Monday, November 16, 2015

Book Review/Giveaway: The Candy Cane Cupcake Killer by Livia Washburn


From the publisher: ‘Tis the season in Weatherford, Texas, and everyone in town is gearing up for the annual holiday parade and tree-lighting ceremony in the town square, where Phyllis Newsom will be serving her much-anticipated candy cane cupcakes. Local rancher Barney McCrory manages to charm one away from her before the ceremony begins. But unfortunately, when the minty confection is finished, so is he.

This isn’t the first time someone has dropped dead after eating one of Phyllis’s treats. But when the paramedics determine the rancher was shot, suspicion swiftly falls on McCrory’s daughter and her husband—who both stand to reap some sweet rewards from his death. Though Phyllis doesn’t want to get mixed up in another murder investigation, something about this case doesn’t sit right with her. With a little help from a tabloid TV news crew, Phyllis must unwrap the truth and restore good cheer to Weatherford before it’s too late…


It's Christmas in Weatherford and the whole town is abuzz with the excitement the city's annual Christmas parade brings. The action begins in the very first chapter of Livia Washburn's 10th Freshed Baked mystery, as readers are introduced to rancher Barney McCrory, an old friend of Sam's. Barney has been asked to drive the horse drawn carriage that will carry Santa into town, but he's killed right in the middle of the parade by shots fired from a window up above. The main suspect is Barney's son-in-law Nate, who was arguing with him about putting a gas lease on the ranch, but Sam once coached Nate and knows he's no killer. As he and Phyllis dig a little deeper, they start wondering if Barney was even the intended victim. Road commissioner Clay Loomis, aka Santa, sure had a lot of people who would be more than happy to see him dead.

This was a fun and light read which had me guessing until the end. When the killer was revealed it was so obvious that it left me wondering why I hadn't figured it out sooner, but I enjoyed every twist and turn that led a logical conclusion!

Giveaway: Leave a comment by noon eastern on Friday, November 20th for your chance to win a copy of The Candy Cane Cupcake Killer. (US entries only please.)

31 comments:

Jeanetta said...

I love the title of this book: The Candy Cane Cupcake Killer! This book sounds like a fun read. Thank you for the giveaway.
myrifraf(at)gmail(dot)com

Anonymous said...

Another great book!!! Also, love the holiday-themed heading!!

NoraA said...

I own one of the earlier books in this series and enjoyed it very much. I'd love to add this one to my collection.

NoraAdrienne (at) gmail (dot) com

CBarton said...

Oh, i want this!! This is my favorite kind of mystery!

Vicky said...

I'm a big fan of food related mysteries. Would love to win a copy.

pilch92 said...

Sounds like a good book and now I want a cupcake. :)

skkorman said...

Sounds like a fun read—thanks for the chance to win a copy!

skkorman AT bellsouth DOT net

Kim said...

I haven't read this series before, but this book sounds really good. I love the cover and especially that it's taking place during the holidays, a perfect time to cozy up and get lost in a mystery. kvmatlock (at) gmail (dot) com

Anonymous said...

Thanks, Melissa! I love reading Christmas-themed cozies, during November and December, and this one is, definitely, on my list!! patucker54 (at aol dot com)

traveler said...

What a delightful cozy. Thanks. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

kim hansen said...

What a great title and a good story. kamundsen44ATyahooDOTcom.

petite said...

This cozy would be so enjoyable. elliotbencan(at)hotmail(dot)com

Unknown said...

I've read several books in this series and am sure this one will be just as great. I love Christmas themed books and nothing screams Christmas more than Candy Canes. Thanks for the opportunity to enter the giveaway. robeader53@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

Oh, my. Possibly gunning for Santa.
Very naughty!
libbydodd at comcast dot net

Sue said...

I'm ready for some seasonal cozies---this one sounds good.
suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com

Rita Wray said...

Love the sound of the book.

Kit3247(at)aol(dot)com

Cleopawtra said...

Sounds like a good read. Thanks for the giveaway. rose_red2@cinci.rr.com

rockergoddess2002 said...

I would love to read this book! I love Christmas cozies! Tracy Shafer

bookwomen said...

This is one of my favorite series and she is our author this month for my in person Cozy Book Club. Happy to see a new one.

gibsonbk at hiwaay dot net

Anonymous said...

Yous duin' a gweat job reviewin' da books Mudpie. Have a pawsum day.

Luv ya'

Dezi and Lexi

Layla Morgan Wilde ( Cat Wisdom 101) said...

A perfect treat for the holiday. P.S. I hope you entered our Grumpy Cat + giveaway posted yesterday.

holdenj said...

I love everything about that cover and the clever title! Thanks so much for the chance to win!
JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

Unknown said...

I certainly do enjoy this series
The characters are very down to earth and realistic! Thank you for the opportunity!
ejbs3s@yahoo.com

Fiona L. Woods said...

Sounds like a great Christmas cozy. Can't wait to read it.

fionalwoods (at) yahoo.com

Michele said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Michele said...

This looks like a great read! I love all the wonderful cozy mysteries out (and their covers!)

shermie40 at yahoo dot com

Kaye Killgore said...

Mudpie you rock, I'd love to read this book, it sounds yummy

kaye dot killgore at comcast dot net

Unknown said...

I love to read cozies by new authors ...have quite a few on my favorites list. jchizmar01@windstream.net

lorraines resources and rewards said...

love her books and have even cooked some of her recipes this one looks great thanks for sharing

Unknown said...

That title just drew me in. I love cozies and I'm always looking for a new author and series. This would be a great one for my Christmas reading list. Sounds fun!

Darlene said...

I love cozies, and with Christmas coming this should be a winner.
6186pep(at)msn(dot)com