Laura Bradford is a new-to-me author, but she has been writing Cozies as Elizabeth Lynn Casey since 2009. She has five series listed on the site, and after having read Éclair and Present Danger, I believe that I must make time to try her other series!
Winnie Johnson is having a very bad day as the book begins. She discovers that her neighbor who recently died left her a cat (who doesn’t like Winnie) and an old ambulance. Winnie was hoping that she was being left some money or at least something of great value since this is also the last day her dream bakery is open. She is being forced to close because of an increase on the rent which she cannot pay and still keep the bakery a going concern. Her bad day gets worse by far when she discovers another elderly neighbor dead — murdered.
Of course, being a Cozy series, Winnie takes it upon herself to find the killer of her neighbor. And, it turns out that there are a number of people with ample motive to want him dead. Winnie, her friend Renee and her other elderly neighbors Bridget O’Keefe and Parker Nelson (Mr. Nelson lives in the other apartment in her house) all lend a hand (to varying degrees) in the sleuthing to find the killer.
And, Winnie has the brilliant idea to turn her old ambulance into a mobile delivery van for her new idea >> the “Emergency Dessert Squad” bakery business. With Renee as her helper, Winnie uses her own home to bake the goodies with each having emergency-related names. And, then she delivers them using the ambulance. The names of the baked goods are along the lines of “You Are One Smart Cookie, Cookie”, and “Don’t-Be-Blue Berry Pie”. The business quickly becomes a great success with Bridget’s help >> Bridget writes a column in the local paper.
There are several potential romantic interests in the book for Winnie. Her friends are quite keen to see her find someone and settle down. Winnie is not so much in a hurry, but in the first book she does find someone who she likes a lot.
I enjoyed Éclair and Present Danger, and I am quite tempted to read the first book in Laura Bradford’s Amish Mystery Series soon (if I can find the time to squeeze in even more reading time!
Click here to read more posts about the most popular and recommended Cozy Mystery series.
PS: There are a bunch of recipes included at the end of the book!
Linda MH says
Hi Danna,
I’ve just finished reading the first two books in Ms. Bradford’s Tobi Tobias series–very enjoyable. I’m getting ready to start the third book. I’ve also read all the books in her Amish series. Ms. Bradford’s books are well written and always contain a good story, but it’s the characters she develops that draw me in. I’ll definitely try Eclair and Present Danger–great title!
Thanks for all you do, Danna!!! You are greatly appreciated by all who read your blog.
I hope you had a wonderful holiday! Happy New Year!!!!!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Linda, thanks for the recommendation – I’ll have to pick up the Tobi Tobias series when I’ve cleared off a few more books from my “to be read” list! It just keeps getting longer.
And, you’re welcome, and happy holidays and happy New Year to you as well!
Lori Bonkoski says
You will love her writing. I love the Amish series and the dessert squad is so fun! Make the time to read them!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Lori, I definitely plan to continue this series, and picking up the Amish series when time permits (so many books to read)!
Lora says
A Christmas Mourning, an Amish Mystery short story, was still free when I checked a moment ago.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Lora, thanks for the tip! I’ll be sure to pick it up!
Kathy Dunsmoor says
I really like this series.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Kathy, I’m glad to hear that site readers enjoy this series as much as I have (at least, so far)!
Laura Bradford says
Wow, I’m so flattered by your kind words and those of your readers, Danna. Thank you!!! The 3rd book in the Emergency Dessert Squad series–Dial M for Mousse–will be out on Jan 2nd.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Laura, thank you so much for taking the time to read the post! I’m glad that we’ll be getting a third in the series so soon!
Julia Mandeville says
Ms. Bradford – will there be a 4th book? I have ‘read’ them via Audible and they are great – my young adult daughter (she will be turning 20 the end of this month [Jan 2020]) and I love listening to these together. Your characters are so well written, I feel like they are real people.
Sherry Brown says
Hi Danna,
I have read the first two books in the Emergency Dessert squad Mystery Series too. Loved them both! Excited about book three coming out in January. Have a great day!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Sherry, I know a lot of other people feel the same way about both loving the series and looking forward to a third entry >>> including me now! And I hope you have a great day too.
Shalma S says
Ms Bradford’s Emergency Dessert Squad mystery series are funny, warm and enjoyable. Winnie, Renee, Ms O’Keefe and Mr Parker interactions with each other make you feel that they are part of your friends and neighbors. Love the series and looking forward to more.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Shalma, so am I!
Melissa says
I think that the Emergency Dessert Squad Mystery Series looks really interesting! I havent started it yet, but I plan to soon.
I am currently reading the Southern Sewing Circle Mystery Series – with a friend ( written by this author as Elizabeth Lynn Casey). I really enjoy this series!
Thanks for the review!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Melissa, I hope you enjoy the Emergency Dessert Squad Series as much as the Southern Sewing Circle Series!
Sonya says
Thank you for the recommendation! I loved all 3 books!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
You’re welcome, Sonya!