Details at the end of this post on how to enter to win a copy of the book and a link to purchase it.
Welcome to Solvang, California, a cozy Danish-themed town where a spandauer is THE pastry that everyone is clamoring to try. This first book in a cozy bakeshop mystery series begins with the end of one career and the start of a dream. Madeline is a classically trained French pastry chef who finds herself relocating from swanky Los Angeles to tourist town Solvang to continue a family legacy but with a completely new look. Madelaine’s Grandpa Victor was a baker and a very good one. His wife, Grandma Ruth, is not a baker. Ruth’s strengths lie in her ability to be super supportive, and she encourages Madeline to stay in town and reopen the bakery as the French Patisserie that Madeline has always wanted. Oh, and while she is at it, why not enter a local baking contest to drum up business and possible support from the locals?
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| Image Source Crooked Lane |
I was also surprised as to how gutsy Madeline was, taking chances as a first-time sleuth which very few seasoned amateurs would try. The case seems to be stalled which throws Madeline into a flight or fight mode, as her nerves start to get the better of her or maybe it is because there is a possible stalker shadowing her steps and leaving strange notes. Notes that might have come from the suave sommelier James, whom she knows from LA, who just happens to be in town for a seminar at a local winery.
There is definitely a good bit of action, several clues, and a couple of red herrings. Grandma Ruth stole the show with her sassy ways. After reading about the tantalizing treats, I was a little disappointed that there are no recipes included for either spandauers or eclairs. I am not sure which of the two I would pick, but since Madeline’s bakery offers both, no one has to choose. Speaking of choices, it looks like Madeline might have some interesting choices of her own in the future, even though she says she doesn’t have time for romance.
To enter to win a copy of Baking Up a Murder, simply email KRL at krlcontests@gmail[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, and with the subject line "baking up,” or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen April 4, 2026. US residents only and you must be 18 or older to enter. If entering via email please include your mailing address in case you win. If entering via comment please include your email address so we can contact you. You can read our privacy statement here if you like.
You can click here to purchase this book.
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.Tracy Condie is a paralegal by day and cozy armchair sleuth by night. When she is not working or reading, she enjoys preparing the recipes found in culinary cozies or researching recipes of meal items described therein and sharing reviews of both books and food on Instagram and on KRL. She lives in Corona, California with her husband and dog Zoolie, and looks forward to visiting with their grown sons when their time permits.
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