The latest of the Baker Mystery series finds Torte further expanding its business and into the world of ice cream (concretes as it’s called in the novel) into a place called Scoops. With a new location to feature the season treats, we are introduced to new characters who own the neighbouring businesses.

We also learn more about Carlos, Jules’ estranged husband who is in Ashland for an extended period of time so that they could sort out what direction they want their marriage to go in.

But when the neighbourhood’s well-known homeless man is found murdered near Scoops, most of the business owners in the area are under suspicion as the killer.

With this novel, there are conclusions regarding some of the characters’ love lives, which is something that was nice to have. However, I may or may not have liked the direction they went.

It was also nice to know more about Carlos’ and his true intentions. But what really threw me off was why Jules thought that a certain someone was going to propose to her when that man was dating someone else for some time. That specific part made me shake my head. I felt it was really unnecessary and turned me off from the story a bit.

On another note, I was able to figure out who the killer was and a part of what they were up to that led to the murder! That never happens.

Overall, while it was nice to read about characters furthering their lives, I felt it wasn’t as entertaining as the previous Bakeshop Mystery books.

Look, I am a HUGE Ellie Alexander fan--I love her Bakeshop and Sloan Krause series and will generally read anything by her. But this just wasn't my favorite of hers. It's still a super solid cozy mystery and better than many I have read, but when compared against Alexander's other works isn't quite at the same level.

Jules and the gang decide to open Torte 2--an ice cream and coffee stand--but when a homeless man is murdered behind their new location, Jules is, as usual, tossed into the middle of the investigation. Meanwhile, love seems to be in the air for everyone in Asheville--will the same be said for Jules?

The mystery itself was pretty good. I enjoyed the overall plot elements and while I suspected who the killer was fairly early on, there were enough red herrings and other plot elements to not make it super predictable. It's really the other plot elements that made me like this book less so. First, seems crazy that after expanding and buying a vineyard that they're going to expand again into an ice cream shop. The beginning of the book laid the foundation for this plot point, and it wasn't super exciting, and I could have done without it. Two, everything wrapped up super neatly in this book. It almost felt like an end of series? Trust me, I hate cliff hangers and love a good bow, but it was just strangely settled for nearly every character. I don't want to say more without spoiling certain plot elements!

This is still Ellie Alexander and it's still great and still worth a read, it's just not quite as good as, say, Cup of Holiday Fear or Beyond a Reasonable Stout.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for my free eARC in exchange for an honest review!

4 stars - 6/10

Oh how I enjoy this series! Chilled to the Cone is the next book in the Bakeshop Mystery series. Juliet is opening an extension to her bakery that will be for ice cream and chilled drinks. Of course she falls into a mystery in the process. The killer is NOT who I expected it to be, it's always a good mystery if you don't know who did it until it's revealed. Can't wait for the next in the series!

This review is based on an ARC from NetGalley, courtesy of the publisher. All opinions are my own.

This book is exactly what I have been wanting. I loved getting to catch up with Juliet and the gang at Torte. I loved getting to see where Juliet and Carlos relationship is going. I also loved seeing the relationships of some of the other characters. The mystery is once again very well written. I had a slight inkling of who might have done it but not why they did it. I can't wait to see what is next for Juliet.

I received an advanced copy of this book from Netgalley, St Martin's Press, and Ellie Alexander in return for my honest review. Thank you for the opportunity.

"Chilled to the Cone" is the 12th instalment in the A Bakeshop Mystery series by Ellie Alexander. I really enjoyed this story, the whole spring time vibe and how it brings new beginnings. I liked that Carlos was there and Jules was trying to figure out where they are in their marriage. There were other new beginnings in the book but i wont get into those and spoil it for you. Needless to say I cant wait for the next book. I liked hearing about the railway district and what it has to offer to the whole small town feel.

The mystery is interesting and well plotted, and there were just enough twists and turns to keep you guessing.
Don’t get me started on the descriptions of all the desserts, drinks and food , I think I gained 15lbs just thinking about them. I like that recipes are included in back of the book too

I recommend this book to all my cozy lover friends.


I requested and received an advance reader copy of this book from St. Martin's Press and Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I have read all the books in Ellie Alexander's bakeshop mysteries. I find the setting and the characters enjoyable and I am glad an issue that has plagued the last few books in the series has been resolved (no spoilers).

Juliet is contented have her husband Carlos, home from the ship to try and give their marriage another try. She is also trying to run a newly renovated Torte and possible expansion ice cream shop. However, when murder happens at the backdoor of her new location, Jules takes on the case to find out who killed an Ashland staple.

I appreciate that Alexander really knows how to capture the small-town feel of Ashland and her constant mentions of the Shakespeare Festival, or OSF, which really is as wonderful as she paints it. I wish Torte was a real place there as the baked goods always sound scrumptious and leave me hankering for a cup of good coffee. I will continue to enjoy these mysteries for as long as she continues to write them.

Jules has sooooo much going on -not only is she about to open a popup ice cream shop, she's still running Torte, her love Carlos is back, and well, life is life, isn't it. Sadly, though, she finds the body of Wizard, the homeless man so well known in her community in Ashland, Oregon. Who killed Wizard and why? Alexander does an especially nice job addressing the issues of homelessness and mental health in a mystery that feels just a bit more sophisticated than some of the previous offerings in this long running series. Jules, her BFF friend Lance, and others band together, of course, to find the answer, even as they deal with changes (no spoilers) in their own lives. Well rounded characters, who are accessible (and relatable) even if you are reading this as a standalone, and a nicely twisty tale make this a good read. Thanks to the publisher for the ARC. Oh- and there are recipes. Ice cream and cozy fans will love this one.

This was a great book. Full of action and never a dull moment. Jules (Juliet) Capshaw and the gang at Torte are about to embark on another adventure. Opening a new place in the Railroad District. She and her crew are hard at work on the Reno when they witness the harassment of a local man called The Wizard. Later the same man is chased by yet another merchant. Why were they chasing him? Was he guilty of the crime they said or was it merely because he was homeless? Later on The Wizard turns up dead. Was it just a tragic accident or much worse? The police suspect murder and that spurns Jules into action.There's something rusty happening and she's deter to get to the bottom of it. But before she can solve a murder she needs to figure out how things stand between her and Carlos her husband. Is he happy in Ashland? Or is he longing to be back on the ship and sail the 7 seas? Can she let go of him ? She knows she won't be going with him as her heart is in Ashland. So will she be able to safely solve the murder or will things get dicey?? And how will it go between her and Carlos? Will love win over or will they part ? You won't be able to put this book down once you start reading it.

CHILLED TO THE CONE, the twelfth book in the Bakeshop Mystery series by Ellie Alexander, recaptures the strengths of earlier books in this delicious series which made this newest release a delight to read. Ms. Alexander has always penned strong, well-developed characters that fans love, however with the last few installments the mystery has taken second seat. Chilled to the Cone remedies that with a well-plotted, page turning, heart-rending whodunit that drew me in and kept me turning pages. Protagonist Jules Capshaw has a lot to balance: a growing bakery/café, part owner in a winery, trying to find out if her marriage is salvageable, and an opportunity to take on a satellite location for their signature ice creams. Thrown into the hectic mix, Jules finds the body of the homeless man, known as The Wizard. The varieties of situations she finds herself in and how she reacts and interacts with family, friends, and customers, allows the reader to feel like they can get to know her. Jules is one of the kindest, most thoughtful protagonists there are and I love the relationship she’s developed with so many of the supporting characters. Each new release makes me feel like I’m receiving a special visit from close friends.

Part of that caring personality prompts Jules to find out why The Wizard was killed Ms. Alexander treats the social issue of homelessness and mental illness, so prevalent in that population, with sincere respect and sensitivity. I appreciate how she weaves the issues into the story without detracting from the plot. Jules, together with her charming sidekick, Lance (who often steals the scenes he’s in) start asking questions around town in order to find the justice The Wizard deserves. Clues are sprinkled throughout for the sharp reader and there are several suspects to keep the reader guessing. As I turned pages, I found myself immersed in enjoying the unfolding of the mystery while experiencing the sights, sounds, smells, and especially tastes that are offered up in this delectable read!

I have always been a fan of this series but this latest one is my favourite!
A top notch whodunit interwoven with the great characters.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.

I really enjoy Ellie's writing style. It makes for a quick fun read. This cozy mystery actually surprised me a bit. I was putting all of my money on someone else as the offender! I do not want to include spoilers but I'm very pleased with this book. Super fun and cute yet the entire time your mind is wondering about the mystery side of the book!

Chilled to the cone is a mystery that you'll enjoy trying to solve the crime and enjoy the pastures and coffees as well.

This Bakeshop mystery expands into ice cream (concretes). Jules is trying to figure out what her future with Carlos will be. At the same time she is given the opportunity to expand Torte to an outdoor location in the Railroad District. It is an exciting opportunity for Sterling and Andy to expand their skills and independence.
This is an exciting addition to the series. As usual the relationships between characters are so important, it is the glue that makes this series work.
I expected the outcome for Thomas. I wasn’t sure how things would end with Jules and Carlos relationship.
The culprit(s) in this book were not a surprise. There was something off from the beginning. The book highlights homeless situations.
I love the support and positivity that Mrs. the Professor and the Professor off along the way.
It was a pleasure to visit Ashland. The author subtly raises the issue of what happens to a town when it’s main draw is at risk. I appreciate that the author doesn’t bring in the pandemic but is able to interest the reader in supporting those things that will keep a town alive and businesses thriving.

I love the Bakeshop Mysteries. The series has always been one of my favorites. Book 11 was a huge disappointment to me, though, and Chilled to the Cone, Book 12, started out slowly. At 11% in, I wrote a note to myself: "Are we ever going to get to a freaking story?" Because it was just a whole lot of background and business stuff up to that point. (And I do LIKE the business side of most cozy series!)
The murder doesn't occur until about a quarter of the way into the book, which is taking it too slow, to me.

Once things start happening, though, the story improves, and I'm reminded why I enjoy this series. The relationships, the touches of humor, the plotting, the setting, the community. I do wish that the author didn't feel the need to occasionally lecture the reader on baking techniques, and it would be nice if, for example, one of Andy's creations occasionally WASN'T amazing. Just for a tiny taste of reality, ya know.

All that said, when I got the review copy of this title, it moved straight to the top of my TBR pile. I couldn't wait to see what Jules and the gang were up to, and I'll be eagerly looking forward to the next one.

Review copy provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

This book was the perfect distraction to the crazy times we live in.Scenic southern Oregon, caring friends and family, mouth-watering food and a twisty plot provided an enjoyable reading experience. You can also identify with choices and decisions people faced. Would have liked some recipes at end of book.
Thanks to #NetGalley, #ChilledtotheCone for advanced digital copy.

Oh my goodness! Once again, Ellie Alexander has outdone herself. Each time that I think her books cannot get any better, along comes a new one that proves me wrong. The Bakeshop mystery series continues to be the perfect mix of tantalizing delicacies, sweet romance for all ages, and of course, murder. Readers are given enough tidbits of clues and information to make them think that they just may have it all figured out, but plot twists and additional information make them question themselves each time they do. This is a series that I eagerly await each new book, and hope that they continue for a long time to come.

Chilled to the Cone is by far the best book in this entire series.
The investigation was well told and it kept me guessing until the end.
Juliet played a fantastic role in this book and I’m really looking forward to what life has to offer her.
This is a good, solid cozy mystery series that rarely disappoints me. The characters are all unique, but their personalities all work well together.
I’m looking forward to reading more in this series.

This series gives me all the feels! Every time I start a new book in this series, it feels like a homecoming; I love seeing what everybody is up to you and being reminded of the town and all the fantastic characters. The plot and mystery is always so engaging and such an easy read that I zip right through; and this one was no exception! I was a bit annoyed with her extremely pessimistic view of Carlos, but everything else was delightful.

The remodeling has been completed at Torte and Juliet Capshaw is looking forward to a busy spring. When a unexpected opportunity to launch a pop up ice cream shop materializes, Juliet is reluctant. When her barista and chef tour the shop with her, their wild enthusiasm swings her to decide to take the space. But the death of one of the town's characters near the new shop shakes Juliet and she soon discovers all is not peaceful at the new location. Someone is vandalizing the local shops and stealing from the vendors. Signs point to the teenaged son of one of the store owners, but did he resort to murder? Juliet sets out to discover the truth. I love this series and I always wish there were recipes in the books for the treats Juliet prepares.

This book will keep you guessing until the very end. As the reader takes a walk with Juliet and company, they will feel all the emotions. Fear, sadness, joy, contentment, and so many others. The author once again gives the reader everything they did not know they needed out of this book. Definitely, one you can read again and again.