Cake, Crime, & Cocker Spaniels: A Christmas-in-July Cozy Mystery
By Gayle M. Irwin (Waggin’ Tales Inspirational Pet Stories, 2026)
Genre: Fiction – Cozy Mystery
Pages (Print): 138
Note: We received a complimentary copy of this book for honest review.
Only in Willow Creek Springs, Montana, could Christmas music in July accompany emotional devastation, she thought.
Whatever else is going on in Willow Creek Springs, Montana, one thing is for sure: Someone doesn’t want Kendra “Kenny” Hayes re-opening her grandmother’s bakery. Or competing in the annual Reindeer Bake-Off. But who? And why?
With mystery baking in the oven and romance rising like yeast, this cozy read serves up a heapin’ helpin of secrets, sabotage, small town charm, plenty of heart, and best of all, dogs! It’s simply dee-lish-ous!
Colorado was beautiful, but Montana had felt more like home, especially when Granny was alive. Could Willow Creek Springs feel that way again without her beloved grandmother and after what just transpired at the bakery?
Here are the basic ingredients:
When Kendra Hayes inherits her grandmother’s bakery in a small Montana town, she trades her corporate marketing life for the small community near Yellowstone National Park that she loved as a teenager. But days before the Jolly July Jamboree and second round of the annual Reindeer Bake-Off heritage baking competition, her grandmother’s treasured family recipes disappear.
With the help of her genius cocker spaniel, Olive, (Kimber: Probably a cousin), Kendra dives into the mystery. But without a long-time family recipe, she can’t compete in the prize-winning round. And she can’t re-open Grandma Mary’s Mountain Heather Sweets Bakery. More trouble’s cooking when someone sets fire to the bakery.
Childhood friend Liam McCallister—now a rugged carpenter and outdoor guide—steps up to help with repairs and cleanup. He soon adds sleuthing to his skill set as he, Kendra, and Olive uncover clues and discover hidden records. Was Kendra’s beloved Granny involved in a mystery of her own? And what’s that strange smell coming from the Bouchard Ranch barn? Was Granny really buying a special flour from the Bouchard Ranch, or… something else? (Kimber: Turns out you can tell a lot from a basic biscuit recipe. And that’s all we’re gonna say about that. To find out more, you’ll have to read the book yourself, Buster.)
This book grabbed us in Chapter One and didn’t let go until the final page. It’s a warm and winsome blend of homespun storytelling, family, legacy, love, mystery, and sweet treats, all served up in clever and convincing fashion. Indeed, this sweet whodunit will keep you guessing – and turning pages – until the very end.
Speaking of the end – sort of – we loved how the author “tucks in the tail” in the final chapter, wrapping up details like icing on a cake. A really yummy one.
“This was our grandmother’s pride and joy,” Emily said. “No one is going to destroy her legacy and hard work. Not on our watch.” (Kimber: You go, girl!)
One thing we didn’t love – and the first thing we noticed right out of the kennel – is the type font. It’s way too small. Especially for She Who Is Older Than Dirt. And other dinosaurs. Better to increase the type size for improved readability than to make us squint. Got that, Cupcake?
That being said, this book is like a loaf of rye rehearsing for opening night — every crumb in character, every crust hitting its cue. It’s like a cinnamon roll whose swirl never strays. Entertaining and engaging, reading this book is like biting into a biscuit baked to a perfect golden brown. Fresh from the oven. All warm and fluffy and slathered with butter…
This book is as addictive as chocolate. Or a certain “red” cake. We read it cover-to-cover in one sitting. Kimber: One of us gained like five pounds just reading it. So, you might want to BYO fork and plate. Maybe two. You may also want to join Weight Watchers by Chapter 21. Just sayin’ again.
Pages & Paws 