About the Book
Author: Dana Mentink
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Release date: May 25, 2021
The first in new dessert cozy mystery series! A murder in town is bound to shake things up…
After her divorce from her thrice-married embezzler husband, Trinidad Jones is finally ready for a fresh start. So when she’s left one of ex’s businesses in Upper Sprocket, Oregon, she decides to pack up her dog, cash in her settlement, and open her dream business: the Shimmy and Shake Shop, introducing the world to her monster milkshakes. And even with a couple sticky situations underway, namely that the other two ex-wives also call Sprocket home, Trinidad’s life seems to be churning along smoothly.
That is, until she discovers her neighbor, the Popcorn King, head down in his giant popcorn kettle. When one of Trinidad’s fellow ex-wives is accused of the murder and Upper Sprocket descends into mayhem, it’s going to take a supersized scoop of courage to flush out the killer.
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My Review
What a fun cozy mystery. I like the heroine, Trinidad. She has determination to make a new life. It is interesting that the new life also includes making friends with her ex's other exes. That makes for some interesting relationship experiences. I like the people around Trinidad, helping her in her new business and in solving the murder mystery. They are fun characters, including some quirky ones. My favorite is Noodles, the dog who failed his support training yet is a sensitive wonder-dog.
The plot is good, even if it is complex. It is the kind of entangled thing that would happen in a small town. And I like the small town setting with news getting around quickly, everyone knowing everybody's business. There is even a hint of romance in the novel. The only thing missing is an encouraging spiritual message.
My favorite aspect of the book was the setting. I've been to Joseph, the nearest town to the (fictional) Upper Sprocket, and seen the Wallowas. The area is absolutely beautiful and I can see why Trinidad would want to settle there.
This is a fun cozy mystery with engaging characters, a good plot, and a beautiful setting. And the best part is that there is going to be another in the series. I'll be watching for it.
My rating: 4/5 stars.
About the Author
More from Dana
Freakshakes. The name says it all, right? Allow me to explain. A freakshake is a milkshake festooned with so many extras (sprinkles, cookies, candy, donuts, cake, slabs of pie) that it is hardly liftable. It is the stuff my sugar fantasy dreams are made of! Now picture a freakshake shop called the Shimmy and Shake in the quaint and quirky town of Upper Sprocket in Eastern Oregon. Known as the “Swiss Alps” of Oregon, this fictional place is the new home to a woman named Trinidad Jones, a lady starting out on the second phase of her life after her husband’s betrayal. Sprinkle in a dose of Papa Luis, her darling Cuban grandfather (inspired by my own Cuban grandfather) who drives a classic Buick, and a devoted service dog flunk out named Noodles. You know what’s missing? A murder, of course! That happens shortly after Trinidad opens her new shop, and from there on out it’s a sticky, spine tingling, sweet and satisfying and slightly funny adventure in mystery land. I had an absolute blast writing the first installment in this series, and I’m knee deep in the second as I write this. Thank you for coming along on the adventure and I hope it’s as satisfying as a monster milkshake!
Blog Stops
Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, June 25
Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, June 25
The Avid Reader, June 25
The Write Escape, June 26
Debbie's Dusty Deliberations, June 26
Texas Book-aholic, June 27
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, June 27
Blogging With Carol, June 27
Inklings and notions, June 28
Genesis 5020, June 28
Among the Reads, June 29
Daysong Reflections, June 29
Bigreadersite, June 29
For Him and My Family, June 30
Betti Mace, June 30
Worthy2Read, July 1
deb's Book Review, July 1
Locks, Hooks and Books, July 2
Through the Fire blogs, July 2
EmpowerMoms, July 2
Blossoms and Blessings, July 3
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, July 3
Lighthouse-Academy, July 4
Labor Not in Vain, July 4
Tell Tale Book Reviews, July 5
Because I said so -- and other adventures in Parenting, July 5
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, July 6
Vicky Sluiter, July 6
Simple Harvest Reads, July 6 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)
She Lives To Read, July 7
Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, July 7
KarenSueHadley, July 8
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, July 8
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. My comments are an independent and honest review. The rest of the copy of this post was provided by Celebrate Lit.
(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.)
5 comments:
Cozy mysteries are so much fun! Thank you for sharing!
Thank you for your review on "Pint of No Return" by Dana Mentink and for being part of the blog tour.
LOVE this author's books! She never disappoints and I can't wait for the opportunity to dive into this one. It's most definitely on my TBR list.
2clowns at arkansas dot net
Good review of "Point of No Return"
This book sounds so funny and so interesting - can't wait to read it!
This sounds like a fun read. Nice cover!
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