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Chocolate Martini Sisters #1
Candy, Cigarettes, and Murder
It’s a birthday weekend with the gift of murder.
Recently widowed, Emma Banefield looks forward to a getaway birthday weekend with her free-wheeling sister, Nicole Earp, sipping chocolate martinis at the peaceful, historic Dulce Inn. When a rude stranger, a nasty food critic, and a madhouse of temperamental artists greet them, all hope for a tranquil weekend evaporates faster than dew on a hot desert morning.
Overlooking the riotous atmosphere is doubly hard after Em discovers the body of a hotel guest, and a second murder affects Nic personally. Now, entrenched in a caper that pits them against a surly detective, they cozy up to a hotel staff hiding dangerous secrets to uncover clues to the killer.
Using their smarts and love of all-things mystery, will the Chocolate Martini Sisters solve the crime ahead of the obstinate Chief Detective or find themselves trapped in the middle of a third murder?
Recently widowed, Emma Banefield looks forward to a getaway birthday weekend with her free-wheeling sister, Nicole Earp, sipping chocolate martinis at the peaceful, historic Dulce Inn. When a rude stranger, a nasty food critic, and a madhouse of temperamental artists greet them, all hope for a tranquil weekend evaporates faster than dew on a hot desert morning.
Overlooking the riotous atmosphere is doubly hard after Em discovers the body of a hotel guest, and a second murder affects Nic personally. Now, entrenched in a caper that pits them against a surly detective, they cozy up to a hotel staff hiding dangerous secrets to uncover clues to the killer.
Using their smarts and love of all-things mystery, will the Chocolate Martini Sisters solve the crime ahead of the obstinate Chief Detective or find themselves trapped in the middle of a third murder?
- GenresMysteryCozy Mystery
265 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 7, 2023
About the author
Joyce Proell
15 books250 followersAfter hearing countless extraordinary stories as a social worker and mental health therapist, Joyce Proell retired and writes her own made-up tales. The worlds of historical romance, romantic suspense, and cozy mysteries are her bailiwick. Her books feature lively, determined women who are unafraid to challenge the status quo or confront a perplexing mystery. She is a 2015 RWA Hearts through History winner.
In addition to writing, she loves to swim, walk and finds baking almost as relaxing as a day at the spa. When she isn’t traveling, she can be found with her husband and a sweet little dog at home in Minnesota, in her own little house on the prairie. To find out more about Joyce visit her website at www.joyceproell.com.
In addition to writing, she loves to swim, walk and finds baking almost as relaxing as a day at the spa. When she isn’t traveling, she can be found with her husband and a sweet little dog at home in Minnesota, in her own little house on the prairie. To find out more about Joyce visit her website at www.joyceproell.com.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
March 29, 2023
Emma Banefield was looking forward to a birthday weekend with her sister Nicole Earp at the peaceful, historic Dulce Inn. Instead, they're greeted by a group of rude or nasty guests and temperamental artists. Things get even worse when Em discovers a body, and a second murder affects Nic personally. The sisters are now up against a surly detective and must discover which of the hotel staff members' secrets are in play, or theirs might be a third murder.
Taking place in Arizona, the novel stars the "Chocolate Martini sisters" on their weekend getaway. The art competition being hosted at the hotel adds tension to the already tense artists, a restaurant critic is present and irritating the new owner, and staff, ready to badmouth everyone. Once Emma finds the critic's body, she goes in full bore to start investigating. Nic is a little softer in her way of questioning staff, but it's still all business. Their suspect list and guesses for motives take a turn when the second body is found, but they continue questioning staff, irritating the police chief with their theories, and coming up with possible motives.
I like that our heroines are in their forties, complete with all the relationship baggage, children, and jobs that it entails. The staff are pretty helpful with all of the sisters' probing questions, even when they're going past the point of politeness, though only one staff member actually points out that they're not police and don't have to be answered. It's that nosiness that gets to the actual killer, who confesses everything to the police. It's such a rapid-fire story, taking place over a single weekend, but that also makes it easy to read over the course of an afternoon. This is the start of a series of novels starring the sisters, so we'll see them again. Hopefully, next time it won't be at such a breakneck pace, and we can enjoy their little asides more.
Taking place in Arizona, the novel stars the "Chocolate Martini sisters" on their weekend getaway. The art competition being hosted at the hotel adds tension to the already tense artists, a restaurant critic is present and irritating the new owner, and staff, ready to badmouth everyone. Once Emma finds the critic's body, she goes in full bore to start investigating. Nic is a little softer in her way of questioning staff, but it's still all business. Their suspect list and guesses for motives take a turn when the second body is found, but they continue questioning staff, irritating the police chief with their theories, and coming up with possible motives.
I like that our heroines are in their forties, complete with all the relationship baggage, children, and jobs that it entails. The staff are pretty helpful with all of the sisters' probing questions, even when they're going past the point of politeness, though only one staff member actually points out that they're not police and don't have to be answered. It's that nosiness that gets to the actual killer, who confesses everything to the police. It's such a rapid-fire story, taking place over a single weekend, but that also makes it easy to read over the course of an afternoon. This is the start of a series of novels starring the sisters, so we'll see them again. Hopefully, next time it won't be at such a breakneck pace, and we can enjoy their little asides more.
March 20, 2023
Read my review on NovelsAlive.com by clicking the link below. It is also posted in full.
https://novelsalive.com/2023/03/20/4-...
Candy, Cigarettes, and Murder is the first book in the Chocolate Martini Sisters series by Brenda Whiteside and Joyce Proell, and I look forward to reading more.
Amateur sleuths and sisters Emma and Nicole are one step ahead of the police when there are murders and other incidents at the hotel they are staying in. There are a lot of characters to sift through and tons of clues as well.
We get to know the characters a little at a time, but at times, I felt the authors thought we already knew them and their histories. Many details and descriptions are sprinkled throughout, and many clues take us in various directions.
The story has twists and turns as suspects are ruled out or brought back to the forefront. Multiple stories are being told, woven together, with every detail playing a role in helping find the murderer and others involved.
This cozy mystery has good guys and bad, along with needless violence. There is some predictability but also surprises along the way. There were a few loose ends in my eyes, along with solving the whodunnit. I like the title, which ties into the story as well as the particulars of the cover.
Ms. Proell and Ms. Whiteside are new-to-me authors, and I look forward to reading more of their books, not just those in this series. Attention to detail and character development are things I look for when reading, and Candy, Cigarettes, and Murder had me turning the pages in this cozy mystery to see whodunnit.
https://novelsalive.com/2023/03/20/4-...
Candy, Cigarettes, and Murder is the first book in the Chocolate Martini Sisters series by Brenda Whiteside and Joyce Proell, and I look forward to reading more.
Amateur sleuths and sisters Emma and Nicole are one step ahead of the police when there are murders and other incidents at the hotel they are staying in. There are a lot of characters to sift through and tons of clues as well.
We get to know the characters a little at a time, but at times, I felt the authors thought we already knew them and their histories. Many details and descriptions are sprinkled throughout, and many clues take us in various directions.
The story has twists and turns as suspects are ruled out or brought back to the forefront. Multiple stories are being told, woven together, with every detail playing a role in helping find the murderer and others involved.
This cozy mystery has good guys and bad, along with needless violence. There is some predictability but also surprises along the way. There were a few loose ends in my eyes, along with solving the whodunnit. I like the title, which ties into the story as well as the particulars of the cover.
Ms. Proell and Ms. Whiteside are new-to-me authors, and I look forward to reading more of their books, not just those in this series. Attention to detail and character development are things I look for when reading, and Candy, Cigarettes, and Murder had me turning the pages in this cozy mystery to see whodunnit.
March 8, 2023
A sister mystery that will keep the reader guessing right up to the end. Em and Nic spend two weekends a year together and this one is much more than they counted on.
This book is easily described as a slow-burn mystery. No stone is left unturned and no scene too small for intricate detail. The two sisters are so different that alternating POV works in presenting them.
The character development provides deep insight into each character. This extends into secondary characters as well. There are lesser themes that will resonate with different types of readers.
We have a divorced woman who may still carry a torch for her ex. You have a mother quite concerned about the life and well-being of their twenty-something kid. You have one who enjoys what life brings. You have one who questions what life brings.
If there is an issue here, it would be with the timeframe of this book. The entire book is set in one weekend. It just seems that this could have been conveyed in a slightly shorter version. Doing this might have worked to make the pacing a little more intriguing.
If you are a fan of Brenda Whiteside, you will want to get a hold of this book. If you are a fan of modern cozy mystery, then this book will be for you. If you find yourself caught up in the Chocolate Martini sisters, you will want to get ready for book two. A wonderful mystery to fill your evenings with reading pleasure.
My Rating: 4.75 stars
Reviewed by: Mr. N
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...
This book is easily described as a slow-burn mystery. No stone is left unturned and no scene too small for intricate detail. The two sisters are so different that alternating POV works in presenting them.
The character development provides deep insight into each character. This extends into secondary characters as well. There are lesser themes that will resonate with different types of readers.
We have a divorced woman who may still carry a torch for her ex. You have a mother quite concerned about the life and well-being of their twenty-something kid. You have one who enjoys what life brings. You have one who questions what life brings.
If there is an issue here, it would be with the timeframe of this book. The entire book is set in one weekend. It just seems that this could have been conveyed in a slightly shorter version. Doing this might have worked to make the pacing a little more intriguing.
If you are a fan of Brenda Whiteside, you will want to get a hold of this book. If you are a fan of modern cozy mystery, then this book will be for you. If you find yourself caught up in the Chocolate Martini sisters, you will want to get ready for book two. A wonderful mystery to fill your evenings with reading pleasure.
My Rating: 4.75 stars
Reviewed by: Mr. N
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...
April 27, 2023
Two close sisters have a delightful family tradition. They check into a hotel in their Arizona hometown for a weekend of relaxation and fun twice a year to celebrate one another’s birthdays. Their celebratory getaway weekend is abruptly interrupted when one of the sisters discovers the corpse of a nasty hotel guest and later, they find the body of a popular hotel employee. Despite their different personalities, both sisters have a penchant for chocolate martinis and are hopeless snoops who can’t mind their own beeswax. So, naturally, they stick their noses everywhere they don’t belong to sniff out the killer, much to the consternation of the homicide detective in charge of the cases.
Authors Joyce Proell and Brenda Whiteside have created a madcap cast of characters for their debut of The Chocolate Martini Sisters Series. The authors take readers on a raucous, wild rollercoaster ride at a breakneck pace. Candy, Cigarettes, and Murder is a fun romp with a plot that has more twists and turns than a pretzel and a suspect pool with plenty of motives to go around and enough red herrings to keep readers turning the pages.
Authors Joyce Proell and Brenda Whiteside have created a madcap cast of characters for their debut of The Chocolate Martini Sisters Series. The authors take readers on a raucous, wild rollercoaster ride at a breakneck pace. Candy, Cigarettes, and Murder is a fun romp with a plot that has more twists and turns than a pretzel and a suspect pool with plenty of motives to go around and enough red herrings to keep readers turning the pages.
March 20, 2023
What happens when you think you are on a relaxing birthday weekend with your sister and stumble across a dead body? You investigate, of course!
Emma and Nicole are quite the pair of sisters. They have a fondness for chocolate martinis, weekends away, and solving puzzles - or murders, in this case. Both sisters bring a set of skills with them to help narrow down the pool of potential killers. The sisters are quite different from one another in how they approach the crime, possible suspects, and their personalities in general. Emma is much more reserved, and Nicole is very gregarious.
The pool of suspects isn't large, but I couldn't quite figure out who had the motive to kill. There are clues that will point you in the right direction, but you have to pay attention! I suspected a few things as they were revealed but didn't quite put all of the pieces of the puzzle together.
This book is told from two different points of view - Emma and Nicole. This is the only thing I didn't like about the book because I never knew whose point of view was being shared, and trying to decipher it made the story about bit clunky from that point.
Overall, this was a fun mystery to try and solve, and we give it 4 paws up.
Emma and Nicole are quite the pair of sisters. They have a fondness for chocolate martinis, weekends away, and solving puzzles - or murders, in this case. Both sisters bring a set of skills with them to help narrow down the pool of potential killers. The sisters are quite different from one another in how they approach the crime, possible suspects, and their personalities in general. Emma is much more reserved, and Nicole is very gregarious.
The pool of suspects isn't large, but I couldn't quite figure out who had the motive to kill. There are clues that will point you in the right direction, but you have to pay attention! I suspected a few things as they were revealed but didn't quite put all of the pieces of the puzzle together.
This book is told from two different points of view - Emma and Nicole. This is the only thing I didn't like about the book because I never knew whose point of view was being shared, and trying to decipher it made the story about bit clunky from that point.
Overall, this was a fun mystery to try and solve, and we give it 4 paws up.
June 3, 2024
This is the first book in the Chocolate Martini Sisters mystery series. And what a fantastic start it is!
Emma and Nicole have a tradition of spending each of their birthday weekends at an Arizona hotel where the staff remembers them for their love of chocolate martinis. On this most recent visit, we learn that the hotel is under new ownership and that it's off to a bit of a rocky start between the employees. After witnessing some tense moments in the restaurant and lobby the night before, Emma sets off on her morning run only to stumble upon a dead body on the path! She was surprised to discover who it was and immediately started looking for clues..
The two sisters are likable and relatable characters and I found myself drawn into the mystery and trying to solve the crimes right along with them.. I'm looking forward to reading more of this series in the near future!
Emma and Nicole have a tradition of spending each of their birthday weekends at an Arizona hotel where the staff remembers them for their love of chocolate martinis. On this most recent visit, we learn that the hotel is under new ownership and that it's off to a bit of a rocky start between the employees. After witnessing some tense moments in the restaurant and lobby the night before, Emma sets off on her morning run only to stumble upon a dead body on the path! She was surprised to discover who it was and immediately started looking for clues..
The two sisters are likable and relatable characters and I found myself drawn into the mystery and trying to solve the crimes right along with them.. I'm looking forward to reading more of this series in the near future!
May 30, 2023
4.5 Stars. This is the first book in the Chocolate Martini Sisters Mysteries and was an enjoyable read. The lead characters are two sisters looking for a relaxing birthday getaway. The authors share a little background information on Emma and Nic, but the focus is on solving two murders and a poisoning. The story is fast-paced with no sagging parts, so it can be read in a day. There is a large secondary cast, but the authors did such a good job with character development that you know who everyone is. The who-done-it aspect is well-written and keeps you guessing and changing your mind each time the sisters discover another clue. This book would fit perfectly in Hallmark’s cozy mysteries line-up. Reviewed for Still Moments Magazine.
April 4, 2026
This cozy checked all the boxes. Main characters with realistic personalities. Lots of suspects. Not too long, not too short chapters. At about the 80% point it felt like everything had been hashed and rehashed about as much as it could be. But then the book moved into a quickly resolved ending.
The author provides the titular Martini Sisters with realistic personalities. Almost overly average middle-aged women with a penchant for mysteries. Suspects run the gamut from extremely nice to how-do-they-keep-their-job brusque.
Further editions of this series are likely to occur at the sisters’ twice a year birthday get-aways which is a brilliant way for the author to supply a steady stream of new victims and suspects.
The author provides the titular Martini Sisters with realistic personalities. Almost overly average middle-aged women with a penchant for mysteries. Suspects run the gamut from extremely nice to how-do-they-keep-their-job brusque.
Further editions of this series are likely to occur at the sisters’ twice a year birthday get-aways which is a brilliant way for the author to supply a steady stream of new victims and suspects.
March 5, 2023
Whew! What a ride! A recent widow goes on a much needed vacation with her sister. What can go wrong with sipping martinis poolside? Well, apparently quite a bit. The widow stumbles upon a dead body, and it just seems to spiral out of control from there. But don’t let the dead bodies keep you away from this book - lots of suspense and you will be wanting to know more as each page progresses. My Rating: 4 out of 5
March 19, 2026
I loved the interplay between sisters Nic and Em and that they meet for birthdays. I do that with one of my sisters too. Lots of murder and mayhem as well as possible romantic interests for the widowed Em and divorced Nic. The Dulce Inn sounds like somewhere I'd like to stay. I enjoyed the quirky characters and foretold plot twists. Looking forward to reading the next chocolate martini sisters novel that is in my TBR pile on my kindle.
June 4, 2026
Great mystery
I found this book a great read. I liked how the sisters kept up a tradition for their weekend birthdays. Dulce sounds incredible. Love is about and you can catch that in places. Murder hits not once but twice, and attempted murder does the same. Add in an art show and an amorous woman who owns the Dulce and has a thing for all nice looking men and the story was born!
I found this book a great read. I liked how the sisters kept up a tradition for their weekend birthdays. Dulce sounds incredible. Love is about and you can catch that in places. Murder hits not once but twice, and attempted murder does the same. Add in an art show and an amorous woman who owns the Dulce and has a thing for all nice looking men and the story was born!
October 4, 2025
I found this book to be a well-written cozy mystery. I like the characters of Emma Banefield and her sister, Nicole Earp, and hearing that they liked sipping chocolate martinis. Readers will find not only mystery, but murder and suspense as the story unfolds. I was happy to hear there are more books in this quirky mystery series.
May 20, 2024
On a birthday get together at an Arizona hotel two sisters with a penchant for chocolate martinis meet an intriguing cast of characters and get embroiled in murder and mayhem. A fun and entertaining light whodunit!
October 8, 2024
Recently, I had the pleasure of meeting Brenda Whiteside at a local bookstore in Payson, Arizona. Anytime I run into an author out in public, I am a sucker for purchasing their work.
It’s obviously that these women know how to write. The vivid imagery used in this novel is unmatched. With every scene, I could imagine what the setting looked and sounded like. The dialogue and characterization is so authentic that as a reader, you grow very connected to the two sister-protagonists, Emma and Nicole.
The only reason I’m not rating this novel 5 stars is due to the dragging of some scenes. About 150 pages in, I began to get antsy for the mystery to be wrapped up. I also really struggled to differentiate the two characters, Nicole and Emma. With the constant switching of perspectives, I found it very difficult to keep track of who is who. I think a third person omniscient narration would have improved the overall conciseness of the story.
Nonetheless I still really enjoyed this cozy mystery; although even after finishing, I’m not sure how cozy mysteries are any different than regular mystery novels 🤔
It’s obviously that these women know how to write. The vivid imagery used in this novel is unmatched. With every scene, I could imagine what the setting looked and sounded like. The dialogue and characterization is so authentic that as a reader, you grow very connected to the two sister-protagonists, Emma and Nicole.
The only reason I’m not rating this novel 5 stars is due to the dragging of some scenes. About 150 pages in, I began to get antsy for the mystery to be wrapped up. I also really struggled to differentiate the two characters, Nicole and Emma. With the constant switching of perspectives, I found it very difficult to keep track of who is who. I think a third person omniscient narration would have improved the overall conciseness of the story.
Nonetheless I still really enjoyed this cozy mystery; although even after finishing, I’m not sure how cozy mysteries are any different than regular mystery novels 🤔
March 28, 2023
Fun story. Would love to stay at the Dulce Inn, preferably without the murders though.
August 16, 2023
A great cozy mystery. I love the coziness of the inn!
Read
December 6, 2023DNF. Two narrators-two sisters
May 24, 2024
Sisters mystery
Great dialogue! A fun read about sisters working in very different ways to solve the mystery. Recomend for cozy mystery fans.
Great dialogue! A fun read about sisters working in very different ways to solve the mystery. Recomend for cozy mystery fans.
May 25, 2024
Took me on a mystery journey
I loved the sister's relationship. They made me feel part of their journey. It kept me guessing. A real page turner. Get ready for suprise ending.
I loved the sister's relationship. They made me feel part of their journey. It kept me guessing. A real page turner. Get ready for suprise ending.
April 12, 2023
What a fun book! I'm new to the cozy genre, and I really enjoyed the fast pace, well-drawn setting, and interesting collection of characters. The plot bustles with intrigue and entertainment as the two amateur sleuths drive the local detectives crazy in their pursuit of clues, always winding up in the wrong place at the right time to be in on the action! I had some of the twists figured out, but not all of them when the guilty party was revealed. I look forward to the next book in the series!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews