How the Murder Crumbles by Debra Sennefelder

*** My Review ***

As soon as you step into Mallory Monroe’s beloved Cookie Shop in Wingate, Connecticut, the heavenly aroma of freshly baked cookies and the sight of their beautifully decorated surfaces will make your mouth water. However, when the top food blogger in town accuses Mallory of stealing her signature recipe, things start to crumble. And when the same blogger is found dead in her kitchen, Mallory’s life takes a dark turn as she becomes the prime suspect in the murder investigation. In “How the Murder Crumbles,” Debra Sennefelder whips up a tantalizing new cozy mystery filled with mouth-watering treats, small-town charm, and unexpected twists that will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.

To begin with, I have to admit that I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed How the Murder Crumbles by this new-to-me author! As a fan of cozy mysteries, I’ve read my fair share of books with a cookie store as the main character’s place of business. But this book was a breath of fresh air, and I found myself appreciating the author’s unique take on this theme. From the very beginning, How the Murder Crumbles had me hooked with its twisty and complex mystery. The author did an excellent job of keeping me guessing about who the killer was and why they murdered Beatrice until the very end.

Throughout the story, Mallory, the protagonist, chased down leads that led to dead ends or revealed unflattering truths about the victim and other townspeople. Some of the leads were dull, while others were more interesting, but they all added to the tension of the story.

However, the police’s handling of the investigation frustrated me. They didn’t even inform Mallory that she was not a suspect until near the end of the book. This lack of transparency added to Mallory’s stress and anxiety, which could have been avoided if they were more upfront with her. Despite this, Mallory’s flair and determination added a unique touch to the investigation that the police couldn’t have replicated.

In addition to the mystery, the slight romance angle added another layer to the story. I appreciated how the author kept it almost one-sided until the end of the book, due to the conflict of interest between the two characters. This made it difficult for them to pursue a relationship, but I am intrigued to see where their romance goes in future books.

The town of Wingate is one of the most compelling aspects of How the Murder Crumbles. The author’s descriptions of the town were so vivid and evocative that I was able to picture it in my mind’s eye with ease. From Mallory biking around the town to her cozy cottage, every detail was so well-written that I felt like I was right there with her.

The sense of community in the town was palpable, and I loved how Mallory interacted with the people and businesses around her. The author did an excellent job of creating a vibrant and bustling community with various businesses that Mallory frequented. My personal favorite was the coffee shop, which was conveniently located near The Cookie Shop. It was a perfect example of place attachment, and it made me wish I could interact with the community in the same way as Mallory.

Furthermore, the writing style of How the Murder Crumbles initially caught me off guard. The short, seemingly unnecessary sentences left me questioning the author’s intent. However, as I delved deeper into the plot and characters, I found myself being drawn in by the simplicity of the writing. Instead of being bogged down by flowery prose, I was able to fully immerse myself in the story and connect with the characters on a more intimate level. It was a refreshing departure from the more elaborate writing styles I’ve encountered in other cozy mysteries.

Although How the Murder Crumbles had a compelling mystery, I found the character development lacking. Mallory, the protagonist, came across as emotionally unstable throughout the book, and her mental state deteriorated even further after finding Beatrice’s dead body. Initially, Mallory’s character felt a little distant to me. While we do learn about her background in advertising, and the fact that her boyfriend cheated on her, it didn’t feel like enough to fully connect with her. Despite her struggles, Mallory managed to pull herself together and provide valuable leads to the police.

The supporting characters in the book were multi-dimensional and added depth to the story. Surprisingly, it was Aspen, the “other woman,” who I found to be the more interesting character. With her legal background, she could prove to be a valuable ally to Mallory. And then there’s Detective Will Hannigan, who not only has the potential to be a romantic interest but could also help Mallory find her inner strength. Even the victim, Beatrice, had a complex personality that made her feel like a real person.

How the Murder Crumbles is a delightful cozy mystery that is sure to captivate readers with its well-crafted characters and compelling storyline. The author’s writing style is easy to follow, and the inclusion of mouthwatering cookie recipes is a nice touch that will have readers salivating. What sets this book apart from others in the genre is its unexpected ending, which will have readers reeling with surprise. Whether you’re a seasoned cozy mystery reader or a newcomer to the genre, How the Murder Crumbles is a must-read that will leave you feeling satisfied and wanting more.