Amidst the rocky beaches of the Oregon coast, Torte’s beloved Sterling and Stephanie have been hired to take over the aging restaurant at the cliffside Whaleshead Resort. They’re nervous about striking out on their own, but excited by the opportunity to put their own spin a new menu. From fresh fish caught the very same day to vegan options and handcrafted pastries, they’re buzzing with ideas. What’s even better is that Jules and the team from Torte have come out for opening weekend to cheer them on.
Despite some opening night jitters, the dinner is off with a bang. Guests and long-term residents of Whaleshead Resort are eager to taste the young couple’s creations. As the tickets begin to line up and guests pile in the front door, Jules and Carlos offer to roll up their sleeves and help in any way they can.
Stephanie is taking on every chef’s nightmare—a fluffy chocolate soufflé—and Sterling is fast at work prepping shrimp linguini and pan-seared halibut when they suddenly hear screaming. Erik Morton, the manager of Whaleshead and their new boss, has taken a fatal fall down the steep and dangerous cliffside trail leading to the beach. Jules and her young protĂ©gĂ©s quickly realize this was no accident. Now, the team will have to juggle the investigation while keeping the restaurant—and Steph and Sterling’s new jobs—from crashing like the waves along the cliffs.
Release Date: Feb 25, 2025
Series:Â Bakeshop Mysteries
Book:Â 21
Publisher: Macmillan
Imprint: Minotaur Books
Price: $9.99
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Jules Capshaw is the owner of Tarte, a popular bakery in Ashland, Oregon. She and her husband, Carlos, are going through a lot of changes in their personal lives and at the restaurant. Two valued employees have left to manage a beachside resort bistro. To show their support, Jules and Carlos and a few other Ashland friends and family members travel to the Oregon coast to support Sterling and Steph for their grand opening. However, the manager there is a nightmare, and someone will do whatever it takes to get rid of him.
This book is part of the long-running Bakeshop Mystery series. Jules and Carlos are a wonderful couple and Carlos is especially supportive in this book. If you’re new to the series, you will be able to follow the mystery with no problem, but some of the developments in the characters’ lives won’t be as meaningful. There are many details about food and food preparation, as well as recipes at the end of the book, which I like in a culinary mystery. However, some may see this as slowing the pace or taking away from the mystery.
Jules’ stepdad is a police detective who is there for the grand opening, and the local police detective in charge welcomes his help investigating the death of Erik Morton, the obnoxious resort manager. Jules is also able to help by passing along things she has overheard or learned from some of the other resort staff members. Her best friend, Lance, is the director of the Shakespeare Festival in Ashland, and is dramatic offstage as well. Lance insists that he and Jules do some investigating of their own, which is entertaining. Their friendship is fun to read about and is always a highlight. Lance is a delightful character who shines in this book. Erik made a lot of enemies, so there are a fair number of suspects in his murder. The investigation could have a little more substance, but this is still an enjoyable culinary cozy mystery, especially for fans of the series. The ending alone makes the whole book worthwhile!
~ Christine
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