This is the first book i read in this series and thoroughly enjoyed even if the Murray seems to be a sort of magnet for vioent crimes according to what i read.
That said it's a twisty and highly entertaining story featuring a Caribbean family and Lindsay is a clever and well developed character.
I enjoyed this novel and want to read the rest of the series
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

I didn't realize that this was the third book in the series but I didn't feel lost or out of place.

I didn't know I was a cozy mystery fan until I've been reading several of them as of late.

This book was a fun, twisty tale and if I'm honest, I wish the Spice Isle Bakery was real. I want to go in and order one of everything!

The characters are fantastic and the plot moves quickly.

If you enjoy cozy mysteries, this is a must check out series!

Lyndsey Murray has fought hard for her family’s Spice Isle Bakery to be included in Brooklyn’s Caribbean American Heritage Festival. Despite some initial setbacks, her bakery represents itself well. Even Sheryl Cross, the prickly festival organizer who’d tried to block their initial application after the Murrays were implicated in two homicides, is mollified enough to consider hiring the bakery to cater her daughter’s society wedding.

Sheryl isn’t the only person experiencing a change of heart: Lyndsey is starting to reconsider the hard line she’s maintained against being anything other than professional when dealing with her former high school crush, New York City Police Detective Bryce Jackson. It’s obvious that he’s interested in her romantically, and no one else in her family is holding a grudge against him for considering them his prime suspects in the prior homicides. In fact, they’re all encouraging her to give him a chance. Lyndsey might be able to resist the handsome homicide detective on his own, but is finding it harder to say no to both him and her family.

Love is also in the air for Lyndsey’s cousin Manny, who is excited to introduce his extended family to his newest romantic interest. Camille Abbey is the lead singer of DragonFlyZ, an up-and-coming reggae band based in Brooklyn. Camille and Manny met and bonded while he was working as a sound engineer on DragonFlyZ’ latest album, a charity CD benefiting the West Indian American Relief Fund. The CD has multiplied the band’s fanbase exponentially, spurring sales of their older records, too. They’re set to perform at the Caribbean festival, and Lyndsey is looking forward to taking time off from selling baked goods to groove to their music.

Tragedy strikes at the end of the festival, however, when Camille is found dead at the bottom of a flight of stairs. Manny is convinced that she was pushed, and turns to Lyndsey for help when the police seem to be dragging their feet over the case. Having now successfully solved two murders herself, Lyndsey agrees to look into the matter. But who could have possibly wanted sweet, humble Camille dead? Turns out that the music business is far more cutthroat than Lyndsey ever imagined, as she uncovers plenty of motive in her perilous quest to expose the truth.

The Spice Isle Bakery mystery series goes from strength to strength, as Lyndsey finally starts to not only feel comfortable with her sleuthing but also to feel more confident in her own skin. I love how supportive her family is throughout, as well as how Olivia Matthews continues to use more naturalistic language in the dialog. It was also great to see the legal aftermath of the events that took place in the second book in the series, Hard Dough Homicide, adding to the overall verisimilitude of these books.

There were two recipes for puddings included with this novel, and I decided to try out this one:

QUOTE
Coconut Pudding

Dry ingredients
½ cup cornstarch
½ cup sugar
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup toasted coconut flakes
¼ cup ground cinnamon

Wet ingredients
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 cups coconut milk

Utensils
Saucepan, small
Whisk
Dessert cups, 4

In a small saucepan, combine cornstarch, sugar, and salt.

Add vanilla extract

Use the whisk to whisk in coconut milk. Over low heat, allow the mixture to simmer, stirring constantly until the contents thicken (approximately 6 minutes).

Remove the saucepan from the heat. Pour the pudding into dessert cups.

Place the dessert cups in the refrigerator to cool (approximately 1 hour).

Garnish cooled pudding with toasted coconut flakes and ground cinnamon.
END QUOTE

I definitely had a different expectation of the consistency of the final product, but once I reconciled that idea with the reality, I wholeheartedly enjoyed this coconut pudding. This isn’t a firm or even a jiggly dessert – the consistency is even thinner than yogurt – but the flavors are amazing, especially with the toasted coconut. I enjoyed this almost like a parfait, using generous portions of toasted coconut and adding fresh blueberries to give it a little zing.

I do have to warn the novice cook that getting the coconut milk to a simmer on low will take at least half an hour, after which you can use the recipe’s six minute timer to continue thickening it. I did have to toast my own coconut flakes but the end result was well worth it. This pudding is not too sweet, and feels almost healthy when you add fruit. It’s a great dessert or breakfast treat!

Next week, we travel to the Midwest to enjoy a savory appetizer while solving an isolated manor house murder. Do join me!

In COCONUT DROP DEAD, Olivia takes readers back to Little Caribbean, Brooklyn, New York, to the delightful family bakery and characters we have watched outsmart the detectives and solved murders in the previous books in Spice Isle Bakery Mysteries.

In this story Camille, lead singer of an up-and-coming reggae band, falls down a flight of steps to her death. Of course, at first, the detectives rule the death an accident, but eventually change their mind when amateur sleuth, Lyndsay Murray, and the members of her murder-solving family, point out the reasons why the ‘accidental fall’ is actually a ‘push’ and ‘murder’.

The story goes at a brisk pace with enough suspects to keep readers wondering, however, this time, detective Bryce, acknowledges Lyndsay’s ability for solving murders and invites her to ‘consult’. The murder plot is well-constructed and, I must confess that, I did not figure out ‘who done it’ until Lyndsay’s thoughtful reasoning revealed who the killer is, and in the book’s final moment puts her in danger.

While the compelling murder mystery is the focus of the story, like the two books before, the story works so well on other levels. The sense of community, the colorful secondary characters, and the cultural awareness of the heroine and her family, especially her grandmother’s, adds to its appeal. All these elements stand out, but it is the relationship dynamics of the members of Lyndsay’s family that makes this story special and breathes extra life into it. They love and care for each other, a fact that is clearly seen in their interaction while solving the case and working to make the bakery successful.

Also important is the personal growth of our heroine. With each book, Lyndsay becomes more confident in her role of bakery owner and amateur sleuth. Her relationship with Detective Bryce improves and there is definitely an attraction and subtle chemistry between them. I hope that Ms. Matthews continues to develop this relationship in future books.

COCONUT DROP DEAD builds on the previous books and is my favorite of Ms. Matthew’s cozy mysteries. It’s a well-written mystery with a compelling plot, and solid characters who are appealing. Of course, I can’t forget the delicious pastries and food! I’d love to nibble on one of those Coconut Drops right now!

Coconut Drop Dead is the third in the Spice Isle Mystery Series. Lyndsay and her family run a bakery in the Little Caribbean section of New York. Although Lyndsay denies to herself and everyone else, there is chemistry between her and Homicide Detective Bryce Jackson. This causes problems since Lyndsay keeps ending up involved in murder investigations. Although I find it odd that a homicide detective would actively involve a citizen in a murder investigation, this is after all a fictional story. The characters are well developed. The storyline stands alone. You don’t need to read the first books to catch onto the relationships in this one. All in all, a fun cozy mystery.

Unfortunately due to the current SMP boycott, I will not post my review until the concerns are addressed..

*I received a free copy of this novel from NetGalley, St. Martin's Press and Minotaur Books for my honest review.*

Lyndsay Murray is still running her Spice Isle Bakery and trying to grow business and the Caribbean American Heritage Festival is looming. Luckily after the last installment, the bakery is going to be a vendor at the festival and get more business. And then there is a murder at the festival and Lyndsay is asked to help with the investigation.

I still enjoy the extended family and everyone being involved in the investigation. And the family is also starting to push Lyndsay towards the hot detective even though she is trying to stay focused on the bakery. One complaint was that everyone kissed their teeth. Everyone! Isn't there another phrase to show disdain or discord?

Can the Grenadian Nancy Drew get to the bottom the case before it's too late?

Rating: 3.5

This story picks up right were the last book, Hard Dough Homicide left off. The Spice Isle Bakery crew is excited about participating for the first time in the Caribbean American Heritage Festival. I miss hearing the different accents and such which give great color to the story.

Granny is a hoot!

The nickname, the Grenadian Nancy Drew, gives the reader a visual right away of who Lyndsey is, despite her not liking it.

The family meetings to discuss the case gives a nod to the strong family connections. Instead of being at odds in this case, the lead detective, Detective Bryce Jackson, asks Lyndsey for assistance given her strong community connections. The family, led by Lyndsey is investigating the death of Camille Abbey, the lead singer and songwriter of the up-and-coming reggae band, DragonFlyZ. The family agreed to investigate because of grandchild/brother/cousin/son Manny’s relationship to the victim.

Throughout the story there are touching moments with Granny imparting wisdom, many characters dealing with weighty issues and questions, all with bakery guests chiming in. The bakery, just three months old, is the spot in Little Caribbean. I am not a huge fan of coconut but I found by the end that I wanted to try the Coconut Drops.

The mystery/investigation seemed to drag a bit. But to Lyndsey’s credit she kept saying they were missing something. It was nice to see Lyndsey’s training put to good use.

Overall, I enjoyed reading the adventures of Lyndsey and her family as they help the police protect Little Caribbean.

Thank you to #NetGalley for the opportunity to do an early read and share my thoughts on the story. Happy Reading!

"Tragedy hits Caribbean-American Festival." Lyndsay Murray, now called The Grenadian Nancy Drew, has a booth at the annual Caribbean-American Heritage Festival, which is a nod to her West Indian heritage. At the event, Lyndsay is requested to cater an exclusive wedding. Even before she can even think of the opportunity a reggae performer is found dead. What else is Lyndsay to do but to try and solve the murder itself? She is attracted to, but at odds with her high school crush, Detective Bryce Jackson. Lyndsay makes it more than clear that she intends on being involved with the case quite to Bryce's consternation.

Just like the first two books in this series, Against the Currant and Hard Dough Homicide , this third book in the Spice Isle Bakery Mystery series is quite enjoyable. Lyndsay's family is wonderful, and while her brother Dev is an attorney, I found it wonderful when he joined the family's bakery business. Then considering the diversity with the family's West Indian background, this was a well-rounded read.

Many thanks to St. Martin’s Press and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

Spice Isle Bakery series #3. It's only been a short time since the last book, and the Bakery is participating for the first time in the Caribbean American Heritage Festival. The Festival, and the Bakery, are a huge success, but marred with the death of the lead singer of the group performing at the Festival. At first it looks like a terrible accident, but her boyfriend Manny is sure it was murder, and because he is her cousin, Lyndsay goes back into investigator mode, finding - as the police soon do as well - that it was no accident at all.
If I was one of Lyndsay's family members, I'd be a little worried about my friends and loved ones. This is the 3rd murder involving her family in just a few months! The story proceeds along logically enough, though it seems to mirror some of the previous books a little too much. The characters are winning, the Caribbean background is a definite plus, and the food sounds to die for, er, well, you know what I mean. This series has a lot of potential, especially the sane and logical way the characters involve themselves in the investigation. How it manages to draw a murder into their happy world will be interesting to see. Recommended.

This book was delightful! I love how the author showcases West Indian culture, food and traditions. While this book is the third instalment in the Spice Isle Bakery Mysteries series, it can definitely be read as a standalone (which I did).

I'm a foodie, so obviously I love a book that includes so many food descriptions (and even a few recipes at the back). It's commendable how Matthews is able to find the balance between highlighting West Indian culture and food while simultaneously advancing the plot of this cozy mystery. In addition, the suggestion of a romantic partnership for the Grenadian Nancy Drew was cute and leaves me looking forward to book 4!

This read was a bit nostalgic for me, and I found myself being reminded of my childhood with the author's descriptions of the foods, smells, different accents and behaviour of family members. Very reminiscent of my own family and upbringing!

Bravo to Matthews for writing a book that displays a culture and people that is too often overlooked. I highly recommend this to readers looking for more diverse characters.

While vending at a Caribbean food festival, a woman falls to her death. This book is full of mystery and food. Lots and lots of food! I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the next in the series. I received a complimentary copy of this book and chose to write a voluntary, unbiased review.

It was such a treat to be back in Little Caribbean with Lindsay and the rest of the Murray family.

This time, Lindsay’s cousin, Manny, needs the help of the family to prove his innocence.

I love the sense of community in these stories and how they are centered around the Murray family. No matter what happens, they stick together and help each other.

My one peace of advice is not to read these books while hungry! The food always sounds good and makes me want to take a trip to Spice Isle Bakery!

I truly love this series and look forward to the next installment.

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for the copy of this book. All views are my honest opinion.

This is the third book in the Spice Isle Bakery cozy mystery series and it's as fun and interesting as the first two. I'm really enjoying reading about the characters, the mystery, and Caribbean food and culture.
I'm already anticipating the next book in the series.

Many thanks to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book. My thoughts and opinions are my own and without bias or favor or expectation.

This was really fun! I loved the way the whole family was involved and I loved learning more about the culture of Grenada and other Caribbean islands. It kept me on my toes throughout the book!

Thank you Minotaur and NetGalley for the eARC of Coconut Drop Dead! All opinions in this review are my own.

I love the Spice Isle Bakery series and always look forward to another mystery with Lyndsay! I like how her family becomes more and more involved in the mystery with each book. Although I liked the second book in the series, Hard Dough Homicide better, the community and food help make Coconut Drop Dead stand out. I loved being able to see the Caribbean American Heritage Festival, especially because Spice Isle Bakery's application was such a focus in the last book.

I can't wait to see what trouble finds its way to Lyndsay's bakery next!

Review 6


The Spice Isle Bakery Mysteries series has three books. The third one is Coconut Drop Dead. The Caribbean American Heritage Festival in Brooklyn is coming up soon. Lyndsay Murray, one of the co-owners of the Spice Isle Bakery, and her Grenadian family are excited to be serving food at the event for the first time. The death of a close family friend would be the only thing that could bring them down. Camille Abbey died when she fell down some stairs. The police are looking into the possibility of a terrible accident. Guy, Lyndsay's cousin and a close friend of Camille's, says that someone killed her. Now, Manny is asking Lyndsay for help to make sure that the killer is brought to justice.

Through its focus on community, hard work, and family values, the book paints an emotional and romantic picture of family life. Lyndsay Murray, who helps run the bakery, hopes that the West Indian sweets and snacks at Little Caribbean will bring in customers. She's excited about having fun, meeting new people, and partying. She has Grenadian heritage through her family. Hunter Bryce Jackson and Lyndsay continue getting closer, even though the murders they solved together make their past more difficult. The growing passion between the two is a nice break from the murder investigation.

Patricia Sargeant is a best-selling and award-winning author who writes cozy stories under the name Olivia Matthews. One major magazine that has published Sargeant's work is Publishers Weekly. Another is USA Today. I'm grateful that NetGalley and St. Martins, the distributor of Uncorrected Digital Galley, let me have this document.

People who are interested in West Indian culture and practices but are not professional detectives will want to read Coconut Drop Dead. This book is great for people who like exciting and suspenseful stories. There are a lot of black and African American figures in this murder mystery and thriller.

I have really been in the mood for Caribbean food and cozy mysteries. This book did not disappoint ! I love the mixture of the Murray’s West Indian food into it as well!

Lyndsey and her family are ecstatic to have a booth at the annual Little Caribbean festival to showcase their bakery's wares. But when the lead singer of a local band playing at the festival--and Lyndsey's cousin's crush--dies under suspicious circumstances, Lyndsey can't help but sticking her nose in. But this time, the handsome detective asks her to help out, so hopefully she can keep him from jumping to conclusions while avoiding a date.

I read this one immediately after finishing the second book, which made for a fun continuation of the story. Because we had been introduced to the victim early in the book with a groundwork laid for a possible romantic relationship with Lyndsey's cousin, her death hit harder than anticipated. I, perhaps dumbly, hadn't read the blurb to know what was coming and was thinking it was another character who would be our victim. This book hit all the classic cozy mystery marks and I'm curious to see where the series goes from here. I, personally, am rooting for Lyndsey and the detective, even if he seems a little bit dumb. Give her her boy toy!

Thanks to St. Martin's for my eARC! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

5 stars - 8/10

Stars: 3

Thank you St. Martin's Press, Minotaur Books for accepting my request to read and review Coconut Drop Dead on NetGalley.

This is the third book in the Spice Isle Bakery Mystery Series. It follows a Caribbean theme from the familial relationships to the food. Family is important and a priority among the base characters. This has remained consistent.

The book is simple. This is a cozy mystery. Discussing a murder feels incongruous. A murder happens, the family bans together, they eat, they sell food, do family things, and solve the mystery.

This would be a nice book for readers of all ages.