I have read everything that Ellie Alexander has written in the mystery world. This was such a fun addition to her Bakeshop Mystery series. I love that we get to dive a little deeper into her and Carlos's relationship. The Torte family has undertaken one of their biggest jobs to date. They are going to be create an elaborate slab of Shakespearean food and desserts for the SOMA museum of arts. Julies and her crew are pushing themselves to new challenges with chocolate architecture and historical recipes. I love this so much as a History Major who has worked in museums. Ellie knocked it out of the park. ( )

For those who enjoy culinary mysteries, this latest one is a fun and cozy read. Jules and her staff at Torte assist with a new museum exhibit featuring a lost Shakespeare manuscript. While their focus is supposed to be food, as usual, Jules and her staff get involved in helping law enforcement solve several mysteries. The characters are described well (and some of them are real "characters") and the reader can easily picture the town in November, with its preparations for fall holidays and its scenic views. The story contains many descriptions of food preparations and culinary venues. While there are no cliffhangers, the stage is set for the next novel in the series. Although this is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone.

I received this novel from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own. ( )

Bake, Borrow, and Steal by Ellie Alexander has Jules Capshaw and the Torte team working to create Shakespearean treats for a gala. SOMA will be hosting a new exhibit titled Shakespeare’s Lost Pages which will feature the Bard’s lost manuscript, Double Falsehood. Jules is creating a stunning chocolate centerpiece for the event and Torte will provide treats authentic to the time period. Just before the unveiling of Double Falsehood--it disappears, and the laidback security guard charged with safeguarding it is murdered. The museum needed this exhibit, or it could cease to exist. Jules and Lance set out to bag the villain who committed these dastardly deeds so the museum can regain its reputation and host a new unveiling. Bake, Borrow, and Steal is the fourteenth A Bakeshop Mystery. Each book in the series can be read as a standalone. However, I recommend reading them in order so you can watch Jules come into her own and watch the other characters grow as well. I like Ellie Alexander’s casual writing style. It makes the story easy to read. There is a great cast of characters that includes Jules, Carlos, Sterling, Thomas, The Professor, Andy, and so many more. Torte has a great staff who create delectable delights. Lance is an over-the-top character. He adds humor to the story with his antics. The mystery was well-plotted, but it was a cinch to solve. I knew who would commit the crime before it occurred. I also suspected where the lost manuscript was hidden. I would like to see this author make the mysteries more complex. I would love to be stumped. There is misdirection to send readers down the wrong snow-covered path. It all wrapped up nicely at the end. Bake, Borrow, and Steal has a sweet ending. The detailed descriptions of Torte’s tempting treats will have you heading to your local bakery. I enjoyed reading about the construction of the chocolate desk and chair. It is not easy to make that type of item out of chocolate. Bake, Borrow, and Steal was an enjoyable cozy mystery to read. I like seeing how the lives of the various characters have changed since the beginning as well as Torte. The business continues to expand under Jules leadership. Bake, Borrow, and Steal is a sweet story with scrumptious pastries, a missing manuscript, a chocolate conundrum, a security guard who is a goner, a zealous Lance, a bothersome board member, and a thoughtful Thanksgiving. ( )

I received an advance copy of this book via NetGalley.

This book is the 14th in the series, and the first one that I have read, but even so, I was able to slip into the story and world as if into a brand new pair of comfy sweat pants. From the first chapter, it's evident that there's a lot of back story between the characters, but that gave me no difficulties at all. The setting is Ashland, Oregon, in mid-November. There's a cold nip with a promise of snow, and the entire town is abuzz about the unveiling of a newly-found Shakespeare manuscript. This is a huge deal in a place that prides itself on its Shakespearean festival each year. Jules runs a local bakery (along with a winery and ice cream shop, apparently--she's doing well!) and is contracted to provide food for the opening gala. Soon enough, there's a missing manuscript, an injured man, and a dead security guard, and one of Jules's friends is set up as a suspect.

Oh, this book is a fun romp! Cozy town in the snow, fantastic cast of characters, detailed descriptions of baked goods--this is totally my jam. I have only a little experience in southern Oregon, but the author seems very familiar indeed, which adds even more realism to the book. Jules questions people and uncovers a lot of drama, leading up to the big reveal--which is when things became incredibly disappointing, as Jules doesn't play a pivotal role. That's one major blip in an otherwise great read. I'd love to read others in the series. ( )