I liked the book and the mystery kept my attention. The talk of food made me hungry as always. It all sounds so tasty. I thought that Hoff was the murderer, but it was the artist Mary Beth. I thought Lance’s proposal was cute. He used a ring pop instead of an actual ring to propose was funny. I think he’s my favourite character in the series. He’s so dramatic but is sweet at the same time to everyone.

Aww wow! I can't tell you how grateful I am for this series - my favourite cosy mystery series by far. Spending time with the Torte crowd is like spending time with family. They all care for each other so much and grow together. My heart is so full and the last scene made me cry so much. I hope Ellie Alexander keeps writing these forever.

Juliet, now pregnant with twins, wants to support Sterling and Stephanie in their new jobs - they've been hired as chef and pastry chef to a coastal resort. The manager, Erik, is horrid and every member of staff hates him. Unfortunately, the show must go on and Juliet, Carlos, Stephanie and Sterling come up with the perfect menu to wow the guests. But death shows up as an appetizer.

This was flawless, it's got a lot of personal scenes between Juliet and her staff and Juliet, Carlos and Ramiro as their relationships develops, mouth-watering recipes and dishes that make you sigh and a gripping murder in an absolutely gorgeous setting. Ellie Alexander should work for the Ashland tourist board, she sells you on the area like nobody else. I loved that the last act (catching the killer) was over very quickly with no real threat, I prefer my cosies to be cosy from beginning to end. There's a new wedding on the horizon and a trip to Costa Rica that's hinted at, I can't wait for the next books!

My endless thanks to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for this ARC!

What a lovely story, albeit with a small tragedy of a much hated character…
I enjoyed this book for the development of our young chef & baker, and
their opportunity to have their own kitchen. What a rocky start (oops…
a pun) with a heartwarming ending. We have a lot to look forward to
in the next book, and it’s all good! I enjoyed the recipes listed at the
end of the book. They looked pretty easy to create at home, and
are all tasty.
So, we had a murder, we keep the lodge open and we also
have an engagement. Not much more we can ask about…
except for Jules and Carlos awaiting their twins!
I recommend this book!. (Note: this is part of a series
but it reads well as a standalone.
My thanks to Minotaur Books via NetGalley for the download
copy of the book for review purposes.

I love this series. This one is about a death at the Whales head resort where Sterling and Stephanie from the Torte were hired to run the restaurant. Jules, Carlos and Ramirez, plus Jules Mom and the professor are there. Jules is the amateur sleuth along with Lance. In this one the manager Erik is the victim and there are many suspects. Carlos and Jules are there to help Sterling and Steph with the meal preparations.. Does the grand opening happen? Is it successful. Does the resort get sold. . Read this VERY GOOD COZY MYSTERY to see what happens.

I really loved this book. Once I started reading I could not put it down. I love Juliet and her family. This book made me so hungry. I was wishing I could eat some of the scrumptious food. This book had me laughing out loud, intrigued by the mystery and crying at the end. I can't wait to read more of this series it feels like visiting family.

Another great entry in Ellie Alexander’s Bakeshop series. The venue moves to the Oregon coast where Sterling and Steph, having ventured away from Torte to run their own kitchen at a rustic resort, are planning their opening weekend. Juliet, Carlos, Ramiro and other hometown friends decide to visit them to offer moral support as well as a bit of cooking help. Since Juliet spent childhood vacations here, she is very excited to return.
Before the group can barely get settled, the resort manager tumbles off a cliff and is killed. The scene points toward murder, so the Professor, Juliet and Lance become involved in the investigation. The storyline is great as are the descriptions of the beautiful coast. If time permits, start at the beginning of this series, but this book works well as a stand alone. While NetGalley was kind enough to provide me with an advanced reader copy, the opinion is my own.

This was such a good book. I loved the story and the writing so much. The characters were great and the story flowed smoothly. Will definitely read more books by this author in the future.

Jules' beloved former bakery staff members, Sterling and Stephanie, are setting out on their own adventure reviving the failing restaurant at a seaside resort. Jules, Carlos, and others of the Ashland gang are on hand to help them their opening weekend--including to deal with their horrible boss and manager of the resort, Erik. But when Erik turns up dead right before the first dinner service, everyone's a suspect when everyone hates the victim.

I've read about half of the Bakeshop Mysteries, and many of Alexander's other series. At this point, I tend to prefer some of her other series (the Sloane Krause and Secret Bookcase ones are my favorite). There's a lot of details in these books that I tend to skim over--extensive repetition of backstories, elaborate descriptions of baking--to get to the actual mystery. I know that's one of the hallmarks of cozy mysteries, that you can pick up anywhere in the series and know what's going on, but it gets tiring after twenty books. As far as this specific mystery goes, I think the new setting and characters were fun and introduced in a natural way, though I didn't love the conclusion. It felt a little random and anticlimactic. But overall, this is a solid installment in a solid series, and fans of the series are sure to enjoy more of Jules and the gang. I am looking forward to seeing her give birth, and the wedding of one of our favorite characters (no spoilers) on the horizon.

Thanks to St. Martin's for my eARC! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

4 stars - 8/10

This was the first book I've read in this series. The only downside to that was I didn't understand the many of the characters or the backstory for the majority of the book. However, I really enjoyed it overall. The characters were all likable and the mystery was well-written. I also loved the inclusion of cooking techniques and recipes.

This was fast-paced and really enjoyable. Nothing groundbreaking, but a great little escape from reality.

Thanks to the publisher for the advanced copy!

Another outstanding installment, book #20, in the author's long-running Bakeshop series. She never disappoints.

Here, Jules and family (and friends) venture off to to the opening of a new restaurant by two former Torte employees at a beach resort. They wonder what these former Torte employees have gotten themselves into, what with a domineering boss, unpaid vendors, and chaos. Made even worse by the requisite murder (this is a cozy mystery series after all).

Very entertaining, a mystery I would highly recommend. Excellent plot and terrific characters.

This is your classic cozy mystery and Ellie Alexander never fails to disappoint. This is not what you are looking for if what you want is a literary masterpiece. However, it is perfect as the antidote to more weighty reads and when you want something quick that will not take away too much of your brain power. This particular series also has an angle I particularly enjoy in cozy mysteries: food. The protagonist is a baker/cafe owner and this features prominently in the books. I love when books make me hungry. There are also recipes at the end. I look forward to the next installment and I also have to go back and read ones I have missed--it is easy enough to figure who what is going on without having read the previous books (I have read a couple). This also fulfills a reading challenge I had for this month to read a book with a pun in the title (and this was a great one). I would give this 4.25 stars.
Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for providing me with access to this cozy mystery.

Another interesting journey with Jules, Carlos, and crew. This installment takes us away from Torte and up the coast to where Sterling and Steph are getting ready to open the restaurant at the beach resort where they have been given a chance to run their own kitchen. With some of regulars along for the Grand Opening, Jules' mom and the Professor, as well as Lance and Arlo, the new chefs are getting support, and their friends are getting a long weekend. Jules can understand the newbies' nerves when they meet the resort manager, who has a controlling style and a nasty manner. The resort is showing signs of wear, has disappearing employees, and disgruntled vendors. What have Sterling and Steph gotten themselves into? When the manager shows up murdered will the couple even get their chance? Who wanted the manager dead? Can a pregnant Jules stay out of it, or is she drawn in as usual? This story was definitely stronger in the character development department than the mystery department, but for fans of this long series, they probably won't mind! Thanks to #Netgally, #Minotaur, and the author for a chance to catch up with our friends from Ashland. #KillMeSouffle #BakeshopSeries #EllieAlexander #bookreview #bookideas #retiredreader

I am so ready for Jules and Carlos’ baby to be here. I can’t wait to see hoe Jules balances her professional life, personal life, and her sleuthing. Though she doesn’t really sleuth so much as get pulled into sleuthing by her best friend, Lance. And that ending! I cannot WAIT to see how that plays out.

I really didn’t want the killer to be who it was. I wanted it to be someone else, because they were a really unlikable character. However, I would also like for the Professor to be in more scenes with Jules and her mother. Be more of a family man. I felt that this novel was missing that familial feeling that many of the others had. I also wonder if it's because there is the feeling of bittersweetness because Steph and Sterling are leaving.

Overall, I rate this novel 4 out of 5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for the opportunity to read Killing Me Souffle by Ellie Alexander, the latest installment in her long-running Bakeshop culinary mystery series. This is the first book I've read by this author, so there were a lot of character relationships and backstory to catch up on, but I was able to enjoy the mystery as a stand-alone.
The very likable first-person narrator/protagonist, Juliet, travels with her family and some friends to the Oregon coast to support two beloved former employees in their new positions as chefs at a seaside resort. It's grand opening weekend, and rumor has it, their overbearing boss is making things difficult for the new hires.
Once Juliet and family arrive, they find some disarray at the resort, and things quickly get worse when Juliet discovers Erik, the controlling manager, dead at the bottom of a cliff. The police quickly determine that his fall was not an accident.
Juliet's mother and stepfather (the Professor) arrive, and the Professor, a semi-retired detective, offers to help the local police with the investigation; as they are short-handed, his assistance is welcomed. Juliet's best friend, Lance, also arrives with his boyfriend, Arlo. Juliet and Lance apparently have a history of amateur sleuthing together, and they take it up in this story as well.
Suspects abound, and many have reason to want Erik out of the way.
Besides a well-constructed mystery, readers will be treated to cooking lessons and lots of scrumptious recipes.

Jules is finally taking some much needed time off. Her trip to the beach includes pitching in for Steph and Sterling’s restaurant debut, perusing local art, naps in the sand… oh, and investigating a murder.

This series is one of my favorites and this book is a wild ride! The beach resort is amazing, quaint and charming, if it was a real place I’d be booking my trip! Jules is newly pregnant with twins and there are some other really great changes happening. I can’t wait to read all about it!

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.

Food, Baking, murder. Count me in. Love the recipes in the back and now I need to bake this weekend. First one by this author and will be looking for more.

Alexander continues to showcase the best of the Bakeshop series with a perfect blend of mystery and mouthwatering moments. The writing is cozy yet thrilling, keeping you hooked as Jules and the crew work their way through the mystery while balancing the delicate art of keeping a restaurant running smoothly. There’s an added depth to this instalment, with the deliciously rich descriptions of food that not only make you crave the dishes but bring the story to life in a way that only the Bakeshop series can. What stands out most is the way the author captures the tension and emotion of the characters, especially Sterling and Stephanie, who are stepping into uncharted waters. Add in a touch of suspense, some complex relationships, and a backdrop that makes you feel like you’re right there on the Oregon coast, and it’s easy to see why this book is so addictive. This is another strong addition to the series, blending humor, heart, and mystery in a way that makes it impossible to put down. For those who’ve followed the series, Killing Me Soufflé will not disappoint. If you’re new to it, this book will have you immediately reaching for the rest of the series. A perfect read for anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries with heart and substance.

Family. Family and friends that become family. That's what keeps me coming back to this series. I feel like I'm dropping in on people I know, people who'll feed me very, very well. In this case, it seems like everyone is on hand, albeit at Oregon's Whaleshead Resort for the most part, not at Torte in Ashland. Sterling and Stephanie have accepted a new position there and Juliet/Jules, Carlos, Ramiro, and other friends and family are there to support them. Jules has fond memories of Whaleshead Resort from her youth, so it's a bit of a trip down memory lane for her. It's all the more so when you realize she's not just pregnant but expecting twins. While there is stress and problems, the place has become rundown, the restaurant opening seems to be on schedule. Then, Jules, asked to collect some fresh veggies from outside, finds a body. It's Eric, the resort manager who, it turns out, is not at all well liked and seems to be the cause of many of the resorts financial worries.

I won't detail the plot other than to note that there are not only multiple suspects but Juliet is lucky enough to have her mom and step-father, the Professor/Doug on hand. A not quite retired detective, he winds up working closely with local Det. Mars. Even Lance shows up with boyfriend Arlo to round out the sleuthing circle of friends. Lots of backstory shared early on, so even new readers should be comfortable settling right into the story. You're going to like Jules who, despite her pregnancy doesn't hesitate to investigate. The setting is beautifully described, making me easily imagine the rugged cliffs and views, too. Lots of food talk and careful readers can pick up quite a few helpful food prep hints, not to mention there are several recipes included at the end.

As for the murder, it kept me guessing. It was fun to see info being uncovered that eliminated some of the suspects, much of it inadvertently not shared initially with the police. As one suspect basically, says, well, everyone knew that, so I didn't even think about telling the police. A reminder that every bit of info, no matter how small, may contribute and save the police valuable time, that's for sure. I didn't lose any time feeling sorry for the victim, I must admit, who definitely didn't sound like a nice guy. Sterling and Stephanie, of course, are rather caught in the middle, trying to revive a once stellar restaurant despite complications like not just the murder, but suppliers refusing to, well, supply them due to the victim having not paid them. Ah, add a few more suspects. In any case, it was fun to watch Jules both stumble across and actively seek out info, frequently with Lance in tow. Lance gets a major scene near the end that I'm sure long time readers will love, by the way. My only regret is that it sounds like Carlos' son Ramiro may be leaving them next book to spend time with his mother and step-father in Europe. He's been fun, not to mention rather a bottomless pit where food is involved. Bottom line, if you like character driven cozies with extended family/friends involved, and an intriguing mystery, you'll like this series....especially if you're a foodie. Let's just say, make sure you have something handy to munch on as you read. Thanks #StMartin'sPress _ #MinotaurBooks for allowing me to virtually tag along early on what becomes a bit of a family gathering at Whaleshead Resort. I'm glad it's apparently not far from Torte, meaning we'll get more Sterling and Stephanie moments.

𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒚 𝒔𝒂𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒎𝒐𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒐𝒏 𝒊𝒔 𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒆. 𝑰 𝒌𝒏𝒆𝒘 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒆 𝒕𝒓𝒖𝒆, 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝒊𝒕 𝒅𝒊𝒅𝒏'𝒕 𝒎𝒆𝒂𝒏 𝒊𝒕 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒚.

Sterling and Steph, two of Juliet Capshaw's star employees at her bakeshop Torte, have left to pursue a job at a coastal resort, managing and running the kitchen. Unfortunately, they had no idea their boss was going to be a tyrant with poor business acumen. Nevertheless, they are determined to be successful at this new venture.

When Juliet and her family arrive for opening night, they find the place in tumult and graciously step up to help. But when the tyrannical owner plummets to his death from a sharp drop-off, it's soon clear that it was no accident, and the list of suspects is long.

I enjoyed this book, but I miss the familiarity of the Ashland setting. I do hope that Sterling and Steph will find their way back home again as they are two characters I've grown to love. Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martins Press/Minotaur Books for this early copy. At the time this review was written, this title was expected to publish February 25, 2025.