Another wonderful installment in my favorite series! Stepping into Fairy Tale Cupcakes is like a reunion with your favorite friends. It’s the perfect feel good atmosphere that took my mind off these trying times. The pacing was brisk and kept me guessing. There are several recipes included at the end I would like to try. I’m a stress baker just like Mel. I can’t wait for the next book in this delightful series.

PUMPKIN SPICE PERIL is the twelfth book in Jenn McKinlay’s “Cupcake Bakery” cozy mystery series. Although this book is equally as entertaining as other books in this series and has many classic cozy elements, there is something so tragic about the murder in PUMPKIN SPICE PERIL that hits me hard. There is ample foreshadowing to give the reader a heads up that local glass artist Rene Fischer-Klein will soon meet with an unfortunate and sudden end. Rene’s death hits main character, cupcake baker, and amateur sleuth Melanie Cooper particularly hard as well since they had a friendly acquaintance over the years. The murder only gives birth to a million questions. Was she done in by a secretly dastardly husband like something out of a gothic tale? Did Rene have a hidden love affair prompting jealously that turned deadly? Was this the work of some random psycho? Melanie and her cupcake crew of family, co-workers, and friends struggle to answer these critical questions as they also try and get a little baking done as well.

Rene’s personality is almost unrecognizable to those who know her best, as she frantically works to complete everything for a huge upcoming art show. As Mel is provided cupcakes for the event, she observes Rene’s unusual behavior up close. When she turns up dead, most of the suspects turn out to be fellow artists and Mel meets the good, the bad, and the ugly. Jenn McKinlay adds another layer of pressure for Mel when she has a member of the police brass looking closely at her and questioning how she always seems to be in the thick of so many murder investigations. As much as I like Mel and her crew – finally! For every cozy mystery fan, there’s usually a hefty amount of suspending your disbelief. Unless the sleuth is a PI or in some way in the criminal justice field, it is odd when a regular civilian just happens to be close to so many murder cases. However, for mystery fans, we are happy to let it go – unlike most of law enforcement in these books.

PUMPKIN SPICE PERIL is a surprisingly fun and murderous mix of artists, cupcakes, and murder. As always, the friends and other fun supporting characters have a lot to do with what makes this story so special. I look forward to Jenn McKinlay’s next mystery.

Pumpkin Spice Peril is an entertaining and light read that brings out the laughs.

Mel’s life is surrounded by sweetness on so many levels. She has a bakery that produces the best cupcakes in town, her best friend and business owner is happily married and Mel herself is riding the wave to the happiness that is wedded bliss. Life just may be on the verge of perfect for our lovely cupcake baker.


Mel’s cake goes flat when her good friend and client, Rene is in a state unlike she’s ever seen before and becomes a victim of murder. Now Who could think the delectable goodness that is cupcakes or their maker could be anyway responsible for this tragedy has lost her mind.
Mel and her gang at Fairy Tale Cupcakes bake up a few laughs while a few of them find themselves asking questions, causing questions or chasing after answers. Mel has once again found her way smack in the middle of a murder investigation and no lack of sweetness will slow her down to figure out the who and why.

Jenn McKinlay’s Pumpkin Spice Peril is like walking into your local neighborhood bakery and visiting with friends that you’ve known forever. Even if you’ve just met them. Ms. McKinlay gives readers wonderful characters blooming with personality and charm, in a fun, warm and welcome setting. Pumpkin Spice Peril is a light hearted read yet the plot is solid and will make you think. Not to mention if you don’t want a cupcake by chapter 3 you probably don’t like sweets. I have not read this entire series and the titles that I have read were in no sense of order whatsoever, Pumpkin Spice Peril is a treat for the new reader or those that have been following for a while.

Mel's life is all buttercream and rainbows when she is married to the delectable Joe DeLaura, her best friends are still on their newlywed high, and the bakery is busy as ever. When Mel finds herself in the mix of an untimely death-- again. -
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Rene, a local glass artist, has been a valued customer of Fairy Tale Cupcakes but has been immersed in her work as she prepares for the unveiling of her largest sculpture yet. Her husband, Peter, has been delivering the cupcakes weekly to encourage Rene to stay grounded. However Rene's behavior has become increasingly erratic and obsessive. When she is found dead, the police suspect foul play. Mel finds herself under extreme scrutiny when the police chief learns of her body count. Can one person really be that unlucky? -
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I just love how Jenn McKinlay writes a cozy mystery. She never puts her characters into overly unrealistic situations. The community and characters have grown in the last 12 books and I cannot wait to see where they go next. I flew through this book and can easily relate to the characters. Even if I cannot imagine Oz with short hair. 🤦‍♀️
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The best part-- the recipies. I cannot wait to play with the Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes.

McKinlay's latest cupcake mystery leaves Mel searching for a friend's murderer, while fending off a threat of investigation into her previous sleuthing. I enjoyed this installment, but found it to be a bit short, which meant that several of the plot lines were somewhat thin. The threat of being investigated by Scottsdale PD for her proximity to so many murders only lasted a few pages before being dismissed easily! I hope the next mystery has a bit more heft to it.

Fairy Tale Cupcakes in in the midst of preparing a large order for one of their favorite customers. Mel and Angie are excited for the opening of a glass installation in Scottsdale by their friend and artist Rene Fischer-Klein. Rene has been working diligently on her glass sculpting, sometimes even forgetting to eat. But lately Rene's behavior has been erratic and frightening. When Mel stops by with Rene's favorite flavor, pumpkin spice, she confronts Rene in the process of attacking her assistant. This is abnormal behavior and Mel is quite shaken by it. The next day Rene is found dead and the police think she overdosed on opiates. Mel is not so sure and she begins to unravel threads that lead to the murderer. I enjoyed this book and having been in Scottsdale recently, I was trying to imagine what a glass sculpting exhibit would look like .over the canal.

Rene dies just before a catered event in which her artistic creation will debut. Mel becomes a suspect when the police chief questions how she keeps finding bodies and threatens her with an independent counsel investigation into her involvement in past homicides. Meanwhile Angie battles morning sickness but her brothers provide support for her and Mel. I found this to be a pleasant diversion. Even though I missed several installments, my familiarity with the characters was adequate to appreciate this. Even though I rarely read more than 50 pages at a time, I enjoyed this one. These COVID-19 days filled with other distractions account for the length of time it took to read it. I suspect under normal circumstances this would have been read in a few hours. I received an advance review copy through NetGalley with the expectation of an honest review.

A sweet cozy mystery that I enjoyed. A quick read that allows you to follow Mel in her life as a baker. She owns the Fairy tale Cupcakes Bakery. This mystery involves an artist and her art gallery. It was a perfect cozy mystery for an afternoon read. Truly enjoyed it. thank you to Penguin Random House and Netgalley for my advanced copy. All opinions are my own.

Melanie and Angie are busy with their bakery, Fairy Tale Cupcakes, as well as planning for Mel's upcoming wedding to the swoon worthy Joe Delaura. Business is brisk as usual and the pair have a large order slated for the upcoming art glass installation over the canal that is being constructed by their longtime friend and loyal customer Rene. Rene and her husband Peter have a seemingly perfect relationship that Mel especially looks up to so it comes as a surprise when he confides that his wife has been sick lately as well as uncharacteristically irritable and prickly. Mel herself becomes the target of her friend's wrath when she goes to check on her friend at the Desert Winds Gallery. Mel also learns that she is not alone in this as many have also been subjected to Rene's wrath including her husband Peter who has been banned from the gallery. When Rene turns up dead just before the unveiling of the installation, suspicion falls on Mel and the pumpkin spice cupcakes that were left in Rene's studio from her bakery. Even Mel's uncle Stan, lead detective on the case, can't save Mel from becoming the chief of police's top suspect as her history of discovering bodies speaks loud and clear. Mel and Angie quickly start their own investigation to clear Mel of suspicion and to uncover the truth behind Rene's strange behavior and her untimely death. Suspects abound from artists at the gallery to Peter himself.
Light hearted and humorous, Mckinlay's cupcake series never fails to leave readers smiling, and Pumpkin Spice Peril does not disappoint. While the main mystery itself is intriguing and will draw readers in immediately there are also quite a few comical subplots that add an extra layer of enjoyment to the story. McKinlay does a great job of bringing the art, food, and Scottsdale to life through her descriptive prose, making readers feel as though they are part of the story itself. The scrumptious recipes that are a hallmark of these cupcake mysteries are an added treat. I highly recommend this series to those looking for a comical retreat and a good whodunit to keep you reading through the night.

Mel and Angie's friend, Rene, is an up and coming glass artist, and she has hired Fairy Tale Cupcakes to provide the goodies at the unveiling of her sculpture over the canal. But when Rene is found dead shortly before the big day, Mel is determined to figure out exactly what happened, and who, if anyone is responsible.

This is book #12 in one of my favorite series by one of my favorite authors, and I couldn't wait to start reading it. The characters, even the secondary ones, all feel like family to me by now, and I feel like I'm right there in the room when the DeLuca brothers all show up at once, or when Joyce scolds Mel yet again while fawning over "Dear Joe." None of that was lacking in this book, thank goodness! While there were plenty of suspects, I had a funny feeling about one of them as soon as the character was introduced, and in the end, that funny feeling was right. The confrontation leading to the reveal was a bit of a surprise, but I don't want to say more for fear of spoilers. I look forward to following the adventures of my friends in Arizona in the next book.

In this twelfth installment of Jenn McKinlay’s Cupcake Bakery cozy mystery series, Mel experiences some big life changes. I love when authors of longtime series allow their characters to change and grow even though I’m sure there must be pressure to not fix what isn’t broken.

Mel is coping with a couple of big changes when an artist friend dies. Investigating the death because even after being warned off, Mel can’t stop asking questions, leads to some unwelcome revelations about people in her circle.

As always, mentions of cupcakes are delicious and plentiful, including several recipes.

This book was perfect comfort reading.

Thanks to NetGalley and Berkley for a DRC.

I absolutely loved this latest installment in the cupcake bakery mystery series. Mel, Joe, Angie and Tate are such fun, sweet and hilarious characters, and the antics they get up to are rivaled only by the delicious cupcake concoctions they come up with! Jenn McKinlay is an auto-buy cozy author for me. :)

4.5 Stars

This is the twelfth book in the Cupcake Bakery Mystery series by Jenn McKinlay.

Basic premise: At the beginning of the book cupcake baker, Melanie Cooper gets a serious tongue lashing from her good friend, local glass artist Rene. She accuses her of everything under the sun including stepping out with her husband. Melanie is floored. There is something seriously wrong wrong with Rene. And her paranoia is only growing. When she ends up dead, Melanie discovers she is high on the police chief’s radar since she has been connected to so many murders over the last few years. This forces her to do some investigation to clear her name and find out what really was wrong with her friend.

If you haven’t read this series yet, definitely pick this one up! Pumpkin spice is my go-to coffee drink at all times of the year. And McKinlay does a great job putting the pumpkin spice cupcakes in the spotlight. Are they the murder weapon? Maybe. You will have to read it and see.

The drama between Melanie & Rene and Melanie & the chief really make this book a standout. I felt so bad for the girl. Of course, that didn’t keep me on speculating on whodunit. I had an idea who I thought had a good enough motive but it turned out my guess was wrong. Love it when the author surprises us with who the killer is and why.

Definitely a series you should put on your must read list!

If you enjoy a good cozy mystery, give this one a try, you won’t be disappointed!

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.

Melanie Cooper’s Fairy Tale Cupcakes, in Scottsdale, AZ, is famous for its delicious and quirky creations. (Root Beer Float cupcakes, anyone?) As this episode of Cupcake Bakery Mysteries begins, the first mystery that presents itself is newlywed Angie Harper’s sudden irritability and tendency to bolt for the nearest bathroom.

Melanie and partner Angie are preparing a huge order for an art-glass installation over the canal, being crafted by longtime friend and customer, Rene Fischer-Klein. She and husband Peter have long been Mel’s exemplar of a perfect, supportive, loving marriage, one that she hopes to emulate when she weds Joe DeLuca, Angie’s older brother.

But when Peter stops in that day to pick up his usual order of 4 cupcakes for Rene, he confides that his wife has been sick lately, claiming stress from the upcoming exhibition. She also has been uncharacteristically moody, paranoid, and unpredictable, and will not see a doctor.

Mel, concerned for her friend, decides to visit Desert Winds Gallery, where Rene is working on the last pieces for the installation. Before she can get to Rene’s door, she learns that others have noticed - and been targeted by - Rene’s accusations, including Peter, who has been banned altogether. Rene’s gaunt and unkempt appearance is shocking, but not as shocking as her bitter, jealous rage - at Mel, who has to duck to avoid being hit by a piece of glass. What is happening to her lovely friend?

The day before the exhibition, Peter has not shown up for his usual cupcakes, and Rene has not called. Worried, Mel is about to check in on Rene when Angie arrives, wide-eyed with horror: a death has been reported at Desert Wind. At the scene, their worst fear is confirmed. Rene is dead.

The investigation begins with the pumpkin spice cupcakes that were in Rene’s studio. Although they are found to not have been poisoned, the police chief opens an investigation into Mel herself, since she has been “homicide adjacent” in so many murders already (a malady shared by many a cozy sleuth!). Of course, there are other suspects, beginning with Peter himself, and other artists from the gallery, including sultry Bernadette, hunky Byron,and others, who might - in a different context, be labelled “red herrings.” (Not even adventurous Mel would make Red Herring Cupcakes.)

There are also delightful subplots. One of Joe’s brothers buys his girlfriend a fish and names it after himself, Mel’s mother has begun to date (and wait until you learn who her new boyfriend is!), and Mel’s chef, Oz, who suddenly transforms himself from Goth-punk to well-groomed grownup. Mel’s uncle Stan, a detective himself, has an insightful discussion with Joe about Arizona’s laws that incarcerate low-level drug users in prisons that are, increasingly, being privatized - an interesting side-note indeed. And I’ll add my own, personal puzzlement: do people really eat 4 cupcakes at one sitting?

All is resolved, relationships are changed for better or worse, Angie’s new characteristics are most-delightfully explained, and many cupcakes are eaten. Many many cupcakes.

Confession: this was my first Cupcake Bakery Mystery, but it won’t be my last. 5 stars and thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

PUMPKIN SPICE PERIL, the twelfth book in the Cupcake Bakery Mystery series by Jenn McKinlay, is a much-needed, lighthearted read for this coronavirus pandemic time we find ourselves in. Ms. McKinlay’s humor brings some laughter and definitely lots smiles to the reader as the story unfolds. Protagonist Mel Cooper, along with her partner in the Fairy Tale Cupcake Bakery and soon to be sister-in-law, Angie, are just the sort of good people I like to spend time with. They are friendly and big-hearted, and able to banter and spout off movie quotes at the drop of a hat. Their antics and relationship with each other, their family members, and their employees bring joy to each page. As a long-time fan of this series, I’ve greatly enjoyed watching the core characters grow and change over the years and in this newest book there are changes aplenty!

When one of their artist friends is found murdered, Mel becomes involved in finding out what happened. She feels guilt over not being a better friend to the woman, who had obviously been going through a stressful time. Ms. McKinlay’s descriptive voice shines through which allows the reader to experiences the art gallery and the gorgeous art produced there, the anguish Mel feels, and the suspects she talks to. I felt like I was right there, tagging along. Even though Mel’s Uncle Stan is the detective in charge, it doesn’t stop the chief of police from zeroing in on Mel and trying to prove she must be involved since she’s always stumbling onto dead bodies. Still, Mel presses forward to do everything she can for the victim. There were plenty of suspects to go around and some twists to keep the plot interesting.

Of course with the central setting being Fairy Tale Cupcake Bakery, there are cupcakes galore mentioned throughout the story. Be prepared to drool! Fortunate for the reader, Ms. McKinlay provides several mouthwatering recipes at the back of the book.

I was provided an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Jenn McKinlay has done it again! She has created another cupcake mystery that is a stand alone read which encourages readers to read previous books in the series to learn more about her characters. Living in an artistic community, Mel has made friends with various artists. When one of her customers starts behaving in a strange manner while working on a creation of a lifetime, Mel tries to find out what is going on. Lovely descriptions of the artists masterpiece and artful descriptions of characters will appeal to everyone. Find out how Mel and her friends solve another mystery.

The 12th Cupcake Bakery Mystery

The Fairy Tale Cupcake Crew is back!

Melanie is riding high. Planning her wedding to the hunky Joe Delaura, things are going well with the bakery, Angie and Tate are finally married and even Uncle Stan seems to be finding love. So you know something bad is going to happen. Poor Mel is always in the thick of things.

At the moment they are busily baking cupcakes for their dear friend Renee. An incredibly gifted artist working on a huge glass project installation in a few days. To keep her energy up her husband, Peter stops by every day for four of her favorite cupcakes. To Mel and Angie, this is a #relationshipgoal type of couple. 

But lately, Renee has been acting odd. Is she really stressed over this art installation? Or is she ill? When she is found dead at the gallery the day before her biggest triumph, the suspects are coming out of the woodwork. And a certain police chief is wondering why Melanie seems to be always stumbling over bodies.

In order to clear her reputation, she will once again have to poke her nose where others wish she would not. But this time she'll be on her own. You will understand why after the first few pages of the book, so I'm not saying a word. Those DeLaura men thrill me and terrify me at the same time.

These characters are so real that I have a theory that they are and maybe if I'm really good, I'll stumble upon Fairy Tale Cupcakes and sample some of those scrumptious cupcakes. 

Also, recipes are included. God Bless you, Jenn McKinlay!

NetGalley/ April 28th, 2020 by Berkley Books

I could not wait for the ARC of this book and waited on it too come out for so long! Possible BEBEES! This time it is not Mel who is the one who discovers the body, that was new and I liked the twist, if you can call it that. In this book of my beloved series, Mel is the main suspect. I love how the bakery gang comes together to clear her name. I do not know, but this may be my favorite so far, maybe because of the growth of the characters. The recipes included are absolutely fabulous and I have already made one... or two. Thank you to the author, publisher, and Netgalley for the opportunity for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The gang is all back for another adventure. This series is one of my favorite, and this book did not disappoint. I laughed, cried, and suddenly had a craving for cupcakes. Oz, oh Oz, said it ain't so. Angie and Tate-yay. And can we get Mel and Joe married already?? It makes me happy when I stick with a series and I'm still right there with the characters as they navigate through life. This one was very well written. I thought I had figured out who the murderer was, but then a twist, and I was wrong. The storyline had me engaged to the very end. Can't wait for the next one in this series.

This was my very first Jenn McKinlay cozy mystery & I enjoyed it very much! Her characters are fun & interesting and the storyline sucked me in & kept me interested until the very end. The bakery theme was wonderful and the recipes at the end an excellent bonus. I will go back to the beginning of the series & read them in order, as well as eagerly await the next in the series!!