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K.E. O'Connor

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Cream Caramel and Murder (Holly Holmes Cozy Culinary Mystery Series) Paperback – July 26, 2019

by K.E. O'Connor (Author)

4.4 1,266 ratings

Book 2 of 10: Holly Holmes Cozy Culinary Mystery Series

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With its stunning turrets and beautiful rose gardens, I always thought Audley Castle was perfect, set in the idyllic English village of Audley St. Mary. It’s a place I love to call home. But behind the trimmed hedgerows, stately gardens, and birdsong, a killer is waiting…

After being forced to close my charming café in this quaint little village, I'm thrilled to get a job in the Audley Castle kitchens, making divine treats for visitors and serving the Audley family who live in the castle.

The joy fades when I take my beloved dog for his daily walk, and he leads us to the body of a family friend, Kendal Jakes. Seemingly caught in the act of tampering with evidence by the castle’s security team, I become the number one murder suspect in their investigation. It’ll take more than my skills with a piping bag to solve this crisis.

As fingers get pointed at me, I have no choice but to take matters into my flour-covered hands and clear my name. As I snoop around, I discover old rivalry, jealousy, and long-standing grudges. But who killed Kendal?

If I'm charged with this crime, my friendship with Princess Alice will be over, and my blossoming crush on the handsome Lord Rupert will be a distant memory. And he has such a lovely smile. A kitchen assistant and a lord is an impossible dream, but every woman deserves a little indulgence.

Having mastered the art of creating a perfectly fluffy souffle, I’m known for my determination to get things right, and I won’t rest until I uncover the truth about this murder. Even if doing so puts me in the killer’s line of sight…

Cream Caramel and Murder is book one in a complete nine-book culinary mystery series set in an enchanting English paradise. Each cozy mystery features our sleuth, Holly Holmes, her cute dog, Meatball, and a cast of quirky villagers.

What readers say:

"I truly loved the characters in this book, they were so vivid and fun! The writing was well done and the story was interesting and took a few turns that kept me guessing." Amazon reviewer

"This is a charming ever-moving fun read - Jump in and enjoy!" Amazon reviewer

"A great cozy mystery with tradition, Lords, Ladies, a modern baker intrigued with everyone and everything around her, and a murderer wanting revenge. This story gives you a little bit of everything! Great characters, great writing!" Amazon reviewer

"I love this series. I can’t wait for the next book. The characters are so real and I can just see them in her description. Not your typical upstairs, downstairs type of book. Funny and wonderful." Amazon reviewer

Editorial Reviews

Review

"What a hoot! Instead of Audley castle, it's more like Oddly castle! Everybody is a real character, the security chief needs to get a grip, the family members are terribly interesting, the murdered man is a real bozo with only one small brain, and even Holly the sleuth has a grandma who isn't wrapped too tight. Great sleuthing with plenty of plot twists, red herrings, and laugh yourself silly situations. Enjoy!"

"A great cozy mystery with tradition, Lords, Ladies, a modern baker intrigued with everyone and everything around her, and a murderer wanting revenge. This story gives you a little bit of everything! Great characters, great writing!"

"I truly loved the characters in this book, they were so vivid and fun! The writing was well done and the story was interesting and took a few turns that kept me guessing. So happy to have a new series by this author. I will patiently wait for the next one."

"Loved it. A lighthearted read that strikes the right cord between humour and seriousness. The characters too are the perfect blend of autocratic aristocracy and the down to earth commoners. A great plot that revolves around a murder of a guest at the castle. But who is the culprit?"

"Scrumptious start to a new series. Holly and Meatball make a great team and can sniff out the culprit together. The setting is enjoyable and I am curious to see where Holly's relationship goes with Alice and Rupert."

"A fun read featuring Holly Holmes, great cake baker and her dog, Meatball. She works in the kitchen of Audley Castle creating mouth watering desserts. Characters are wonderfully created and believable in that setting."

About the Author

K.E. O'Connor is the author of the Witch Haven mystery series, the Crypt Witch cozy mysteries, the Lorna Shadow ghost mysteries, the Holly Holmes baking mysteries, the Zee Town paranormal cozy series, and the Old Sarum mystery series, along with other titles available if you cast the right spell. She can imagine dragons, taste cookies when they aren't even there, and hear the crack of a witch's broom at a hundred paces. K.E. (the K stands for Karen) lives in the United Kingdom (it isn't very united, but that's a mystery for another time) among the mystical stones and fairy creatures of Somerset. She graduated from the Universities of Southampton and Reading, where she received degrees in Archaeology and Cognitive Evolution (both highly entertaining to take part in, but with the career options of a ground witch's toe bone.) If you're of the curious persuasion and want to know more, visit her website at www.keoconnor.com for enlightening knowledge on all things cozy mystery, book news, and a peek into the magical world of a writer who believes animals talk and magic is just a finger click away. To contact her, visit her Facebook page - www.facebook/keoconnorauthor, join her newsletter -https: //www.subscribepage.com/cozymysteries, or dust off that haunted mirror in your cellar and speak the ancient magical words to transport yourself into her lounge. There might be tea and cookies waiting, or there might be giants - it depends on her mood.

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ K.E. O'Connor Books (July 26, 2019)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 222 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 191635730X
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1916357303
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 8.6 ounces
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5 x 0.56 x 8 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #1,069,623 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #4,979 in Cozy Culinary Mysteries
- #14,581 in Cozy Animal Mysteries
- #19,064 in Amateur Sleuths

Customer Reviews:
4.4 1,266 ratings

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K.E. O'Connor

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K.E. O’Connor is the author of the Witch Haven mystery series, the Crypt Witch cozy mysteries, the Lorna Shadow ghost mysteries, the Holly Holmes baking mysteries, the Zee Town paranormal cozy series, and the Old Sarum mystery series, along with other titles available if you cast the right spell. She can imagine dragons, taste cookies when they aren’t even there, and hear the crack of a witch’s broom at a hundred paces.

K.E. (the K stands for Karen) lives in the United Kingdom (it isn’t very united, but that’s a mystery for another time) among the mystical stones and fairy creatures of Somerset. She graduated from the Universities of Southampton and Reading, where she received degrees in Archaeology and Cognitive Evolution (both highly entertaining to take part in, but with the career options of a ground witch’s toe bone.)

If you’re of the curious persuasion and want to know more, visit her website at www.keoconnor.com for enlightening knowledge on all things cozy mystery, book news, and a peek into the magical world of a writer who believes animals talk and magic is just a finger click away.

To contact her, visit her Facebook page – www.facebook/keoconnorauthor, join her email list, or dust off that haunted mirror in your cellar and speak the ancient magical words to transport yourself into her lounge. There may be tea and cookies waiting, or there may be giants – it depends on her mood.

Customer reviews

1,266 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers enjoyed the book and found it entertaining with an interesting plot and twists. They found the characters believable and well-written. The writing quality was described as good and easy to read, with vivid descriptions. Readers also mention that the food was delicious and the meatball character was lovable. The pacing was great, keeping their interest engaged throughout. Overall, customers enjoyed the book and found the setting enjoyable.

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Enjoyment Mystery content Character development Writing quality Food quality Pacing Likability

46 customers mention "Enjoyment"46 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book. They find it entertaining, with a fun setting and sense of humor. The pacing keeps their interest engaged, and they look forward to the next book in the series.

"This is a fun story, despite the murder and mayhem that happens. The main characters are lively, interesting, and admirable...." Read more

"...setting is superb and Holly is not only a great pastry chef, but a wonderful, if somewhat naive main character...." Read more

"Kept me guessing. Interesting plot and characters. I enjoyed reading and trying to figure things out. Loved the dog, Meatball." Read more

"Definitely got my imagination going. Holly Homes and Meatball were incredible to follow. Each twist and turn had me turning page after page...." Read more

35 customers mention "Mystery content"35 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the mystery content. They find the plot interesting and the characters engaging. The story flows smoothly with many twists and turns that keep readers guessing until the end. The book is described as a cozy mystery set around an English castle with ghosts and curses.

"...The plot is easily followed and the premise is finding out who killed the rude and bullying "friend" of Rupert's and why...." Read more

"...The pace is steady and the ending is somewhat of a surprise. Throughout the book, Holly is baking sweets and trying to fix an old bread recipe...." Read more

"Kept me guessing. Interesting plot and characters. I enjoyed reading and trying to figure things out. Loved the dog, Meatball." Read more

"I am really enjoying these fun, entertaining and light hearted mysteries...." Read more

25 customers mention "Character development"25 positive0 negative

Customers find the characters interesting and well-written. They appreciate that the characters are down-to-earth and believable.

"...The main characters are lively, interesting, and admirable...." Read more

"...The memorial garden is very inviting. The primary characters are well-developed and hard to forget...." Read more

"Kept me guessing. Interesting plot and characters. I enjoyed reading and trying to figure things out. Loved the dog, Meatball." Read more

"...Lady Philippa, Meatball, and Campbell all of whom were wonderful characters in this storyline...." Read more

20 customers mention "Writing quality"20 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the writing quality of the book. They find it an easy, enjoyable read with vivid descriptions and hints of romance. The characters are described as smart, down-to-earth, quick-witted, and great bakers. Readers appreciate the crisp dialogue and believable characters. Overall, they describe the book as a lovely clean read for relaxing times.

"...They all sounded delicious! With vivid descriptions and hints of romance amidst the murder investigation, this one has the hallmarks of a cozy..." Read more

"...Interesting plot and characters. I enjoyed reading and trying to figure things out. Loved the dog, Meatball." Read more

"...Holly Homes and Meatball were incredible to follow. Each twist and turn had me turning page after page...." Read more

"...The backup characters from the castle and village are well written. So far these books have been fun quick reads." Read more

8 customers mention "Food quality"8 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's food quality. They find the cakes and other treats delicious and a special treat.

"...I enjoyed everything from the main character's name, her loveable little Meatball, to her commitment to doing her job to the best of her ability...." Read more

"Oddball castle is great fun to visit. Meatball is an especial treat - all the fun of a smart and cheeky doggie without the hassle!..." Read more

"...is a delightful mystery set around an English castle with lots of wonderful food and good friends. It was a pleasure to read." Read more

"...Lots of interesting characters, crisp dialogue and drool-worthy food. A lovely clean read for a relaxing time." Read more

8 customers mention "Pacing"6 positive2 negative

Customers enjoy the book's pacing. They find it fast-paced and easy to read, keeping their interest engaged throughout. The characters are described as likeable and quick-witted. Readers appreciate how the book is a light read between heavier topics.

"...The primary characters are well-developed and hard to forget. The pace is steady and the ending is somewhat of a surprise...." Read more

"...Loving I can dig into other books so quickly and see “the rest of the story” unfold as Paul Harvey used to say." Read more

"...The answers were sad and so unnecessary. I most definitely recommend this book." Read more

"...The main character Holly is smart, down to earth, quick witted and a great baker/amateur sleuth...." Read more

5 customers mention "Likability"5 positive0 negative

Customers find the book likable. They mention the aunt is nice and approachable. The book explores the traditions of a modern baker and lords and ladies, with an intriguing modern baker.

"...in love with Holly Holmes the dessert cook extraordinary, the lovely Prince Alice, Lord Rupert, Lady Philippa, Meatball, and Campbell all of whom..." Read more

"...Even their aunt the Duchess was a pretty nice lady and very approachable...." Read more

"...I liked Holly. I liked that she is a nice person. She's a fantastic baker and loves her job and she likes the people she works for...." Read more

"A great cozy mystery with tradition, Lords, Ladies, a modern baker intrigued with everyone and everything around her, and a murderer wanting revenge...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

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WelshDragon
I enjoyed it
Reviewed in the United States on January 7, 2025
Verified Purchase

This is a fun story, despite the murder and mayhem that happens. The main characters are lively, interesting, and admirable. The plot is easily followed and the premise is finding out who killed the rude and bullying "friend" of Rupert's and why. The answers were sad and so unnecessary. I most definitely recommend this book.

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c-lu
All the hallmarks of a cozy mystery series
Reviewed in the United States on November 20, 2024
Verified Purchase
The castle setting is superb and Holly is not only a great pastry chef, but a wonderful, if somewhat naive main character. Her cafe closed, she takes a job at the castle and makes friends with Lady Alice and Lord Rupert. When one of Rupert's visiting friends is killed, Holly is cast as the killer and they rally behind her while she continues sleuthing - despite the admonitions of the head of security. The memorial garden is very inviting.

The primary characters are well-developed and hard to forget. The pace is steady and the ending is somewhat of a surprise. Throughout the book, Holly is baking sweets and trying to fix an old bread recipe. They all sounded delicious! With vivid descriptions and hints of romance amidst the murder investigation, this one has the hallmarks of a cozy mystery.

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MKW
Enjoyed it.
Reviewed in the United States on October 8, 2024
Verified Purchase
Kept me guessing. Interesting plot and characters. I enjoyed reading and trying to figure things out. Loved the dog, Meatball.

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Toni Walker
I really enjoyed this one
Reviewed in the United States on November 30, 2024
Verified Purchase
Definitely got my imagination going. Holly Homes and Meatball were incredible to follow. Each twist and turn had me turning page after page. I will mark this as another mystery read series in my growing TBR. Loving I can dig into other books so quickly and see “the rest of the story” unfold as Paul Harvey used to say.

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Slugpuppy3
Cute Afternoon Read
Reviewed in the United States on April 3, 2022
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Cute afternoon read. Unfortunately, it was ruined for me by the police and the “brilliant” security agent both being too stupid to live.

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Kim Moye
Falling in love with this series
Reviewed in the United States on May 25, 2024
Verified Purchase
I am really enjoying these fun, entertaining and light hearted mysteries. The main character Holly is smart, down to earth, quick witted and a great baker/amateur sleuth. The backup characters from the castle and village are well written. So far these books have been fun quick reads.

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April Abtey-Pettigrew
Cupcakes & Murder is a delight to the end!
Reviewed in the United States on November 26, 2023
Verified Purchase
Who doesn't like Cupcakes, desserts and the occasional murder? What if it happens in a quaint village with a castle owned by a Duke and Duchess? Bonus right? Well that is the case here, and I fell in love with Holly Holmes the dessert cook extraordinary, the lovely Prince Alice, Lord Rupert, Lady Philippa, Meatball, and Campbell all of whom were wonderful characters in this storyline. I sincerely hope some or all of them are carried into the next book in the series. Campbell is sneaky but it's part of his job. Princess Alice is fun loving and care free, seems to secretly crush on Campbell -- maybe a future romance? Lady Phillipa is full of predictions and lonely, the grandmother "locked away" in her lost love but is she also really locked away? Lord Rupert walks around with his nose in a book, loves Poetry and has a crush on Holly Holmes' cupcakes, desserts and maybe even Holly herself. Holly Holmes is dessert baker for the castle kitchen, friend of Lord Rupert, Princess Alice, and Lady Phillipa and by their choices and to the disliking of Campbell! If you enjoy mysteries along with a touch of friendship and a smig of romance I think you'll enjoy this book!

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Tari H.
Lots of fun sleuthing with royalty who's cool and fun to hang out with
Reviewed in the United States on December 19, 2020
Verified Purchase
This was really a fun book! I have all the books in the series, so I don't know why it's taken me so long to start on it lol. It was like reading a modern day fairy tale only the Lord and Princess were really cool and down-to-earth people. Holly worked as a pastry chef for the castle and became good friends with Princess Alice who totally cracked me up! She came off as really ditzy, but apparently she was smarter than she let on. Her brother, Lord Rupert was a sweetheart who seemed to want to work up the courage to ask Holly out. Even their aunt the Duchess was a pretty nice lady and very approachable.

I never would have guessed the killer, although I was on the right track. The showdown was a good one, and Holly may have even gotten a little approval from tough-as-nails security guy Campbell. I'm definitely interested in reading more. I really liked these three main characters and can see Alice wanting to help on any cases that come along in the future. She's crazy fun!

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Top reviews from other countries

Mystee
Fantastic Cozy Mystery
Reviewed in Canada on June 12, 2024
Verified Purchase

I couldn't put this book down! It was a great read. Holly and her little sidekick, Meatball, make a good duo in this book.

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Cheryl Davidson
Great read
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 31, 2023
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Good story and riviting

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Deborah Jay
Light, fun easy read
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 1, 2023
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Holly Holmes has just begun her new job as baker at Audley Castle, catering both to the family and the castle tea rooms. Taking a walk in the grounds with her adorable Corgi, Meatball, she finds herself thrust headlong into the position of prime suspect when Meatball sniffs out the partially buried body of a friend of the aristocratic family. Not only was Holly first on the scene, but the victim was known to have behaved inappropriately towards her the previous day.
This is an easy, light read, provided you are prepared to overlook the bizarre notion that a prince would accept the far more common title of lord and consider it an honour. I found the misunderstanding of lineage and titles distracting and confusing, I must admit, but that aside, the characters themselves are personable and the story itself is just fine.
The super-intense security officer, the somewhat batty, psychic grandmother who lives in one of the (apparently haunted) castle turrets, and the scary head chef all add delicious flavour to the whole eccentric set-up, and I plan to read the next in series, which I only do if a set of characters really resonate with me.

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E who Reads a Thousand Mysteries
Lovely
Reviewed in Canada on May 30, 2024
Verified Purchase
This lovely cozy culinary mystery has it all ... upbeat vibes, delicious baking, an adorable doggo, eccentric characters and vibrant personality. I'll definitely read more books in this series!

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RBD
Good easy light read
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 7, 2022
Verified Purchase
The story is set in an English village. It has a castle that has an aristocratic family living in it.
There is the requisite murder of a guest, a friend of the family. A baker at the castle who gets on with everyone who has to clear her name...

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5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic Cozy Mystery

5.0 out of 5 stars Great read

4.0 out of 5 stars Light, fun easy read

5.0 out of 5 stars Lovely

5.0 out of 5 stars Good easy light read

Fantastic Cozy Mystery

Great read

Light, fun easy read

Lovely

Good easy light read