Sweet Masterpiece: Samantha Sweet Mysteries, Book 1 Paperback – 10 May 2016

After reading the first Charlie Parker mystery, I got the rest of the books in the series. On this one, I'm hesitating.I think it is Sam's job as someone who cleans up houses that have been vacated by foreclosure or death that turns me off. It is a downer and brings a hint of sadness to it.What I don't like most, I think, is the bit about the box that when Sam touches it, she gets energy. That's sort of a supernatural thing that I don't enjoy at all.Maybe after Sam gets her sweet shop going, I will enjoy the series more, for Connie Shelton is a good writer, but there just is a hint of darkness about this series that is something that I don't enjoy. Will I try the next one? Probably, but I can't wait to get back to the next Charlie Parker.

The cake and sweets part of the book was more fun than the mystery, but mainly only because the characters were not making smart decisions, and I like my amateur detectives to be smart rather than lucky. I agree w other reviewers that there either needed to be more or less of the supernatural plot angle, because it feels random at this early point in the series.

Ok I got it as an ebook to try out. Loved it so much got the next 3 as real books so that I could share them with a friend. They make me laugh and I so wish there were recipes in the back..... oh to have some of the cakes and muffins ..... Only in my dreams.

A really good book, fun to read, good characters too.

I couldn't connect with the protagonist at all. The story is mostly told, what makes it actually very boring. Even if it is a cozy mystery series I expect at least a little excitement. For me, it was too shallow and it lacked emotions to really grab my attention. The only thing I liked was the baking, it made want to bake cookies and cakes.