If your preference is more for a story that is character driven, rather than plot driven, then this series of culinary mysteries is for you. The stories take place in the charming town of Ashland, Oregon, a town full of quirky characters and a murderer or two, described so perfectly by the author that I feel as though I have been there. In this book, the third in the series, Mindy Nolan, new restaurant owner in town is found dead. Despite being busy with the bake shop, particularly with the Shakespeare festival in town, not to mention her tedious though sexy ex-husband Carlos, heroine Jules Capshaw gets embroiled in the solving the murder. I think in this instance, I enjoyed reading about the food and characters more so than the mystery, that left me a bit unsatisfied. Overall, a good mystery and a fun series.

Great idea and concept for a book. A thoroughly enjoyable read. Highly recommended. .

I always enjoy the combination of a plucky amateur detective, food, and murder. And a setting in the northwest doesn't hurt either. Throw in a sexy Spaniard named Carlos and we have ourselves a winner!

In Caught Bread Handed it is wintertime and even though the Oregon Shakespeare Festival is on hiatus, Ashland is still buzzing. A chain restaurant has muscled its way into the downtown business district, ruffling the feathers of the historic district. When the new owner is found dead, many of the townsfolk have the motive for murder.

This installment of the Bakeshop Mystery continues with the appearance of Jules' estranged husband Carlos in Ashland. He wants her to understand he didn't mean to hurt her but Carlos' appearance has Jules flustered. Not sure how to rectify his appearance, Jules has to put her feelings on the back burner because her focus needs to remain on Torte and, unfortunately the murder.

I enjoyed book 4 in the series. We finally get to see Jules in her home environment with Carlos by her side. I'm still not sure how Jules' love life is going to play out in this series with her in Oregon and her husband on a cruise ship. It will be interesting to follow that thread through the rest of the series. How the author weaves multiple stories within each book fascinates me. Each thread makes sense as you move along in the book, some intersecting with the murder and others just additional everyday life. The book was descriptive and was able to immerse myself into the town of Ashland and the lives of its residents.

The world building continues as new events or businesses begin to take shape and new characters are introduced. The familiar favorites are always a pleasure to see on the pages; Jules' mom, Stephanie, Sterling, Lance, Andy, Thomas, and The Professor. I connected with all of the favorites on some level and can't imagine these books without them. The conflicting emotions that engulf Jules are profound and realistic. Her uncertainty and love toward Carlos is palpable; easily recognized but tumultuous.

The story was fast paced and engaging. I enjoyed trying to unravel the murder mystery. Every time I thought I had things all figured out, the author tossed in a complication that changed my mind. Ellie Alexander did a great job keeping everything under wraps and revealing things methodically and at the right time.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book from NetGalley.