Kirjahaku

In this small town bakeshop, the sweets are to die for...Welcome to Torte-a friendly, small-town family bake shop where the treats are so good that, sometimes, it's criminal...After graduating from culinary school, Juliet Capshaw returns to her quaint hometown of Ashland, Oregon, to heal a broken heart and help her mom at the family bakery. The Oregon Shakespeare Festival is bringing in lots of tourists looking for some crumpets to go with their heroic couplets. But when one of Torte's customers turns up dead, there's much ado about murder...The victim is Nancy Hudson, the festival's newest board member. A modern-day Lady Macbeth, Nancy has given more than a few actors and artists enough reasons to kill her...but still. The silver lining? Jules' high school sweetheart, Thomas, is the investigator on the case. His flirtations are as delicious as ever, and Jules can't help but want to have her cake and eat it too. But will she have her just desserts? Murder might be bad for business, but love is the sweetest treat of all...

Autumn has arrived in Ashland, Oregon - the perfect season for a spiced hot apple cider with a slice (or maybe two) of peach crumble. The Pastry Channel has also landed in the quaint little town to film the "Take the Cake" reality show. Jules Capshaw, now that she's decided to move home and help her mom run Torte, the family bakeshop, wants nothing to do with the competition - until she is unwittingly entered into the competition. The cash prize of $25,000 certainly isn't anything to sneeze at, and Torte could really use the extra dough. 80, Jules dusts off her Bavarian Chocolate Cake recipe and cinches up her apron. But just as the competition starts heating up, one of her fellow contests, Chef Marco, is discovered buried in buttercream. Could the portly chef have overdone it, or is there something more sinister cooking?

It's January in Ashland, Oregon. Things are quiet in the cold, sleepy town, and Jules is thrilled when she's hired to cater a retreat at the nearby Lake of the Woods Resort. She packs up her baking supplies and maneuvers the twisting, treacherous roads to the high alpine lake. Jules and her assistant Sterling quickly familiarise themselves with the rustic lodge and its equally rustic kitchen. But just as they find their rhythm in the kitchen and the guests arrive, so does someone from Jules not-so-distant past - her estranged husband Carlos. They haven't seen each other in months, and Jules can't believe that Carlos wants to work on reconciliation while she's in the middle of her biggest job ever. Things go from bad to worse for Jules when a storm hits and knocks out power. She treks through the snow to the marina for extra supplies, where she discovers a body resting on the ice. Now Jules has a retreat to cater, a husband intent on fixing their marriage, and a murder on her hands.

Welcome to Torte--a friendly, small-town family bake shop where the oven is heating up as high as the body count... Jules Capshaw is still chewing over her husband Carlos's return to Ashland, Oregon. Could there be too many cooks in the kitchen? Whatever is stirring between those two will have to wait. Despite the Oregon Shakespeare Festival being dark for the winter, the bakeshop is bustling, the dough is rolling, and there's no rest for the weary...especially when murder is thrown into the mix. When Mindy Nolan, the owner of a new restaurant in town, turns up dead, the batter at hand thickens. Jules knows that there was bad blood between Mindy and others in town, and tracking down the killer could prove to be an unwelcome treat. And to top it all off, there's Carlos, who is pleading--with those delicious dark eyes and sexy Spanish accent--for Jules to take him back. Is home where the heart is or will she make a fresh start...and risk getting burned?

It's early March in Ashland, Oregon. The town is preparing for the opening of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival's new season and the annual Chocolate Festival, which will bring with it a bevy of tourists to the small Southern Oregon town. Business is booming at Torte as Jules and her team whip up chocolate confections, like hand-dipped truffles and chocolate crepes filled with mascarpone cheese and drizzled with dark chocolate. At the festival, everyone raves about Jules's four-layer decadent chocolate cake. One of other exhibitors is famed chocolatier Evan Rowe of Confections Couture. Evan's been crowned the "best in show" and the "people's choice" winner for the last five years, and he's not pleased that Jules is in the competition. Jules is not one to worry about an egomaniac like him. But when Evan stops by Torte's booth to sample a slice of Jules's four layer chocolate cake he immediately goes into anaphylactic shock from his nut allergy. In a matter of minutes Evan is dead and all eyes are on Jules. What could have happened, and why? Jules knows the answer lies in the ingredients, and she sets out to sift out the truth.

Torte--everybody's favorite small-town family bakeshop--is headed for the high seas, where murder is about to make a splash. . . Jules Capshaw is trying to keep her cool as Torte gets set to make its transformation from quaint, local confectionary caf to royal pastry palace. Meanwhile, Jules's estranged husband Carlos is making a desperate plea for her to come aboard his cruise ship and dazzle everyone with her signature sweets. She may be skeptical about returning to her former nautical life with Carlos but Jules can't resist an all-expense-paid trip, either. If only she knew that a dead body would find its way onto the itinerary . . "A warm and inviting atmosphere, friendly and likable main characters, and a nasty murder mystery to solve " --Fresh Fiction Now, instead of enjoying tropical drinks on deck between whipping up batches of sea-salted chocolates and flamb ing fresh pineapple slices in the kitchen, Jules is plunged into dangerous waters. Her investigation leaves her with more questions than answers: Why can't anyone on board identify the young woman? And how can she help Carlos keep passengers at ease with a killer in their midst? Jules feels like she's ready to jump ship. Can she solve this case without getting in too deep? "A perfect mix for fans of Jenn McKinlay, Leslie Budewitz, or Jessica Beck." --Library Journal

Torte - the beloved small town bakeshop run by Jules Capshaw - is set to hit the stage. But who would have guessed that murder would makes a surprise appearance? It's the role of a lifetime for Jules. The Shakespeare Festival has returned to Ashland, Oregon, for the season and Torte has been castas the supplier of Elizabethan-era treats for the main event. But on the eve of opening night, a brawl between Jules's friend Lance, the artistic director, and a strapping young thespian named Anthony almost brings down the house. . . and the next morning, Anthony is dead. Jules knows that Lance loves his drama - and his just desserts - but she also knows that murder is way off-script for him. Now it's up to Jules to cut through a bevy of backstage betrayals and catty co- stars who all have their own secrets - before the curtain drops on someone else...

Torte - the small-town bakeshop no one can resist - is hosting a midsummer night’s wedding . . . where merry-making and murder are served up in equal measure. Jules Capshaw has too much on her plate - and she’s feeling the pinch: the whole town of Ashland, Oregon, is in on the surprise Elizabethan-themed wedding she’s planning for her mum and soon-to-be stepdad. But is her secret scheme half-baked? She’s hiding racks overflowing with sweet treats while Torte is topsy-turvy with a major remodel and the return of Jules’s estranged husband, Carlos. And until now, Jules had no clue about the bitter family feud that has her friend Lance frazzled and suspicious. But when a party crasher takes someone out with a serving of poisoned wine and Jules discovers the deadly cup was intended for her, it’s time to turn the tables on a killer.

Business at Torte is booming, and Jules has agreed to help Mum and the Professor on their househunt. While on a lakeside picnic Jules and Helen make a gruesome discovery: a skull. They’ve found old skeletal remains that the Professor and Thomas believe might be connected to a missing persons case from the 1960s. Jules can’t believe that she’s stumbled on an unsolved case. Things become even more complicated when a vacant lot, just a few blocks from Torte, comes on the market. Edgar, the cantankerous longtime owner of the lot, appears to be playing everyone off of each other in an attempt to drive up the price. When Edgar is found dead, Jules is immersed in two murders - the past and present collide as she tries to track down whodunit and keep her head above water.

The Bavarian-themed town of Leavenworth, Washington, is home to the Krause family’s cheery, generational brewhaus. Sloan Krause, gifted with a nose for hops and a talent for concocting delicious microbrews, has big plans to expand her in-laws’ old-school business by creating original, handcrafted German beers. Until she sniffs out what’s going on between her husband, Mac, and one of his barmaids. Fortunately, Beervaria’s hip new microbrewery, Nitro, is about to launch and owner Garrett Strong hires Sloan on the spot to craft Northwest-inspired ales, whip up a tasty bar menu, and promote his buzz-worthy Pucker Up IPA. It’s a win-win for Sloan, who can’t help but enjoy Mac’s envy at their success. But when Mac is arrested after one of Nitro’s competitors is found dead in a fermenting tank, clutching Garrett’s secret IPA recipe, Sloan is on the case to exonerate her cheating ex and uncover who spilled over into murder.

It's Christmastime and everyone is heading to Torte, the most cheerful bakery in town. There's no place like home for the homicide... Ashland, Oregon, looks as pretty as a postcard this holiday season. The halls are decked, stockings hung, and eyes are all aglow--mostly thanks to the buttered rum. Jules Capshaw and her staff at Torte are busier than ever. . . still, even the town's most in-demand bakers need to take a break. So Jules invites everyone to celebrate at the local Winchester Inn's Dickens Feast, a six-course extravaganza with Yorkshire Pudding, Christmas goose, and all the trimmings. But as the weather outside becomes frightful, things inside turn less delightful when one of the guests ends up as dead as Scrooge's doornail. Now it's up to Jules and her helpers to make a list of suspects--and check it twice--to try to find out who's naughty, who's nice, and who's guilty of murder... The Bakeshop mysteries are: "Delicious." --RT Book Reviews"Marvelous." --Fresh Fiction

The first hints of spring hang in the air as pastry chef Juliet Capshaw prepares her staff at Torte in Ashland, Oregon for a busy spring and summer and to move into her old, childhood home. Mid-move, Jules discovers an old journal belonging to her father, who passed in her formative years. But this is no diary, rather, it's his case notes. Her father, Will, and his best friend, Doug AKA the Professor investigated a hit-and-run together in the 1980s. Jules is immediately intrigued by the old case. Jules goes on a journey to the past and the Professor brings her father to life again. But unearthing long forgotten memories may prove dangerous; if Jules isn’t careful, she might end up following her father’s footsteps and coming face to face with a killer.

As winter turns to spring in Oregon, pastry chef Juliet Capshaw gets an unexpected opportunity to open a pop-up ice cream shop in Ashland's up-and-coming Railroad District. Though she never planned on a second space for Torte, the outdoor venue is too adorable to pass up, especially with her staff members Andy and Sterling begging her for the chance to showcase their line of frozen coffee drinks and rich, cold custards. As things at Torte ramp up for a successful summer, Jules' handsome and estranged husband arrives for an extended stay, taking over day to day operations at Uva, the vineyard that they co-own, and leaving Jules free to dive in to her newest business venture. The garden space is dreamy and perfect: With patio seating and twinkling lights, the seasonal shop is flanked by a yoga studio, bike shop, and food trucks. While it sees fewer tourists than the bustling plaza, the Railroad District is alive with local flare. One of Ashland's most recognized characters, The Wizard, known for his sidewalk poetry and balloon animals, passes through daily wearing his signature cape and cone-shaped hat. But just as the Torte team prepares to open their new creamy custard shop, The Wizard is found dead on the railroad tracks, casting doubt on all of Jules' new neighbours and tossing her right into a chilling murder investigation.

Another delicious installment in the Bakeshop Series set in Ashland, OR It's late spring in Juliet's charming hamlet, Ashland, Oregon. Spotted deer are nibbling on lush green grasses in Lithia Park, the Japanese maples are blooming, and Torte is baking a bevy of spring delights--lemon curd cupcakes, mini coconut cream pies, grapefruit tartlets, and chocolate dipped almond Tuiles. Meanwhile, her friend Lance, the artistic director of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, is taking center stage with his new theater troupe--the Fair Verona Players. Their performance in Uva's vineyard promises to be a modern, gender-bending twist on "The Taming of the Shrew," but as the curtain rises, so do the strange occurrences. Stage mishaps and internal bickering threaten to derail the production. But as the curtain rises, the real show begins when the leading actor, Jimmy Paxton, meets his final curtain call. Now, Jules is not only in the mix, but she's going to need to craft the perfect recipe for solving this theatrical whodunit.

Amidst the rocky beaches of the Oregon coast, Torte’s beloved Sterling and Stephanie have been hired to take over the aging restaurant at the cliffside Whaleshead Resort. They’re nervous about striking out on their own, but excited by the opportunity to put their own spin a new menu. From fresh fish caught the very same day to vegan options and handcrafted pastries, they’re buzzing with ideas. What’s even better is that Jules and the team from Torte have come out for opening weekend to cheer them on. Stephanie is taking on every chef’s nightmare - a fluffy chocolate soufflé - and Sterling is fast at work prepping shrimp linguini and pan-seared halibut when they suddenly hear screaming. Erik Morton, the manager of Whaleshead and their new boss, has taken a fatal fall down the steep and dangerous cliffside trail leading to the beach. Jules and her young protégés quickly realise this was no accident.

Baker Jules Capshaw, along with her husband, Carlos, and Torte’s resident barista, Andy, are packing their bags and preparing for the ultimate coffee excursion in Costa Rica. A fortuitous invitation from one of Carlos’s former colleagues, Valentina, has them venturing to the coffee capital of the world for a tasting tour and an immersive weekend at her family's organic coffee farm. They soak in the tropical breezes, the vibrant colors, the sounds of morning birdsong, and the sweeping views of the historic coffee farm. Valentina is the ultimate host, offering them traditional meals and thrilled to have their input as she’s preparing to open a coffee counter and bakery on the farm. The getaway is just what Jules needed. A chance to relax and unwind, curl up with a book and iced latte by the pool, and tinker in Valentina’s kitchen, dreaming up new recipes to bring home. Except her tranquil weekend quickly turns into a nightmare when one of Valentina’s employees is found dead in the pulping machine. Now, Jules will have to put her vacation on hold to try and uncover the murderer before one of Torte's beloved workers becomes the next body thrown into the mix.

When a barista competition comes to town, Torte's favorite pastry chef finds herself sleuthing once again--in the next installment of Ellie Alexander's beloved Bakeshop Mystery Series, Mocha, She Wrote Summer has ushered in a new season in the charming hamlet of Ashland, Oregon. Torte is bustling with tourists taking in star-drenched shows at the Elizabethan, setting out to hike in the surrounding Siskiyou Mountains, and sampling the bakeshop's summer lineup of raspberry lemon tarts and mint mojito cold brews. Jules and the team are buzzing with excitement when they learn that Andy, Torte's head barista, has been selected to compete in the West Coast Barista Cup. The prestigious competition draws coffee aficionados from up and down the coast to Ashland. The winner will not only claim to be best-in-brew, but also be awarded a hefty cash prize. Andy's nervous about his chances, but Jules is confident that her star barista will shine. However, things take a grim turn when head judge Benson Vargas spits out Andy's first offering, claiming it to be the worst thing to ever touch his lips--and hours later, is found dead clutching Andy's creamy latte. Suddenly Torte's favorite barista becomes the number one suspect. There's no roast for the weary. Jules will have to sleuth out whodunit to clear Andy's name and catch a killer before she ends up with one foot in the grounds.

Welcome to Torte-a small-town family bakeshop where the treats are killer good. It's the dead of winter in the sleepy town of Ashland, which means no tourists-and fewer customers-for Jules Capshaw and her bakery. But when she's asked to cater an off-season retreat for the directors of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, business starts heating up...until Jules finds a dead body in the freezer. "An intriguing new series."-Reader to Reader Someone at the retreat has apparently iced the bartender, a well-known flirt with a legendary temper-that is, before a killer beat him to the punch. Then, from out of nowhere, Jules's own ex-husband shows up at the shop-and soon becomes a suspect. With accusations piling up higher than the snow-and thicker than a chocolate mousse cake-Jules has to think outside the (recipe) box to find the real culprit...and make sure he gets his just desserts. "A delectable tale of murder and intrigue."-Portland Book Review on Meet Your Baker