I really enjoyed this cozy mystery. Jules is a baker and runs a bakery. she is married to Carlos and his son Ramiro is staying in the U.S. with them for a while. His family is coming for a visit and then doing some traveling.. Jules has a lot of things planned. First night snow shoeing to look at the stars. Hero takes them on the tour and he sees Fitz taking a tour group where they should not be going. Hero calls the ski patrol and his finds their way back to the lodge. The next day is the Down Hill Dummy which are sponsored by business's.. This is where the murder of Fitz takes place and the sleuthing begins. Jules is the amateur sleuth in this story and she is good. No spoilers here. I didn't guess who done it until the end.

A Smoking Bun: A Bakeshop Mystery
By Ellie Alexander
St. Martin’s
February 20, 2024

Review by Cynthia Chow

As Ashland, Oregon closes out the holidays and begins the new year, the tourist-attracting town celebrates with their annual Downhill Dummy competition. Contestants craft creatively dressed-up dummies and send them down ski jumps on decorated sleds, with the hurtling entries giving their creators bragging rights for the year. Torte Bakeshop owner Jules Capshaw Montague is herself eagerly anticipating a visit by the family of her husband’s son, who are traveling all the way from their home in Spain. Jules adores young Ramiro, and she finds the entire Torres family to be equally charming and supportive of his bond with Jules and his birth father. While taking Ramiro and his Torres relatives on a midnight snowshoe trip up Mount Ashland though, they encounter a reckless ski guide who endangers the women he’s hosting. Jules’s own guide Hero and bakeshop friend Shawn each have angry confrontations with the arrogant Fitz Baskin, so when he is killed during a dummy ski jump suspicion falls on them as likely culprits. A witness’s accusation against Shawn forces Jules’s police detective stepfather to take the young man in, which sets the bakeshop staff off on an investigation to clear him and hopefully find the true culprit.

Food is the language of love for Jules and her husband Carlos, which is why she retreats into the kitchen as she contemplates the many suspects who battled with the aggressive ski guide. She and Carlos first met and fell in love while cooking on a cruise ship, so of course she uses the preparation of food to calm her as she plans how they can solve a murder. Jules doesn’t trust the reasons why Fitz’s clients were on the mountain, and the trail of clues leads back to the mountain lodge’s owners and plans for a possible sale. Ashland’s Oregon Shakespeare Festival being on a holiday break means that its director Lance Rosseau has plenty of time to lend his dramatic assistance when not planning a one-man show, and Jules’s own bakeshop family are similarly ready to lend their coffee and flour-covered hands.

This is the 18th of the series, and this latest installment comfortably welcomes readers into the genial, Shakespearean-centric town. The focus on Shakespeare celebrations actually takes a sideline as it instead features its appeal as a skiing and snow sports destination site, welcoming in tourists with hot chocolate treats and exciting-if chilly adventures. The introduction of the Torres family is a delight, and they are immediately embraced by Jules, her mother, and their entire Torte family. While no recipes are included the elaborate descriptions of Jules and her team in the kitchen will be enough to have mouths watering and readers envious of those able to taste them in this charming fictional world. The relationships between the Ashland residents continue to develop and plotlines from the earliest books of the series still follow through, making the setting feel authentic and very much as if it were a real, evolving community. This entertaining cozy mystery will have readers wanting to huddle up near a warm fire with the snowy adventures that allow winter to be celebrated throughout the year.

I always enjoy my visits to Ashland + Torte with Jules and the gang - I find myself quite invested in these characters and their adventures after 18 books! I found I enjoyed this mystery more than the last few in this series and overall highly recommend this one to cozy mystery fans!

We are back in Ashland, Oregon with Jules Capshaw. Her boyfriend Carlos' family is in town from Spain to visit after Christmas. Jules has taken vacation time to enjoy every minute of their visit. First on the agenda is a Stargazing midnight snowshoe trip. It is cut short by someone needing rescue by the Ski patrol. Fitz is causing mayhem on the mountain by not following the rules. Not staying on paths and this time stranding skiers.

Next is the dummy race. When someone is hit by the Ski patrols dummy it's not an accident. Shaun of the ski patrol is a suspect. Jules decides to find out what happened and who the real killer is.

I enjoyed this book. The writing always hooks me even though I've only read a handful of this series. I really need to start at the beginning and read them all. I do love the characters. It would be nice to know who is who and their backstories. I enjoyed following the clues with Jules. I had no idea whodunnit. This book made me really hungry while reading it. 😋 I can't wait to see what happens next for Jules.

Enter the world of a bakeshop in Ashland, Oregon where coffee and pastries reign supreme. In this 18th outing in the series, Juliet and Carlos are hosting family members from Spain just before New Years. Part of the entertainment they are planning for their guests are events at the local ski lodge, including a fun dummy ski jump contest. But plans go awry when a young man is found dead at the bottom of the jump. Juliet, as always, wants to help the police chief, who just happens to be her step-father, solve the crime. In the meantime, there is plenty of delicious baking going on at the shop. A nicely plotted cozy mystery which keeps the reader guessing till the end.

Many thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an arc of this new mystery via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.

This is the classic Ellie Alexander mystery I remember! After being highly disappointed by the past few installments in this series, I was a bit hesitant to pick up A Smoking Bun. But I'm so glad I did! This was a fantastic cozy mystery filled with delicious-sounding bakes that had my mouth-watering, and a mystery that, while I guessed the murderer early on, was a lot of fun to solve and find out the truth alongside Juliet! I also really loved meeting Ramiro's family and the moments between Sofia and Juliet were very touching.
The only two reasons I removed a star is 1) because I wish the Torte crew had been able to be a little more involved in the book. I missed seeing Andy and Sterling and Stephanie and the rest of the crew as they were more in the background for this book. And 2) because Juliet has ended the past few books with the same questions swirling around in her mind, and it's getting annoyingly repetitive. She doesn't really talk to Carlos about having kids, just stews about it herself. I wish she'd communicate with Carlos!
But overall, a very enjoyable cozy!

A Smoking Bun is #18 in this bakeshop mystery series by Ellie Alexander and takes place in the mountains most of the time. Jules, husband has family visiting from Spain and there is never a dull moment in this book. Of course there is a lot of delicious food and of course a murder for Lance and Jules to help solve. Good times are had with Carlos’s family and closer bonds are made . Will there be a family in Jules and Carlos future? Stay tuned for book #19 📚Ellie Alexander has written another winner and I thoroughly enjoyed reading A Smoking Bun and I would highly recommend this book to read. P.S. Love is in the air for two couples at Torte and maybe we will see wedding bells in future books for this series. 🙋‍♀️🇨🇦🙏❤️📚👏👍🧁

I love the Torte books, though this isn't one of my favorites. It just feels like the cast of characters is TOO sprawling. I don't feel that connected with Ramiro's family, the snow patrol, the lodge people...So much time is spent with all of them, but not enough time is spent with any of them, if that makes sense. I guess I just don't care enough about any of them, and yet the mystery isn't personal to Jules and her own family. So that makes it tough to get invested in the solving of the crime. The pacing and characterization just don't feel quite up to the series' standard here for me.

Review copy provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is another fun installment in the long-running and much loved Bakeshop Mystery series set in southern Oregon.

This time, Carlos's family, including his ex-wife and her new husband from Spain, are visiting for the holidays. Among other enjoyable family events planned, there are several set at the local ski mountain and lodge, including the annual Downhill Dummy event where the murder takes place. Naturally, baker Jules Capshaw gets involved in solving it.

This series features an absolute top-notch cast of recurring characters and, once again, a clever, involved plot.

Highly recommended for cozy mystery fans!!

I have been provided with a review copy of A Smoking Bun from NetGalley for an impartial review. This was just a great read. I just had so much fun reading this story.

Jules is hosting a holiday get together including Ramiro's family from Spain. During the festivities they are at the ski resort for the Downhill Dummy event. Of course someone is killed and Jules is right there trying to help the Professor figure out who killed. Can she catch the person responsible before someone else is killed? I really wish there was a Torte nearby, I really want to try the treats I keep reading about! I hope this series continues for a long time, I love going back to Ashland, OR and reading about the awesome characters in this series.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. This review is based on an ARC from NetGalley, courtesy of the publisher.

This is such a fun cozy mystery series, and always leaves me with that comfy feeling and my stomach growling with all the delicious food described.
In this book Carlo's ex-wife, husband and daughter are traveling to Ashland to visit their son Romiro who has been staying with Carlos and Jules for the last few months. I love the little family Jules and Carlos have made, along with the second family Jules has with all the of people that work in her bakeshop.

I love how everyone gets along, as things could be a little awkard with her husbands exwife and family visiting, but things go super smoothly and they all feel like one big happy family. I thought the Downhill Dummy competition sound like a super fun and something I would love to see first hand. The mystery aspect of this story was super good! There were plenty of suspects with plenty of reasons to want this person dead, and so many twists and turns in the story that I had no idea who the killer was until it was revealed.

I can't wait to continue in this series and see what happens next!

When Ramiro’s mother and family in town, Jules, find herself enjoying the visit. Enjoying the company and the snow, things are going well. Up until one of the mountain guides is found dead.

Jules just can’t help herself, and she finds herself digging in and dealing with icy suspects. Will Jules and the gang be able to sell the case before the town loses one of their favorite spots? Here’s to no killer icicles finding their way to ending Jules’ success in finding yet another killer.

I love all written things by Ellie Alexander, but this is my favorite series of all. Come for the mystery and sour, the baked delights and wine as well. Oh, and be ready for a few Shakespeare quotes sprinkled in as well.

This series is a comfort read for me. I know before I read it that I am going to experience all the wonderful things that I love about this series. The Torte family makes the books special. Everyone is unique and they all bring something different to the table. We cannot forget about Lance. He always puts a smile on my face. I can also count on Richard Lord to make an appearance and add a little chaos to Jules and her day. The Downhill Dummy competition is something I have never heard of before. I wonder if it is an actual thing. I was able to picture all the “dummies” flying down the hill on skis.
 
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the copy in exchange for my review.

Through NetGalley, I received a free copy of A SMOKING BUN (Book 18 of the Bakeshop Mystery series) by Ellie Alexander in exchange for an honest review. Ramiro’s family is visiting from Spain, so Jules is eager to show off her beautiful Ashland’s winter wonderland and all of the cold-weather activities on offer. One such event is the annual downhill dummy race where teams strap themed mannequins to skis and fling them down the mountain and over a jump. When one of the mannequin missiles misfires and lands on the body of a mountain guide known for misbehavior, the silliness soon sobers. As usual, Jules is drawn into the investigation and navigates the new nefariousness. Hospitality falls to the wayside in lieu of catching a killer!

I liked the book and enjoy the series. I recommend the book to fans of the series and the series to fans of humorous cozy murder mysteries featuring small towns, tourist destinations, themed events, bakeshops, and Shakespeare.

#ASmokingBun #NetGalley

"A Smoking Bun" the 18th instalment in the A Bakeshop Mystery series by Ellie Alexander.

The mountains are calling in Ashland, Oregon, where pastry chef turned amateur sleuth, Jules Capshaw, is baking up a bevy of spiced curry buns and chai cookies for a moonlit snowshoe tour. Ramiro’s family is visiting from Spain and Jules can’t wait to take them up to her beloved Mount A with its charming and rustic lodge, backcountry trails, and star-filled skies that stretch for miles. Their winter wonderland adventure is nothing short of magical and the merry party opts to return to the slope the next day for the Downhill Dummy.

I really enjoyed this story, seeing Ramiro’s family in Ashland and how much his mom and Jules respect and like each other. Visiting Torte and Ashland is like coming home to old friends and family lots of fun with a bit of chaos thrown in for good measure.

The mystery is interesting and well plotted, and there were just enough twists and turns to keep you guessing. Needless to say I cant wait for the next book.

I recommend this book to all my cozy lover friends.

I requested and received an advance reader copy of this book from St. Martin's Press and Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Summary
The week between Christmas and New Year is normally a quiet time in Ashland, Oregon. Not so this year for Jules, who is expecting extended family from Spain for the week. She has planned a midnight snowshoe excursion, a wine tasting, and meals with friends and family.

The most unusual event of the week is the Downhill Dummy, where different groups and businesses build a dummy, prop it on skis or a snowboard and launch it off of the ski jump at the local ski resort. The crashes are part of the fun. Until someone ends up dead in the wreckage of one of the dummies.

Everyone tells her to relax and focus on her guests, but when the best friend of her barista becomes a prime suspect, Jules knows that she needs to ask some questions.

My Thoughts
This was an exceptionally fun winter mystery. The characters are lovable, the mystery is well-crafted, the writing is engaging, and the plot is well-paced.

Jules is one of my favorite amateur sleuths. She’s a lovely, kind and compassionate person. Not to mention a talented baker and successful businessperson. She knows how to get people talking, and she reports what she knows to the police. She isn’t the type to take foolish risks, though that doesn’t mean she never finds herself in tricky situations. Her character is also well-rounded and constantly growing and learning.

The rest of the cast of regulars is equally endearing. If you follow the books through the series, which I have, they become like an extended family. It’s wonderful to spend time with them, and enjoyable to see how they grow. I especially appreciate Jules’ relationship with the Professor. He’s her mother’s husband, the chief of police, and a fascinating character. I love that Jules is able to cooperate with the police rather than having an adversarial relationship. They appreciate the skills she offers.

The mystery kept me guessing. There were numerous clues and red herrings, and just the right number of suspects. I had a favorite suspect early on, but the story had me doubting myself all the way to the end.

I love the detail that Alexander puts into her writing. From the pink pompom on little Marta’s hat to Jules’ glittery gold New Year’s Eve skirt, attention to wardrobe helps me visualize the characters. She gives the same attention to location. In my mind, I have clear pictures of the bakery, the town, and the ski lodge.

Most of all, I love the descriptions of the food. I enjoy hearing what everyone is preparing and really appreciate the baking tips included throughout. Because I was reading an eARC, there were no recipes included, but if experience tells me anything, it is that there will be recipes in the back of the book, and they will be delicious!

I received a free eARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Jules is excited to host Ramiro's family and for the Downhill Dummy race but of course nothing goes as planned. An unliked guide at the mountain ski resort where the race is held is killed and Jules, of course, must investigate. This part of the novel is classic cozy stuff but the real heart of the novel is the emerging relationships with Ramiro, son of her new husband Carlos, and his mom. And then there's the food! Know that, sadly, there aren't any recipes, but Alexander will have you craving curry and other treats. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. While this is the latest in a very long running series, it's going to be fine if you're reading it as a standalone. It's a good read for fans of the genre.

The next Bakeshop Mystery finds Jules investigating the murder of a ski patrol member.

This one had a lot more personal plot, especially early on in the book. I wish it had been more spread out so that we got more consistent mystery throughout. Otherwise another good addition!

I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Winter in Ashland features skiing, snowshoeing and guests for Juliette and Carlos. While watching an event someone is killed and several ski patrol members are suspects. Jules and Lance begin to ask questions and find themselves caught in the mystery. I enjoyed this book in that it combined the mystery with regular activities and reflections from Jules. It also points to a community that works together and businesses that help each other out. I enjoyed getting to know Ramero's Spanish family. This was well written and plotted. I can't wait for the next book in the series.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair review.