Poaching is Puzzling is the 12th book of the popular Cookbook Nook Mystery series. Jenna Hart co-owns The Cookbook Nook with her Aunt Vera and works with her friends Bailey and Katie. Jenna is married to Rhett. There is a Crossword Competition in town and it is very competitive! An old friend of Aunt Vera's ends up dead.. There are only a few suspects which is good because there are a lot of people involved in the competition, both local and visitors The deceased had his throat slit which is mentioned fairly often and is a bit brutal. Other than that, this was a good cozy mystery. The characters are likeable and.the.mystery kept me guessing although I suspected the culprit. This was an enjoyable cozy mystery. #PoachingIsPuzzling # NetGalley #BeyondThePagePublishing

It’s great to discover a new cozy mystery writer, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and was delighted to discover it was actually number 12 in a series, can’t wait to get my hands on more.

This had everything I want in a cozy mystery, a great and interesting cast of characters, a mystery that kept me guessing and plenty of delicious food.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley UK for a free ebook in exchange for an honest review.

The annual crossword puzzle is off to a great start. Jenna’s store is busy, the town in bustling, and people are having a wonderful time. But there seems to be some controversy regarding a stolen puzzle and Jenna’s aunt is at the center of it Read and enjoy this puzzling mystery.

This is a great book!! I could not put it down!! this is a must read!! Read this today!! You will not be disappointed!!

Aunt Vera is a crossword puzzle master actively involved in Crystal Cove’s annual Crossword Puzzle Tournament. Jenna and her aunt are invested in this year’s event since the theme is food. As the owner of the Cookbook Nook, the event creates an opportunity for Jenna since her book shop features cookbooks and, more recently, crossword puzzle books.

Unfortunately, renowned cruciverbalist and event emcee Wesley Preston is found murdered after the tournament’s first day, where witnesses observed Aunt Vera and Wesley arguing. With Aunt Vera, a leading suspect, Jenna begins her investigation of the handful of attendees that also argued with Wesley or complained about his behavior.

Daryl Wood Gerber writes an intriguing mystery and includes tasty-sounding recipes. But Ms. Gerber’s details about the history and art of developing crossword puzzles are the highlight of this read.

I do generally enjoy the Cookbook Nook mysteries. This one was slow for me. I did not feel the connection with the characters, finding them more flat than in the past. The passages often became harder to get through because they had more extraneous info than really needed, i.e. all the descriptions of food. It wasn't really a surprise once we got to the end. It just felt as if it too awhile to get there.

I am a big fan of Daryl Wood Gerber and of all of her series, this one is my favorite. This new addition does a good job of incorporating the essential elements of previous books while providing a fresh, unique, intriguing storyline.
I admire all the background information the author includes relating to crossword puzzles, contests, vocabulary, cookbooks, recipes, restaurants, specific foods, etc. Appreciate the large number of recipes added at the end.
Thanks to #NetGalley and #PoachingIsPuzzling for advanced digital copy.

Poor Aunt Vera! When a crossword expert was killed, he happened to be an old friend of hers, but the worst part was being a suspect for his murder. Jenna was more invested than ever to figure this out. Cinnamon always cracks me up at how stern she comes off and warns Jenna, then she turns around and admits there's just something about our Jenna girl that people like and love to talk to. Hey she's got charisma, lol. But Jenna and Cinnamon have been getting along lately, at least tons better than in the early books, and Jenna does do her best to make sure she keeps that friendship. Even prickly Pepper, Cinnamon's mom isn't quite as bad as she was once.

Rhett and Jenna are the cutest married couple! It hasn't changed a thing (unlike how some fave sleuth couples that got married on TV and the show got cancelled shortly after) between them, and while Rhett worries about her, he's not about to squelch her curiosity. Jenna had another life-threatening showdown but she had a trick up her sleeve too, so all was well in Crystal Cove once the perp (who I hadn't guessed this time) was hauled away. Vera and Marlon were another super cute couple even though the poor guy couldn't work the case for most of the book. Can't wait to see what our fave cove dwellers get into in the next book!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Beyond the Page via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.

Though Poaching is Puzzling is the 12th book in the Cookbook Nook Mystery series, it’s the first one I’ve read from the series, and I loved it! So, obviously, you don’t need to read the prior 11 books to enjoy this one though I’m sure they’re great too. So, if you don’t mind knowing who is married to whom or how relationships came about, go ahead and jump in with Poaching is Puzzling!

Jenna and her aunt Vera own the Cookbook Nook, which is exactly what its name suggests. But they sell more than just cookbooks. Since the annual crossword puzzle competition is in town, they’ve stocked lots of crossword puzzle themed items like aprons, cookie jars, salt and pepper shakers, etc. in addition to the puzzle-themed books, and they’re selling like hot cakes! It doesn’t hurt that one of the most famous crossword puzzle makers was friends with Aunt Vera and is giving a lecture at the Cookbook Nook. But then he’s murdered, and Aunt Vera becomes a suspect!

I quickly came to love the main characters in this series. Jenna is delightful and her aunt is full of spunk. Jenna’s friends are loyal, and her husband is loving and attentive. The characters who are “just visiting” for this book are also very well-written and seem real! I think that when you feel like the characters in a book could be your neighbors, the author has done his or her job well! And Daryl Wood Gerber always does it well. I’ve read her Fairy Garden Mystery series, so I know she writes amazing characters! I’m looking forward to reading more in this series and getting to know these characters.

The crossword puzzle theme totally drew me in! I’m not good at them unless they’re about celebrities or pop culture….and most aren’t! I’m amazed by people who do them with no errors and in awe of those who create the puzzles. It’s one of those things where you think a computer must be coming up with crossword puzzle clues and themes. I think I have a pretty good vocabulary, but some of the words used in these puzzles in the book…nope. I have no clue! But I absolutely loved everything about the puzzle theme and how the whole village got involved in the crossword competition.

The mystery was extremely well plotted. Being a regular cozy mystery book reader, I had my suspicions as to who the killer was, but plenty of red herrings sent me down different paths early on!

I highly recommend Poaching is Puzzling! It’s got everything a good cozy mystery needs: wonderful characters, a well-plotted mystery with an intriguing theme, delicious sounding food (with recipes!), and a satisfying conclusion. I think you’ll love it as much as I did!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

Poaching Is Puzzling is book #12 in the Cookbook Nook Mystery series by Daryl Wood Gerber.

There’s a crossword puzzle contest in Crystal Cove and Jenna has stocked up on crossword related merchandise. But sales aren’t the only thing keeping her busy. There is a murder and Aunt Vera is the prime suspect.

This is such an enjoyable series. Jenna and her friends and family are great characters and I love Jenna and Rhett together. With Tigger and Rook, they make a cute family. This was a challenging mystery since the victim wasn’t a nice person and there were many viable suspects. I put it together the same time that Jenna did which was at the very end. There are many very tasty looking recipes at the end of the book and I’m definitely going to have to try them out. I can’t wait to see what is in store for Jenna and Rhett.

Thank you to the author, Beyond the Page Publishing, and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

The annual crossword puzzle contest is being held in town where Jenna and her aunt own the Cookbook Nook. Jenna is surprised to find out that the master of ceremonies, a well known crossword puzzle maker, is a childhood friend of her aunt but there are some hard feelings there. When the man is killed and Vera is a prime suspect, Jenna is determined to puzzle out the clues to find the real culprit.

This is a really fun cozy. It is filled with interesting facts about how crossword puzzles are made. It has many more steps and people than I would have thought. The mystery is a puzzle that is fitting for any crossword fan with many misleading clues that could have a variety of answers and of course there is only one right one. I was surprised by the culprit.

Plus, good characters and lots of delicious recipes (many more than is usual for even a culinary cozy) it should be a hit with anyone who enjoys a good cozy.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.

I really enjoy the Cookbook Nook mystery series. I can hardly believe Poaching is Puzzling is the 12th book. The cover is darling with the cat doing a crossword puzzle.
The characters are one draw to this series. Jenna, Bailey, Vera, Katie and Rhett are likable and fun to read about.
Another draw is that each book has a different festival or theme. This allows the author to introduce the reader to a wide variety of topics that may not have caught their interest previously. I learned a great deal about crossword puzzles. I will likely never be great at them but I enjoyed learning about the types and how they are constructed.
Jenna was a bit bold in some of her investigating. It kept me on edge wondering if she would be caught and what would happen.
I like how Jenna, Bailey, Vera and Katie have all found love and how it doesn’t detract from the chemistry of this series.
Read Poaching is Puzzling. I recommend it.
Thanks to Netgalley and Beyond the Page Publishing for the opportunity to read an advance copy.

Poaching is Puzzling is the twelfth book in the series, featuring Jenna Hart and her Aunt Vera, co-owners of The Cookbook Nook and the Nook Cafe. In addition to plenty of references to actual cookbooks, a crossword puzzle tournament is taking place in this book which makes it even more fun. I enjoyed all the information about crosswords that are included as part of the story.

Jenna was looking forward to all the festivities for the tournament, but she soon has her hands full with an investigation into the murder of a prominent crossword puzzle designer who was the emcee of the event. There are several people with motives and who are acting suspiciously, but the Crystal Cove police seem to be zeroing in on Jenna's aunt. Jenna puts everything on hold to take a closer look at other possible suspects and clear Vera's name. I wish the police officers were as thorough and open-minded in their investigation as Jenna! If you're new to the series, the book works well as a standalone and there is a list of characters at the beginning you can refer to. Even though I've read several of the prior books, the list was a helpful review for me.

I really enjoyed this book, It's an entertaining cozy mystery with a great ending. Since the Nook Cafe is an important part of this series, there are several recipes at the back of the book that sound delicious. I received an advance copy of this ebook from NetGalley and Beyond the Page Publishing, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.

A mystery, puzzles, and food...what a wonderful combination! I very much enjoyed reading this book and learning about puzzles and terminology. The word-related chapter headers were alot of fun. I even learned a new word or two. I'm looking at you, cruciverbalist. And the recipes mentioned at the end of the book sound yummy.

This is the second book I've read in the series, but had no trouble following along. I'm already anticipating the next book in the series.

Many thanks to Beyond the Page Publishing and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book. My thoughts and opinions are my own and without bias or favor or expectation.

Poaching is Puzzling is the 12th book in the Cookbook Nook Mystery series. I really enjoy this series, and found this an interesting look into the world of crossword puzzle competitions. If you love crossword puzzles, and food this mystery is not to be missed. I found all the information on crossword puzzles and the different words quite intriguing.
Crystal Cove is hosting its annual crossword puzzle contest. When the puzzle master is found dead, Aunt Vera becomes a prime suspect. Jenna does not hesitate to jump right into the investigation. After all her aunt is a suspect.
So many suspects as it seems the puzzle master was not as well liked as everyone thought.

Thank you NetGalley and Beyond the Page Publishing for the opportunity to read this book.

What a cute story! Who else by Ms. Gerber can pull off a cozy mystery, with a murder, that really is a cute story!

We are welcomed back to Crystal Cove California and the Cookbook Nook, with Jenna and Vera as proprietors (owners, possessors), and a whole crossword puzzle themed mystery (conundrum, enigma). A crossword puzzle conference is being held there and the man judging and who also created many of the puzzles, is the murder victim (casualty, fatality).

After the beginning that dragged a bit for me, the rest of the book was fast paced and just a delight (pleasure, satisfaction). With many possible murder suspects, you really couldn't figure out who done it until the end of the book!

I've been a fan (fanatic) of Ms. Gerber's books for a long time. This is an excellent addition to this series.

Jenna is happy with how crossword themed books are jumping.ofd the shelves, the annual crossword puzzle contest is starting off right. Her Aunt Vera has donated a large money prize which has all the players excited as well. They were even able to get a very prominent puzzle constructor to be master of ceremonies. Things are going well until the master of ceremonies is found dead murdered and left in the woods. Her Aunt had an argument with the man earlier the previous day making the police look at her as the main suspect. Jenna hates thinking what her aunt is going through and jumps into investigation mode. She soon realizes there is no shortage of suspects, it seems everyone has a reason to want the man dead. Follow along as Jenna searches for a killer, will she be able to figure out the clues or will the mans death remain a puzzle.

I like A Cookbook Nook series and enjoyed this instalment even if it's not my fav. A well plotted and solid mystery, likeable characters I was glad to meet againg.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine

A Cookbook Nook Mysteries written by Daryl Wood Gerber is one of the first cozy mysteries that I began reading many, many years ago. The latest, Poaching is Puzzling, brings a puzzling crew to the small, seaside California town where Jenna's favorite aunt is accused of murdering an old friend for stealing a puzzle that gave his career a much-needed boost. Decades later, a big contest shows up in town and Aunt Vera is running the competition. Big stakes. Winners and Losers. Tons of secrets. An editor with a keen eye for slashing things. A best friend who is angry that the man stole his beloved years ago. A protégé who sometimes knows more than the boss. And a colleague who's owed some money. Toss in a few surprise guests and it's a curious puzzle indeed. Jenna figures out the culprit just a little too late and almost becomes a victim herself. Enjoyed this one a lot - gained a huge new vocabulary too. Entertaining and makes for a lovely Sunday afternoon read.

Poaching Is Puzzling by Daryl Wood Gerber is an interesting and enlightening look into the world of cross word puzzle competitions, something I had no idea went on.
The book is proficiently written, with the murder victim so universally disliked that there are a large number of possible suspects. That number of suspects makes the mystery complex as the book gradually comes to a conclusion.
However, I found the book tedious to read. From the detailed cooking instructions at the beginning of the book that instantly bog progress down, to educational information regarding trees that make for extremely unnatural conversation, to increasingly repetitive rehashing of the reasons to suspect every possible suspect, the flow of the book kept hitting a wall. Reading became a chore for me, and I started scanning entire sections, especially those that excessively described food and the rehashed reasons for suspecting various characters. Detailed descriptions of the food especially need not be in the book when the recipes are included at the end.
The book could easily benefit by being cut down by a third.
I received an ARC of #PoachingIsPuzzling from #NetGalley .