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Assaulted Caramel
Verfasst von Amanda Flower
Gesprochen von Rebecca Mitchell
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Bailey King is living the sweet life as assistant chocolatier at world-famous JP Chocolates in New York City. But just when Bailey's up for a life-changing promotion, her grandmother calls with news that her grandfather's heart condition has worsened. Bailey rushes to Harvest, Ohio, where her grandparents still run Swissmen Sweets, the Amish candy shop where she was first introduced to delicious fudge, truffles, and other assorted delights.
She finds her grandfather is doing better than she feared. Unfortunately, the same can't be said for a local Englisch developer, whom Bailey finds dead in the candy shop kitchen—with Jebediah King's chocolate knife buried in his chest. Now the police are sweet on her grandfather as the prime suspect. Despite the sincere efforts of a yummy deputy with chocolate-brown eyes, Bailey takes it on herself to clear Jebediah. But as a cunning killer tries to fudge the truth, Bailey may be headed straight into a whole batch of trouble . . .
Buchaktionen
Mit Anhören beginnenInformationen über das Buch
Assaulted Caramel
Verfasst von Amanda Flower
Gesprochen von Rebecca Mitchell
Beschreibung
Bailey King is living the sweet life as assistant chocolatier at world-famous JP Chocolates in New York City. But just when Bailey's up for a life-changing promotion, her grandmother calls with news that her grandfather's heart condition has worsened. Bailey rushes to Harvest, Ohio, where her grandparents still run Swissmen Sweets, the Amish candy shop where she was first introduced to delicious fudge, truffles, and other assorted delights.
She finds her grandfather is doing better than she feared. Unfortunately, the same can't be said for a local Englisch developer, whom Bailey finds dead in the candy shop kitchen—with Jebediah King's chocolate knife buried in his chest. Now the police are sweet on her grandfather as the prime suspect. Despite the sincere efforts of a yummy deputy with chocolate-brown eyes, Bailey takes it on herself to clear Jebediah. But as a cunning killer tries to fudge the truth, Bailey may be headed straight into a whole batch of trouble . . .
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This book has everything I look for in a cozy mystery. It takes place in a small town which just happens to have a large Amish community. There is a murder, a wonderful protagonist, food, some romantic tension and a strong family connection. There is also a recipe included at the end. It is the first in a new series by Amanda Flower. I have read other books by this author, and I enjoy her character development, plot development and storyline. A winner in my books.
Bailey King is up for a huge promotion at JP Chocolates in New York City as head chocolatier. Just before the announcement, her grandmother calls her to say that her grandfather is in the hospital in Harvest, Ohio and is very ill. She loves them very much, especially because she developed her love for chocolates spending summers with her grandparents and working in their sweet shop. she heads off and arrives to see her grandfather's health failing and he collapses outside his store. He has just had an argument with an English developer who wants to buy his store. Because her grandparents are Amish, they have no electricity in their apartment above their store, so Bailey has to charge her phone in the kitchen of the store. When she goes to retrieve it the next day, she finds the English Developer dead in the kitchen with the fudge knife sticking out of his chest. Of course, Bailey becomes a suspect not only because she observed the argument and may have killed him because of her grandfather, but her prints are the only ones on the knife.
There should be plenty of suspects but the police have decided that Bailey or perhaps her grandfather might have done the murder. A very handsome deputy has a special relationship with the Kings and Bailey finds herself comparing him to her boyfriend back in New York. As she investigates, she finds out that many of the Amish that sold their businesses to the victim, also had a reason to kill him. Bailey continues to search out information to find the real murderer.
I loved this story. The characters are very believable and very engaging. Maami, Clara King and Daadi, Jebediah King are wonderful people with huge, generous hearts. Even with his heart condition and weakened state, Jebediah puts the needs of others first and never loses his strong work ethic. Clara, a strong woman in her own right is the perfect helpmate. While Bailey is not Amish, she clearly has the same values as her grandparents. Their close bond remains even though she is living in New York. Her father left the Amish faith when he married her mother many years before.
The pace of the story moves nicely not only trying to catch a killer but finding out that the Kings had committed to making desserts for a wedding and they are not allowed to use their kitchen. Bailey jumps in to help and finds out things about the groom that she shares with the police. The wedding itself is interesting, the mother of the bride especially. The groom is the son of the murdered man and the wedding is going on as planned. Seems a bit odd to Bailey. There is a lot happening with quilting bees, community dinners, and even a pot bellied pig that is invited to the wedding. The mystery was a twisty one. I thought I had it figured out but was very surprised by the reveal. Amanda Flower has given her readers a terrific story to savor. I am ready to read the next one in this series. A great book for any cozy mystery reader to enjoy.
Rating: 5Bailey King is up for a huge promotion at JP Chocolates in New York City as head chocolatier. Just before the announcement, her grandmother calls her to say that her grandfather is in the hospital in Harvest, Ohio and is very ill. She loves them very much, especially because she developed her love for chocolates spending summers with her grandparents and working in their sweet shop. she heads off and arrives to see her grandfather's health failing and he collapses outside his store. He has just had an argument with an English developer who wants to buy his store. Because her grandparents are Amish, they have no electricity in their apartment above their store, so Bailey has to charge her phone in the kitchen of the store. When she goes to retrieve it the next day, she finds the English Developer dead in the kitchen with the fudge knife sticking out of his chest. Of course, Bailey becomes a suspect not only because she observed the argument and may have killed him because of her grandfather, but her prints are the only ones on the knife.
There should be plenty of suspects but the police have decided that Bailey or perhaps her grandfather might have done the murder. A very handsome deputy has a special relationship with the Kings and Bailey finds herself comparing him to her boyfriend back in New York. As she investigates, she finds out that many of the Amish that sold their businesses to the victim, also had a reason to kill him. Bailey continues to search out information to find the real murderer.
I loved this story. The characters are very believable and very engaging. Maami, Clara King and Daadi, Jebediah King are wonderful people with huge, generous hearts. Even with his heart condition and weakened state, Jebediah puts the needs of others first and never loses his strong work ethic. Clara, a strong woman in her own right is the perfect helpmate. While Bailey is not Amish, she clearly has the same values as her grandparents. Their close bond remains even though she is living in New York. Her father left the Amish faith when he married her mother many years before.
The pace of the story moves nicely not only trying to catch a killer but finding out that the Kings had committed to making desserts for a wedding and they are not allowed to use their kitchen. Bailey jumps in to help and finds out things about the groom that she shares with the police. The wedding itself is interesting, the mother of the bride especially. The groom is the son of the murdered man and the wedding is going on as planned. Seems a bit odd to Bailey. There is a lot happening with quilting bees, community dinners, and even a pot bellied pig that is invited to the wedding. The mystery was a twisty one. I thought I had it figured out but was very surprised by the reveal. Amanda Flower has given her readers a terrific story to savor. I am ready to read the next one in this series. A great book for any cozy mystery reader to enjoy.
Bailey King leaves New York in the midst of the selection process to become head chocolatier at JP Chocolates upon Jean-Pierre's retirement. Her Amish grandfather became ill, and Bailey felt the need to help her grandparents. She intends to return to New York in a few days. Soon after arriving, she becomes the chief suspect when she discovers in the shop's kitchen the corpse of a man her grandfather argued with earlier. She meets Deputy Aiden Brody, a pleasant officer who is a friend of her grandparents. Not all the law enforcement officers are so nice. The sheriff dislikes the Amish, and Deputy Carpenter's hateful attitude shines through. No one cared for the murdered man so suspects abound, including the man's own son who wants to go through with his wedding even before his father's burial. Much of the novel seems to be spent in establishing a feel for the community and characters. I liked it well enough to continue the series, although I hope the sheriff won't be around much longer and Deputy Brody assumes that role.
Rating: 3I enjoyed this book greatly, there are a few flaws in it. These flaws are miniscule though and largely only take place near the very end of the book. Everything else is just a fun little cozy mystery that is enjoyable! I loved reading this. I highly recommend it if you are looking for something with a bit of knowledge about the Amish life, but also something that is approachable since the main character is not Amish. I found myself immersed in this and enjoying every single character and I can't wait to read the next one.
Rating: 4Bailey is called home from her fancy Chocolatier job in NYC when her grandfather's heart condition seems to be getting worse. Her grandfather's health is touch and go but the discovery of an enemy in his candy kitchen doesn't help matters. Bailey needs to be there to support her grandparents' candy business and clear her grandfather from suspicion.This cozy was so delicious, great start for a new series - chocolates galore as well as a look into the Amish world and work ethic. Looking forward to a new one hopefully soon.
Rating: 4Assaulted Caramel by Amanda Flower is the first fantastic book in a new Amish Candy Shop Mystery series. It is fresh, emotional, fun and made up of strong characters that you love and others you despise. The story takes you on a roller coaster of emotions as you try to figure out who has murdered the despicable Tyson Colton and why. The way Amanda Flower weaves the Amish community in with the Englischers makes it the fabric of the mystery. I loved it and definately look forward to the next book in the series.Bailey returns to Ohio to check on her Grandfather who is ill but finds the Amish community being targeted by Tyson Colton. When she arrives and Colton is badgering her Grandfather causing him to collapse it sets her up as a suspect when Tyson is found by Bailey dead in her grandparents kitchen in their Amish Candy Shop Swissmen Sweets. Bailey has to help her grandparents keep their business going, clear her name and figure out who really killed Tyson.Bailey is a strong, confident, smart character that seems to be able to hold her own. I think how she handles the arrogant demanding Eileen mother of the bride is awesome. Her chocolate expertise keeps Eileen at bay and her Grandparents business from being maligned by the wicked Eileen. When she meets Juliet and Jethro her pet pig I HAD TO LAUGH. I think her reaction is so funny seeing a pig in a Church and you just have to love Jethro. Aiden the sheriff deputy is compassionate yet smart and doesn't hold a grudge against the Amish unlike his boss the sheriff. When Cass, Baileys best friend, shows up and her quirkiness as well as her smart mouth adds a fun element to the situation. Cass as Baileys side kick in the investigation has a comical relief element and yet her straight forwardness seems to get some results. All characters from Bailey right down to Jethro the pig makes the book work and keeps you engrossed in the story.I laughed, got angry, cried and stewed right along with the story. This book is a great mixture of love, family, faith and friendship. If you like a good mystery, set in a small town with an Amish Community as part of the plot, strong unique characters, with twists and turns on an emotional roller coaster, and so many suspects that make you wonder whodunit to the end then you must read this book. The ending was a surprise but I won't spoil it for you. I couldn't put it down. I would give it 5 stars.If you want to learn more about this book or the authors other books go to:amandaflower.comUNTIL NEXT TIME:GRAB A CUP OF COFFEE OR TEA, SOME CHOCOLATE, A GOOD BOOK AND KEEP ON READING
Rating: 5This was a fantastic intro to a new series by Amanda Flower. Don't let the cute title fool you, this book was rich in storyline, characterization and of course, candy. Bailey King works in NYC and is about to be named head chocolatier at the prestigious JP Chocolates. However, her grandfather's progressively worsening heart condition leads her to Ohio the weekend before the announcement to check on her beloved grandparents. When a local developer is found murdered in her grandparents candy shop, she remains both as a suspect and support for her family. I enjoyed the details of how this Amish community is coexisting with the local English and the characters, both local and her friend Cass from New York are very well developed. The only thing I thought a bit odd was that while Bailey's love of chocolate and candy making clearly comes from her summers spent with Daadi and Mammi in Ohio, her best friend Cass seemed to have no idea about her Amish heritage. I look forward to reading more about Bailey, Aiden, Juliet and hopefully Cass in subsequent stories.
Rating: 4This new series by cozy mystery writer Amanda Flower is set in Holmes County, Ohio, where Amanda's personal knowledge and exposure to local Amish practices help make her stories come alive for those whose lives regularly interact with Amish friends and acquaintances. In this first of the series, we're introduced to Bailey King, whose Amish grandparents own the candy shop in Harvest;, Ohio. Bailey herself is not Amish, her father having left the Amish faith before he married an Englischer, and Bailey was raised on the east coast far from her father's Amish roots. Nevertheless she has a close and loving relationship with her grandmother and grandfather King whom she visited regularly each summer while growing up. Bailey lives in Manhattan and is poised to be named the new head chocolatier at prestigious JP Chocolates in midtown Manhattan when her grandfather takes ill and she decides to take a quick trip back to Ohio to see him. Things disintegrate quickly upon her return to Harvest where she is confronted by her grandfather's failing health, a dead body in her grandparent's shop, and the local sheriff's quickly naming Bailey the prime suspect in the murder. I really enjoyed the characters in this new novel - not the least of which is one of Amanda's signature plot points - a beloved pet of one of the main characters who just happens to be a pig. The author kept me guessing as to whom might really be the killer and even when I thought that I really did know how the murder had played out, a last minute switch left me guessing to the end. Looking forward to enjoying more of Bailey's adventures in the next book of the series, "Lethal Licorice."
Rating: 4ASSAULTED CARAMEL (Amish Candy Shop Mystery #1) by Amanda Flower is a perplexing little confection. This book is like a much hyped chocolate chip cookie that, when you finally locate one and bite into it, you find that it is a run of the mill cookie with only one chip in it. Yes, this story is set in the Amish area of Ohio, the grandparents are Amish as are many of the people of the town, but the book makes almost no use of this "Amishness" to tell the story. Amish is just a term used to make this story different from Ms. Flower's past writing. This story could have been set in any small town and worked quite well. Calling it "Amish" does a disservice to the people who are and to those, like me, who live in a community with them. Any of Linda Castillo's fine mysteries set in this same type of community within the borders of Ohio pays greater homage to the Amish and their ways than this slap dash effort. Putting "Amish" on the cover doesn't add to the respect that should be given to this religious community. I found the most Amish aspect of the entire outing to be the cover image, but beyond that, this was a book conceived and written to cash in on whatever cachet this religion holds for the outside world. Shame on you. And while there is a murder and and the murderer is revealed, the why of the killing was never explained. What is up with that? And just one recipe? Again, what up?
Rating: 2Assaulted Caramel by Amanda Flower begins An Amish Candy Shop Mystery series. Bailey King has rushed to Harvest, Ohio to check on her grandfather, Jebidiah King. She received a call from grandmother, Clara that his heart condition was worse and he had been taken to the hospital. Bailey is walking up to Swissmen Sweets (where her grandparents work and live) to sees her grandfather having a disagreement with someone before collapsing (he would not stay in hospital). Her grandparents are Amish and have a strong work ethic. It was at her grandfather’s side that Bailey learned her love of chocolate. It turns out that the man arguing with Jebidiah was Tyson Colton. Tyson has been trying to convince Jebidiah to sell the shop. Tyson has big plans for the town. The next morning, Bailey heads downstairs to get her phone and finds Tyson Colton stabbed to death in the shop’s kitchen. It is soon apparent that the police consider Bailey’s grandfather their prime suspect. Bailey knows that this situation will only worsen her grandfather’s heart condition. She switches out her sugar thermometer for a deerstalker cap and sets out to find Tyson’s killer. I found Assaulted Caramel to be well-written and engaging. It has an easy writing style which made for an enjoyable read. The story has real characters, a lovely setting, steady pace and plenty of humor. One of my favorite things in the book (besides the luscious chocolate and fudge descriptions) was Jethro, the spotted pig. Jethro’s description and antics had me chuckling. I also appreciated the snark from Bailey’s best friend, Cass Calbera. I hope we see more of Cass in future novels. My rating for Assaulted Caramel 4.5 out of 5 stars (I liked it, but easily solve the mystery). I did feel that there was too much internal dialogue (Bailey thinking). The mystery had some good elements and many readers will not guess the identity of the culprit until the second half of the story (or you might be surprised). There are the right number of suspects and pointed clues. I am eager to read Lethal Licorice when it comes out in February.
Rating: 5Bailey is a chocolatier in New York, but her beloved grandparents are Amish and own a chocolate shop in an Amish community in Ohio. When her grandfather falls ill, Bailey rushes there to help out where ever she can and be supportive to her grandparents. Bailey finds herself in need of her own support when a much despised member of the English community is found dead in her grandparents’ kitchen. There is action aplenty in this delightful cozy, the first in a new series. Enjoyable characters comprised of a believable mix of both English and Amish persons and an engrossing plot combine for an entertaining tale.
Rating: 5A very different type of Amish story, one where a young woman finds her roots in her Grandparents, but she was not raised in the Amish Community.Bailey returns to help her Grandparents in their Amish Candy Shop, when her Grandfather has health problems, not at a good point in her life, she is up for one fantastic promotion, but family comes first.When a murder happens in the back of the store, all of the characters are called into question, and we are left guessing almost to the end. I love when I can’t guess the “who done it” right away, and this one did not disappoint.I loved the relationship she has with her family, but you keep waiting for the other shoe to drop, and page turning to the end.I received this book through Net Galley, and the Publisher Kensington, and was not required to give a positive review.
Rating: 5
The story itself is really good if you can get past the awful narrating.
Rating: 3Great plot twist. I didn't care for the reader but the book itself is good.
Rating: 5