Carolyn Arnold’s Wedding Bells Brew Murder is a cozy, closed-room mystery that blends suspense, romance, and humor set against the backdrop of a wedding gone wrong. The story follows Sara and Sean, former detectives and now a couple, on what should be their special day. However, just before Sara walks down the aisle, she discovers Darlene, the wedding cake maker, fatally stabbed in her bridal suite. The mystery intensifies when it’s suspected that the cake may have been poisoned, potentially targeting Sara and Sean themselves.

The investigation unfolds with twists and turns, as Sara and Sean are drawn into solving the crime alongside a former colleague who holds personal grudges. With multiple suspects, from wedding guests to a mysterious crasher, readers are kept guessing who might have had a motive to turn this celebration into a crime scene.

Arnold’s storytelling is engaging, and the setting of a single wedding venue adds to the tension, evoking a classic Agatha Christie vibe. Fans of cozy mysteries will enjoy the mix of intrigue, well-timed humor, and Sara and Sean’s dynamic, making this a fun, suspenseful read perfect for fans of lighthearted mysteries  

I received an ARC from NetGalley.

Carolyn Arnold is always a must read for me. Cozies can be fun and mysterious, so I was excited to be able to get my hands on the second book, Wedding Bells Brew Murder, of the Sara And Sean Cozy Mystery series.

The premise sounded interesting but I did not finish as I was not enjoying the story or characters. The mystery also was not engaging to me.

A quick cozy mystery that was a great read. The second book in the series, what can go wrong during Sara and Sean's wedding ceremony. A murder is what can happen, and what follows is a wonderful mystery. I would certainly recommend this book to others.

I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher, and I am leaving my review voluntarily.

Another great book written by this well liked author. I enjoyed it but felt it slowed down in the middle but worth persevering to the expected conclusion

Sara and Sean are back with their cute romance and sleuthing ways. When we had seen them last, Sean had gotten a huge inheritance from a man whose life he had saved many years previously and been in touch with. This unexpected windfall becomes the catalyst for the many changes which happen in Sara and Sean's life.

Sean resigns from the police force and begins a Private Investigative agency. Because they are no longer colleagues, Sara and Sean are able to act on the mutual attraction they had felt for a very long time. And now we meet them two days before their wedding, with both of them trying their best to enjoy their day. But things take a turn for them when their wedding cake specialist stumbles into the bridal suite being stabbed with a knife on her back. The postponed wedding and their training prompts the both of them to find out the murderer.

Would Sara and Sean be able to do that? Will the duo's former colleagues in the police force be open to their interference into an official murder investigation? Author Carolyn Arnold has created a good narrative around these likable characters and interesting plot points which work well together and hold the reader's attention adequately. Sara and Sean's relationship was lovely to see and it has been developed wonderfully.

However, I always expect more out of a Carolyn Arnold's work and this book just didn't reach that high standard. The story was intriguing enough and the interaction between the characters was engaging. I definitely enjoyed the story but it didn't hook me as the other works of this author tend to. I would still like to know what happens with Sara and Sean; and will be hoping for the next book to exceed my expectations.

An excellent cozy that includes some surprising clues, alibis and twists. Why did the baker poison the wedding cake and why did someone kill her? All good questions with a trip down the aisle as part of the answer.

Sara and Sean just want to get married, but a murder stands in the way.. There is multiple mysteries to solve and a slew of suspects. Family and friends try to help and there are red herrings and actual clues to sift through.

This is the second book in the series but, can be read alone. I haven't read the first one (although I will be now) and this was not an issue. I love a cosy murder and this book had all the elements for me - romance, humour, lots of plot twists and a loveable dog.
The story is set at Sara and Sean's wedding which is a surprising set for a murder but, clever. The lady (Darlene) who made the cake arrives with a knife in her back. Uttering one word before she dies the wedding is put on hold until the culprit is found. Which guest has committed the crime - not the easiest question when Darlene wasn't exactly popular.
Lots of clues and a few red herrings really add to the mystery and keep you guessing.

Very realistic and interesting characters. Fast-paced plot that kept me thoroughly engaged throughout. Suspenseful and thrilling! Enjoyed every page of it!

*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.

Carolyn Arnold, bestselling author of excellent thriller novels, also pens a cozy series, Sara and Sean Cozy Mystery Series. The second novel in the series, Wedding Bells Brew Murder finds Sara and Sean at the local community center just minutes away from taking their wedding vows when friend and bakery owner, Darlene Day, pounds on the door of the bride’s room and stumbles in with a knife in her back. Unfortunately Darlene dies, and since it’s a crime scene, all the guests must stay on even though the actual wedding is cancelled. Sara and Sean recently quit the police for after Sean inherited loads of money, but they feel the need to investigate anyway since Sara grew up with Darlene. The actual detective on the case is an old friend of Sara’s, and because he was interested in Sara romantically while they grew up together, Ryan, gives them a hard time as they investigate, even to the point of threatening arrest if they don’t quit putting their noses in the case.

While this is a cute cozy, and the story has some twists and turns, it doesn’t seem to be as good as Arnold’s serious thriller books. The story is not particularly viable as something that would happen in real life, but is entertaining, all the same. The characters are well developed, including Magnum, their dog, who helps Sean and Sara find clues, and even saves their lives.

All told, this is a cute cozy, and is suitable for all ages; however, cozies aren’t Arnold’s strong point and her real thrillers are better.

Special thanks to NetGalley for supplying a review copy of this book.

This book is the second in the Sara and Sean Cozy Mystery Series. I hadn't read the first book so was not familiar with the characters and their backstory. I found it easy enough to read but it didn't wow me and I found the story a bit far fetched. The fact that they were ex-police, I didn't understand why they didn't follow proper procedures, and that didn't sit right with me. I wouldn't rush to read another book from the series, sorry

Wedding Bells Brew Murder is the second book in the Sara and Sean Cozy Mystery series by Carolyn Arnold. Not having read the first book, I was slightly disadvantaged since I didn’t know their complete history or much about the first murder case they solved. It took me a bit to get in the flow and connect all the dots, but when it happened, the story came together better for me.

Most of the story takes place on what should have been Sara and Sean’s wedding day, but the murder of their wedding cake baker while at the wedding venue postponed things and put a serious damper on the event.

There’s a lot packed into the day and several suspects and clues to comb through. There are so many details and descriptions that I felt like I was there. Of course, Sara and Sean solve the mystery, but since they had both previously been on the police force, they have the background and knowledge of what to look for and questions to ask. Their happily ever after happened unexpectedly and much differently than they had planned.

I wish the story had gone on a little longer since it ended abruptly for me. I like the title and the cover and look forward to seeing what Sara and Sean are up to next by this new-to-me author.

In Wedding Bells Brew Murder, who can resist a wedding? Throw in a cozy mystery with a crime to be solved, a multitude of characters and clues, and an endearing dog. What more could you want as you race to figure out whodunnit?

I loved this so much! A cozy closed room mystery!! Yes this was absolutely perfect. I ate this book up! Loved it. I can't wait for the next book in the series to see what Sara and Sean get up to next!
I just reviewed Wedding Bells Brew Murder (Sara and Sean Cozy Mystery Series) by Carolyn Arnold. #WeddingBellsBrewMurder #NetGalley
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"Wedding Bells Brew Murder" by Carolyn Arnold is a delightful and suspenseful cozy mystery that combines the joy of a wedding with the intrigue of a murder mystery. Sara's wedding day takes an unexpected turn when the cake baker is found dead with a knife in her back, and the wedding festivities come to a screeching halt.

Arnold skilfully weaves together a charming small-town setting, engaging characters, and a cleverly plotted mystery. Sara, the bride-to-be, takes it upon herself to solve the murder, adding a layer of amateur sleuthing to the story. The motive behind the murder, possibly related to the bakery business, keeps readers guessing as they follow the clues.

What sets this cozy mystery apart is the mix of humour and romance amid the murder investigation. Sara's determination, along with the support of her fiancé Sean and her loyal beagle Magnum, adds heart-warming elements to the narrative.

"Wedding Bells Brew Murder" is a perfect choice for fans of cozy mysteries who enjoy a touch of romance and a well-crafted whodunit. Carolyn Arnold's writing keeps readers engaged and entertained, making it a delightful addition to the genre.

Wedding Bells Brew Murder is the 2nd book in the Sara and Sean Cozy Mystery series. At the end of the first book, Sean gets an inheritance from a man he once saved. He and Sara quit the Albany police force and get engaged. This book starts with them getting ready to be married. They have a rehearsal and a dinner for family and close friends. Darlene Day, the local and renowned baker, is there to have a cake tasting for the group. The next day at the wedding, Darlene bursts into the bridal room and dies after saying only one word, "Icing". She has been stabbed in the back. Although Sean and Sara are no longer with the police, they want to help with the investigation as the murdered happened at their wedding, as well as Sarah knowing Darlene all her life. The local police aren't keen on that, but they begin asking questions and sneaking around anyway. Did one of their friends commit murder?

I always enjoy a cozy mystery series a bit more when the amateur sleuth has some background in investigating which both Sean and Sara have. Sara is smart, independent, intuitive, and has faith in humanity. Sean is Sara's opposite in the sense that he doesn't necessarily give the benefit of the doubt to people like Sara does and is more suspicious. He is also smart, handsome, and confident. Even though he doesn't always agree with Sara, he never puts her ideas down, but uses more of a let's wait and see approach. Magnum, the beagle is their sidekick and is with them pretty much all the time. They adopted him after his owner was killed in the first book. Being a beagle, he has a great nose and helps out a few times in this story. There is more than one storyline in this book which gives us plenty of suspects. There are some twists and red herrings, but I was still surprised where this story went. I thought I had some figured out and there were plenty of clues, but the final reveals still held some surprises. The plot was well developed and flowed well, with some suspense and tension. With Sara and Sean no longer being detectives, I wonder what will happen next. I know they will continue to investigate crimes as that is a passion, but in what capacity? I am ready for the next Sara and Sean Cozy Mystery.

I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley.

I have read many of Carolyn Arnold's mysteries and greatly enjoyed them. Wedding Bells Brew Murder is a cozy mystery and it is definitely a lighter read than the others.

A wedding day should be filled with happiness, family, friends, and lots of good food, including wedding cake. Unfortunately, that was not the case for Sara and Sean. A murder has interrupted events before the ceremony even took place.

As former Albany police detectives, Sara, Sean, and their clue-sniffing dog, Magnum, take on their own investigation.

The characters and story line are interesting. This is a quick, enjoyable read.

As always, I look forward to future Carolyn Arnold books.

In Wedding Bells Brew Murder by Carolyn Arnold, we celebrate Sara and Sean's wedding.

Who killed Darlene? What is in the icing?

Sara and Sean
Sara Cain can't wait to begin her new life as Sara Cain-McKinley. Except that might have to wait as it's minutes before she's about to walk down the aisle when Darlene, the baker, comes to her suite with a knife in the back. Sara reluctantly pauses her wedding to figure out what happened to Darlene Day. I have to say that I liked Sara even more in this book as she has to get used to doing things without a badge. Another thing that I liked is how she was able to solve the case faster than the guy she called in.

Much like Sara, Sean McKinley can't wait to get married but wants the case solved mostly because everyone at their wedding is a suspect, including them. He can look at the case levelheaded, unlike Sara, but not by much. Sean is a great detective, even without a badge, and is able to rifle through clues they find that help them find the culprit.

I have to say that I liked seeing the two of them working together without their badges, as it was great to see. Especially with Magnum in tow with them.

The Mystery
We have several mysteries to weed through this time. The first is who could have killed Darlene and why? Could it be that she didn't want to sell her bakery to them, or did she hurt someone else in the past that they never thought of? It could have been multiple reasons why, especially some of the villagers who wanted change but not her. The second mystery is what is wrong with the icing, and could it be that Darlene wasn't the intended victim but Sara and Sean themselves? Then there is the third mystery of what happened with some of their security detail for their wedding.

I have to say, even with all of these mysteries, I could follow along quite well, and I figured it out. Granted, I figured out the main one but not so much the other. Let's hope Sara and Sean can have a lovely honeymoon without finding a dead body.

Five Stars
I am giving five stars to Wedding Bells Brew Murder by Carolyn Arnold, and I'm recommending it as well. Ms. Arnold has a great series, and I love these two characters. Sara and Sean are a great team as detectives and lovers. I hope that they get a bit of a married life before finding any more dead bodies, except I think that these two actually like being able to solve mysteries despite not being police detectives anymore and running at least some of their thirty-three companies.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Wedding Bells Brew Murder by Carolyn Arnold.

Until the next time,
Karen the Baroness

If you would like to see other reviews like this one, check out Baroness Book Trove.

After getting engaged in the last book and planning their big day, Sara and Sean’s wedding is finally here! The guests are all seated, Sara is getting ready and everything is running smoothly, that is until a knock at the door sees a friend stumble in with a knife in her back!

Unfortunately that puts a halt on the nuptials and moves everyone on the guest list to the suspect list! That suspect list is large and including family and close friends Sara and Sean put their wedding aside to solve it before the police pin it on the wrong person.

I loved trying to find the suspect along with Sara and Sean and when it was all revealed I was shocked to see that the person wasn't even on my radar!

5 stars

Carolyn Arnold is always a must read for me. Cozies can be fun and mysterious, so I was excited to be able to get my hands on the second book, Wedding Bells Brew Murder, of the Sara And Sean Cozy Mystery series.

Sean McKinley had inherited a fortune and proposed to Sara. Since then, their lives have been a whirlwind. They quit their jobs as homicide detectives for the Albany Police Department and have spent their time traveling the world.

Tomorrow was on track to be a perfect day, their wedding day, but knowing Carolyn Arnold, it won’t stay that way. And it doesn’t. Sara and Sean are on the job, but not. They are told to stay out of the way, by an admirer and the the leader of the investigation, Ryan. He’d always had a crush on her, so maybe she did the wrong thing calling him.

Magnum is their trusty beagle and can sniff out all kinds of things. He can be a bit disobedient, but all in all, he fits right into their lives. He will prove very helpful.

The past comes a calling. Carolyn Arnold does visit the past to fill in the blanks and I love that about her books. They can stand alone, though I always recommend beginning at the beginning. Each one is enjoyable and adds hours of entertainment for your reading pleasure.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Wedding Bells Brew Murder by Carolyn Arnold.

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