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Unabridged Digital Audiobook
Runtime: 6 hours, 24 minutes
Read by Susan Boyce
It may seem like running a cupcake shop would be the perfect job. After all, you’re surrounded by sweet treats all day, every day. But in the audio edition of Sprinkle with Murder, the first Cupcake Bakery Mystery by author Jenn McKinlay, a cupcake baker ends up caught up in a murder investigation.
The story finds two women struggling to keep their dream alive after tragedy strikes. Melanie Cooper and Angie DeLaura are the proud owners of Fairy Tale Cupcakes—along with their best friend and partner, Tate. When Tate’s fiancée, fashion designer Christie Stevens, hires them for Scottsdale’s wedding of the year, they know it’ll give the business a huge boost—as long as they can put up with her demands. But then Christie is murdered and Melanie becomes a suspect—so she sets out to solve the case to save her business.
In the first installment in this sugared-up mystery series, McKinlay establishes characters, personalities, back stories, and all kinds of romantic tension—all while following her main characters on a quest to solve a murder before their budding business becomes the killer’s second victim. That’s a pretty tall order, but she does it with ease, offering readers a light and enjoyable read without cramming it with storylines.
Mel is a likable character. She’s sweet and thoughtful and hard-working, yet she has just the slightest bite to her when she’s pushed into a corner. Despite the investigation, though, Mel is the stable character here. She’s surrounded by all kinds of quirky characters: her overbearing mother, her fanatical business rival, and her passionate partner (who comes with a family full of wildly over-protective brothers). Each one adds a little bit of flavor to the story—as do the budding romances and long-held secrets that are sure to play into future installments in the series.
The mystery here isn’t especially mystifying. In fact, some readers may have the killer pegged from the beginning. But the charming characters, the sweet setting, and the easy-going story make this the kind of book that you can enjoy listening to while you’re out and about.
If you’re looking for something light and undemanding to pass the time while you’re running errands or lying on the beach, Sprinkle with Murder is a worthwhile pick. It doesn’t tell a thought-provoking story, but it’s a fun read. Just make sure to have plenty of sweet treats on hand—because it’s sure to make you hungry.
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