Vanilla Beaned (Cupcake Bakery Mystery #8) by Jenn McKinlay

I'm so excited! Vanilla Beaned (Cupcake Bakery Mystery #8) by Jenn McKinlay is out on April 5th! This is by far one of my favorite authors and the series it just too delicious. Between parts, I can only imagine what Mel and Angie are up to. It was as always a pure joy to read these books.

From the back of the book:

In the eighth in the New York Times bestselling series by the author of Dark Chocolate Demise, the Fairy Tale Cupcake crew goes double or nothing in Vegas...

Melanie Cooper and Angie DeLaura are taking a gamble by opening their first franchise of the Fairy Tale Cupcakes Bakery, so where better to hit the jackpot than in Vegas? Business manager Tate Harper has lined up a meeting with Holly Hartzmark, a former showgirl who’s looking to bring Mel and Angie’s sweet treats to Sin City, but Mel isn’t so sure she’s ready to hand her recipes over to a complete stranger—especially one as brash as Holly.

But after the potential bakery location gets blown up, Mel begins seeing another side to Holly—one that reminds her very much of herself. Determined to help a kindred spirit, Mel sets out to discover who is trying to keep the bakery from cashing in. But with a murderous mischief maker on the loose, the odds are stacking up against a happy ending for Mel and her friends.

My thoughts:

It was so much fun to see all of the gang again - the gang, by the way, are some of the most well written and lovable characters you will ever meet. The new character, Holly, brought a lot to the story as well and I do hope to see her again in the future. The setting this time shift from the familiar shop to Vegas, baby! When I saw that, I just knew Mel, Angie and Tate would find trouble. 

The mystery was fun with several possible suspects and, at first, it was unclear even who the target was, which made it even more interesting to puzzle cover. I did solve it, the clues were there and the reveal was satisfying, and even sad.

If you haven't read Jenn McKinlay yet, vc you need to. Every book, in every series she writes has given me the same joy. I think, and this is hard to do because she started out great, she gets better with each one. Her passion for the theme also shines through in the stories and the recipes that you find in back. 

Take some time to browse the other great mysteries available from Berkley Prime Crime. While you are there, you can sign up for the newsletter so you never miss a new release. I must warn you though, after browsing my wish list is longer than I could probably read. You can also connect with them on Twitter where you can happen across a fun giveaway as well. 

Disclosure: I may receive products in exchange for an honest review. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I personally believe will be good for my readers.