Sugar Plum Poisoned is the latest in the Cupcake Bakery Mystery series by the very talented Jenn McKinlay. I loved getting to visit with some of my favorite characters of all time. Once again Mel finds another dead body and is hot on the case to find the person responsible. Will Mel be able to find the culprit before she becomes the killer’s next victim? Read Sugar Plum Poisoned to find out.
I loved reading Mel and Angie’s latest tale and can’t wait for the next one. I highly recommend this story and the whole series as well to anyone who is a fan of cozy mysteries.

We're firmly in holiday themed book publication season and there is a lot to choose from, but I really enjoyed the latest in one of my favorite long running cozy series. Mel, Angie, and the whole crew are prepping for the holidays and a busy bakery season on top of taking on a gig providing VIP cupcakes for one of Angie's old friends as she performs locally. Of course, there's a murder, and a great mystery plot, but half the fun of this one was watching Mel and her family connect together and celebrate.

In book fifteen (!!!) of Jenn McKinlay's Cupcake Bakery mystery series, we see bakery owner Mel and her friend and coworker Angie catering the VIP suite for singer Shelby's holiday residency at the local hotel. When Shelby's manager ends up murdered, Mel and Angie work to keep Angie's long-time friend, Shelby, safe--and out of jail--and figure out who the killer is.

I've only read one other book in this series (book fourteen) but I'm a huge fan of McKinlay's cozy mysteries so I was excited to read it--and wasn't disappointed. I love the holiday infusion throughout the book, from the themed cupcakes, Santa suits, decorations, carols, and Christmas dinner. I thought the inclusion of a "celebrity" and show business was also a fun aspect. The mystery was well-done and creative, though I wonder if there could have been more breadcrumbs earlier in the books; they all seemed to come in the last quarter, though perhaps I missed some. Overall, a very fun holiday read/listen!

I will say, I listened to this book on audio, but I didn't love the narrator. She has a very staccato cadence, almost robotic way of speaking, that was disorienting. I got used to it after a while but the first few chapters almost didn't sound like they were narrated by a real person. She also sounded a bit old for our main character Mel, though she did a wide variety of voices with skill. I've listened to McKinlay's other two cozy mystery series on audio and LOVE the two narrators for those, so it was a bit disappointing, especially with this being her longest running series.

Thanks to Dreamscape Media for my ALC and Berkely for my eARC! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

5 stars - 9/10

Another wonderful installment of the cupcake mysteries. This time Angie friend is in trouble. Can Mel and the crew help before it is too late

It’s the holidays, and things at Fairy Tale Cupcakes are hopping. Angie Harper and Mel DeLaura are keeping the shop stocked with their signature cupcakes as well as their holiday flavors. Customers are streaming in for their Eggnog, Peppermint Bark, Gingerbread Man, and Sugar Plum cupcakes for their Christmas celebrations. Add in all the special orders they have for holiday parties, and they are up to their ears in cupcakes to bake. So when Angie adds cupcakes orders for VIP events around a holiday concert, Mel isn’t too happy with her.

But the two weeks of concerts feature Shelby Vaughn, an old friend of Angie’s who is making a name for herself in country music. They were friends back when Angie had been dating a rock and roll drummer named Roach, and while Angie is now married with a baby and settled in Scottsdale, she still wants to support Shelby in her new venture. But when Shelby stops by the bakery to talk cupcake flavors, she is interrupted by her manager Doc Howard, who stops her from eating more than one bite.

Angie is concerned about Doc, feeling like he is being controlling, and wants to spend more time around Shelby to make sure she’s okay. She hadn’t been with Doc for long, but her previous manager had died in a house fire, which Shelby had found devastating. When Doc had found her and signed her, he had brought her back to life and got her this contract for two weeks of Christmas concerts at a prestigious hotel. So Angie and Mel work the cupcake table at the VIP events, offering up their beautiful, delicious cupcakes to the guests.

But when Doc Howard is found in Shelby’s dressing room in a pool of blood, clutching one of Fairy Tale Cupcake’s Sugar Plum cupcakes, Angie and Mel have nothing but questions. Who would want to kill the manager? He had been seen at the track earlier, making large bets (and losing). The local loan shark who spends a lot of time at the track was also at the concert, his teenaged daughter a big fan of Shelby’s music. But is that just a coincidence? Could there have been financial impropriety in his business relationship with Shelby? Or had he eaten a cupcake meant for someone else?

Is it possible that someone was actually wanting to hurt Shelby? Doc’s previous client—and ex-wife—has been in town, stirring up trouble around Shelby. And a competitor from her childhood also shows up, with a grudge on her shoulder for Shelby’s success. Angie can tell that her friend is already struggling, being away from home for Christmas, but the murder is just making her more stressed and unhappy, so she and Mel keep an eye on her and find out what they can about the investigation to see if they can help put the killer behind bars and save Shelby’s Christmas.

But can they do that before the killer comes after them as well?

Sugar Plum Poisoned is book 15 in Jenn McKinlay’s popular Cupcake Bakery Mystery series, where the cupcakes are mouth-watering and the mysteries are intriguing. Angie and Mel and their extended family bring the warmth and humor, so the murders they keep stumbling into are well balanced. And the books always end the same way—with recipes for the featured cupcakes, so you can make those Christmas cupcakes, along with a Sugar Cookie Cupcake, for your family holiday or for your book club.

I’m a fan of these mysteries. I really like the energy that Angie and Mel bring, and as their cupcake empire expands, and their families expand, there is just more to love. I loved the holiday theme of Sugar Plum Poisoned as well as the peek into the music industry. But these books always leave me wanting more. More cupcakes, of course. And more of these fun cozies to devour.

Egalleys for Sugar Plum Poisoned were provided by Berkley through NetGalley, with many thanks.

Another great installment in the Cupcake Bakery Mystery series. I love Mel and Angie's relationship and the bakery team. I was able to guess who the killer was before the reveal but I still enjoyed learning the motive and reading the reveal.

This was a fun quick read with yummy cupcakes and an entertaining mystery. This is a series that I read the first book then missed a few and came back to the series in the middle somehow so I am missing a bit of history of the characters. Part of this was when Angie was dating the Rockstar but that wasn't an issue and I had no issue catching up with how Angie and Shelby were connected.

I enjoyed getting a peek into the music industry as Mel and Angie work with Shelby and have to deal with her controlling manager. There's a lot of backstabbing and secrets and hidden agendas so it's no big surprise when Mel stumbles on a dead body - and it's no surprise who the dead body is!

The murder didn't occur until about 30% into the book but the pacing was quick as McKinlay shows the tension building up. Even when I had a guess as to who the murderer was I wasn't quite sure until the very end. The conclusion is a touch rushed but it didn't detract from this being an enjoyable light read from beginning to end. Now I must go find a cupcake!

This was my first venture into the Fairy Tale Cupcakes series. I met Mel and Angie just before the arrival of Shelby, the star of the Christmas Show the girls are catering. Apparently there was some history because the heat of jealousy flared up quickly from Mel. Now the girls are sisters-in-law, so the why would probably be clear to me if I'd read the last fourteen books. In considering whether starting the series now would be a good idea, I have to consider my intake of cupcakes.
The reading was enjoyable, although it did cause me to wonder whether it was a good idea for me to start baking cupcakes at all hours of the night. Irresistible delights were found on these pages. If only we had Fairy Tale Cupcakes in my town. I'd do my part to support them.
Encountering Doc early on, I knew he wouldn’t last long in this group. But with so many suspects clustered in one place, how to determine the one who did it? I thought I knew but then I didn’t and then there’s Christmas.
I felt overwhelmed as the Christmas party guest list grew. Pulling it off while keeping all the traditions of all the guests was a project I wouldn’t attempt. I feared this Holiday dinner wouldn’t have a chance of success, something would have to go wrong. You’ll have to read it to find out.
I received a free copy of this audiobook from NetGalley in exchange for providing an unbiased review.

Sugar Plum Poisoned by Jenn McKinlay takes us to Fairy Tale Cupcakes where Mel, Angie, and the gang are getting ready for the holidays. I always enjoy my visits with the bakery crew. A blast from Angie’s past, Shelby Vaughn is in town to perform Christmas concerts and she wants Fairy Tale Cupcakes to provide holiday cupcakes for the VIP guest lounge. The descriptions of holiday cupcakes will have your mouth watering. Unfortunately, Shelby has a controlling manager that brings out the mama bear in Angie. When the manager ends up dead, Shelby ends up a suspect. Mel and Angie don their sleuthing caps so they can solve the crime before Santa rides into town. I was able to solve the whodunit early in the book. I did enjoy following the duo as they asked questions and searched for clues. I kept hoping, though, that there would be a twist (something unexpected to surprise me). The crime is wrapped up in time for everyone to have a happy holiday. I enjoyed the humor sprinkled throughout the story. I had no idea that Marty knew how to twerk, and Ray should never be allowed near the Christmas decorations. Of course, they should have known better to involve Ray. We only get to see a smidgen of Oz. I miss him being in the bakery. There is some repetition (preparing the cupcakes, the VIP lounge each night, details regarding Shelby as well as her former manager and the dead manager’s ex-wife). Of course, it would not be A Cupcake Bakery Mystery without movie quotes from Mel, Angie, and Tate. I felt bad for Mel who is going to host Christmas dinner for the family for the first time. I believe Mel understood by the end of Christmas day why her mother was willing to give up the hosting duties. Sugar Plum Poisoned is the fifteenth A Cupcake Bakery Mystery. The author provides enough background information that it can be read as a standalone for those new to the series. Sugar Plum Poisoned is a sweet treat with a sociable singer, a manipulating manager, killer cupcakes, a swaying Santa, a decoration dilemma, a burgeoning dinner, and Christmas cheer.

An up-and-coming singer, Shelby Vaughn, has some gigs in town and hires her friend Angie and Fairy Tales Bakery to supply cupcakes to her VIP lounge. When Shelby's overbearing manager is killed, Mel and Angie must help prove her innocence.

Jenn McKinlay's Cupcake Bakery Mysteries are so much fun to read, and I love that this one is holiday-themed! I enjoyed the show business and holiday subplots and the scenes with Shelby and, of course, Angie's brothers. These books have a delightful cast of characters, with Angie's scene-stealing brothers being some of my fave supporting characters in any cozy series. They never fail to bring comedic relief, and this time, we even get some Santa-suited shenanigans! Mel and Angie make great sleuthing partners and are so likable. Spending time with this crew feels warm and welcoming, like visiting old friends.

The mystery was well plotted, with several suspects and a few surprises. And poor Mel ends up being handed the reigns on hosting the big family Christmas dinner while running her business and trying to solve a murder!

The food descriptions are fantastic! Every time I finish a book in this series, I check if I have the ingredients to make cupcakes because I am
seriously craving them! Fortunately, there are fabulous recipes included to satisfy these cravings.

This series is charming, engaging, well-written, with very likable characters, and this book is another entertaining installment! With lots of holiday cheer, this one is perfect for your holiday tbr!

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for the opportunity to review this ARC. I enjoyed it!

Angie Harper is thrilled that her friend, singer Shelby Vaughn, is in town for a couple of weeks doing Christmas concerts, and Mel DeLaura quickly warms up to Shelby as well. The duo are providing cupcakes for the VIP concert goers, so Mel and Angie get a firsthand view of the drama swirling around Shelby. But then Mel finds a dead body backstage after the opening night concert. Can she figure out what is going on?

This is another fun entry in the series. The plot did a good job of setting things up, so when the murder happens, we are off and running. I did find a couple of minor things got dropped and the ending was a bit rushed, but neither is a big deal since things are wrapped up. Plus, we get to spend more time with Mel, Angie, and the gang, which is always a delight. Since the series is set in Arizona, we don't get a traditional cold, snowy Christmas, but we still get a very funny subplot for the holiday. And we get recipes for five Christmas themed, drool worthy cupcakes. Fans new and old will gobble this book down as quickly as they can.

Who killed Doc Howard? He was Shelby's manager, and the second one to die. Angie, who knew Shelby before she became such a big deal, and Mel, have been catering for her residency and they find themselves, of course, searching for the real murderer. Cozy fans know there's more than one person who wanted to see Howard gone but who among those wearing Santa suits went this far? I'd only read one of the preceding books in this long running series- making this a standalone- but I would myself quickly into the story. It's got just the right amount of twisty. Thank to Netgalley for the ARC. A good read,

A famous star comes to town and hires the bakery to keep and her entourage supplied with delicious cupcakes.

The bakery manager is murdered and while he leaves a clue - a piece of a Santa suit - everyone is wearing one so everyone is a suspect.

I enjoyed the book, being sucker for both food and Christmas cozies.

It's the Christmas season at the Fairy Tale Cupcake Bakery, and that means a lot of seasons tidings and a little mayhem! When Angie's friend, Shelby Vaughn, comes to play a residency at a local hotel, Mel isn't expecting any mayhem, but that is exactly what follows when Shelby's manager, Doc, is found dead. It's up to Angie and Mel to clear Shelby's name and save Christmas.

I LOVE this series! It was one the first cozy mystery series I discovered, and I've faithfully read every release. I'm pleased to report that Sugar Plum Poisoned, the 15th book in the series, is just as good [if not better!] than the first book.

Back to help solve the mystery is, of course, the DeLaura brothers! Angie's brothers always bring trouble in their wake and it's no exception here as they try to help with the holidays, with disastrous results! Even if mysteries aren't your thing, you NEED to read this series for the DeLaura brothers! They will definitely convince you that mysteries are cool!

Sugar Plum Poisoned is the perfect book to get you into the holiday spirit, and I simply cannot wait to see what Mel and Angie get up to next!

Sugar Plum Poisoned is book 15 in the Cupcake Bakery Mystery Series by Jenn McKinlay.
It’s Christmastime, and this cozy holiday mystery has things heating up for the bakers at Fairy Tale Cupcakes, in the newest Cupcake Bakery Mystery.
This has great characters, a fast paced story, and just enough twists to keep me interested. I loved the group of friends. They are fun, engaging and entertaining to be around. I love the relationships and how they're quite believable.
Jenn McKinlay has written a wonderful mystery with twists and turns. She definitely keeps the reader on their toes.

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

Thank You NetGalley and Berkley for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

Thank you to Netgalley for allowing me to read and review this ARC.

I fully acknowledge that I haven't read any of the other books in this series, but I love other Jen McKinley series so I knew I'd be in for a treat (pun intended).

It wasn't too difficult to know who's who in the story but they have such a large family (and probably even bigger since this is a Christmas book). What a sweet novel.

Angie's old friend, Shelby Vaughn, is in town to play a Christmas show in town. She's an up and coming singer and the most humble person you'll meet. Mel and Angie are catering the VIPs with their cupcakes. All seems well until Doc Howard, Shelby's manager is found dead with a cupcake in hand. With so many people on and off stage, and how hated Doc was, no one is sure who is the killer. But Mel's uncle is a detective and of course he has Mel and Angie to help along the way.

I love this series! By now, I'm reading more for the character updates than the mystery (but the mystery was still good). I figure out the victim and who-did-it before the end, but it didn't take away from the story. I don't remember reading about Angie's past with the musician (so if I missed it, that's on me), so it was a little strange to read about how much touring was a part of her life. I liked the Christmas setting and am eager for the next book!

In the # 15 Cupcake Bakery Mystery Series - Fairy Tale Cupcake Owners Angie and Melanie find Murder once again . when Shelby Vaughn an up and coming singer and old friend of Angie arrives in town to perform an Christmas pageant. When Shelby hires Angie and Melanie to provide cupcakes for her VIP lounge, hey discover a lot of drama behind the scenes - Shelby former manager who was killed in a fire , her current manager (Doc) gambling debts and his control ,over her . When once again Mel stumbles on a murdered Doc , holding a Sugar plum cupcake Our favorite cupcake bakers take to find out who wanted him dead and how .

Another great installment to the Cupcake Bakery Series . This series just gets better over time .

On a personal note- I absolutely love this series !!!! I have been a fan since Book 1 . Erasing each book feels like catching up with old friends.
On a side note , I loved how Mckinlay added the Delaura family and Mel’s mother play into the story ,


I just reviewed Sugar Plum Poisoned by Jenn McKinlay. #SugarPlumPoisoned #NetGalley

A pop star friend, Shelby, from Angie's days touring with her rocker ex-boyfriend, Roach shows up for a holiday Christmas concert. Mel and Angie are hired to supply cupcakes for the VIP room but when Shelby's overbearing, controlling manager turns up dead, Mel and Angie put on their sleuth caps once again.
Always fun to see the gang!

This was a super cute cozy mystery about a duo of bakers Mel and Angie who own Fairy Tale Cupcakes which is perfect for the holiday season. When Angie’s friend newest singing sensation Shelby contracts them to provide treats for her VIP guests every night before her Xmas show, they end up finding Shelby’s manager in a pool of blood clutching one of their cupcakes. Everyone’s eye is on Shelby as the culprit since this is her 2nd manager who has died while working for her. Mel and angie race to figure out who is the killer before Shelby is the next victim. This was really cute and I really enjoyed the dynamic of Angie and Mel’s friendship since they have been friends since they were kids. While this is a series I haven’t read any of the other cupcake mysteries and this one was really easy to read and understand without having any knowledge of the other books.
Thanks to Berkley and Netgalley for the complimentary copy of this book. All opinions in this review are my own.