Ashland is known for its Elizabethan charm and touches of Shakespeare around every corner, but the surrounding Rogue Valley draws adventure enthusiasts to its outdoor wonderland of high alpine lakes, mountain ranges, and pristine rivers. Jules Capshaw and the team at Torte have been hired to cater a weekend getaway on the mighty Rogue River. Jules is going to have to put her culinary skills to the test while baking gooey chocolate chip skillet cookies over an open flame and preparing extravagant feasts under a canopy of stars. The executive team at a big city firm will be rafting the Rogue’s rapids and gathering around the campfire for spooky stories, but their dysfunction quickly begins to show. Between constant bickering and heavy drinking, Jules wonders how the team can accomplish anything. She’s happy for a brief reprieve when they zip up their lifejackets and head out in their boats, but the serenity of the scene quickly vanishes when Jules discovers one of the execs floating face down in the water. She’s going to have to uncover the truth before she gets pulled under.
This is a good mystery. The truth of the matter is that you would never guess who the murderer is.
I never read a book by this author before.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

Muffin But the Truth: A Bakeshop Mystery
By Ellie Alexander
St. Martin’s
December 27, 2022

Review by Cynthia Chow


Ashland, Oregon has established itself as a tourist destination site for those looking to celebrate all things Shakespeare, but it also features the gorgeous Rogue Valley and rapid waters Rogue River. The latter are why Silicon Valley tech company Bamboo employees are arriving for a team-building weekend of yurt glamping and fully catered meals. As the owner of Torte bakeshop, Juliet Capshaw, her chef husband, and the rest of her staff have been challenged to design and prepare exquisite meals that must also be carried to and cooked at the campsite cookout. As much as the divisive executive Bamboo employees obviously need some much needed team bonding, that’s going to be difficult due to CEO Josie Jones’s blatant bullying and over-the-top demands. Her inability to swim makes river rafting a questionable choice for someone for whom everyone at Bamboo seems to detest, especially when her tent is overrun by too many spiders for it to have been natural. So when Jules finds a body wearing Josie’s lifejacket floating in the water, it’s a shock to discover that it was not in fact the CEO but a far more liked executive. When police investigators, led by Jules’s stepfather the Professor, allow the river rafters to return back to Ashland until the investigation is complete, Jules feels obligated to take this opportunity to further look into the employee infighting that led to the possibly inadvertent death. Prodded on by her frequent accomplice Lance, the Oregon Shakespeare Festival director, Jules questions the Bamboo team and is led down a path that indicates that if Josie wasn’t the intended victim, she may be the most likely culprit.

In this 16th of the series, readers will find Jules happily settled back into her life in Ashland as she runs a successful bakeshop and winery. Working on a cruise ship allowed her to meet her husband Carlos, but it also eventually led to their separation through a series of events. Now that she and Carlos have mended their relationship, Jules has been able to fully accept her stepson into the family, especially with him following in his father’s footsteps. Torte always plays a central role in these novels, as it is where Jules finds her center while preparing an infinite number of cookies, muffins, and breads. The beloved employees have become part of her forged family, so it’s a bittersweet joy for Jules to see them spread their wings while further developing their barista and baking skills. Jules and Lance are far more successful in their respective creative endeavors than they are in their investigative ones, for while their information proves to be helpful it is the Professor and Ashland police who ultimately track down the killer. Final chapters wrapping up the mystery have the focus returning to Torte and Jules’s Uva Winery, with characters resolving their personal dilemmas and determining the next steps in their lives. Longtime fans will be rewarded with satisfying conclusions for all of their favorite Ashland residents and can hopefully look forward to more heartwarming moments in the future.

Muffin but the Truth by Ellie Alexander is the sixteenth A Bakeshop Mystery. It can be read as a standalone for those new to the series. The author provides all the needed background information on Juliet “Jules” Capshaw and the secondary characters she encounters at work and home. I thought Muffin but the Truth was easy to read. The author has a conversational writing style that is reminiscent of friends having a gabfest. Jules has a come a long way since the first book. She is happily running Torte, her marriage to Carlos is on solid ground, and the pair have Carlos’s son, Ramiro living with them for the school year. We get to catch up with the other characters as well. Sterling’s skills keep improving. Jules knows it is only a matter of time before he will be scooped up by a restaurant. Bethany promotes Torte on the social media platforms. She is making a name for herself. What will happen when a not to be missed opportunity comes her way? Jules has agreed to cater a leadership retreat for the top executives of Bamboo. The group will be glamping along the Rogue River. Jules and Carlos will be cooking the food over an open fire. Jules soon regrets taking the gig. There is no pleasing Josie Jones, the owner and CEO of Bamboo. Miller Redding, her personal assistant, is wound a little tight (I bet his blood pressure is through the roof). Jules wakes up early on the first full day in the great outdoors. She heads down to the water where she finds one of the Bamboo executives floating in the river. Jules is quick to holler for help and jump into the river to get the individual to shore. It is a good thing the Professor came along on the trip since it is soon evident that the person was murdered. When Jules returns to Ashland, Lance is quick to find her. He is thrilled that they have a new case to solve (it is impossible to say “no” to Lance). Jules and Lance ask questions and look for clues. The whodunit is a cinch to solve. I wish the author would create a more complex mystery. The executives from Bamboo were an unbearable bunch and the big boss was insufferable. I felt that the background information was lacking (severely). I believe more time was devoted to cooking, baking, and eating than the mystery (do we really need to know all the steps in how to make different baked goods—though, the bread Jules made sounded delicious). The motive for the murder was a tad farfetched. There are a couple of details that are off in the story (a detail regarding the pink life vest and the creator of Superman are two examples). The story has an upbeat ending. Muffin but the Truth is a lighthearted cozy mystery with a teen transplant, a jumpy PA, white water rafting, a pretty pink life vest, an eliminated executive, a slew of suspects, and a bevy of bakers.

Thank you to the publisher for allowing me to read this eARC!

This is the first Ellie Alexander book I've read and it wasn't hard to understand what had happened in the series until now, very easy to catch up. The characters were immediately lovable and the mystery drew me in. I do agree with other reviews I've seen that said it starts slow...but it gets better! Will definitely continue looking into Ellie Alexander! A solid 3-3.5 stars!

Truth be told, I had to restart this book twice as it didn't grab me at first. But I'm glad I did. I really enjoyed meeting Julieta and Carlos and all the other characters but felt that I missed out on meeting them before in another book as there must have been some back story. But that aside, I was intrigued with the added baking insights provided by Julieta and more intrigued with the mystery as it unfolded. Ellie Alexander created some great characters that you root for and also those you loved to hate like Josie, totally unlikeable. While one would have thought she'd be the victim, there were added twists and turns that added spice to the cake when she was not. Julieta was admirable in her approach to projecting kindness at all costs and rejoicing for others to be the best they could be. Josie and her approach to her company people was such a contrast to the community vibe that was common in Ashland. While the mystery wrapped up rather neatly and I might say, a bit predictable, it still was a delightful cozy murder mystery to read. I hope the author continues and visits Ashland again for Julieta and her best friend, the joyful Lance, to solve more mysteries.

Many thanks to #netgalley #muffinbutthetruth #elliealexander for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Jules and the team at Torte are back with another murder mystery. While catering an upscale camping outing for some big city executives, Jules stumbles upon a dead body. Ellie Alexander writing is full of descriptive settings and food preparations. While this is book 16, the first chapter does a nice job of refreshing who everyone is and where we are in the story. I believe a new reader can jump into the story easily.

The mystery itself is not intense. We spend a good bit of time reading baking details which, while making for a mouth watering read, don't add complexity to the story. Jules and her family are warm adding to the pleasant tone of the book. The addition of the out of town executive team provided a lot of suspects, all of which had pasts and secrets for Jules to dig out.

I enjoy reading A Bakeshop Mystery series. I recommend this book to a reader who likes a cozy mystery, especially those involving food.

Thank you, NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the advanced copy of the book.

A very fun and cute story about Julieta, “Jules” and her bakery, family, staff, and a friend who wants to help her figure out anywho done it. Along the way, Jules drops some great baking tips. Jules takes on a catering job that encompasses dinner and a camping weekend she needs to supply an upscale experience with the food. The company leader, Josie is rude, demanding, unreasonable and condescending without a single good quality. Her team of workers is supposed to be there to enjoy themselves while coming up with excellent work ideas. When one of them dies it's now Jules's desire to figure out who did the killing. Jules and her whole staff are a talented group in a successful bakery in her hometown with the man of her dreams.
Ellie Alexander has a good writing style that makes it fun to read her stories. This is the first of her books I've read and I will read more as she releases them.
I do recommend Muffin But the Truth, A Bakeshop Mystery, It is a great read. Thank you NetGalley and publishers St Martins Press for this advanced eARC this is my honest opinion.

While this is number 16 in this series, the author did a great job of summing up what had happened in this series up to this point. I have not read any other books in the series and had no trouble following what was going on.

A group of execs are coming in from Silicon Valley for a team-building retreat and are catering their food from Jules and her bakery Torte. Almost right away she regrets the decision to take them on as a client, even more so when the owner of the company Bamboo, and her PA arrive and are not only micromanaging stuff that was already decided on months ago, but they are literally in everyone's way and driving them to distraction. When the rest of the team arrives it's easy to tell that someone from this group is going to be the killer and the victim. A group of more unlikable people couldn't be found.

I love that there wasn't just one person you could point at and go this person is going to end up dead... and will all the people that were around there were no end to who could have done it. It was fast-paced, with an interesting mystery that kept me guessing who the killer was going to turn out to be.
However, I wasn't as attached to the characters as I wanted to be so If I decided to read more of this series I think I would start from the beginning, and see if that helps me connect to them better.

Ellie Alexander's love for the Rogue Valley of southern Oregon is the heart of this cozy mystery. Equally central is a love for baking! While there are no recipes included, it wouldn't take much time on the internet to satisfy the craving for cookies, muffins, bread and cakes that are whipped up as you read "Muffin But the Truth".

While the murder and its surrounding mystery are less compelling ( a less sympathetic cast of suspects would be hard to find) , the overall result is an entertaining afternoon's read with a cup of tea and something delicious to eat.

I am a huge fan of Ellie Alexander. Her stories are so well written and the characters feel like family. I loved the addition of Ramiro for both an outsider and teen point of view. The mystery in this one was set outside of the shop and this is the first time I noticed an inconsistency in the story (pink life vest), which didn't ruin the story for me but did make me flip back to make sure I was correct. Otherwise, as usual, this was a good mystery with a quick (way too quick) solution and a happy ending.

This was an OK cozy mystery.

You definitely have to read the previous books to keep up with the giant cast of bake shop employees and town staples (also with the never ending menu this small shop offers).

I was annoyed by the way Carlos and Ramon talked: it felt clunky to read and they used Spanish in unnatural ways (no one calls their father "padre" or starts and ends every other sentence with 'si').
I was also confused by Bamboo. Pretty sure at the start it was called a Silicon Valley company but then it's from LA, that's ALL we're told about it. Add the fact that there was no other conflict, it all felt like someone churning out another book for the sake of it and trying to capitalize on Silicon Valley, or LA, whatever Bamboo was.

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.

As someone who regularly reads thrillers/suspense novels and loves true crime, I’m unsure why I’ve never read a cozy mystery until this one. I am absolutely not disappointed that I did! This was so much fun! It was relatively low stakes, but the intrigue behind the who-dun-nit kept me reading on. Juliet was such a fun character and Lance was fantastic! I adored them!

Between the mystery and the crimes, all of the food and desserts they were making sounded absolutely mouthwatering. I couldn’t help but want to eat (and bake!) while reading.

This was fun, easy to follow, and a quick read. It’s a very well done cozy mystery and it won’t disappoint!

** spoiler alert ** It was a pleasure to read about the setting of the Rogue Valley and the way Ellie Alexander describes it, which sounds like a thrilling and captivating place. It's always fun to see Jules and her team cater an event, as they did in this book. Throughout her series of books, she describes food that sounds delicious and makes you hungry. In the Rogue Valley, Torte caters to a group of executives. I find these characters annoying and they are constantly bickering. It was an interesting mystery. In spite of the fact that the character who died was a horrible person, I thought Josie deserved to die more. In this mystery, I enjoyed seeing my favorite character, Lance, back to help Jules.

Thank you St. Martins Press and Netgalley for the ARC of this book. This was an honest review.

I think this book will have more appeal to younger readers in 20's and 30's perhaps. It is well writtenvand characters are realistic but some seem a bit childish in their behavior. I felt there was a bit too much detail on the food that took away from yhe story for me but the younger generation is always taking pictures of food so would have more interest to them. Overall a good read not just great fir me.

This 16th installment in the Bakeshop Mystery series is only the third one I've read but I had no trouble whatsoever keeping the expanded Torte staff members straight.

Another very enjoyable mystery from Ellie Alexander, this one featuring a corporate team bonding river/camping excursion. Lots of nature atmosphere, plus the usual interesting characters, and a clever plot.

This cozy is one I'd highly recommend to cozy mystery fans.

Muffin But the Truth
A Bakeshop Mystery #16
By Ellie Alexander
This is the first in this series I have read. It read easily enough as a stand alone, as much of the backstories was filled in here and there. I enjoyed Juliet's family dynamics very much. It is refreshing to read of a functioning workplace and family life. I loved all of the bakery tips!

The mystery was just okay. I was drawn so completely and immediately into the story that the wrap up was rather disappointing. I really had hoped for a more satisfying conclusion to the murder as it was quite unrealistic.
I will go looking for more in this series/ author.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and Netgalley.

What a great addition to this favorite long running series that takes place in Ashland Oregon. I love the atmospheric setting and how the author includes the beautiful imagery of Ashland into her books. These books are always filled with great characters and the mystery keeps me guessing.

“Muffin But the Truth” by Ellie Alexander
A FUN Mystery
I enjoyed my time in this story, although there were times during bakeshop scenes that I did want a taste of some of the goodies being served or created. I do love a good “Who Dun-It”. I had fun trying to guess the who and the why. I do look forward to another visit to Ashland, Oregon. Happy Reading ! !
NOTE: This review expresses my honest opinion.
I received an ARC of this story from the publisher via NetGalley

*3.5 stars rounded up.

I've only read three of the 16 books in this cozy mystery series set in a bakeshop in Ashland, Oregon, but I do enjoy them. First there's the beautiful setting, then the delicious-sounding food they create, and finally an intriguing mystery to solve. An entertaining and quick read. Jules and her friends and family are quite warm-hearted people with whom it's fun to spend a few hours.

I received an arc of this new mystery from the author and publisher via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.

Wow, this book really keeps you guessing. Jules, Carlos and the Torte team go on an outbound adventure for a group that is supposed to be team building but they end up sabotaging each other instead. I enjoyed all the cool ideas Ellie came up with to give the team a cool experience. Even Lance got in the action with some spooky stories. I loved that the mystery was hard to figure out since that is the best part of a whodunit.

Ellie never disappoints with her stories. This one is a real page turner and keeps you up all night.

I read this as an ARC in return for an honest review.