The Candy Cane Cupcake Killer by Livia J. Washburn

The Candy Cane Cupcake Killer (Fresh-Baked Mystery, #10)

by Livia J. Washburn

In this delectable Fresh Baked mystery, Phyllis Newsom returns with a festive Christmas recipe that’s to die for…

‘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...

Includes recipes!

Reviewed by Silvara on

4 of 5 stars

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I received this book for free from Obsidian in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.


I kind of knew who the killer was early on. But it was mostly one of those back of your mind ideas. I loved that Phyllis' other roommates were more prominent in this book than they were in the last one. Carolyn had a little more book time, and we actually got to know more about Eve.

Sam helped out with the investigating again, and Buck appeared a time or two as well. I liked how Phyllis dug into all the suspects pasts to find out reasons why they might have killed. I didn't care for Felicity the reporter at all. But her personality fit the type of character she was perfectly.

This was again a story that sucked me in from the first pages. I wanted to see how Phyllis would put all the clues together, and figure out just who had done it and why. I also loved the twist at the end about what Eve has been working on all this time. If you're looking for a fun cozy mystery for the holidays, you need to try this book!


Recipes Included: Candy Cane Cupcakes, Peppermint Buttercream Frosting, Macarons, Baklava Macarons, Crustless Spinach and Bacon Quiche, Tomato and Mozzarella Salad, Sausage Egg Muffins, Red Potato Salad, Potato Soup, Hot Ham and Cheese Sliders, Baked Meatballs, Grilled Chicken and Spinach Salad.

This review was originally posted on Fantasy of the Silver Dragon

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 16 September, 2015: Finished reading
  • 16 September, 2015: Reviewed