| Title | : | Into the Sweet Hereafter (Vintage Sweets Mysteries Book 3) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 1516105427 |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9781516105427 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Kindle Edition |
| Number of Pages | : | 231 |
| Publication | : | Published March 9, 2021 |
Tally Holt is thrilled to see her new replicas of vintage sweets displayed in the window of Bella’s Baskets, a gift basket shop owned by her friend, Yolanda Bella. There’s just one problem—the creations appear to be melting. The ladies assume the culprit is the broiling heat of the Texas sun—until that night, the store window is smashed, and there’s only one thing missing: the replicas.
Tally is positively stumped. Clearly, the useless fake candies are more special than she bargained for—but why? When a rash of seemingly unrelated burglaries sweeps through the area, Tally is determined to sleuth out the answer—and stop a thief from killing more than the town’s appetite . . .
Into the Sweet Hereafter (Vintage Sweets Mysteries Book 3) Reviews
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Revenge Is Sweet, Deadly Sweet Tooth and Into the Sweet Hereafter by Kaye George are the first three books of the cozy Vintage Sweets Mysteries series. Each book of the series does contain it’s own mystery to be solved so they can be read as a standalone or in any order if choosing to do so. There is however some character development that carries over from book to book for those that read the series from the beginning.
The Vintage Sweets Mysteries series features Tally Holt who owns Tally’s Olde Tyme Sweets in Fredericksburg, Texas where she recreates her grandmother’s old recipes. Tally is good friends with the owner of the shop next door, Bella’s Baskets, Yolanda Bella. Tally and Yolanda’s first adventure in nabbing a murderer came when Tally found a body in her kitchen that had been stabbed with Yolanda’s scissors so of course they need to cross themselves off the suspect list. From the on Tally and Bella have had to again and again track down murderers in the quaint town.
The Vintage Sweets Mysteries series is another cozy mystery series that really seems to have all the things I could ask for in a mystery series but yet I still found myself walking away thinking just that was alright. There was just a spark missing that really pulls me into loving cozy series and I thought perhaps it was just having more characters and shorter stories that didn’t give a lot of chance for depth but even after reading the first three I just wasn’t wowed and that the were just ok mysteries.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit
https://carriesbookreviews.com/ -
Love it! Another great addition, and such an interesting topic!
I’m excited to announce that I will be interviewing Kaye George on Sunday March 21 @ 2 pm Es time. This will be live in my YouTube channel the Beachbum bookworm...please come join us, the discussion, ask questions, and have fun!
Hope to see you there!
https://t.co/Jx58B4KNW5?amp=1
Tiffany -
Into the Sweet Hereafter is the third book in the “Vintage Sweets Mysteries” series. Tally a candy maker, and Yolanda a gift basket creator have another mystery on their hands, and before long, a body. When someone breaks into a window display and steals plastic replicas of Tally's candy, it makes no sense until they discover that the plastic candy held valuable Jade hidden inside.
Like most people, I enjoy a cozy where there is yummy food, especially candy, a great love interest, and a well-written who-dun-it with plenty of suspects and red herrings. But it takes more than these things to make a good book. It also takes characters that readers enjoy reading about, little to no confusion about what the main characters are doing, and a mystery that has the elements needed to keep people guessing, the who, what, where, how, and why, if you will. This book, and the series in general, hit on these needed aspects sometimes, but they miss more often than not on some of the more important details. In this instance, there's a little of both, hits on some, misses on others.
There are times throughout this book that readers may not know what is going on or who and what the characters are talking about. Tally makes vintage candy, and Yolanda creates gift baskets for all occasions in their individual shops, but a few times, I couldn’t tell the difference. Neither girl’s shop played a big enough role. There is too much repetition throughout the story as they go back and forth between the two main characters describing and speculating, as well as retelling the same information separately. There is not enough investigating, with characters and suspects that are sort of in the background and yet not a part of the overall intrigue, and there is no secret about who the culprit is; this is plain from the very beginning. Although, this book was better than the first one, Into the Sweet Hereafter leaves a lot to be desired.
However, if readers can get past the redundancies, the unnecessary doublespeak, the lack of any real mystery, and the characters who jump to conclusions faster than a speeding bullet, they may find that they enjoy this short read. The baskets Yolanda design always sound beautiful, Tally’s candy is described deliciously with recipes in the back, and a few of the characters such as Lisa, Molly, and Mrs. Greg are worth the time spent reading this book. -
It wasn't until I started reading this that I realized this was book 3 and I haven't read the other 2 books. So I would say it would've helped a bit to read the earlier books, but only to help understand and "know" the characters, but it didn't hinder being able to follow along with the events in this book.
But all that aside, this was an enjoyable and light cozy mystery. I enjoyed the plot; smuggling and burglary isn't one I usually see in a cozy, so it was a nice change and added lots of intrigue. The change in viewpoints wasn't confusing at all, I didn't find it difficult to switch between Tally and Yo, as it was very well delinated and the "tone" did change well enough that you could tell them apart.
What I liked best is you knew the who but not the how, so it was great fun following Yolanda and Tilly as they followed the clues and the ending made for a satisfying read.
I'll go back and read the first two books at some point, and I'm looking forward to spending more time in Fredricksburg, TX with the gang.
Thank you to Netgalley and Kensington book for an advance copy to read and review. -
"Into the Sweet Hereafter" by Kaye George is a solidly-written cozy mystery. It utilizes all the expected elements, like a heroine with an interesting job (Tally, candy shop owner), a great friend/side-kick (Yolanda), a possibly law-enforcement love interest (Jackson), and a cute pet (Nigel). However, Ms. George offers the reader some unique elements that, while still fitting within the cozy genre, really make this book stand out.
For one, parts of the story are told from both Tally's and Yolanda's perspectives. This isn't often done in cozies, and I really appreciated getting to see people and events through different sets of eyes. I felt this technique also added depth to the secondary/best friend character, and I enjoyed getting to know Yolanda every bit as much as Tally.
A second unique element was the international intrigue. While some cozies are set outside the US, I think this is the first one I've read where the crimes being investigated had roots overseas. I liked this added twist, and thought it made the book a touch edgier than a typical cozy. The potential danger seemed more real, even though there was no graphic content. The blood jewels storyline made for an interesting change from the usual cozy plot, and I was happy to discover something a bit different.
Lastly, the reader knows from the beginning who is behind the crimes. While some of the specific details remain mysterious, you'll be shown up front who the guilty party is. It was interesting to observe Tally and Yolanda work their way through the clues to reach a conclusion that had already been revealed.
All in all, an excellent book. I enjoyed all the standard cozy elements, but especially appreciated the unique touches Ms. George brought to the story to make it stand out within the genre.
Five out of five chunks of perfect provolone! -
I really enjoyed Into the Sweet Hereafter! This is the story of two friends, Tally and Yolanda, who run complimentary businesses. Due to a shipping mishap, they end up involved in an international gem smuggling situation.
The characters were great! Both Tally and Yolanda are interesting people, with lots of good traits, but also room to grow. I also enjoyed the inclusion of siblings Colin and Violetta, if only by phone. There were plenty of characters and suspects, but I never had trouble keeping everyone straight and following what was going on. Of note, I have NOT read previous books in the series, and still had no trouble keeping up.
The mystery made sense, and there were plenty of clues along the way for Tally and Yolanda to follow. It was interesting that part of the reveal was shown at the beginning, so it was fun to watch the ladies try to figure out what I already knew. Once everything was made known, it all made perfect sense.
I look forward to seeing where Tally's business goes from here, and what happens with her next mystery.
Thank you to the Cozy Mystery Review Crew on Facebook for arranging for me to receive a free paper copy. -
4.5 stars
This is the third book in the Vintage Sweets mystery series by Kaye George.
I really liked this book. It features a vintage sweets shop which I think is just so super unique. My only drawback is the dual viewpoints sometimes confuse me. But once you get into the story and get past the awkwardness of the back and forth between Tally and Yolanda, the book just sails.
The mystery is made so much better since people they know are suspected to be involved in the murder. The shop orders plastic replicas of their popular sweets and surprisingly when put into the heat of the window display the plastic starts melting. Then the rocks they discover inside the candies turn out to be more than they bargain for. Such a cool concept for a mystery.
This is definitely a story that will keep you guessing which is pretty great since this is a story you want to be intrigued by.
If you like cozy mysteries, definitely check this one out. You won’t be disappointed.
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title. -
Although this is the third instalment in the Vintage Sweets Mysteries series, it is my first. Tally Holt is a vintage sweet shop proprietor who set herself up in business specialising in her grandmother’s delicious recipes, including fudge, candy, frosted cake and taffy (similar to toffee). She runs Tally’s Old Tyme Sweets in Fredericksburg, Texas, a charming tourist town. Bella's Baskets owned by her best friend, Yolanda Bella is next door and the friends help promote each other's business enterprises as often as they can.
In this cozy tale, Tally has ordered mock versions of some of her goodies to display in the windows of Bella's Baskets however, there is a problem; they are melting and deteriorating in the heat of the sun. Unbeknown to both Tally and Yolanda, there was a mix up at the manufacturing plant where the replica sweets were made and the wrong materials were used. Adding to their woes, a burglary results in the replicas going missing as well as an injury to a crime watch member. When further burglaries occur in the area, Tally and Yo investigate.
Kaye George's characters are very engaging, their presences jumping from the pages and by the time I finished reading I felt I had gotten to know them quite well, whilst wanting to meet up with them again. The author, who also writes under the name of Janet Cantrell, gave me everything I desire from a fantastic cozy mystery making it easy to escape right into the humorous, light story. The narrative from the viewpoints of both Yo and Tally allowed for more dimension and I adored their liveliness and interaction. The mystery itself was intriguing and popped with suspects, puzzling occurrences and twists that kept me guessing. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Into the Sweet Hereafter and I can't wait to read the first in the series, Revenge Is Sweet. I also plan to grab a copy of the author's first novel in her Fat Cat Mystery series, Fat Cat at Large writing as Janet Cantrell.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Kensington Books via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion. -
This is the 3rd installment of the Vintage Sweets Mystery series. Tally Holt and her friend Yolanda Bella ordered plastic version of Tally’s sweets so they would not melt as they were on display in Bella’s Baskets. The sweets are perfect and look amazing, however, as they are on display in the window of Bella’s they are beginning to melt. They of course think it is just the heat and the Texas sun. Unbeknownst to Yo and Tally, there was a mix-up back at the factory which produced the plastics and jade was put into their plastics as opposed to another shipment. That same night the store window is broken and the plastic candies are stolen and one of the crime watch citizen is hurt in the process. Tally helps Yo clear up the mess and finds some green stones but thinks they are just weights inside for the plastic candies. The people involved arrive in Fredericksburg and some other incidents happen and Tally’s landlady Mrs. Berg also gets caught in the crosshairs. Detective Jackson and Tally are dating and as she is trying to get information on the burglary, she mentions she has some of the leftover glass and he finds the green stones and suspects it is jade. So, in this mystery we know there was smuggling of jade from the very beginning but we don’t know who in the town is their accomplice and if they are involved with all the other burglaries and crimes happening in the area. There end up another murder and Yo wonders if her employee is involved. Tally has concerns about Mrs. Berg’s current housemate Walter who was the one injured during the crime at Bella’s Baskets. Tally’s concern for Mrs. Berg is what ultimately breaks the case. This is a solid mystery and you begin to see both Yo and Tally’s relationships grow and that was nice. I like this series and look forward to the next installment.
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Through NetGalley, I received a free copy of INTO THE SWEET HEREAFTER (Book 3 of the Vintage Sweets Mysteries) by Kaye George in exchange for an honest review. Tally Holt, owner of Tally’s Old Tyme Sweets, and Yolanda Bella, owner of Bella’s Baskets, are called to duty to investigate even more crimes. There’s been a rash of burglaries throughout Fredricksburg, Texas, but the pair don’t know about it until the front window of Yolanda’s business is smashed and part of her display stolen. When a murder seems to be linked to the break-in at Yolanda’s, Tally and her friend work to find the connection and to determine if the murder is also related to the other burglaries. When their own employees seem suspect, the duo struggles to separate paranoia from reality.
I liked the story. The story fluxes between Tally’s and Yolanda’s viewpoints. Perhaps because I usually listen to the books through my Kindle text-to-speech, I find some difficulty in keeping the separate women and their stories straight since there doesn’t seem to be a clear auditory indication of when the viewpoint has shifted. It took me awhile to adjust. I recommend this book to fans of cozy mysteries featuring murder, burglary, jewels, smuggling, slavery, small towns, and small businesses.
#IntotheSweetHereafter #NetGalley -
This is the third Vintage Sweets Mystery. It’s fun to visit Fredericksburg, Texas in the spring.
There is a lot happening. Tally’s parents are in the middle of a series of crises.
There is more suspense because the author brings in a smuggling operation that involves both Vintage Sweets and Bella’s Baskets. Jade turns up in the plastic candies Tally and Yolanda ordered for the display baskets. Tally gets Detective Jackson Rogers involved and that creates the possibility for more of a relationship in this book than what existed in prior books.
Tally’s landlady Mrs. Gerg is part of a new neighborhood crime watch group called Crime Fritzers. It’s a little funny until there seems to be a wave of housebreaking with missing jewelry and cash.
One of Tally’s employees comes to work with new jewelry that a customer says is stolen.
All these events keep Tally hopping and the police busy trying to connect the dots.
I thoroughly enjoyed the author’s departure from the standard mystery trope she used in books 1 and 2. I look forward to future creativity in the Vintage Sweets Mystery series.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to review this book prior to publication. -
Tally and her best friend, Yolanda only wanted to create a window display that would entice customers to come into Yolanda's shop, Bella's Baskets and then go next door to Tally's Old Tyme Sweets. Their idea was to have Tally's sweets replicated in plastic so they would stand up to hot weather of Fredericksburg, Texas. Boy, did that plan go up in flames when the plastic replicas started to melt and the front window is smashed. Those plastic candies were hiding a big secret and soon some of their friends are caught up in an investigation into murder, robbery and smuggling.
Normally I avoid books written from multiple points of view but, in this case, I took a chance and I'm so glad I did. I do have to pay closer attention sometimes but Tally and Yolanda are so well written that their voices are distinct. Add the setting and the supporting characters to a very well developed puzzle and this series is a winner.
My thanks to the publisher Lyrical Press and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review. -
The Vintage Secrets Mysteries Book 3.
Tally and Yolanda use their observation and listening skills to figure out who is smuggling jade through plastic candy replicas and who is responsible for all the burglaries around town.
This book felt like a stand-alone book. It didn’t allude to prior relationships or events the characters participated in together. I didn’t really connect with the characters because they seemed so flat. There wasn’t much to the plot either. The story did get a little exciting at the end and the author did add some historical details about the town throughout the book which were interesting. There is a recipe for Clark Bars at the end of the book. I’m assuming it is one of the candies sold in Tally’s candy shop. If you need an easy, lighthearted read, you will enjoy this book!
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review! -
This is the third book in the Vintage Sweets mystery series by Kaye George. I have enjoyed the previously books in the series and found this to be my overall favorite so far of the series. I love this series setting of a vintage sweet shop . I like the way the author uses two viewpoints which makes it interesting for the reader. Especially in a mystery the two viewpoints works very well for the readers.
This has a very unique mystery based on a window display of candy. I love the mystery and how the suspense builds throughout. Tally has her hands full with this mystery that is associated with people she knows . That makes solving this mystery all the more problematic for her .
A solid mystery that kept me guessing to conclusion. I look forward to the next in series and returning to Tally and friends at this adorable vintage candy shop. -
Into the Sweet Hereafter by Kaye George is the third in the Vintage Sweets Mystery series. It can be read as a stand alone. Of the three, this is my least favorite.
This story has so many characters it was a tad hard to keep track of all of them. That is the only complaint. The bad guys out number the other characters. Having Tally and her best friend, Yolanda both commenting through out the story doesn't bother me though. I did love Tally's quirky landlord being iinvolved in this story.and getting caught up with her traveling parents.
There are many plot twists through out this Cozy. The main characters are likeable as is the setting. There is romance and humor.
I was given an ARC by Kensinton Books via NetGalley for an honest review. -
The mystery was good, the characters are starting to flesh out more, but I’m less intrigued this time around. I think there mights have been too much going on all at once for me. Each of the plot lines individually, or even a few of them together would have made this great. But with 6 or more different things going on, it was too much for me. But the story was well written and I really enjoyed the character growth.
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Into the Sweet Hereafter by Kaye George, who also writes as Janet Cantrell, is the 3rd book in the Vintage Sweets Mysteries series, and another fun addition. Tally Holt has recently opened Tally's Olde Tyme Sweets shop in Fredericksburg, Texas. Next door, her best friend Yolanda Bella owns Bella's Baskets. Tally ordered plastic chocolates for window displays, When Yolanda put some of the fake chocolates in her window display, someone smashed the window to get the fake chocolates. Why would anyone want melting plastic chocolates? Read the book and find out. I enjoy Tally and Yolanda and I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series. If you enjoy cozy mysteries, I highly recommend this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. -
This is the third book in a series. I think this book had a great premise/mystery and I like her characters. I do find her writing disjointed and it seems to jump around a lot. The first two books, I thought were just difficult to read because they were so disjointed. It was hard to get a feel for the characters. This book was better but I think if she would just work on her flow that her books could be very good.
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Another excellent addition to this excellent story.
It's fast paces, full of twists and turns and it kept me guessing till the end.
I was happy to catch up with the well though and likable characters and loved the complex mystery.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine -
I didn't like or dislike this book. Form me, it was just okay. I found Tally incredibly annoying in this book and there were just too many little things going on. I love the setting and I love the idea of a vintage candy shop, the rest was just ho hum for me. I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher and I'm voluntarily providing an honest review.
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An entertaining cozy mystery. A definite change of pace. This time we know who the bad guys are. It is a matter of all involved figuring it out. Lots going on to keep one turning the pages. Family issues and sweet romances. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley.
