by Kathleen Costa

Details at the end of this post on how to enter to win an EBOOK copy of It Cannoli Be Murder and the first 2 books in the series, along with a link to purchase it from Amazon.

Karoline Barrett is the author of a popular three-book cozy mystery series, the Bread and Batter Mystery, introducing Molly Tyler and Olivia Williams, best friends and co-owners of the Bread and Batter Bakery set in Destiny, New York. First published in 2015 with Bun for Your Life, the BFF team find themselves in the middle of an argument over a prime booth location at the Apple Harvest Festival which leads to Molly being labeled the prime suspect in a murder. In 2016, Raisin the Dead hits close to home when a member of the library adviser board is found murdered, and Molly’s mother, the library director, is suspect number one by law enforcement—law enforcement being a detective with whom Molly has started a relationship. Joining Summer Prescott Books, the third book, It Cannoli Be Murder, was released in October to eagerly awaiting fans. And that’s where I come in…“Leave the gun. Take the cannoli,” a popular quote from The Godfather movie, only means the mob has come to Destiny, New York, and Molly sees only trouble ahead…and then there are cupcakes!

I am now a fan! Karoline Barrett has penned a very entertaining story with Molly Tyler’s first-person perspective. The Bread and Batter Bakery is doing quiet well for co-owners and BFFs Molly Tyler and Olivia Willams who’ve become the ‘go-to’ place for special functions like bachelorette parties, winery grand openings, and school benefits. Molly’s mother has hired the bakery to cater desserts for her swanky benefit for the Mellon School for Girls at the Castle Shore Hotel. Guests include celebrity alumnae in hopes that their attendance will garner much needed donations to keep the school open. However, Karoline’s clever story throws in a piercing scream, the police on their way, and a senator shot dead. She’s puts us on the edge of our comfy chairs by supplying another murder, a mysterious suspect, a keychain, cybergangs, suspected mob head, and investigations in between baking bagels, breads, muffins, doughnuts, and cupcakes.

Wow, I highly recommend this well-written and entertaining book from Karoline Barrett. Her story is the epitome of the ‘cozy mystery’ genre and exactly what cozy fans, like myself, love: a clever mystery of a double murder, references to current events, admirable characters joined by a few quirky ones, romantic interest with fun ups and downs found when amateurs butt heads with the professional detectives, clues to challenge or stump one’s inner detective, and topped it off with an exciting conclusion where someone is always in jeopardy. Then the extras…I always look forward to practical tips, informative details, or easy-to-follow recipes. Karoline provides us the perfect treats for any occassion: Cherry Limeade Cupcakes with Cherry Lime Compote and frosted with Cherry Buttercream and Blackberry Buttermilk Cupcakes, Buttermilk Pastry Cream, Blackberry Compote, and Vanilla Buttercream. Each cupcake includes Cupcake Assembly directions. I loved it all!

It Cannoli Be Murder earns 5/5 Cream-filled Cannoli…no Kale!

Be a Big Karoline Barrett Fan!
Karoline Barrett penned this three-book Bread and Batter Mystery series, and released on Thanksgiving 2017, she joins six authors as part of Cozy Christmas Murder, an authors of Summer Prescott Books boxed set. Karoline included a new and very entertaining holiday mystery called Death the Halls. I recommend checking out this collection.

Like, Visit, and Follow…Oh, my!
Facebook – Karoline Barrett Books
Website – Karoline Barrett

To enter to win an EBOOK copy of It Cannoli Be Murder, and the first 2 books in the series, simply email KRL at krlcontests@gmail[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, and with the subject line “cannoli,” or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen December 16, 2017. U.S. residents only. If entering via email please include your mailing address, and if via comment please include your email address.

Check out other mystery articles, reviews, book giveaways & short stories in our mystery section.

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Kathleen Costa is a long-time resident of the Central Valley, and although born in Idaho, she considers herself a “California Girl.” Graduating from CSU-Sacramento, she is a 35+ year veteran teacher having taught in grades 1-8 in schools from Sacramento to Los Angeles to Stockton to Lodi. Currently Kathleen is enjoying her retirement revitalizing hobbies along with exploring writing, reading for pleasure, and spending 24/7 with her husband.

Disclosure: This post contains links to an affiliate program, for which we receive a few cents if you make purchases. KRL also receives free copies of most of the books that it reviews, that are provided in exchange for an honest review of the book.