recipes, family, amateur-sleuth, cozy-mystery, murder-investigation, ex-cons, ex-husband, ex-accountant, situational-humor, pet-dog, pet-parrot, romantic*****

Trinidad Jones is divorced, returned to Upper Sprocket, Oregon after living in Florida, has her Pop with her as well as her senior rescue dog, Noodle. Her new business is The Shimmy and Shake Shop, an ice cream parlor. She also has two friends who also are divorced from the same embezzling man who is fresh out of prison., and Chief of Police Cynthia Bigley, who is the sister of Trinidad, Juliette, and Bonnie's ex. Next comes a lovely man found run over and left in the road with his now-orphaned parrot. Wanna guess who is the prime suspect? Wanna guess again to know who is getting stuck sleuthing? Yup. On both counts. Great fun read!
I requested and received an EARC from Poisoned Pen Press via NetGalley. Thanks for the fun!

Spoon to Be Dead is a delightful read! And, like the other two books in the series, is going to make you crave a bit of ice cream! If you haven’t read the other two books in the series you should go do that now. Trust me when I say you’re going to want to. And not just because they’ll make you want ice cream. Reading them in order will give you the most bang for your buck and the most understanding of the storyline.

I’ve had the pleasure of reading and reviewing the whole series so far! And this is one of those authors that you know when you see her name on a book that it’s going to be amazing! I love her suspense-filled tales. This isn’t quite as dramatic as that, but it is a good cozy mystery!

I love the setting. It’s Sprocket. Isn’t that fun!? And then the shake shack, and yes you’ll want to try out the delicious (and sometimes ridiculous) creations. Oh, and Noodles the dog is pretty cool too!

In this book, Trinidad’s ex comes back on the scene. Her boyfriend is not so happy about that as I’m sure you could guess. But the ex wants her help to get out of a murder charge and from there the story takes off! Oh, and it’s winter.

The book has amazing characters. The plot moves quickly. And you won’t want to stop reading until you get to the end. I’m sad to see this series end here but it’s been a great run and I know the author is bound to bring out another novel soon!

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.

Mystery and suspense? This book had it along with a few twists and turns that makes several people suspect. Laced with quirky humour which I love that added a lightness to it. The dialogue between the friends / exes of hooligan, Gabe makes you feel you’re part of the conversation. In the end, a good takeaway I found from the story is about forgiveness. I enjoyed reading about Scooter as well, the splotchy parrot and the growing friendship with Noodles. I look forward to reading more from the Shake Shop Mysteries series.
“Harry’s brows drew into a line like two angry caterpillars staring each other down.” -Quote from book. I received this book for free from Celebrate Lit Tour and the opinions I express are honest and my own.

I really enjoyed this cozy mystery. I loved the location and that Trinidad was a ice cream shop owner. I loved how she didn’t want to get involved with solving the case but ended up getting involved because of her eye to detail. I enjoyed the characters and how they interacted. I also loved that the author included recipes from her story at the end of the book. I haven’t read the other books in the series but after reading this one I will definitely check them out. I liked that the mystery of who was behind things wasn’t obvious and that it took time to solve the case. Overall, I thought this was a fun story.

I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.

It was great to see how Trinidad fared during the winter months with her ice cream store. Such unique ideas!

And what a surprise to have her ex-husband the "Hooligan" Gabe released from jail and a suspect for murder. The mystery in the novel was a bit of a stretch, but great to re-connect with the characters. The bond formed by the three ex-wives is a strong one. Loved their solidarity and friendship. My favorite characters were Papa, Quinn and Noodles.

This is the first book I've read in this series, and while they are all able to be read as a standalone, I'm definitely curious enough to go and read the first two books.
The book took me on a twisty mystery, where I was never sure who the killer was. I loved the golden retriever Noodles and his best friend Scooter the bird. Their friendship was the most adorable heartwarming thing I've ever read!
And while I knew he wouldn't be the killer because they were trying to solve the mystery for him, I found myself hoping that he would end up in the hot seat, either for this crime or something else. I loved all the ice cream things and the friendships between all the ex-wives. I did figure out one of the mysteries, although it wasn't who the killer was. This book was a lot of fun, and I loved all the characters. I will definitely pick up more by this author in the future.

A fun cozy read that's as much about the relationship as it is about murder. Trinidad could have never expected that she would bond with the other ex-wives of her ex-husband Gabe but she has and the three women support one another. So, when Gabe claims he wasn't the one who ran over an older man, Trinidad, Bonnie and Juliette get to investigating with a nod from their ex-sister in law Gwen. Meanwhile, grandad Luis and Noodles the dog as well as the milkshake shop contribute smiles to the story. It's fairly trope-y cozy stuff except for the fact that these women have put aside the past to go forward. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. It would help to have read the previous books but this should also be fine as a standalone.

Spoon to Be Dead is book three in the Shake Shop Mystery series. The series is written by Dana Mentink. I love this series. They can be read as stand alone - but Trinidad and her friends, also ex wives of Trinidad's ex husband are a hoot. My favorite characters in the book were the animals - Noodles and Scooter.

Trinidad Jones is starting the festive season with sugary confections and a heaping scoop of worry as her shake shop enters its first Oregon winter. She is worried that because of the cold - her business is in danger. Her ex husband stumbles in and says that he killed a well loved local. Trinidad and her friends start to dig into the mystery.

In true Mentink fashion - everyone is a suspect. The author does a great job in trying to drop in little clues throughout the book. I did not figure out whodunit until the end. Thank You to the author, publisher and Celebrate Lit for allowing me to read a copy of this book - all thoughts are my own.

My thoughts: Take three exwives. One exhusband. Three new businesses and a whole slew of mysteries that three rookies who know nothing about crime must solve. Add a dog and a featherless bird to this story and you have a page turner. There isn't a whole lot of action. Mostly chit-chat among friends, and specultation. One wonders how they'll be able to solve the mystery. But it was good to reconnect with this chatty bunch of unlikely friends and see how they are doing and what they are trying to solve now. Fans will want to read all three books in this series. Serious fun, not scary who-dun-it. Grab your cooy now. I was given a copy free and all opinions are my own.

This is a fun cozy mystery, especially for ice cream lovers. Trinidad is on the case, trying to find out what really happened when a friend was hit by a vehicle. People from the past figure in this novel. Even though it can be read on its own, reading the previous novels in this series will help to understand the relationships and emotions generated when Gabe arrives in town.

Ice cream delights figure prominently in this novel. Mentink has provided some fun ice cream recipes at the end. It seems this is the last in the series. It has been fun.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Celebrate Lit. My comments are an independent and honest review.

Dana Mentink serves up a feel-good, taste-good seasonal cozy in Spoon to be Dead, the conclusion to her Shake Shop Mysteries. I especially enjoyed this one. Maybe it was the characters. Maybe it was the laughter. Maybe it was the chocolate, both hot and cold.

Mentink brings plenty of real -life problems to this otherwise cozy world. I liked how the characters, that seemed a little far-fetched to me in the first book, really shone with personality, growth, and a few flaws. It was very interesting to get a closer look at Chief Bigley. The sisterhood is threatened by a secret. And Upper Sprocket gets at least two visitors it could do without.

If you love animals or children, this novel should catch your attention. I loved the interactions between Noodles and Scooter. Who wouldn’t love sweet little Felice with her pink fascinators?! And the teenage twins are a hoot in this one, too!

I’m pretty sure that the peppermint ice cream, gingerbread ice cream, and chocolate surprises that Trinidad whips up caused me to gain twenty pounds. Mentink describes the delectable desserts so well, I felt like I was right there, tasting them! Fortunately, several of the recipes are simplified and included in the back for us to try!

Twists and turns lead to an unexpected ending, which seems plausible. Yay! Time for an ice cream celebration, at least in the book!

I received a copy of the book from Celebrate Lit via NetGalley. I also bought my own copy. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.

I loved this fun and crazy cozy mystery. I love all the characters but my favorites are Noodles and Scooter. I loved this dog and parrot combo. I loved that this murder could have been committed by so many different people. I really enjoyed the ending. I received a copy of this book from the publisher for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

Was the triple timing ex-husband finally going to get his comeuppance?

Christmas is coming and Trinidad, owner of the Shimmy & Shake Shop, is very concerned about keeping ahead of the bill collectors. Not everyone eats ice cream in winter - or do they? Time to find out. Gabe, the ex-husband, returns to Sprocket only to be charged with hit and run. Begging her to get him out of this jam, Trinidad promises only to keep her ears and eyes open.

One coincidence is just a coincidence, two coincidences are a clue, three coincidences are proof. But did this mean he really did it? You will love this twisted mystery that will end up with more excitement than Sprocket has seen in awhile.

An ARC of The Shake Shop Mysteries #3 was received through Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley. These thoughts are my own and were in no way solicited.

I love this series, so I’m glad to read another book about Trinidad, her specialty milkshake shop, her family (birth and choice) and friends. Oh, and there’s a murder, of course! Trinidad is a wonderful character, as are her fellow ex-wives of Gabe (the jerk!). Taking place on an old riverboat sets the stage for this as a closed environment mystery. Trinidad is trying to bring in revenue as having a milkshake shop in winter Oregon isn’t that easy. When asked to cater a special dessert for a local bigwig who’s bringing a mystery special guest, she’s ready to whip up her best treats. When murder occurs on the boat and Gabe is suspected of the crime, Trinidad and the other exes decide to uncover the truth. Just another fun entry in this series!

"When her good-for-nothing ex crashes through her shop's door claiming he's being charged with murder, things go sideways. With clues piling up like whipped cream on a sundae and motives abound, Trinidad and her fellow ex-wives must solve this murder before she's finally thrown for a scoop." The culprit was an unexpected person.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion of this book.

Can Trinidad clear her ex-husband's name of murder and pull off her first successful holiday season at the shake shop?

Trinidad and the ex wives are back in this small town cozy mystery. Trinidad is shocked when the last person she expected to see asks her to help him clear his name of murder.

An engaging adventure with a full cast of characters and fun dynamics, in this witty cozy mystery. The third installment in the The Shake Shop Mysteries, I loved seeing many familiar faces again and meeting some new characters along the way too. There was plenty going on, and I liked how it kept me guessing right up till the end. Trinidad and Quinn also find their relationship tested with everything they have going on, and I loved how Quinn showed his support for Trinidad's odd new case.

Overall, a fantastic read from beginning to end, with plenty of adventure, humor, and romance. I loved Trinidad's retired service dog Noodles and his big heart. Highly recommend picking up the whole series!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The third and final book in The Shake Shop series is titled Spoon to be Dead, and its coming to leave you feeling mmmm mmmm good. Trinidad and Noodles are back, unfortunately this time dealing with an ex-husband going up against a murder charge. But as he claims sweet, sweet innocence, will Trinidad be able to see if there is still a sweet spot in her heart to help him out of a jam?

This book was like a perfectly balanced dessert. It had sweet, witty moments, some salty sassiness, and even some deeper, richer serious moments. The characters were loveable and memorable. This was my first book in the series so it was nice that it could be read as a standalone and I could still follow along nicely. The plot was nice, quick, and layered enough to keep you guessing. I also look forward to trying some of the recipes listed in the back of the book. Finally, a book that will leave you with a sweet taste in your mouth and your heart.

Thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily and all views expressed are my own.

Thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for an advanced electronic copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

Back in Sprocket for the third installment of this cozy mystery series, Trinidad just wants to keep her ice cream shop afloat through the colder winter months. However, she soon has more to worry about when her ex is released from jail, an innocent man is killed in a hit and run, she inherits a pet bird, her friend is planning to marry her ex, and the list goes on...

This series is so much fun. I would be concerned to live in a small town like Sprocket and have so many murders in such a short amount of time, but otherwise, the series is a good time. The characters are quirky and lovable and the story keeps a steady pacing throughout, no time for lulls. Definitely a solid read if you want something cozy and you love ice cream!

CW: mentions of violence, death, murder

An engaging and entertaining cozy mystery. A delightful series. Unusual friendship among ex-wives, but quite nice. An adorable little girl and fun critters. Pleasant reading. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.

Trinidad Jones is trying desperately to keep her milkshake shop going during the cold winter months. A catering gig promises to be the start of something new and profitable but nothing goes according to plan as Christmas looms near.

There's so much going on in this book. A friend, Oscar, is killed and not only does Trinidad's ex-husband appear on her doorstep but his first words are a confession to the man's murder. Trinidad inherits a bird, which she doesn't really want but her precious dog Noodles falls deeply in love with the parrot so she had no choice but to keep him. Bonnie is hiding a terrible secret- though what could be worse than what she's telling everyone out loud which is that she's preparing to remarry their recently released ex? Meanwhile Juliette is falling love with basketball bad boy, Crusher Barrone who (as threatening as his name sounds) is a teddy bear compared to his brother and neither one of them is half as frightening as their mother. And everyone, literally everyone, is out to get Gabe.

This book took place largely in an old steamboat on a big local lake. That was a fun twist and created kind of a locked-room scenario for some of the things that happened. There were also some special new recipes as Trinidad tries to branch out from shakes in an attempt to keep business steady in the cold weather.

This is a good entry in a reliably good series.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.