The Fair Verona Players are starting a new season in Ashland and Juliet and Lance are thrilled about the new entry into the OSF family. On opening night the lead character is found dead after the performance. Although a superb actor, Jimmy Paxton rubbed everyone the wrong way and it's up to Juliet to discover who the killer is. Some delicious recipes and some surprises in this new installment of the Bakeshop Mysteries.

I read this series early in its beginning episodes. Picking it up I remember many of the characters and am happy to find their personal & professional lives have been successful. Chefs Juliet (Jules) and Carlos are married and between them they have established 3 businesses that support each other; a restaurant, a vineyard, and a performance theatre.

When annoying lead actor Jimmy Paxton is found murdered in the vineyard's wine storage area everyone becomes a suspect. There are a lot of theories and a lot of characters with motives and opportunities to be the murderer.

A happy ending leads us into the next episode in this culinary series. Six recipes are included.

Juliet "Jules" Capshaw is gearing up for the premier of the Fair Verona Players at her and husband Carlos' winery, Uva. The Players are the latest brainchild of their friend, Lance, who is the theater director of the OSF. In the updated version of The Taming of the Shrew they are doing. the leading man, Jimmy Preston, is a very good actor but a horrible person. He runs afoul of almost everyone prior to the first performance. Tom Rudolph, investor in the Players is almost as obnoxious and wants Jimmy out of the cast. Ed, set designer, is constantly maligned by Jimmy. Sophie, Ed's assistant, is "in love" with Jimmy. Olive, wardrobe mistress, is bullied by Jimmy. Bertie, the assistant director, can't stand his arrogance.
It is no wonder that Jules finds Jimmy's body in the wine cellar after the performance. Her stepfather, Doug, known as "The Professor" is the lead detective, along with her friends Thomas and Kerry, recently married to each other.
Everyone had secrets and someone has killed to preserve his (or hers). As they sift through the "How" and "Why" to get to the "Who",
Jules is dealing with some personal and professional issues. Two of her staff have been offered great new opportunities and she encourages them to spread their wings even though she will greatly miss them. Her stepson, Ramiro, is set to soon go home after a year with them. Then there are the strange symptoms that she is having.
With the help of her family and friends, Jules (and the police) find the culprit, she gets good medical news after her check-up and she resolves to enjoy Ramiro for as long as he is with them and not worry about after has gone home.
It is always great to visit the beautiful village in the northwest and keep up with all the great folks of Ashland, especially the family and staff of Torte, Jules' family bakeshop.
I hope this series keeps going on and on!

Dollycas's Thoughts

It is a pleasure to be back in Ashland, Oregon. Juliet's friend Lance is taking on a new project —the Fair Verona Players. Instead of performing at the theatre, the new troupe's performance of a "modern gender-bending twist" of The Taming of the Shrew will be in a restored barn at UVA.  It hasn't been smooth sailing though. There have been some weird incidents and not the usual camaraderie among the cast and crew.

The curtain goes up on opening night, the cast kills it! Everyone is excited about future performances. Then Jimmy Paxton, the show's leading actor is found dead in the wine cellar. It was a packed house for the play. The cast and crew had access to the building. Jimmy was great on the stage but behind the scenes his "demeanor and disregard for boundaries was unsettling." Did he push someone too far? or did he have other enemies? Jules and Lance will ferret their way through the large cast of suspects to find who ended Jimmy Paxton's career just when it was set to take off.

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Ms. Alexander has created a wonderful core cast of characters for this series. The whole way Jules and her mother previously run their business creates such camaraderie among everyone working there. Carlos is the same way with his employees. They are one big happy family that revels in each other's success and helps in times of sorrow. There is a little shake-up happening within the pages of this story that proves this perfectly. It is easy to be invested in their lives. I would love to be part of this fantastic group of human beings.

The author has penned a very well-plotted and written mystery that she blends effortlessly with all the happenings in Jules's life. She also is an expert at adding humor in all the right places. I swear everyone Jules talked to had secrets, told lies, and/or omitted key details. No one seemed to be mourning the guy's passing. I had a blast following along with each clue and twist. Jules, Carlos, and Lance make a spectacular team, the takedown was great.

A lot happens in this book aside from the murder. The ending of the book again tugs at my heart. "That was life. Love, loss, food, family, and sharing a comforting meal around a table while raising a glass in toast to all good things yet to come." I totally agree.

Sticks and Scones is a splendid addition to the Bakeshop Mystery Series. Genuine characters with huge hearts inhabit this series and Ms. Alexander gives them top-notch mysteries to solve. This book has that and more. I can't wait for Killing Me Soufflé to be released on February 25, 2025.

Jules and the Torte crew have added a new job to their list. Catering at Uva Winery for the Fair Verona Players. They are tied with Uva to bring more theater to this area. Unfortunately, what should be the star is annoying members of the cast and crew, so when he’s found dead there are a lot of suspects. Jules tries to find the murderer while fighting nausea. She determines to add to her staff and share the load. But even that doesn’t turn out the way she envisions. Joins Jules and crew for another great story.

Ellie Alexander takes us into the heart of Torte, Uva, and the drama scene as Lance's new outdoor theater group prepares a unique presentation of Taming of the Shrew at Uva, the vineyard he, Carlos, and Jules own together in Sticks and Scones, in Ellie Alexander's A Bakeshop Mystery series. Jules has extended her investments by supporting this group, but she knows to leave everything in Lance's hands...that is everything except investigating the murder of the jerk who is the standout star of the first performance. Everyone seems to have secrets and that complicates an already complex murder investigation. One of the many things I love about this series is that the lives of the whole group are dynamic, and two of the changes hit with Sticks and Scones.
My thanks to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for allowing me to read and ARC of Sticks and Scones.
#NetGalley #MinotaurBooks #EllieAlexander #ABakeshopMystery #SticksandScones.

It's springtime in the lovely hamlet of Ashland, and Juliet’s bakery is blooming with her famous fantastic spring goodies—lemon curd cupcakes, mini coconut cream pies, and chocolate-dipped almond Tulles, to name a few.
The town is abuzz with the upcoming Oregon Shakespeare Festival of The Taming of the Shrew. The sudden occurrence of accidents on stage accidents and petty quarreling among the actors puts a damper on the production.
The brilliant performance by the lead actor, Jimmy Paxton, ended in an unscripted ending, the discovery of his brutal murder by Juliet. Surrounded by numerous suspects and crazy twists and turns, she finds herself heavily involved in the investigation of his murder. One that she is desperate to solve to save the Oregon Shakespeare Festival production

I liked this book. It’s got a quiet personality, even though there’s a murder there isn’t a lot of loud drama feeling about the people. I’m sad to see some of the characters go but it’ll be nice to have some new energy about. #SticksandScones #NetGalley

I enjoy novels where the characters show continuous growth. This took a really long time to develop, but the ending made me extremely happy, but also a little sad. It's bittersweet to see beloved characters growing up. The mystery also made a lot of sense to me. However, I wish Lance wouldn’t subject Jules into doing something stupid. Can’t wait for the next book!

Overall, I rate this novel 4 out of 5 stars.

This series keeps getting better and better. I love the play, the food descriptions and the relationships. there isn't one negative thought to be had. Once you finish the book, go to your kitchen and see if anything sounds as good as anything food mentioned in the book. What a treat to read!

Sticks and Scones is book #19 in the Bakeshop Mystery series by Ellie Alexander.

It is wonderful to be back with Juliet, her family and friends. I really enjoy how these characters have developed throughout the series. There are some big changes in store for some of them. There were plenty of suspects and just as I would settle on one, there would be a twist and I would change my mind. What an ending! I should have jumped to the recipes at the end and made some snacks to eat while reading this book!

Thank you to the author, St. Martin’s Press, and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

Rounding up from 4.5⭐
More than a mystery, maybe a family reunion with a murder. You're delighted to reacquaint with all the characters, even the crotchety eccentric uncle...we're looking at you, Richard. Amid the clues and a resolution of a solid mystery, there's laughter, tears, importance of self-care and the acceptance of inevitable change. If you're new to the series, you'll still enjoy it, but if you're a long-time reader, you'll love it.

It’s hard to believe that this is the NINETEENTH book in this long-running series. I’ve been a fan since the start and it always amazes me how this series still hasn’t gotten boring. I think part of the charm is that the books aren’t just about Juliet – there are so many good supporting characters to keep up with – not just Juliet’s family, but also the police team, the Torte staff, and of course, Lance. Getting to re-visit Ashland and these people is always a treat and this adventure was no different.

The mouth-watering offerings at Torte are just as tempting as usual, and I love (as always) the inclusion of recipes in the book, which include Strawberry Scones and Pineapple Cake with Coconut Buttercream. The descriptions of the food (and the preparation of it all) always makes me want to run to the kitchen and get my baking apron on. There is just so much care and attention to the culinary aspect of this cozy mystery series.

But it’s not all cozy vibes and cute baked goods this time around, and I’m not just talking about the murders. There’s a lot of change in the air, much of which has been teased in the few books leading up to this one. Some of the changes I could see coming from previous books and one I guessed 2 pages into this book. I won’t say more because *spoilers*, but, like real life, nothing stays the same forever. It’s a bit sad, but also exciting, and I know there’s already another book planned so we’ll see how the changes affect the characters soon enough.

The mystery was pretty much what I’ve come to expect in an Ellie Alexander book – it’s a solid read from start to finish. The pacing is even and the characters and action keep things moving well enough that it’s hard to put the book down.

There are a lot of suspects to start (the victim was NOT a likeable person) with but they slowly get whittled down and the conclusion is satisfying. I also liked that we get so much Jules-Lance time – the two are a favourite pair of mine and their banter always seems so natural.

This is one series I highly recommend readers start at from the beginning. There is so much character growth and inside knowledge that getting a real feel for the characters and how they interact makes the books so much more enjoyable. That’s not to say that you can’t read these as standalones, but it’s honestly so much better to enjoy them in order.

*** Thank you to the publisher, Minotaur Books, for providing me with a copy of this book for review purposes.

Sticks and Scones by Ellie Alexander has Jules Capshaw stretched to her limits. Sticks and Scones is easy to read with leisurely pacing. I like that we got to spend time at Uva, the winery owned by Jules, Carlos, and Lance. It sounds like a beautiful place for an event. We get to catch up with all the regular characters and get to meet some new ones as well. The mystery was simple. I knew who would die, who would commit the deed, and where it would happen before it all took place. I had an inkling as to why, but I need to keep reading to gather more clues and get confirmation. Jules acted like a novice instead of someone who had solved a number of crimes. Lance, of course, was excited about having a puzzle to unravel and wanted Jules to join in on the fun. Sticks and Scones is the nineteenth A Bakeshop Mystery and, while the author does provide background details on Jules, Torte, Carlos, and the other characters, I believe new readers would find themselves confused in the beginning (the new details are spread out throughout the story). The story contains plenty of baking, cooking, eating, and coffee drinking. There are some changes coming and it will be interesting to see how they affect Jules along with the rest of the Torte family.

Lance is bringing a special new production of his own interpretation to Uva. While his star is a brat, is it enough to kill him over? Apparently, someone think so, and Lance and Jules try to figure out who killed the promising young actor.

With plenty of suspects, loads of motivation, and tons of suspicion, Lance and Jules are on the case. Can they solve the case before the killer strikes again, or is it curtains closed for the two of them this time?

I love this series! Even more, I love the fact that Ellie Alexander not only delivers a solid mystery each and every time, she progresses the lives of our main protagonist and other characters in this series. This makes each entry feel like a visit with old friends in Ashland, each and every time. If you haven’t read anything by this author yet, you’re missing out! Everything she writes is fabulous. Every Thing!

Omg who doesn’t t love a new Ellie Alexander Cozy Mystery! She is on of my favorites. Love this. Will give a better review at a later date but definitely 4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️s.. thank you NetGalley for this opportunity. And Ellie Alexander for writing a fabulous book.

Jules and Lance are back creating their own types of art in Ashland, Oregon. Juliet Capshaw is a baker and the owner of Torte, a local coffee shop and bakery that serves the community with caffeine, tasty treats, breakfast and lunch, ice cream treats during the summer, and even wine, through the vineyard she owns with her husband Carlos. And now that her best friend and the artistic director of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Lance, is starting his own production company to do smaller, more experimental stagings of Shakespearean plays, Jules is part of that as well. Since Lance has chosen their winery Uva, to stage The Taming of the Shrew, Jules and her gang at Torte have agreed to cater the first performance with small bites.

Clearly, Jules has a lot going on. And that doesn’t even include the fact that Carlos’s teenaged son has been living with them for a year, going to school in Oregon instead of his native Spain, where his mother lives. Having Ramiro living with them has been a blessing. But it’s also been a lot. Which might explain why Jules has started having dizzy spells.

But Jules pushes through and helps prepare the sweet and savory bites for the play’s opening. She even takesa van full of pastries to Uva, just in time to get in on some of the drama. Not the drama happening on the stage, but the drama happening backstage, as the lead actor was causing problems for the crew. Jimmy Paxton was a dream in the role of Petruchio, but he was a nightmare to work with. He criticized the costume designer and argued with the associate director. And not only that, he also accused someone on the crew of trying to kill him.

That night, the production is mesmerizing, and the food is perfection. But when Jules needs to go back down to the wine cellar, she realizes the key is missing. It’s usually on a hook in the kitchen, and it was there earlier, but now it’s missing. Jules looks for it but can’t find it. She decides to go to the wine cellar to see if by any chance the door is open, and it is. And sitting there, alone, is the troublesome actor himself, Jimmy Paxton, with a corkscrew in his neck.

Jules gets the police immediately, and the next few days are a whirlwind of intensity at the bakery as well as the murder investigation. Jules and Lance are known for sticking their noses into local investigations, and while they are able to find out where the wine cellar key went and why costumes and props had been going missing from the show. But until they figure out who the killer is and why they did it, Jules and Lance will still be in danger. And with Juliet having dizzy spells, will she be able to handle the extra stress of catching a killer?

Sticks and Scones is book 19 in Ellie Alexander’s popular Bakeshop Mystery. Clearly, she has found the recipe to create delicious novels with the right blend of crime and family warmth, delicious treats and investigating. These characters have been honed over years, so they are strong and three-dimensional. Reading Alexander’s cozy mysteries is like taking a master class in writing, each one with a strong plot and a perfect balance.. Although every single one does leave me hungry.

I have been a longtime fan of these Bakeshop Mysteries. I especially love this one, where Jules finally seems to feel the weight of opening some new branch of her bakery empire each book. I know she has a lot of good help, but it sounds like a lot of work. I was also a fan of Lance’s new Fair Verona Players and his choice of The Taming of the Shrew. I’m always happy reading about the Shakespeare plays they put on at the university and the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, so that was a nice surprise. And as always, there are a handful of recipes at the end, including Strawberry Scones, so Sticks and Scones is packed with delectable treats from beginning to end.

Egalleys for Sticks and Scones were provided by Minotaur Books through NetGalley, with many thanks.

Jules is beginning to feel that she has too many projects and needs to step back a little. She has been getting dizzy spells and isn’t sure why.
Her friend Lance is starting the Fair Verona Players and putting on a gender-bending The Taming of the Shrew at Jules and Carlos’ vineyard. Things aren’t going smoothly as items disappear and things go wrong at rehearsals. Then there’s the cast member who is a very good actor and a very horrible person. After the first performance, Jules finds a body in the winery’s basement. There are so many suspects, but Jules questions suspects while running her bakery.
Things are changing for the bakery and for Jules personally, keeping things interesting.
Thanks to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the ARC.

Sticks and Scones by Ellie Alexander finds both Ashland and Jules’ life in a time of change. It is late spring, Ramiro is preparing to leave, employees may be moving on, and Lance has started a new venture at Uva. It is stressful, but good. The Fair Verona Players have gotten past a successful opening night at Uva and are looking forward to a successful run. There does apppear to be some tension, but what opening weekend is without that? One of the investors, a man named Tom, seems to think more of himself than others do and doesn’t hesitate to pass out advice at his whim. He also believes himself to be a wine connoisseur and makes disparaging remarks about Uva, their wine, and the way they run their business. The leading man, Jimmy, is an amazing actor, but kind of an obnoxious human being who is apparently off soon to appear in the pilot for a new television program. The backstage crew, including the carpenter, Ed, and the costumer, Olive, also seem to be under a great deal of stress. Well, Jules and Carlos have their fair share of stress as well and aren’t interested in dealing with that of others.

This is a well-written series, in which people grow and change, as do their situations. Jules is an excellent protagonist but wouldn’t be so if not surrounded by friends and family to support her when she needs it. The readers of this series have grown to love her and her husband, Carlos, who joined the series late, as well as the chief detective, known as The Professor, and his wife, Jules’ mother, Helen. All lend authenticity and humor. The most humor is provided by Lance who was somewhat toned down in this story but normally has behavior which makes one’s eyes roll. It was a good mystery, although there are far too many murders in this idyllic town. They are all involved, as usual, some more than others. There was some manipulation of others by the murderer as well as underhanded dealings by several people. Jules and The Professor solved it all and life moved on at Torte and in Ashland.

I was invited to read Sticks and Scones by St. Martin’s Press. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #StMartinsPress #EllieAlexander #SticksAndScones

I really enjoy this cozy mystery series and love coming back to Ashland, Oregon with Juliet Capshaw. She is helping Lance with dinner and a play at their shared vineyard. When one of the cast mates keeps causing problems. He is later found dead and Juliet helps investigate.

I had an inkling of whodunnit, so there really wasn't a big reveal at the end for me. This book made me crave all the yummy food they bake. I can't wait to see what else happens in the next in the series.