When a local bakery owner accuses Cat's best friend Shauna of stealing recipes, no one takes it seriously until the local health inspector pays an unexpected visit soon after. Although he says that he's following up on an "anonymous" complaint, there's little doubt in Cat & Shauna's mind as to who is behind the sudden visit. Cat finds herself appointed to be the peacemaker, but her trip to Dee Dee's bakery is soon overshadowed by the discovery of a dead body on the bakery floor. That body turns out to be none other celebrity chef Greyson Finn and the question of why he was in the bakery turns quickly to, who wanted him dead? Now Cat has her hands full between running her current writer's retreat, worrying about Shauna's upcoming trip to NY, and trying to figure out a murder without incurring the wrath of her police-chef uncle...

I enjoyed this book. Besides the mystery itself, which had me bouncing back and forth between suspects, I liked the interplay involving the writer's retreat and the characters within that group. I actually would kind of like a follow-up book based on them, that how much I enjoyed them and how well they were written! And a recipe at the end? Definitely always a bonus for me!

Although this is book 5, I had not read any of the previous titles in this series. It wasn't too bad, though, as enough character information was given so that I didn't feel completely lost. I am looking forward to going back and reading the previous books, to find out more about these interesting characters!

The Cat Latimer series is one of my absolute favorite cozy mystery series. I love the premise of the series and all of the main characters are so likeable. This book is just as good as the others in the series. I love seeing Cat and the other characters grow and continue to add new dimensions to their personalities. I'm so looking forward to the next book in this series and I hope there are many more books to come!

Note: I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of this book from Netgalley.

I really enjoy this series and this was one of my favorites I think. I'm glad to get away from the "family" connections that have been in the past few books. I did enjoy them but it was nice to have a more straight forward mystery. I also absolutely loved that this writers' retreat featured a group of cozy mystery authors who happily talked about the process and stories. The mystery was intriguing and interesting and I really wasn't sure who the killer was until the very end. In fact I enjoyed this read so much I had to immediately dive into the next book!

I really enjoy the Cat Latimer series by Lynn Cahoon featuring the Warm Springs Writer’s Retreats in Aspen, Colorado. Each retreat introduces a new group of writer characters to add to the small town’s cozy population. Each retreat brings a new group of writers and a new mystery to solve. The local characters feel like friends and establish continuity to the series. I wish: Shauna would visit Texas and show me how to make scones; that Cat will get her new book contract; and that Uncle Pete’s Alaskan lady friend would move to Aspen. Can’t wait to read the next one in the series!

It’s clear the author loves these characters & therefore they feel like dear friends to us too every we open the pages of a new book in the series. In Sconed to Death I feel like we get different aspects to each of these main characters (Cat, Shauna, Seth, Uncle Pete), giving them even more dimension than we’ve seen so far in the series.

The mystery is, as always, well plotted and while I was right again in guessing whodunit I wasn’t completely sure this time. I felt like all the suspects were equally plausible, and I wouldn’t have been surprised at being wrong when the villain was finally revealed. This again kept my sleuthing radar at full attention during the entire read, and I felt at times like I was following close behind Cat & peeking over her shoulder as she put clues together.

The nods & winks to the cozy mystery genre & its authors (thanks to the current group of retreaters) made this story even more delightful than it already was. This might be my favorite group of retreat-goers so far, simply because they collectively write in this genre so the scenes with them felt like an appreciation of cozy mysteries and the reasons we love them.

Bottom Line: Sconed to Death will have you heading to the nearest source of delicious scones to eat while you read, as well as hunting down some yummy apples for snacking & baking & caramel apple waffles. (YUM! My mouth is watering again.) So yeah fair warning – don’t read this book hungry or you’ll be in trouble haha! Tensions are running high in several different areas in this mystery, and the well-crafted plot will keep you guessing at every turn. Based on the way this book ended, I’m even more looking forward to book #6 than I already was!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

Writers, food and murder; what more could you ask for? Scones to Death is a great, fun read that will leave you on pins and needles waiting for the next book.

This is one of my favorite cozy mystery series. The series features Cat and her best friend Shauna who run a resort with a writer's retreat. This retreat features authors of cozy mysteries who have come together to write and attend lectures and relax, until a murder nearby becomes the talk of the town. I think this book is by far, the best of the series and I am looking forward to the next book in this series.

This was a fun, cute cozy mystery! I love the theme throughout, and I will definitely be continuing with the series.

Sconed to Death by Lynn Cahoon is the fifth book in the Cat Latimer Mystery series. Cat is welcoming another group of writers to her writers' retreat. The retreat is in trouble when a jealous bakery owner, Dee Dee, files a false report with the health inspector. Dee Dee has problems of her own though when a body is discovered in her bakery. The suspect list grows from there as Cat begins to dig into the dead man's life. The writers retreat is such a fun cozy mystery theme. I love that a large group of new characters is introduced each book while the base characters remain the same. Lynn Cahoon writes two cozy series, but this one is my favorite. Her books focus on the mystery with some side stories and the slightest touch of romance. This is a great addition to the series.

Cat has a full plate at her Aspen Hills Warm Springs Resort, as a group of aspiring cozy mystery authors arrives for a writers retreat. So when baker Dee Dee Meyer stirs up trouble by filing a false complaint with the health inspector against the B&B all because she insists Cat's best friend Shauna stole her recipes Cat marches into the shop to confront her.

But Dee Dee's about to have her own batch of trouble. Greyson Finn a celebrity chef and, until today, one of Denver's most eligible bachelors has been found dead in her bakery. Cat's uncle Pete, who happens to be the chief of police, warns her not to engage in any half-baked sleuthing. But as her curiosity rises, Cat's determined to discover who served the chef his just desserts before the killer takes a powder.

The author once again gives us another well written mystery that has enough clues, red herrings, and suspects to keep you guessing who the culprit is until the conclusion. The story moves at a nice steady pace so you don't miss any part of the mystery. The author gives us enough background information about the new characters and the old characters so that you can get to know them.

I like how well written the friendship between Cat and Shauna which shows how close the characters are and how well they work together for the story. I also like the relationship between Cat and Sean they seem to be perfect for each other and I hope their relationship will continue to grow as the series goes on. I am getting a little tired of having all the different characters telling Cat to stay out of the investigation, she's going to investigate anyway so they should just let her continue her investigation.

I've been a fan of Lynn Cahoons since book 1 of the Tourist Trap series and have not been let down with any of the books in the 3 series of hers that I have read. I look forward to reading the next book in the series but will have to wait until Feb. to get the chance to read it.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and Kensington Books for my honest review.

Title: Sconed to Death



Author: Lynn Cahoon



Series: Cat Latimer Mystery book 5



Pages: 320



Genre: Cozy Mystery



Rating: 4 stars



Sconed to Death by Lynn Cahoon is the fifth book in the Cat Latimer Mystery series and its time for another writers retreat. Cat doesn't need to get sucked into another murder, but alas she does and this time the prime suspect is the owner of the bakery. With whom Shauna kind of has bad blood with. Cat agrees to ask around even though her uncle the town police chief and Seth want her to stay out of it. Just can't help it. Cat a writer and retreat owner by trade just can't seem to stay away from solving mysteries.

With it being a writer's retreat series you get to meet all kinds of crazy characters which keeps the stories interesting and moving right along. These cozy are always a quick read. Even though each mystery is a standalone it is best to read the mysteries in order so to get all the little details you get as you go along and not risk spoiling yourself for previous books.

Perfect for fans of most cozy mysteries.





I received a copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

The latest writing retreat week has arrived and the writers write mysteries! Perfect for the events that are popping up. Shauna, Cat Latimer's partner in the Warm Springs Writer's Retreat, has decided that she's going to take her recipes (she's the cook) and write a cookbook, however, the local bakery's owner, DeeDee, feels that Shauna has been stealing her recipes. Out of spite, DeeDee calls in a health code violation and sets Cat off to straighten things out. Arriving at DeeDee's bakery, Cat tries to smooth things over but only arranges a temporary truce. When a well-known chef is found murdered in DeeDee's kitchen, she turns to Cat for help.

Having the retreat be mystery writers adds a special spark to go along with the great characters and setting. Hope the next one is here soon!

A cozy mystery about a group of cozy mystery writers! I've been looking for a new cozy mystery series and this one pulled me in with the back story. Once I started reading, I felt like I knew this group of characters! Lynn Cahoon obviously took the time to craft a community and the interesting people who live there. Then she threw all kinds of drama at them so we could enjoy the chase. Let's hope her other books are as good as this one since I now will be looking for them.

This is my favorite series by Lynn Cahoon. I love the characters and the idea of a wonderful place where writers retreat to work. These characters intrigue me greatly and I am looking forward to see how they continue to develop. The book is well-written with a nicely paced mystery.

The recipes in this book always make me hungry. I do wish that I could join them and try some of Shauna's breakfasts.

This one kept me reading very late into the night!

The book retreat has returned. Another well plotted, enjoyable mystery. I look forward to each of these stories, which can be read as a series, or as a stand alone.

Sconed to Death

by Lynn Cahoon

It’s hard not to want to be Cat Latimer. Who wouldn’t enjoy living in a small Colorado college town far enough from Denver to avoid the big city traffic but close enough for occasional trips for shopping and dining? Oh, to completely own a large Victorian house where you can write in a third floor turret and host periodic writers’ retreats! What satisfaction in sharing your business with your best friend who manages the household and cooks gourmet foods for you on a daily basis. She also feeds breakfast to the retreat guests while keeping the retreat stocked with drinks and homemade goodies. The only thing better would be to reconnect with your handsome, very nice, high school heartthrob who can landscape, perform handyman jobs, and chauffeur guests to the airport. Cat has it all!

In this engaging mystery, Cat’s guests are a group of cozy mystery writers from Chicago. They thoroughly enjoy their week at the retreat with an additional day devoted to cooking lessons by resident chef Shauna who is also writing a cookbook. I think I gained ten pounds just reading about all the delicious cookies they consumed.

The murder of a famous Denver chef is the central focus of Lynn Cahoon’s Sconed to Death. What is he even doing in little Aspen Hills and who would want to kill him? Despite Uncle Pete’s warning to stay out of the investigation, Cat finds herself asking questions and using her online research skills to assess motives and alibis. Look out for a dramatic surprise ending to this page turner that’s sure to appeal to mystery lovers and especially cozy aficionados.

I would like to extend my thanks to netgalley.com and to Kensington Books for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Rating: 5/5

Category: Mystery

Notes: 1. #5 in the Cat Latimer Mystery Series, but works quite well as a standalone as Lynn Cahoon has a talent for bringing the reader up to date without boring.
2. Includes a recipe for Cranberry Scones.


Publication: May 28, 2019—Kensington

Memorable Lines:

“So, cozy mysteries? What are those?” Seth had finished the paper and pushed it into the center of the table as he finished his breakfast. “Low on gore, low on sex, high on fun.”

The trees were just starting to drop leaves and the crunch of dried leaves under her feet made her think about all things autumn. Chilly nights with a bonfire. Hot chocolate in the evening by the fire. More time to read. All these memories made her happy.

She took a big bite of the pasta. This was one of her favorite dishes that Shauna made, and yet, today, it tasted like sawdust. She kept her head down and willed away the tears.

A solid installment in the Cat Latimer series. I really enjoy the premise of the Writing Retreat-I think it would be so much fun to go to one of those! This one was especially fun since it was a cozy writers mystery group that was were the guests this go around. They added a fun element to the book. The mystery was a good one with enough twists and turns to keep me guessing. Looking forward to the next story!

I received this book from NetGalley and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

Princess Fuzzypants here: Cat’s writer’s retreats are a rousing success. The business is growing as is the body count. This time it is a local resident whose body is found in the bakery of the woman determined to undermine Cat’s friend and cohort Sheila. Cat’s guests bring along intriguing complications too including an abused woman who seems incapable of breaking free of an overreaching boyfriend.
This has been a good series from the beginning. Cat, the successful author of a young adult series, has had to deal with the death of her ex-husband and his dealings with some shady individuals who have turned out to be decent. There have been a plethora of challenges. All the characters have had their ups and downs and it has helped build the character development that is essential for a series to have “legs”. This time she must also deal with a former friend who has been suggesting she helped Cat write her first book. She may also be involved in the murder.
There were lots of twists and turns so that the reader is never quite sure who the killer might be. I like the way I was certain it was the real villain only to be persuaded elsewhere. It only ramps up the fun and the excitement.
Four purrs and two paws up.

Sconed to Death by Lynn Cahoon is about Cat Latimer who is planning for a group of aspiring cozy mystery authors to arrive at the Aspen Hills Warm Springs Resort. Meanwhile, the baker Dee Dee Meyer stirs up trouble by filing a false complaint with the health inspector out of jealousy and revenge. Then Dee Dee has her own problems when a celebrity chef and Denver’s most eligible bachelors winds up dead after eating in her bakery. Cat is determined to find the killer and protect herself. This book had a lovely set up in the hills of Colorado with well developed characters. The food write ups were excellent. This plot would appeal to other authors due to the writer’s conference. Thank you to Net Galley for providing an advanced reader’s copy for review.

Sconed to Death: A Cat Latimer Mystery
By Lynn Cahoon
Kensington
June 2019

Review by Cynthia Chow

After receiving an unexpected inheritance from her late ex-husband, Cat Latimer found herself delightedly opening Colorado’s Warm Spring Writer’ Resort. Once a professor, Cat’s successful new career as an author of young adult paranormal novels has her enthusiastically encouraging other writers through her writers’ retreats. The latest batch of guests are cozy mystery authors, rather appropriate considering Cat’s inadvertent and frequent encounters with murder. Partnered in the resort is Shauna Marie Clodagh, who provides not just the delicious meals but demonstrations on how authors can cook and develop recipes to best suit their characters. It’s why Shauna is furious when a health inspector investigates her after receiving numerous complaints, although the inspector himself seems much more personally interested in the chef than in her cooking practices. Both Shauna and Cat have reason to believe that jealous bakery owner Dee Dee is responsible for the false reports, but that doesn’t mean they accept that she is also responsible for the chef who is found dead inside Dee Dee’s shop.

Greyson Finn was a famous Denver chef who few knew had family in Aspen Hills. It turns out that Cat was once good friends with his sister-in-law Jessica Blair, who is inexplicably spreading lies that make Cat more and more furious. It certainly doesn’t help that Jessica demands that Cat provide her with a false alibi to Cat’s uncle, Police Chief Pete Edmond. Uncle Pete of course warns Cat from intervening in his investigation, but as she’s told by virtually everyone in town, Cat cares too much and feels too responsible to resist helping someone in need. Something is causing Jessica to claim partial ownership of Cat’s books, and their former friendship has Cat wanting as much to bring resolution to Jessica’s family as to know the reason behind the lies.

A resort full of mystery writers allows the author a surfeit of opportunities to poke fun at online reviewers, be frustrated at the dismissal of cozies as literature, and of course delight in the casual recreational discussions of how to get away with murder. Through Cat, the author also does provide genuine advice and support for aspiring writers, no matter how their writing styles may differ. Further bolstering cozies as layered and complicated novels is how Cat explains how food, eating habits, and cooking methods add depth and fill out a character. Cat declares that she is a “pants” writer (flying by the seat of) who allows her characters to grow and form as she writes, and shades of that can be seen in this novel where side characters gradually build and reveal compelling backgrounds. Mystery readers will love the Meta commentary on the genre and the process of writing, while chefs will appreciate the scone recipe and Shauna’s baking advice. Humor and romance are always present in this series, and this novel has Cat more than ever contemplating the loss of trust and how that somehow led to her finding a her true home. The conclusion is as satisfying for the characters as it is for the reader, granting further room to grow while tying up loose ends and delivering a genuinely warm note.