Order of Cupcake Bakery Mystery Book Series

The "Cupcake Bakery Mystery" series by Jenn McKinlay is a delightful blend of cozy mystery and culinary charm, set against the vibrant backdrop of a bustling cupcake bakery. Follow the adventures of heroine Melanie Cooper, an aspiring baker and cupcake aficionado, as she navigates the sweet world of baking amid a series of mysterious and often humorous crimes.

Each installment whisks readers into engaging whodunits, filled with twists, quirky characters, and delectable recipes that are sure to tantalize both the taste buds and the intellect. With a mix of friendship, romance, and small-town charm, Melanie and her friends unearth clues and solve puzzling mysteries, all while whipping up their signature sweets and indulging in the joys of baking.

From muffin mishaps to cupcake catastrophes, this series invites readers to savor each story like a perfectly baked treat. With its enticing combination of mystery, charm, and mouth-watering culinary delights, the "Cupcake Bakery Mystery" series is a must-read for fans of cozy mysteries and anyone who loves the art of baking. Enjoy the perfect escape with each book that promises to keep you guessing until the very last page!

Order of Cupcake Bakery Mystery Series

# Title Year Rating Book Link
1Sprinkle with Murder
By: Jenn McKinlay
2010Amazon.com
2Buttercream Bump Off
By: Jenn McKinlay
2011Amazon.com
3Death by the Dozen
By: Jenn McKinlay
2011Amazon.com
4Red Velvet Revenge
By: Jenn McKinlay
2012Amazon.com
5Going, Going, Ganache
By: Jenn McKinlay
20134.6Amazon.com
6Sugar and Iced
By: Jenn McKinlay
2014Amazon.com
7Dark Chocolate Demise
By: Jenn McKinlay
20154.6Amazon.com
8Vanilla Beaned
By: Jenn McKinlay
20164.6Amazon.com
9Caramel Crush
By: Jenn McKinlay
2017Amazon.com
10Wedding Cake Crumble
By: Jenn McKinlay
2018Amazon.com
11Dying for Devil's Food
By: Jenn McKinlay
2019Amazon.com
12Pumpkin Spice Peril
By: Jenn McKinlay
2020Amazon.com
13For Batter or Worse
By: Jenn McKinlay
20214.8Amazon.com
14Strawberried Alive
By: Jenn McKinlay
20224.7Amazon.com
15Sugar Plum Poisoned
By: Jenn McKinlay
2023Amazon.com
16Fondant Fumble
By: Jenn McKinlay
2024Amazon.com

Cupcake Bakery Mystery Series Books Description

The "Cupcake Bakery Mystery" series by Jenn McKinlay follows the adventures of Melanie Cooper and her friend Angie, who run a cupcake bakery in the fictional town of Scottsdale, Arizona. The series combines cozy mystery elements with delightful baking themes. Below is a brief description of each book in the series:

  1. "Sprinkle with Murder" (2009) - In the first book of the series, Melanie and Angie find themselves embroiled in a murder investigation when a local food critic is found dead at the bakery. As they try to clear their names and save their business, they uncover secrets that lead them deeper into the world of cupcakes and crime.

  2. "Buttercream Bump Off" (2010) - In the second installment, the Cupcake Bakery is hosting a fundraiser, but when one of the event's organizers is murdered, Melanie and Angie must race against time to find the killer before their bakery is shut down for good.

  3. "Cherry Bluff Murder" (2011) - Melanie and Angie head to Cherry Bluff for a cupcake competition, but when one of the judges is found dead, they’re once again pulled into a web of mystery. They must gather clues from the other competitors to solve the crime and protect their sweet reputation.

  4. "Vanilla Beaned" (2012) - The bakery is prepping for the annual Sweet Tooth Festival when a guest at the festival ends up dead. Melanie and Angie are on the case, facing off against rival bakers and digging through layers of deception to find the truth.

  5. "Rate the Bake" (2013) - As Melanie takes part in a baking competition, tensions rise when a scandal threatens to ruin everything. When the host is found dead, Melanie must sift through the competition to find out who had motive to kill and ensure that justice is served.

  6. "Sweet Revenge" (2014) - This installment has Melanie and her friends looking to save their business while facing off against a new threat that arrives in town. As the competition heats up, the stakes soar, leading to another intriguing mystery.

  7. "Fudge & Jury" (2015) - This time, Melanie finds herself serving jury duty on a case that hits too close to home. With ties to her cupcake business and her personal life, she must navigate the intricacies of the legal system to uncover the truth.

  8. "Going, Going, Dead" (2016) - In a race against time, Melanie must figure out who’s responsible for a death at a local event that ties back to her bakery. With friendship and loyalty on the line, she digs deep to solve the mystery.

  9. "The Icing on the Cupcake" (2017) - Amidst preparations for a cupcake event, another murder occurs, leading Melanie and her friends on a journey filled with baking and danger. They must find a way to separate cake from chaos.

  10. "Muffin But Murder" (2018) - In this book, Melanie and Angie are once again on the case when one of their customers is found dead. As they hunt for clues, they confront their own vulnerabilities and the dark side of their beloved town.

Each book features a blend of light-hearted humor, engaging character development, and intricate plotting typical of cozy mysteries, coupled with mouth-watering cupcake recipes and baking tips. The series is well-received for its charm and engaging storytelling, making it a pleasure for fans of cozy mysteries and baking alike.

Who are the main characters of Cupcake Bakery Mystery Series

The "Cupcake Bakery Mystery" series by Jenn McKinlay features a delightful cast of characters, centered around a cupcake bakery combined with intriguing mysteries. Here are the main characters:

  1. Melanie Cooper: The protagonist of the series, Melanie is a talented baker and co-owner of the cupcake bakery, "Fairy Tale Cupcakes." She is often drawn into solving mysteries that arise around her and showcases a mix of determination, wit, and a strong sense of justice. Melanie is relatable and endearing, with a passion for baking and a deep care for her friends and loved ones.

  2. Angie Turner: Melanie's best friend and business partner, Angie is a fun-loving character with a charismatic personality. She often provides comic relief in the series and supports Melanie in both baking and sleuthing. Angie has a vibrant and outgoing nature, making her a beloved companion in their adventures.

  3. Tessa: Another friend and a significant part of the cupcake shop, Tessa brings a friendly dynamic to the group. She, like Melanie and Angie, is fiercely loyal and adds depth to their friendships. Her character often contributes to the emotional aspects of the narrative.

  4. Detective Joe McGarry: The local detective who often finds himself reluctantly working with Melanie on murder cases. He is initially skeptical of her involvement but ultimately respects her instincts and capabilities. Their interactions add an element of tension and potential romantic interest throughout the series.

  5. Mrs. Murphy: The bakery's quirky and lovable neighborhood customer, Mrs. Murphy serves as a source of wisdom and often provides insight into the community’s gossip. She’s a charming character who adds warmth to the story and frequently brightens the atmosphere at the cupcake shop.

  6. Stacie: Melanie's rival, who also runs a competing bakery in the area. Stacie's character embodies the competitive spirit and tension that can arise in small-town dynamics, adding layers to the overarching narrative as she occasionally becomes involved in the mysteries.

The "Cupcake Bakery Mystery" series combines a cozy mystery setting with lighthearted baking themes, and these characters play crucial roles in enhancing the charm and intrigue of the story. Their friendships, challenges, and experiences make the series enjoyable for readers.

Interesting facts about Cupcake Bakery Mystery Series

The "Cupcake Bakery Mystery" series is a delightful cozy mystery series written by Jenn McKinlay. Here are some interesting facts about the series:

  1. Premise: The series revolves around two best friends, Melanie and Angie, who run a cupcake bakery in Scottsdale, Arizona. When murder happens in their town, they often find themselves embroiled in the investigations.

  2. Character Development: The main character, Melanie Cooper, is a fun and relatable protagonist who juggles her bakery business and her penchant for solving mysteries. The series explores her relationships, including romantic interests and friendships, adding depth to the storyline.

  3. Food Themes: Each book features a variety of cupcake recipes and culinary delights, making the series appealing not only to mystery readers but also to food lovers. Many readers enjoy trying out the recipes included in the books.

  4. Prolific Author: Jenn McKinlay is known for her prolific writing. In addition to the "Cupcake Bakery Mystery" series, she has written several other cozy mystery series, such as the "Library Lover's Mysteries" and "The Hat Shop Mysteries," showcasing her versatility as an author.

  5. Whimsical Titles: The titles of the books in the series often play on words and reflect the baking theme, which adds an element of fun. For instance, titles include "Sprinkle with Murder," "Delicious Death," and "Sugar and Vice."

  6. Culinary Skills: Jenn's passion for baking lends an authentic touch to the story, as she incorporates her knowledge of cupcakes and baking techniques into the plot, enhancing the reader’s experience.

  7. Engagement with Readers: Jenn McKinlay actively engages with her readers through social media and book tours, often sharing recipes and insights into her writing process, which fosters a strong community around her works.

  8. Popularity: The series has garnered a loyal following due to its charming characters, engaging mysteries, and mouth-watering culinary descriptions, making it a staple in the cozy mystery genre.

  9. Adaptations: Although there have been no major adaptations of the series as of my last knowledge update in October 2023, cozy mystery series often attract interest for potential adaptations into TV shows or movies because of their lighthearted nature and strong character-driven plots.

These aspects make the "Cupcake Bakery Mystery" series a delightful read for fans of cozy mysteries and baking enthusiasts alike!