This is book 13 in the Cupcake Bakery Mystery series but it is the first book I have read in the series.

This was a fun, cozy mystery, with interesting characters. The brothers seem to be a handful, I will have to go back and read some of the other books in the series, my assumption is that Ray gets up to no good in one of them.

Looking forward to reading more books in the series. Book 14 Strawberried Alive comes out this spring so I will start with that one. ( )

Mel Cooper is finally going to marry Joe DeLaura and is busy with wedding preparations. She is especially looking forward to the cupcakes that Oz, her former employee, is making. But when a coworker of Oz is killed and Oz is a suspect in the murder, Mel knows that no matter how busy she is, she needs to clear Oz’s name. Will Mel be able to clear Oz’s name in time for her wedding?

“For Batter or Worse” is the wonderfully done thirteenth book in Jenn McKinlay’s Cupcake Bakery cozy mystery series. Longtime fans of the series will be thrilled to read this book as Mel and Joe get prepared to finally marry; new readers will enjoy getting to know the characters (and no doubt will want to catch up on the other books in the series). This series does have a great set of characters starting with Mel (who is wrapped up in wedding plans but not too wrapped up to not be able to help a friend; a very pregnant Angie who is somewhat subdued in this book but shows flashes of her usually feistiness; Tate, Angela’s devoted husband; Joe and all of his brothers, each with a very unique personality; octogenarian Marty who helps out at the bakery and his girlfriend Olivia who both add quite a bit of humor to the book (and series); and, of course, Oz, the star of this book, who has grown much through the course of the series and in this book – it will be interesting to see what happens with Oz in future books in the series. There is a great deal of humor in the book – I laughed out loud a few times while reading this. The mystery is as well done as the humor with plenty of twists and turns and surprises – I thought I had figured out who the killer was but I was totally wrong. Finally, the wedding itself is not lost in the humor or mystery, and, while one thing that happens is a bit too predictable, it is still wonderful to read about the wedding.

“For Batter or Worse” is another great mystery by Jenn McKinlay. ( )

The big day is almost here . . . in a flurry of wedding plans, Melanie Cooper and Joe DeLaura are [finally!] about to become husband and wife. Mel’s working out the details for their reception, planned for the posh resort where Oz is the head pastry chef, and she stops by to see Oz.

With hot tempers in the kitchen, there’s a very public . . . and nasty . . . argument with the resort’s detestable head chef, Miles Gallway, and it isn’t long before Oz discovers the chef’s body in the pastry kitchen.

Mel refuses to believe Oz had anything to do with the man’s death; she’s determined to prove his innocence, even while finishing all those last-minute wedding preparations. But will she find the culprit and clear Oz’s name before it’s time to walk down the aisle?

Although “For Batter or Worse” is the thirteenth in the Cupcake Bakery Mystery series, there’s sufficient backstory for readers new to the series and the story works well as a stand-alone. In this outing, the Fairy Tale Cupcake crew springs into action as the delicious plot unfolds, throwing Mel and company into an unexpected investigation complicated by red herrings, plot twists, and surprises.

With all the expected characters in place, a clever, well-considered mystery unfolds, keeping readers glued to the page. Strong, relatable, nuanced characters . . . all of whom have become friends to the regular readers of the series . . . prove their mettle, whether they’re standing up for a friend wrongly accused or waiting for a best friend’s baby to make an entrance. Monster egos in the Sun Dial Resort kitchen combine with moments of humor [and a few bumps along the way], to create a luscious whodunit that keeps readers guessing.

There’s much for readers to appreciate here. This heartwarming tale of love, family, and cupcakes is sure to please all readers. [And, of course, there are delectable cupcake recipes included, along with a preview of the author’s upcoming “Wait for It.”]

Highly recommended. ( )

Love these books but Angie kinda creeped me out. Also Oz! ( )

For Batter or Worse by Jenn McKinlay is the 13th A Cupcake Bakery Mystery. This is a sweet addition to a scrumptious series. It is finally time for Joe and Mel’s wedding (hooray), but a murder may put a crimp in the big day. I thought For Batter or Worse was well-written with developed characters and it moved along at quick pace. I love the snappy dialogue between the characters. I find the movie quotes (the game they play) delightful. I have enjoyed following Mel and Angie since the beginning of this scrummy series. There is a delightful cast of characters that includes Angie, Mel, Tate, Joe, Oz, and Marty. The DeLaura brothers are a hoot. I laughed often while reading about their antics. Marty is another humorous character. The detailed descriptions of the cupcakes will have you salivating and heading for the closest bakery. The mystery is well-plotted with several suspects, misdirection, and a tantalizing twist. I had fun solving this zestful whodunit. I like the romance between Uncle Stan and Mel’s mother, Joyce. I wonder if wedding bells are in their future. There are some special moments in this story. I just loved the ending. If you are new to the series, I would not recommend starting with For Batter or Worse. A Cupcake Bakery Mystery series is one I highly recommend reading in order. For Batter or Worse has lovable characters, laugh out-loud humor, scrumptious cupcakes, and an enticing mystery. This is one cozy mystery you do not want to miss. For Batter or Worse is a tasty tale with delectable delights, marriage arrangements, a pregnant partner, a frantic friend, bothersome and brilliant brothers, and an exultant ending. ( )