Another One Bites the Crust: A Bakeshop Mystery (A Bakeshop Mystery, 7)

I really like this series. Good clean fun. With this particular book, though, I thought the ending/motive for murder was underwhelming. Too much of a political/social statement. Pretty disappointing. With the previous books, I found the endings were understandable/justified. This particular story seemed a bit of a stretch.

ANOTHER ONE BITES THE CRUST by Ellie Alexander is a worthy addition to a very enjoyable series! This seventh book in her Bake Shop Mystery series builds on the characters and strengthens the protagonist, Jules (Juliet) Capshaw’s ties to Ashland, Oregon. And yes, she was named after “that” Juliet. Ashland is known for its Shakespearean Festival each summer (it really is a real-life event!) and the setting provides so many opportunities for drama and small-town connections. Jules and her mother own Torte, a delightfully yummy bakeshop. I would dearly love to spend time in her shop every day, enjoying the close-knit banter between the staff, the incredibly decadent smells and tastes coming from the kitchen, and the sweet kindness from the proprietress. If I could describe this series in just a couple of words, it would be character connection. I love how Jules and her staff at Torte really are like family, despite their many differences. I think one of the things that can make a cozy mystery series successful is the connection the author can create between the reader and the characters. Ms. Alexander definitely brings the reader directly into Jules’ life and helps us experience Torte, Ashland, and the mystery first hand.

In ANOTHER ONE BITES THE CRUST, Jules’ friend, Lance, who is the artistic director of The Shakespeare Festival, has been arrested for murder of the leading man. There are several suspects since actors and actresses lend themselves easily to the drama of the situation. However, Lance himself seems to be hiding something, which brings tension to the plot. Jules finds out just how much her friendship to Lance means and gets involved to prove his innocence. Ms. Alexander brings an emotional level to this new book that hasn’t been quite so evident before. It begins by examining what friendship means, especially when a person’s presence has been taken for granted. Jules also begins to acknowledge her buried feelings about her mother’s pending remarriage and the feelings associated with her deceased father. This conveys a vulnerability and an emotional connection to the story. The ending brings a satisfying conclusion to the murder mystery but I will be impatiently waiting to see what’s next in store for Jules and her friends!

Spending any time reading about Jules at Torte will leave you drooling and ready to raid the pantry. Fortunately the author provides recipes at the back of the book so you can experience some of the treats at home.

I was provided an advance copy with the hopes I would review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review.

After really enjoying the previous book, A Crime of Passion Fruit, I was super excited to get approved for an advance copy and find out what Jules has been up to since arriving back on shore! I've been slowly making my way through the series since finishing the last one, but these are definitely stand-alones, so you can definitely start with this one without feeling like you are missing anything.

This is such a fabulous addition to the series, which is a cut above the average cozy mystery. As an actual pastry chef, Jules is a true foodie and her descriptions of ingredients and flavors merging together to create delicious baked goods will leave your mouth watering and your pantry empty! There are also recipes provided, which I'm still trying to find time to recreate!

Some of my favorite moments were the interactions between Jules and her staff at Torte. She has put together a hard-working, reliable, and dedicated team and the concern they express towards one another is truly heartwarming, especially during these cold, winter months.

While I did have to suspend my disbelief again with the mystery element to the story, it was much more engaging this time around. Jules is not butting heads with any form of law enforcement, incompetent or otherwise, and free to conduct her own form of investigating without much negative consequence. Ultimately, I would have liked to see more push and pull between Jules and any antagonists, regardless of their involvement to the case; however, if you like your mysteries more character centered and not easily seen coming, then you should really enjoy this one.

Overall, I highly recommend this series if you're a fan of cozy culinary mysteries and I will continue to look forward to reading more adventures with Jules.

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Good mystery. Had a fun Shakespeare theme set in Ashland, Oregon. I didn't guess who did it. I was surprised by the reveal which I love.

Another solid book in one of my favorite series. Just when I think I couldn’t love an installment more, Ellie Alexander keeps surprising me with new twists and turns. A great one for sure!

Sub-Themes: Baking, bakeshop, quant scenic towns, love triangle, multi-generational family

Can You Start the Series in the Middle: You can. The author always gives a little context at the beginning so you can start with any installment. However, it has a great back-story, so I would recommend stating this series at book one.

It is one I always look forward to. Jules is a hard working, fun loving main character, but comes with a history and scars that make her very relatable. Ellie Alexander does a wonderful job of painting imagery with her words that have you glued to the pages. I always have to pace myself with these books because I read them so fast, but want to savor the experience at the same time!

In Another One Bites the Crust, Jules and her crew of baking superstars are getting ready for another busy season at their bakeshop, Torte. As Jules prepares for tourists to descend on Ashland (and Torte!) for the opening of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, everyone in town is looking forward to opening night. Well, everyone that is except for Jules' best friend Lance, OSF's director, who is busy dealing with his extremely high maintenance lead actor. When Lance finds his nemesis murdered, he quickly becomes the prime suspect and begs Jules to find the real culprit before his career is destroyed and he winds up on trial for murder!

Ellie Alexander has certainly worked her magic again because Another One Bites the Crust is honestly one of my favorites in the Bakeshop series. I've always been a big fan of Lance and it was wonderful to have an entire book revolve around his character. Since the Oregon Shakespeare Festival has played such a large role in the series it was also a bonus to get to see more of the inner workings of OSF and life backstage. Alexander does an excellent job of describing the entire city of Ashland in such detail that the reader feels as if they're actually living the story. Her characters have such warmth and seem so genuinely authentic that you just can't help but believe they're real people! As always, I'll have another serving of Torte please!

I  recieved a free digital copy of this book from Netgalley for an honest review.

This is the 7th book in the Bakeshop Mysteries. In this book, we find Lance as a murder suspect right before his new play is to open.

I loved many different aspects of this book. Descriptions of food, friendships, and the

I'll tell you one thing, this book made me hungry! If it wasn't the descriptions of cheeseburger soup or the avocado wraps it was that darn carrot cake! I don't like coffee(GASP!) but I'd love to try Andy's Jelly Donut coffee.

I love the friendship that Jules has with Lance, even with all his melodramatic moments. We all need a friend we can go to when our hands are coated in someone else's blood. 😂

I wouldn't mind if Richard Lord bites the big one in the next book. Seriously.

I loved all of the supporting characters (with the exception of Richard). The passionate speach that Thomas gives about being a cop in Ashland touched my heart. I got a good laugh about the bit featuring Stephanie's neighbors blasting the Oklahoma soundtrack!

My favorite line: "It's weird how it sneaks up on you, grief. I think it's because the people who leave us leave pieces of themselves behind."

I can't wait for the next book to come out so we can see Helen and the Professor get hitched!

Jules and the gang are back for the 7th installation of the Bakeshop Mystery Series.

Everyone is getting ready for the premier of Antony and Cleopatra at the OSF. Problems start up when the leading man, Antony is missing and then found dead. Jules is on the hunt for a killer to clear Lance’s name.

Although this is the 7th book in the Bakeshop Mystery Series, it is the first one that I have read. I didn’t feel like I was missing anything because I hadn’t read the other six. I must say I really enjoyed this book and the cast of characters. The mystery was well written as the characters are very well developed. I will definitely go back and read the first six books and I’m looking forward to more in the future.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in return for a honest review.

Love this series. The characters are well developed and interesting. There are quirky, fun characters as well. The mysteries are interesting and the pastry tips are wonderful. I want to visit this town and eat at “Torte”.