Editorial Reviews. About the Author. Jacklyn Brady is the pseudonym for author Sherry Lewis, the author of the national bestselling Piece of Cake Mysteries set.
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When local car salesmen and media celebrity, Big Daddy Boudreaux is found dead in the club's swimming pool, her uncle becomes a person of inte A great fast paced read. When local car salesmen and media celebrity, Big Daddy Boudreaux is found dead in the club's swimming pool, her uncle becomes a person of interest. Uncle Nestor and Big Daddy had exchanged blows at the party that was witnessed by party guests. Rita must try to prove her uncle's innocence and find the real culprit from a long line of potential killers.
Dec 12, Jonathan rated it really liked it Shelves: Very light and enjoyable. However, the author looks to be setting up a love triangle. A few things that ticked me off though: Still no description of Rita and Sullivan. If there were then it wasn't done with enough panache to make me remember.
Nestor is a jerk. It's very hard to sympathize with a jerk and I felt that if we had learned some of the things about Nestor that made him more human, earlier, th 3. It's very hard to sympathize with a jerk and I felt that if we had learned some of the things about Nestor that made him more human, earlier, than maybe I would have cared more that he was view spoiler [ innocent hide spoiler ].
I think this guy has potential and there is definitely some sort of spark between Rita and him but the sexiest thing he did in this whole book was watch her work and then push off the wall with his shoulder. Not enough romance for me. Gabriel, the bartender, seems like a slightly shady character but one with potential interest that so far I don't see for Sullivan. However, I don't know his age or anything else about him. Not enough Miss Frankie.
I missed that crazy gal. We got to some of Sparkle in this book and she also has potential for something awesome. Sad to say everyone else didn't get enough screen time. I want to know more about Isabeau and Abe. Not enough was established about why people were answering Rita's questions. Percy's reaction would not have been mine. I wish we had found out more about Judd. She's either a snoop or very unlucky. She asserted her independence and is exploring her dominance and she is also discovering that men can indeed be yummy. But we also explored too many of her insecurities.
The readers needed to be shown not told. That tends to be a bit of a problem in most cozy mysteries but I was hoping that it could've been avoided in this one. New Orleans is becoming a bit more than just a second-string character and once again we got to see the city in glory. I gotta tell you, the story was good and the mystery was stronger than the first and by the end of the book, I was craving a King Cake.
Cake on a Hot Tin Roof (Piece of Cake Mystery Series #2)
Feb 10, Linda rated it really liked it Shelves: Another good book in the series, this one taking place during Mardi Gras which I got to learn about since I didn't know much going in. Rita's Aunt and Uncle come for a visit and get involved in a murder that occurs at a party they are all at. Good mystery and great characters. I really enjoyed the behind the scenes view of getting ready for Mardi Gras, especially since Rita is new to the town.
She's like I don't have a spare 15 minutes because my bakery is so busy, but I've got time to visit murder suspects. I realize he raised Rita so she loves him, but I didn't even like him. May 21, Linda C rated it really liked it Shelves: She's also supposed to be getting a website up and host a Musterion Club event, when her aunt and uncle suddenly show up for a visit. Uncle Nestor and Aunt Yolanda raised Rita from the age of 12 and are like parents. But they seem to be having problems that they won't talk about. At the Musterion Party, Uncle Nestor gets into a fight with a local bigwig who turns up Rita Lucero's Zydeco Cakes, is in hyper mode fulfilling regular orders and producing hundreds of King Cakes for Mardi Gras events.
At the Musterion Party, Uncle Nestor gets into a fight with a local bigwig who turns up dead at the end of the party. Now Rita is also trying to save her uncle from being the number one suspect. The deceased had plenty of enemies at the party and Rita tries to determine where everyone was at the time of death. As usual the heroine is sticking her neck out. The series works because of a lot of quirky side characters and the personal family story thrown in. Apr 21, Kellene rated it really liked it Shelves: I enjoyed the second book in the Piece of Cake series as much as the first.
Rita becomes less annoying by the end of the book, and the rest of the regular cast is turning more into family. The descriptions of the Mardi Gras scene in New Orleans brought it to life and made me want to be right in the middle of it all, minus the murder.
The story moved swiftly, and the reso I enjoyed the second book in the Piece of Cake series as much as the first. This could easily become one of my new favorite series and I look forward to the next one. Mar 01, Lisa rated it really liked it. With the backdrop of New Orleans Mardi Gras, a mystery unfolds. Rita, who has taken over the bakery owned by her late and almost former husband's family, is up to her ears in King cakes for the festivities.
The parties at a local social club end up with a murder and Rita's visiting uncle is a suspect. A fun read and you feel like you're there! Apr 09, Dlora rated it liked it Shelves: Better than a lot of cozy murder mysteries I've read lately. I enjoyed the setting in New Orleans and the Mardi Gras experience. Sep 12, Julie rated it liked it. Apr 30, Sara rated it liked it. I was actually hoping they'd turn out to be the murderers - that's how unlikable I found them.
I have never read anything written by Ms Brady this series was recommended to me by the GoodReads website so I checked it out. From the first few pages I was hooked. She didn't take her time and drag things out. She started with the reader caught your attention and didn't let go until the last page and even then you hope the next book is just as good as the first! This book also takes place within one week so you don't have to sit and wonder how much time has passed for the characte I have never read anything written by Ms Brady this series was recommended to me by the GoodReads website so I checked it out.
This book also takes place within one week so you don't have to sit and wonder how much time has passed for the characters as you are reading about them, especially since a police investigation is going on. You are always wondering 'who did it' and as you read you will change your mind on who you think was the murderer; you will LOVE the ending! Never once through the story did it loose me, nor drag on repeating itself. Book 2 is almost as good as the first one; I just don't hand out 5 stars very often but am now looking forward to reading book 3 to see what is next.
Book 2 can be read as a 'stand alone novel' I don't think you would be 'lost' within the story. BUT you would understand all the characters and scenes more if you had read book 1 first. You get to love them all and understand them in book 1 so it just adds to this book.
Hardback Editions
Also what made this book neat; at least for me, was it takes place during Mardi Gras in New Orleans. Being a southern girl from Arkansas I don't know anything at all about Mardi Gras other than it takes place in March. This book helps describe how New Orleans people feel about it; the celebrations and how they celebrate etc.
Gives an outsider insite on a holiday that apparently is a very important one to people from LA. I thought that really added to the storyline. Once you pick it up you won't want to put it down. If you are prof reading for your advanced reading pre teen-teenager. This book doesn't have any sex in it. It does have language at times but not 'tons all through it' and one of the main places the characters go is to a bar and the charactors drink throughout the story.
So some 'adult' activities going on through but nothing more that kids probably see on PG13 movies. This is for certain a must to add to my purchase for my own home library! Hoping other books in the series is just as good Nov 25, Pam rated it really liked it Shelves: I like this fun and quirky series. Having it set in New Orleans is a huge plus and that this one takes place right before the noisy and colorful Mardi Gras celebration is a perfect choice. The vivid descriptions of the hectic pace leading up to the festival,the food, costumes, parties, krewe society bashes and rich food makes the story come alive.
I enjoyed getting to see more of the Zydeco bakery and the people who work there. Showing some of the strife when working with so many creative individ I like this fun and quirky series. Showing some of the strife when working with so many creative individuals is a nice touch.
Seeing Rita trying to juggle all her many hats in the bakery, from worker to owner, is good to see. Having her family unexpectedly show up forcing her to add adds more roles to her already busy week--that of niece,mediator and investigator, shows her love, stamina and ability to multi-task. There are secondary characters of different kinds all over the place. Almost too many to keep track of. Her Aunt and Uncle are interesting and it's obvious Rita loves them. There's plenty of back story provided but Uncle Nestor is a hard guy to like. He's rather surly and having him as the prime murder suspect doesn't make him talkative.
It's only after some information comes out and Rita forces him to open up that I felt like I got a good handle on what he was about. It certainly made him more human. Bid Daddy Boudreaux is a jerk and was the perfect character in the book to end up the murder victim. As information is revealed about him, I'm amazed he wasn't killed sometime earlier in his life. The man had far more enemies than friends and was great creation. I missed seeing more of the fun and spunky Miss Frankie.
Rita seems to like Detective Sullivan but I'm not certain why or what he looks like. For that matter, unless I missed it, I'm not exactly certain what Rita looks like. Gabriel, the bartender seems like an interesting guy but Rita was reluctant to have anything to do with him until she found out he rubbed elbows with members of the krewe. I can't think of any threads that were left dangling, so I'm happy about that. I really enjoy the fun book titles and look forward to the next release. Pastry chef Rita Lucero is still learning the ropes at Zydeco Cakes, the bakery she inherited from her ex-husband.
Her second in command is trying to give the bakery an online presence and hounding Rita every day to start a blog. Add that to it's carnival season in New Orleans and they are filling tons of orders for King cakes and Rita is expected to host a Mardi Gras party for hundreds of her ex's closet friends. Then as if she doesn't have enough to do she gets an unexpected visit from her aun Pastry chef Rita Lucero is still learning the ropes at Zydeco Cakes, the bakery she inherited from her ex-husband.
Then as if she doesn't have enough to do she gets an unexpected visit from her aunt Yolanda and Uncle Nestor. How in the world is she going to get everything done and entertain then too? Well at least she can take them to the Mardi Gras party. Now Rita needs to add "find the real killer" to her already overflowing To-Do-List.
And there are no shortage of other suspects. Let the good times roll! I was exhausted just trying to keep up with Rita. Plus she kept her temper better than I ever would if relatives just dropped in at the busiest time of year. I was a little disappointed in Uncle Nestor. I knew he was upset about Rita staying in New Orleans but he should have been more supportive of her role at Zydeco cakes. Proud that she was running a successful business. He did have a lot on his mind and by the end of the story I had started to forgive him just a bit.
I must say the vast number of suspects made this mystery very complex. Each time I thought I had figured it out I was wrong. Another tasty treat from Jacklyn Brady. Jan 18, Fred rated it really liked it. It is only a couple weeks away from Mardi Gras and quite naturally all the bakeries are struggling to stay ahead of the game. Zydeco is just starting to recover from a loss of business after the murder of the owner, Phillipe, a few months ago. His almost ex-wife, Rita, is now owner as is barely able to keep her hear above water.
Rita's mother-in-law is calling to remind her of the very important pre-Mardi Gras party the she has to be prompt at arriving at, when her Aunt and Uncle arrive unannounced. They all arrive at the party and Rita assumes her position as hostess and set out to try and learn as much about the guests, while at the same time, spending time with her aunt and uncle. She soon notices that her uncle and one of the guests, Big Daddy Boudreaux are having words and her uncle gives him a couple shot to the jaw. As the party is winding down, Rita is walking around outdoors getting some fresh air, when she notices a body in the swimming pool.
Not knowing if the person is dead or alive she enters the pool, only to find out that it is Big Daddy. Then the widow points out Rita's uncle to the police and says that he killed Big Daddy. So now in addition to managing an almost over extended bakery staff, she must try and find out just killed Big Daddy. And there are a number of possibilities. Possibly a jealous wife, an unknown questionable business deal or maybe a close family squabble that got out of hand. I'm enjoying this series. It's fun to see the behind the scenes aspect of a speciality bakery and watching the character development.
Waiting the next delivery of baked goods. Apr 17, Kimberly rated it liked it Shelves: Rita Lucero is has a lot of her plate. She has taken over running Zydeco Cakes after the passing of her late husband. Her staff is constantly throwing new ideas her way, they are busy baking and decorating King cakes for the big Mardi Gras celebrations going on around town and she is expected to play hostess at a large krewe party. If that's not enough, her aunt and uncle make a very surprised and unexpected visit.
Things get quite hectic once a popular party patron is found murdered at the bash Rita Lucero is has a lot of her plate. Things get quite hectic once a popular party patron is found murdered at the bash and Rita's uncle was the last one seen fighting with the victim. She knows her uncle is innocent, even if he is acting a bit peculiar, so she has to somehow find the time in her busy schedule to clear his name. This was a hit and miss for me.
I like Rita, even though I wish she would be more confident and not let her employees question her authority. The mystery itself was well paced. There were several believable suspects to weed through. I think there could have been a bit more potential - especially with a Mardi Gras setting. I got annoyed several times with Oz and his whole blog obsession.
Just felt out of place at times. I also didn't connect with Rita's aunt or uncle which was a miss since they were a big part of the story. Customers who bought this item also bought. Page 1 of 1 Start over Page 1 of 1. A Food Lovers' Village Mystery. Customers who viewed this item also viewed. Sponsored products related to this item What's this? Magic, Mayhem, Family, Curses and Murder!
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Solve a mystery, fight a curse, bake cookies, fall in love Berkley; Original edition February 7, Language: Related Video Shorts 0 Upload your video. Share your thoughts with other customers. Write a customer review. Read reviews that mention mardi uncle gras rita aunt orleans daddy party boudreaux zydeco bakery nestor cakes lucero dead murder chef inherited yolanda season.
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later. Mass Market Paperback Verified Purchase. Having inherited the business from her husband, Rita begins to learn the chaos and confusion of making hundreds of King Cakes daily. It is so stressful that Rita is almost overwhelmed. What to do but continue her schedule and include Tia and Tio.
Rita's also inherited a position within the New Orleans community and must host her first Mardi Gras party at a very prominent Country Club. One of the guests is car salesman, Big Daddy Boudreaux. Big Daddy thinks highly of himself and when he targets both Rita and her Aunt Yolanda for his inappropriate attention, Uncle Nestor confronts him.
Later, someone else has taken offense against Big Daddy and Rita's first party becomes Big Daddy's final party! This book involves the reader in the speed, chaos, fun, noise, tastes of Carnival. You work behind the hectic scenes of the bakery, rush across town carrying a cake through the crowds, join a society bash and still try to figure out who killed Big Daddy. At the satisfying conclusion, there are luscious recipes to share and try out at your home. A great read during any season.
A Piece of Cake Mystery
Saved this book for several weeks to read during carnival season. Behind him trails his downtrodden wife who flutters around to smooth over his horrible manner. Herione seems to need to grow up a LOT. Then get herself together. I feel cheated, was really looking forward to this. Like coal in your stocking at Christmas. Or worse, hot peppers in your King Cake. Although I did not read the first book in this series, it did not cause a problem with reading this second installment.
The first novel would have probably given me a better background on how Rita's husband or ex-husband died and how she found the murderer but it was not essential to enjoying this story. Rita is the executive chef of Zydeco Cakes, a bakery in New Orleans that she inherited from her ex-husband along with her mother-in-law who remains like family to Rita. Rita's biological family uncle and aunt come to visit. We find out that Rita lost her parents when she was young and was taken in by this uncle and aunt even though they struggled to provide for another mouth to feed. The story unfolds at a party hosted by Rita she was somewhat appointed to be the hostess and one of her guests is murdered, a blow-hard by the name of Big Daddy Boudreaux.
Of course it turns out that in a round about way, Rita's uncle Nestor winds up getting the blame.