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Chocolate Cafe #1
Truffles and Troubles
A melt-in-your-mouth marvelous, chocolate-covered, Cozy Mystery debut is yours to enjoy, calorie-free! After the death of her beloved grandfather, Catharine “Mac” Mackenzie opens a chocolate shop in her sleepy little New England bayside town with her best friend Sabrina. Things are going well for the daring duo, until Sabrina’s landlord, one of the wealthiest women in town, is murdered. Toss in a British detective with a wicked sense of humor, a shudder-worthy encounter with a childhood friend, and you’re in for a delectable mystery experience that’ll have you on the edge of your seat!
- GenresCozy MysteryMystery
126 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 8, 2016
34 people are currently reading
127 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
August 6, 2022
Cute cozy short story.
Mac McKenzie and her sidekick Sabrina, own a popular chocolate shop in a New England town.
Things are going well, however, thier landlord is murdered.
Mac is intrigued by the mystery and just has to investigate what has happened.
Their is a British detective and a horrible encounter with a childhood nemesis to content with as well.
Quick light read and chocolate, always good!
Mac McKenzie and her sidekick Sabrina, own a popular chocolate shop in a New England town.
Things are going well, however, thier landlord is murdered.
Mac is intrigued by the mystery and just has to investigate what has happened.
Their is a British detective and a horrible encounter with a childhood nemesis to content with as well.
Quick light read and chocolate, always good!
October 28, 2019
Juvenile. Novel it is not as it draws from all the stereotypes in the most shallow way. The dialog is stilted and unnatural. The actual mystery is non-existent as it takes a back seat to the overwhelming social aspect. This is truly self-publishing at its worst. It is a pity that these so called publishing houses have no standards at all. This forces me to rethink the entire Cozy Mystery catalog. I have no idea why this has been rated over three stars by the most generous of readers. This has been deleted from my library and my recommendation is that you avoid downloading it at all.
August 11, 2019
I have got to stop reading prologues. They spoil the story for me.
Refreshing that the would be sleuth did not find the body herself, but that makes it a lot harder to give a convincing reason for the sleuth to get involved. Because she is curious? So is the town gossip, but that doesn't mean they go . Mac hasn't finished her criminology degree, but you'd think that topic would have been covered in one of the earlier classes.
And why is she not getting a repremand from the nice detective? As much as I'm annoyed with cops that warn the sleuth not to get involved when all she does is talk to her neighbours (I haven't checked, but I doubt that's a crime in any part of the US), I'm more annoyed with a cop that responds with a "there, there, now" when a sleuth actually does something that can harm a criminal investigation.
There's a lot wrong with this book. Lack of attention to proper police procedure for one, proper puncuation of dialogue for another. And someone needs to tell the author about human metabolism: Just because she happened to be the only one mature enough this evening to sober up in time to drive, she was handed the dubious duty of designated driver. That's not how the alcohol break down in your body works.
Refreshing that the would be sleuth did not find the body herself, but that makes it a lot harder to give a convincing reason for the sleuth to get involved. Because she is curious? So is the town gossip, but that doesn't mean they go . Mac hasn't finished her criminology degree, but you'd think that topic would have been covered in one of the earlier classes.
And why is she not getting a repremand from the nice detective? As much as I'm annoyed with cops that warn the sleuth not to get involved when all she does is talk to her neighbours (I haven't checked, but I doubt that's a crime in any part of the US), I'm more annoyed with a cop that responds with a "there, there, now" when a sleuth actually does something that can harm a criminal investigation.
There's a lot wrong with this book. Lack of attention to proper police procedure for one, proper puncuation of dialogue for another. And someone needs to tell the author about human metabolism: Just because she happened to be the only one mature enough this evening to sober up in time to drive, she was handed the dubious duty of designated driver. That's not how the alcohol break down in your body works.
August 12, 2016
Mac’s life has changed since the death of her grandfather. She leaves graduate school to return to the New England hometown she left behind. Along with her best friend Mac opens a successful chocolate shop. When the wealthiest woman in town, Brie’s landlord, is murdered the women decide to put Mac’s criminal justice education to good use. Add to the mix a British ex-pat who is actually paid to investigate crime and you have a fun cast of characters. Will they be able to work together to solve this murder?
First, let me say that I like this book. It began a little slow for me. I'm not sure if it was actually me or the actual writing. The characters are nicely developed and the plot moves along nicely (at least it did when I finally got into the story in the second chapter). I do look forward to the next book in the series. I can't wait to see what this trio does next.
First, let me say that I like this book. It began a little slow for me. I'm not sure if it was actually me or the actual writing. The characters are nicely developed and the plot moves along nicely (at least it did when I finally got into the story in the second chapter). I do look forward to the next book in the series. I can't wait to see what this trio does next.
August 18, 2016
A tasty start to what should be a yummy series!
TRUFFLES AND TROUBLES is a fresh and fun cozy. Author Valley Sams has a fluid style of writing that made reading this story a joy.
I really liked her characters. Mac ad Sabrina would be an entertaining handful to deal with in real life. Well, Sabrina certainly would. LOL But I had a great time with them. I loved their conversations, and the way they got along.
Fast paced, TRUFFLES AND TROUBLE grabbed my attention right away, and held it tight until the satisfying end. Really a wonderful mystery.
No recipes with this one. As someone who enjoys baking, and making candy, I hope a few recipes are added to books. Either way, I’m looking forward to the next book in this series.
TRUFFLES AND TROUBLES is a fresh and fun cozy. Author Valley Sams has a fluid style of writing that made reading this story a joy.
I really liked her characters. Mac ad Sabrina would be an entertaining handful to deal with in real life. Well, Sabrina certainly would. LOL But I had a great time with them. I loved their conversations, and the way they got along.
Fast paced, TRUFFLES AND TROUBLE grabbed my attention right away, and held it tight until the satisfying end. Really a wonderful mystery.
No recipes with this one. As someone who enjoys baking, and making candy, I hope a few recipes are added to books. Either way, I’m looking forward to the next book in this series.
October 20, 2016
This book was not interesting. Sorry
I would not recommend this book .
This book lacked the mystery. Too much
information in the prologue of this book.
The outcome was obvious. No suspense.
Sorry.
I would not recommend this book .
This book lacked the mystery. Too much
information in the prologue of this book.
The outcome was obvious. No suspense.
Sorry.
February 20, 2019
I really disliked the main characters, especially Mac. She may have been a criminology major, but it didn't stop her from rushing into dangerous situations, breaking and entering and tampering with evidence. The mystery was weak, too. I doubt I'll read more in the series.
August 7, 2016
Ok
This book was ok but definitely not as good has some others I've read and I don't know if I'd recommend it or not.
This book was ok but definitely not as good has some others I've read and I don't know if I'd recommend it or not.
June 19, 2020
Mac and Brie have been best friends forever. Mac, is from a wealthy family, while Brie is from the working class but that makes no difference to the girls. Mac comes back to Mackenzie Bay after college and they go into the candy business together. Mac is the people person and Brie makes the delicious chocolates that they sell. When their land lady is killed, Mac must help Det Stoker solve the murder to keep them out of trouble and keep their business open. Mac uses her criminal justice degree to dig into the murder.
I love this first book in a new series and hope there are many more. The only thing that I would love to see is if there were recipes for the candies included. I would love to make some of the chocolates that they sell in their shop
I love this first book in a new series and hope there are many more. The only thing that I would love to see is if there were recipes for the candies included. I would love to make some of the chocolates that they sell in their shop
October 28, 2020
Catharine (Mac) and Sabrina are friends/business partners in a chocolate cafe in a small seaside town of Mackenzie Bay. They become involved in solving the murder of the matriarch from a rival family. A short mystery with vibrant characters - I enjoyed that the male interest in this story challenges the traditional description of a love interest.
March 5, 2019
This is the first in the series and the first time reading this author. The main character is Mac and her girlfriend Brie. They find out their landlord has been murdered and Mac starts to figure out who did it. It was a fun story and I enjoyed it.
July 15, 2022
Bad editing. Book is very short. There are few suspects and the clues were so obvious. The only good part was the meet-gross of the main character and her love interest... And he's a smoker which is gross.
December 24, 2018
Knew who might be the killer at the beginning but still enough twists to cause doubt.
December 30, 2019
a great who done it keeps you on your toes.with some interesting people.
February 26, 2020
Good first book
I enjoyed reading this first book. The characters are great & the chocolate shop sounds awesome. I can't wait to read the next one.
I enjoyed reading this first book. The characters are great & the chocolate shop sounds awesome. I can't wait to read the next one.
June 20, 2020
I thought the book was very good. Can't wait for the next one
August 23, 2025
The understanding of a 12 year old when it comes to police procedure.
June 11, 2016
Another wonderful book from Summer Prescott books. This is the first in a new series from Valley Sams. I wish that the chocolate cafe was real so I could stop drooling when they talk about it! This was really good and I felt like I read it much too quickly. Mac belongs to one of the founding families of the town where she came from and in fact, the town is named after her family. She owns a chocolate cafe with her friend Brie and they, or should I say Mac, finds herself in trouble more than once. Mac has recently come home after the death of her grandfather, who was the mayor as well as her guardian. She was almost through with earning her degree in criminology but had to put it on hold to come home but you will soon see that she has not abandoned criminology altogether as they investigate the murder of another founding family member, her frienemy's mother. She also leaves a lasting impression on the new British detective in town when she vomits on his sneakers as she meets him jogging hungover on the beach. He then becomes known as "puke boy" but always steps in to save Mac. These three make a great team and have a lot of fun while they are doing it. Brie is the creative mastermind behind the delicious confections and comes up with comical names from the people around her. The characters are well described and the scenes make me feel like I could be there as I picture what goes on in my mind. I really liked this book and am anxiously waiting for the next book to come. This author is talented and Summer Prescott seems to have an uncanny record of finding these authors, keep up to good work both of you!
June 14, 2016
An amazing new series! Truffles and Troubles is book one in the Chocolate Cafe series by Valley Sams. I enjoyed the storyline and characters so much that I couldn't put it down. I read it in one sitting and be warned that housework and cooking will not be done till you are finished. LOL It is a great mystery full of excitement and yummy Chocolate. A page turner not to miss. Already looking forward to book two.
Catherine Mackenzie (Mac) and her best friend Sabrina (Brie) have known each other for over 17 years. Brie owns the most delicious store in Mackenzie Bay, a Chocolate Shop! Brie calls herself "Wonka " when she is making her yummy surprises.
Mac has come back to town because her beloved grandfather has died. He was her only guardian since her parents died. She has been helping Brie in her shop to keep herself busy. Things kinda get crazy in town when Victoria Dunleavy and her fiancé are found shot in Victoria's mansion. Mac can't help herself when it comes to a mystery. She calls herself Nancy Drew. Brie is not happy having her friend in harms way investigating. There is just no stopping her! She can't even be deterred by handsome Detective Louis Stocker who by the way has an English accent to drool over just like chocolate!
Will Mac be able to stay out of the line of fire or will she have to be rescued before she is the next victim???
Catherine Mackenzie (Mac) and her best friend Sabrina (Brie) have known each other for over 17 years. Brie owns the most delicious store in Mackenzie Bay, a Chocolate Shop! Brie calls herself "Wonka " when she is making her yummy surprises.
Mac has come back to town because her beloved grandfather has died. He was her only guardian since her parents died. She has been helping Brie in her shop to keep herself busy. Things kinda get crazy in town when Victoria Dunleavy and her fiancé are found shot in Victoria's mansion. Mac can't help herself when it comes to a mystery. She calls herself Nancy Drew. Brie is not happy having her friend in harms way investigating. There is just no stopping her! She can't even be deterred by handsome Detective Louis Stocker who by the way has an English accent to drool over just like chocolate!
Will Mac be able to stay out of the line of fire or will she have to be rescued before she is the next victim???
June 13, 2016
Ok so I loved this book from start to finish. I mean you have the rich friend but you wouldn't know she is rich and then you have the best friend that is not afraid of anything...or so you think. Now Mac is one of the founding families in this town so she took some time off after her grandfather (who raised her) died and moved into his big home. Mac and Brie open up a specialty store when their landlord is found dead along with her fiance. Mac, currently a criminology major at Harvard University, is interested in solving this murder..especially with the new British Detective in town is on the investigating team. Without giving it away, you will think you know who the killer is, but there is a twist and it will have your mouth hanging open.
This book will have you laughing, feeling somewhat sad and craving chocolate. Definitely a book to read and I can not wait for book two. This is a great first book from Valley Sams and I can not wait to read more.
This book will have you laughing, feeling somewhat sad and craving chocolate. Definitely a book to read and I can not wait for book two. This is a great first book from Valley Sams and I can not wait to read more.
August 9, 2016
Mac and Sabrina own a shop in Mackenzie Bay where Sabrina creates decadent chocolate creations in her upstairs lab and Mac runs the downstairs retail business. When their landlady, Victoria Dunleavy is found shot to death, Mac as a criminology major, pushes herself into the investigation. Mac and Victoria are both descendants of founding families and polite enemies. Victoria's son is cleared as a suspect but Mac finds another suspect. Detective Louis Stocker, a recent import from England tries to keep Mac out of trouble but finds it a hard job. Mac and Sabrina keep looking and Mac soon finds herself face to face with the killer. The writing is concise and the story moves quickly. The characters are nicely done but leave room for lots more development. The descriptions of the chocolate will have you drooling and running to get some. This is a slightly edgier cozy with a twisted murder plot. I am reading the second book to see what Mac and Sabrina get into next.
June 13, 2016
This is the first in a new series and it doesn't disappoint. This is a fast paced story that will quickly dreaw you in. The characters are fun and quirky, I loved their descriptions and that the hero is a bit odd and not off the pages of a magazine. I gugessed who the culprit was early on but getting to the big reveal was a fun journey though a little rushed. I look forward to reading more in this series1
I received a copy of this manuscript from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I received a copy of this manuscript from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
June 10, 2016
Truffles and Troubles is a really great start to another great series. Started reading it tonight and couldn't put it down. Mac and Brie are a great pair and funny. Who could pass up a murder, a little romance and chocolate. Great combo. Valley Sams has great writing skills and drew me into the story very fast. Great characters, story, setting and fun. I sure home there is more to come from Mac and Brie very soon.
June 28, 2019
A new mystery series involving a chocolate cafe! Yum! The main character, Mac, is very likable and so is her best friend Sabrina. Mac's British detective love interest is my favorite character. He is quirky and unpredictable. The mystery kept me guessing. If you enjoy culinary cozies, check out this new series! The publisher provided me with a complimentary ebook copy in exchange for an honest review.
June 11, 2016
Summer Prescott Books has hit on another wonderful writer. The Chocolate Cafe Series shows such promise. Catherine "Mac" Mackenzie comes home from Harvard after the death of her grandfather and opens a chocolate shop with her best friend, Sabrina, "Brie". When Brie's landlady is murdered, Mac decides she needs to get involved. Doesn't hurt that she develops a crush on the British detective in charge of the case!
June 15, 2016
New Author Valley Sams gives us chuckles, goosebumps and a little love tingle! Mac & Brie are funny, get into anything young ladies who are best friends, along comes Detective Sargent Louis having eyes only for Mac. So much material, in this first book, to have several more on the way. Love the Victorian ocean atmosphere.
Well done Valley Sims, waiting patiently for more.
Well done Valley Sims, waiting patiently for more.
June 25, 2016
Great new series
Disclosure: I received this book free of charge from the publisher. This review is my honest opinion, and is in no way influenced by the author or publisher.
This is the first bin I have read by Valley Sams and it definitely kept me in the edge of my seat. I am looking forward to the next book.
Disclosure: I received this book free of charge from the publisher. This review is my honest opinion, and is in no way influenced by the author or publisher.
This is the first bin I have read by Valley Sams and it definitely kept me in the edge of my seat. I am looking forward to the next book.
June 12, 2016
Good start to what proves to be an I interesting series
What do you get when you combine an heiress, murder, and an British detective on an American police force? Slaughter, and crime sol ing of course.
What do you get when you combine an heiress, murder, and an British detective on an American police force? Slaughter, and crime sol ing of course.
June 12, 2016
**I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for my honest review**
Such a fun start to a new series. This book had some of the funniest character introductions I have ever read. Overall I loved this book, but it felt slightly rushed at the end.
Such a fun start to a new series. This book had some of the funniest character introductions I have ever read. Overall I loved this book, but it felt slightly rushed at the end.
August 7, 2016
Really enjoyed this book. Who doesn't love chocolate along with murder. Great way to start a series, with characters that keep me interested till the end. The storyline was fun to read that I finished it in one night.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews