Sconed to Death is a really good cozy mystery. This cute book has a great plot and fun characters. Mystery fans will love this book.

Greyson might have been a celebrity chef and an eligible bachelor but clearly there was more to him than met the eye---because he was murdered! Cat, our intrepid heroine, and her friend Shauna investigate. Cat's been dealing with a writers retreat and the hateful DeeDee who thinks Shauna swiped her recipes. Her uncle Pete (you'll love Uncle Pete) wants them to stay out of it but regular cozy readers know that's not gonna happen. Cat's a fun heroine, a former English professor who inherited her B&B from a rotten ex-husband, she's involved in a second chance romance with Seth, who's always there for her. You'll be fine if you haven't read the earlier books. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. I'm looking forward to the next one- and to making the raspberry scones.

This is another awesome addition to the Cat Latimer series and it is definitely one of my favorites! Cat, Shauna, and Seth run a Writer's Retreat. one week a month. This group is a cozy mystery writers group from Chicago.
A famous local chef ends up dead. His family have secrets as well as some locals. Cat and friends try to figure out what happened. Very enjoyable! Not suspenseful, intense, or graphic.

Another winning series from author Lynn Cahoon! Having enjoyed both Ms. Cahoon’s Tourist Trap and Farm-to-Fork mysteries series, I was eager to sample her Cat Latimer books. “Sconed to Death” is the fifth book – and the first book I have read – in the series. Because of what seems to be a complicated back story, it is definitely beneficial to have read the first four books of this series before embarking on this one. That said, I thoroughly enjoyed the book and have every intention of going back and reading the series from the beginning.

Cat Latimer is hosting a writers’ retreat for cozy mystery authors at her B&B in Aspen Hills, Colorado. A writer herself, Cat has a unique connection with the retreat participants. As the story opens, Dee Dee Meyer, who runs the local bakery, accuses Shauna (Cat’s best friend who also cooks for the retreat) of stealing her recipes, and, in retaliation files a false complaint against the B&B with the health inspector. Amid this drama, a famous chef (who had been trying to open a restaurant in the town) is found dead in the bakery. The mystery, as they say, is afoot, and Cat – despite her police-chief uncle’s admonition to stay out of it – proceeds to investigate. Two interrelated subplots, one involving a long-ago friend of Cat’s and the other involving the writers’ retreat participants complicate matters further.

Both Cat and Shauna are strong characters, with individual, yet complementary skills. Cat’s boyfriend, Seth, aids, not only with the B&B, but also in the sleuthing. The description of the writers’ retreat is fascinating, as is the discussion of the various publishing options available to writers. The mystery, itself, is intriguing with a variety of suspects, each with his or her own motive for murder. The only thing to give me pause was a reference to Cat’s writing as “witch stories,” which seems at odds with the her straight-forward personality.

All-in-all, “Sconed to Death” exemplifies what a cozy mystery should be – an intriguing puzzle coupled with charming and relatable characters. I look forward to more adventures with Cat and her friends.

Note: I received an ARC of “Sconed to Death” from NetGalley and Kensington Books. The above is my honest review.

This is the fifth in the Cat Latimer series. Ms. Cahoon never disappoints, this series has been well-developed, well plotted, and well received. I am always ready to visit Aspen Hills.
We find Shauna on the road to recovery over the death of her fiancé, Set and Cat’s relationship is not on a fast boat but is steady. I like that they are taking the time for themselves and their relationship. It is great to see the bonds of friendship deepening. Uncle Pete provides sound counsel to Cat and listens when Cat tells him her suspicions and the neighborhood gossip in relation to the case.

Looking forward to the next installment.

Lynn Cahoon has done it again “Sconed to Death” is an absolute amazing book. It is book five in the “Cat Latimer” series. Professor turned author, writers retreat host and super sleuth all wrapped in one. This is a great mystery with a hint of romance all wrapped in one!

Book # 5 in the Cat Latimer mystery series and her Aspen Retreat Resort is hosting a group of cozy mystery authors which runs for the next seven days. Unfortunately, she is also trying to make peace with Dee Dee Meyer a local baker who has filed a false health report against her chef and best friend Shauna. Dee Dee has accused Shauna of stealing her recipes. A celebrity chef is found dead at Dee Dee's bakery and the chief of police (Cat's Uncle Pete) warns Cat to not get involved. Good addition to this series and of course lots of suspects. Cat is loyal to her friends and family and she makes a great sleuth.

It would be fun to attend a writers' retreat at Cat Latimer's home for food, fun and friendship. Her Warm Springs Writers' Retreat is set in her lovely old Victorian home in Aspen Hills, Colorado, with tons of great food for breakfast and snacks in a great setting with a local college campus and library to use for research. Her friend, Shauna, is the great cook, housekeeper and manager and her boyfriend, Seth, is always around the week of the retreat to carpool guests to and from the airport, do handyman tasks and be a designated driver on the final night out for dinner. Uncle Pete is the local police chief and tries to keep Cat out of trouble but is not always successful. This week a well known chef is found dead in the local bakery and unwittingly (sort of?), Cat, is drawn into the investigation. The bakery owner, Dee Dee, has it out for Shauna, claiming she stole her recipes. Dee Dee says she has an alibi for the time of the murder. An old friend of Cat's and sister-in-law of the victim is accused of the crime. Apparently, the chef had a few enemies, however, so Cat has sleuthing to do.
This is another fun retreat week with a great group of aspiring authors who Cat and crew enjoying getting to know. It wouldn't be retreat week without a murder to solve.
I received a complimentary ARC from Kensington Books through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine only.

Sconed to Death
(Cat Latimer Mystery #5)
by Lynn Cahoon 

Paperback, 320 pages
Expected publication: May 28th 2019 by Kensington Publishing Corporation



Goodreads synopsis:
Cat Latimer pursues a scone-cold killer who iced a top chef in a local bakery . . . 

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 . . .

***

4.5 Stars

Another fantastic offering in the Cat Latimer series. Nobody does cozy like Cahoon!

I really like how Cahoon gets us to follow the threads of the mystery to dead ends. Because when you get to the climax of the book it is such a revelation and an ah-ha. The only niggle I had with this book was that we never got to meet the chef superstar Greyson Finn before his untimely demise. I’ll bet he would have been quite a character to craft and write for.

Cat continues to deal with the death of Michael even in this book. And I think that is totally realistic. I mean, who can get over such emotional things in such a small span of time? This is only book five and each retreat happens once a month. I hope at some point Cat can move forward with her life. I wonder what a life married to Seth might look like? Eventually, much like it does now, I suppose but not without a few pitfalls to make life exciting … for them and us. I foresee a marriage proposal in the future, I think.

Dante was barely a minor, minor character in this story and I think it is good for some of the townspeople to hide in the background while others shine. I liked how this book was more Shauna focused than Cat focused even though Cat is still the eyes we see the world through.

This series never fails to surprise me. I am indeed hooked.

Highly recommend this to everyone.

I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.

Cat Lattimer is a successful writer running a writer's retreat in Colorado. When a famous chef is found dead in the back of a local bakery she's starting to see his links to seemingly random people in her life. Looking at the ever-growing list of suspects forces her re-examine her past and the friendship she left behind when she moved away. Between trying to solve murder and a house full of writers and their drama she has her hands full.
A warm and well written story with a touch of romance and a lot of self-searching. A must read!

This is a delightful entry in an equally delightful series! You have some charming, likeable characters, some not so likeable characters, a mystery that isn't too obvious to keep the story interesting, a smattering of regular, every-day goings-on, and a fun group of visiting writers that all combine to make this a really enjoyable book to read. I found myself guessing and second guessing myself all the way 'til the end, which kept me reading much longer than I should have been. There's even a tasty scone recipe at the end. I highly recommend Sconed to Death, along with the rest of the series and Lynn Cahoon's other series!

I received an advance copy of this book. The thoughts and opinions in this review are my own.

Another excellent edition to a wonderful series! Full of twists and turns that leaves you wanting more and enjoying each moment until the end when the killer is caught!

I enjoyed this book. The camaraderie between the characters is great. I wish I had someone cooking for me like Shauna does. The only thing that bothered me it that there aren't any scones mentioned in the book to explain the title. #SconedToDeath #NetGalley

SCONED TO DEATH is the fifth book in the Cat Latimer Mystery series by Lynn Cahoon. While I haven’t had the chance to read the entire series, I found it easy to pick up and read this book as a standalone. The author gives just enough backstory so the reader will feel like they know the characters and can relate to the situations facing the protagonist, Cat Latimer. Cat runs a writers’ retreat in Aspen Hills, Colorado. Ms. Cahoon has created a cozy vibe for both the town and for her large Victorian home turned retreat. Her setting is so inviting I wish I could find something similar to visit! I greatly enjoyed her portrayal of the interaction of the mystery authors attending the retreat along with their writing practices. It gives a peek at what authors face when creating material on a regular basis. Cat’s two supporting characters, boyfriend Seth and best friend and chef, Shauna, are well-developed and add to the cohesive feel of running the retreat. In fact, Cat couldn’t do it without the two and I’m glad that the protagonist acknowledges their importance.

The murder that takes place is a bit different than other scenarios that generally happen in cozy mysteries, in that Cat doesn’t have any personal interaction with the victim before finding the body. I felt a bit dis-associated from the crime and the reasons Cat felt she needed to investigate. Despite that, Ms. Cahoon writes an entertaining story that provides several hours of enjoyment. She weaves the lives of her memorable characters into finding truth and justice for the victim. With an exciting reveal, the author wraps up the threads of the story into a satisfying conclusion.

Cooking and baking for the writers’ retreat, Shauna creates all sorts of tempting treats in her kitchen to keep the writers’ energy up and creative muses flowing. From breakfast and snacks to late night movie treats, Shauna has the perfect solution. Ms. Cahoon has provided a scone recipe at the back of the book.

Cat's friend Shauna is undergoing enough with the death of her fiancé in a previous book and continuing to fight with his ex over what he left her in the will. Dealing with Dee Dee is one more frustration, which is why Cat gets involved.

Greyson's death is a mystery and brings Cat back into contact with her former friend Jessica, who was Greyson's sister-in-law and alleged lover; their friendship lapsed when Cat left town after her ex cheated. It's a surprise to discover that Jessica is not at all the friend she remembers. Cat was blind to a lot of personality traits there. There are a number of little surprises along the way to keep readers on their toes trying to guess who is the killer.

Cat has a lot to sort out between the different pictures of Greyson that are being offered by various suspects and some personal limbo with the estate she was left by Micheal. The pacing is steady so the reader can compare all the clues as the story moves along.

One of the most enjoyable parts of this book is that her guests are cozy mystery writers and for once, they have no interest in the mystery ongoing around them. Seth is busy with work projects, and Uncle Pete is thinking about his future with his love interest, who lives in Alaska. An enjoyable series installment.

Great story and an excellent idea for a vacation for potential authors! Makes me want to take a writing class and follow up with a writers retreat, but only if the owners are providing the kind of food and service that Cat and Shauna did in this story. I came to this party late so to speak so I was not familiar with the back story on either Cat or Shauna but was able to catch on fairly quickly. The relationship between Cat and her Uncle Pete the police officer was perfect. You just can't stop these main characters from doing what they feel they must to solve a puzzle. There were also some pearls of wisdom about over bearing significant others and speaking up for yourself as well as how many different ways a person can cook an apple. I REALLY would like access to the recipes that Shauna was using. I had an inkling of an idea as to who did it but wasn't sure until the reveal. Excellent read as usual and thank you to NetGalley for providing me this book in exchange for my unbiased opinion.

Cat Latimer's writers retreat is running along when a celebrity chef from Denver is killed in a local bakery. Dee Dee, the owner of the bakery has been causing trouble for Cat's friend Shauna so her curiosity gets best of her and, although her sheriff uncle warns her to stay out of it, Cat just has to investigate.
Since I haven't read the first four of this series, I'm not sure I have enough back ground to properly judge the fifth. The dynamic between Cat, Cat's boyfriend Seth, and Shauna is good. All three care for each other and seem to work well together. It's pretty easy to guess the killer, but it's still a fun read.

I went in blind with this book. I knew the author wrote cozy mysteries which meant small town, warm characters with some mean ones, descriptions of food/recipe, a murder, some suspects, a busybody, the main character and her team to investigate that murder.

My first book by Lynn Cahoon though 5th in the series, was easy to understand. The backstory was given in a loving way which made me feel a part of Cat Latimer's life. Cat, an author herself, ran a writer's retreat once a month, opening her home to a group of writers. This book dealt more with small town relationships and the writers who had come, than the investigation. The day to day happenings of the 7 days retreat were told in detail which can be a good thing for regular cozy readers.

But I wanted more of investigation, something which caused the plot to shine more. Almost everywhere Cat went, everyone warned her about dangers of investigation, at one point, I wanted to sit up and say - she is an adult, let her make her own decisions. Ah well... She did solve the murder purely by chance.

Overall, a good read which follows the formula of cozy mystery and ends with a recipe about scones...

Sconed to Death is the fifth book in Lynn Cahoon’s Cat Latimer Mystery series. It’s is a well-written story with well-developed characters that moves along at a steady pace. The characters are relatable, and there are enough twists, turns, and suspects to hold the reader’s attention. Ms. Cahoon’s writing style flows smoothly at a steady pace, and she provides good background information on the affable characters. This is a clean, easy read that can be read as a standalone.

Cat Latimer is an author and the owner Warm Springs Writers’ Resort in the small college town of Aspen Hills, Colorado. Shauna Mary Clodagh, Cat’s best friend, a talented cook, and the retreat's manager, is writing a cookbook. Cat’s boyfriend, Seth Howard, is her handyman and helps transport guests. Cat’s uncle, Pete Edmond, has been the local police chief for twenty years and is in a long distance relationship with one of the retreats previous guests, Shirley Mann, a retired detective who lives in Alaska. Both Cat and Shauna live on the third floor of the large Victorian house, and Seth stays there when they are hosting a writers’ retreat. The current retreat attendees are a group of four cozy mystery authors who are members of a critique group from Chicago, plus Molly Cannon, a Covington College student who earned the right to attend the retreat. Shauna is providing a cooking demonstration/class for the attendees. Dee Dee Meyer, the owner of the Happy Cupcake, a local bakery, storms into their home and accuses Shauna of stealing her recipes. The next day, Nate Hearst, the local health inspector, shows up for a surprise inspection based on a complaint the health department received concerning the unhealthy condition of their kitchen. When a body is discovered in Dee Dee’s bakery, Uncle Pete has to talk to Cat in his official capacity because she’d recently been to the bakery to see if she could to make peace with Dee Dee and ask her to back off on the complaints. The body is identified as Greyson Finn, a famous Denver restaurant owner and chef, who was planning to open a restaurant in Aspen Hills. Even though the case has him completely stymied, Uncle Pete wants Cat to focus on her retreat and guests and to stay out of the murder investigation, but it isn’t in her nature to ignore a mystery, causing everyone to worry about her safety. While looking into things, Cat discovers a connection between an old friend and the victim which places her among the suspects, and Cat tries to clear her name.

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

This is my first Cat Latimer Mystery and it won't be my last. I plan to read the first book in the series next because I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. Sconed to Death was a refreshing change of pace, a pure mystery with quirky characters and plot twists and turns. The bit of romance between the main character and her boyfriend Seth warms the story without bogging it down with awkwardly inserted encounters. As a mid-series fan, I had no problems appreciating the established relationships and becoming immersed in the atmosphere of Aspen Hills, Colorado. This book is appropriate for young mystery lovers and the young at heart, perfect for a family book club!