For middle grade readers, this book is amazing. For middle aged readers (or just me, a middle aged reader), this book is fine. I will be honest a lot of the same plot beats from the previous book happen in this one too. Despite being bffs, the girlies do be constantly fighting. And I know to some degree that’s what being 13 is like but at 33 I just want these girls to communicate.

I liked that this was much more like Bake Off though, right down to the Paul Hollywood knock off Jack “Green Eyes” Miami, that one got me, I actually laughed. And I thought that episode transcripts and confessionals added a little something extra. Those parts were pretty funny because I feel like Laila and Lucy are so self serious in their respective chapters and then you cut to the episode transcripts and they’re just goofy 13 year old girls. Good stuff.

Aside from that, it was frustrating to clock the culprit immediately and then have Lucy and Laila get mad at each other on and off and wildly add people to their suspect list for 200 pages straight. I’m sure this is perfect for younger readers, however if there are going to be more books in the series this is where I’m getting off.

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the authors for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Last summer, best friends Lucy and Laila were unexpectedly pivotal in the solving of a crime during a high profile baking contest. Since then, however, the girls’ friendship has been challenged by both time and energy as the two pursue their individual dreams. The winter holidays are nearly upon them, and Laila’s friend Jaden has shocking news: he believes that his Papa has been framed for theft. Finding themselves in the middle of a crime scene once again, Lucy and Laila agree to help uncover the identity of the real thief amidst the chaos and uncertainty of yet another baking adventure. This novel begins a few months after the first story ends and features the two protagonists from the initial installment. Readers would benefit from understanding the first story before experiencing this one, especially as only select details from the previous mystery are included in this narrative. Told in alternating points of view between Lucy and Laila as well as through a blend of journal entries and active storytelling, the narrative offers readers insight into each character’s motivations and emotions as the story unfolds. Brief chapters and quick pacing keep readers engaged in the story, and the mystery element of the novel is compelling as each detail comes to light. Though this book is a mystery on its face, the plot incorporates substantial emotional turbulence that is representative of the experiences faced by many middle grade readers. Fans of tales involving friendship, problem-solving, baking, and journalism will find this cozy mystery series to be fun and engaging. This sequel to The Cookie Crumbles is a positive addition to library collections for confident middle grade readers.

Things I liked about the book.

1) Clever title
2) Multicultural characters and their personas prominently displayed on the cover
3) Admission at bottom of cover that it's a sequel

Things I didn't like about the book.

1) Didn't realize just 'how' much the reader would have to read the prequel to get full flavor of the characters and the backstory. Admittedly, hadn't read the prequel but having read series books in the past thought would be ok. I was lost more than a couple of times.

This ARC was provided by the publisher, HarperCollins Children's Books | Quill Tree Books , via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

#TheirJustDesserts #NetGalley

Laila and Lucy are at it again: Baking and Investigating. This time they have to prove that their friend/rival Jaden’s dad didn’t steal some fancy jewels on the set of a kids’ holiday baking show. Everything gets turned upside down and their bond is tested. Can they stay in the baking competition, solve the mystery, and save their friendship?

This middle grades who dunnit is a fun mash-up of mysteries and baking shows, not to mention a love note to friendships changing as kids grow up. Yes, there were giant plot holes in the story, and I found myself constantly questioning why a kids baking competition was being filmed live. There were lots of references to the previous book, and while it didn’t impact the plot, it definitely played into relationships and character development. All that said, kids who love baking and mysteries will still likely enjoy it.

This is a cute follow-up to The Cookie Crumbles. I read this with my 8 year old, and we really enjoyed Lucy and Laila's baking and busting adventure. I thought the writing was pretty repetitive, but it worked for reminding my kid of what was going on. Hopefully this isn't the last we've seen of Lucy and Laila!

Thank you to NetGalley and publisher for the opportunity to read and review.

This is a great follow-up in this series. I love the characters and how well they play off of each other.
If you like baking and mysteries this is a series for you. A great series for kids.

Thanks NetGalley for this ARC.

*4.5 Stars*

I really love this series. The perfect mix for anyone who loves baking and mysteries! The characters are truly great, yet not perfect. They both have their flaws and it makes them even more interesting. I'm really amazed by how they always get in trouble (and out of it!). I really liked the mystery in this one too. I really didn't really see the whole thing coming. And I liked that Laila was the host, while Lucy was the one baking this time. This is such a fun and good series. I hope there's more books coming!

This was a fantastic follow up to Badua and Dow’s first mystery. This is such a fun series that will leave you hungry! Highly recommend for all young readers who love classic-style whodunits.

I really loved The Cookie Crumbles and was so excited to see Lucy and Laila getting to continue their whodunit adventures in Their Just Desserts. This is such a fun book, and I really love how much it feels like a book for middle schoolers, from the way changes in friendship feel so BIG to the ways they’re just starting to think about what the future holds for them. I loved the new cast of characters, as well as seeing familiar faces and getting to see them all growing and changing. The whole premise of the Holly Jolly Baking Show was so over the top, especially with the reality tv elements, but I think that just added to the fun of reading the book. I really enjoyed this, and really hope we’ll have more books starring Lucy and Laila!

This was a strong sequel in this series and was a great follow-up for the Cookie crumbles. It had that mystery element that I was looking for and enjoyed the overall feel of this. The characters felt like they were meant to be in this story and was glad that they had the charm that I expected from the first book. Tracy Badua and Alechia Dow wrote thisperfectly and am excited for more.