Step into the deliciously thrilling world of the Death by Chocolate series, where chocolate chip cookies hide secrets and every mystery comes with a side of humor! Written by Sally Berneathy, this cozy mystery saga follows Lindsay Powell, a sassy Kansas City chocolatier who trades spatulas for sleuthing to solve crimes in her quirky neighborhood. With delectable desserts and a cast of lovable oddballs, it’s a recipe for suspense and laughter.
Blending the warmth of a small-town vibe with the intrigue of murder and mayhem, Death by Chocolate serves up stories that are as addictive as Lindsay’s brownies. Whether you’re a cozy mystery fan or just craving a light, engaging read, this series promises to satisfy your sweet tooth for adventure.
How Death by Chocolate Began
Sally Berneathy, a USA Today bestselling author, launched the Death by Chocolate series in 2011, drawing on her love for storytelling and chocolate. Growing up in rural Oklahoma, Berneathy was steeped in family tales told under starry skies, which inspired her knack for weaving humor and heart into mysteries. The series was born from her desire to create a fun, female-led cozy mystery set in Kansas City, Missouri, where chocolate becomes both a comfort and a clue. Berneathy’s background in romance novels gave her the tools to craft relatable characters, but her shift to mysteries let her explore darker, wittier plots.
The Heart of Death by Chocolate
The series kicks off with Death by Chocolate (2011), where Lindsay Powell, owner of the Death by Chocolate café, dives into danger to save her secretive friend Paula from a stalker who vanishes. In Murder, Lies, and Chocolate (2012), a man drops dead after eating Lindsay’s brownies, sparking a hunt for a killer obsessed with her tiny house. The Great Chocolate Scam (2012) sees Lindsay inherit her ex-husband Rick’s estate after his explosive demise, only to face his shady family’s schemes. Fatal Chocolate Obsession (2015) turns darker as Lindsay grapples with a stalker leaving creepy gifts and a murder behind her shop.
Themes of friendship, resilience, and community shine through, wrapped in Berneathy’s sarcastic humor and vivid Kansas City setting. Lindsay’s chocolate creations, like Murdered Man’s Brownies, tie into the plots, while her bonds with Fred, a mysterious computer nerd, and Trent, her detective boyfriend, add heart and tension. The series’ fast-paced style and quirky characters, including King Henry the attack cat, make it a standout in the cozy mystery genre.
Why Death by Chocolate Resonates
Death by Chocolate has carved a niche among cozy mystery fans for its blend of humor, suspense, and chocolatey charm. Readers praise Lindsay’s relatable spunk and the laugh-out-loud moments, with reviews calling the series “addictive” and “a delightful escape.” Its impact lies in its ability to balance lighthearted fun with complex mysteries, appealing to those who love Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum or Diane Mott Davidson’s culinary mysteries. The series’ enduring appeal comes from its quirky cast and Berneathy’s knack for keeping readers guessing.
- First Published: 2011
- Number of Books: 8
- Setting: Kansas City, Missouri
- Genre: Cozy Mystery
Grab Death by Chocolate and dive into a world of sweet treats and thrilling mysteries! Whether you’re savoring Lindsay’s cookies or unraveling a killer’s plot, this series is your perfect cozy escape.