Oh I loved this!
Such fun unique cozy mystery with an amazing set of characters I adored Claire and Johnny.
I loved how it was set around a cooking show with lots of history.
It’s a lovely read will definitely be getting it as a paper back love the cover!

2.5/5 rounded down.

I was originally going to give this a 2.5 rounded up to a 3, but I could not do it. There was one stupid little thing that made it impossible for me to give this anything higher than that rounded-to 2 stars. That one stupid thing was the cursing with baked goods. That felt so immature, childish and ridiculous. I am NEVER going to be able to take someone saying "oh, baguette!" seriously.

I wanted to read this because I thought that the premise sounded really unique: a murder mystery centered around a baking school/competition. I've never read anything even remotely similar to that.

But this was written in a very immature and choppy manner. And I just couldn't get into it. Especially with how annoying and flat I found all the characters to be. I really am such a character-based reader. You need to give me someone to want to root for!

Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review! My Goodreads review is up and my TikTok (Zoe_Lipman) review will be up at the end of the month with my monthly reading wrap-up.

I loved the idea of setting a mystery in a fictional version of the Great British Bake Off, and this cozy story almost delvers everything you would want from it. There is a manor home setting, a mixed bad of bakers, the pressures of filming and of the competition, rumors of a ghost, and even a nice romance storyline. I vacillated between 3 and 4?stars for this just because some of the dialogue and characterization at the start seemed a bit off as did the manner in which the main characters became involved in solving the crime. That said, it’s an enjoyable read and I thought the character development improved by the middle of the book. I would love to see what happens if this becomes a series. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy. All views are entirely my own and offered voluntarily.

When I heard about a cozy mystery romance, I was intrigued. When I learned it was set around a baking competition(think great british  baking show), I was even more intrigued. Throw in some british lords and ladies, and I was hooked. 
This was a very easy read, almost too easy. I wish there were some more details to try to solve the murder. Without spoiling things, I found the motivation a bit random, and I wish there had been more clues to it in the book.
The dialog was also a bit cringe at times. It felt as though the author had looked up british phrases and copied and pasted. I could look past the sheer amount of food puns (cause, hey, it is a book about a bake off), but let me warn you there are a LOT.
The characters were loveable, and I'm a sucker for a romance, and it didn't feel too forced or rushed, which was nice.
Overall, despite my criticism, I'd recommend this book. It was a quick read and had some fun elements.

A cozy murder mystery that features a baking show at a grumpy viscounts historic estate? Sign me up!

I loved how the history and mystery of the estate was part of the mystery of the current murder. The cast of characters was fun, and I enjoyed our FMC & MMC. I’m glad we got both perspectives and that this was a wholesome, clean read.

As a foodie, I loved the baking aspect of this story! Fan of the show “Great British Bake-Off” will definitely enjoy this one!

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗴𝗲𝘁:
-cozy murder mystery
-set in England
-baking show
-grumpy viscount x sunshine baker
-dual POV

*I received a complimentary copy and all the thoughts expressed are my own. Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!

One of several new mysteries using the “Great British Bake-off” theme, this one has an emphasis on romance. Perfect for introducing romance readers to mystery.

This book is delightful! A great combination of mystery, romance and humor.

I absolutely loved the setting. A possibly haunted estate that is also hosting a baking competition? Sign me up! Plus all the food sounded so delicious. I needed a sugary treat immediately after finishing this.

Claire is a great FMC. I loved her inner dialogue. Jonny is a dreamboat for readers who love a grumpy man with a heart of gold. Which meant I absolutely loved him haha. These two together were so sweet. I enjoyed them a lot.

A great book!

A 5 🌟 read for me 🇨🇰👩‍🍳
The story is absolutely delightful! The characters are incredibly relatable and charming. I was thrilled to find that it was a clean read, making it suitable for all. The baking puns from the main character were truly refreshing, adding a touch of fun. I found the setting to be enchanting, drawing me in completely. Plus, the mystery had me on the edge of my seat, keeping me guessing until the very last page.

I loved that recipes were included.
TW: death, not detailed or gruesome.

I received a complimentary copy, and all the thoughts expressed are my own and freely given. Thank you to NetGalley and Shadow Mountain for providing me with this tasty treat.

Mark your calendars for February 4—this scrumptious book is a must-read! Be sure to pre-order your copy today!

Great British bake off, meets murder mystery with a touch of romance. And Anthony Bridgerton is the mmc

A fun clean cozy mystery with romance amid a British baking competition. I loved the characters, the setting, and the delicious descriptions of food. Looking forward to the next in the series!

Claire Walker is a reserved history teacher with a dream, to be on Britain’s Battle of the Bakers. When she is selected for the most recent season that dream is quickly derailed by a ghost, a dead body, and a grumpy viscount.
The first in a cozy mystery this was a fun quick read. I figured out who the murderer was pretty early on though I hadn’t expected the motive. The author did a good job making characters feel like real people. Especially in balancing the stress of a cooking competition, a murder investigation, and romance. I am excited to see how the author keeps Claire and Jonny in each other’s orbit for book 2.

Goodness! That was a fun read! I liked the English manor setting with all the delicious sounding food references! I’ve always been a sucker for baking shows so I thoroughly enjoyed this one!

I will say, this is a hard one when you’re on a diet and really craving pretty much anything loaded with sugar, butter, and carbs. :) If you have enough self-control to abstain from grabbing a treat while reading this, you’re better than me. I caved and had pie with ice cream. 😅

Jonny was adorable with this reclusive personality and how he cared about Claire’s passions. :) I feel like if I say anything else, it would spoil the story. So instead of saying something I shouldn’t, know that it was a fun read and I 10/10 recommend.

The Crime Brûlée Bake Off is a delightful blend of cozy mystery, romance, and culinary charm. Set against the backdrop of a historical baking competition at the picturesque Blackfirth Park, the novel introduces Claire Walker, a talented baker with big dreams, and Jonathan Ainsley, the reluctant Viscount and custodian of the estate. The story is as warm and inviting as the pastries Claire bakes, with the added twist of a death that mirrors a centuries-old mystery. Connolly expertly balances the fun, lighthearted aspects of the baking competition with a darker, suspenseful plot, keeping readers hooked as Claire and Jonathan navigate the investigation while dealing with their budding romantic tension. The contrast between the contemporary competition and the historical ghost story adds an intriguing layer, creating a perfect recipe for a cozy, engaging read.

While the blend of romance and mystery is largely enjoyable, the pacing can feel a bit uneven at times. The relationship between Claire and Jonathan develops in a predictable manner, though their chemistry is undeniable and adds an enjoyable depth to the story. The mystery, though intriguing, takes a backseat to the romance in certain places, leaving some readers wishing for more focus on the suspenseful elements. That said, the charming setting, witty dialogue, and irresistible pastry-filled descriptions make up for any minor shortcomings. Whether you're drawn to the sweet romance, the spooky mystery, or the delicious pastries, The Crime Brûlée Bake Off offers a fun, heartwarming escape that's sure to please fans of cozy mysteries and romance alike.

Wow! What a fun take on a baking competition, a murder, and a fledgling romance.

I never really put my head around how a baking show really worked. If any of this is factual, it is so interesting. And throw a murder into the scenario, brilliant.

We have a school teacher, who loves baking, making it into the coveted baking show in Great Britain. It is a historical theme, in an estate, with a grumpy Viscount. When her friend in the competition is murdered, and the show goes on anyway, someone has to find the truth. The police department is calling it an accident, the locals blame it on a ghost.

But strange things continue to happen, relationships are created, and the crime must be solved, around baking great food.

This is s a fun premise, a clean, cozy who-done-it, with a bit of romance thrown in. I can't wait to read the next one!

#TheCrimeBruleeBakeOff #NetGalley

Claire Walker is a teacher who loves history, but her greatest wish is to be a contestant on the British Baking show. When Claire is selected as one of the contestants, she is excited to be a part of the show at the estate of Blackfirth Park. Unbeknownst to Claire, there is a mystery surrounding the estate in an unsolved murder.
The Viscount of the estate is a reluctant host of the baking show, and he can't wait to get his privacy back once the show ends.
Claire fees like the other contestants could be like close family members until someone is murdered.
There were some loose ends for me and some parts that could have had more details, but overall, I really enjoyed the suspense and romance in this book.

An entertaining mix of romance and mystery with likeable characters. The Bake off setting was well done. Ultimately the mystery part of the book was disappointing with a resolution that seemed completely separate from the rest of the story.

I’m a fan of the TV show The Great British Bake Off so when I heard about this cozy mystery with a similar setup, along with a romance, I was all in. All of the food sounded delicious, the romance between the Viscount and baker was really sweet, and I couldn’t wait for them to discover who the villain was before they could strike again.

Claire is a history teacher who loves to bake and she is thrilled when she is chosen for Britain’s Battle of the Bakers which is being held at the Blackfirth Park. The estate is owned by the handsome and eligible bachelor, Jonathan (Jonny) Ainsley, Viscount Colburn (who is also a successful investment banker.) The money the show is paying him will help with expenses and be good publicity for the estate. The show will have access to the historical kitchens and mill on the estate but his private home will be off limits.

This year the show chose a historical theme and eight bakers have arrived to compete. They are a colorful group of characters full of secrets. There is a murder early on and Jonny and Claire find themselves working together to try and discover the villain. The murder is eerily similar to a past murder of one of Jonny's ancestors, the tenth Viscount’s wife. While the press becomes interested in what is going on at the estate, Jonny becomes fascinated with Claire (who found the body) and together they sleuth to solve the mystery and fall in love along the way. It is a slow burn romance with a few passionate kisses.

One thing that felt a little awkward was when Detective Watson asks for their help (they are only amateur sleuths after all) and I also felt that some things were left hanging, for example, I felt like the villain's motivation for the murder isn’t fully explained. But quibbles aside, I enjoyed reading about the behind-the-scenes goings on at the show, the romance and the mystery.

Readers that enjoy cozy mysteries with a little light romance might want to give this one a try. I was captivated as the suspense built in the story and I look forward to the next book in the series.