Death by Chocolate Ladyfingers (A Death by Chocolate Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
9th in Series
Setting – Maine
Publisher : Kensington Cozies
Publication date : April 28, 2026
Print length : 256 pages
Hardcover
ISBN-10 : 1496744179
ISBN-13 : 978-1496744173
Kindle
ISBN-13 : 978-1496744197
ASIN : B0FKWZ3KGQ
Audiobook ASIN B0GRWZF1P9
The townsfolk of Eastport, Maine, know the best place to satisfy their sweet tooth is at Jacobia “Jake” Tiptree and Ellie White’s bakery, the Chocolate Moose. But some people living in the island town have more sinister appetites…
As the sun sets on summer in Eastport, local celebrations are in full swing—and Jake and Ellie have their hands full supplying the most decadent of desserts for Eastport High School’s Class of ’97 reunion. Unexpectedly, the gathering includes ex-spouses, Cindy Munson and Terry Lawson, seemingly reunited as a family with their precocious 6-year-old daughter, Ivy. But when Cindy’s body is discovered murdered in Lawson’s car that night, suspicion immediately falls upon the tech-financier, who was once also Eastport High’s most notorious school bully.
As the evidence stacks against him, Terry becomes the prime suspect, leaving young Ivy in the care of child services. Remembering her own experiences in foster care, Jake volunteers to look after the little girl while conducting her own investigation into the night of the dance with Ellie.
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Jacobia “Jake” Tiptree and Ellie White own and operate the Chocolate Moose in Eastport, Maine. As the summer winds down, they are busy with their daily baking and have a special order for the Eastport High School’s Class of ’97 reunion. Formerly married, Cindy Munson and Terry Lawson both attend, and it looks like they may be getting back together, which should make their 6-year-old daughter, Ivy, very happy. But before a family reunion can take place, Cindy is murdered and found in Terry’s car. Quickly, the former high school bully, now tech-financier, finds himself firmly at the top of the police’s suspect list. This leaves poor Ivy alone with child services. Jake knows what that is like, so she volunteers to foster the child herself. She is also teaming up with Ellie to do their own investigation. Will they survive to bake up more chocolate treats? Or will this be the end of The Chocolate Moose?
The story opens with Jake’s house being unusually quiet. Her husband Wade is away working, her dad and stepmother are enjoying a rare trip, and her son Sam and his family are in Portland for some medical appointments for their youngest child, so she and their dog Fala have the place to themselves. Poor, clumsy Jake does not fare well within these pages. Red ant, wasps, centipedes, slips, falls, and faceplants, plus a dangerous gas leak, all try to take her down, but that woman perseveres. It was different to have the whole family away at the start. I was happy when Bella came home. She was a huge help with Ivy. Eastport’s chief of police, Lizzie Snow, has some struggles of her own. Will she marry retired cop, Dylan Hudson? Or will she get cold feet? What a dilemma! Ms. Graves characters are very true-to-life and relatable.
Following along with Jake and Ellie is always a good time. The mystery this time brought up things that happened back in the late 90s, and how people hold on to grievances, and how people see the same things differently. Jake was dealing with some hard memories from her childhood, which added another layer to the story. She came up with a “scheme” to have the killer reveal themselves, and boy, that didn’t go as expected. But it sure turned into an exciting and terrifying experience for everyone, and it didn’t stop there. Two chapters at the end were pretty manic. I was surprised by the assist Jake received when the situation was pretty dire.
Death by Chocolate Ladyfingers is a mystery that will keep readers guessing and out of breath as the story flows quickly to the end. Entertaining characters, well-placed humor, and a well-plotted, fast-paced story held my attention from the beginning to the final page. An excellent addition to this series.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to Kensington Cozies and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
Your Escape Into A Good Book Travel Agent
About the Author
Sarah Graves lives in Eastport, Maine, in a 200-year-old house much like Jake Tiptree’s. After 20 years of home repair – and yes, it really does make you think about murder! – she has handed in her toolbox and returned to her first love: chocolate. When she’s not cooking or baking something delectable or writing about it, she tends a huge garden or shovels snow, depending upon the season.
This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using my links, I will receive a small commission from the sale at no cost to you. Thank you for supporting Escape With Dollycas.
Find All of Sarah Graves’ Books HERE.
I am giving away an ADVANCE REVIEW COPY
The contest is open to individuals 18 years of age or older.
with a US or Canadian mailing address.
Duplicate entries will be deleted. Void where prohibited.
You do not have to be a follower to enter, but I hope you will find
something you like here and become a follower.
Followers Will Receive 2 Bonus Entries For Each Way They Follow.
Plus 2 Bonus Entries For Following My Facebook Fan Page.
Subscribe to Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book via Email for 3 Bonus Entries.
Add this book to your WANT TO READ shelf on GoodReads
for 3 Bonus Entries.
Follow Kensington Books on Threads for 2 Bonus Entries!
Follow Kensington Publishing on Facebook for 2 Bonus Entries!.
Pin this giveaway to Pinterest for 3 Bonus Entries.
If you share the giveaway on Threads, Facebook, etc., you will receive 5 Bonus Entries For Each Link.
The Contest Will End on June 16, 2026, at 11:59 PM CST
The Winner Will Be Chosen Using Random.org
The Winner will be notified by email and posted here in the sidebar.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of this book. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” “As an Amazon Associate, I earn a commission from qualifying purchases.” I am also an affiliate of Bookshop.org, and I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.” These funds are often used for gift cards and other giveaways.
Discover more from Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book - Great Escapes Book Tours
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
