other's backs. Another I really like this series is they are really making this budding romance between Lyndsay and the detective a slow burn... I cannot wait to see it finally come to fruition. Plus, I love the work politics at the school and how they played a role in this investigation!

Characters - 9/10
Atmosphere - 8/10
Writing - 9/10
Plot - 9/10
Intrigue - 9/10
Logic/World Building - 8/10
Enjoyment - 9/10

Overall, a 8.71/10 or 4.5/5 stars! Can't wait for the next one!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this ARC in exchange for an honest review!~

Great second in series. I really like the character development and the family dynamic. The storyline in this book was interesting and I really did not figure out the whodunnit. I also enjoy learning more about a different culture. I look forward to continuing on with this series.

Despite truly enjoying this author's work in another of her mystery series and liking the first book in this series ok enough, I found this novel held both prose and dialogue in low levels of intrigue, intelligence, or fun. This unfortunately led me to stop reading to stop reading this book about 65% in. I would return to this series and the author's work if I were to find the next book in the series put deeper stakes, more mystery, and less crime procedural into the mix.

Hard Dough Homicide is the second book in Olivia Matthews's Spice Isle Bakery Mysteries series. This cozy mystery picks up where Against the Currant left off. In this story, we find Lyndsay, her parents and grandmother all working hard to grow their business in Brooklyn. She feels swamped with that and having to prepare for a retirement dinner when a presumed murder occurs at the bakery.

I enjoyed the intergenerational and cultural aspects of this story and love to learn more about the foods and customs of other cultures. I did not read the first book in this series, but this book can stand alone because the author starts the book out with a repetitive and clunky recap of what happened in the first book along with the introduction of a lot of characters. This caused confusion for me in keeping everyone straight. I would prefer for a book to focus on allowing fewer characters to shine instead of knowing a little bit about so many characters. Streamlining those aspects of the story would also help with the pacing as I found it to develop slowly.

Thank you St. Martin's Press and Net Galley for the ARC.

Overall this was book was good & entertaining even though 2 murders in 2 months seems a bit much. I love the setting and the characters in this book, but really wish they wouldn’t use mommy and daddy SO much.

As a fan of cozy mysteries, my favorite series usually are set in an English village or along the New England shore. However, the Spice Isle Bakery Mysteries series takes place in the Little Caribbean neighborhood in Brooklyn. These books appeal because of several elements: family relationships, a bakery, potential romance with an inspector, and a strong heroine. In the second book of this new series, Lyndsay Murray is just getting her new bakery back up and running after having been accused of murdering a rival baker in book one when an offer to provide a private dinner proves too tempting to refuse. Her mother's former nemesis is retiring and want to hold the celebration at the bakery. Murray lets the prospect of a cash infusion influence her decision with disastrous results. I look forward to more books from Matthews in this series to find out what kind of trouble Murray and her family and friends get into next.

The world of cozy mysteries is becoming saturated and I was excited for the unique spin of this series. Spice Isle bakery is set in Brooklyn’s Little Caribbean neighborhood- the culture is well described and this is my favorite aspect of the book. Lyndsey is a majority owner but her family is the backbone of the business. After clearing her name in book one of this series another murder occurs at the bakery (technically the despised victim died at the hospital) Lyndsey once again finds herself investigating the murder but this time to clear her Mother's name. To me it read similar to the first (just a different victim and a different means of murder). This series would read better with some editing, the repetitiveness took away from an otherwise good story. I received an advance review copy of this book for free thanks to Netgalley and StMartin's Press and I am leaving this review voluntarily. #HardDoughHomicide #OliviaMatthews #Netgalley #St.Martin'sPaperbacks #Spice Isle Bakery

Hard Dough Homicide is book 2 of the Spice Isle Bakery Mystery Series. Lindsay finds her bakery once more in the middle of a murder investigation. This time, the principal from the school her mother taught at dies at a catered dinner in the bakery. Lindsay’s high school crush is the lead detective on the case. She is still attracted to him and the feeling seems mutual. But since Bryce continues to think her mother is a suspect, romance is not on the menu. The same characters appear in this book. The family is close knit and work together to solve the murder. I did find the book slow paced. But all in all, a cozy mystery. The recipes at the end are a great touch.

Lindsey Murray and her family are back at it again. This time a person collapses at a celebratory dinner at the restaurant. Lindsey isn’t a suspect this time, but her mother is. Lindsey and her family band together to figure out what happened. I love how they all get along and work together using the strengths of each person. Quite enjoy these stories.

Hard Dough Homicide is the second in the Spice Isle Bakery Mystery series and I loved it just as much as the first!

Lyndsay and her tight knit family are back! They are making delicious Caribbean pastries and more in their bakery and, once again, close to a murder. This time, the top person of interest is someone very close to Lyndsay and it is a very challenging situation for the entire family to face. The attractive detective is back too! Lyndsay's grandma is brilliant as usual and her brother, Dev, pulls at your heart strings in this story. It was fun and entertaining to be back with Lyndsay as she investigated and stood up for her family's safety, their bakery, and their reputation in the community. I just adore the feeling of continuing to love a series and knowing I will be reading more about these characters in the future!!

Hard Dough Homicide released May 23 so it is out now! Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for my e-arc!

HARD DOUGH HOMICIDE by Olivia Matthews, the second book in the Spice Isle Bakery Mysteries, continues the adventures of amateur sleuth Lindsay Murray. Starting just after the events of the first book, this story tackles another murder mystery which impacts the family and the newly opened bakery. Lindsay agrees, reluctantly, to host the retirement dinner for local school principal Emily Smith, but during the dinner, Emily convulses and drops dead. Unfortunately, Emily is Lindsay’s mother’s former boss and the two never really got along well, so it is not surprising when the police come knocking. Yup. Lindsay’s mother is the prime suspect. Of course, to clear her mother’s name, Lindsay investigates and uses her amateur skills to discover the identity of the real murderer.

My immediate reaction to this new murder was to wonder how the new bakery was going to survive the scandal of another murder. Of course, the bakery starts to lose customers. But Lindsay, our amateur sleuth, is up to the task. She must solve the case because the detectives seem to be focused on Lindsay’s mother. In this book, Lindsay has grown. She is no longer the cautious, unsure individual of the first book but seems stronger and more confident. I love how her family continues to support her; even with the investigation to clear her mother’s name.

The mystery plot is well thought out with enough twists and turns to keep the avid reader engaged. There were several times, I thought I knew who the killer was, but I was wrong. Ms. Matthews kept me guessing until the very end.

In HARD DOUGH HOMICIDE, I loved all the elements I enjoyed in the first book and more. I love the strong sense of the Little Caribbean community. The Marshall family is vibrant and boisterous but there is no doubt they love each other. I love Lindsay’s grandmother. She embodies the island of Grenada, and her memories of the islands add a richness to the story. HARD DOUGH HOMICIDE is a worthy addition to this series. I recommend it to readers who love a great cozy mystery.

The Murray's Spice Isle Bakery is just getting in their new business groove after Lyndsay was a suspect in the murder of a competing baker, when murder strikes again. The business is pressed into catering a special retirement dinner for a former supervisor of Lyndsay's mother, who promptly has a seizure at the table and dies at the hospital. Not good for the store's reputation even though she never had a bite. But then Lyndsay's mother comes under suspicion and Lyndsay and family have to put their detecting hats back on.
I don't know how the author will keep this up, but it is certainly believable so far. Reasonable actions by smart people. Families working together for the common good (and isn't that refreshing). Even the detectives act like, well, normal detectives. I actually think Lyndsay is a little hard on them; it's their boss that's the meany. But I digress. Good characterizations. Nice plot. A very nice cozy series. Highly recommended.

Hard Dough Homicide, the second installment in the Spice Isle Bakery Mystery series by Olivia Matthews, serves up a tantalizing blend of mystery, family dynamics, and cultural exploration. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Brooklyn’s Little Caribbean neighborhood in New York City, this novel combines a delectable array of baked goods with a murder investigation that hits close to home for protagonist Lyndsay, resulting in an engaging read.

Spice Isle Bakery and its owners are once again implicated in a murder when a universally disliked principal, who was her mother's former supervisor, drops dead in their family bakery at the dinner they are catering for her retirement. As Lyndsay investigates, she uncovers a web of secrets and hidden motives within the school where the principal worked.

The author's ability to interweave the mystery seamlessly with the cultural aspects of the Little Caribbean neighborhood enhances the overall reading experience, offering a unique and refreshing take on the genre. The family dynamics and the sense of community in Hard Dough Homicide are particularly praiseworthy. The interactions between Lyndsay, her mother, and other family members are relatable, adding a layer of authenticity to the story. The secondary characters, including members of the Little Caribbean community, are well-rounded and contribute to the immersive atmosphere of the novel.

While Hard Dough Homicide is an enjoyable read, I do hope that the next installment won’t find the Spice Isle Bakery family members yet again as the primary suspects. Overall, Hard Dough Homicide is a satisfying mystery. (I reviewed an advance reader copy and all opinions are my own) If you appreciate a well-crafted mystery with a strong sense of place and relatable characters, this book is a delectable treat for your reading list

Hard Dough Homicide is the second of Olivia Matthew's Spice Isle Bakery Series. In it, the Murray family is finally doing a good business in their new bakery when someone is murdered in the bakery. Lindsey's mom is one of the prime suspects, and Lindsey and her family are determined to find out who the killer is. I thought it was cute. I liked the first one more, although I did like this one as well. I did think some of the descriptions were unnecessary, but other than that, it was well written and enjoyable. Thanks NetGalley and the publishing company.

Another great cozy mystery in the Spice Isle Bakery series. Great amount of suspense and a good amount of characters/suspects. Thanks to NetGalley for the privilege to read and review this book.

I voluntarily agreed to read and honestly review this book.
Another great Cozy Mystery from Olivia Matthews! We’re back at Spice Isle Bakery with another mystery for Lyndsay Murray, her family, the Little Caribbean community, and the local detectives. Plus, at the end of the book are some more yummy sounding recipes.

Dollycas's Thoughts

The newly opened Spice Isle Bakery has weathered one murder investigation and the last thing they need is another.

After declining to cater a retirement dinner for Lyndsay's mother's awful former boss several times, Lyndsay finally quoted an astronomical price hoping they will finally move on to someone else. She is shocked when the woman's assistant accepts and signs the contract. The guests arrive and appear to be as unhappy to be there as Lyndsey and her family are unhappy to host the event.

Dinner is served and within moments the guest of honor is dead - right after taking a bite of the curry chicken. Soon the police are collecting all the food and questioning Lyndsay and her family. They decide Lyndsay's mom is their prime suspect which frightens away most of the bakery's customers. Lyndsay knows to save her mother and their business she has to solve the mystery of who killed the mean high school principal and fast.

___

The Murray family is close-knit, all owning the bakery with Lyndsay owning the majority because it was her dream. Her parents do most of the baking and cooking while her grandmother helps Lyndsay serve the customers. She also helps out in the kitchen and is giving Lyndsay baking tutorials to help her bake all the restaurant's specialties. Her brother takes time from his job of being a lawyer to help out wherever he can. He's also very involved when police target his family.  All the characters have grown since the first book. I really appreciate learning about their culture and how family means everything to them. The way they start every day in prayer before opening the bakery's doors is heartwarming.

I really enjoy the setting of Brooklyn's Little Caribbean neighborhood. The Murrays have a lot of support with the exception of a certain committee. I admired the way Lyndsay handled the situation with that committee. She also was more assertive when it came to dealing with a certain detective. The Lyndsay at the start of the first book would have acted much differently.

Knowing the wonderful Murray family had nothing to do with high school principal Emily Smith's death leaves the table of guests as suspects and they all appear to have motive, means, and opportunity. The victim was cruel to everyone, but who would have the nerve to kill her?  It was great the way the whole extended family comes together to talk over theories and work through ways to get to the truth. Some are kinda crazy but everyone's heart is in the right place. I had fun trying to solve the mystery myself but I was led astray and focused in the wrong direction. I loved the reveal and showdown. Lyndsay was in fine form. I wanted to reach into the book and give her a high five.

Hard Dough Homicide is a strong character-driven cozy mystery. I enjoy the way Ms. Matthews tells a story. The theme is fresh, the characters are interesting and entertaining. She uses humor in all the right places and there may be a romance, even a triangle, on the horizon. I am looking forward to visiting the Murrays and the Spice Isle Bakery again soon. Coconut Drop Dead is set to be released in December.

Hard Dough Homicide is the second book in a cozy series featuring a family from Grenada who have opened a bakery in their Brooklyn neighborhood, Little Caribbean. The story is told from the POV of the main character, Lyndsay, the daughter of the family. It was her idea to open the bakery, which features recipes from the Caribbean, such as currant rolls and “hard dough” bread. While it’s always good to read a series in order, I feel this one could easily be read as a standalone.

The mystery this time is sort of a locked-room puzzle, as someone dies at a private catered retirement dinner at the bakery. Lyndsay’s mom becomes a “person of interest” because she used to work for the woman who died and couldn’t stand her. No one else at that dinner liked the woman either, it seems!

I loved how this book series highlights Caribbean culture and foods. The family members are a great support system, as they are all involved in the bakery - even Lyndsay’s older brother Devon, who is a lawyer but who is unhappy in his job. I was happy to see the progression in Lyndsay’s character; she has much more self-confidence now. And I was glad to see her kickboxing skills come in handy once again.

One niggling annoyance for me - Lyndsay constantly refers to her parents as Mommy and Daddy; I don’t think there was a single sentence where it was simply “my parents”, for example. It just sounded childish to me, and Lyndsay is 27 years old. I had the same complaint in the first book.

The author includes recipes at the end, including one for the titular Hard Dough bread.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Paperbacks for the opportunity to read an advance readers copy of this book, even though I was a bit late to it. All opinions are my own.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance reader copy of this story. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I couldn't do it, couldn't read the entire story, I jumped around to see if I changed my mind at a different place. I usually love culinary mysteries, but they always walk a fine line between food and killing. I didn't care for the characters and didn't clique with them from the start. It made sense on paper, in theory but never came together.

#HardDoughHomicide #OliviaMatthews #Netgalley #St.Martin'sPaperbacks #Spice Isle Bakery

Hard Dough Homicide by Olivia Matthews

Someone in Brooklyn’s Little Caribbean neighborhood has an appetite for murder in Olivia bMatthew’s “Hard Dough Homicide.

This was a well- written book, but it was too detailed in some areas and kept repeating the facts. Many characters to digest.

Thanks to Net Galley for sending me an advanced reader’s copy for my review.