Interesting murder mystery, revolving around ice cream 🍦and fashion.
The story line is straightforward, and the characters are likeable.
The unsolved murder of a fashion icon in a small town has a huge impact on the tourist flow, so the owner of a recently opened ice cream store, tries to solve it and maybe become one of the victims.

In this second book of the series Kate has been asked to cater a gala at a famous fashion designers home. She is so excited about the opportunity and looking forward to meeting some famous people. When Omar, the designer, is found dead by his maid the party comes to a halt. The police are called in and start asking questions as well as looking for clues. Suddenly the quiet town of Wolfert's Roost becomes invaded with journalist's even the tabloid kind. Kate hates seeing all the camera's every where and decides that something must be done. Kate starts diving into her own investigation by going to fashion shoots and meeting with those in the fashion world. Can she find the answers she seeks or is she digging herself I to a hole. Her business has only been up and running for about six weeks, could this investigation ruin her business? Follow along as Kate tries to come to some definitive answers and bring her life back normal. This is a fun series, I love how the author gives wonderful ice cream and ice cream related facts at the beginning of each chapter, it's always to learn new things when you read!

The first book I've read by this author, though I believe the second in this series. Even not having read the previous book, I was not lost and could follow the storyline perfectly well without. It helps that the mystery was self-contained as well. Kate is still in the fledgling days of opening her ice cream shoppe, Lickety Splits, when she is asked to cater the desserts for a fashion show by Omar DeVane. but the event is brought to a halt when Omar is discovered murdered. Can Kate solve the case and get the tourists to come back to Wolfert's Roost, and Lickety Splits, before the reputation of their hometown in upstate NY is forever tarnished.

I liked this book, though the amount of narration, as opposed to dialogue, felt a little too heavy to me and the books dragged in parts for me because of it. But I enjoyed the characters and setting(s) enough to make a return visit to Lickety Splits in future installments.

A very well written cozy story, mostly about ice cream, that also includes a little mystery. So if you are really into crime, and the solving of mysteries, this might not be the right book. But the story is great, and a joy to read.

Synopsis:

Just six weeks after the grand opening of Lickety Splits Ice Cream Shoppe, owner Kate McKay has been enlisted to whip up sundaes at the most decadent soiree in the Hudson Valley. If only Kate knew how deadly sticky her sweet deal will turn out . . .

Once Kate arrives at a glamorous gala hosted by world-famous fashion designer Omar DeVane, she's instantly intimidated by the mogul's luxurious mansion and the frosty personalities of his handlers. But the party completely loses its flavor when guests follow screams to a room that's eerily empty--except for Omar's freshly murdered body . . .

While the headline-grabbing crime brings a steady stream of journalists to the sleepy village of Wolfert's Roost, Kate knows things won't return to normal until Omar's killer is brought to justice. And with the scandalous case driving customers away from Lickety Splits, she has no choice but to put down the ice cream scooper and expose the culprit on her own . . .

As Kate crashes high-profile photo shoots and mingles with fashion's biggest influencers in search of clues, the puzzling truth about Omar's fame and fortune rises to the surface--and with it, the key to his killer's twisted motive. Kate will have to navigate the celebrity lifestyle to save her fledgling business, but her attempts to freeze cold-hearted criminals in their tracks could lead to a double scoop of deadly trouble . . .

Includes mouthwatering ice cream recipes from the Lickety Splits Ice Cream Shoppe! (Goodreads)


Review:

The characters are well developed and well rounded. Kate is a strong kind woman and she loves her ice cream shop. There is nothing that she would not do to make it successful. So when someone dies at a party that Lickety Splits is catering, she takes it personally and vows to find the culprit. I really enjoy spending time with Kate’s core group of family and friends. I have to say that a love triangle is not my favorite thing and I hope Kate makes a decision soon. Who will she pick?

The setting is homey and the ice cream shop seems like someplace I would like to visit often. Some of the ice cream flavors sounded yummy, others not so much. I have to say that reading about all of the flavors that Kate makes and is thinking of making got a little tedious and a little tiresome, and I love ice cream. That is only my opinion and other readers may not agree with me.

The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy ready. The author is very talented in creating suspense and I thought that the mystery was well plotted and well paced. There were enough clues to sift through and suspects to consider and it was not easily solved.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery and I am looking forward to reading the next book when it is released.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, Kensington Books, and NetGalley, which I greatly appreciate.

HOT FUDGE MURDER, the second book in the Lickety Splits Ice Cream Shoppe Mystery series by Cynthia Baxter is a sweet mystery with lots of yummy, cold treats to whet the reader’s appetite! I greatly enjoyed the way the author starts each chapter with a historical blurb on ice cream. Not only was it entertaining but it was educational. I was also intrigued “watching” how the protagonist, Kate McKay, puzzles over flavor combinations to create new ice cream flavors for her shop, Lickety Splits. So many unique flavors and most of them sound divine! While the ice cream and charming shop provide a relaxing, inviting setting, it’s not long before murder intrudes, disrupting a party Kate has been hired to cater. Worried what it might mean for both her fledgling business and her town’s tourist trade, she knows she must step in and find the killer before financial ruin becomes a reality. Kate isn’t a sophisticated investigator, but her determination to ask questions despite her reluctance is sweet. While I figured out the killer early on, there was a twist to the story that I didn’t expect. This provided great satisfaction to a light-hearted read.

I enjoyed Ms. Baxter’s descriptive voice which helped me visualize the settings and the characters so I felt like I was right there experiencing what Kate was experiencing. I also loved Kate’s relationship with her ‘Grams’ and her niece, Emma. They have an adorable closeness that is heart-warming. She also has a great sidekick in her best friend, Willow. Opposites, they complement each other and provide opportunities for good dialog. The author also sets up potential romances for Kate in future books. Personally I hope she steers clear of the over-done love triangle and allows Kate a realistic relationship. However, one of her potential suitors is from her past and I thought it was a clever way to learn some of Kate’s backstory. While I haven’t had a chance to read the first book in the series, HOT FUDGE MURDER is easily read as a standalone. Ms. Baxter provides just enough information to help the reader connect with the characters without detracting from the main plotline. I look forward to seeing what happens next to Kate and seeing what delectable ice cream flavors she comes up with in future releases!

I read the first book, Murder with a Cherry on Top, and I loved it a lot, so I had high hopes for the next book. I got a copy of this book, and I was not disappointed!

After solving a mystery, Kate's at it again. She got a gig to cater for a famous fashion designer, Omar DeVane, at his palatial mansion. Omar gets murdered at the party, however. Kate is determined to bring the criminal to justice because she liked Omar and her own business is being affected by the crime.

I think I did not express my love for ice cream for the previous book, because I only eat plain chocolate ice cream, but I am blown away by the details and flavors and the creativity that comes from Kate's brain (with the help of her talented niece Emma).

Can I just say I love Kate already? Aside from being independent, she's really talented. I was rooting for her to succeed with her ice cream shop, which was a mix of an homage to her father, a space for her immense creativity, the product of her hard work, and the fulfillment of her dream. And because she tried to achieve her dream, she relates with Emma, and the love and respect they have for each other is heartwarming. Emma is a great support for cozy mystery MC Kate. (I'm reserving my judgment on BFF Willow, because I'm still trying to figure out her character aside from what the book had shown her.) I like how Jake, the love interest candidate, did not hover around Kate much, and respected her space, although I was kind of heartbroken for him. (I still need convincing that Jake deserves the wonderful Kate.)

This book has one of the well-developed MCs, a great support, and the mystery was just the right amount of suspense for a cozy mystery, with the suspects and their motivations being introduced, and then gets eliminated from the list, and then just when you thought that you had the right answer, you don't, because the reveal shows a very important lesson Dame Agatha Christie has taught us.

This is fast becoming my favorite series. I can't wait for Book 3 to come already.

*** I got a copy of this book from NetGalley. These are all my own opinions. Official publication date is January 29, 2019.

2 stars

Eh, I just could.not get into the book, the plot or the characters. The book just didn't peak my interest. I think there is probably an audience for this book, I am not it. I do typically love cozy mysteries. I just am not a fan of this one.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Murder and an Ice Cream Shoppe
This is the second in a cute and cozy mystery series. The plot line is very good and keeps the reader's interest. The characters are believable and are not the 'super beings' usually found in fictional mysteries. I plan on reading the entire series. This reader found the setting quite refreshing and fun. I received this ARC for free and this is my honest review.

Hot Fudge Murder by Cynthia Baxter is the second installment in A Lickety Splits Mystery series but can be read as a standalone.
Although I haven't read the first book I had no problem getting into the story.

In this book Kate McKay owner of Ice Cream Shop is catering an event for world famous designer. Great chance to promote her shop and all is going well until the designer ends up murdered. As paparazzi occupy small town the sales are going down or more accurately are non existent. Not wishing for her dream to finish before it even had an opportunity to blossom, she decides to do some sleuthing on her own.

I absolutely loved reading about ice cream and its history although I must say some tastes were too adventurous for me. I found the characters likable and engaging, I especially enjoyed reading about three generations of women living under one roof and their lovely relationship.
Well told story reasonably paced. At times it seem more like a romance novel than mystery, and I have to say that even though I understand that main character revels in the attention of two men she should make a choice which one she likes better.
I found it strange that her best friend mostly disappeared from the book only to reaper at the end. There were several red herrings, as the suspicion switched from one suspect to another but the ending just didn't seem satisfying enough for me. The culprit was revealed somewhat unexcitingly.
All in all, a decent mystery and I am looking forward to reading next one.

Hot Fudge Murder by Cynthia Baxter is the 2nd book in A Lickety Splits Mystery series, and another fun addition. Kate McKay has left her high powered job in New York to return home to care for her grandmother and open up her dream shop selling ice cream. Kate and her Lickey Splits staff has been hired by a world-famous designer, Omar DeVane, to serve ice cream for the rich and famous. When Omar is found dead at his party, Kate must find out the truth. I really love this book, and can't wait to continue Kate's adventures in the next book. Not only is this book fun, it has a great mystery also. There are twists and turns around every corner. I found this book to be a quick read, with a well developed plot and characters. If you love fun cozy mysteries, I recommend this book. 

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

WooHoo- Kate's got a great gig catering an ice cream party for Omar but......he's murdered! You don't need to have read the first book to know that Wolfert's Rest hasn't been as quiet as it used to be since she came back to town to help her grandmother with her ice cream shop. Everyone thought they knew Omar but he had his secrets and now they're going to come out when Kate starts poking around in the case. She's also dealing with two guys- Jake and Brody-vieing for her affection. Thanks o net galley for the ARC. This is a nicely written cozy- and you'll learn a little about ice cream.

This is the second in the Lickety Splits Ice Cream Shoppe Mystery and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I feel as if I got to know Kate better, and unlike some cozy mysteries her investigations didn't seem that far out of the realm of reality. The surrounding cast is delightful with just the perfect touch of romance and relationship development, along with recipes I will be trying! The mystery was sharp and had me guessing until the end. I look forward to many more in the series!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

This is the 2nd in the Lickety Splits Mystery series. I did not read the first book and I was still able to follow along. This can be read as a standalone although I usually like to read a series in order. I do plan to go back and get the first book as I would like more of the backstory of the events in the prior book and on Kate. Kate has moved back to Wolfort’s Roost from Manhattan to help her Grandmother who has health issues. Kate recently opened her ice cream shop and it has been so well received she has been asked to cater events. She has been invited to create sundaes at the fancy fashion designer’s party of Omar Devane. Ice cream particularly sundaes are his favorite. She is intimidated by the luxurious mansion and uppity folks at the party, however, she is happy it was going off without a hitch that is until screams ring out and Omar is found murdered. Murder is not good for the town and Kate decides she needs to jump into the investigation. There is humor and romance (have to admit not a big fan of love triangles.. need to focus on just one please). Highly recommend.

Hot Fudge Murder by Cynthia Baxter is the second book of the cozy A Lickety Splits Mystery series. Each book of the series centers around it’s own mystery to be solved so it is possible to read out of order although some character development would be missing.

In this series Kate McKay had left her hometown after high school and gone onto college and then a career in Manhattan but when she got news that her grandmother needsed someone to come care for her Kate quickly returned to Wolfert’s Roost giving up her career. Once back in her hometown Kate decided she would follow her dream of opening her own ice cream shop to begin a new career path.

Now just weeks after opening her shop Kate finds that her tempting treats are so popular she is getting offers of catering some huge events. However, after arriving at the party hosted by fashion designer Omar DeVane it isn’t long before screams are heard and another murder occurs. When the fact a killer is one the loose starts to kill off business too Kate vows to solve the case herself.

Reading this first book in A Lickety Splits Mystery series I found myself loving the small town cozy vibe and Kate became somewhat endearing to me learning of her love for her grandmother so I really enjoyed the first book. However, getting into this second book it seemed it lost a bit of that magic I found in the first. I found myself not so much of a fan of creating a love triangle for Kate and I think the mystery was a little less compelling than the arch rival in the first book although I did still enjoy all the wonderful ice cream shop talk and the characters overall.

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

This is a yummy series. Ice cream is my favorite dessert, but many of her flavors are not appealing. I am sure I would find the vanilla and hot fudge delicious though. The murder mystery is engaging and entertaining. The possible romances add some fun and friction. I look forward to reading the next one in the series.

A deliciously delightful mystery. With a cast of characters that are engaging and well developed, a mystery that is written beautifully, and a setting that is enchanting, this book is a must read. Easy to follow and get completely immersed in, every page is a joy.

Hot Fudge Murder is the second book in Cynthia Baxter’s A Lickety Splits Mystery series and is a fun and easy read. The characters are well developed and likable. This is a clean read, with an interesting mystery and sprinkled with humor and a touch of romance.

Katherine “Kate” McKay recently returned to her childhood home in Wolfert’s Roost, New York, a quaint Hudson Valley village, to help her grandmother who suffers from arthritis in her knees and had taken a fall. Kate loves any and everything related to ice cream and opened the only ice cream parlor in town, Lickety Splits Ice Cream Shoppe. Her best friend and yoga instructor, Willow Baines, helps in the ice cream parlor, along with her niece, Emma, and Emma’s boyfriend, Ethan. Jake Pratt, a high school flame who’s running his family’s organic dairy, and Brody Lundgren, who just opened Hudson Valley Adventure Tours, are both vying for Kate’s affection. Lickety Splits was hired to cater an event honoring the life of Omar DeVane, a famous fashion designer, whose favorite food is ice cream, specifically fudge sundaes at his estate for upward of seventy-five guests. Things are winding down, and Kate is pleased that things ran smoothly and the ice cream treats were a big hit when heard a scream rings out. Marissa, Omar’s maid, comes running into the room, with the terrible news that Omar had been murdered, apparently strangled with his necktie. Detective Stoltz and Officer Pete Bonano of the Wolfert’s Roost Police Department are on the case, but all the merchants are experiencing a lack of customers since the murder and Kate decides to follow in the footsteps of her childhood idol, Nancy Drew, and investigate on her own.

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

Hot Fudge Murder is a cute cozy mystery. It's typical of the genre, but it's enjoyable for a relaxing fast read.

This was a fun book. But beware, you'll want to run to the store for ice cream while you're reading. It seems as if super designer Omar has the perfect life. Huge house, famous friends, and money to spare. So why is he dead in the middle of his party? Kate McKay, owner of Lickety Splits Ice Cream has a front row seat as caterer to the doomed gala. In between fabulous ice cream recipes, she sets out to find the flaw in Omar's life rust got him killed.