Carrot Cake and a Corpse (A Charlotte Denver Cozy Mystery

Constructive criticism, if you Wright a book and situate it in England, please do a little research, we do not eat cookies, we eat biscuits, it's rare that we have maple syrup with anything unless we have American contacts and it is extremely rare for us to have blue seas or very hot weather also most of the characters in your book have American type names with a strong Italian connection, plus never,never, never would our police take evidence to a cafe and do disclosure. w e are not a dramatic nation.

Constructive criticism, if you Wright a book and situate it in England, please do a little research, we do not eat cookies, we eat biscuits, it's rare that we have maple syrup with anything unless we have American contacts and it is extremely rare for us to have blue seas or very hot weather also most of the characters in your book have American type names with a strong Italian connection, plus never,never, never would our police take evidence to a cafe and do disclosure. w e are not a dramatic nation.

I was delighted with.this first in a series book. Love the characters and was kept in suspense until the end. Surprised by the reason for the murder. If I had any complaint at all was that I kept forgetting that the story was set in England -- and that really doesn't matter at all. I will be looking forward to #2.

Just got done reading this book and it is amazing!
Charlotte Denver is a lovable character and so are the other characters. In my opinion, the mystery crime wasn't predictable. It was a fun and enjoyable read. I can't wait to start reading her second book!

I enjoyed reading this book it was not filled with a lot of violence,or rough language. Yet kept you reading you did not want to put it down until you finished the story. it kept me up till 3:15 I the am.

I tried really hard to like this book. I thought that detail was too much in some places, sparse in others. I was charmed by Charlotte and was eager to travel this mystery adventure with her. She was very caring and I found her relatable on a lot of levels. While I wish she had poked her nose just a tad more into the mystery, I was content to take the ride just as it came.

Until the end of the book happened. (spoilers below)

I'm disappointed, and quite frankly hurt. The "twist at the end" is basically trying to take an extreme and call it smart and clever. It turns out that the killer and victim were involved in a secret romance, which shamed the killer, because no one gay can be happy in this weird idealistic world St. Eves happens at. Oh yeah, the book doesn't want you to know they're gay up until 3 pages before the last chapter. That's the twist, after deliberately poking fun at the killer's "feminine" mannerisms at the beginning of the books; and having the victim "bait" and be eye-candy for every lady in the 5 minutes he's alive.

Sherri Bryan, how could you? You perpetuated harmful stereotypes (the victim dies BECAUSE he's gay; the killer is mentally ill BECAUSE he's gay) in order to write your "perfect twist." I'm disgusted. I'm offended. I feel cheated out of one of the best experiences I have had as of late coming into the world of cozy mysteries. Just as this is your entrance, it may very well be my exit.

Even if this is your first book, there's no way I could read any others past this; it just shows how your ideals are off right off the bat. I hope one day you're a more empathetic writer.

This book is a bit of contradiction, it is on the one hand a fun cozy mystery set in a fictional British seaside town (St. Eves), but it does suffer from its obvious American origin. For example there is talk of a town's 'Police Department', of course in the UK we don't have police departments for each town, but rather a series of police forces each covering a large area; there is a reference to 'Pier 4', when most seaside towns in Devon or Cornwall do not have piers, and certainly none has 4 piers!; strangely the cafe owned by the lead character Charlotte closes on a Saturday, again this is unthinkable for a cafe in a British seaside town, it would be when most of their trade is carried out.
However if you can get past these inconsistencies there is a very good plot, and some very well written characters that the reader can relate to, I especially liked the old ladies that meet at the cafe for lunch. It is an undemanding fun read.
It is a shame about the americanisms because otherwise this would be a definite 5 stars

Charlotte Denver owns a small café-bar on the pier in St. Eves, England. She has made an arrangement with a new couple in town to cater a to-do on the extravagant yacht, as she arrives to get all the details of the catering event, she finds no one answering her call, so she goes on-board to see if they are below deck and finds a body in the master cabin. The handsome Detective comes by to investigate. Charlotte does some snooping on her own. It was a quick fun read. I liked this author and look forward to reading more by her. I would recommend this book if I want a quick lighthearted read.

Although set in a coastal town in the English West County, the author is obviously American which came through with words like 'sidewalk', 'trunk', 'vacation', 'cell phone' and the fact the heroine ate milk and cookies before bed. Everyone spoke the Queen's English too which is rare in Cornwall as anyone who had been there would know. St Eves is evidently meant to be St Ives, but if anyone there ran a cafe that was closed on Saturdays and at 6.00pm each night - they would go bust in a month!

The author did keep a lot of clues close to her chest, one revelation accompanied a sitting-up-in-bed moment and a shout of 'I'm brilliant!' but nothing else -we had to wait until the last chapter to find out what she had discovered.

Not to be too critical, as this was a nice easy read and I liked the character of Charlotte and her obvious crush on the dishy policeman, Nathan and the picture painted of the tidy little harbour town with its perfect people was a lovely escape. There was only one credible suspect, however, so the author could have inserted a couple of red herrings along the way - but this was a novella so maybe that would have confused the storyline.

These are the first two books in the series set in a small port town in the West Country of England. Certainly different from most I've read in this genre, in that there is no sex, no foul language, not much violence to speak of. I liked the characters, who are well developed, with lots of bit players thrown in to give depth to the town's population. I never saw the ending of the first book, but pretty much had the mystery solved by the end of the second. The "clues" seemed a little more obvious. These are quick, enjoyable reads. I think you'll like them. I did. Cheers...Ed B.

I loved this book. I loved Charlotte's marina café and the setting around the marina. After a newcomer is murdered, Charlotte and her boyfriend have to solve the murder. Interesting characters and plot. I liked the fact that the crucial piece of evidence was not revealed until the killer was approached by the police and everything was explained to the killer. A nice, fast read that moved at a comfortable pace.

I quite like these first two stories & the characters involved. Charlotte & Nathan are likeable with great personalities. I'll read the rest of the series I'm sure. The only complaint is some misspelled & incorrect words & words left out of sentences. I'm sure Ms. Bryan submitted them correctly & these happened at the printing stage but they are in both books & are off putting. I see this in so many books that it makes me wish I could proofread because I know I could do a better job.

I liked the main character in this story initially and the setting was intriguing. The story seemed to be one I'd enjoy to the end, Unfortunately, I got bored quite quickly and gave up after the first couple of chapters.

The dialogue seemed contrived and there was too much emphasis on small details, at times.

I just didn't care enough to continue to read, to see what would happen next.

Great cover though, loved that and the title.

In this cozy mystery we have an unusual setting. Most of the ones I have read are set in the US an this one is definitely set in Britain. A small fishing community and the cafe is the heart of this one. Filled with great pacing, interesting takes on the common cliche characters and only a tiny touch of romance, this novel is a fun, fast paced read for a mature reader. The focus is more on the characters than the mystery but I found it was a pleasure read.

A light reading mystery written in an easy reading style.
The story is simple yet interesting as a small seaside town must come face-to-face with a murder committed in a luxury yacht anchored in their marina. Charlotte, the owner of marina cafe that serves the townspeople, is the one who discovers the body. She sets out to uncover those little details that will eventually help her solve the crime.
I read the entire book in one afternoon! Couldn't wait to find out who the murderer was .
Catchy title too!

Enjoyed reading this book, it was very clear about everything that was going on. Really think I would enjoy living in that place. Murder is never a pleasant thing but it certainly brought a lot of excitement for everyone. If Charlotte was not such a good cook and enjoyed her restaurant so much, I think she really would make a great policewoman.

A great First Cozy Mystery from this author. Likeable characters with a tiny bit of romance, will read the next book in the series to see what develops. The local Cafe owner finds a dead body and helps to solve the murder, so the town can get back to normal. Also some lovely looking recipes thrown in at the back to try.
I volunteered to give a review of this free ebook that I received.

If you enjoy shows like Moonlighting, Bones , or Castle. You will love this book. It's one you will not put down. Parts will remind of those characters. I loved those shows and I loved this book. I highly recommend it if you love any of those shows.

This book is written in British English but does not detract from the story line at all. As a matter of fact it was a refreshing difference. It is a simple and clean cozy mystery that most will enjoy. It took me no time at all to read.

The characters really are like people we would know--with all their ups and downs and insecurities. Small town living---is nothing ever a secret? Well except for one--who killed that handsome stranger and why?

You won't expect the answer to that one--for real you won't!! This is the first book I have read by this author--but it won't be the last.

Ms. Bryan's tone is light-hearted. The novel is a little romantic and a at the same time a little suspenseful. A romance seems to be developing between the cafe owner, Charlotte, and the local Police Chief Inspector while he investigates the murder of a stranger to the seaside town of St. Eves in England. Other local characters who frequent Charlotte's enrich the atmosphere of this small town and help to develop the main character and Inspector Nathan Costello. This novel encourages me to read more of Ms. Bryan's books.

This is a fast reading but fun mystery with a great setting and engaging characters. This was a fun read with a story that really pulled me in as a reader. The plot was well thought out and paced. Loved the coastal setting and the characters.

This is a great book and the food makes your mouth water. Loved the recipes at the end. The characters in this book come alive and just when you think you know who the killer is the author gives you a surprise ending. Read all 4 books. This is book 1

Although set in a coastal town in the English West County, the author is obviously American which came through with words like 'sidewalk', 'trunk', 'vacation', 'cell phone' and the fact the heroine ate milk and cookies before bed. Everyone spoke the Queen's English too which is rare in Cornwall as anyone who had been there would know. St Eves is evidently meant to be St Ives, but if anyone there ran a cafe that was closed on Saturdays and at 6.00pm each night - they would go bust in a month!

The author did keep a lot of clues close to her chest, one revelation accompanied a sitting-up-in-bed moment and a shout of 'I'm brilliant!' but nothing else -we had to wait until the last chapter to find out what she had discovered.

Not to be too critical, as this was a nice easy read and I liked the character of Charlotte and her obvious crush on the dishy policeman, Nathan and the picture painted of the tidy little harbour town with its perfect people was a lovely escape. There was only one credible suspect, however, so the author could have inserted a couple of red herrings along the way - but this was a novella so maybe that would have confused the storyline.

These are the first two books in the series set in a small port town in the West Country of England. Certainly different from most I've read in this genre, in that there is no sex, no foul language, not much violence to speak of. I liked the characters, who are well developed, with lots of bit players thrown in to give depth to the town's population. I never saw the ending of the first book, but pretty much had the mystery solved by the end of the second. The "clues" seemed a little more obvious. These are quick, enjoyable reads. I think you'll like them. I did. Cheers...Ed B.

I loved this book. I loved Charlotte's marina café and the setting around the marina. After a newcomer is murdered, Charlotte and her boyfriend have to solve the murder. Interesting characters and plot. I liked the fact that the crucial piece of evidence was not revealed until the killer was approached by the police and everything was explained to the killer. A nice, fast read that moved at a comfortable pace.

I quite like these first two stories & the characters involved. Charlotte & Nathan are likeable with great personalities. I'll read the rest of the series I'm sure. The only complaint is some misspelled & incorrect words & words left out of sentences. I'm sure Ms. Bryan submitted them correctly & these happened at the printing stage but they are in both books & are off putting. I see this in so many books that it makes me wish I could proofread because I know I could do a better job.

I liked the main character in this story initially and the setting was intriguing. The story seemed to be one I'd enjoy to the end, Unfortunately, I got bored quite quickly and gave up after the first couple of chapters.

The dialogue seemed contrived and there was too much emphasis on small details, at times.

I just didn't care enough to continue to read, to see what would happen next.

Great cover though, loved that and the title.

In this cozy mystery we have an unusual setting. Most of the ones I have read are set in the US an this one is definitely set in Britain. A small fishing community and the cafe is the heart of this one. Filled with great pacing, interesting takes on the common cliche characters and only a tiny touch of romance, this novel is a fun, fast paced read for a mature reader. The focus is more on the characters than the mystery but I found it was a pleasure read.

A light reading mystery written in an easy reading style.
The story is simple yet interesting as a small seaside town must come face-to-face with a murder committed in a luxury yacht anchored in their marina. Charlotte, the owner of marina cafe that serves the townspeople, is the one who discovers the body. She sets out to uncover those little details that will eventually help her solve the crime.
I read the entire book in one afternoon! Couldn't wait to find out who the murderer was .
Catchy title too!

Enjoyed reading this book, it was very clear about everything that was going on. Really think I would enjoy living in that place. Murder is never a pleasant thing but it certainly brought a lot of excitement for everyone. If Charlotte was not such a good cook and enjoyed her restaurant so much, I think she really would make a great policewoman.

A great First Cozy Mystery from this author. Likeable characters with a tiny bit of romance, will read the next book in the series to see what develops. The local Cafe owner finds a dead body and helps to solve the murder, so the town can get back to normal. Also some lovely looking recipes thrown in at the back to try.
I volunteered to give a review of this free ebook that I received.