Mayhem on the Marzipan Express (A Claire Walker Mystery) By Rebecca Connolly-A Cozy Culinary Mystery Review

 Book Synopsis

A romantic getaway turns deadly when a passenger on the train is murdered—and a famous chef is the prime suspect.

Amateur baker and part-time sleuth Claire Walker is looking forward to a vacation with her boyfriend, Jonathan Ainsley. The happy couple boards the famed Scottish train, the Mallaig Steam Express—temporarily renamed “The Marzipan Express” in honor of chef Alan Gables, who is hosting an exclusive culinary experience for his most devoted fans.

The trip has barely begun when Claire and Jonny discover a dead body, and though it appears to be an accident, Claire can sense something is wrong as easily as she can sense an overbaked soufflé. All clues point to Alan as the culprit: He doesn’t have an alibi, his assistant is oddly nervous around him, and a shadowy figure keeps appearing at all the wrong times. Is someone from Alan’s past trying to frame him? Or could Alan be trying to cover his tracks?

Claire had hoped for a delicious, romantic getaway, not investigating a mysterious death while stress-eating trifle in the kitchen car and trying to not be jealous of a magazine reporter who is flirting with Jonny. It’s mayhem in more ways than one.

Book Details

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Shadow Mountain Publishing
• Genre: Cozy Culinary Mysteries
• Series : A Claire Walker Mystery
• Publication date ‏ : ‎ January 6, 2026
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Print length ‏ : ‎ 320 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1639935002

• ****I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, NetGalley, book tours, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.****

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My Review

A Claire Walker Mystery always delivers a fun read. I liked this one even better than the first. Lately, I've said that about lots of second books. Mayhem on the Marzipan Express kept me hooked. It reminded me of Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient Express, yet with a Baker's touch. 

"A romantic getaway turns deadly when a passenger on the train is murdered—and a famous chef is the prime suspect."

Claire returns as the charming, down-to-earth amateur baker and an ex-contestant from Britain’s Battle of the Bakers. She and her handsome Viscount boyfriend, Jonny, join judge Alan Gables on the famed Scottish Mallaig Steam Express, with a name change for this event: Marzipan Express. It's for the chef's special food event with top fans. Claire is there for a romantic getaway with Jonny and to serve as Alan's sous chef.

Things go smoothly until the first body drops. Will it be the only one?  Claire and Jonny turn detectives again, but Alan Gables emerges as the key suspect. They all work together to figure out who is really behind the attack. 

Side note: The author writes in the preface, "And to David Tennant, who is the only person who could ever be Alan Gables in my head or in any adaptation. You hear that, executives? ONLY DAVID TENNANT. David, are you listening?" I adore David T. He was my favorite Doctor on Doctor Who. After reading that, I pictured David as Alan and heard his voice in every line.

Are you a fan of cozy mysteries, sweet romance, baking contests, plot twists, and tasty food?  You'll want to grab this book and series.  It includes recipes for all the dishes Claire and Alan cooked on the train. I plan to bake a few soon.

****Meet Author Rebecca Connolly ****

Rebecca Connolly is the author of more than three dozen novels. She calls herself a Midwest girl, having lived in Ohio and Indiana. She's always been a bookworm, and her grandma would send her books almost every month so she would never run out. Book Fairs were her carnival, and libraries are her happy place. She has been creating stories since childhood, and there are home videos to prove it! She received a master's degree from West Virginia University, and is a hot cocoa addict.

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