Coconut Drop Dead is the third book in the Spice Island shopfront cozy mystery series by Olivia Matthews. Released 26th Dec 2023 by Macmillan on their St. Martin's imprint, it's 288 pages and available in mass market paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. Ebooks with interactive formats are so handy.

This is a breezy fun shopfront cozy with an appealing and intelligent protagonist who's a baker, working with her family (and solving the occasional murder/mystery). As with most cozies, the emphasis is on the characters and the puzzle. It's well constructed and easy to read, with clean language and no over the top violence. The addition of a likable protagonist and her family with roots in the West Indies gives the whole a Caribbean flair. It's nice to find a new series with well written PoC in central roles with positive representations. Lyndsay's family are adorable and fun to read and their relationship with one another is refreshingly healthy and functional. Ms. Matthews is herself an author of color and does a good job of writing these mysteries from her own background and family history.

The mystery and resolution are self-contained in this volume, so it works fine as a standalone. It's not at all derivative, but fans of Sue Minix, Wendy Meadows, and Ellie Alexander will likely enjoy this series also.

Four stars. It would be a good choice for a mini-binge or buddy read.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an electronic copy to read in exchange for an honest review.

This is the third installment of the Spice Isle Balery series. It's a fun, family first cozy mystery. I love how Lyndsay is so close to her family and how they work together to support and love each other. One thing I've noticed that is different from other cozy series is the time line between books is so short. Three books and they are each a month apart. Just some food for thought.

Coconut Drop Dead: A Spice Isle Bakery Mystery
By Olivia Matthews
St. Martin’s
January 2024

Review by Cynthia Chow

Brooklyn, New York is celebrating their annual Caribbean American Heritage Festival, and the Spice Isle Bakery is one of the many food truck vendors selling delicious, sensory-overloading treats. Lyndsay Murray has finally achieved her dream of owning a restaurant featuring traditional West Indian pastries and treats, holding the controlling interest in her family-run business. Her family is indeed very much a part of the bakery, with her parents, uncles, aunties, and grandmother very interested in expanding both the business and their generations. That’s why they immediately notice the attention Lyndsay’s cousin Mason is giving to Camille Abbey, lead singer of the DragonFlyZ band playing at the festival. It’s also why everyone is heartbroken when Camille is found dead after suffering a fall.

Mason is adamant that her death was not an accident, and it doesn’t take long for the police to agree. NYPD Homicide Detective Bryce Jackson again arrives to take over the case, but it also adds another complication to Lyndsay’s life. While she once harbored a childhood crush on the handsome Brooklynite, and her aunties and mother would love to see them together, she is unable to forgive him for his proclivity to suspect and arrest Lyndsay’s family members. That doesn’t mean that he won’t continue to flirt and ask her out for meals though, or that Lyndsay won’t once again pursue her own investigation into a murder. Camille was recently seen arguing with the band’s manager, a backup singer lost her original place when overshadowed by Camille’s talent, and there’s even an ex-boyfriend looming on the scene. In order to provide justice for a promising young woman and give some sense of resolution to her cousin, the Grenadian Nancy Drew will do all she can while still baking delicious coconut puddings and delectable coconut cookie treats.

This third in the series overflows with exuberant characters as it celebrates West Indian culture and cuisines. Rival charities keep Lyndsay on her toes as she attempts to soothe egos while also promoting her family’s business, which showcases both their traditional and modernized treats. There’s a lot of fun as Lyndsay explores the entertainment business, with music contracts and performance opportunities providing multiple motives for murder. Lyndsay’s supportive family are as adorable as they are admirable, always wanting the best for her and recognizing how she has grown so much since starting the bakery. Good-hearted humor, relatable family interactions, and an abundance of West Indian cuisine make this a rewarding mystery that opens a door into a fascinating world of vibrant food and traditions.

This mystery finds us in the Caribbean area of Brooklyn at the Spice Island Bakery. Co-owner and amateur sleuth, Lyndsay Murray is called to solve another murder. This time it's the presumed girlfriend of her cousin Manny. She was the lead singer of an upcoming Caribbean band. This is the third book in the "Spice Island Bakery Mystery": the first this reviewer has read. With continued references back to earlier books any reader might wish to read these books in succession. The plot is a bit slow to develop. The book is best when it's alive with Caribbean culture, filled with family and community. It sparkles with romantic potential when Detective Bryce and Lyndsay interact.

The Murray's are excited for the annual Caribbean American Heritage Festival and excited that Spice Island Bakery gets to be among the food vendors. Things are going well until one of the lead singers participating in the festival ends up dead. The police are leaning towards an accident but Lyndsay's cousin Manny new the young woman and thinks the police have it wrong. Lyndsay agrees to look into things for her cousin in hopes of figuring out just what happened to Camille. Follow along to see where the clues take Lyndsay, will she find her killer or will the young woman's death be ruled an accident?

I’ve been kicking off my new year with some cozy mysteries. And here’s another one I enjoyed!

Lindsay, member of the Murray family and co-owner of the family bakery, was looking forward to the Caribbean American Heritage Festival to help sell pastries. Filled with food, music from a benefit concert, and joy, what could go wrong? Even her cousin Manny was having fun and was seen walking with Camille, lead singer of an up and coming band, as they were becoming close friends….or more? Soon during the festival, Camille was found at the bottom of stairs, passed away. Manny suspected foul play, and soon Lindsay played detective again to help her cousin. Who could want to hurt Camille? What could have happened to cause this?

This was as quick cozy mystery. It took some time for me to really get invested, and that may be because I wasn’t familiar with the characters - it is book 3 of the series. But once figured out, I flew through it!

I appreciate the heritage and bakery used through the story. It gave character, and was unique! And there are even recipes at the end that I can’t wait to try.

I also appreciated the characters. There were quite a few, but all had their own unique spunk. Especially Lindsay’s grandma.

The overall story was good. It took me a while to really be invested, which slowed it down for me. But I really think it was partially my fault for not reading the series in order. I had trouble fully emphasizing with the characters. But really, it was good.

I’d love to go back and read the first two at some point. To help see the origins of it, and build up to this one. Overall a cute mystery!

This one is out NOW! So here’s another cozy to add to your list!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, received from the publisher and author through NetGalley. However, all thoughts and views reflected are strictly my own opinions.

This series, while not challenging in its complexity, is a bit like a warm, soothing bath. Lyndsay Murray, majority owner in the Spice Isle Bakery, is thrilled that she and her family will be participants in the annual Caribbean American Heritage Festival, instead of just attendees. There's live music, great food and other things to enjoy at the festival, and the Murray's are kept very busy serving customers. Lyndsay's cousin Manny is also thrilled to be there as his crush Camille, lead singer of a local band making a name for themselves, will be performing.

When Camille is found dead after a performance, Manny is devastated and asks Lyndsay for help. What is even more surprising is Detective Bryce Jackson, who made the Murrays' lives difficult when investigating murders they were framed for (books one and two), asks for Lyndsay's help, as she knows many in the Caribbean American community, and her softer approach will likely benefit his efforts.

He also seems to be increasingly attracted to Lyndsay, which she has no time for as the two interview numerous people Camille knew, from the head of the Festival's planning committee, to the head of a charity.

Lyndsay proves again to be a competent investigator, and her family's connections prove useful in getting the lowdown on a number of possible suspects. She also moves further along her journey in forgiving Bryce, which is healthy for her.

This series entry is interesting, moves fast, and has great character dynamics, and fantastic food! I'm looking forward to read

This is the first book i read in this series and thoroughly enjoyed even if the Murray seems to be a sort of magnet for vioent crimes according to what i read.
That said it's a twisty and highly entertaining story featuring a Caribbean family and Lindsay is a clever and well developed character.
I enjoyed this novel and want to read the rest of the series
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

I didn't realize that this was the third book in the series but I didn't feel lost or out of place.

I didn't know I was a cozy mystery fan until I've been reading several of them as of late.

This book was a fun, twisty tale and if I'm honest, I wish the Spice Isle Bakery was real. I want to go in and order one of everything!

The characters are fantastic and the plot moves quickly.

If you enjoy cozy mysteries, this is a must check out series!

Lyndsey Murray has fought hard for her family’s Spice Isle Bakery to be included in Brooklyn’s Caribbean American Heritage Festival. Despite some initial setbacks, her bakery represents itself well. Even Sheryl Cross, the prickly festival organizer who’d tried to block their initial application after the Murrays were implicated in two homicides, is mollified enough to consider hiring the bakery to cater her daughter’s society wedding.

Sheryl isn’t the only person experiencing a change of heart: Lyndsey is starting to reconsider the hard line she’s maintained against being anything other than professional when dealing with her former high school crush, New York City Police Detective Bryce Jackson. It’s obvious that he’s interested in her romantically, and no one else in her family is holding a grudge against him for considering them his prime suspects in the prior homicides. In fact, they’re all encouraging her to give him a chance. Lyndsey might be able to resist the handsome homicide detective on his own, but is finding it harder to say no to both him and her family.

Love is also in the air for Lyndsey’s cousin Manny, who is excited to introduce his extended family to his newest romantic interest. Camille Abbey is the lead singer of DragonFlyZ, an up-and-coming reggae band based in Brooklyn. Camille and Manny met and bonded while he was working as a sound engineer on DragonFlyZ’ latest album, a charity CD benefiting the West Indian American Relief Fund. The CD has multiplied the band’s fanbase exponentially, spurring sales of their older records, too. They’re set to perform at the Caribbean festival, and Lyndsey is looking forward to taking time off from selling baked goods to groove to their music.

Tragedy strikes at the end of the festival, however, when Camille is found dead at the bottom of a flight of stairs. Manny is convinced that she was pushed, and turns to Lyndsey for help when the police seem to be dragging their feet over the case. Having now successfully solved two murders herself, Lyndsey agrees to look into the matter. But who could have possibly wanted sweet, humble Camille dead? Turns out that the music business is far more cutthroat than Lyndsey ever imagined, as she uncovers plenty of motive in her perilous quest to expose the truth.

The Spice Isle Bakery mystery series goes from strength to strength, as Lyndsey finally starts to not only feel comfortable with her sleuthing but also to feel more confident in her own skin. I love how supportive her family is throughout, as well as how Olivia Matthews continues to use more naturalistic language in the dialog. It was also great to see the legal aftermath of the events that took place in the second book in the series, Hard Dough Homicide, adding to the overall verisimilitude of these books.

There were two recipes for puddings included with this novel, and I decided to try out this one:

QUOTE
Coconut Pudding

Dry ingredients
½ cup cornstarch
½ cup sugar
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup toasted coconut flakes
¼ cup ground cinnamon

Wet ingredients
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 cups coconut milk

Utensils
Saucepan, small
Whisk
Dessert cups, 4

In a small saucepan, combine cornstarch, sugar, and salt.

Add vanilla extract

Use the whisk to whisk in coconut milk. Over low heat, allow the mixture to simmer, stirring constantly until the contents thicken (approximately 6 minutes).

Remove the saucepan from the heat. Pour the pudding into dessert cups.

Place the dessert cups in the refrigerator to cool (approximately 1 hour).

Garnish cooled pudding with toasted coconut flakes and ground cinnamon.
END QUOTE

I definitely had a different expectation of the consistency of the final product, but once I reconciled that idea with the reality, I wholeheartedly enjoyed this coconut pudding. This isn’t a firm or even a jiggly dessert – the consistency is even thinner than yogurt – but the flavors are amazing, especially with the toasted coconut. I enjoyed this almost like a parfait, using generous portions of toasted coconut and adding fresh blueberries to give it a little zing.

I do have to warn the novice cook that getting the coconut milk to a simmer on low will take at least half an hour, after which you can use the recipe’s six minute timer to continue thickening it. I did have to toast my own coconut flakes but the end result was well worth it. This pudding is not too sweet, and feels almost healthy when you add fruit. It’s a great dessert or breakfast treat!

Next week, we travel to the Midwest to enjoy a savory appetizer while solving an isolated manor house murder. Do join me!

In COCONUT DROP DEAD, Olivia takes readers back to Little Caribbean, Brooklyn, New York, to the delightful family bakery and characters we have watched outsmart the detectives and solved murders in the previous books in Spice Isle Bakery Mysteries.

In this story Camille, lead singer of an up-and-coming reggae band, falls down a flight of steps to her death. Of course, at first, the detectives rule the death an accident, but eventually change their mind when amateur sleuth, Lyndsay Murray, and the members of her murder-solving family, point out the reasons why the ‘accidental fall’ is actually a ‘push’ and ‘murder’.

The story goes at a brisk pace with enough suspects to keep readers wondering, however, this time, detective Bryce, acknowledges Lyndsay’s ability for solving murders and invites her to ‘consult’. The murder plot is well-constructed and, I must confess that, I did not figure out ‘who done it’ until Lyndsay’s thoughtful reasoning revealed who the killer is, and in the book’s final moment puts her in danger.

While the compelling murder mystery is the focus of the story, like the two books before, the story works so well on other levels. The sense of community, the colorful secondary characters, and the cultural awareness of the heroine and her family, especially her grandmother’s, adds to its appeal. All these elements stand out, but it is the relationship dynamics of the members of Lyndsay’s family that makes this story special and breathes extra life into it. They love and care for each other, a fact that is clearly seen in their interaction while solving the case and working to make the bakery successful.

Also important is the personal growth of our heroine. With each book, Lyndsay becomes more confident in her role of bakery owner and amateur sleuth. Her relationship with Detective Bryce improves and there is definitely an attraction and subtle chemistry between them. I hope that Ms. Matthews continues to develop this relationship in future books.

COCONUT DROP DEAD builds on the previous books and is my favorite of Ms. Matthew’s cozy mysteries. It’s a well-written mystery with a compelling plot, and solid characters who are appealing. Of course, I can’t forget the delicious pastries and food! I’d love to nibble on one of those Coconut Drops right now!

Coconut Drop Dead is the third in the Spice Isle Mystery Series. Lyndsay and her family run a bakery in the Little Caribbean section of New York. Although Lyndsay denies to herself and everyone else, there is chemistry between her and Homicide Detective Bryce Jackson. This causes problems since Lyndsay keeps ending up involved in murder investigations. Although I find it odd that a homicide detective would actively involve a citizen in a murder investigation, this is after all a fictional story. The characters are well developed. The storyline stands alone. You don’t need to read the first books to catch onto the relationships in this one. All in all, a fun cozy mystery.

Unfortunately due to the current SMP boycott, I will not post my review until the concerns are addressed..

*I received a free copy of this novel from NetGalley, St. Martin's Press and Minotaur Books for my honest review.*

Lyndsay Murray is still running her Spice Isle Bakery and trying to grow business and the Caribbean American Heritage Festival is looming. Luckily after the last installment, the bakery is going to be a vendor at the festival and get more business. And then there is a murder at the festival and Lyndsay is asked to help with the investigation.

I still enjoy the extended family and everyone being involved in the investigation. And the family is also starting to push Lyndsay towards the hot detective even though she is trying to stay focused on the bakery. One complaint was that everyone kissed their teeth. Everyone! Isn't there another phrase to show disdain or discord?

Can the Grenadian Nancy Drew get to the bottom the case before it's too late?

Rating: 3.5

This story picks up right were the last book, Hard Dough Homicide left off. The Spice Isle Bakery crew is excited about participating for the first time in the Caribbean American Heritage Festival. I miss hearing the different accents and such which give great color to the story.

Granny is a hoot!

The nickname, the Grenadian Nancy Drew, gives the reader a visual right away of who Lyndsey is, despite her not liking it.

The family meetings to discuss the case gives a nod to the strong family connections. Instead of being at odds in this case, the lead detective, Detective Bryce Jackson, asks Lyndsey for assistance given her strong community connections. The family, led by Lyndsey is investigating the death of Camille Abbey, the lead singer and songwriter of the up-and-coming reggae band, DragonFlyZ. The family agreed to investigate because of grandchild/brother/cousin/son Manny’s relationship to the victim.

Throughout the story there are touching moments with Granny imparting wisdom, many characters dealing with weighty issues and questions, all with bakery guests chiming in. The bakery, just three months old, is the spot in Little Caribbean. I am not a huge fan of coconut but I found by the end that I wanted to try the Coconut Drops.

The mystery/investigation seemed to drag a bit. But to Lyndsey’s credit she kept saying they were missing something. It was nice to see Lyndsey’s training put to good use.

Overall, I enjoyed reading the adventures of Lyndsey and her family as they help the police protect Little Caribbean.

Thank you to #NetGalley for the opportunity to do an early read and share my thoughts on the story. Happy Reading!

"Tragedy hits Caribbean-American Festival." Lyndsay Murray, now called The Grenadian Nancy Drew, has a booth at the annual Caribbean-American Heritage Festival, which is a nod to her West Indian heritage. At the event, Lyndsay is requested to cater an exclusive wedding. Even before she can even think of the opportunity a reggae performer is found dead. What else is Lyndsay to do but to try and solve the murder itself? She is attracted to, but at odds with her high school crush, Detective Bryce Jackson. Lyndsay makes it more than clear that she intends on being involved with the case quite to Bryce's consternation.

Just like the first two books in this series, Against the Currant and Hard Dough Homicide , this third book in the Spice Isle Bakery Mystery series is quite enjoyable. Lyndsay's family is wonderful, and while her brother Dev is an attorney, I found it wonderful when he joined the family's bakery business. Then considering the diversity with the family's West Indian background, this was a well-rounded read.

Many thanks to St. Martin’s Press and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

Spice Isle Bakery series #3. It's only been a short time since the last book, and the Bakery is participating for the first time in the Caribbean American Heritage Festival. The Festival, and the Bakery, are a huge success, but marred with the death of the lead singer of the group performing at the Festival. At first it looks like a terrible accident, but her boyfriend Manny is sure it was murder, and because he is her cousin, Lyndsay goes back into investigator mode, finding - as the police soon do as well - that it was no accident at all.
If I was one of Lyndsay's family members, I'd be a little worried about my friends and loved ones. This is the 3rd murder involving her family in just a few months! The story proceeds along logically enough, though it seems to mirror some of the previous books a little too much. The characters are winning, the Caribbean background is a definite plus, and the food sounds to die for, er, well, you know what I mean. This series has a lot of potential, especially the sane and logical way the characters involve themselves in the investigation. How it manages to draw a murder into their happy world will be interesting to see. Recommended.

This book was delightful! I love how the author showcases West Indian culture, food and traditions. While this book is the third instalment in the Spice Isle Bakery Mysteries series, it can definitely be read as a standalone (which I did).

I'm a foodie, so obviously I love a book that includes so many food descriptions (and even a few recipes at the back). It's commendable how Matthews is able to find the balance between highlighting West Indian culture and food while simultaneously advancing the plot of this cozy mystery. In addition, the suggestion of a romantic partnership for the Grenadian Nancy Drew was cute and leaves me looking forward to book 4!

This read was a bit nostalgic for me, and I found myself being reminded of my childhood with the author's descriptions of the foods, smells, different accents and behaviour of family members. Very reminiscent of my own family and upbringing!

Bravo to Matthews for writing a book that displays a culture and people that is too often overlooked. I highly recommend this to readers looking for more diverse characters.

While vending at a Caribbean food festival, a woman falls to her death. This book is full of mystery and food. Lots and lots of food! I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the next in the series. I received a complimentary copy of this book and chose to write a voluntary, unbiased review.

It was such a treat to be back in Little Caribbean with Lindsay and the rest of the Murray family.

This time, Lindsay’s cousin, Manny, needs the help of the family to prove his innocence.

I love the sense of community in these stories and how they are centered around the Murray family. No matter what happens, they stick together and help each other.

My one peace of advice is not to read these books while hungry! The food always sounds good and makes me want to take a trip to Spice Isle Bakery!

I truly love this series and look forward to the next installment.

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for the copy of this book. All views are my honest opinion.