Nothing Bundt Trouble: A Bakeshop Mystery

Nothing Bundt Trouble by Ellie Alexander is the 11th A Bakeshop Mystery. It can be read on its own if you are new to this culinary mystery series. Juliet “Jules” Capshaw found her deceased father’s journal in a box in the basement. She reads how he was conflicted about getting involved in The Pastry Case and decides to discuss it with Doug (aka Professor) who was her father’s best friend. Ashland, Oregon is always a charming town to visit with Torte, the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, and its friendly residents (except Richard Lord). I like the family feel inside Torte, among the staff, and the descriptions of the tasty treats they whip up. Nothing Bundt Trouble is different from the other ten books in this series. Roughly two-thirds of the book involves Doug and Jules sitting at a table in Torte reading William Capshaw’s journal. Jules seems to go into a haze while they are reading. She fails to notice the lively atmosphere of Torte with people coming in and out getting coffee and pastries. The pacing is sluggish courtesy of the detailed journal entries and lack of action. With all that William had going on in his life, I do not know how he found the time to write such lengthy, detailed entries (would you really write about the food people ate). I missed the lightheartedness that is the norm for the books in A Bakeshop Mystery series. When the story returns to the present Jules and Lance work to solve the case. Chuck Faraday was not a well-liked man which provides some good suspects. The whodunit can be solved easily before the reveal. I did like getting to know more about William. We also get to learn what Helen and Jules were like in 1988. It seems that Jules was inquisitive even as a child. The 1980s gives Jules inspiration for a fun party. Nothing Bundt Trouble just missed the mark for me. I look forward to reading Chilled to the Cone when it comes out later this year. Nothing Bundt Trouble is a blast from the past cozy mystery with a discovered diary, fabulous sugar flowers, clashes at the Cabaret, decorating dilemmas, and a cold case.