Book Review of Murder Takes the Cake

A Cozy Daphne Martin Mystery by Author Gayle Trent

Feb 15, 2009

For people who love a tasty cake and a cozy murder mystery, Murder Takes the Cake is a delicious read.

Murder Takes the Cake by Gayle Trent is the first book in her series of Daphne Martin Mysteries. When Daphne moves back home after a divorce to the small town in Virginia where she grew up, she finds that one can’t always have one’s cake and eat it too. At least not in the case of Yodel Watson, who Daphne finds lying dead on her couch when she goes to her house to deliver a cake.

The mystery deepens as the story of Yodel unfolds, revealing the enemies she had in her small town, as told in the pages of her diary. Yodel’s daughter arrives from out of town, and wants to keep the diary a secret.

Daphne finds herself in the middle of several bad situations that could make her the prime suspect. As she works to find the clues to the real murderer, and prove her own innocence, she finds more information about the people of Brea Ridge than she cares to know. Romances, affairs, feuds, venomous snakes, and events from the past all come together like a perfect recipe.

In addition to the murder mystery, Daphne discovers a family mystery surrounding her mother and a close friend. Something that happened years ago in the past could have a major impact on her life today. When it seems that everyone knew about the mystery except her, she is confused and hurt. It takes courage to open old wounds to heal their hearts.

Delectable descriptions of the fabulous cakes Daphne creates and decorates dot the pages of the story. Each cake Daphne makes is personalized for its recipient. Lucas Black Cat Cupcakes are perfect for a Halloween Party, and the recipe is included in the book. Trent has also given her instructions for a Swiss Dot Cake, perfect for a more elegant affair. Pictures of these two cakes and more are on the Daphne Martin website.

The story includes accurate descriptions of the tools and tricks of the trade that professional cake decorators use. For the novice cake decorator, some of the passages are like a mini lesson from a pastry chef. They lend an appreciation to the artwork involved in this craft.

This heartwarming and intriguing story will leave the reader hungering for the next two installments in the series. The small southern town charm, combined with the mystery, and the descriptions of food, make this a book to read with a slice of cake on the side.

The copyright of the article Book Review of Murder Takes the Cake in Cozy Mysteries is owned by Suzanne Pitner. Permission to republish Book Review of Murder Takes the Cake in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.