Dying to Bake by Helen Golden~Blog Tour

 Publisher: Drew Bradley Press

Publication Date: 15th March 2024

Genre:crime/Thriller/cosy mystery

Summary:

Bake Off Wars is back! Get your aprons on and let the sleuthing begin!

BREAKING NEWS Vera Bolt, Queen of Bakes, dies unexpectedly aged 66

In a shocking announcement this afternoon, Vera Bolt’s agent confirmed that the Bake Off Wars judge and national treasure died yesterday. Ms Bolt was in the process of filming the next series of the hugely popular television show at Francis Court, the home of the King’s sister and her family. It’s believed that the renowned pastry chef was stabbed in the heart, and the main suspect is rumoured new royal girlfriend, Summer York.

What am I supposed to do? Lady Beatrice has promised DCI Richard Fitzwilliam that she won’t get involved in the investigation into Vera Bolt’s death. But when her brother’s new love interest, Summer York, becomes the top suspect for Vera’s murder, Fred begs Bea to find out who the real killer is. In a race against time, can Bea navigate a labyrinth of secrets and lies, evade danger, and safeguard her friendship with Fitzwilliam?

The answer may determine not only Summer’s innocence but also the fate of Bea’s and Fitzwilliam’s burgeoning feelings for each other.

Review:
Firstly thank you to Rachels Random Resources, Drew Bradley Press and Helen Golden for having me on this tour and sending me a copy of the book.
I knew I was going to love this book because I absolutely adored the last book in the series A Cocktail to Die For, so much so that the rest of the series is currently waiting to be read on my kindle! Helen Golden's writing style is brilliant and I immediately got drawn straight into Lady Bea's world and was swept away with her and Perry's discussion's, I really enjoy their friendship its one that just makes you smile as you read it. They both just come across as people you wish you actually knew because they'd be the best for having a brilliant time, no matter what the plans were they'd make them better kind of people and I think Helen Golden is just brilliant at writing characters that are so easy to connect to.
I saw the Simon twist way before it was revealed, I kind of guessed it at the first mention of someone looking for him but I didn't mind that. I liked it when it was finally revealed and I didn't guess the other twist in the book half as quickly (I think I got there at the same time as Bea) so I genuinely didn't mind that I saw Simons. The undercurrent of Rich and Bea was frustrating to read, the whole time I was yelling at them to get together, abit like Perry I was willing them to give it a go because they would clearly make each other happy.
I'm so hooked on this series now that I finished this one and went straight to find out when the next one was out, frustratingly I have to wait til December for book 10, but I know it'll be worth the wait.

Krystina xx

A Cocktail To Die For by Helen Golden~Blog Tour

 

Publisher: Drew Bradley Press

Publication Date: 1st December 2023)

Genre: Crime/thriller/mystery

Summary:

Cocktails, chaos, and an unexpected twist. Can Bea, Perry, and his hens unveil the truth before time runs out?

Death at Prestigious Hotel and Spa, Chasingham HouseWe are hearing reports that a young woman has been found dead at Chasingham House, the exclusive venue in the Cotswolds. She has not been named, and the cause of death is unknown at this time. This will no doubt cast a cloud over the bachelor weekend being hosted there by Lady Beatrice (36), the Countess of Rossex, for her business partner Perry Juke (34) ahead of his wedding to bestselling author and celebrity chef Simon Lattimore (40). Also staying at Chasingham House are top models Camile Redmaine (35) and Mel Parks (35), who are celebrating newly-single Cammy’s birthday with a group of friends.

When one of the birthday girls is found dead in her room, it’s clear Bea plans for her, Perry, and their friends to chill around the pool, have a few treatments, and generally relax, seem to have gone down the drain. When the local police are quick to dismiss the death as an accident, Bea is determined to help investigate anyway, along with the rest of Perry’s party.

Can they catch the killer before the weekend is over and the trail goes cold?

Review:
Firstly thank you to Rachel's Random Resources, Drew Bradley Press and Helen Golden for having me on this tour and sending me a copy of the book.
I got so drawn in by this book from the first few pages, it's been a brilliant read. We had a cast list at the end of the book but I really didn't feel I needed it, i loved all the characters we met they are so well crafted. It kind of felt like you could be stepping into one of those murder mystery weekends away, and I really loved that vibe (I also really would love to go to one of those and this has just intensified that want to do it). The humour in it was so brilliantly placed I had laugh-out-loud moments throughout, it's a book that's proven that humour is all about timing and Helen Golden's is spot on.
It's a fantastically written book, and I can see, knowing it is a series, where she's woven in points that will probably come up again in other books and I really loved those little crumbs of information that she's left us. I think Bea is a fantastic main character, I know that others in the group do give us information from their point of view often but Bea is our MC and I just adored her. I can't wait for the next in the series to see where life takes her and her friends and what they are going to stumble into next.
I definitely think I've found my new comfort cosy mystery series, and thankfully I have a fair few of them to catch up on!

Krystina xx