Ellie Alexander

I have read everything that Ellie Alexander has written in the mystery world. This was such a fun addition to her Bakeshop Mystery series. I love that we get to dive a little deeper into her and Carlos's relationship. The Torte family has undertaken one of their biggest jobs to date. They are going to be create an elaborate slab of Shakespearean food and desserts for the SOMA museum of arts. Julies and her crew are pushing themselves to new challenges with chocolate architecture and show more historical recipes. I love this so much as a History Major who has worked in museums. Ellie knocked it out of the park. show less

When Annie Murray and Fletcher Hughes opened the Novel Detectives' office on the second floor of the Secret Bookcase, they pictured a stream of intriguing cases—some routine, others involving consulting with Dr. Caldwell, Annie's former criminology professor and now the lead detective on the Redwood Grove police force. They expected some clients would call to schedule appointments, while others might quietly ask at the front desk if Annie or Fletcher were available, or simply wander in to show more find the private investigator's office on their own. What they didn't expect was the shock of one morning when a new client arrived—a frantic man, his hands and clothing seemingly drenched in blood—a startling and gruesome sight.

I loved the opening of the new case. The author's sensory writing style effortlessly draws readers into the world of the Novel Detectives, evoking every sense. I would never have thought to pair the aromas of pizza and wisteria, but the author's unusual comparisons are so vivid and evocative that I can instantly picture—and almost smell—the scene. Their sensory details make even the most unexpected combinations feel perfectly natural and immersive. The plot is expertly woven, filled with twists, turns, and clever misdirections that kept me turning the pages. Without giving anything away, the resolution is both satisfying and clever, leaving me eagerly awaiting the author's next book—even before this one is officially out.

Thank you to Ellie Alexander, Storm Publishing, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an eARC of this novel. show less

Mary Margaret Reed (Meg) has been crashing on the couch in her best friend, Jill Pettygrove's, apartment for five months. Who would have guessed that an unexpected interaction at her favorite coffee shop would result in a job offer from Greg Dixon, Editor in Chief of the periodical, Northwest Extreme? There's just one little secret: Meg has a fear of heights! Will she write about the first-ever adventure race filmed in Oregon, with her boss as an exclusive sponsor, or the more sinister show more details of a murder investigation?

What a fantastic start to a new series! I was hooked from the first line. I have to admit, I didn't keep track of how many times I changed my mind about the culprit's identity—my final guess was totally off base! The plot is filled with surprising twists, and each character adds depth to the story. I have several favorites, and I look forward to meeting them again in Portland. While the book can be read as a stand-alone, an intriguing piece of information was revealed that serves as a cliffhanger, leaving me eager to read Book 2.

I enjoyed reading the Acknowledgments, and discovering that this was the author's first mystery novel. It adds a special behind-the-scenes insight!

At the end of the novel, you'll find special features of "Meg's Adventure Tips" and "Meg's A Murder On The Mountain Scenic Loop," highlighting 6 must-see stops just outside the city limits of Portland for those who enjoy challenging adventures.

Thank you to Ellie Alexander, Storm Publishing, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an eARC of this novel.

Reviewer's Note: "A Murder On The Mountain" was previously published as "Scene Of The Climb." show less

Dollycas’s Thoughts

Torte’s star barista, Andy, is heading off on an adventure with his boss, Jules Capshaw, and her husband, Carlos, to visit their friend Valentina at her coffee farm in Costa Rica. The plan is for a very immersive experience and a tasting tour because they have big plans for expansion when they return to Ashland. Jules was hoping for a tropical vacation full of inspiration and relaxation. But the holiday away takes a deadly turn when one of Valentina’s top employees show more is tragically killed. Was it an accident? Or was it murder? Soon things get up close and personal, giving Jules no choice but to get involved, but she has to remember it’s no longer just her life that could be in jeopardy.

Ms. Alexander takes both her readers and her characters on an extraordinary adventure to Costa Rica, with its coffee culture and passion for high-quality brews. From the open-air markets and local cafés to the pros and cons of running a coffee farm and the pressure exerted by huge companies wanting to take over farms that have been in family ownership for generations. I enjoyed the detailed descriptions of the homes, the fields, and the production areas, high in the mountains where the best beans are grown. The farm, Finca las Nubes, translates to The Cloud Farm, and the virtual visit was a wonderful experience.

It was great to see Jules and Carlos in a different setting. Just because they were away from home didn’t mean they stayed out of the kitchen. Baking helps Jules center herself and think things through. Carlos is always ready to show love through his cooking, and both made themselves right at home in Valentina’s kitchen. Andy’s joy in all he took in was palpable. Andy tried his best to document every moment. They did keep in touch with the people in Ashland, but Torte was running like a well-oiled machine.

A murder in a foreign land surrounded Jules with people she didn’t know, so it was hard to know who to trust. She made the best of every situation to ask questions and understand every person’s position on the farm and beyond. Environmental issues facing coffee farms were woven into the tapestry of Finca las Nubes, and it gave Jules a different focus. Ms. Alexander plotted this story with precision, which introduced each person/suspect while dropping clues to move the mystery along at a perfect pace. I enjoyed and could feel Lance’s anguish at not being able to sleuth alongside Jules, but she and Carlos were rock stars.

Laying Down the Latte is another marvelous addition to this long-running series. It’s always entertaining when our favorite characters travel to interesting locales without their normal co-horts to help them solve the mysteries. I am excited for fall in Ashland. The Whisking Hour is set to be released on February 24, 2026. Who knows what Jules and her friends and family will get into next? Will it be a Perfect Crime? show less