Saturday, January 7, 2017

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Custom Baked Murder
by Liz Mugavero

… delightful, full of charm and such strong characters that they jump off the pages.
~Bibliophile Reviews
Animal lover extraordinaire Stan is one of my favorite fictional heroines, so I’m always looking forward to reading her latest adventure.
~Melissa’s Mochas, Mysteries and Meows
From the very beginning of the book, this fast-paced mystery is full of charming pets and an entertaining protagonist, Kristan “Stan” Connor.
~Cinnamon, Sugar, and a Little Bit of Murder
This was a well written cozy that flowed really well. I was turning pages because I was so engrossed. This one left me guessing to the very end.
~Melina’s Book Blog! 
This was an enjoyable read. I really loved it… A good book to read on a cold day. There were twists and turns and the plot was great.
~Books, Dreams, Life 
custom-baked-murderCustom Baked Murder (A Pawsitively Organic Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
5th in Series
Kensington (December 27, 2016)
Mass Market Paperback: 304 pages
ISBN-13: 978-1496700193
E-Book ASIN: B01DRXCGD0
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Kristan “Stan” Connor gladly turned tail on her high-flying job and moved to a quaint New England town to sell organic pet treats. But with her nose for solving murders, there’s no such thing as a quiet life…
Summer is winding down in Frog Ledge, Connecticut, but Stan’s love life and career are both heating up nicely. In between planning her new pet patisserie and café, Stan is settling into living-in-bliss with sexy pub owner Jake McGee. Love’s on the menu for Stan’s mom, Patricia, too, who’s engaged to Frog Ledge’s mayor, Tony Falco.
Mayor Falco’s dogged ambition isn’t popular among locals, but it’s his executive coach, Eleanor Chang, who’s inspired a dangerous grudge. When Eleanor is found dead, there’s a whole pack of suspects to choose from. Stan has first-hand experience of Eleanor’s unsavory business tactics. But finding out who forced her to take a fatal plunge off the corporate ladder means unearthing some shady secrets…and a killer who’s too close for comfort.
Includes Gourmet Pet Food Recipes!
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About This Author

Liz Mugavero has been writing stories since she could hold a pen. Before that, she would tell them to anyone who would listen (not many at the time). After deciding early on she would write books for a living, she practiced by writing bad, angst-filled poems, short stories and even a storyline for a soap opera–all by age 15. She never wavered from her goals despite all the usual questions including, “So are you going to be an English teacher with that degree in English?” or, “That writing thing sounds nice, but how are you REALLY going to make a living?”
She went on to get a master’s in writing and publishing and spent time in journalism, PR, and presently, corporate communications. And she’s confident this writing thing IS the way to make a living.
Aside from writing, she loves animals (has a houseful), the beach, reading other writers’ masterpieces and Starbucks coffee.
Author Links
Purchase Links
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What a great cozy mystery this was. I started to read the book thinking I would read a few chapters and come back later to read more. To my surprise I really tried to put the book down but it was so good I had to keep reading. I loved the name of the town called Frog Ledge, Connecticut. What a cute little town it is with shops that are welcoming and people who are like family. Well maybe not everyone seemed like family but you will see who I'm talking about as you devour this incredible book.

Kristan or "Stan" as she goes by is getting ready for her big store opening. She has been busy perfecting recipes and desiging the store with help from her mother.  That is another story all on its own but we must focus on this mystery for now. Her store will have specialty treats for animals and I love how the author incorporated the need for K9 bullet proof vests and animal shelters in the story. I love animals and I feel in love with the dogs and cats right away. I must say there are some personalities going on with these pets. They make for some  fun moments.

I absolutely adored Jake as soon as I read how compassionate and caring he is. Stan has definitely found a good guy and I hope their relationship continues to develop. He runs a pub but always makes sure he has time to be with Stan. Do I hear wedding bells in the future?

Speaking of wedding bells there  is a big shindig happening with Stan's mom and Stan's  presence has been requested at the party. Stan's mother is marrying the mayor and they are having a grand gala to have the engagement ring blessed. I thought Patricia, the mom was kinda distant and a bit  snotty but perhaps she is just wondering why her fiancé hasn't shown up for their party. Did I mention that Stan's sister Caitlyn is staying with Stan? Well off to the party everyone goes. There are quite a few people at the party that Stan would rather not be around and wonders why her ex co-workers are there.

When there is a scream from upstairs the action takes off in this quirky mystery. A woman who really didn't have a friendly disposition is killed. I did have to laugh at all the suspects there were because they could easily fill a living room . When there is an arrest Stan is convinced the person is innocent. Why is she so determined to clear  this person's name? The killer for me was easy to figure out but I did enjoy reading about how Stan and her friends join together to help prove someone innocent. There are hints throughout the book who the killer is but I thought the author brilliantly showed them in a discreet way . Overall you are in for a treat with this wonderful story that is funny and has a way to keep readers entertained till the end.


I received a complimentary copy of this book from The Great Escapes Book Tour. The review is my own opinion.


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Tour Participants
January 5 – Bibliophile Reviews –  REVIEW
January 5 – Mochas, Mysteries and Meows – REVIEW, CHARACTER GUEST POST
January 6 – The Self-Rescue Princess – CHARACTER INTERVIEW
January 6 – Melina’s Book Blog – REVIEW
January 7 – Books,Dreams,Life – REVIEW
January 7 – Girl with Book Lungs – SPOTLIGHTS
January 8 – Texas Book-aholic – REVIEW
January 8 – StoreyBook Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
January 9 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – REVIEW
January 9 – Laura’s Interests – REVIEW
January 10 – A Chick Who Reads – REVIEW
January 10 – Island Confidential – CHARACTER INTERVIEW
January 11 – Classy Cheapskate – REVIEW
January 11 – Melissa’s Eclectic Bookshelf – INTERVIEW
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