Wildwood Cove's popular breakfast spot, The Flip Side, is getting some competition from a new waffle restaurant. And it's owner doesn't have friendly competition on his mind. Returning to town to open The Waffle King, Wally has more than maple syrup on his mind. His murder draws Marley McKinney into investigating to prove her chef and another friend are innocent.
Well written with engaging characters. I never read anything by Sarah Fox before, but I have her upcoming series debut, Wine and Punishment, on my To-Be-Read list already based on enjoying this one so much.

Grab a bottle of maple syrup and have a pleasant time reading this enjoyable story. The pancake names will have you drooling. The eggnog French toast sounded pretty yummy, too. Oh yes, there is a murder mystery to be solved by our amateur sleuth(s). It will keep you guessing until the exciting conclusion.

Yeast of Eden by Sarah Fox is the 4th book in A Pancake House Mystery Series, and another great addition. Marley McKinney is the owner of The Flip Side, a pancake house in beautiful Wildwood Cove, located on the coast. When the Waffle King plans to opens a waffle house right across the street from Marley's Flip Side, and is murdered, Ivan, the Flip Sides chef become the prime suspect. Marley is determined to find the real killer.
I found this book to be a quick read, with a well developed plot and characters. There are a lot of twists and turns that kept me reading. There is a wonderful mixture of mystery, suspense, friendship, and support for a well-balanced story. I can not wait until the next book in the series comes out. If you love cozy mysteries, I recommend this book.

I received this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Yeast of Eden is the fourth book in Sarah Fox’s Pancake House Mystery series. This is the first book I’ve read in this series; however, the author provided great character background, and I easily understood their backgrounds and relationships and didn’t feel lost jumping in this far into the series. The writing style flows smoothly, and the book is an easy read. The mystery was well plotted and had enough suspects, red herrings, and twists and turns to make it difficult to figure out who committed the murders.

Marley McKinney owns The Flip Side pancake house in Wildwood Cove, has an orange tabby named Flapjack, and the unfortunate habit of finding dead bodies. Her boyfriend, Brett Collins, has a Goldendoodle named Bentley, operates a lawn and garden care company, and works with his dad, Frank, in his home renovation business during the winter. Wally Fowler, an unwelcome returnee to town, has plans to open a breakfast restaurant, is placing flyers everywhere, and even taunted Marley in her restaurant. After attending the annual ladies night at the hardware store, Marley notices Wally’s Waffle Kingdom van in the alley, with two slashed tires, and decides the right thing to do is to tell him. She finds the front door unlocked, enters, and runs into Ivan Kaminski, Flip Side’s chef, who says he came inside to do the same thing, but that he found Wally’s body in the kitchen. Lisa Morales, her friend who holds a grudge against Wally, and Ivan become persons of interest in the killing. Marley decides to explore Wally's death in order to clear her friends. When a second body is discovered, Lisa and Ivan move up on Sheriff Ray Georgeson’s suspect list. While looking for Christmas decorations in the attic, Marley finds a set of journals written by a relative, Camelia Winslow, who disappeared many years ago. She also finds an album filled with articles about Camelia and another local girl, Tassy James, who disappeared weeks before Camelia did. Marley loves solving mysteries, and she’s determined to clear Lisa and Ivan’s names and is hopeful she’ll learn more about Camelia and Tassy’s disappearance. Marley and Brett’s relationship intensifies as Brett copes with his father’s heart attack on their job site.

I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.

I really enjoyed reading this book, it is the first time I have read this author.Marley owns and runs the Flip Side pancake house and Wally Fowler the Waffle King moved back to town to open a Waffle Kingdom. Know in town wanted him there because when he was in high school he was a drug dealer and got quite a few kids hooked on drugs before he was caught. How he got the money to open up a place like the Waffle Kingdom was a relative on his father's side passed away and left him millions. He got drunk one night and had and accident and killed a young girl. Well Wally ended up dead right before his grand opening, and everyone thought it was the sister of the young girl and her husband, or Lisa and Ivan, or his sister Vicky or Jill, but you will have to read the book to find out who did the deadly deed. Wally wasn't the only one who was murdered, his partner was to. It will keep you on the edge of your seat. A must read.

YEAST OF EDEN by Sarah Fox
The Fourth Pancake House Mystery

Christmas is coming to Wildwood Cove and The Flip Side is ready for the holidays with new seasonal treats such as Candy Cane Pancakes and Gingerbread Crepes. Unfortunately, Santa isn't the only big man coming to town. Wally Fowler has returned after inheriting a fortune. Now's he's declared himself the Waffle King and is opening up Waffle Kingdom in direct competition to Marley's pancake house. With his brazen tactics and old history, not many people are pleased at his return so when Wally winds up murdered, there are plenty of suspects. But when the sheriff starts to concentrate on Marley's chef, Ivan, and her best friend, Lisa, Marley knows she's going to start investigating on her own!

I'm so happy to be back in Wildwood Cove. Vivid descriptions actually gave me chills, from the gusty winds to the dangerous characters. The penultimate encounter with the murderer was an action packed surprise which led to my pulse pounding, spine tingling, and rapid page turning.

YEAST OF EDEN is a book of dichotomy and Sarah Fox illustrates this with aplomb. From the warm, cozy, and cheerful Flip Side with its fireplace and handmade decorations to the clinical, yet still gaudy Waffle Kingdom. The book also showcases relationships, from the solidifying romance of Marley and Brett to the just starting romance between Ivan and Lisa, and the various relationships between the suspects. There's a lot of meaningful growth developing, which adds yet another layer to the story.

I love the characters here and am laughing at how Sienna is becoming Marley's co-sleuth, making Marley realize how Brett and others feel when she snoops! I always love reading more about Ivan and loved his part in this story, although I'm not sure how I feel about his budding romance.

YEAST OF EDEN is a delightful addition to the Pancake House Mystery series. The mystery is compelling, but there's more to the book that this well plotted mystery. The story also warms your heart and makes you hungry for some of Ivan's delicious creations!

Wally the Waffle King is a creep and he's obnoxious and when he ends up dead, well, there are a number of suspects, among them Marley's friend Lisa. Don't worry if you haven't read this series before- you'll quickly find yourself immersed in Marley's world at the Pancake House. She's got a love interest in Brett, a family mystery she's trying to unravel, and a restaurant to run. AND, of course she has to investigate! The mystery isn't too twisty but it's clever and well done. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. OH- and there are recipes!

I did not realize this was the fourth in a series when I started it--so I was a little confused. I still found the book charming and well written, but would recommend reading the other books first.

Yeast of Eden is the fourth book in A Pancake House Mystery series but can be read as a standalone.

As the matter of fact this is the first book in the series that I have read and I had no problem following the story and getting familiar with the characters and the setting.

Marley's pancake house is doing well she is even not afraid of some healthy competition until the competition turns out to be an obnoxious local bad boy named Wally who has decided to return to his hometown and stir some trouble. Despised and disliked by many residents he soon turns up dead and the list of possible suspects just keeps getting longer and longer.
Marley has not choice but to investigate especially since her chef and her best friend are one of the chief suspects.
The story is well told with many twists. It is a nicely paced and keeps readers engaged.
Characters are typical and realistically presented and situations are believable.
I have enjoyed reading it and highly recommend it. Mouth watering recipes are an added bonus.

I just love the characters in the Pancake House Mystery series. Meeting up with Marley and friends again will be sure to bring a smile to your face. In Yeast of Eden, Marley is up against a not so new visitor to town, Wally, who wants to introduce the town folks to what he proclaims are the best waffles in his new Waffle Kingdom. Unfortunately Wally winds up on the floor of his own restaurant, dead. Meanwhile, Marley's friend Lisa is the prime suspect and it's up to Marley to try and prove Lisa's innocence. While Marley is involved in her local mystery, her beau Brett, suffers a family emergency, taking him away from the action and away from Marley. You will be pleasantly pleased with the outcome of this wonderful story - Marley works her magic to the very last page! I really enjoy Sarah Fox's style of writing. She makes you feel like the characters are some of your dearest friends and you care what happens next. I'm so glad this series continues and gets stronger with each new novel.

We all have those people we hope don’t reappear from our past. Wally Fowler is one such unwelcome returnee to Wildwood Cove in this fourth Pancake House Mystery, Yeast of Eden, by Sarah Fox. Flip Side Pancake House owner, Marley McKinney, is treated to Wally’s impervious narcissism when he appears in the pancake house and loudly proclaims how superior his waffle restaurant will be.

Wally has made enemies wherever he has been. When he turns up murdered, there is a slew of persons with possible motives. Yet the sheriff sets his eyes on Marley’s best friend, Lisa. So much for Marley leaving the sleuthing to the professionals!

I enjoy this series for many reasons. Marley, her boyfriend, Brett, and her coworkers and friends are very likable. (Still figuring out if I should cower around chef Ivan or treat him like a long-lost friend.) The language is clean, and there are no uncomfortable “too steamy” scenes to read. Fox describes the town and beach so invitingly, I can hear the crashing waves and smell the salty air.

It was fun to read about the different holiday foods at the restaurant, as well as how Wally was making his ice cream. We have a shop like that locally, which really piqued my interest in this novel.

I gratefully received a copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinions, for which I am responsible. I was not required to leave a positive review.

Thank you Netgalley, for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

I was so pleased with this book! The last couple just seemed so implausible - ok, it still seems slightly implausible that there is constant murder in this small, quaint, "safe" town - but aside from that, it was refreshing to see Marley (owner of the pancake house and pseudo detective) NOT be so obvious about her investigating. In a setting where I would expect murder to get old, Sarah Fox is quite deft at creating scenarios that are both believable and easy to relate to. I genuinely like Marley and her boyfriend and look forward to her next case...though maybe she can go on vacation and stumble on a murder?

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2544205261

When Marley's friends, Lisa & Ivan, become suspects in the murder of a very annoying character, Wally the Waffle King. Marley begins to investigate. Marley and friends are interesting characters and love the town Wildwood Cove. I'd really love to have a place like The Flip Side to eat at the food sounds delicious. I'm interested in Marley and Brett's relationship and I enjoy reading about Ivan.

I received an eARC from the publisher via NetGalley for an honest review. - I look forward to more in this series.

This was a quick and easy read! Marley's relationships with her staff and friends are entertaining, and the plotting worked well and kept my interest. I thought this one was more tightly plotted than the last couple entries in the series, which made me happy. The only problem is I am craving candy cane pancakes, eggnog whipped cream, and all sorts of other bad-for-me treats!

Review copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Yeast of Eden is Book 4 in A Pancake House Mystery Series. This book is part of a series, but is also a standalone book and you do not need to read the other books .

Did someone say pancakes? Or Waffles?

Marley has some competition when the waffle king, Wally Fowler moves into town and is some stiff competition with his opening of Waffle Kingdom, until he is found dead. Marley is questioned but when a second murder happens, its Marley's best friend Lisa that is a suspect and she has a past with the deceased Waffle King.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book so much! The characters are well developed with a great story line. I felt like I could smell the pancakes and waffles! As a bonus, there are some recipes in the book as well. If this is your first Pancake House Mystery, I highly suggest checking out the first three, they are equally as great.

Sarah Fox's Yeast of Eden is the charming fourth book in her Pancake House series, and she's created the perfect balance of cozy, mystery, romance, Christmas, and recipes. Protagonist Marley investigates two completely separate mysteries - one with ties to her family, the other with ties to her business - while her relationship with boyfriend Brett continues to progress, and she stands by his side while he deals with a family crisis. Even though it's the fourth in the series, Yeast of Eden works perfectly well as a standalone for those who haven't read the other three books (including me, who'd only previously read the first), and it's highly recommended for cozy mystery lovers! 5 stars!

I received a digital review copy from Kensington Books and NetGalley.

This was my first time reading a Pancake House Mystery book. I felt that the book was alittle on the romance side, which was not what I was expecting. There are several side stories going on and I was more in the mood for a straight up mystery.

This book will be available late October.

Pancakes, Waffles, Murder and Mystery
This cozy mystery takes place in a small town along the Pacific coast. It is an interesting mystery with lots of plot twists, suspects and motives. The characters are just as intriguing and believable. While this book is clean and cozy, it is not 'squeaky clean' with some PDA and off screen intimacy. I would rate it G, some may not. I loved the story and am interested in reading more of this author's work. I received this book for free and this is my honest review.

An exceptional cozy mystery. I really enjoyed how the past and present wove together throughout the story and nicely fleshed out backstory.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I was not paid for this review.

Marley McKinney owns the Flip Side pancake house. She does a brisk business with plenty of regulars. When she's arriving to work one day she sees a flyer on the ground behind her business and picks it up, then sees that it's an advertisement for The Waffle Kingdom, a new restaurant that is opening in town by an ex-resident just returned, Wally Fowler. When she goes inside she sees two more taped to the front of her restaurant windows. Irritated, she tries to let it go but later that morning when she's got a full house, Wally shows up with a man and a woman and announces to all and sundry about his grand opening and even invites Marley and her cook Ivan to come by that evening and see how he makes ice cream with liquid nitrogen.

After he leaves, she sees her friends Lisa is extremely upset, and learns that Lisa blames Wally for getting her brother into drugs many years ago while in high school. After she calms Lisa down she reminds her that it's Ladies' Night at the local hardware store and they plan to meet there. But when Lisa doesn't show, Marley texts her and Lisa said she wasn't up to it.

Later that evening Marley is going home and notices that Wally's tires are slashed and knocks on the back door of his business to tell him. Receiving no response, she goes around to the front and finding it unlocked, enters. What she does find is her Ivan, and he tells her to call 911. Marley, her innate curiosity getting the better of her, goes into the kitchen and sees Wally's dead body.

It's a given that he had enemies all over town and no friends. But it's also apparent that Lisa or Ivan, or maybe both, are the main suspects in the murder, and Lisa asks Marley to help her find the killer because she's afraid they'll suspect Ivan of the crime. But it soon becomes apparent that Lisa's the one the police want, so Marley decides to investigate on the down low, hoping to flush out a murderer.

But to make things worse, her boyfriend Brett's father has had a heart attack and is in the hospital out of town; she needs to stick around to take care of the pets and while she misses him terribly, she has other things on her mind that will keep her busy - like murder.

Then while looking for Christmas decorations in the attic she finds an old trunk full of journals and a scrapbook, and discovers that a distant relative disappeared decades ago without a trace. Now she has another purpose - to try and find out what happened to the woman and also a young maid in another household who disappeared around the same time. Were they killed by the son of the mayor at the time? Or is there a more sinister answer? It's a diversion she needs right now, but finding a killer is taking first and foremost - that is, if the killer doesn't find her first...

While I felt the book started out a tad slow, it picked up quickly and I found myself engrossed in the story. I loved the fact that there was an old mystery to solve also. It was basically a two-for-one in this book, and quite enjoyable to read. Marley, without Brett by her side, needed something to occupy her time at home, and when she found the journals it added a 'mystery lite' to the tale; I enjoyed it as much as finding Wally's killer.

I felt that the clues were hidden well and while there were plenty of suspects, there wasn't anything that directly pointed to any one person...until nearly the end of the book, which is how it is supposed to be. When she finally figured it out, there was just the right amount of suspense going on while you watched as she tried to figure out how to get herself out of danger (as we know she will). It added that last bit of 'oomph' that kept everything moving to the final climax, and made for an entertaining book indeed.

But it didn't end there as we still had the second mystery of the journals to discover, and I am glad to say I was pleased in that outcome too. All in all, when the ending came and the killer was discovered, it was a complete surprise as it was, of course, meant to be; and although I have only read one other in this series it is apparent that Ms. Fox is indeed a talented writer and I will go back and read the other two. I look forward to the next book in the series. Highly recommended.