Raspberry Chocolate Murder: A Cozy Murder Mystery (Dolphin Bay Cozy Mystery Series Book 1) Kindle Edition

I purchased this book because of the reviews. It sounded like a light read. I should have paid attention to the one star reviews. I never like to be critical of an author, BUT there were too many unresolved bits of info. The main character has been accused of murdering her husband, but although the people in town gossip about her, it doesn't phrase her. Since it was the first book in the series, please let the reader know how he died and why was she accused? Her has-been daughter actress just hangs around the house sleeping and eating. I wanted to know is something going on with her....health wise, career wise. Her boy friend is planning to visit, but we never hear his intend through a call/text. Why doesn't she accept the jobs her agent gets her? The mom/daughter relationship is too up/down...no flow. I thought maybe somethings might pull together by the end. Well, the murder was solved but only by throwing in another character to have as the culprit. I can't even consider this a fluff read. If I were teaching a writing class, I would use this novel as an example as what went wrong and what is missing for it to be a good read.

No one likes people who criticize others, including me, but the story left me wanting a lot more. The story felt disjointed, disconnected, and rambling. One minute, the main character was lecturing her daughter, and the next minute not wanting to fight. I do realize that life is a lot like that and that is why most of us want to read about families who get along and are loving and supportive. It just felt like the author was jumping around, too much. Despite this, and due to my stubbornness, I still finished the story. The premise is good, and the story could be told a LOT better. I hope the next books are better than this one.

Raspberry Chocolate Murder, the first in a new series by Leena Clover, is a wonderful read revolving around our kick ass protagonist, Anna Butler. After suffering a major loss and surviving a terrifying illness, she is focusing on living life to the fullest and making her dreams come true. When she promises to help a friend, she finds herself in the middle of a nasty murder case. A vindictive mayor doesn't help the situation but with the support of her best friends and her sometimes helpful daughter, Anna pushes through everything thrown her way. A potential love interest adds another fantastic level to the story. If you like cozies, especially ones with baked goods and books, you need to read this book!

I decided to read all four in the series before writing a review. I can now say I love the series. I still don’t understand one person’s attitude but hopefully all will be explained in future books. There are still questions to be answered and I hope they will be answered. I like the characters and enjoy the stories and I’ve already made my guesses about the questions left hanging.

This story is about 3 friends who call themselves "The Firecrackers". Anna owns the small town bookstore and dreams of adding on a cafe. Her plans are thwarted by the mayor, who has a dislike for her. The mayor has spread a vicious rumor that Anna is responsible for her deceased husband's death. A friend comes to Anna for help in clearing her son's name, as he has been named as suspect in the death of a young woman.Some of the sleuthing that goes on in this book seemed improbable. The type of investigation and questioning they were doing should have been done by police. Instead they hand over their findings and then the right person is arrested. Character development was a bit shallow. But overall it was a pleasant read and I will read the next one.

I finished this book through sheer determination. I did not like the main character, for whom I should have had sympathy and tolerance. I found her to be prickly and nasty to her daughter, who gave up a great deal to help her mother. It was not my favorite book.

Oh my goodness...What a different story. So many twists and turns. Just as you are sure you know where things are headed, it changes it's path.It keeps you busy, trying to stay with the story and then it turns to a different path. I enjoyed the story.

Book one in the series will have you on the edge of your seat as you try to unravel the clues. Anna has her daughter Cassie staying but Cassie isn't as lazy as her mother thinks and turns out to be a big help in solving the murder mystery of a young troubled girl who wasn't as innocent as people believed. Was her adoring boyfriend really to blame?? Fun light read

Enjoyed this book