Drop Dead Chocolate (Donut Shop Mystery, #7) by Jessica Beck

Drop Dead Chocolate (Donut Shop Mystery, #7) Reviews

• 
  Luffy

  A slow start here was followed by a solid middle act. The book ripened - that's the word I'd use, instead of bloomed - a bit late, but all things considered, it did just enough to earn three stars. So given my expectations, this book was a nice surprise. Cozy mysteries have mostly only temporary changes, but this series moves in unexpected directions. Killing the mayor of the town is no longer an original idea but it still makes for some exciting writing. Emma's quest for bettering herself ; that too was a segment that contributed to my enjoyment of this book. Finally I look forward to Peter Morgan, Grace's current boyfriend. I look forward to him starring as the victim, should Jessica Beck's muse lead HIMSELF(Beck, not Peter) that way. PS I was amused by Beck's dedication in that he referred to his better half as spouse instead of giving the game away by writing 'wife'. Who is he trying to kid?
• 
  Jo Anne B

  This was the first book I have read in the Donut series. I didn't feel lost at all. The author did a good job giving Timbits (pun intended) of background information to catch me up on anything relevant to the story. I do regret not having read the other books in the series beforehand because a major character left the series and I know if I had been reading it from the beginning that I would have felt an emotional connection to that person and would have been sad. But, that just makes me want to go back and read the others that came before this one. 
  
  This was just like the Coffee Shop murder mystery series. It felt exactly like I was reading those books. I think the Coffee Shop ones were written before this Donut series so obviously that makes this series not as original. It even had the recipes for making Donuts in between chapters like the Coffee books had recipes for Lattes and other coffee beverages. Since I had already seen this done before it felt like nothing special only a copy cat. The Coffee Shop recipes and woman seemed more passionate about her trade. But, I could be biased because coffee can be considered romantic and sexy in a way, whereas when you think of donuts you feel guilty and fat. Nonetheless, I loved every second of it and still thought it was creative and fun. 
  
  I liked the main character Suzanne. She was a take no for an answer woman. I found it strange that her being a Donut shop owner took so quickly to solving a murder. Granted, her mother was a suspect and I haven't read the other books to see how she got to be such a good sleuth. I liked that she had many friends and knew everyone. It made her seem more likable and her life interesting and playful. She had a great personality and any girl would want her as their best friend. I mean, free coffee and donuts and helping her interrogate suspects to solve a murder while antiquing? Sound perfect!
  
  This was a super fast, fun enjoyable read that makes you want coffee and something sweet while reading. Seems like a series that is very easy to get addicted to. On to the next one, or in my case one that came before this one. 
• 
  Ramona

  I am addicted to these adorable donut shop mysteries. This one had me stumped. I had no idea who the killer was and why he or she did it. And one of these days I am going to try one of the many recipes that are included in the books. :)
• 
  Jenn

  This was a cute cozy. It can be read as a stand alone but would also be interesting to read them in order. You’d have a bit more of a background on the characters. There wasn’t too much mushy stuff like you normally find in some cozies but enough of a love interest to keep you wanting to know more. And my favorite thing? I didn’t hate anybody like I normally do!
• 
  Jeannie and Louis Rigod

  Every time a new book in this estimable series comes out, I grab a cup of coffee and sit down to what I know will be a toothsome treat for my mystery mind.
  
  The town of April Springs, NC has had it with the current Mayor. It is a good thing re-election time is looming. When a scandal breaks, that is the final straw for sleuth, Suzanne Hart's mother, Dorothy. This time she is going to throw her hat in the ring.
  
  Suzanne is busy with her Donut Hearts store and giving us readers delectable recipes for chocolate baked and fried donuts, and dreaming of her boyfriend, Jake. Ready to help Mom in any way possible, she and Grace and George head over to the new campaign headquarters (across the street,) and are thwarted by finding a body...not just any body...but the hated Mayor's.
  
  Dorothy who owns the building is under instant suspicion and scares everyone when she asks Suzanne and company to find the real killer!
  
  This was a great book and I am eager for the next one in the series to come out..."Powdered Peril." Oh yes!
• 
  Kim

  Still good, and this time the donuts were not part of the murder, but how many more people in this small town are left to kill?
• 
  Debra

  Finding her books to be entertaining. Bit of crime, mystery and romance.
• 
  JoAnne McMaster (Any Good Book)

  Suzanne Hart owns Donut Hearts, a donut shop in small-town April Springs, North Carolina, She lives with her mother in the home she grew up in, and has made a nice life for herself after her divorce. But one day she finds her mother completely riled up by the mayor, who has done something no mayor should ever do, and decides to run against him in the upcoming election. But before that can happen, the mayor is discovered dead at one of her properties, and now Suzanne's mother Dorothy is a big suspect. When she asks her to help clear her name, how can she refuse? Even if it means going against her police inspector boyfriend Jake. But someone killed the man, and once you've murdered someone, it's a lot easier to murder again...
  
  This is the seventh book in the series, and I'm really starting to enjoy it. I like the fact that it's not stagnating, and is moving right along. I also go back to older series every now and then because I know that the authors aren't going to throw their political beliefs in everywhere. It's sad, but I read to escape from reality, not have it pushed in my face. There's also a cute conversation about male writers using female pseudonyms, which is funny because of the author (who is very good, by the way).
  
  Suzanne has several suspects to sift through, and none of them want to give her any answers, especially the ex-wife of the police chief, who is running against Dorothy. Not even Suzanne's donuts can open her up. But Suzanne has her posse of best friend Grace and retired cop George to help, and they all seem to glean information one way or another.
  
  When the ending comes it is surprising in more ways than one, and there are changes for Suzanne that we will have to wait and see how it plays out. The narrative is lighthearted and playful, just as it's supposed to be. I really enjoyed the book and visiting with these characters again, and will continue on with this series. Recommended.
• 
  Jennifer Oberth

  It was an entertaining read. Same old Suzanne up to her same old tricks (confronting the murderer by herself).
  I understand why some people say Suzanne's relationships are "off." It's because Suzanne will say one thing but then we see another.
  For instance, she says she and her mother don't get along well and butt heads all the time - but in that book, there's not one cross word between them. She'll say her boyfriend is a by-the-book, rule-abiding type of guy, but then he's suspended from his job for acting rashly and breaking the rules. And so on and so on.
  I just accept it and keep reading.
  These are not the fun, deep, loyal relationships you'll get to savor in other cozies, these relationships are more shallow, but it's still an enjoyable read. (This is a perfect example of telling and not showing not working well. While telling is an important component of storytelling, it can be done well or not well. The weird thing is in this series, the telling doesn't match the showing when the showing does take place.)
• 
  Amanda McGill

  Another good read in the Donut Shop mystery series. Can't believe this book is already number 7!
  
  The murder this time is the mayor of April Springs. Of course this was right after Suzanne's mom decided to threaten the mayor by running in the election herself.
  
  It is a big stretch to say that Suzanne's mother was the prime suspect in the murder because she is dating the chief of police and the mayor had a lot of enemies. Suzanne's boyfriend, detective Jake, was more in this novel, but it still wasn't a lot since he had to investigate the murder.
  
  Even though the series has many flaws, I still find myself coming back to the series and the characters in the small town.
• 
  Tammy Lunsford

  This is another delicious delight in Jessica Beck’s Donut Mystery series. Suzanne’s mother is very unhappy with the mayor, so she decides to run against him in the upcoming mayoral race. Her odds go up considerably when her opponent is murdered. However, this also makes her the #1 suspect. Suzanne and her sleuthing crew are once again hard at work to solve the mystery. The characters in this series are wonderful together. I can see Dorothy and Chief Martin’s romance moving forward. It is just a fun, clean mystery with delicious recipes mixed in!
• 
  Hemavathy DM Suppiah-Devi

  I loved this book. There was so much action, everything was well plotted and the story kept moving. It was nice to see Jake backing up Suzanne and making time to see her during the investigation. Even the side stories with the election for the new mayor and Emma leaving were written so well and so sensitively. The only part I didn't like was the whole Grace-Peter angle. There's obviously something wrong there but we never find out. Perhaps Beck will tell us in the next book.
• 
  Lauren

  I love this series, it's easy to fall into and enjoy. in this installment ms. Hart decides to encourage her mother to run for mayor. you know what's coming! I was surprised to see a character stepping down, but can't wait to see where the author takes it.
• 
  February Four

  It's been a while since the last time I read these books, but this one was definitely top of form.
• 
  Kim

  Another engaging mystery. But this one a bit closer to home than preferred. I forgot that she's in a monthly book group, which has led to other recommendations for me. Delicious!
• 
  Allison Ann

  Quick little books to enjoy. Loved the ending. George for president.
• 
  Moondance

  I guess you could say that the murder was partly my fault.
  
  Suzanne and the gang are back in April Springs, NC to stir up a little trouble. The town is fed up with the current mayor and Suzanne's mom, Dorothy, feels that she is the right woman for the job. Unfortunately, the mayor is found dead in a building owned by Dorothy and she becomes the prime suspect. Enter Suzanne, Grace and George to the rescue.
  
  This is one of the few series by Tim Myers that I have continued to read. I'm not sure why I find him more acceptable writing as a woman. I enjoy the characters, the town and the recipes. Although I imagine that Suzanne could become tiring very quickly.
  
  I appreciate her need to right the wrongs that occur to her friends and family. I am always surprised that Jake puts up with her sleuthing as much as he does.
  
  The donut recipes are tempting. I want to run to the kitchen to try them out. I'm afraid that making them gluten free would defeat the purpose.
  
  A fun, quick read that kept my attention. I look forward to hanging out in April Springs again soon.
  
  Note to self: I should have read this book for my Chocolate theme. :-)
• 
  Michelle

  This is the 7th book in the Donut Shop cozy mystery series. Suzanne’s mother is fed up with the taint surrounding the mayor’s office and decides to campaign for the position. She is not alone, though, and is surprised when the chief of police’s ex-wife joins the race, mostly in spite against her because of her relationship with the chief. When the current mayor ends up dead, Suzanne works to try to find out who really did it so that her mother can be cleared of any suspicion. She must figure out if it was due to a shady business deal, owed money, a soured relationship, or someone involved with the mayoral race. In the meantime, she is dealing with the fact that her friend and employee, Emma is going to be leaving so she can attend college, so there will be big changes at the shop. As usual, the book contains a variety of doughnut recipes.
• 
  Ali

  Another good book in one of my favorite cozy series. I felt that the reveal of the murderer was a bit rushed, and there wasn't a very tense standoff before the police came, etc, but it was still good. My favorite part was the book club scene though, because it very tongue in cheek alluded to the fact that the author is actually a man. I knew that this was written under a pseudonym, but it never occurred to me that it wasn't still written by a woman, just under a different name. I know that there are several romance novels written by men under a woman's name, but for some reason I didn't think that was the case with cozies. If this is actually the case, I think it was a really clever way to drop the bomb on the more observant readers.
• 
  Amanda

  Suzanne has done it again, she has gotten herself caught up in yet another homicide investigation.
  
  Suzanne and Jake are a fantastic couple, I wish that they had more time to spend together.
  
  I really do not like Grace's new boyfriend Peter, I really hope that she ditches him and finds someone who deserves her. Who knows maybe Grace and Grant can get together...
  
  Trish is awesome, she is so good to Grace and Suzanne.
  
  I am really sad that Emma is leaving town but I am certain that there are bigger and better things in her future, I just hope that she does not forget where she comes from or who helped her to become the success that everyone is sure she will be.
  
  George may have finally found the place that he belongs in the end of this novel.
• 
  Kate

  This was an entertaining read in the series, but not as good as the others in my opinion. There was a lot of back and forth in what Suzanne said and did which I never noticed before. For example when Grace said her boyfriend wanted her to lose weight, Suzanne first has this strong stance that she's not going to let the boyfriend get away with manipulating Grace. Two lines later she says "I wasn't about to argue the point" with Grace. Ok, which is it? Things like this happened constantly and it was strange and distracting. I'm still a fan of the series, but I wish the author would get her charachter straight!
• 
  Kimberly

  Is Jessica Beck really a man using a woman's name to write under? There was one scene where the book club met in Donut Hearts and there was a long conversation about a male author writing under a female pseudonym.
  Anyway, this was another quick one in the series.
  I wish Suzanne would get Max and what he did to her. It's getting old hearing about it. And Suzanne's sort of a bully the way she acts around people other than Emma, Grace, her Mother, George and Jake. As much as I think the town is cute and I would love to live somewhere lie that, I would get tired of her quickly and hope she didn't have a reason to talk to me other than give me some donuts.
• 
  Jeanne Stephens

  This was a great addition to the Donut Shop mysteries. Suzanne's mom is running for mayor. Then the mayor is found dead in Suzanne's mom's building. Who did it?
  
  Suzanne, Grace, and George play detective to solve the murder.
  
  Jake is on the scene but since Suzanne's mom is a suspect he has to avoid being seen with Suzanne due to the appearance of conflict of interest.
  
  Toward the end of the book a bombshell is dropped but it has nothing to do with the murder!
  
  This is a great series. It is well written and set in North Carolina! It also has donut recipes throughout!