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pmc8133's review
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
kimdavishb's review against another edition
5.0
SIX SWEETS UNDER is the first book in the brand-new True Confections Mystery series by Sarah Fox. Set in the utterly charming Vermont town of Larch Haven, which is known for its canals and gondolas with nary a car in sight, the town exudes a cozy feel perfect for the story. The protagonist, Becca Ransom, is a former actress newly returned from L.A. back to her hometown of Larch Haven. She’s taken her place in the family-owned True Confections chocolate shop as the chocolatier. Together with her cousins, they work alongside as they take over the business from their almost retired grandparents, Lolly and Pops… who are just too adorable and shine in every scene they appear! Ms. Fox captures the comfort of the close-knit family and I enjoyed their interaction as they show their respect and love for each other. The characters are well-developed (including the darling cats, Binx and Truffles) and I especially like Dizzy, Becca’s best friend and investigating sidekick. She adds a certain pizzazz to Becca’s more cautious nature.
When the town’s gondola races in full swing, tempers flare between Pops and the town’s curmudgeon and troublemaker, Archie, who is against any type of tourism. Not long after, Archie is found murdered and Pops becomes the prime suspect. Ms. Fox does an admirable job entwining a ten-year-old unsolved disappearance of a teen girl with the current day murder. Becca has ample reason to get involved and ask questions, and I appreciated how she was subtle about going about it and not so in your face. It felt like her investigation was more organic than being forced. Given the menacing character of Archie, it didn’t come as a surprise that there were lots of suspects who might have wanted to see him gone. There are clues for the sharp reader to follow, but in the end, the twists caught me off-guard, and I guessed incorrectly. Six Sweets Under is a delicious start to a delectable cozy mystery series, filled with delightful characters in a charming and unique setting.
As the True Confections chocolatier, Becca experiments and makes delicious sounding truffles and treats. Be prepared to have chocolate on hand to nibble as you read or prepare one of the tempting recipes at the back of your book before starting.
I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
When the town’s gondola races in full swing, tempers flare between Pops and the town’s curmudgeon and troublemaker, Archie, who is against any type of tourism. Not long after, Archie is found murdered and Pops becomes the prime suspect. Ms. Fox does an admirable job entwining a ten-year-old unsolved disappearance of a teen girl with the current day murder. Becca has ample reason to get involved and ask questions, and I appreciated how she was subtle about going about it and not so in your face. It felt like her investigation was more organic than being forced. Given the menacing character of Archie, it didn’t come as a surprise that there were lots of suspects who might have wanted to see him gone. There are clues for the sharp reader to follow, but in the end, the twists caught me off-guard, and I guessed incorrectly. Six Sweets Under is a delicious start to a delectable cozy mystery series, filled with delightful characters in a charming and unique setting.
As the True Confections chocolatier, Becca experiments and makes delicious sounding truffles and treats. Be prepared to have chocolate on hand to nibble as you read or prepare one of the tempting recipes at the back of your book before starting.
I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
allibee's review against another edition
2.0
I don't want to give this book a 2 star rating because I didn't read the physical book. I listened to the audiobook and I couldn't connect with the narrator. So much so, I'm ashamed to admit this, but I DNF'd it at 80%.
There's nothing I can pin point about the narrator other than I felt SAD the entire book. The way she spoke and the rhythm of her speech put me into tears multiple times. It was very weird. That said, I'm very empathic so it's possible she read this on an off day or, perhaps, I'm a little off and kind of crazy?
I had a hard time connecting with the characters because of this I really wish I had picked up the physical copy. I think it would have been a killer book (
There's nothing I can pin point about the narrator other than I felt SAD the entire book. The way she spoke and the rhythm of her speech put me into tears multiple times. It was very weird. That said, I'm very empathic so it's possible she read this on an off day or, perhaps, I'm a little off and kind of crazy?
I had a hard time connecting with the characters because of this I really wish I had picked up the physical copy. I think it would have been a killer book (
saammdavis's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
auntbopp's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
deanapotter's review against another edition
4.0
Larch Haven is a charming and fun little town.
Becca Ransom lived her dream of being an actress in Hollywood. Now she has returned home, known as the Venice of North America to pursue another passion in her family’s chocolate shop.
Six Sweets Under is a fun and interesting, cozy mystery. The setting alone got me with this one. The town is completely charming and unique to say the least. Canals instead of streets, gondolas instead of cars, they really pride themselves on being known as the Venice of North America. A tight knit community with some interesting and charismatic characters. The confections that Becca creates in her family's shop are absolutely delectable. She also has an incredible sense of loyalty when it comes to her family. Which we see fully when her grandfather becomes a suspect when a local man is found dead. Becca does everything in her power to help prove her grandfather's innocence. The mystery could have been a bit stronger, but this was a fabulous introduction to what the series could be.
All in all, Six Sweets Under is a fantastic beginning to what could be an amazing, cozy mystery. You have great characters and an atmosphere that makes you want to step foot into the pages to be a part of.
Becca Ransom lived her dream of being an actress in Hollywood. Now she has returned home, known as the Venice of North America to pursue another passion in her family’s chocolate shop.
Six Sweets Under is a fun and interesting, cozy mystery. The setting alone got me with this one. The town is completely charming and unique to say the least. Canals instead of streets, gondolas instead of cars, they really pride themselves on being known as the Venice of North America. A tight knit community with some interesting and charismatic characters. The confections that Becca creates in her family's shop are absolutely delectable. She also has an incredible sense of loyalty when it comes to her family. Which we see fully when her grandfather becomes a suspect when a local man is found dead. Becca does everything in her power to help prove her grandfather's innocence. The mystery could have been a bit stronger, but this was a fabulous introduction to what the series could be.
All in all, Six Sweets Under is a fantastic beginning to what could be an amazing, cozy mystery. You have great characters and an atmosphere that makes you want to step foot into the pages to be a part of.
thisandthatwithkaren's review against another edition
5.0
“Six Sweets Under” by Sarah Fox the 1st instalment in the "True Confections Mystery" series. I love Sarah’s writing style and totally loved her Literary Pub Mystery series as well as the Pancake House Mystery series, so knew I wouldn't be disappointed! What a great start to a new series! I loved it
I really enjoyed visiting Larch Haven , and the True Confections shop. Sarah is very good at descriptive writing so you feel like you’re right there walking along the canals or riding in a gondola and seeing the picturesque cottages. I know I would love to live there.
Everyone knows I’m a sucker for furbabies in my cozies so when you have two mischievous cats named Truffles and Binx, I was okay I’m in love. Another thing I enjoyed was the relationship between Becca and her grandparents Lilly and Pops, as well her bff Dizzy and her high school crush Sawyer.
I wasnt surprised by what happened to Archie but having all those suspects drew me in and I had to find out what happened to him! Since Becca makes the chocolates, she has free time to slip out and investigate with her bff Dizzy even though Sawyer tells them to stay out of the police investigation.
It was entertaining, full of twists and turns and I didn’t completely guess whodunnit until Becca did. plus all the descriptions of the chocolates made my mouth water. Recipes in the back of book…
I highly recommend this series to all my cozy loving friends and I can’t wait for book 2 to come out!
All thoughts and opinions are my OWN.
I really enjoyed visiting Larch Haven , and the True Confections shop. Sarah is very good at descriptive writing so you feel like you’re right there walking along the canals or riding in a gondola and seeing the picturesque cottages. I know I would love to live there.
Everyone knows I’m a sucker for furbabies in my cozies so when you have two mischievous cats named Truffles and Binx, I was okay I’m in love. Another thing I enjoyed was the relationship between Becca and her grandparents Lilly and Pops, as well her bff Dizzy and her high school crush Sawyer.
I wasnt surprised by what happened to Archie but having all those suspects drew me in and I had to find out what happened to him! Since Becca makes the chocolates, she has free time to slip out and investigate with her bff Dizzy even though Sawyer tells them to stay out of the police investigation.
It was entertaining, full of twists and turns and I didn’t completely guess whodunnit until Becca did. plus all the descriptions of the chocolates made my mouth water. Recipes in the back of book…
I highly recommend this series to all my cozy loving friends and I can’t wait for book 2 to come out!
All thoughts and opinions are my OWN.
elyssam's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Good cozy mystery! I honestly probably should’ve paid attention a little bit better in the middle but I honestly didn’t see the ending coming haha
mayeisla's review
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25