With lakeside charm, a relatable heroine, and a lively cast of characters, Crime and Croissants blends cozy comfort with small‑town suspense. It’s an easy, engaging read that offers warmth, humor, and a mystery that keeps you turning pages.
About the Book
Milly Rosebush returns to her beloved lakeside home after a difficult divorce, hoping to reclaim her life and find a little peace. But her fresh start shatters when she discovers a dead woman in her upstairs bedroom—and a neighbor walks in to find her holding the gun. Overnight, Milly becomes the prime suspect in a murder tied to her ex‑husband’s past.
To clear her name, Milly leans on an unexpected team: a too‑helpful neighbor, her loyal friend who moves to town, and two feisty older ladies she meets through the library, women with sharp instincts, sharper wit, and a knack for trouble. Together, they dig into Fox Hollow’s secrets, uncovering motives, misdirects, and long‑buried truths.
Book Review
Milly is instantly relatable. She arrives at the lake house thinking she’s reclaiming her life, but the story gently reveals that she’s actually rediscovering her confidence. Her resilience, humor, and quiet vulnerability make her easy to root for, especially as she faces the uncomfortable reality of her ex‑husband’s past relationships and the danger unfolding around her.
The supporting cast is a delight. The two older ladies are wild cards in the best way, smart, funny, and full of surprises. Their presence adds emotional support, comic relief, and genuine heart. Paired with the neighbor and Milly’s friend, they create a dynamic team that makes the story shine.
The cozy elements are beautifully woven in. The cooking club scenes and the sharing of meals together at the house are the heart of the cozy tone, giving the suspense room to breathe and offering moments of connection, brainstorming, and genuine friendship. These gatherings feel like sitting around a real kitchen table, comforting, communal, and full of personality.
The mystery itself is well‑constructed, with solid clues, believable misdirects, and pacing that keeps you engaged throughout. The ex‑husband appears to be a strong suspect, but he’s far from the only one, and the town’s secrets widen the field in satisfying ways.
My only issue is the opening scene. When Milly stumbles over the gun and picks it up, she’s immediately treated as a suspect — even though two people were in the house and would have heard the gunshot. It’s a notable realism bump, but once past that moment, the story settles into a smooth, enjoyable rhythm and worth the read.
Overall, Crime and Croissants is a warm, engaging cozy mystery with a heroine rediscovering her confidence and a lively supporting cast that makes the story shine. I would happily return to this series.
BookHookUp Content Note
Clean fiction with mild suspense. No graphic violence. Themes include divorce, small‑town gossip, and amateur sleuthing. Cozy tone with moments of tension.
There is a King Sumo Giveaway for this tour
Giveaway Prize:
- Paperback Copy of Crime and Croissants (Cooking Club Murder Mystery) by Emmie Lyn
- Bookmark
- $5 Amazon gift card, tote. (U S only)
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I received a copy of this book from Great Escapes Book Tours with no compensation, and all opinions are my own. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
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Death by Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake by Sarah Graves — A cozy mystery blending food, humor, and danger as two women navigate small‑town secrets and unexpected twists. Light suspense with a lively cast.
The Diva Runs Out of Thyme by Krista Davis — A culinary cozy with humor, family complications, and a heroine caught in the wrong place at the wrong time. Fast‑paced, fun, and full of charm.
About Author Emmie Lyn
Emmie Lyn has written several cozy mystery series and a romantic suspense series.
Emmie lives in a small New England town, the kind where everyone knows your name—and your secrets. It’s no surprise that her fictional worlds are filled with the same charm: scenic, close-knit communities full of quirky, unforgettable characters. She loves crafting mysteries laced with clever twists and turns, the kind that keep readers guessing and turning pages well into the night.
She lives with her husband and a black cat who rules the house with a velvet paw and a terrible attitude. Their twelve-acre homestead is a haven for deer, bunnies, turkeys, and a chorus of songbirds. When she’s not plotting fictional murders, she’s out hiking wooded trails, or spending time with her grandchildren.
Author Links
Webpage: https://emmielynbooks.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emmielynauthor
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/18404840.Emmie_Lyn
Mystery on the Menu newsletter: https://authoremmielyn.substack.com
Purchase Link - Amazon