Another well plotted, entertaining and compelling solid cozy mystery by Ellie Alexander. Loved it as it kept me guessing and having fun
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

I love this series. I enjoy the characters and always find the mystery predictable but very entertaining. The writing style is easy and gives details with out going overboard. It is a standout in the cozy mystery market.

This is my all-time FAVORITE cozy series! Souffle is the 20th installment and I hope there are many, many more. I am OBSESSED with these characters and this series and this was a great addition.

Killing Me Soufflé by Ellie Alexander is a delightful and delicious addition to the Bakeshop Mystery series, set against the stunning backdrop of Ashland, Oregon. In this installment, the focus shifts to Sterling and Stephanie as they embark on a new adventure: taking over the aging restaurant at Whaleshead Resort. Their excitement for the opportunity is palpable, and they’re eager to showcase their talents with a fresh menu that combines the best of local ingredients, vegan options, and mouthwatering pastries.

However, just as the new restaurant's opening weekend is in full swing, a tragedy strikes. Erik Morton, the manager of Whaleshead Resort, is found dead after a fatal fall down the cliffside. It’s quickly clear to Jules and the team from Torte that this is no accident. As they juggle the demands of the restaurant and the growing investigation, they must work together to uncover the truth behind Erik's death—without letting their culinary dreams crumble under the pressure.

Alexander’s writing is as warm and engaging as ever, blending mystery and mouthwatering descriptions of food in a way that will keep readers hooked. The characters are as lovable and relatable as always, with Jules' determination and the budding talents of Sterling and Stephanie adding heart to the story. The mix of cozy, small-town charm with a suspenseful whodunit makes Killing Me Soufflé a perfect read for fans of food-centric mysteries.

With plenty of twists, a touch of romance, and, of course, delicious dishes, this book is a treat for both mystery lovers and foodies alike. The beautiful setting, lovable characters, and well-crafted plot make it another satisfying and flavorful entry in the Bakeshop Mystery series.

“Killing Me Soufflé”, the twenty-first book in Ellie Alexander’s Bakeshop Cozy Mystery series, takes Torte Bakery owner Jules Capshaw, husband Carlos, stepson Ramiro, her mother and stepfather, and friends Lance and Carlo away from the bakery to Whaleshead Resort to visit ex-employees Sterling and Stephanie was they take on new careers there. Jules and Carlos miss having Sterling and Stephanie work for them but want only the best for them and are devastated when a murder occurs and threatens their future at Whaleshead. Even though she is pregnant, Jules finds herself involved in solving the mystery but she needs to be careful and not become the next victim.

I really enjoy The Bakeshop Cozy Mystery series and this book was no exception. Taking the action away from Torte and some of the regular characters was a bit of a risk but many of the regulars are in this book and the change of scenery was nice. I love the description of Whaleshead Resort (makes me want to visit there) and of course all the food (this series always makes me hungry while reading it). The mystery is well done with just the right amount of suspects and some twists and turns along the way. Whenever possible I try to figure out who the killer is but was not able to do so this time (the clues where there, I just couldn’t figure it out). All in all, another well done mystery by Alexander.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley.

This is the latest installment of the Bake Shop Series by Ellie Alexander. I can honestly say that if I’m having a hard day, I want to reach for one of these books and sink into the characters and locations that I have come to love. This time, the story takes place on the Oregon Coast. Sterling and Steph have taken a job running the kitchen at the Whaleshead Resort. Jules, Carlos, and Ramiro are there for the grand opening. They are joined by Jules’ mother, the Professor, Lance and Arlo. Although the location is different and some of the usual characters are missing, this story didn’t miss a beat. There is, as usual, a murder with many suspects. The Professor joins with the local detective to solve the mystery. As usual Jules and Lance help with the mystery. There is plenty of backstory on the characters so it is easily a stand alone read. And there are a couple of surprises revealed about the characters that add to the story. Five stars all the way!

Jules Capshaw owns and operates Torte, a beautiful bake shop in a beautiful small town. Her family is taking a trip to visit Steph and Sterling, two dear former employees, at their new beachside restaurant. But the new restaurant may be doomed to familiar by the falling apart beach resort linked to it, and that’s even before Jules finds the dead body of the despised manager.

I really enjoy this cozy mystery series. I love the characters, and I always love the setting, which is why it was a risk to me to change where this particular book took place. But it still worked. If you are looking for a fun, recipe-filled cozy with a good mystery, I would recommend this book.

Jules Capshaw is the owner of Tarte, a popular bakery in Ashland, Oregon. She and her husband, Carlos, are going through a lot of changes in their personal lives and at the restaurant. Two valued employees have left to manage a beachside resort bistro. To show their support, Jules and Carlos and a few other Ashland friends and family members travel to the Oregon coast to support Sterling and Steph for their grand opening. However, the manager there is a nightmare, and someone will do whatever it takes to get rid of him.

This book is part of the long-running Bakeshop Mystery series. Jules and Carlos are a wonderful couple and Carlos is especially supportive in this book. If you’re new to the series, you will be able to follow the mystery with no problem, but some of the developments in the characters’ lives won’t be as meaningful. There are many details about food and food preparation, as well as recipes at the end of the book, which I like in a culinary mystery. However, some may see this as slowing the pace or taking away from the mystery.

Jules’ stepdad is a police detective who is there for the grand opening, and the local police detective in charge welcomes his help investigating the death of Erik Morton, the obnoxious resort manager. Jules is also able to help by passing along things she has overheard or learned from some of the other resort staff members. Her best friend, Lance, is the director of the Shakespeare Festival in Ashland, and is dramatic offstage as well. Lance insists that he and Jules do some investigating of their own, which is entertaining. Their friendship is fun to read about and is always a highlight. Lance is a delightful character who shines in this book. Erik made a lot of enemies, so there are a fair number of suspects in his murder. The investigation could have a little more substance, but this is still an enjoyable culinary cozy mystery, especially for fans of the series. The ending alone makes the whole book worthwhile!

~ Christine

This was a fun addition to the series; I liked that Jules and the gang took a field trip. Alexander does such a great job providing a sense of place, that I felt I was there in the resort with them. Not as much food making in this one, but it still managed to make me hungry! I did like the mystery, though it felt like it wrapped up suddenly and without any warning. I really love the Professor and his relationship with Jules. I also love how she encourages her former employees; I don't, for some reason, love how her relationship with her husband, Carlos, is described. It feels forced and uncomfortable. Maybe it's just me. Otherwise, a solid cozy where the MC stays in her place, lets the detectives do their jobs, but, like George, is always a bit too curious and ends up being chased by a killer!

Killing Me Souffle is the entertaining next installment of Bakeshop Mystery. This installment takes place at the cliffside Whaleshead Resort, where former Torte staff Sterling and Stephanie have taken the roles of head chef and pastry chef, respectively. The hotel's manager is a rude and difficult person to deal with and quickly turns out to be the victim of this installment's murder. We follow Jules and her friends while she works to determine who killed Erik and the real reason for the murder. It's an interesting continuation of the series and, as usual, is filled with mention of the delicious foods and treats created in the kitchen.

This series has been around for awhile. It was refreshing to have it located at a different place. Jules and group go to the coast to support Stephanie and Sterling in their new endeavor. They have taken over the management of a restaurant at a resort. Of course, a murder happens and they must solve it to save Stephanie and Sterling from being accused. I was sorry to see the two of them leaving Torte and going elsewhere. The mystery itself was a great cozy mystery

I loved this latest book in the series and that it took us to the Oregon Coast to one of my favorite towns. While we didn't get as much from the normal secondary characters, I loved the closer spotlight on 2 of them. The setting descriptions and mystery were written so well and I can't wait to see what's next for Jules and see her as a mother. Now off to bake a soufflé.

Killing Me Soufflé is book 20 in Ellie Alexander's Bakeshop Mysteries series. However, it is the first book I've read in the series. It is also only the second book of Alexander's that I read. Last month, I reviewed A Victim at Valentine's, the fifth book in her Secret Bookcase series.

I really liked Killing Me Soufflé. Culinary cozies are my favorite type of cozy mystery. And this one is really good. It was difficult to figure out the characters. Perhaps because this is set at Stephanie and Sterling's new restaurant which is at a resort. It cut down on the characters I had to get to know and there are new to every reader characters.

Jules is a great character who reminded me a little of Carolyn Haines's Sarah Booth Delaney. She is sure and confident and gets the business done kind of gal.

The murder mystery is interesting as there are a lot of things going on at the resort that come out during the investigation.

This is a fun book and even though I really don't need another cozy mystery series I'll keep my eyes open for more books.

My review will be published at Girl Who Reads on Thursday - https://www.girl-who-reads.com/2025/03/killing-me-souffle-by-ellie-alexander.html

Every time I start the next book in this series, I always feel like I am catching up with old friends. Jules, Carlos and their extended family and friends come across as real three dimensional people. This time they are off to a coastal resort to support former employees, Sterling and Steph, as they begin a new page in their careers, running the kitchen themselves. All is not well when Jules arrives as the manager of the hotel is in conflict with everybody and when Jules finds his shattered body has fallen from a cliff, there is no shortage of possible suspects. Thankfully the Prof, Jules’ step-dad is there and the local detective is delighted to have his professional assistance.

When Lance arrives Jules is once again drawn into an investigation in spite of being pregnant. She does try to use caution but when Lance gets the bit between his teeth, he is unstoppable. The mystery is solved but both Jules and Lance may not be able to tell anyone. It was an enjoyable read that further developed the relationships that have been at the heart of my enjoyment of the series. Five purrs and two paws up.

This new addition to the Bakeshop Mystery series has Jules and family taking a trip to the coast to help Steph and Sterling during the grand reopening of the SeaBreeze Bistro located on the stunning Oregon coast at the Whaleshead resort. The resort holds fond memories for Jules, times when she was a child and would enjoy the surf and the sand with her parents. Jules and Carlos can may have a difficult time trying to imagine bringing their children. The resort looks like it hasn’t been updated or maintained since Jules last long ago visit as a child. The bistro on the other hand, has been given a new coat of paint, some updated accents and a temptingly tasty menu.

One of my favorite things about the Bakeshop Mystery series is the amazing food and the generosity of Ellie Alexander to share many of those recipes with readers. I decided several books ago that I did not need cookbooks anymore since I have so many culinary cozies. In addition to the recipes at the end of the stories, the characters, mainly Jules, actually explain the processes, like how to make the chocolate soufflés. That is the recipe which I am most looking forward to giving a try.

As with the other installments in this series, Lance; Jules BFF, has a flair for drama and what appears to be an inability to not snoop. He often gets Jules involved in the “sussing out” of clues when a mystery is afoot…not that she really needs much of a push or pull to get caught up in an instigation. Truth be told it is better to sleuth as a dynamic duo than to go it alone. Especially in this mystery. Almost everyone who is a suspect has what appears to be some serious anger issues. Erik, the resort’s manager, whom no one likes because of his acerbic attitude, I didn’t even like him so it makes perfect sense that he is the victim. No one seemed to miss him, not Hoff the handyman, nor Travis the seafood supplier who is acting fishy. Mary Beth Wells the artist in resident had some really colorful thing to say about Erik.

The reveal snuck up on me while I was still trying to get the facts, clues, and motives straight. All in all it was another fun and entertaining mystery with characters who are like friends. Friends who make you laugh, make you tear up, and make you hungry. I am really looking forward to when Jules and Carlos welcome their new little bundles of joy. I can only imagine how spoiled they are going to be by uncles Lance and his partner Arlo. So many wonderful things to look forward to in the next book.

A fun, and cozy mystery that was easy to read, follow and of course enjoyable. I personally love backing and puns, so this book was right on the mark for me! I love that the stories are easy to follow without lacking details, rather, they are simply entertaining.
I want to go back and read the rest of the backlist now!

Killing Me Souffle is the fantastic next installment of the Bakeshop cozy mystery series. Steph and Sterling are finally celebrating opening weekend at the restaurant at Whaleshead Resort, where they just took over as head chefs. Jules, Carlos, and Ramiro can't wait to be a part of the exciting weekend. However, Jules is soon hearing concerns from Steph and Sterling about the resort's manager, Erik. They fear he may tank the entire opening weekend. Yet, what no one expected was to find Erik's body at the bottom of a cliffside. With Steph and Sterlings' futures at risk, Jules is determined to solve the mystery of Erik's death, despite the overly long list of people who disliked (hated) him.

Killing Me Souffle is a fantastic cozy mystery. I absolutely love the characters, the setting (even though this one took place a bit aways from Ashland), and the delicious food discerptions and recipes. The author has done a great job of developing all of the characters, the town, and the business over the past couple of books. The mystery in each book is unique and well crafted. I can't wait to see what Jules and the team are up to next! I absolutely love this series!

The recipes at the end of the book are a secret gem!

I love the title of this latest by Ellie Alexander. I assume that the similarity to Roberta Flack’s song is intentional and it clearly is clever.

Wow! This is number 21 in the long running bake shop mysteries. It still feels like a fresh and enjoyable read which is an accomplishment.

This is a book in which, despite murder, a reader can be forgiven for being hungry and wishing that the restaurant that is featured was real. That said, in addition to the food, I enjoyed the setting and the characters. The mystery itself is involving as well.

Recommended to those who enjoy traditional mysteries. Note that it is not necessary to have read the earlier books to enjoy this one. However, readers who enjoy this one can look forward to many good books in the backlist.

Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press-Minotaur for this title. All opinions are my own.

In Killing Me Soufflé, Jules and friends go visit the soon-to-be-opened restaurant that hired Stephany and Sterling. It just happens to be in a resort where Jules used to spend summers with her family. Jules and Carlos want to help out, but S&S seem to have most everything under control. Everything but the nasty resort manager, Erick, who is making everyone's life miserable. Then Jules finds Erick dead at the bottom of a cliff near the resort, and the search is on. Lance and the Professor soon get roped in to help, both opening the restaurant and finding the killer. Good plot, and I didn't figure out the killer until just before the reveal. However, I missed Ashland and Torte. They have become characters of their own. I can't wait to meet the new staff hired to replace those who left.

I had a difficult time getting through this book. It just didn't capture my interest. I found it to be an average mystery. It's really a matter of personal taste. Didn't work for me.