Murder at the Beacon Bakeshop by Darci Hannah Published by Kensington Publishing on February 23, 2021
Genres: Mystery
Pages: 352
Format: Paperback
Goodreads
Also by this author: Murder at the Christmas Cookie Bake-Off
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
About Murder at the Beacon Bakeshop
Murder at the Beacon Bakeshop is the first book in a new cozy mystery series by Darci Hannah.
A cheating fiance/broken engagement and a lot of wine convince Lindsey Bakewell to leave her finance career in NYC, buy a historic lighthouse, and move to a small lakeside town in Michigan. She plans to renovate the lighthouse, turning it into her dream bakery and cafe. Welly, her adorable and slobbery Newfie accompanies her, always ready to sample the bacon.
Renovations complete, recipes tested, staff hired and Linds is ready for opening day. A barista with a broken arm leaves her asking her mysterious hottie neighbor for a hand. Lindsey’s social media influencer and PR genius BFF, Kennedy, has done a great job and the bakery is full of customers eager to try the baked goods.
And then Lindsey’s ex and his lover show up, grabbing baked goods and drinks from other customers, throwing them, and causing a scene. Terrible enough but then the lover, Mia, starts choking and dies.
Terrible enough but then Linds learns that Mia died by cyanide in her coffee. Making Linds the prime suspect in the murder investigation.
My thoughts about Murder at the Beacon Bakeshop
Murder at the Beacon Bakeshop has all of the ingredients needed to get a new cozy mystery series off to a great start:
- Main character leaves career/city behind to start over
- Small, charming town with helpful, quirky inhabitants
- New career/business
- Adorable pet
This gentle read has a light and leisurely pace including lots of descriptions, especially of food. The characters are quirky, fun, and enjoyable. Linds is well-developed – determined, smart, kindhearted, and sympathetic.
The murder mystery is well done with lots of suspects and motives. Unlike many cozies, the murderer came as a complete surprise to me.
The setting sounds perfect – a small town tourist destination on Lake Michigan, full of quaint shops which sets the scene for future books.
Your thoughts
Do you have a favorite setting for mysteries? Let me know in the comments below.
I always think that setting the mystery in a tourist spot is smart for a series. Always an influx of new suspects and potential victims.
Other books
If you enjoy cozy mysteries about baking set in small coastal towns (and isn’t that a specific subset?), try the Cookie House Mysteries by Eve Calder. Read my review of Sugar and Vice.
If you want Parisian pastries, tea, and romance, try Vanessa Yu’s Magical Tea Shop by Roselle Lim. Read my full review.
In conclusion
Murder at the Beacon Bakeshop is a fun, first book in a new cozy series.
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Thank you to Netgalley and Kensington Publishing for the ARC.
This book fulfills the Popsugar Reading Challenge prompt – A book about do-overs or fresh starts
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