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Book 69, 2022
Chilled to the Cone by Ellie AlexanderMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Finished my work book over my lunch hour today. It was Chilled to the Cone by Ellie Alexander, and it's the 12th installment in the "Bakeshop" mystery series. Narrative is in first-person pov of the main character, Juliet Capshaw.
When a unique business opportunity arises, Jules jumps at the chance to open a pop-up ice cream shop to showcase the iced lattes and frozen custards that her bakery, Torte, is becoming known for. The site is located in Ashland's famed Railroad District, which features an eclectic array of businesses and some eccentric characters. Foremost among them is a man known only as the Wizard, a homeless street performer known for his capes and his balloon animals. Jules is shocked when the Wizard is murdered, but that's not the end of the trouble. Someone has been defacing businesses with graffiti, engaging in vandalism, and stealing items. Things come to a head when a fire is set in Jules' new space. She is sure the vandalism is related to the Wizard's murder, but proving it will be difficult. In the meantime, Jules is trying to rebuild her relationship with her husband, whom she's been estranged from for two years. She'd love for Carlos to stay in Ashland with her, but she refuses to stand in his way if he wants to return to life on the sea. Spring is traditionally the time of love in the air, and just maybe it will lend its magic to Jules and Carlos.
I've been snagging these books at a second-hand shop, which is why I'm reading them wildly out of order. The author has done a stellar job, however, of providing backstory so that I haven't been lost. I am loving this series. Jules is an engaging character, and I like how she takes people, specifically her employees, under her wing, providing support and encouraging their creativity. I really appreciate that the entire book wasn't consumed with Jules' sleuthing. In fact, most of it was of her getting Scoops up and running while still managing Torte, spending time with her husband and friends, and making delectable items for sale at Torte.
Favorite line: "I made a special drink for you that you're either going to love or hate." // "Well, when you sell it like that, I can't wait to try it."
Wonderful story, wonderful series, and I'll certainly be scrounging for more of them. Five stars.
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