This review can also be found at Carole's Random Life in Books. The mystery was entwined with lots of twists and turns, and when so many people hate the victim.everyone is a suspect.

There was so much mayhem going on judges backstabbing each other, crazy competitors, poison, and dead bodies. The cooking competition was such a fun setting. This book added Oz, a new member of the bakery team, and one I hope gets more cameos in future books. When she was carted off by security at the end, I was pumping my fists in victory.just like Rocky. I enjoy all the characters.what an interesting bunch Mel is smart and clearheaded, Angie is the dynamo.just like a stick of dynamite ready to explode, the brothers and their meddlesome overprotective ways, Olivia the nemesis brought so much drama. She is adamant that Vic would not commit suicide, and ropes us in to investigating what really happened…Īnother sweet treat! This series continues to satisfy. His death is labeled a suicide, and Mel is convinced this is a mistake. Later his body is discovered in a walk-in freezer. The competition begins, and Vic is still nowhere to be found. Mel’s favorite instructor Vic Mazzotta from culinary school is going to be a judge.maybe this will give them a leg up. Look out! I was going to cheer them on at the Scottsdale Food Festivals Challenge to the chef. Angie scares me.I mean I love her, but her temper.gees. Ok I will only admit this once, and then deny it forever. Yippee!! A visit to Fairy Tale Cupcakes, and a chance to see Mel and Ang. All made sense in the mystery with a few clues possibly too subtle to lead us to the truth. I gained a few literal pounds while reading this one, and honestly, it's just an enjoyable read filled with some great moments. Olivia is a wonderful foil for the trio, and the antics sometimes remind me a bit of the Stephanie Plum series. I love how he's described and fits into the overall mold in the series. Oz, a new intern for their shop, steals the show in this book. Angie's got her own boyfriend issues, tho she's destined to be with Tate. I love the sibling drama with Angie's family - 7 brothers, oh my! Mel is dating one of them, but he seems pretty normal compared to the rest. Who wanted to win so badly (s)he killed to get the prize? In this installment, bakery owners Mel and Angie, plus their financial backer and bestie Tate, enter a Food Channel cooking competition where an arch rival shows up as well as several former friends and classmates from cooking school. The writing style is perfect for the cozy sub-genre and all the recipes will make your mouth water. Light, easy-to-read, reachable setting and characters, and fun dialog are the primary reasons to give them a chance. I've read a few of the author's other series plus the first two in this one. Death by the Dozen is the 3rd book in the Cupcake Bakery Mysteries written by Jenn McKinlay.

Death by the dozen jenn mckinlay