Thank you so much for this ARC!

First, I have never read a "cozy" and I've never watched "The Great British Baking Show" but maybe I should!?

I really enjoyed reading this and cannot believe this is Jessa Maxwell's debut novel! Although there were so many characters, each one was thoroughly developed and I loved learning their quirks and vulnerabilities throughout Bake Week.

The "mystery" does not really happen until 80% in, however, the lead up is fun and interesting and reads like a classic. Really looking forward to the show that is in the works!

A special thanks to Atria and NetGalley for providing me with an advance reader's copy in exchange for my honest review - this one is a must for anyone that is a fan of the Great British Bake Show!

Like many Netflix fans, I became quickly obsessed with the tent and the contestants on the Great British Bake Show, and Jessa Maxwell does a great job of pulling on that inspiration sprinkled with a touch of murder (see what I did there? Haha!). In this one, The Golden Spoon is the coveted trophy of Bake Week, a reality television show that contestants apply to, hosted by Betsy Maxwell, an elderly lady (a la Prue Leith or Mary Berry) with some hidden secrets. In this season, Betsy is given a co-host, Archie and we flip back and forth between her POV and the POVs of the multiple contestants. I wasn't sure I was going to be able to keep all of them straight, but Maxwell does a good job at describing the characters (for example - Stella and Hannah were around the same age, and I was getting them confused at first until they started to evolve in character development). The plot spirals out of control as some bakers are sabotaged, before someone is finally murdered.

All in all, this one was a really quick read and the plot moves fast - the sabotage ended up not being a major plot line, but rather an afterthought (I would've liked to see that one play out a little bit), but the ending definitely holds some merit with these characters and how their lives were changed after their Bake Week experience.

Pub date for The Golden Spoon is next month, 3/7/23 - I think if you're a fan of "whodunnit" mysteries or the Great British Bake Show, this one is worth checking out! Thank you again NetGalley and Atria publishing for this ARC.

I was really excited going into this one just from the description and it did not disappoint. I would describe it more of a cozy mystery than a thriller though, so keep that in mind so you're not surprised by the lack of *thrill*. I'm a huge Agatha Christie fan and this had the same kind of vibes. Think Agatha Christie + Clue + The Great British Bake Off.

Synopsis:
The Golden Spoon is the award given to the winner of "Bake Week", the long-running reality television baking competition hosted by "America's Grandmother" Betsey Grafton. The show is filmed at Grafton Estate, where all 6 competitors will be staying while they're still in the running. We get each finalist's POV in addition to Betsey's. The book begins with Betsey finding someone murdered in the baking tent toward the end of the week. Then, it backtracks to the very beginning of the week when all the contestants arrive at Grafton. The rest of the book is the murder mystery of who the victim is, why they were killed, and who did it. As a bonus, we're treated to a couple of side mysteries but I don't want to spoil by going into those.

Thoughts:
At the beginning I was worried I wouldn't be able to keep all the characters straight with so many POVs but the author did such a great job at giving each their own unique personality and backstory so I quickly caught on. Plus it helped that each chapter is labeled with the character's name. The chapters are also relatively short which made the book quite bingeable. I finished it in two nights as it was a struggle to put it down. I'm not a baker myself but I still really enjoyed the bakes. It was really fun getting different views from the contestants and seeing who would be eliminated each day. My only complaint is I would get hungry while reading about the delicious treats and would have to get up for a snack. Congratulations to author Jessa Maxwell on her excellent debut novel. I can't wait to see what she does next.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for allowing me to be an eARC reader. All opinions were my own.

Longtime host of a beloved baking show, Betsy Martin is warmly known as ”America’s Grandmother.” When the producers introduce a new cohost with an aggressive personality, she’s livid. Adding to her ire, strange incidents and accidents begin to occur on set. When these disturbances turn deadly, readers discover that almost everyone on the show is hiding a secret. A dollop of Agatha Christie and an extra serving of whodunit makes Jessa Maxwell’s mystery deliciously decadent.

4.5 stars!

This book held my attention from start to finish. I loved all the different POVs. How the beginning of the book started. How different all of the characters were and how much it felt like I actually got to know them throughout. I also adored the baking show aspect tied in with the murder mystery. One part of the ending was predictable, but that didn't stop this book from being a fabulous debut!

Thanks to NetGalley & Atria Books for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review!

Set in Vermont, a group of bakers are competing to win Bake Week and be named America’s best baker! The night before the finale, there is a huge storm and Betsy, the shows host, must check the tent to ensure everything is secure. While doing her walk through, she notices blood and then a body.

What wasn’t to love about this book! New England setting, Rhode Island contestant, and the fact Bake Week resembles one of my favorite shows - The Great British Bake Off! Add in that it’s a thriller and this was one of my favorite reads so far this year. Each character has their own internal struggles that come out with each turn of the page, constantly adding to the suspense. I honestly couldn’t guess the ending on this one which makes it an easy 5 stars for me.

I cannot wait to get my hands on a physical copy to keep in my collection!

I'm giving this 3.5* - I liked the premise and that the chapters were by the contestants and Betsy. I do like the twists and turns and mystery of the story, the in between parts just fella little flat. I did however enjoy it.

3.5 stars

If you are expecting something similar to the several cozy mysteries featuring bakeoff themes that are floating around, think again. This one is a bit darker, with a hint of thriller.

The setting is an old mansion which is gorgeous and stately from the front but a bit tired and in need of TLC if you go beyond the surface. It is the childhood home of beloved famous baking queen Betsy Martin, who might not be quite as lovely as her professional persona indicates. She has been the host of a long-running show set in her home which prides itself on being a kindler, gentler sort of contest without the cutthroat rantings of other popular shows.

The contestants assembled are a varied, mixed and well-described group. The new challenge for Betsy is that her magic TV numbers are down, and the bean counters at the network have assigned her a new co-host. The chemistry is not good and a series of mishaps plague the contestants.

As they become eliminated one by one, and as Betsy fights to maintain control of her show and her legacy, old secrets and new ambitions come to light. This is an atmospheric read with very nice characterization. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Do you love Agatha Christie mysteries and cozying up to watch The Great British Bake-Off? Do you want a murder mystery to read while curled up on your couch, preferably with a sweet treat? I think you'll love The Golden Spoon!

When I saw this book was a mystery taking place on the set of a baking competition, I knew I had to read it, and the story didn't disappoint. It had the exact vibes I was hoping for when I requested the ARC. The Golden Spoon takes place on the set of a fictional baking reality show called Bake Week--very clearly meant to be a nod to the aforementioned Bake-Off, as it involves a similar premise and uses some of the same lingo--, which takes place every year at Grafton Manor, the home of baking extraordinaire and so-called "America's Grandmother," Betsy Martin. As six new contestants descend on Betsy's Victorian estate for this year's competition, Betsy fears the network is planning to take her show out from under her when they introduce a new co-host.

Then, of course, things get more complicated when someone dies.

I felt Betsy, her new co-host Archie, and all the contestants had distinct personalities. Lottie and Pradyumna ended up being my favorites and I enjoyed the dynamic they developed. I also wished I could sample the contestants' creations like Betsy and Archie because the lush descriptions of cakes, breads, and pies were mouth-watering. (I want some of that chocolate-and-strawberry pie, please!)

One thing I will note about this book is that it's definitely a mystery, not a thriller. Other than the prologue at the very beginning, no body turns up until about the 80% mark. There is still suspense that propels the plot forward until that point, so though there was no murder yet, I was personally still intrigued. This book would work best for people who enjoy a cozy mystery atmosphere, growing questions, and Gothic manor settings rather than non-stop thrills and fast-paced action.

While I enjoyed the book and it was what I hoped it would be, I wish the climax had been more surprising. Everything made sense and the loose ends were tied up, but there wasn't the breathless, eye-popping, "oh-my-God-what-just-happened" moment we all love in mysteries, as the foreshadowing was at times heavy-handed. This was the author's debut novel, though, and I think it was a valiant first effort that will please the cozy mystery crowd. I will definitely check out the planned Hulu adaptation when it's released, and I would read from this author again in the future.

Four scrumptious stars! ⭐️

Note: I will also be reviewing this book in a video posted to my YouTube channel on 3/5/23!

In The Golden Spoon, production is set to start on the 10th season of Bake Week, a long running baking show hosted by “America’s Grandmother” Betsy Martin. 6 new guests are brought to the tent to compete, but as the competition goes on, strange things start to happen. Ingredients get mixed up, contestants crack under the pressure, and then someone ends up dead.

This book gave me some mixed feelings…

This plot had all the makings of a book right up my alley, but it didn’t quite land for me. I’m not sure this book is being marketed properly. I expected a bit more of a deeper thriller, but it was a bit more of a cozy mystery instead. There are 7 different POVs in this book and at times I didn’t feel the voices were unique enough. I found myself going back to the beginning of the chapters to figure out who was speaking often. I also thought the book too a bit too long to plant the seeds as far as the murder goes after the first chapter.

The pacing of this book is fun though, a quick read. I did love the setting and descriptions of the setting, The Grafton, were really well done. I did like the flashbacks and the digging into Betsy’s backstory. Of the characters, I think I liked Lottie the most and her scenes with Pradyumna were delightful.

Overall, I think there is some fun to be had here, but more of a cozy whodounit than a true thriller.

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria books for the opportunity to read an advanced e-book copy.

Set in a mansion in Vermont, The Golden Spoon is a delicious escapist baking show mystery novel. Six contestants vie for the coveted golden spoon and prizes on Baking Week on Flixer, hosted by celebrity baker Betsy Martin and Cutting Board host Archie Morris. Some contestants are starstruck, others not. But all are in it to win it for various reasons. Competition is fierce and the hosts and contestants are not all as they appear. Not only is murder on the menu but secrets and other shenanigans abound.

My favourite aspects are the various well-written individual points of view, food descriptions and slow burn. I also like the chapter layouts. Few characters are likeable but they needn't be to become engrossed in the story.

Hungry for more? The Golden Spoon should satiate your appetite if you enjoy baking tidbits with your mysteries.

My sincere thank you to Atria and NetGalley for providing me with an early digital copy of this fun debut novel.

This is a wonderful cozy mystery for those who enjoy The Great British Bake Off!

Our story occurs stateside at Grafton, home to a long running baking competition. Six bakers arrive to try to out bake each other in order to win the golden spoon. Strange mishaps cause bakers to underperform, sending a few of them home prematurely. On top of everything there's an additional secret hidden within the old estate. It's murder, mystery, and all the coziness of a friendly baking competition.

Super fun murder mystery with a great setting and cast of characters. The latest season of Bake Week is being filmed at host Betsy Martin's childhood home. There are 6 contestants, who each have a unique backstory and motivation to win the competition. The filming is complicated by a new co-host, ambitious producer, "America's Grandmother" who is anything but, sabotaged baking and a dead body. The story is told from multiple points of view which added to the drama. I had a great time reading this book, and look forward to watching the upcoming Hulu series! Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for the advanced digital copy in exchange for an honest review.

This is a very addictive and fast read. In the vein of And then there were none, six contestants and two hosts are filming a baking competition in a remote, sprawling mansion when murder ensues. All the characters are hiding secrets, and the twists were, if not totally unexpected, enjoyable. Normally, the cast in these novels is one-dimensional, but every character here has a distinctive personality and voice. Each chapter is narrated by a contestant, so the reader gets the clues piecemeal. I don’t know how to cook a hard-boiled egg, so I expected all the descriptions of the baking challenges to bore me a little. They didn’t. I wasn’t sure what they were talking about, but the style is so approachable, that I found myself drooling over the contestants’ confections. The descriptions of the house made it easy to picture all its rooms and gardens in my mind. I liked all the characters but two. One was clearly despicable but I’m not sure if the other one was by design. I wasn’t too excited by the last part, it seemed a little bit too easy, though I still enjoyed it. In any case, it’s an impressive debut and I enjoyed it a lot.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, #NetGalley/#Atria Books!

I was given an e- ARC by Atria books and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I absolutely loved this book!

I could not put this book down it had me from the first chapter. This is a mix of The Great British Bake off and Knives out! We get a point of view from each of the contestants which I loved! Each point of view flowed well and didn’t get confusing like some books with several POV’s can. This closed room mystery had me on the edge til the very end. I loved the description of each food being made and I could picture in my head all the beautiful desserts. I could go and on about how much I loved this book!! Be sure to pick this up along with a baked treat on March 7,23. You won’t be disappointed!

This one was a super fun read for anyone who likes the Great British Bake-off! I had a lot of fun with it, the characters were done well! It's definitely more of a cozy mystery than a thriller, and knowing that going in helps! Very creative book, already have pre-orders in place for some family members that are sure to enjoy this.
Thank you so much Atria Books for the ARC of this one.

For a week each summer, six contests via for the “Golden Spoon”, the prize for winning Bake Week, a fictional bake-off TV show. The filming takes place at Grafton, a leafy Vermont estate. And what do most country estates have? Secrets.

This novel is a great locked room mystery with interesting characters that I enjoyed getting to know. And of course half the fun is trying to guess not only who the killer is but what secrets everyone is hiding. The novel has already been picked up to be a limited series on Hulu and I can see it being a lot of fun to watch. It gives off fun murder mystery vibes for sure.

This murder mystery centers on an annual TV baking show filmed in a magnificent remote Victorian mansion, that has been the ancestral home of Betsy, the show’s hostess, for generations. Think Agatha Christie hits the Food Network for a confection of a who-dun-it.

Six home bakers have come in for the annual week-long bake off, each with their own secrets, ambitions, or ambivalence. There’s Stella, a New York city journalist who has quit her job and spent the past year learning to bake by cooking all of Betsy’s published recipes. Lottie, a retired 72-year-old nurse from Rhode Island, loves to bake for her daughter and has an extensive collection of mixing bowls in her cottage. Pradyumna, a dashing entrepreneur made rich off a parking app that has since gone obsolete, cooks mainly for attracting women and distracting himself from his boredom. Hannah, a young baker from Minnesota specializes in pies and baked goods for the small diner where she works a and dreams of escape to a bigger stage. Gerald, a Bronx high school teacher, uses his mathematic skills to bring absolute precision to both his baking and his life. Peter, a gay New Hampshire renovator of historic homes, cooks mainly for his partner and daughter Lulu. Add into the mix a new charismatic co-host Archie who emerges as Betsy’s archnemesis, as well as Melanie, a producer Betsy has promoted up the ranks to head this year’s baking contest and who harbors built-up resentment.

And the book opens with Betsy screaming upon finding a dead body late at night in the baking tent, which she’s been asked to check due to torrential rain.

All this builds into powerful reveals, with deeply satisfying side mysteries and personal revelations that go down as easily as a well-baked sweet.

Oh, and get excited for a Hulu series already in the works based on the book!

Thanks to Atria Books and NetGalley for an advanced reader’s copy.

The Golden Spoon by Jessa Maxwell
Knives Out meets Great British Bake-Off set in the countryside of Vermont in an old Victorian mansion...Sign. Me. Up! If you haven’t heard about this one yet, you will soon-it is so good!
In fact, go ahead a preorder this one now....I’ll wait...
“The six contestants work to prove their culinary talents over the course of five days, while celebrity baker and Bake Week host, Betsy, is less than thrilled to share the spotlight with a new cohost—the brash and unpredictable Archie Morris. But as the baking competition commences, things begin to go awry. At first, it’s merely sabotage—sugar replaced with salt, a burner turned to high—but when a body is discovered, everyone is a suspect.”
If you love a good British-style mystery with some tasty treats thrown in to make you hungry, then this is the book for you. Each chapter is from a different person’s perspective which can sometimes get confusing, but that wasn’t the case here. These are great characters, and you will suspect each of them in turn.

An entertaining murder mystery set in a simile of the Great British Bake Off, except instead of the UK, this one takes place at Vermont manor (complete with baking tent), the show is named Bake Week, and it's filmed over the course of a five days with five contestants.

Betsy Martin is the show's host and judge, "America's Grandmother," but up close, she's more prickly than personable and she is none too pleased to have a co-host for this year's show — the smarmy 50-something Archie Morris.

The contestants, who all voice multiple chapters in the novel, are the real stars of the book as we work our way up to a suspicious death previewed in the opening chapter.

I enjoyed but didn't love this book. It is very derivative, which has it's pros and cons. There was also an emotional distance from the contestants, despite the first-person narration, and some of them felt formulaic. Additionally, some of the "twists" were less twisty then they could have been. I'm also not quite sure the reveal was that effective either. I wanted a little more there there.

I think a movie or TV series is coming for this one, which I think would be more enjoyable than the book.

I received an advance copy from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.