The Pumpkin Vice Cafe by Ellie Alexander

Available: September 29, 2026

Rating: 5 buns

How appropriate that our favorite baker has not one but TWO buns in the oven?! But that doesn't stop her from tracking down a killer when Lance's new wedding planner meets an untimely end.

The Bakeshop series is the coziest of the cozies. Cozy mystery, cozy bakery, cozy family, cozy home, cozy village, cozy friendships. Even the killers are a bit cozy. It's a must-read series for any cozy fan.

I did find some parts of this story a bit out there simply because of Jules's advanced stage of pregnancy. She'd be having a hard time getting around and she would hardly go around questioning suspects (especially as directly as they do in this book) while she's carrying precious cargo. On the other hand, I kind of liked how direct she and Lance were with the suspects in this book. Sometimes they hint around and there's subterfuge that goes a bit beyond what seems necessary. Jules sticks with Lance in this book and they don't beat around the bush. The whole story takes place over just a few days time and there isn't a moments lull.

After all is said and done, the killer is in custody and everyone is safe and sound (except for the victim, of course) there is a little surprise (or two). I can't wait to see what comes next! Something tells me that Jules's maternity leave from the bakery will be anything but boring.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.