Bumped Off at the Bake Sale is the second installment of the cozy Saltcliff Mysteries. Dahlia is finally getting settled in her new small-town life, as she overcomes the challenges of running an inn and being a guardian to her niece. While still struggling with her social anxiety, she is willing to admit that she is enjoying having friends and family around. Due to her excellent baking skills, Dahlia is asked to help organize the town's bake sale. Unfortunately, that means she will have to partner with the grumpy Dorothy Withers. No one in town appears to like Dorothy and sympathize with all of Dahlia's frustrations with the bake sale. Then, when Dorothy's body is discovered below the cliffs, Dahlia just knows that this was no accident. Soon, Dahlia and Taco are once again helping Detective Sanderson solve an unfortunate murder in this small sea-side town.

Bumped Off at the Bake Sale is a fantastic second book. The author does a great job continuing the character development of the main cast and also introducing new and fun characters. I love Dahlia as the main character and really relate to her, especially her social anxiety. While not a huge part of the book, the romance continues to develop in book two. I like that the author is taking the romance slow and not making it a significant part of the character development. I'm enjoying getting to know the characters individually right now. I did think that the actual mystery in this second book was a bit predictable. I guessed exactly what happened about half way through the book. However, with that said, I still enjoyed reading! I agree with the description that this series is Gilmore Girls meets Murder, She Wrote. I will definitely recommend this series to anyone looking for a charming cozy mystery series with interesting characters and a delightful setting.

I love this series. Book 1 was one of my favorite books in the past couple of years! In this one, Dahlia once again helps solve a murder, while also finding her way more deeply into the life of inn ownership and guardianship that her sister left her. Dahlia's why I love this series, though the plotting and setting and cast of characters are all delightful.

In this one, an old mystery trope comes into play for the resolution, which I found kind of an easy out. That said, I love everything ELSE about the book. I'm so relieved that we get answers about her sister and Dahlia's relationship with her. When Dahlia thinks, "I thought it was possible I actually felt my heart break inside my chest," I feel the same way.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this review copy, and hooray for neurodivergent representation in terrific books!

Really enjoyed this cozy mystery. First time I have read this author. After finishing, had to go back and get the first one. Dahlia is the amateur sleuth, and is a very good one. She is friends with Owen, the sheriff and he sometimes asks for her help. In this one she ends up running the bake sale for Mrs. Withers, who is a very unhappy person and ends up the victims and there are lots of suspects. Read to see how it goes.

Published on Goodreads 10/28/2024
Rating: 🙂/3
Review: Cute fall cozy mystery with great inclusion. Loved the dog characters - Taco is my favorite. A little predictable and suspension of belief, but worth it for the found family, the east coast inn and bonus recipes at the end.
Format: 👩🏻‍💻
Source: #netgalley

A cleverly convoluted cozy mystery. A smidgeon of romance. I have not read the previous one. It may have helped me understand the main character better to have done so. She has an unusual personality. Definitely smart enough to figure out whodunit though.Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.

Super cute & cozy mystery. Gilmore Girls meets Murder She Wrote, with a dog! How sweet is that? If you are looking for a light, fun and enjoyable small town mystery, you should read Bumped Off at the Bake Sale
(A delicious seaside cozy mystery). It’s the second book in the series. More mysteries to be solved with Dahlia & Taco! My copy was provided by NetGalley.

I really enjoyed the first book in this series. How could you not reach for a book that says Gilmore Girls meets Murder She Wrote? I’m glad I did reach for it, because I have not been disappointed in either this or the first book.

Dahlia and Taco are the perfect duo, add in a young niece along with a solid cozy mystery and this book speaks to a great number of readers. Tia in life makes her relatable and you find yourself cheering for her while you’re also stopping the mystery right alongside her with each and every clue. If you’re looking for a new cozy mystery author, this is one to add to your list.

An enjoyable addition to the series, with a mystery that keeps you guessing to the end and all of the cozy touches Nancy Stewart fans love.

This is an interesting cozy, featuring a neutro divergent main character. I think it fills a niche in this genre as well. There is also a light romance that runs throughout the book. Some interesting characters and had me guessing throughout the book.

Bumped off at the Bake Sale has more than one mystery to follow. Mrs. Withers asked Dahlia to be in charge of the bake sale this year. Dahlia soon learned that Mrs. Withers was difficult and disliked by many people at the High School. When she is killed, Owen enlists Dahlia's help in trying to solve the murder. Meanwhile, Dahlia has found secret rooms and passageways in the Inn and messages from her deceased sister. Dahlia is kept busy with all of these mysteries and her budding romance with Owen. I really enjoyed this cozy mystery. This is book 2 in the series and I am going to find book 1 and read it. I am interested in the arrival of Dahlia at the inn after her estranged sister's death and how she became the guardian for her niece.

a fun cozy mystery series, of which this is book 2. Can be read as a stand alone. Lots of clues and recipes make for a great read. Would recommend

#BumpedOffattheBakeSale #NetGalley is the second book in this unique cozy mystery.
Dahlia is still adjusting to her role as inn owner and full time guardian to her niece, Diantha.
I like the structure of the writing, it all flows together and it's easy to get lost in their world.
When a cantankerous local woman meets her end, Dahlia can't resist the urge to investigate.
The family dynamics add a lot of laughter to this book and I'm happy to recommend it to other readers.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.

"Bumped Off at the Bake Sale (Saltcliff Mysteries #2)" by Nancy Stewart has Dahlia 6 months into running her sister's inn and getting better established as guardian to her teenage niece. It's not perfect, especially since she seems to be neurodivergent and that comes with its own challenges with raising kids on top of her food allergy. I should know and appreciate it being represented. She does seem to be figuring things out and finding areas she can make friends and bond with her niece.

One of these things being a bake sale at her niece's school. Unfortunately, the teacher no one wants to deal with is in charge of it all. The teacher does seem to really mean well but is a my way or no way, kind of teacher. Unfortunately, this is a cozy mystery, so we know who the victim will be. Dahlia gets wrapped up in the investigation a bit but more into what her sister was last up to when she discovers some secrets hidden away in the inn.

~Murder-mystery, Small-town, Fiction, and more!~

Bumper Off at the Bake Sale by Nancy Stewart follows Dahlia, who is still settling into her new hometown of Saltcliff. Put in charge of the Saltciff Festival Bakesale, Dahlia is managing her responsibilities as innkeeper and guardian to her niece, Diantha. All is going well until the prickly English teacher, who just so happens to be a festival organizer, ends up dead. Now, with a full-on investigation launched, Dahlia is trying her best to help Detective Sanderson solve the case while simultaneously figuring out if her feelings for him are more than just friendly.

5| This was a cozy and quick read. I loved the subtle fall vibes throughout the book and seeing more of the small town of Saltcliff. While it had been a bit since I read the last book, I quickly fell back into the world and with the characters. This book was great with the continuation aspect. It felt like things picked up right where they left off in the last book while also giving me time to adjust to the characters again. I loved the recurring characters throughout the series. Even though they don't add much plot-wise, they help solidify the small-town vibe and make everything seem a bit more realistic. I also enjoyed the addition of new characters; it is done in a way that doesn't overwhelm me with too many names at once while also adding to the small circle of people. The progressive with the characters is nicely done. With Owen, they are taking their time and not pushing each other into anything, and they are great with communication. With Diantha, she is still a bit unsure but is doing her best to do right by her and her sister, and seeing how their relationship has grown since the first book is nice.

The murder aspect surprised me the most. I was expecting a predictable murder; I guessed early on in the book but was pleasantly surprised with the twist. I loved the addition of the various mysteries going on throughout the book and how everything wrapped up. I was glad that the grief over Daisy didn't disappear. Dahlia is still struggling with the lost as well as helping Diantha through the same thing. I hope this aspect is continued throughout the series because it adds a lot of realism to the story. The scenery was lovely and helped me picture Saltcilff. One issue I hope is talked about more is the ghosts. It was mentioned briefly, then kind of fell off. I hope it is continued in the next book. My only other tift is about Diantha's reaction to who messed up the garden. I thought it was odd she shrugged it off especially since it was a connection to her mom. Her being so forgiving didn't really match the character.

Overall, this was a quick and cozy fall-themed read. It was great to be back in Saltcliff and see more about the characters. The continuation was great, as well as the character progression. I can't wait to see what's next for Dahlia!

I really enjoyed this book. I would highly recommend it as a good read. There's more than the murder mystery in this book. There is humor and another mystery in it.

This is a cozy mystery thriller. This felt cozy because of the small town/ baking/ gilmore girls-esque feels! I liked the pacing and the mystery . It was well developed, and I enjoyed the characters in this book!

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for this complimentary ARC in exchange for an honest review!!