Devils Food Cake (A Culinary Mystery, #3) by Josi S. Kilpack


Devils Food Cake (A Culinary Mystery, #3)
Title : Devils Food Cake (A Culinary Mystery, #3)
Author :
Rating :
ISBN : 1606412329
ISBN-10 : 9781606412329
Language : English
Format Type : Paperback
Number of Pages : 361
Publication : First published March 3, 2010

Calling All Book Lovers!
Please join us this Friday as the Garrison Library welomes favorite son Thom Mortenson for a special appearance to discuss his bestselling novel
Devilish Details. It's guaranteed to be a memorable evening!
Place: The Carmichael Hotel ballroom
Time: 600 PM


It’s been years since author Thom Mortenson has been back to Garrison, Colorado. As part of the committee that invited the bestselling writer to speak at the library fund-raiser, Sadie Hoffmiller wants everything to be perfect--right down to the homemade devil’s food cake she baked herself.

Murder was not on the menu.

When Thom’s manager ends up dead on stage, Sadie immediately offers her guidance and expertise to investigators. But when the police refuse to take her seriously, Sadie has no choice except to pursue justice on her own.

With her son, Shawn, at her side, her reputation on the line, and a full cast of characters--including a suspicious phtographer, an inquisitive reporter, and a helpful, handsome neighbor with some useful skills--Sadie Hoffmiller is once again on the case. But the devil is in the details, as they say, and as Sadie digs deeper into the mystery, she discovers unexpected ties to another tragedy as dark as the chocolate in Sadie’s world-famous devil’s food cake.


Devils Food Cake (A Culinary Mystery, #3) Reviews


  • Brandy

    I don't really know why I keep reading these books. Through the entire first half of the book I am usually bugged by the way the main character acts and thinks. Sadie Hoffmiller is the star of this particular series and she always starts out very annoying to me. She is obsessive about weight (hers and others), the way she looks, the way she dresses and she is also very judgy. The exact kind of person I would not want to be friends with. And since characters in books usually become my "friends" I am still confused why I keep reading this series.

    But by the middle/end of the book, she has stopped obsessing quite so much and I actually see a bit of the humor in her personality. She is pretty caricature. And by that time I am wanting to figure out the murder mystery.

    And of course, by the very end, I am wanting to read the next one. But I will say, I have to be in the mood. I wish these books were just a bit shorter so they were even a quicker read.

    So even though this wasn't my favorite book, I am too intrigued in the new romantic relationship to not read the next book.

  • Josi

    This is the third book in the Sadie Hoffmiller culinary mystery series. She's back in Colorado and, once again, in the middle of a murder investigation.

  • Mindy

    Josi's books just get better and better. I love Sadie. She is so funny. What goes through her mind at times, even times of stress, makes me laugh. I appreciate how detailed and important everything is, even little things like a character's daughter. I did figure something out though, and I'm glad it will be "discussed" in the next book. This story takes place in a very short amount of time, and yet it doesn't seem rushed. It flows well, and once you get going, you won't want to stop. I really enjoyed this book and give it 4 1/2 stars. I'm wanting to try "Evil Chicken"!

  • Shawn

    I do not know what it is but these books are always slow to start for me but I keep reading and then I am glad I do. This installment has Sadies son Sean home on break and he decides to stick by his mother as she investigates yet another murder. This time she is suspect and goes on the run with a man named Eric whom she meets while hiding from someone wanting to do her harm.

    I now want to read the next book to see what happens with her and Pete, the detective and this new man Eric.

  • Kathy

    A fast paced delight

    Who knew so much could happen to Sadie in 24 hours. This was a lot of fun to read. You've got to love how Sadie just happens to stumble upon interesting information that leads to solving murders. She is a delightful and quirky heroine with recipes that are a sweet and delicious bonus.

  • Helynne

    I agree with other critics who have said that Kilpack really hit her stride with this third of her series of culinary mysteries. This plot shows more imagination and inventiveness than the first two, and really keeps the pages turning. After a stint in England (second book), Sadie Hoffmiller is back in her hometown in Colorado and another murder has occurred by a shotgun blast right in front of a group of townspeople at a meeting. (Eww). Sadie, of course, feels she must rise to the occasion (despite the fact that her gentlemen friend Detective Pete Cunningham, repeatedly tells her to just go home). What I especially love about Sadie besides her stubborn determination and cleverness in figuring things out, is her love of food and the way she tries to control her sweet tooth, but always gives in. At the beginning of this story, Sadie is supposed to be on a diet after her adventure in England where she enjoyed a little too much trifle and too many scones and crumpets and gained 12 pounds in two weeks. "Is that even possible?" said asks herself. (Yeah, Sadie, it is). The description of Sadie savoring a piece of her own devil's food cake just before the murder occurs is worth the whole read. This book also introduces Sadie's adopted son Shawn as a principal character, and he proves to be as creative and likeable as Sadie herself. He even does his share of cooking--a tasty recipe called "evil chicken." This is a nice contrast to the other recipes the book includes, which are mostly variations of luscious chocolate cakes. This is a fun read with some interesting twists and turns and a hint that Sadie just might have two gentlemen friends to choose from in the future.

  • Holly (2 Kids and Tired)

    I love Sadie Hoffmiller. She's a kick and she's eccentric. But, she's also loyal. Josi Kilpack has created a charming character who just continues to grow on you as you read each successive story.

    Sadie imagines herself an amateur, yet very experienced sleuth and since the police aren't listening to her, she decides to investigate things on her own. What follows is an intricate comedy of errors as Sadie uncovers layer upon layer of deception and secrets. If she's not tracking down potential criminals, she's cooking for them. And in this story, we meet her son Shawn, who's just like his mother at getting into trouble and tracking down criminals. He seems to have inherited her cooking skills too.

    The story and Sadie's shenanigans are completely implausible, but hysterically funny. I wish Jane's character was better developed and that she got more of a comeuppance, but I also think that she will make a return appearance at some point.

    Baking and cooking are as important to Sadie as breathing. So, just as in the first two novels, Lemon Tart and English Trifle, Josi includes the recipes that are relevant to the story. I can't wait to try several.

    A delightful book, and easily recommended. I'm looking forward to the next one in the series, Key Lime Pie.

  • Heather

    Sadie Hoffmiller is at it again! But of course it's not her fault she just happens to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Bestselling author, and former resident of Sadie's hometown, Thom Mortenson arrives to give a presentation for the library fundraiser.

    When Thom's manager is mysteriously shot while getting the microphone ready on the stage, Sadie is right there to uncover all of the clues. No, she didn't actually see the shot blast because she was savoring--eyes closed--a delicious bite of her very own Devil's Food Cake. But that fact would never deter Sadie's spry involvement.

    As the whirlwind night unfolds, Sadie is drawn into a complex web of information, each turn more surprising than the next. But the only caveat is that she must follow the trail of clues without the police, which takes a bit of navigation on Sadie's part.

    Sadie Hoffmiller is a delightful character, quirky, funny, and never fails to disappoint. Devil's Food Cake is another Kilpack classic, and like the other books in this culinary mystery series, the "whodunit" comes at a surprise.

  • Sheila

    It had been awhile since I had read a Sadie Hoffmiller mystery, but I jumped right back into these stories and the main character. I hate reading a series out of order, so I read this one(and the others) before reading and reviewing book #8. I enjoyed this one and the recipes. I like Sadie. Some people find her annoying, but I really like her and can understand her in many ways. I'm not as adventurous as her, but her being a "busybody" is part of Sadie and why these stories happen. This story moved a lot and did surprise me at the end. :)

  • A.L. Sowards

    A fun read, even if the food obsession got a little silly a few times. I think Josi Kilpack did a great job of infusing the book with the main character's personality. I don't think I'd want to be close friends with Sadie Hoffmiller, but it was fun to read about her. I was debating between 3 and 4 stars. I wasn't completely convinced that the villain could fool everyone so well for so long, but I decided on 4 stars because the last paragraph left me with a huge grin on my face.

  • Sandy

    It's been years since author Thom Mortenson has been back to Garrison, Colorado. As part of the library fundraising committee, who invited him to speak, Sadie Hoffmiller wants everything to be perfect—right down to the homemade Devil’s Food Cake she made herself. Murder, however, was not on the menu.

  • Aubrey

    Just when I thought that everything was going to work out in such a way I was thrown a curveball. I have to admit, I was a bit shocked then I went over the evidence in my head and it makes sense. Because of the one thing that didn't fit in originally now does. The one thing that I didn't like was: introducing a love triangle. Seriously? Now? Is that what Sadie should have now. No.

  • June Guymon

    A book with believeable characters and a satisfying resolution. There are also recipes scattered at the end of many chapters, and the reader will be anxious to try them out as they all sound delicious. This book is recommended for cozy mystery lovers.

  • Wendy

    An exciting, fast-paced read. I love Sadie and can't wait to read Key Lime Pie!

  • Jasmyn

    Re read while in labor and the first few days with a newborn. 😊

    I think these books are fun little reads...I like her style and it's not too gruesome. She usually has bad guys die.

  • Julie

    I love this series from Josi Kilpack. She does such a great job weaving the mystery I have honestly second guessed myself through each book! I highly recommend this series.

  • Trinna

    Such a fun easy read! I love Sadie! She has such a funny character. Can't wait to try out some of her recipes!

  • Cami Checketts

    Fabulous book. Definitely read this series if you haven't already.
    Full review here -
    http://camicheckettsbooks.blogspot.co...

  • Jessica Chamberlain

    Great book! Kilpack is amazing! This book is a pretty easy read, but it has a great story line and great characters. Plus, it even has awesome recipes too!!

  • Hillary

    Probably my favorite -so far- of the three that are released! Sadie does it again!

  • Becky

    This one is as sweet and unfulfilling as the cake on the cover.

    I liked the premise, the style, the mystery, and how it unfolded. It was well paced and had snappy dialogue. Also I’m legit planning to make most of the recipes. And I’m head over heels in love with the idea that we have a pudgy middle-aged teacher obsessed with baking as the lead. It’s about time.

    But when it comes down to it I found her vigilante-isms annoying as all get out. I wanted to cheer when she was finally arrested. Most of the time Sadie was quirky and endearing, but I would be absolutely terrified of her if we met in real life.

    I can’t hate on her too hard though- the book did exactly what I wanted it to do: satisfy my sweet tooth and giggle away my afternoon.

  • Heather

    I keep coming back to these books even though they sometimes annoy me and I find myself rolling my eyes in disbelief. I know that the main character is a HUGE busy-body, but deep down I can totally sympathize with her...I think I have a little bit of that "need to know" obsession in me. I wouldn't dare go to the lengths that she goes to, but I would think about it. The plot was captivating and kept me guessing the whole way through. But the one thing I love about these books is the recipes. They each sound divine and made me so hungry. She doesn't just throw in a recipe, she works it into the plot in the cleverest of ways. I actually meant to copy down some of these recipes before I returned the book. I really need to try a few of them.

  • Lyssa

    2.5

    I liked this one a little less just because of the subject matter. Sad and violent. *SPOILER* Though, I did laugh out loud at the fact that Sadie had her eyes closed as a murder happened right in front of her due to her savoring the cake she made. HA!

    I was amazed at the number of times she got herself in super dangerous situations and how she handled it. She stepped right into open trap after open trap. I could understand her wariness of the police after what happened in a previous book, but her trust of complete strangers and poor decisions made me uncomfortable if not anxious.

  • Jen

    2 1/2 stars. Captivating mystery, and yet Sadie is showing “Mary Sue” qualities in that nobody can accomplish anything without her. She needs to either join the police force or get her private detective license. The “who done it” was a surprise, but I should have probably seen coming. Not sure how I feel about the potential love triangle that’s forming, but I’d choose the new guy at this moment.

    Will I read book 4? Probably, because each book is a fast read, and I need to know if Sadie is ever going to reign herself in.

  • Nicki

    I agree with the other reviews about the main character Sadie Hoffmiller sometimes being overly annoying and making it hard to get though the books. I usually struggle during the beginning of these books, I have to force myself to keep reading when it feels like it’s just dragging on but overall I really love these books. The ending is what really sold me on this book I still consider Lemon Tart my favorite book of the series however, this book is a close competitor.

  • Elaine

    The author always has Sadie Hoffmiller involved in murder investigations. As she digs in to 'evidence', she takes it, handles it, obtains in illegally...none of the evidence would be possible in a trial if it were to ever get to that point. In this book she is able to solve an entire crime in one night. Not very realistic.

    Fun recipes.