Macarons and Murder [A Yolanda’s Yummery Cozy Mystery, Book 4] – Book Trailer

 By Lisa Maliga, copyright 2024

Macarons, paperback, and teacup are photographed by Lisa Maliga, copyright 2024.

In the heart of Yolanda’s Yummery, love is in the air as macarons are baking for Valentine’s Day. But when someone she knows is found dead in a nearby dumpster, Yolanda Carter’s world crumbles. Teaming up with Detective Winston Churchill, Yolanda sets out to uncover the truth behind the sinister murder.

I’ve included three new reviews from readers who were kind enough to read my ARC.

Yolanda’s Yummery is filled with excitement as she prepares for Valentine’s Day by baking exquisite French macarons. That night’s TV appearance on America’s Best Bakeries will further benefit the yummery. But the festive spirit is shattered when a shocking discovery is made—a friend’s body is found in a nearby dumpster. Struggling to cope with the tragedy, Yolanda Carter partners with  Detective Winston Churchill to find the killer. Surrounded by a cast of potential suspects, including her boyfriend, Nigel Garvey, Yolanda balances running her yummery, gearing up for the first anniversary celebration, and uncovering the truth.

With love, betrayal, and hidden agendas swirling around her, Yolanda embarks on a dangerous journey to untangle a web of deceit. This story weaves together elements of romance and suspense. Will she solve the mystery before it leads to her own downfall?

“Macarons and Murder” includes recipes for French macarons and cupcakes!

Book link: Macarons and Murder [A Yolanda’s Yummery Cozy Mystery, Book 4]. Available in eBook, paperback and Amazon Audible formats. The Yolanda’s Yummery Cozy Mystery series can be purchased at most online bookstores, including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple, Kobo and many more.

VIDEO

READER REVIEWS

“A new line of baked goods at the store, new employees struggling to fit in, and another murder mystery to solve; it`s all in a day`s work for Yolanda Carter. What a shame the busiest sales day of the year, Valentine`s Day, is marred by the discovery of a body in a dumpster behind the building, even more so when comes to light that Yolanda knows the deceased, and negative, libelous reviews are threatening to ruin her livlihood. Pace, plot, and action are stepped up in Lisa Maliga`s newest installment, and, although still qualifying as a cosy, it is yet much appreciated.
I love following along as the seasons change in the yummery – after reading the fourth book in the series, it`s beginning to feel a lot like home: I care about these characters and their trials and triumphs.”
Reviewed by Cindy Topp, GoodReads reviewer

“This was a real ‘feel good’ story. I love the protagonist Yolanda who with her entourage of friends and family, manages to have the most hair-raising adventures.
Her ongoing love interests are intriguing too, as is the gruesome murder of someone she knew that she decides to investigate.
I really look forward to the next book in the series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.”
Reviewed by Geraldine Lopez, BookBub reviewer

“Yolanda Carter owns a bakery called Yolanda’s Yummery. A dead body is found in her dumpster and competition is trying to use that by ruining her business. She feels she has to find out who killed her friend Mike to stop all the rumors trying to put her out of business. This was a very well written book. Suspenseful up to the very end. Hard to put down. Highly recommend it.”
Reviewed by Renee, November 5, 2024

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The Winning Brownie Recipe from “The Great Brownie Taste-off”

 By Lisa Maliga, copyright 2024

Ten years ago I wrote the first book in what would become a [so far] 4-book cozy mystery series. It was more sweet romance than cozy mystery, but I was pleased with the story and the second book in the series was a proper cozy mystery story.

The changes made to “The Great Brownie Taste-off” include removing some extraneous descriptions and backstory, getting rid of the magical secret ingredient, and having a more realistic relationship between Yolanda and Zac. And I kept refining that brownie recipe until I really liked it. It’s not my favorite dessert or snack, but now I appreciate a good, hot brownie fresh out of the oven.

Please scroll down to see the recipe and watch the video tutorial.

"The Great Brownie Taste-off" Book Description

Cat shelter employee Yolanda Carter loves her job, but her dream is to own her own bakery. Living in Sherman Oaks, California with her tuxedo cat, her only outlet is baking treats for her friends, coworkers and family.

Her situation changes when her high school friend, Teagan Mishkin, drops by to tell her about an incredible job opportunity that will give Yolanda enough money to launch her bakery.

The job interview takes an unexpected turn and Yolanda stumbles across a scheme to close the cat shelter. She concocts a sweet plan to save the shelter and share her decadent brownies in the Great Brownie Taste-off. Assisted by her artisan parents, friends, and coworkers, will she win the taste-off and save the cats?

Link to all versions of THE GREAT BROWNIE TASTE-OFF
Do you like listening to books? The Great Brownie Taste-off is available on Amazon Audible.

THE WINNING RECIPE!

INGREDIENTS:

• 1/2 cup [1 stick] unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup organic coconut palm sugar
• 2 eggs [room temperature]
• 1/2 cup [4 ounces] dark chocolate
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, sifted
• 2 Tablespoons cocoa powder, Dutch processed, sifted

INSTRUCTIONS:

• Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
• Grease your pan with butter.
• Sift the cocoa powder and flour together in a small bowl. Set aside.
• Chop up chocolate if using a bar. Melt chocolate and butter together over a double boiler. Use low heat to ensure the chocolate doesn’t seize.
• In a large bowl, add the sugar.
• Add an egg, mix well, then add the second egg and mix well.
• Stir in melted butter and chocolate mixture.
• Gently fold in flour and cocoa powder, until combined. Add the vanilla extract.
• Pour mixture into pan and bake for 30-35 minutes. Let the brownies cool completely. Cut into squares.
• Enjoy.  

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