This is the first book in a new cozy Shake Shop series. Trinidad Jones moves to Upper Sprocket Oregon to start over after her ex-husband Gabe is convicted of embezzaling and all she has is the store that Gabe left her. She finds herself in town with his other two ex-wives Bonnie and Juliette. Trinidad has been doing to keep a low profile and get her shop up and running for the summer months where she plans to make freakshakes, she has not sought out her ex’s but meets Juliette who is running the storage company (left to her by Gabe as well) and is shocked that she really likes Juliette. When Trinidad goes to pick up hazelnuts from a local farmer Quinn and his brother Doug she instantly makes friends and since she purchased the nuts to split with the local popcorn king, she goes over to deliver his portion and collect his share of the costs. Instead of collecting her funds she finds him dead in a kettle and Juliette is the prime suspect as she had been dating the victim and he supposedly broke it off to marry someone else. When Juliette is arrested by Chief Biggs (also Gabe’s sister), Trinidad tries to help her out as she really believes she is innocent and likes her. So Trinidad begins sleuthing while Juliette is in jail and is doing her best to figure out who the killer is. Her Grandfather arrives in town to convince her to come home but Trinidad feels she is really starting to connect to people in town. The mystery is a good with a good cast of characters and potential love interest with Quinn and love Noodles her rescue dog. Good beginning to this series.

A fun new series of a young woman trying to open a new ice cream shop, and ends up being an amateur sleuth as well. Enjoyed reading and following the clues with Trinidad, and getting to know some of the small town people and her granddad. Would highly recommend.

This cozy missed the mark for me. Trinidad has moved to a small Oregon town to open a Ice Cream Shake Shop. She is recently divorced, her ex is in jail and his other two ex wives live in the same town. When the owner of the popcorn store across the street is found dead she sets out to solve the crime. I did not like the main character. I found the writing to be clunky. The over cute names of the businesses really slowed down the story. There was a lot of repetition. The mystery was OK. I was able to figure out the killer. I love cozies and ice cream but I did not love this book.

I really loved this first book in a new to my series and author. I can't wait to read the next one. The characters and location really add to the plot. This book keeps you guessing until the end.

Unfortunately I did not finish this title - not really my cup of tea. However well written, and no criticism to the author.

I liked the diverse cast of characters in this story with their myriad of quirks, including the dog. There were so many I forgot who Stan was when he pops up for dinner about 70% through. I was also satisfied with the mystery.

I liked Trinidad once the negative comments about her appearance stopped. I did not like the negative comments about her appearance and the way she ran just because she is about 30 lbs. over weight. Yes, it can be realistic, especially if your mom was a (minor level) beauty queen, but I don't need it in my cozies. She bonded quickly with another character, some might say too quickly, but she seems to be a warm hearted person and I appreciated that there wasn't an faux feeling animosity because of their shared experience. It was neither of their fault, so it was nice that Trinidad didn't give the other person grief.

There were a few things that didn't ring true such as the tiny house. There is no way Trinidad could have a (spontaneous) dinner party for 6, then her grandfather prepare food for a town wide feast. Also, I believe the dog, Noodles, was originally described as a lab, yet there were a couple of instances where he was treated like a lap dog.

Despite this, I enjoyed the book and am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

Very interesting town brings Trinidad face to face with ex wives of her ec husband. Kevin the popcorn king is found dead . can trinidad help solve the case?

sadly, before i could download this title, netgalley took it off their catalog. that means i can’t review this one. HOWEVER, i will be checking in with my library to see if i can get a copy and review it that way

In Dana Mentick's Pint of No Return, the first installment in the Ice Cream Shop Culinary cozy mystery series, this would hook you from the first compelling page to the last page in a sitting or two. It all started for Trinidad Jones, when she moved into Upper Sprocket, Oregon, a cozy little town to get away from her slimeball of a husband in more ways than one. She had plans on turning a former pet shop into her own ice cream parlor in the town to start her own small business. But things aren't what they cracked up to be when she ran into one of her ex's ex-wives Juliette in town and friended her. Then she met her business neighbor Kevin and later discovered his dead body when Juliette is the prime suspect. Along the way, she met some new people like Quinn and Doug who became her new friends and helped her clear Juliette's name to discover who the real culprit. Lo and behold, she ran into some obstacles on figuring out whodunit, until things came to a head when her shop and her life was endangered when the least unexpected suspect who killed Kevin was revealed in the end.

As you read this book, you may develop a strong craving for ice cream!

I’m a “cozy mystery” fan, and I throughly enjoyed this first book in the “Shake Shop Mystery Series”. It has every element that makes a cozy mystery series great: Interesting main characters that you immediately like; a small town community that’s always eager to gossip, but also always eager to help in time of need; and a plot with plenty of twists and turns to make the reader unsure of how the mystery will be resolved. This book has the extra bonus of having a loveable dog named Noodles and a grandfather (Papa Luis) who add fun and humor to the story.


The main interest in this book is not a romance, but the storyline itself. As Trinidad is getting ready to open her ice cream shop, she accidentally finds herself entangled in solving a mystery. As I mentioned earlier, I liked the characters in this book and that added to my becoming involved in the story. I did not anticipate everything that happened at the end of the book, which added an extra element of surprise. I’m glad we’ll have the opportunity to solve another mystery with these characters.


Although this book is not listed as Christian fiction, it contains no foul language and is clean and sweet. Readers of Christian fiction would be comfortable with this book.


I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

An Interesting start to a new cozy series. I've never read a cozy mystery set in an ice cream shop. However while I enjoyed the mystery and the setting the main character got on my nerves so it was to hard to actually start to like her. Though other readers might not find her such a pain.

Dana Mentink’s Pint of No Return is a great and entertaining dessert cozy mystery. The plot moves a bit slowly and certain aspects of the characters are a little unbelievable. But, it’s a solid and lighthearted debut with mature writing and good characters.

Trinidad Jones has moved to Upper Sprocket, Oregon for a fresh start after a tumultuous divorce from her slimy ex-husband Gabe Bigley. She’s diligently preparing to open her dream: the Shimmy and Shake Shop selling fantastically over-the-top milkshake creations. Although the town is also home to two other Bigley ex-wives, Trinidad and her beloved dog Noodles are doing their best to settle in. However, Trinidad soon stumbles upon the body of her neighbour, Kevin the Popcorn King. When Trinidad’s new friend and fellow Bigley ex-wife Juliette is accused of the murder, can Trinidad solve the crime and survive till her shop’s opening day?

The mystery is interesting and well-written with a few good twists and a fair number of viable suspects. I like that I really didn’t guess the murderer’s identity although there are clues sprinkled throughout. However, the plot lacks a bit in thrill and suspense and also drags at times. I wish the cast of suspects had been much more developed. I also think the history of Trinidad’s relationship with her philandering ex-husband as well as his other ex-wives is a little unbelievable and ridiculous. I’m also not entirely sold on her dream business of selling milkshake Freakshakes in the middle of nowhere.

I really enjoy Mentink’s mature writing and great descriptions. Upper Sprocket is very nicely described and the town’s memorable inhabitants are interesting and well-crafted. Trinidad is a likeable, resourceful, and kind protagonist. She’s a good sleuth and friend. I love her hesitant friendship with Juliette and I would love to see more of their relationship in later books. There’s also a budding hint of romance with Quinn Logan, a kind nut farmer who also aids Trinidad on her sleuthing adventures. I am looking forward to more of their relationship as Quinn happily supports Trinidad’s investigating instead of discouraging her. However, my two favourite characters are the adorable and quirky dog Noodles, and Trinidad’s lively and fun grandfather Papa Luis who comes to town just when she needs his support the most.

Pint of No Return is a solid debut. The characters and writing have the potential to make a great series and I will definitely be checking out the future books!




🍦 🍦 🍦 ½ out of 5 ice creams!

Perfect intro novel into the new Ice Cream Shop Mysteries series!! Cozy mysteries are about all I can handle - you get the suspense and character development - but none of the foul language, graphic violance or vivid descriptions of unimaginable situation - so thank you Ms Mentink for Trinidad and the citizens of Upper Sprocket. I totally fell in love with Noodle and Papa - can't wait for #2!!! I'm offering this honest opinion of Pint of No Return in exchange for a digital ARC from Netgalley :)

Trinidad Jones is just trying to start over. When her ex-husband Gabe was sent to prison for embezzlement and fraud, she found out that he’d deeded his small hot dog shop to Trinidad. Her plan to turn it into an ice cream shop specializing in monster milkshakes has the residents of Sprocket, Oregon buzzing about it already.

At least, Trinidad hopes that’s why they’re buzzing. She was Gabe’s second ex-wife. She had divorced him when she found out he was cheating on her with Juliette. Juliette had then ended up marrying him and quickly divorcing him. But one neither one knew about his first wife, Bonnie, until his trial.

And now all three ex-wives are living in Sprocket.

Trinidad tried to keep her head down, keep to herself, and focus on opening her Shimmy and Shake Shop. Just spend her energy creating delicacies like the Fourth of July Freakshake, a giant milkshake made with handmade ice cream, syrup, marshmallows, and a star-shaped brownie on top. But when she had to get something out of her storage unit, Trinidad came face to face with the owner, Juliette.

Because it’s a small town, and because both women had shared some of the same unfortunate experiences in their marriages (and divorces), Juliette suggests that they become friends. Trinidad agrees, since it would make things easier on everyone and because she hadn’t made any local friends yet, except for Noodles, her recently adopted Labrador who flunked out of service animal training but not before learning several great tricks.

But then Trinidad finds her shake shop neighbor, Kevin Heartly, owner of Popcorn Palace, murdered. And the girlfriend he’d been cheating on is the prime suspect. That girlfriend? None other than Juliette.

Trinidad doesn’t believe that Juliette killed anyone, but she knows from her days as a court stenographer that proving it is another story. Although she’s busy getting ready for opening day at Shimmy and Shake, Trinidad is determined to find out who really killed Kevin. And in order to do that, she’ll have to get to know some of the locals and figure out who can be trusted . . . and who is a murderer.

Pint of No Return is the first in a new series that features Trinidad and a host of fun characters in Oregon. With mouth-watering descriptions of her ice cream concoctions and plenty of small town drama, author Dana Mentick brings Sprocket to life (and to murder) in sharp detail. This is her first mystery series, but this first book shows a lot of promise, and I can’t wait to go back to Sprocket again soon.

I really enjoyed Pint of No Return, but I do have to be honest about one thing. Trinidad is a fun character, but she gets completely upstaged by her dog. Noodles steals the show, from bringing her salad dressing when she’s feeling down to chasing after the loose chickens. He may be the emotional support I need these days, which is surprising, because I thought that would come from her milkshakes.

Egalleys for Pint of No Return were provided by Poisoned Pen Press through NetGalley, with many thanks.

Pint of No Return is written by the talented Dana Mentink. This is a cozy mystery and a fun easy read. Dana Mentink is one of my favorite authors and I have been fortunate enough to read her releases from the last 4 years. She is not only a great writer, but she is super reader friendly and her Facebook reader group she is always posting fun videos.

Pint of No Return is the first book in the Ice Cream Mystery Shop. We meet Trinidad. She is recently divorced and as part of her settlement gets a business in Upper Sprocket, Oregon. She packs her life up and moves to sell some monster shakes. (Side note, I had to make a milkshake while I was reading this book). Sprocket seems like a super fun small town. However, her ex's other previous wives live there also. Which, could prove awkward. This is the type of town that everyone seems to know everyone.

Trinidad stumbles upon Kevin the Popcorn King. One of the ex wives are accused. Trinidad wants to prove that she is innocent and sets out to prove that others may have wanted Kevin dead. Why would someone want a popcorn king dead? There are a lot of characters to be suspicious of. You will have to pay attention to the clues that the author leaves.

The author has created a fun lighthearted cozy mystery. The characters are fun and quirky and my most favorite character was Trinidad's dog, Noodle. The author always creates great mysteries.

I received a copy of this book through the Celebrate Lit Blogging Program, All thoughts are my own.

I’ve recently been introduced to “cozy murder mysteries”. I can’t say I’m completely sold on the genre, but the ones I’ve read so far I feel have strong potential. This one is no different.

I liked the characters and setting. I felt you really met a lot of people from Upper Sprocket, but I thought the author moved too quickly between characters. I thought there could be more detail as I was left with more questions than answers.

The pace of this book was better than some other cozies I’ve read. I felt that familiar pull that books give when you’re being drawn in. BUT, I don’t know where the series goes from here. Do more characters die that you’ve met? Do more people move into town? You met 2 of the 3 ex wives- will we finally meet the 3rd?

This is the first book in the ice cream shop mystery series. A fun cozy mystery by an entertaining author that I enjoy reading. I loved all the characters especially Trinidad who moved to her ex-husband’s home town. Much to her surprise the other two ex-wives of her ex also live there. In her divorce she receives a building once owned by her ex, who’s now in prison for numerous crimes. She’s planning to open a shake shop on the Fourth of July with colossal milkshake recipes she’s invented herself. A wrench gets thrown in her plans when she discovers the body of the owner of a popcorn store. Her friend and a former ex of her husband’s is blamed for the murder. Trinidad sets out to find the real killer so that her friend can be released from jail.
This unfolds into a search mission with fun and entertaining characters to make the reading an unputdownable story. I’m also sure that I’ve gained five pounds during the reading because I kept craving ice cream and popcorn!
I received a complimentary ebook from Netgalley with Celebrate Lit but was not required to write a review positive or otherwise.
Comment

Pint of No Return by Dana Mentink has Trinidad Jones moving to Upper Sprocket, Oregon where she is going to open the Shimmy and Shake Shop in a building deeded to her by her louse of an ex-husband. Trinidad is delivering nuts to Kevin Heartly, owner of Popcorn Palace, when she finds him dead inside his giant popcorn kettle. Juliette Carpenter, a new friend of Trinidad’s, is arrested for the crime. Trinidad with help from some of her new friend’s works to clear Juliette’s name. Pint of No Return is the debut of A Shake Shop Mystery series. This is a cute, lighthearted cozy mystery with a good cast of characters. I must admit that my favorite character is Trinidad’s dog, Noodles. He is a compassionate dog with many talents. I also liked Trinidad’s grandfather, Papa Luis. The author took the time to introduce the characters and describe the town. I enjoyed the vivid word images of Upper Sprocket. It sounds like a beautiful area with charming shops and homes. The mystery of who murdered Kevin Heartly, the Popcorn King, had several good suspects who had motive. I liked the tie-in to the auctioned off storage unit. The author did a good job of laying the groundwork from the beginning. The clues are evident, and they will lead readers to the killer’s identity. It is a well thought out whodunit. I just wish it were a little more challenging to solve (I like a good puzzle). There is some romance as well. Trinidad meets Quinn Logan and there is a spark between them. We shall see where it leads. There are mouthwatering descriptions of freakshakes which is what Trinidad is going to serve at her shop. They are over-the-top milkshakes that will have you heading to store to obtain the necessary ingredients to make your own frozen creation. There is a recipe for key lime ice cream at the end. Pint of No Return is a sweet treat with fantasy freakshakes, a departed popcorn king, storage shed disorder, an excess of ex-wives, a set-up suspect, and firm friends.

Trinidad Jones is ready for a new chapter in her life but her plans never entertained living in a small Oregon town, dealing with marital baggage and, last but not least, homicide. As ex-wife number two she is the owner of a building that will soon be home to her dream, the Shimmy and Shake Shop where she will create over the top milk shakes using her own home made ice cream. Too bad that dream is tangled up with her ex husband and his other two ex wives plus his older sister. Each of the wives had no clue that there were other ex's until the louse was tossed in prison. Each of the women ended up in Upper Sprocket, OR thanks to the louse and it isn't long before they encounter each other and soon are faced with one of them being arrested for murder. Then they have to deal with their ex-sister-in-law.
Trinidad is certain that Juliette is not the killer but when bail is denied and the police chief is ready to say case closed, she and her new circle of rather quirky friends set out to track down the real killer. What else can she do? Juggling the final touches to the Shimmy and Shake, settling into a new and very small town, sorting out her own life issues, Trinidad makes a very believable sleuth.
The puzzle is very well crafted with a great twist at the end. As for the character of Trinidad she is very likable with her Cuban father's genes front and center. She is on the short side, on the plump side and has unruly hair and she has a heart of gold. Added to the mix is her rescue dog, Noodles who was being trained as a service dog but he flunked out. He's delightful.
My thanks to the publisher Poisoned Pen Press and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

Pint of No Return has a super cute premise, but there’s zero story development. I checked multiple times to make sure this was the first book in a series because the first quarter of the book felt like a second or third book in a series where they do a quick catch up before the new story begins.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC for an honest review.