a pregnant pause from torte
Things are changing in Ashland, Oregon. Jules Capshaw, owner of the popular Torte bakeshop and winery Uva, is pregnant with twins. They have lost two of their favorite chefs to a new restaurant, and new hires are getting trained from the staff. A couple of the long-term chefs at Torte have stepped up to take on the training and more of the administrative duties, since Jules will have to cut back her hours through the pregnancy and when the babies come. So while Jules is depending on her friends and fellow chefs to take care of Torte, she and her husband Carlos head to the beach.
It’s at Whaleshead Resort that Sterling and Steph have been hired to take over and update the restaurant, the SeaBreeze Bistro. They are preparing for opening night, and Jules and Carlos have come to help with whatever the young chefs need. But as soon and Jules and Carlos show up at the resort, they can tell that trouble is brewing. There are complaints that Jess, the receptionist, is often not available. The handyman, Hoff, is also unreliable. The artist who was supposed to be putting up a an installation for the restaurant opening is late. The manager Erik is unprofessional, yelling and complaining. And the fisherman who brings fresh fish each day hasn’t been seen.
Jules can see that Steph and Sterling are stressed, but she jumps in and helps with the baking while Carlos helps Sterling with the savory dishes. But it’s just the presence of their former bosses that helps bring peace to the kitchen. And while the fisherman does show up with the catch of the day, there is still a feeling of chaos in the resort that Jules knows is making the opening so much more difficult for Steph and Sterling. But when Jules goes on a walk and finds Erik’s body, she knows that there will be more chaos until the killer is found.
Will Erik’s murder destroy Steph’s and Sterling’s dream of running their own restaurant, or will Jules be able to figure out the identity of the killer and save the day, with some help from best friend Lance and her stepfather The Professor, a semi-retired detective?
Killing Me Soufflé is book twenty in Ellie Alexander’s popular Bakeshop Mystery series. Although the story is not set at the bakeshop, all the usual characters are around and pitching in to help. Whether it’s a new brownie recipe or a special coffee (decaf, for the mother-to-be) or training new chefs or helping solve a murder, all your favorite characters are here and ready to contribute to the success of two of their own. As always, the book ends with some of the delectable recipes for dishes included in the story, including Sterling’s Sunday Sauce, Breakfast Lasagna, Peach Cobbler Muffins, Chocolate Soufflé , and Andy’s Decaf Chocolate Cherry on Top Latte.
I have been a fan of the Bakeshop Mysteries for years. I am always amazed at Alexander’s ability to change up the locations of the story to feature another aspect of her beloved Oregon and her depth of understanding of food, both sweet and savory. I always have a good time with Jules and Lance, but I must admit these books do leave me hungry for comfort food and amazing pastries. I’m always a little sad not to be able to go to Torte for a meal and a box of deliciousness to take home with me, but I’m always satisfied with the plotting of the crimes and the investigations. Killing Me Soufflé is another triumph of finding a killer and making a host of delicious desserts.
Egalleys for Killing Me Soufflé were provided by Minotaur Books through NetGalley, with many thanks.
