Pint of No Return
by Dana Mentink
Series: Shake Shop Mystery #1
Published by Poisoned Pen Press
Publication Date May 25, 2021
Genres: Mystery, Clean Romance
Setting: Oregon Contemporary
Main Character Ages: 35-60
Written for: Adults
Pages: 271
Synopsis:
The first in a new dessert cozy mystery series! A murder in town is bound to shake things up...
After her divorce from her thrice-married embezzler husband, Trinidad Jones is finally ready for a fresh start. So when she's left one of her ex's businesses in Upper Sprocket, Oregon, she decides to pack up her dog, cash in her settlement, and open her dream business: the Shimmy and Shake Shop, introducing the world to her monster milkshakes. And even with a couple of sticky situations underway, namely that the other two ex-wives also call Sprocket home, Trinidad's life seems to be churning along smoothly.
That is until she discovers her neighbor, the Popcorn King, head down in his giant popcorn kettle. When one of Trinidad's fellow ex-wives is accused of the murder and Upper Sprocket descends into mayhem, it's going to take a supersized scoop of courage to flush out the killer.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. This gift did not influence my opinion or review.
Purchase Links
When I say my favorite character in this first book of the Shake Shop Mystery series is Noodles the service-dog school dropout, don’t let that worry you any. Because despite the fact Noodles was such a treasure, Pint of No Return is jam-packed with quirky, loveable characters, the charming small-town, decadent treats, hints of romance, and, of course, a mystery. So there are plenty of delights to please any palate.
Everything about this story is a treat. The “freakshakes” Trinidad creates in her dessert shop in the Eastern Oregon desert just might cause you to gain a few pounds as you read about them! Her teenage helpers, Carlos and Diego, are a riot. And I can’t forget to mention Papa Luis, who will win your heart as he does with everyone he meets.
The mystery was handled very well. There were bits of suspense sprinkled throughout but not enough to be indigestible for those (like me) with a weak stomach. Despite the appropriate clues being dropped, I was very surprised when the murderer and the motive were revealed! Which is actually a palatable situation because it means that it wasn’t too obvious.
Readers who enjoy cozy mysteries will want to be sure to indulge in this delicious morsel.
More from Dana
Freakshakes.
The name says it all, right? Allow me to explain. A freakshake is a milkshake festooned with so many extras (sprinkles, cookies, candy, donuts, cake, slabs of pie) that it is hardly liftable. It is the stuff my sugar fantasy dreams are made of! Now picture a freakshake shop called the Shimmy and Shake in the quaint and quirky town of Upper Sprocket in Eastern Oregon. Known as the “Swiss Alps” of Oregon, this fictional place is the new home to a woman named Trinidad Jones, a lady starting out on the second phase of her life after her husband’s betrayal.
Sprinkle in a dose of Papa Luis, her darling Cuban grandfather (inspired by my own Cuban grandfather) who drives a classic Buick, and a devoted service dog flunk out named Noodles. You know what’s missing? A murder, of course! That happens shortly after Trinidad opens her new shop, and from there on out it’s a sticky, spine-tingling, sweet and satisfying, and slightly funny adventure in mystery land.
I had an absolute blast writing the first installment in this series, and I’m knee-deep in the second as I write this. Thank you for coming along on the adventure and I hope it’s as satisfying as a monster milkshake!
Blog Stops
Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, June 25
Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, June 25
The Avid Reader, June 25
The Write Escape, June 26
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 26
Texas Book-aholic, June 27
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, June 27
Blogging With Carol, June 27
Inklings and notions, June 28
Genesis 5020, June 28
Among the Reads, June 29
Daysong Reflections, June 29
Bigreadersite, June 29
For Him and My Family, June 30
Betti Mace, June 30
Worthy2Read, July 1
deb’s Book Review, July 1
Locks, Hooks and Books, July 2
Through the Fire blogs, July 2
EmpowerMoms, July 2
Blossoms and Blessings, July 3
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, July 3
Lighthouse-Academy, July 4
Labor Not in Vain, July 4
Tell Tale Book Reviews, July 5
Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, July 5
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, July 6
Vicky Sluiter, July 6
Simple Harvest Reads, July 6 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)
She Lives To Read, July 7
Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, July 7
KarenSueHadley, July 8
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, July 8
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Dana Mentink is giving away the grand prize of:
- a signed copy of Pint of No Return
- an ice cream bowl and spoon set
- a $30 Amazon gift card!
Giveaway ends on July 10, 2021
https://promosimple.com/ps/10e05/pint-of-no-return-celebration-tour-giveaway
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About Dana Mentink
Dana Mentink is a two time American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award winner, a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award and a Holt Medallion winner. She is a national bestselling author of over thirty five titles in the suspense and lighthearted romance genres. She is pleased to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense, Harlequin Heartwarming and Harvest House. Dana was thrilled to be a semi-finalist in the Jeanne Robertson Comedy With Class Competition. Besides writing, she busies herself teaching third grade. Mostly, she loves to be home with Papa Bear, teen bear cubs affectionately nicknamed Yogi and Boo Boo, Junie, the nutty terrier, a chubby box turtle and a feisty parakeet.
I love cozy mysteries! Thank you for sharing!
This sounds like a fun read. Nice cover!
This sound like such a fun read with all its delightful elements.