by Polly Holmes
The Cupcake Capers Cozy Mystery Box Set
Book 1 – Cupcakes and Cyanide Book 2 – Cupcakes and Curses Book 3 – Cupcakes and Corpses Book 4 – Mistletoe and Murder Book 5 – Dead Velvet Cupcakes
Copyright
This book is a work of fiction. The names, characters, places and incidents are products of the writer’s imagination or have been used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, actual events, locale or organisations is entirely coincidental.
Published by Gumnut Press
Copyright © 2019 Polly Holmes
ISBN: 978-0-6487091-9-0
Edited by Nina S. Gooden (www.greenteaandpinkink.com)
All Rights Are Reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any form by any electronic, mechanical, or any other device now known or invented hereafter without permission of the author, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.
These forms include, but are not limited to xerography, photocopy, scanning, recording, distributing via internet means, informational storage and retrieval system.
Because of the dynamic nature of the internet, any web address or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid.
Book 1 - Cupcakes and Cyanide
Welcome to Ashton Point. One sweet taste could be her last.
Charlotte McCorrson has spent her entire life building her business, CC’s Simply Cupcakes. The town of Ashton Point is her home and she’s garnered a reputation of stellar service and delightful pastries, one nibble at a time. But everything isn’t as sweet in the sleepy, coastal town as Charlotte would like to think. She is in for a rude awakening and no amount of sugar will make this medicine go down any smoother.
After catering a large town-wide event, Ashton Point’s morning newspaper fills Charlotte McCorrson with an icy sense of dread. The headlines scream Cupcake Killer! and put the blame squarely on CC’s Simply Cupcakes.
When bodies begin to pile up behind her confectionary goodies, Charlotte must prove that while her cupcakes are delicious, they aren’t literally to die for—before she ends up in jail for a crime she didn’t commit.
Chapter One
“CALLING ALL THE single ladies.”
Charlotte McCorrson stood nestled at the back of the reception centre, semi-hidden behind a burgundy-and-white, balloon topiary tree.
Great. Bouquet throwing time, just what I need. For every man in the room to know I’m still single. When Beth invited her to the wedding she was over the moon, after all, they’d been good friends since Clair and her family moved to Ashton Point three years ago. What she hadn’t planned on was still being single by the time the wedding rolled around.
They may as well take out a front-page ad in the Ashton Point Chronicle. She could see it now. “Ashton Point master cupcake baker extraordinaire struggles to snag herself a husband. Could she be lacking that special ingredient all men are looking for? What is wrong with the redheaded beauty?” She’d been over the moon when Beth and Lincoln asked CC’s Simply Cupcakes to design a wedding cake, based around Charlotte’s award-winning cupcake designs.
“Charlotte? What are you doing back here?” A petite voice spoke from behind.
She spun, her breath catching as her gaze landed on a vision in white. Decked out in a satin Karen Willis Holmes, floor-length, empire dress with embroidered tulle overlay, Beth looked like an angel. There had barely been a dry eye in the church as she walked down the aisle to her handsome prince. The fairy-tale wedding every bride dreams of.
Charlotte stiffened as Beth threw her arms around her neck and squeezed. “I never got a chance to properly thank you for the wonderful cupcake display you made. It was truly the cake of my dreams. I’m so glad you were able to share my special day with me. It wouldn’t have been the same without you and Clair here,” she said with a beaming smile.
“You’re welcome, I wouldn’t have missed it for the world. I’m so happy you liked it,” she said in a muffled voice. Her mouth was half covered by blonde ruffles of hair, leaving the metallic taste of hairspray on her tongue.
Beth pulled back and their gazes held strong. “Liked it? Are you serious? I loved it.” A bolt of electric energy ran up Charlotte’s spine. She cherished the buzz she got from seeing the joy her cupcakes brought others. “And if anyone thinks they’re taking the leftovers home tonight, they have another thing coming. That’s all I’ll be eating ‘til we leave for our honeymoon next week.”
Both ladies burst into laughter. Beth’s happiness was starting to rub off on Charlotte.
“Didn’t you hear the MC? You need to get to the dance floor. I’m about to throw the bouquet.”
Charlotte cringed at the thought. “No, no, it’s fine. I’m really okay sitting back and letting someone else take the limelight.” She had planned on falling madly in love with the man of her dreams by the wedding. I guess life doesn’t always go to plan.
A sliver of disappointment marred Beth’s expression. “I can’t believe what I’m hearing. Your grandma would be turning in her grave if she knew you were skipping the bouquet toss. You know how she loved tradition.”
Warmth filled Charlotte’s heart. Her grandmother treasured her independence. She was the reason they’d moved to Ashton Point in the first place.
She shook her head. “I’m happy watching from the sidelines, besides, a mosh pit of single women jumping around like clucking chickens, all vying for their piece of the elusive dream isn’t really my idea of fun.”
“Now, that’s something I’d like to see.” A gruff voice echoed in her ear.
“Excuse me?” Charlotte said, spinning to see Lincoln’s best man grinning like the Cheshire Cat.
“A mosh pit of single women jumping around like clucking chickens,” he said with a cheeky grin. “Definitely something I’d pay money to see.”
Beth sighed, rolled her eyes and play-punched him in the shoulder. “Give it a rest, Liam.”
Liam… Mmmm. Why is it that all men named Liam are gorgeous? Liam Hemsworth, Liam Neeson. Tanned, tall and handsome, he flashed a half smile at Charlotte and she felt a spike of interest spark in her belly.
Her gaze caught her sister, Clair, waving frantically behind Liam. Saved by the bell. “I’m sorry, Beth, but it looks like Clair needs me.”
“Charlotte, there you are. I’ve been looking for you everywhere,” Clair said as she joined them, flicking her deep-red ponytail over her shoulder.
“Why, is something wrong?” Alarm hit Charlotte square in the chest. “Please don’t tell me we’ve run out of cupcakes? There should be plenty to go around. I made loads of extras.”
Beth folded her arms across her chest and frowned. “Yes, don’t tell me we ran out, otherwise the Bridezilla I’ve kept hidden inside might have to make a guest appearance.”
“Bridezilla?” Liam said with a raised eyebrow. “I find that very hard to believe.”
“When it comes to Charlotte’s cupcakes, you better believe it,” she snapped, holding his stern gaze in hers.
“Everyone calm down, there are plenty of cupcakes.” Clair smiled and looped her arm through her sisters. “I was looking for Charlotte for the bouquet toss. Nothing better than a little competition between sisters.”
A grin spread across Beth’s face and she clapped her hands together. “Wonderful. I best go and get ready. Good luck.” Beth said as she hurried off.
“This should be a sight to see. I’ll let you two ladies get ready. I’d hate to be the one to keep you from your spot in the chicken brood,” Liam said with a smile as he strode back to the bridal table at the top of the dance floor.
Cla
ir raised an eyebrow. “Chicken brood?”
“Never mind,” Charlotte said, shaking her head.
“Wasn’t that the best man?” Clair asked, forcefully guiding Charlotte toward the crowded dance floor.
Charlotte nodded. Certainly was THE best man. She let her eyes wander over his retreating figure. Her gaze seemed to have a mind of its own. It made its way down his broad shoulders, to his trim waist and tight derriere. She felt her cheeks grow hot as she imagined what he would look like out of his suit.
“What was his name again?” Clair’s words were met with silence. “Earth to Charlotte,” she said, flicking Charlotte’s forehead as if she were flicking a fly from the back of her hand. “What is his name?” she snapped.
“Oww.” Charlotte rubbed her forehead. “All right. I heard you the first time. Liam. His name is Liam.”
Charlotte’s stomach tightened as Clair elbowed their way to the centre of the dance floor dragging her along for the ride.
“Okay, ladies. Are we ready for the bouquet toss?” The deep, throaty voice of the MC blared out across the room.
Charlotte’s body tensed as ear-splitting screams of single women pierced the air. Oh my, could this be any more embarrassing?
To top it off, Beyoncé’s Single Ladies boomed out as Beth took centre stage.
Her breath caught in her throat as her gaze snared Liam’s sly grin from the front of the room. What’s with the grin? Cheers erupted around her and her eyes widened as Beth’s bouquet flew straight into her arms.
****
Charlotte stood in the kitchen, her lungs void of air as the newspaper headline screamed at her like an unwanted nightmare. She held the morning newspaper in her icy fingers. Cupcake Killer!
Beth’s wedding had been the event of the year, a perfect place to show off her culinary skills. The whole town had turned up to see her finally tie the knot with Lincoln Wade, Ashton Point’s most eligible bachelor. Everyone who’s anyone had been there, which meant more advertising for their business, CC’s Simply Cupcakes.
“I don’t believe this.” Her hands shook as she read the front-page article. Definitely not the front page she had imagined last night at the wedding. “Why would they think my cupcakes killed someone?”
Her eyes were glued to the quote at the bottom of the page next to her picture. Doctor says two beloved local councilmen are in critical condition and show signs of cyanide poisoning.
“Cyanide poisoning?” she asked, collapsing on the kitchen stool as her knees gave way. “I do not cook with cyanide.”
She continued to read. Guests say that they began feeling ill after the cake was cut and cupcakes distributed.
“Definitely not from my cupcakes.” Anger simmered in her veins. It was going to hit the fan, so to speak, when her sister, Clair, heard of this debacle. Thankfully Cassidy was over visiting Mum and Dad in New York for the next two weeks. At least she won’t be tarnished by this nightmare.
This town was their home. They’d moved to Ashton Point on the central coast of New South Wales, just over three years ago to help her grandma. “As if anyone would think I would intentionally poison someone. This is totally unfair,” she said, slamming the paper down on the breakfast bar. Her stomach bottoming out as her gaze spotted the bouquet on the kitchen bench.
Clair’s weary voice made Charlotte’s breath catch in her throat. “What’s unfair?” she asked, as she entered the kitchen.
Charlotte’s chest tightened like it was being forcibly crushed in a vice. Damn it, there’s no hiding this now. She scooped up the newspaper before Clair spotted the disaster that was about to tear their dreams apart.
“What’s unfair?” Clair repeated heading toward the Nespresso machine and wiping the crusty sleep remnants from the inner rim of her eyes.
Charlotte’s pulse sped up. Clearing her throat, she stood and held the newspaper close to her chest, ready to face the music head-on. “I’ve something to show you, but maybe you should get a coffee and sit down first.” Clair was like a five-foot-five, grumpy bed monster with a toothache before her morning coffee.
“For goodness sake, Charlotte, spit it out,” she said running her hand through her knotted hair. “I didn’t exactly get much sleep last night, by the time we packed up after the wedding.”
Charlotte cringed at the mention of the wedding. “You’re going to hear about it one way or another.” She sighed. “May as well be before you leave the house.”
Suspicion worked its way across Clair’s face. Leaning against the counter, she folded her arms across her chest. “Okay, enough with the cryptic clues and just tell me what you’re talking about.”
Charlotte’s heart plummeted to the base of her gut. She flipped the paper around and held her breath. Waiting for the incoming explosion.
“Cupcake killer!” Clair’s amused, bubbly giggle shot through Charlotte like a dagger. “That’s ridiculous. We’ve known Daniel for three years and everyone in town knows he’s big on sensationalising stories without getting his facts straight first. You’re not taking that seriously, are you?”
“Of course I’m taking it seriously.”
“It’s just Daniel trying to big note his career. You and I know there’s no truth to it and I’m sure when the truth is revealed, Daniel will be eating his own words.” Clair busied herself working her mass of deep-red, bushy hair into a messy bun on the top of her head. “I’m sure it will blow over once they’ve worked out how they were really poisoned.”
Shock bolted through Charlotte’s body. “I can’t believe you’re being so blasé about this. We’ve worked our butts off to make CC’s Simply Cupcakes the best it can possibly be and…” She paused, fury running through her veins. She shook the newspaper in front of Clair’s unimpressed expression. “…bad publicity is the last thing we need.” Charlotte’s stomach grumbled as the fresh scent of roasted hazelnut assaulted her nostrils.
Clair made two fresh cups and handed one off to Charlotte. “Okay, I suppose this isn’t ideal, but I’d hardly think one article in the local rag is going to destroy our business. Besides, the whole town knows Daniel will bend the truth to sell one more newspaper.”
Clair skimmed over the article. A myriad of emotions flashing across Clair’s face made it impossible for Charlotte to determine her thoughts. “They say that no accusations will be acted upon until they have concrete evidence and they’ll be following up all leads. Maybe we should keep our eyes and ears open, just in case.”
Anxiety crept into Charlotte’s mind and compounded her sudden headache into a dull roar. “I agree, but…”
Clair continued, oblivious to Charlotte’s annoyance. “And we have Mrs Stevenson’s eightieth birthday high tea tomorrow afternoon, down by the river. I’m sure after that goes off without a hitch, Daniel will not only be eating his words, but also your delicious cupcakes.”
“Maybe you’re right, but I don’t think we should wait for the fall out from this article. I know Beth was taking the leftovers home and I don’t want her to worry, so I’m going to head over to reassure them that my cupcakes were not the source of the poisoning.”
Clair fake coughed. “The morning after their wedding?”
Frustration bubbled up, sending Charlotte’s pulse racing. Again. “They’re not leaving for their honeymoon ‘til Wednesday, and if I remember rightly, Lincoln has to work today to tie up loose ends before they leave.”
She glanced one last time at the newspaper and huffed. This is the most ludicrous thing ever put in print. I’ll make you eat your words if it’s the last thing I do.
Clair sighed. “Okay, but don’t take too long. I’ll be heading over to the shop soon to update the books and make sure we have enough supplies for Mrs Stevenson’s order. I’ll see you when you get there.”
“Okay.” Inside, she was furious at Clair’s nonchalant attitude. “Mark my words, I’ll get to the bottom of this.”
****
Annoyed at the incessant interruption to his morning breakf
ast, Liam Bradly strutted toward the door. A continuous thunderous roar hammered his head, thanks to his addiction to good wine. He’d stupidly over-indulged at the wedding and his queasy stomach was a stark reminder of why he usually drank red instead of white wine.
He ran his hand through his hair and glanced at the wall clock. “Are you serious?” It’s not even nine o’clock yet. Who the hell visits this early on a Saturday morning, especially after a late wedding reception the night before? He’d tear strips off whatever idiot was on the other side of the door.
Liam threw the oak door wide open. “Do you have any idea what time…” He froze mid-sentence, his eyes glued to the petite woman standing before him. He’d remember her anywhere. As if he’d forget a woman of her beauty. Her wavy red locks hung just below her shoulders, framing her face. This was much better than the semi-business look she’d worn yesterday at the wedding, hair pulled back in a tight bun. Now, she was the picture of a woman that would tantalise any man, including him.
She’s beautiful.
A soft smile curved her lips, but her eyes told a different story. The drumming in his head shot his mind back to the present. He smiled. “Well, well, if it isn’t the Cupcake Killer in person.”
She gasped. “You read it too?”
He nodded. “I’m sure everyone in town’s read it. Hard not to see it. It was plastered all over the front page.”
Her glossy, sapphire-blue eyes widened. Thrusting her hands on her hips she said, “That article is utter nonsense. They had no right to print that without any evidence. My cupcakes were not the reason those people got sick.”
“Really?” he asked folding his arms across his chest and giving her an uninterrupted view of his taut biceps and clenched abs.
Her jaw dropped to speak, but nothing came out. The only indication that she was still breathing was the warm, crimson blush that had worked its way from her neck to her cheeks.
“I…um… I wanted to…um…” She bit her bottom lip and paused mid-sentence as if her voice had suddenly vanished.
