Jules' beloved former bakery staff members, Sterling and Stephanie, are setting out on their own adventure reviving the failing restaurant at a seaside resort. Jules, Carlos, and others of the Ashland gang are on hand to help them their opening weekend--including to deal with their horrible boss and manager of the resort, Erik. But when Erik turns up dead right before the first dinner service, everyone's a suspect when everyone hates the victim.

I've read about half of the Bakeshop Mysteries, and many of Alexander's other series. At this point, I tend to prefer some of her other series (the Sloane Krause and Secret Bookcase ones are my favorite). There's a lot of details in these books that I tend to skim over--extensive repetition of backstories, elaborate descriptions of baking--to get to the actual mystery. I know that's one of the hallmarks of cozy mysteries, that you can pick up anywhere in the series and know what's going on, but it gets tiring after twenty books. As far as this specific mystery goes, I think the new setting and characters were fun and introduced in a natural way, though I didn't love the conclusion. It felt a little random and anticlimactic. But overall, this is a solid installment in a solid series, and fans of the series are sure to enjoy more of Jules and the gang. I am looking forward to seeing her give birth, and the wedding of one of our favorite characters (no spoilers) on the horizon.

Thanks to St. Martin's for my eARC! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

4 stars - 8/10

This was the first book I've read in this series. The only downside to that was I didn't understand the many of the characters or the backstory for the majority of the book. However, I really enjoyed it overall. The characters were all likable and the mystery was well-written. I also loved the inclusion of cooking techniques and recipes.

This was fast-paced and really enjoyable. Nothing groundbreaking, but a great little escape from reality.

Thanks to the publisher for the advanced copy!

Another outstanding installment, book #20, in the author's long-running Bakeshop series. She never disappoints.

Here, Jules and family (and friends) venture off to to the opening of a new restaurant by two former Torte employees at a beach resort. They wonder what these former Torte employees have gotten themselves into, what with a domineering boss, unpaid vendors, and chaos. Made even worse by the requisite murder (this is a cozy mystery series after all).

Very entertaining, a mystery I would highly recommend. Excellent plot and terrific characters.

This is your classic cozy mystery and Ellie Alexander never fails to disappoint. This is not what you are looking for if what you want is a literary masterpiece. However, it is perfect as the antidote to more weighty reads and when you want something quick that will not take away too much of your brain power. This particular series also has an angle I particularly enjoy in cozy mysteries: food. The protagonist is a baker/cafe owner and this features prominently in the books. I love when books make me hungry. There are also recipes at the end. I look forward to the next installment and I also have to go back and read ones I have missed--it is easy enough to figure who what is going on without having read the previous books (I have read a couple). This also fulfills a reading challenge I had for this month to read a book with a pun in the title (and this was a great one). I would give this 4.25 stars.
Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for providing me with access to this cozy mystery.

Another interesting journey with Jules, Carlos, and crew. This installment takes us away from Torte and up the coast to where Sterling and Steph are getting ready to open the restaurant at the beach resort where they have been given a chance to run their own kitchen. With some of regulars along for the Grand Opening, Jules' mom and the Professor, as well as Lance and Arlo, the new chefs are getting support, and their friends are getting a long weekend. Jules can understand the newbies' nerves when they meet the resort manager, who has a controlling style and a nasty manner. The resort is showing signs of wear, has disappearing employees, and disgruntled vendors. What have Sterling and Steph gotten themselves into? When the manager shows up murdered will the couple even get their chance? Who wanted the manager dead? Can a pregnant Jules stay out of it, or is she drawn in as usual? This story was definitely stronger in the character development department than the mystery department, but for fans of this long series, they probably won't mind! Thanks to #Netgally, #Minotaur, and the author for a chance to catch up with our friends from Ashland. #KillMeSouffle #BakeshopSeries #EllieAlexander #bookreview #bookideas #retiredreader

I am so ready for Jules and Carlos’ baby to be here. I can’t wait to see hoe Jules balances her professional life, personal life, and her sleuthing. Though she doesn’t really sleuth so much as get pulled into sleuthing by her best friend, Lance. And that ending! I cannot WAIT to see how that plays out.

I really didn’t want the killer to be who it was. I wanted it to be someone else, because they were a really unlikable character. However, I would also like for the Professor to be in more scenes with Jules and her mother. Be more of a family man. I felt that this novel was missing that familial feeling that many of the others had. I also wonder if it's because there is the feeling of bittersweetness because Steph and Sterling are leaving.

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

Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for the opportunity to read Killing Me Souffle by Ellie Alexander, the latest installment in her long-running Bakeshop culinary mystery series. This is the first book I've read by this author, so there were a lot of character relationships and backstory to catch up on, but I was able to enjoy the mystery as a stand-alone.
The very likable first-person narrator/protagonist, Juliet, travels with her family and some friends to the Oregon coast to support two beloved former employees in their new positions as chefs at a seaside resort. It's grand opening weekend, and rumor has it, their overbearing boss is making things difficult for the new hires.
Once Juliet and family arrive, they find some disarray at the resort, and things quickly get worse when Juliet discovers Erik, the controlling manager, dead at the bottom of a cliff. The police quickly determine that his fall was not an accident.
Juliet's mother and stepfather (the Professor) arrive, and the Professor, a semi-retired detective, offers to help the local police with the investigation; as they are short-handed, his assistance is welcomed. Juliet's best friend, Lance, also arrives with his boyfriend, Arlo. Juliet and Lance apparently have a history of amateur sleuthing together, and they take it up in this story as well.
Suspects abound, and many have reason to want Erik out of the way.
Besides a well-constructed mystery, readers will be treated to cooking lessons and lots of scrumptious recipes.

Jules is finally taking some much needed time off. Her trip to the beach includes pitching in for Steph and Sterling’s restaurant debut, perusing local art, naps in the sand… oh, and investigating a murder.

This series is one of my favorites and this book is a wild ride! The beach resort is amazing, quaint and charming, if it was a real place I’d be booking my trip! Jules is newly pregnant with twins and there are some other really great changes happening. I can’t wait to read all about it!

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.

Food, Baking, murder. Count me in. Love the recipes in the back and now I need to bake this weekend. First one by this author and will be looking for more.

Alexander continues to showcase the best of the Bakeshop series with a perfect blend of mystery and mouthwatering moments. The writing is cozy yet thrilling, keeping you hooked as Jules and the crew work their way through the mystery while balancing the delicate art of keeping a restaurant running smoothly. There’s an added depth to this instalment, with the deliciously rich descriptions of food that not only make you crave the dishes but bring the story to life in a way that only the Bakeshop series can. What stands out most is the way the author captures the tension and emotion of the characters, especially Sterling and Stephanie, who are stepping into uncharted waters. Add in a touch of suspense, some complex relationships, and a backdrop that makes you feel like you’re right there on the Oregon coast, and it’s easy to see why this book is so addictive. This is another strong addition to the series, blending humor, heart, and mystery in a way that makes it impossible to put down. For those who’ve followed the series, Killing Me Soufflé will not disappoint. If you’re new to it, this book will have you immediately reaching for the rest of the series. A perfect read for anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries with heart and substance.

Family. Family and friends that become family. That's what keeps me coming back to this series. I feel like I'm dropping in on people I know, people who'll feed me very, very well. In this case, it seems like everyone is on hand, albeit at Oregon's Whaleshead Resort for the most part, not at Torte in Ashland. Sterling and Stephanie have accepted a new position there and Juliet/Jules, Carlos, Ramiro, and other friends and family are there to support them. Jules has fond memories of Whaleshead Resort from her youth, so it's a bit of a trip down memory lane for her. It's all the more so when you realize she's not just pregnant but expecting twins. While there is stress and problems, the place has become rundown, the restaurant opening seems to be on schedule. Then, Jules, asked to collect some fresh veggies from outside, finds a body. It's Eric, the resort manager who, it turns out, is not at all well liked and seems to be the cause of many of the resorts financial worries.

I won't detail the plot other than to note that there are not only multiple suspects but Juliet is lucky enough to have her mom and step-father, the Professor/Doug on hand. A not quite retired detective, he winds up working closely with local Det. Mars. Even Lance shows up with boyfriend Arlo to round out the sleuthing circle of friends. Lots of backstory shared early on, so even new readers should be comfortable settling right into the story. You're going to like Jules who, despite her pregnancy doesn't hesitate to investigate. The setting is beautifully described, making me easily imagine the rugged cliffs and views, too. Lots of food talk and careful readers can pick up quite a few helpful food prep hints, not to mention there are several recipes included at the end.

As for the murder, it kept me guessing. It was fun to see info being uncovered that eliminated some of the suspects, much of it inadvertently not shared initially with the police. As one suspect basically, says, well, everyone knew that, so I didn't even think about telling the police. A reminder that every bit of info, no matter how small, may contribute and save the police valuable time, that's for sure. I didn't lose any time feeling sorry for the victim, I must admit, who definitely didn't sound like a nice guy. Sterling and Stephanie, of course, are rather caught in the middle, trying to revive a once stellar restaurant despite complications like not just the murder, but suppliers refusing to, well, supply them due to the victim having not paid them. Ah, add a few more suspects. In any case, it was fun to watch Jules both stumble across and actively seek out info, frequently with Lance in tow. Lance gets a major scene near the end that I'm sure long time readers will love, by the way. My only regret is that it sounds like Carlos' son Ramiro may be leaving them next book to spend time with his mother and step-father in Europe. He's been fun, not to mention rather a bottomless pit where food is involved. Bottom line, if you like character driven cozies with extended family/friends involved, and an intriguing mystery, you'll like this series....especially if you're a foodie. Let's just say, make sure you have something handy to munch on as you read. Thanks #StMartin'sPress _ #MinotaurBooks for allowing me to virtually tag along early on what becomes a bit of a family gathering at Whaleshead Resort. I'm glad it's apparently not far from Torte, meaning we'll get more Sterling and Stephanie moments.

𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒚 𝒔𝒂𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒎𝒐𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒐𝒏 𝒊𝒔 𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒆. 𝑰 𝒌𝒏𝒆𝒘 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒆 𝒕𝒓𝒖𝒆, 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝒊𝒕 𝒅𝒊𝒅𝒏'𝒕 𝒎𝒆𝒂𝒏 𝒊𝒕 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒚.

Sterling and Steph, two of Juliet Capshaw's star employees at her bakeshop Torte, have left to pursue a job at a coastal resort, managing and running the kitchen. Unfortunately, they had no idea their boss was going to be a tyrant with poor business acumen. Nevertheless, they are determined to be successful at this new venture.

When Juliet and her family arrive for opening night, they find the place in tumult and graciously step up to help. But when the tyrannical owner plummets to his death from a sharp drop-off, it's soon clear that it was no accident, and the list of suspects is long.

I enjoyed this book, but I miss the familiarity of the Ashland setting. I do hope that Sterling and Steph will find their way back home again as they are two characters I've grown to love. Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martins Press/Minotaur Books for this early copy. At the time this review was written, this title was expected to publish February 25, 2025.

Thank you NetGally and publisher for this book!

Wow! WOW! Wow!! Boy was this book a great one! I enjoyed this writing style. All of the twist and turns. This thriller was definitely one I had a hard time putting down. I guessed wrong every time!! I will be picking up more books by this author ASAP!!

Really enjoyed this. So much do I'm going back to the start of the series. The characters were interesting, the plot intriguing and I lived the setting.

Killing Me Soufflé is the 20th installment of Ellie Alexander’s Bakeshop Mystery series and it featured members of the Torte crew embarking on new adventures. Sterling and Steph have ventured out on their own and are reopening the SeaBreeze Bistro and Jules, Carlos and a few others venture to the coast to support them. When they get there the stress of the reopening is high in addition to several others causing problems with management. The manager of the resort, Erik, is rather difficult but when he is found dead at the bottom of the cliff by Jules it leads to more potential suspects than answers when all he was up to begins to come out.

I love following along with long running cozy mystery series because of how invested you become in the characters’s lives. I’m so excited for Jules and Carlos and their pregnancy which is something I’ve been waiting for a long while. I’m excited to see Sterling and Steph take on something new for themselves but sad to see them leaving the Torte crew but know they won’t be far. Also Lance continues to make me smile and I can’t wait to see what he gets up to in the next book.


Thank you @stmartinspress and @netgalley for this eARC in exchange for my honest feedback.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.

There is nothing better than a cozy mystery and this one truly hit the spot. I absolutely loved it. It was fun and easy to read and I really enjoyed using this as a quick break from fantasy. Easy to follow and easy to get swept into, Alexander makes this a book you will want to enjoy with an afternoon cuppa and a blanket. Definitely check this out! If you think this one sounds fun, there’s also more where that came from! This whole series is a delight.

It's almost as if Ellie Alexander decided to write a book just for me. After all, I love a good mystery. I'm from the Pacific Northwest. I'm a foodie. The beach is my happy place. I love watching building restorations. In other words, there's just no way I wasn't going to read Killing Me Soufflé.

The premise is fun: Two young chefs, Sterling and Stephanie, having received a stellar training at Torte, a bakery owned by chef Juliet, are spreading their wings and flying off to the Oregon coast to revive a flagging restaurant at a seaside resort. Juliet and her family go along to help out and cheer their friends on in this new venture.

There's plenty of challenges. The fledgling chefs have the jitters. The resort receptionist keeps vanishing. The local seafood supplier isn't thrilled with the state of things either, and the resort manager? An overbearing nightmare! Guests and some quirky locals who live year-round at the resort add to the mayhem. Oh, and as if she doesn't have enough challenges, Juliet is pregnant. With twins.

On the flip side of all that mayhem, there's the setting. Author Ellie Alexander does a wonderful job of describing this breathtaking location on the cliffs above the Oregon coast. It was nice to feel as if I were there once again.

Solving the inevitable murder is fun. The clues are there for sharp eyes to find, and the solution plays out with good pacing. It held my interest to the very end. Oh, and I was amused by the parallel of a death by falling (not going to say who, why, where, you need to read the book!), while chef Stephanie struggles with the fear of a falling... soufflé.

This is the 20th book in the Bakeshop Mystery series, but the first that I've read. It was easy to drop into Juliet's ongoing life and find my footing in the Bakeshop world, though Juliet's pregnancy meant little to me and wasn't an important part of the storyline. But, I'm sure readers who have been following her adventures through 19 previous books have a deeper connection to the personal aspects of her life.

I'd happily read more of the Bakeshop Mystery series, and I recommend you do, too. If you choose to start with Killing Me Soufflé, you'll be just fine. If you're a completionist, why not join me in bouncing back to the first book? I'll be picking up Meet Your Baker quite soon.

My thanks to Ellie Alexander, St. Martin's Press, and NetGalley for allowing me to read a digital advance review copy of this book. This review is my honest and unbiased opinion.

If you are looking for a cozy and delicious read then this series is made for you. With so many mouth-watering descriptions of food and meals, it will make you hungry! Luckily some of the tastiest dishes have recipes in the back so you can enjoy a treat while solving the mystery. This is the type of book that you can sit down to read for a few minutes and find you have finished the book a few hour later as you cheer for the cast of characters. Featuring great sites in Oregon through the series, this book is set on the gorgeous Oregon coast and will have you making plans to visit. Well-written with a lot of details on the setting, characters and meals, it is a delightful afternoon read.

This was another winner in the Bakeshop Mystery series, it had that mystery element that I was looking for and enjoyed the overall feel of this. It had an engaging plot and was hooked with how everything flowed together. The characters had that feel that I enjoyed from previous books by Ellie Alexander. It was written so well and was glad I got to read more from Ellie Alexander.