always love returning to Torte and seeing what Jules and her mom are up to. It was about time that the bakeshop expanded and I loved the descriptions of the renovations. The mystery was intriguing and I liked how it incorporated Ashland history of the flood and thought it added a lot of depth to the story. The mystery had lots of great clues and it took awhile to figure out who the killer was and why. The biggest down point was me was the Jules Carlos storyline, Jules decide already. It has been drawn out so long that it honestly makes me roll my eyes, while I am reading, This book is a must read,

As I have said before, I love supporting local authors or at the very least, books set in my home state. Oregon isn’t exactly the most exciting state in the union so when I find books set here, I am always interested to read them and see how they measure up.

That’s how I found Ellie Alexander. When one of Alexander’s book came up for review, I was eager to read it and I loved it! It was the first in a new series and was set in Leavenworth Washington. Ok so not exactly Oregon but close enough. Then I started reading her other more established series, Bakeshop Mysteries which are set in Ashland Oregon.

Now granted I have only read one book in the Bakeshop Mystery series, I thought it was a fun cozy read with great setting, plus I felt like I gained a million pounds reading about all the delicious foods!

When this one came up for review, I thought it would be a fun, quick book to read on the airplane as I traveled to Arizona for the holidays. It turns out it was the perfect book to wrapped my year up with!

The heat is on for pastry chef, family business operator, and unlikely sleuth Jules Capshaw. Just when she thought she could enjoy some time away from the kitchen, Jules manages to discover a skull during a picnic by the lake. As if unearthing remains that may be connected to a missing-persons case from the 1960s isn’t enough on her plate, Jules must contend with the unsolved matter of her own marriage while her estranged husband Carlos sails the open seas, awaiting a verdict.

Then there’s Jules’s bitter landlord Edgar, who is intent on making a sweet deal on a vacant lot down the block from Torte—until he turns up dead. If only Jules could find a recipe that would let her bake her cake and eat it, too (summary from Goodreads).

I saw that one reviewer called Ashland Oregon a ‘trendy’ little town. And I actually laughed out loud at my desk when I read that, because I wouldn’t exactly call Ashland ‘trendy’ but at the same time, Alexander makes it sound so cool and yes if I am being honest, very trendy!

I love how Alexander portrays Ashland, I haven’t been to Ashland in years but all I remember it being is a thespian town with random little cute shops, and her fictional bakery, Torte, would fit right in. And because the town brings in a lot of tourists with the Shakespearean Festival and other attractions, Alexander has a lot of options when it comes to keeping her series a live and fresh!

I know a lot of people have read this series from the beginning, I came into it late and jumped around in the series. While I have not felt lost in the series, it’s evident that the characters are established and have evolved from the early books. While I didn’t think it was necessary to read the books in order, as each book stands alone in it’s mystery, I think if you want the full experience and to understand some of the little nuances, then you should probably start at the beginning.

I enjoyed this mystery so much. I loved how it wasn’t a ‘fresh’ murder that kicked off the plot but rather a decades old skull that ropes readers in and makes them wonder who did it and why. I had a great time trying to solve everything and figure out motives and suspects.

Jules is a fun likeable character who is very real and relatable. As with the previous book that I read in this series, I feel like I need a sugar detox after reading all the delicious pastry items I’m thankful that I am just reading about them but at the same time I am desperately needing the recipes to all the food because they sound so good!

If you love a well crafted mystery with an established author, then look no further. I have been impressed with Alexander’s books across the board and this series i a particular favorite!

Challenge/Book Summary:

Book: Live and Let Pie (A Bakeshop Mystery #9) by Ellie Alexander

Kindle Edition
Expected publication: December 31st 2018 by St. Martin’s Paperbacks
ASIN B07DNBH26W
Review copy provided by: Publisher/Author in exchange for an honest review, all opinions are my own
Recommendation: 4 out of 5
Genre: mystery, cozy mystery, detective novel
Memorable lines/quotes

Three and a half stars: Another entertaining installment in a great cozy series, but the mystery needed more development.

Jules is more than eager for the remodel of Torte to be completed. In anticipation of more business, Jules is planning to hire more help. Jules begins the hunt for three new employees as the final preparations for Torte’s grand reopening begin. Jules is lucky to find three people who seem to be a good fit, she just hopes they will get along with her current staff. Meanwhile in Ashland, Jules’ mom and the Professor are hunting for a new house, and one piece of land they consider is an old house on a prime lot. Unfortunately, there are three other parties fighting over the same piece of property. Then things take a dramatic turn when an old skull unearthed from the bottom of the lake, and then a murder in town that is connected to the lot people are fighting over. Are the two murders connected and if so how?
What I Liked:
*This is the ninth installment in The Meet Your Baker Series which I continue to enjoy. I love the setting, the cozy bakeshop, all the decadent food, the characters and the story line. This book was all about the remodel of Torte. I enjoyed seeing the bakeshop grow and expand.
*I continue to enjoy the characters in this series. It has been a joy to watch them evolve and change. In this book, Andy is dealing with some big decisions. I was pleased by the way Jules helped Andy with his choices. It was refreshing to see them come to an agreeable accord instead of trying to force him to do something his heart wasn’t in. I liked the way Andy’s issues were handled.
*It has been a joy to also watch Torte transform. When the series started, Jules returned home to find Torte barely holding on. Over the past couple of years, Jules has breathed new life into the bakery. She has pulled in new customers, restored and remodeled the store, and now she is expanding and hiring new employees. Big positive changes happened for the little shop.
This book provided some interesting historical information regarding the valley and the nearby lake. *I liked that the mystery in this once dated back to the past.
The book ended with a dramatic ending. The murder mystery was solved and there weren’t any major unanswered questions.
*As usual, there were some wonderful recipes to try at the end of the book, from soup, to hand pies and more. I love the recipes.
And The Not So Much:
*After the conclusion of the last book, I was expecting some movement in Jules’ relationship with Carlos. I was so disappointed that absolutely nothing happened on that front. Carlos is not a part of the book at all, other than a few thoughts here and there. I want the romance to be resolved, I am so tired of nothing happening.
*I had a few issues with the murder mystery. First, I didn’t think it was fleshed out enough. It begins with the recovery of a skull in the lake, and I was thinking it was going to be about a long ago murder, which I thought was exciting, then someone in town is unexpectedly murdered. I had a problem with the murder because it was immediately called a murder when there were no signs of foul play. How could they know it was a murder the night it happened until the tests came back? That was a big problem. Then when all the pieces were put into place, there were still not enough explanations. I was left wondering what the deal was with Annie.
*The whole situation with Annie was puzzling. I wanted a better understanding of her character. What happened all those years ago, who did she really have romantic feelings for? Why did she live in that house was she mentally ill or was there something more? This part of the story was completely lacking.

Live and Let Pie was an enjoyable addition to a favorite cozy series. I loved the remodel of Torte, the new characters and the food. I was frustrated though by the lack of movement in the romance, and I felt like the murder mystery was lacking. Still, I can’t resist this series and I am eagerly awaiting the next book.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review.
Posted@Rainy Day Ramblings.

Live and Let Pie by Ellie Alexander is the 9th book in the Bakeshop Mystery series, and another great addition. I love this series, and have read them all. When a new book comes out it's like visiting old friends. In this book several things are going on. Jules Capshaw finds a skull that turns out to be from a person who went missing in the 1960's. The plot and characters are well written, and this book will keep you guessing and wondering about all the suspects. I am growing tired of the Jules and Carlos saga, hope it concludes soon. I suggest you read the books in order, to get the full effect. I recommend this book for all cozy mystery lovers.

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

This is my second Baking Shop Mystery (albeit not in order and therefore a good point for being a standalone book). Juliet (Jules) Capshaw is protagonist and co-owner (with her mother) of Torte. The quaint bake-coffee-lunch shop in Ashland, Oregon, has the three "L's" in the heart of the main historic district but is undergoing a major renovation and that will also require new hires.

Jules is wrestling with the idea of having estranged hubby Carlos join her in Ashland. Now because her mother has recently married a man they call "the professor," they are out looking for potential properties for her mother when Jules witnesses the recovery of a skull connected to a decade's old murder.

The support characters are very well developed and engaging. The background is busy with Torte's reopening plans, her mother's possible new home, Edgar and his desirable lot, her marriage, and the two bickering baristas. The renovation will relieve the cramped main floor and expand the kitchen facilities downstairs. The expansion will include inside stairs, but visions of negotiating the stairs with loads of foodstuffs didn't sound all that convenient.

My problem, again, is too much baking description. Derails the plot and turns the book into a foodie paradise that also includes recipes at the end of the book. Yes, easy to follow and sounds so delightful you can smell the delectable delicacies, but it interrupts the well-plotted mystery, which has taken a backseat. And I wonder about a bakeshop with a liquor license (fine wines and craft beers?) Yes, I'm probably over-thinking it, but maybe trying for too much? Not a bakery per se anymore. More a bistro?

I downloaded this uncorrected digital galley from St. Martin's Paperbacks and NetGalley and appreciated the opportunity to read and review. Would I read another? Oh yes, I'll have to know how the stairs worked--also I really do love Ashland. Totally recommended for those who appreciate the inside scoop on uniquely crafted custom coffees and bakeries with much more to offer than fluffernutters.

Live and Let Pie by Ellie Alexander is the latest in the Bake Shop Mystery series. We are taken back to Ashland, Oregon where the renovations at Torte are complete.
Jules is interviewing for additional staff and getting her grand opening set. When a skull is brought up from under the lake that appears to have been there for years, her radar goes off and she starts to delve into the history of the lake and the abandoned town. When a towns person is murdered, Jules sets out to find out if the two are connected.
There are relatable characters, some a bit eccentric, a lovely setting, and enough twists and turns to keep you guessing until the end.
I am ready to make the trip to Torte!
There are recipes included.
I was given an ARC by St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for an honest review.

This is a great cozy mystery series! Live and Let Pie is #9 in A Bakeshop Mystery series and I have enjoyed them all. This edition gives a nod to both the future and the past. Renovations and changes have come to Torte, the bakeshop owned and operated by Jules, new homes are being bought and questions are arising about the future fate of Jules’ marriage. But a mystery has Jules digging back to a cold case from the 1960s. I don’t want to give away too much and spoil the plot. What I will say is that picking up A bakeshop Mystery book is like putting on comfortable pajamas. These books are cozy and provide a welcoming relaxing reprieve from busy and hectic days.

I really enjoyed this story. It is the ninth in the series but can be read and enjoyed as a standalone.
The story takes place in the quaint town of Ashland, Oregon. Jules is part owner of Torte, a local coffee and bakeshop which is in the process of being renovated.

The fate of a parcel of land is in question in this storyline along with a cold case murder from the ‘60s. Edgar, the current owner, wants to sell but seems to promise the land to everyone who shows interest.

A body is found by some young girls playing in the lake. It turns out to be a resident from flooded town.
So, are these two situations related? If so, how and if not are they red herrings to distract the reader?
I found the storyline of homelessness in Oregon interesting as it applies to many parts of the US, Canada and the world.

So, how does the author weave all the elements into the story and still find the killer? You’ll have to read to find out.

I liked that is well-crafted, well-written, and has a dose of humor. It also addresses relocation of Mom & the Professor, what happens to a few homes in the area and makes us wonder if there will be a resolution to Jules & Carlos’ marriage.

I volunteered to read and review an ARC of this book provided by St. Martin's Press and NetGalley. These are my unsolicited opinions.

The expansion of the family bakeshop Torte is almost complete and the larger store means Juliet has to hire some new staff which could cause problems. Meanwhile, Juliet's mother Helen is househunting with her new husband, Doug "the Professor". They seemed to have found their ideal home but their happy vibes are rudely interrupted by two girls finding a skull in the nearby lake. The victim is George Mill, the patriarch of the Mill family who disappeared in the 1960s shortly before their town was submerged by the Klamath Junction development. Another potential property closer to Ashland for Helen to consider is a lot with a rundown house owned by elderly man named Edgar who also knew the Mill family. It seems several interested buyers are vying to purchase Edgar's lot for quite different purposes: housing for the OSF actors and staff, a homeless community center or a complex filled with tiny homes. When Edgar is found murdered, Juliet wonders if his death is related to the discovery of George Mill's remains or the lot? Together with her pal, OSF artistic director Lance, Juliet does some snooping around which attracts the attention of the killer.

This was another quick and tasty read in the Bakeshop mystery series with several profound personal and professional changes for both the Torte staff as well as Juliet and Helen.

I received an eARC via Netgalley and St. Martin's Press with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and provided this review.

LIVE AND LET PIE, the ninth book in the Bakeshop Mystery series by Ellie Alexander, is another charming addition to a sweet series! Protagonist Jules Capshaw, owner of the newly expanded and remodeled Torte Bakeshop in Ashland, Oregon, is an easy to love character. She is the type of person you’d want to hang out with and get to know… and if you’re lucky, sample all the yummy goodies she creates in her bakery kitchen! I love the friendships she has developed with her employees and how she freely mentors them to enhance their talents. She also has a very close relationship with her mother which is endearing. The story starts out after the marriage of Jules’ mother to the town’s detective, The Professor. Jules wasn’t sure about her mother moving forward but has learned to love and respect her new stepfather. I enjoy how the author continually gives the characters new learning experiences to expand their personal growth and I find it touching how emotional interaction is brought to some of the scenes.

While the delightful characters bring readers back to the series again and again, Ms. Alexander also provides a compelling murder mystery to intrigue us. She does provide a lot of setup before the cold case murder is brought to light but once Jules’ investigation starts, the plot moves forward with many twists and turns. She creates an interesting scenario with the connection between the decades-old victim and the murder victim that happens right after the first gruesome discovery. Jules’ investigation uncovers surprising conflicts surrounding the lack of housing and land available in the town. Ms. Alexander also touches on the plight of homelessness, especially homelessness affecting families. This hidden social issue is heart wrenching but the author treats the subject with sensitivity.

The reader will savor the descriptions of yummy foods coming from the kitchen of Torte and thankfully Ms. Alexander provides several recipes at the back of the book.

The huge renovation at Torte is finally completed and Jules is set to open with new staff. This leads to some friction and some changes, but there are always delightful treats in store for customers. An old murder takes center stage and then another murder takes place. Are they connected? Jules and Lance seem to think so. Another delicious installment in the Bakeshop Mysteries.

3.75 stars

Ashland bakery owner Jules Capshaw is back with another adventure. This series is upbeat with a great cast of characters and a unique and interesting setting.

Jules is up to her eyebrows completing a bakery renovation and adding staff when she gets accidentally embroiled in the discovery of a decades old murder victim. As in many cozy series, the exact logical rationale for her involving herself is pretty thin, but the books are so much fun we don't mind.

Jules, while scrambling to glean details from new stepfather Doug and old boyfriend Thomas, both police officers, is aided and abetted by her best friend Lance. Lance is a bigwig with the Oregon Shakespeare Festival and embraces theatricality in every aspect of his life.

The overall cheerful nature of this series does not mean it is short on character development or thoughtful moments. Jules continues to try and figure out her marriage to a chef who is far away on a cruise ship, and also to be a mentor to her young staff and to watch out for them and allow them room to grow.

Thanks to the publisher and to Net Galley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This 9th book in A Bakeshop Mystery series is more about the bakeshop than the mystery. We hear about the remodeling of the family bakeshop, Torte, and its grand reopening after the remodel was complete. There are a lot of delicious sounding food ideas and even recipes included at the end of the book. The mystery does not come into play until about a third of the way into the story. It was an interesting concept that could of been more developed but had a good twist at the end. I would have enjoyed it more with less remodeling talk and more mystery development.

Thanks to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for an ARC of this book. The opinions expressed are my own.

Of course a skull is found when Jules' mom and her new husband are out looking at new homes. Why not? This draws Jules into a cold case from the 1960s even as she's working with her team at Tarte, a bakery I'd live to visit! Then, well, her mean landlord Edgar is found dead and she's off and running. Sometimes the personal details of this cozy- Jules relationship with her family, her ex Carlos (what's going to happen?), and the bakery- are more interesting than the mystery but that's ok. Thanks to net galley for the ARC. This is a nice, relaxing read.

Jules is back in the middle of another investigation, but this one she just stumbled into while walking outside of town. What could today have to do with the body of a victim from 60 years ago? Things are changing fast as Torte opens with a new look and new staff, Jules has to make a decision on her estranged marriage, and her mother and the Professor make plans for a new home together. With everything going on in her personal life, can she manage to solve this murder, as well, before things get even more out of hand? Another fast paced and fun installment to the Bakeshop Mystery series.

A delicious offering of mystery and baked goods in a picturesque Oregon setting. The murder intrigue often takes a backseat to different life events of the characters, who have evolved nicely over the course of this nine book series. Jules' indecision makes me ever so impatient for some firm resolution, but it also keeps me coming back for more. Disclaimer: Do not read this book hungry! The sumptuous offerings of Torte will make your mouth water and find you reaching for something tasty.

I love this series, each book is like visiting with old friends. The food is wonderful but connection to the community is upmost. #LiveandLetPie #NetGalley

The Bakeshop Mysteries continue to entertain in Live and Let Pie. Torte is managing some growing pains as the expansion means having to hire some new (potentially clashing) employees, and Juliet is managing her personal growing pains as she's both happy for her mother's new marriage and house hunt, while realizing she's never really taken the time to mourn the loss of her father (and of course there's the lingering issue of her estranged husband, Carlos). There are multiple mysteries in this book, and Ellie Alexander manages the addition of some new characters while letting familiar characters still get their time (and new characters mean new opportunities for both friend and foe instead of relying on the same people to be the villain time and again). It's not the most propulsive book in the series, but it does still move the characters and storylines forward a bit and is as engaging as ever.

I have enjoyed every book in this cozy series about an Oregon bakery! In Live and Let Pie, Jules and her staff are enjoying the newly finished renovations to their restaurant/bakery. Her mom and detective husband have just returned from their honeymoon, and they are in the market for a new house. While house hunting with her mom, Jules discovers a decades old skull. For the first time in the series, Thomas and the Professor investigate a cold-case that may have ties to Ashland. For me, the mystery is almost secondary to the continuing saga of the bakeshop and Jules, but this one was certainly original. I hope there is a book 10 on the way, since we still don't know what will happen with Jules and Carlos. Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the preview copy!

This is the third book I've read in the series. Very similar to the others, lots of food descriptions, a murder, and a perfect town and friends & family. It's an easy and light read; if that is what you're looking for, you won't be disappointed. I wish the main female character would step outside her box a little more and take a chance in the romance department.