Today, I'm thrilled to share a reader review event for Elizabeth Maria Naranjo's second Sweet Dreams Mystery, Pralines and Creamed. That introduction fell flat - give me a moment. Elizabeth Maria Naranjo has been touring with me and WOW! Women on Writing for YEARS! Her books are always phenomenal and she herself is an absolute gem to work with. The word talented doesn't even come close to describing her. I am elated to share these reviews and I hope you'll be driven to read her books for yourself so you can be equally enameled with her storytelling ability. There, that's better! Carry on!
Crystal J. Casavant-Otto,
WOW! Women on Writing Book Blog Tour Manager
About Pralines and Creamed:
It’s the spooky season in Pinewood, Arizona, and when Genevieve Winterland isn’t creating killer new recipes for Sweet Dreams Ice Cream Parlour, she’s helping BFF Brandon Summers prepare for the party of the year. Brandon’s parents own Hidden Treasures Bookstore, where famed horror writer Jack Kelley is launching his latest novel on Halloween night.
Brandon’s dad isn’t thrilled that the arrogant Kelley, who was once sweet on Mrs. Summers, has chosen their store for his big event. Still, there’s no denying the author draws a huge crowd. Which makes it hard to narrow down a suspect list when Kelley drops dead onstage—the victim of a shocking murder straight out of his own book.
Fresh off Pinewood’s last cold case, Genevieve is happy to let the police handle this one. But when frosty Detective Christie zeroes in on Brandon’s dad as her prime suspect, Genevieve decides to take matters into her own hands. Can she get the scoop and solve the mystery haunting her hometown?
ASIN: B0D97GM9CJ
ISBN: B0DHHB3HWT
Publication date: October 1, 2024
Print Length: 234 pagesPublication date: October 1, 2024
Genre: Young Adult Cozy Mystery
Pralines and Creamed: A Sweet Dreams Mystery (Sweet Dreams Mysteries Book 2) is available in print and as an ebook at Amazon. Add it to your Goodreads list.
About the author, Elizabeth Maria Naranjo:
Elizabeth Maria Naranjo is the author of The Fourth Wall, The House on Linden Way, and What Was Never There. Her stories and essays have been widely published and nominated for the Pushcart Prize, Best American Essays, and Best of the Net, and her short story, “Windows,” was selected for Best Microfiction 2023. She lives in Tempe, Arizona, with her husband and two children.
Visit her website: www.elizabethmarianaranjo.com
Twitter/X: @emarianaranjo
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/elizabethmarianaranjo
Katherine says:
Murder by Milkshake, the first book in the series was really fun, so I was eagerly waiting for a second book. Pralines and Creamed is just as fast moving and detailed as Murder by Milkshake. It's also just as fun. I love the original names for the stores in Pinewood.
Genevieve is welcoming and has a great sense of humour. I like her mother. Charlotte is very sweet and Butterscotch is a great dog. Genevieve and Brandon are good together. I was interested by the mystery at his bookstore, Hidden Treasures.
The Halloween-themed costume party for the book launch was really well done, and I enjoyed the costumes as well as Genevieve and her mother's shopping trip.
Pralines and Creamed is quirky, homey, and a perfect cozy mystery for Halloween or any time of year.
Linda says:
A lovely young adult read. Elizabeth seems to be able to conjure up a scene in words so perfectly—from the ice cream parlour menu to the book signing atmosphere—I was salivating at the sweet dreams dessert descriptions! This story is a lovely mixture of sweet boy/girl romance, a mystery, some detective work—and a definite lesson in that things are not always as they seem. An easy reading story with enough gumption and twists to hold your attention throughout.
Kaecey says:
I'm an occasional cozy mystery reader, not a diehard. While a good cozy is great, they're not always easy to find. Set in Pinewood, Arizona, the story has all the hallmarks of a great cozy mystery—an idyllic small town, lovable side characters, and a central gathering spot, Sweet Dreams Ice Cream Parlour.
The plot kicks off when horror author Jack Kelley is murdered during a Halloween book launch at the local bookstore. What starts as an intriguing puzzle quickly becomes personal for amateur teen sleuth Genevieve Winterland, whose best friend’s father is the prime suspect.
As the clues unfold, Genevieve navigates the line between small-town loyalties and the need to uncover the truth, all while whipping up recipes for Sweet Dreams. Along for the ride is Butterscotch, her trusty golden retriever who saved her in the first book, adding a heartwarming touch to this fun and twisty tale.
Genevieve is the heart of this series, and her character continues to shine in Pralines and Creamed. She’s spirited, resourceful, and refreshingly relatable. Her friendship with Brandon is full of humor and warmth, and the community of Pinewood is painted with vivid, endearing strokes.
Writing realistic teens in a cozy mystery without their characters becoming too saccharine is no small feat, but Naranjo nails it. Genevieve and Brandon talk like teenagers, complete with timely slang and an irreverent sense of humor. They still fit the cozy vibe, but these teens feel more 'real' than the teen in many other cozy stories I've read.
Their investigative methods reflect their age, too—they’re clever but not omniscient, and their mistakes and missteps make the mystery even more fun. The camaraderie between Genevieve and Brandon keeps the story light, even as they tackle some serious stakes.
Naranjo also weaves in subtle personal growth for her protagonist. Genevieve’s journey to reconcile her perfectionist tendencies with the messy realities of life adds depth to her character without overshadowing the fun of the mystery.
One of the things that makes Naranjo’s writing stand out is her attention to detail. It’s easy to imagine Pinewood’s charming downtown shops, the ice cream creations at Sweet Dreams, and even the awkward tension of a teenage amateur detective calling the shots.
Naranjo has a knack for grounding the story with concrete details, whether it’s describing an action that mirrors a character’s mood or weaving small, humorous moments into the dialogue. This kept me turning the pages again and again.
Even when the teens are bantering about forming a Scooby Doo-type gang or improvising when their lack of adult knowledge shows (calling a geeky friend to help with an online search, for instance), it feels authentic and relatable while still retaining that cozy feeling readers crave.
Of course, no review of this series would be complete without a mention of Sweet Dreams Ice Cream Parlour. The whimsical setting adds another layer of charm, and Genevieve’s creative recipes (hello, Buttercream Dream sundae!) are described in a way that you’ll wish they were real.
It's easy to tell that Naranjo based this on life, with her daughter's first job working at an ice cream shop. I could imagine the scents and flavors, and I've never wanted a butterscotch malt more!
Plus, Butterscotch, Genevieve's loyal golden retriever, adds warmth and heart, reminding us why cozies like this are so satisfying to read.
In fact, this book had me looking up the author's short stories and other books because I was excited by the writing. I can't wait to see what Naranjo can do in other genres!
The book delivers exactly what you want in a cozy: an engaging mystery, a charming setting, and characters you’ll want to visit again and again.
Elizabeth says:
I really enjoyed this mystery! It was a great read on a chilly winter day. The descriptions of the different foods had me craving an ice cream sundae, and the quick thinking and fun personality of Genevieve kept me interested throughout the entire book! It was a great sequel to the first, Murder by Milkshake, but if you didn’t read the first book you can still enjoy this one without missing any information. I really loved the way the mystery was solved, and of course Butterscotch helped save the day! If you’re looking for a feel good mystery, this is the book for you! I can’t wait to read more from Naranjo!
Renee says:
Pralines and Creamed is the follow-up to Elizabeth Maria Naranjo’s young adult novel, Murder by Milkshake, and part of the Sweet Dreams cozy mystery series. It’s Halloween in Pinewood, Arizona, and Genevieve Winterland and her best friend Brandon Summers are excited about participating in a book signing event at Hidden Treasures, the bookstore Brandon’s family owns. The Halloween-themed event (complete with fans dressed in costume) features a bestselling local horror writer, Jack Kelley, but before the signing commences, Genevieve and Brandon realize there’s tension among Brandon’s mother, Charlotte, who used to work for Jack, and Brandon’s father, who appears envious of the relationship. Tension quickly escalates into murder when Jack Kelley unexpectedly dies at the event, and Brandon’s father Richard becomes the prime suspect. Having practically grown up in the Summers household, Genevieve is determined to find the real killer and clear Richard Summers’ name.
There’s no shortage of suspects, as Jack Kelley had racked up enemies in both his professional and personal lives, and his manner of death mimics the crime in his latest novel. There’s also another unexpected visitor in town, Genevieve’s mother, Lauren Starr, who left the family years earlier to pursue a career in the entertainment industry. Her desire to spend time with Genevieve throws a wrench in her daughter’s sleuthing plans. Why has she decided to make an extended visit at this point in time? As in Murder by Milkshake, Genevieve and Brandon team up to figure out the best way to narrow down the murder suspects, including once again enlisting the help of an ethical hacker classmate, much to the chagrin of the local police detective. And of course, none of this would be complete without the assistance of Butterscotch, the loveable Golden Retriever Genevieve adopted in Murder by Milkshake.
Genevieve is a likeable character, still completely devoted to her family business, the Sweet Dreams Ice Cream Parlour, but she is also realistically portrays the impulsive characteristics of a young adult woman. I quickly picked up on who the murderer might be, was diverted by a few other suspects, and had my hunch confirmed by the end. Let’s see if you can solve the puzzle as well!
As with the first book, I found myself craving ice cream throughout (as well as coffee and pastries) even though I’m lactose intolerant. I also felt like the author sprinkled enough backstory into the beginning of the book that it can serve as a standalone. Readers don’t necessarily have to have read Murder by Milkshake first in order to enjoy Pralines and Creamed, but they’ll be missing out on another fun, fast-paced mystery featuring young adult characters if they don’t.
Lily says:
I was so excited to return to Pinewood with Genevieve and friends, and Naranjo didn't disappoint. It might be getting chilly here, but this cozy mystery will have you intrigued and craving ice cream all at once. Pinewood just feels like the ideal small town, until you get a little closer and see the tension running along beneath the surface. This time it's a mystery right out of a book (literally), but that doesn't make it any less intriguing. I got so wrapped up in trying to solve the mystery alongside Genevieve and Brandon that I lost track of time more than once. I loved getting to know both of them a little better, and seeing them work together to try and clear Brandon's dad's name was heartwarming. I can't wait to see what new mystery will pop up in Pinewood next, and I must admit I'm a little disappointed I can't visit Pinewood or any of the shops irl! A final note - although this works fine as a stand-alone, I highly recommend reading book one too, as it's just as sweet and mysterious as this installment.
Jodi says:
Too often I LOVE book one in a series but book two...meh. Not so with the Sweet Dreams series. There's another crazy murder in town and this one is a little too close to home for Genevieve and the family she's created (not all family is about blood relations). Of course she's taking wild chances and is always one step ahead of the adults—an absolute must for a YA book.
What I really appreciated about Pralines and Creamed is that the characters are evolving. Yes, we're solving a murder but we're also seeing how the murder affects everyone it touches. It adds some tension and even sadness to an otherwise fun romp. We're also learning more about the people in Genevieve's orbit as they become true three dimensional people with backstories. And just like in the murder investigation, as we learn more about the characters there are a few red herrings to keep readers off balance.
Jamie says:
I found this book so entertaining and fun to follow just like the first book. It’s a fun whodunnit mystery and I really like following Genevieve on her adventures and her love for her family’s ice cream shop.
Nichole says:
Just like the first book in the series I enjoyed reading this installment. I like how persistent Genevieve is when is comes to wanting to solve the case. In the second book a local horror author drops dead at his own book signing. Genevieve is determined to understand why and who may have done it. It was surprising to know who the real person was behind the murder. I still like when the book is set in the ice cream shop and whenever the puppy Butterscotch is talked about. It’s a fast paced cozy mystery that I love being back into. I would recommend this book to people who like or who just starting out reading cozy mysteries like myself.
Karen says:
Nancy Drew meets Mystery, Inc.!
Pralines and Creamed is the second book in author Elizabeth Maria Naranjo’s fun and cozy teen/young adult Sweet Dreams Mystery series featuring high school senior Genevieve Winterland, her best friend, Brandon Summers, and her canine sidekick, Butterscotch. When Brandon’s family-owned bookstore hosts a book signing on Halloween for well-known mystery/horror writer and serial womanizer Jack Kelley, there’s friction between his parents due to some unpleasant history with the man. But when he’s murdered in the signing line, Brandon’s father quickly becomes the police’s number one suspect. Genevieve is compelled to investigate and clear Mr. Summers’s name.
Genevieve has her hands full, splitting her time between her senior year classes and working at her family’s ice cream shop; however, she is determined to solve the murder at the bookstore. When her mother arrives for an unannounced week-long visit, she’s caught off guard and soon realizes she’s doing everything she can to avoid spending time with her. Up until now, her long-distance relationship with her mother has seemed to work for both of them: occasional calls and short visits two or three times a year kept them in touch with each other. But her mother’s sudden desire for more upsets the balance they’ve established, and Genevieve finds herself backing away. Genevieve does some soul-searching to process her reaction, and young readers may be able to relate to their relationship with a distant parent.
Genevieve and Brandon make a good team and are especially kind to his younger sister, Charlotte, even dressing up as Velma and Fred from her favorite cartoon show, Scooby-Doo. However, during this case, Genevieve often prefers to pursue her ideas alone, even misleading her friend about her plans to avoid being slowed down or having to wait for him to become available to join in. Consequently, she makes some mistakes and takes some obvious risks, meeting solo with potential suspects and people she already believes may be a murderer. In the end, the resolution makes sense, and there is an exciting confrontation where the author works, “And I would have gotten away with it too…” into the beaten villain’s dialogue.
I recommend PRALINES AND CREAMED to readers of teen and young adult cozy mysteries.
Congratulations to reviewer Lily!
We held a random drawing via Random.org and it picked Lily as our $25 Amazon Gift Card Winner.
Readers: if you'd like to participate in events like this in the future and receive a free book in exchange for an honest review, please email us at blogtour[at]wow-womenonwriting[dot]com. We also hold a random gift card drawing at the end of each event!
***** BOOK GIVEAWAY *****
Enter to win a print copy of Pralines and Creamed by Elizabeth Maria Naranjo! Fill out the Rafflecopter form below for a chance to win. The giveaway ends January 23rd at 11:59 pm CT. We will randomly draw a winner the next day via Rafflecopter and follow up via email. Good luck!
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