Juliet and the family are off to Support Sterling and Steve in the opening of their new business venture. While the opportunity is solid, and apparently the manager of the property is quite the tyrant. When Juliet finds the manager‘s body, she puts on her sleuthing cap to try and find out who killed the man and why.

Can Juliet and the gang figure out what happened before they leave the resort? Or will this be her final vacation?

Ellie Alexander always hits it out of the ballpark each and every entry in this series! Actually, every single one of her books is fabulous, regardless of the series. Every book in this series read fine as a standalone, but I promise you you were going to want to go back and read every single one!

I feel like this series has kind of jumped the shark, but it's still a nostalgic pleasure read for me. I still like Juliet and her family a lot, and the side characters too. But now that Steph and Sterling have left Torte for another job, and Juliet's pregnant, it feels like too much is changing. And it all seems a bit too over-the-top. Steph and Sterling's glowing, unrealistic, not-a-single-problem debut weekend, the super dramatic personalities of Eric, Jess, Mary Beth, and all the other Whaleshead characters...I don't come to cozies for realistic fiction :>) But this is feeling more fairy tale than mystery. Still, the mystery plot is good, and I read through to the end. It's probably really a 3-stars for me, but this series is like an old friend, so I had to give it 4 stars in thanks for all the lovely reads I've had over the years.

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

Pregnant with twins, Juliet and her family head to the Whaleshead resort to support their former employees in their new culinary adventure. When Juliet finds a resort employee dead, she starts investigating. The murder is solved within the weekend and the story ends with a sweet moment for a few characters.

This installment felt different because Torte is only featured in the beginning, and everything is compressed into a weekend. I didn’t mind the deviation but I did miss Ashland and its other residents that usually pop up.

What goes with opening a new restaurant? A murder of course.
Sterling and Steph have left the nest of Torte. They are the new chefs at a seaside resort on the southern Oregon coast. Jules, Carlos and Ramiro visit for opening weekend.
Things don’t seem right at the resort when they arrive and soon someone is dead.
There are so many places spoilers could be introduced if a reader hasn’t read previous books in the series, so I’ll just say that I really enjoyed reading Killing Me Soufflé.
Watch out or the song might take up residence in your head.
This is a fabulous addition to the Bakeshop series. I love all the characters in this series. The books generally leave me feeling hopeful about life. We need more books like this. I highly recommend reading this book.
I’m glad to see Sterling and Steph succeed but sad that they won’t be as present in future books.
Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for the opportunity to read Killing Me Soufflé.

Killing Me Soufflé is book #20 in the Bakeshop Mystery series by Ellie Alexander.

These characters seem like old friends now. It was seeing Sterling and Steph leave Torte, but true to the family feeling, everyone is there to support them. The change of location was a nice way to freshen things up. Of course, things can’t go smoothly and there is a death for Jules to investigate. The mystery kept me guessing. There is plenty of good food and several yummy recipes at the end. I can’t wait for the next 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.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Ellie Alexander for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for Killing Me Soufflé coming out February 25, 2025. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I really love this author’s writing! I’ve only read the book before this one in this series, but I’m obsessed with cozy mysteries. I love the baking and recipes involved. The characters are really fun in this book. I think they really come together to solve the mystery. I love the cozy vibes of the Oregon coast. I would definitely read more books by this author!

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries!

I enjoy this series and was pleased to receive this next installment. Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley. My review opinions are my own.

The author takes us out of Ashland to the atmospheric beautiful setting of the hills of Oregon. Stephanie and her chef Sterling have moved to a resort and taken over the job as chefs. They are preparing a feast and Jules and Carlos have come to help. At the event a murder occurs of their new boss and everyone is on the suspect list. As the investigation grows Jules is on the case even though she is expecting. The mystery grows as the victim is found to be difficult and many had motive. A enjoyable next in series.

This is one of my favourite cozy authors & series, so to get an early copy of her book is the best! A lot of changes are happening, Jules is expecting, Sterling & Steph have left Torte to run their own kitchen. Sadly their boss is terrible & then ends up dead! This book further proves that the Torte crew can take their sleuthing on the road.

Alexander does an amazing job of still getting her readers invested outside of Ashland (the enormously charming location we’re usually reading about). Her characters are some of the most well drawn & they feel as though they could walk off the page & have a conversation with you. The lush descriptions of being cliffside in Oregon, mixed in with the yummy sounding food, will pull you in. And then the taut mystery will keep you there, flipping the pages! This is one of the strongest cozy series out there & this latest entry fits in beautifully with all the others. I highly recommend it & anxiously await the next one.
🐟

Read if you like:
* Noodle Shop series by Vivien Chien
* Cheese Shop series by Korina Moss

I am new to the <i>A Bakeshop Mystery</i> series. For the 20th book in a series, the author did a nice job of introducing the main group of characters to new readers. Regular readers probably liked the change of scenery to a resort on the Oregon coast. I also liked that for a culinary cozy, the chef defers to the actual investigators and mostly snoops with permission. (Looking at you, Hannah Swensen.) But I felt like the name of murderer was just pulled out of a hat at the end of the book and that was that. The motive and clues didn't make sense to point to that person.

<spoiler>There was one (big) plot point I didn't understand. If Erik was running the resort into the ground, why didn't the cabin owners fire him? There isn't a board or an HOA that hired him? There isn't there an accounting firm that reviews the finances and budgets? If not who hired him? Who pays him? I found it hard to believe that the owners only were involved when a mega-corporation wanted to buy them out. </spoiler>

It bugs me when baking recipes are only in cups in 2025. Our protagonist is a professional baker who would use weights for measuring. Especially for a souffle.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the advance reader copy. I am required by law to disclose this.

The amazing amateur sleuthing team of Lance and Jules were at it again—I absolutely love when they investigate together. Lance is such a dramatic hoot, gotta love that guy! Jules and her family and extended family were at the resort where Steph and Sterling were launching a new restaurant, so they were there as support but where there’s Jules, there’s usually a murder. This time it was Steph and Sterling’s bosszilla who had a ton of people who’d’ve liked to see him gone. Jules and Lance were in the thick of the showdown but it all worked out and ended in food, fellowship and fun when they gathered for a final night’s bonfire. I can’t wait to see what the next book brings!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by St. Martin/Minotaur via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.

I love just about every visit with Jules and the gang at Torte. This one was particularly interesting because it is set at a resort away from Torte but it is just as fun. It’s nice to see the development of Stephanie and Sterling’s characters, especially since Sterling was so rough around the edges in the beginning. While the setting was different, the mystery was still full of suspects and while I figured it out early on, it was also still satisfying. While I enjoy reading about the treats they serve and the occasional baking tip, I find the step-by-step narration of the recipe bothersome and usually skip these sections. Looking forward to the next in the series.

I’ve been a long time fan of Jules and the rest of the Torte family, so I was excited to see the newest release, Killing Me Soufflé. I was a little nervous going into the book as “on location” books are usually my least favorite books in cozy mystery series. However I had no reason to be, Killing Me Soufflé was just as fantastic as the rest of the series!

Sterling and Steph are venturing out on their own to take over the restaurant at Whaleshead Resort and Jules and Carlos (and some other Torte faces) are there to support their grand opening! The weekend doesn’t go as planned and Jules adds investigating to her weekend. 

The mystery, story, and setting were all great, but what I loved most about this book was hearing the ongoing stories of the Torte family. It was great to spend time with Steph and Sterling as they start this new venture. It is fun to see the changes happening for Jules and her family. And it’s always sweet to get a peek into the lives of the other Ashland friends. This was a great book and I can’t wait for more Bakeshop Mysteries!



I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and Minotaur Books. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This was a fun read which is always expected from this series. I liked that the setting was a bit different than the usual Ashland Torte setting. A mismanaged resort was a fun change and seeing Steph and Sterling in leadership positions was also enjoyable.

The victim was one who wouldn't me missed and more than a few people weren't sad to see him gone. Jules and Carlos and the rest of the crew are quickly drawn into the investigation and I really enjoyed seeing them in "vacation mode".

This is a very long running series with a likable group of characters and mouthwatering food descriptions. The mysteries are enjoyable and well laid out. This was a nice addition to the series and I like seeing the changes in the life of the main characters. If you enjoy cozy mysteries with foodie descriptions this series is a must read.

In this installment of the Bakeshop Mysteries, Juliet and friends visit former employees Sterling and Steph at their new job on the Oregon coast. Lots is going at Whaleshead Resort - a restaurant reopening, a vote to sell the resort, and a murder of the manager. As Juliet and Lance try to solve the murder, many secrets are revealed. A nice solid entry in this series.

Baking scenes, murder scenes, what else could you ask for?

This was a super cute book. Super easy read, and full of wonderful baking scenes. I could read about them baking and running Torte and SeaBreeze all day!

I liked the premise of the story, and the characters were all interesting. I was invested in seeing SeaBreeze succeed!

I thought the ‘who dunnit’ part of the story went on slightly too long with the off the cuff guessing by the main characters, and all the side characters having very solid motives and highly suspicious activity. And I was bothered by every character having a name except mom and the professor.

But, overall it was enjoyable and if you are looking for a low stakes, baking vibes type of mystery then look no further!

Dollycas’s Thoughts

Torte’s loss is the Whaleshead Resort’s gain. Stephanie and Sterling have new jobs bringing a cliffside restaurant back to life. The restaurant has been scrubbed and refreshed with a little paint. Sterling and Stephanie have updated the menu with fresh fish entrees, vegan dishes, and a variety of desserts including “every chef’s nightmare – a fluffy chocolate soufflé-“. Reservations for opening night are plentiful and long-term residents and resort guests are excited to see what these kids have come up with. As are Jules, Carlos, and others from Ashland. All are ready to help make the restaurant a success and help Sterling and Stephanie shine.

While all are prepping for the big night, Jules makes a quick trip to the garden, she hears a scream. Following the sound she finds the manager of the Whaleshead Resort has fallen down an exposed cliffside trail to his death. In the short time Jules and Carlos have been there they saw there was a real problem with management especially with the manager Erik Morton so it was no surprise when his death was ruled a homicide. Did he push one of his staff too far? Did one of the Whaleshead residents have a reason to give the man one good push?

The Professor is on the case and Jules’ bestie Lance is ready to team up with her again to solve another murder. Carlos, Arlo, and Helen will help however they can.

The people who work together at Torte are family so it was hard for Sterling and Stephanie to venture out on their own. Family shows up for each other for support and celebrations so of course, Jules, Carlos, Helen, the Professor, Lance, and Arlo came for the reopening of the restaurant at the Whaleshead Resort. After 20 books these characters feel like old friends. Ms. Alexander allows them to continue to evolve in true-to-life ways. This story is character-driven as many things are happening in their lives including the latest murder.

The murder of resort manager Erik Morton was not going to be easy to solve. There are several suspects with motive. They have shady alibis, are not forthcoming with information, and are strangers to the crew from Ashland. The Professor offers his assistance to the local police which is accepted. He asks Jules to keep her eyes and ears open. Lance takes that as he usually does – an invitation to snoop. Snooping that can lead to trouble and dangerous situations. I love the banter between Lance and Jules as they work to get to the truth but I was a little nervous about Jules investigating as she now has another life depending on her. The author did an excellent job of twists and misdirection. I figured out the guilty party right along with Lance and Jules.

It was nice to have the characters take a weekend getaway from Ashland to a place where Jules had some fond memories. The resort’s lodge and cabins may need a little updating and renovating but the views, cliffs, and beach sounded amazing. It will now carry fond memories for everyone. Some maybe more than others.

Killing Me Soufflé is a delightfully entertaining story. I love the family feeling that runs through this book and the entire series. These genuine characters immediately pulled me into this story. The murder mystery kept me engaged. The ending put a huge smile on my face. There are some exciting times ahead and I can’t wait to get my hands on Laying Down the Latte! It is set to be released on August 26, 2025!

"Killing Me Soufflé" the 20th instalment in the A Bakeshop Mystery series by Ellie Alexander. The team will have to juggle the investigation while keeping the restaurant—and Steph and Sterling's new jobs—from crashing like the waves along the cliffs.

I really enjoyed this story, seeing the Torte family grow and expand. Visiting the Oregon Coast where Jules use to go as a child and now where Stephanie and Sterling are starting their own journey was a nice change. The future is full of changes for all of Torte's family with Jules pregnant, new staff , Ramiro going back to Spain...

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.

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. It was entertaining, sweet, and the mystery was there. I thought the step away from torte was a great change of pace and as Juliet prepares for twins, her sending some of her workers out on their own made sense. The mystery was really strong and there were multiple suspects until the culprit was revealed. I really enjoy this series.

I really enjoyed seeing Steph and Sterling stretch their wings in this newest installment in the Bakeshop Mysteries. Seeing them grow in an unfamiliar environment but with the love and support of Jules and the rest of the Torte team was so fun! Unfortunately, the mystery fell flat to me. In a cozy mystery, I love being able to go along with the sleuth and gather clues and try to figure out the killer with the sleuth. However, I felt that the killer didn't make a lot of sense and was just picked based on convenience, rather than the clues actually pointing to them. It felt very all of a sudden when the killer was revealed and the book was wrapped up, and I felt frustrated by the end of the book because the mystery just seemed brushed aside. I hope mystery becomes more of a focus for these books, and not just the characters! While I do adore the characters, I am also wanting a good mystery!

In this latest addition to the Bakeshop mystery series, Chef Jules and husband Carlos travel to the Oregon coast, intending to help their former employees Steph and Sterling launch their chef careers at a resort restaurant. However, the resort itself might be doomed, as real estate deals and under the table plans may derail their new venture. When the resort owner goes over a cliff, was it murder or an accident? Throw in an eccentric artist, disgruntled employees, and unscrupulous business owners, to add many suspects to the list.

Readers familiar with the series will find some of their favorite characters here, although the setting is far from that of the previous novels. This can be read as a stand alone novel. Readers who enjoy lots of detail and recipes will find this a good choice, although the characters are what really draw one's interest. The last chapter is a blatant nod to the next book in the series.

I received this novel from the publisher and from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.