Step into the delectable world of the Bakeshop Mysteries, where murder is served with a side of mouthwatering pastries! Penned by Ellie Alexander, this cozy mystery series whisks readers to Ashland, Oregon, home of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival and Torte, a charming family bakery. Follow Juliet 'Jules' Capshaw, a pastry chef with a knack for solving crimes, as she whips up sweet treats and unravels small-town secrets.
With a perfect blend of culinary delights, heartwarming romance, and intriguing whodunits, the Bakeshop Mysteries offer a recipe for cozy reading bliss. Whether you’re a fan of amateur sleuths or simply crave a story that pairs coffee with crime, this series is baked to perfection.
How Bakeshop Mysteries Began
Ellie Alexander, a Pacific Northwest native with a passion for baking and storytelling, launched the Bakeshop Mysteries in 2014 under her pen name (she also writes as Kate Dyer-Seeley). Inspired by her love for cozy coffee-shop culture and the vibrant town of Ashland, Alexander crafted a series that celebrates community, food, and clever mysteries. Her culinary background shines through, with each book featuring recipes that tie into the plot, inviting readers to bake alongside Jules.
The Heart of Bakeshop Mysteries
The series kicks off with Meet Your Baker (2014), where Jules returns to Ashland after a heartbreak, only to find a customer dead at Torte. As she investigates, she reconnects with her high-school sweetheart, Thomas, adding a dash of romance to the suspense. In A Batter of Life and Death (2015), Jules enters a reality TV baking show, but a contestant’s murder turns the competition deadly. Chilled to the Cone (2021) sees Jules launching a pop-up ice cream shop, only to stumble upon a street performer’s murder. The latest, Killing Me Soufflé (2022), marks the 20th book, proving the series’ staying power.
Set against Ashland’s picturesque backdrop, the Bakeshop Mysteries weave themes of healing, family, and resilience. Jules’ journey from heartbreak to self-discovery resonates with readers, while the vivid descriptions of Torte’s raspberry lemon tarts and mint mojito cold brews leave them hungry for more. Alexander’s light, humorous tone and knack for suspense make each book a page-turner, with recipes adding a unique, interactive charm.
Why Bakeshop Mysteries Resonates
The Bakeshop Mysteries have carved a niche in the cozy mystery genre, praised for their 'delicious' storytelling by RT Book Reviews and 'delectable' charm by Portland Book Review. Fans adore the series’ warm community vibes and Jules’ relatable growth, while bakers appreciate the authentic recipes. With over 20 books and a loyal following, Alexander’s series continues to captivate, offering an escape into a world where mysteries are solved over a warm scone.
- First Book: Meet Your Baker (2014)
- Number of Books: 22 (as of 2025)
- Setting: Ashland, Oregon
- Genre: Cozy Mystery
Grab Meet Your Baker and dive into the Bakeshop Mysteries’ scrumptious world of cozy crime-solving!