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The Case of the Crumbling Croissant
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The Case of the Crumbling Croissant

3 reviews

Chapters

5

Language

English

Genre

Mystery

Published

November 21, 2025

Synopsis

In the idyllic, yet secretly complex, English village of Little Puddleton, the scent of freshly baked bread is suddenly replaced by the chilling aroma of murder. Renowned baker Mr. Abernathy, a man as private as his prize-winning roses are public, is found deceased in his meticulously kept garden. For Agnes Pendelton, a recently retired librarian whose sharp mind thrives on puzzles, this is more than just a local tragedy; it's a call to action. Initially hesitant to stir from her quiet retirement, Agnes finds herself drawn into the investigation when the local police, led by the pragmatic Detective Inspector Davies, dismiss the suspicious circumstances. Armed with her librarian's knack for research and an uncanny ability to observe the minutiae others miss, Agnes begins to unravel the secrets hidden beneath Little Puddleton's charming facade. She navigates a cast of quirky villagers, each with their own motives and hidden pasts, including the secrets of the long-standing Croft family feud. As Agnes delves deeper, she confronts not only the killer but also her own past grief, finding unexpected purpose and strength in her pursuit of justice. Meanwhile, her granddaughter Emily finds a new spark of romance with the village's young doctor, adding a touch of warmth and hope to the unfolding mystery. Agnes must piece together the fragmented clues before the killer, emboldened by their success, strikes again, proving that even in the most peaceful settings, danger can lurk behind the most innocent of smiles.

Reviews Summary

4.0

(3)

Rating Breakdown

3 total ratings

5
33%
4
33%

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About the Author

Sl

Sami liam

Sami Liam is an aspiring author with a passion for crafting intricate cozy mysteries. Drawing inspiration from the charm of English villages and the quiet intellect of its residents, Liam aims to entertain readers with engaging characters and satisfying puzzles. 'The Case of the Crumbling Croissant' is their debut novel.

3
33%
2
0%
1
0%
11/22/2025

Sami liam has crafted a truly delightful cozy mystery in "The Case of the Crumbling Croissant." The plot unfolds at a satisfying pace, keeping you guessing without feeling rushed or bogged down. Agnes Pendelton is a wonderfully realized protagonist, a retired librarian whose keen observation skills are a joy to follow. The supporting cast of quirky villagers adds so much charm and depth to the story. I found myself thoroughly immersed in the secrets of Little Puddleton and rooting for Agnes. The blend of mystery, village life, and Agnes's personal journey feels well-balanced and engaging. It's a story that entertains and leaves you with a warm feeling. The author's writing style is clear and inviting, making for an easy and enjoyable read. The resolution of the mystery felt earned and satisfying, with a touch of sweetness from Emily's budding romance. I would heartily recommend this book to anyone looking for a charming and clever mystery. This was an excellent read that provided a perfect escape into a world of intrigue and village gossip. It’s the kind of book that makes you wish you lived in Little Puddleton yourself.

11/22/2025

The Case of the Crumbling Croissant offers a charming, if somewhat predictable, entry into the cozy mystery genre. The central murder plot of Mr. Abernathy is well-conceived, but the pacing occasionally falters, especially in the middle sections. Agnes Pendelton is a wonderfully realized protagonist, her librarian's intellect a perfect tool for unraveling secrets. The author paints a vivid picture of Little Puddleton, though some of the quirky villagers felt a little too familiar. While the romance subplot with Emily provided a pleasant counterpoint, it sometimes felt a bit secondary to Agnes's investigation. The resolution felt earned, though I had guessed the culprit a little earlier than Agnes. Sami liam successfully creates an atmosphere of gentle intrigue, perfect for a relaxing read. The exploration of Agnes's past grief added a nice layer of emotional depth to the narrative. For fans of traditional British cozies, this book delivers a satisfying, if not groundbreaking, experience. It's a solid choice for a quiet afternoon, offering a familiar comfort with a touch of suspense. The mystery itself is engaging enough to keep you turning pages, even with its occasional narrative lulls. Ultimately, it’s a book that aims to entertain, and it largely succeeds in doing so.

11/22/2025

Sami Liam's "The Case of the Crumbling Croissant" offered a delightful escape into a charming village mystery. The core mystery surrounding Mr. Abernathy's demise kept me guessing for a good portion of the book. Agnes Pendelton proved to be a wonderfully relatable and intelligent protagonist to follow. The author skillfully wove in the small-town secrets and the Croft family feud. I found myself thoroughly engaged with the unfolding narrative and Agnes's determined sleuthing. The pacing felt generally well-handled, though a few sections could have been tightened. The secondary romance subplot between Emily and the doctor added a nice warmth. Some of the villager characters felt a bit archetypal, but still contributed to the atmosphere. The resolution felt earned and satisfying, tying up the various threads nicely. This is a solid cozy mystery that fans of the genre will likely enjoy immensely.