Mayhem on the Marzipan Express
(A Claire Walker Mystery #2)
By Rebecca Connolly
Contemporary Cozy Mystery, Romance
Audiobook, Paperback & eBook, 320 Pages
January 26, 2026 by Shadow Mountain Publishing
Summary
A romantic getaway through the Scottish Highlands 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 may not have won Britian’s Battle of the Bakers cooking competition, but she still went home with a grand prize: Jonathan Ainsley’s heart. The happy couple boards the famed Scottish train, the Mallaig Steam Express—temporarily renamed “The Marzipan Express” in honor of famed chef Alan Gables, who is hosting an exclusive culinary experience for his most devoted fans. Claire is delighted to serve as Alan’s sous chef for the trip, hoping to learn some baking tips from the master.
The trip has barely begun when the train screeches to a halt. The engine has malfunctioned and must be repaired. While Claire and Jonny explore the train, they discover a dead body in one of the dining cars. It appears to be an accident, but Claire can sense something is wrong as easily as she can sense an overbaked soufflé. When the clues all point to Alan as the culprit, Claire and Jonny decide to investigate on their own. Unfortunately, Alan doesn’t have an alibi, his assistant is oddly nervous around him, and a shadowy figure keeps appearing at all the wrong times. Could it be 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.
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My Review
MAYHEM ON THE MARZIPAN EXPRESS is the second book in this culinary cozy mystery series where these characters find themselves in the middle of a murder mystery. With delightful characters, delectable food, and a unique setting this is an enjoyable story for fans of the genre and series.
I fell in love with these characters in the first book of the series. Claire was her usual personable, naturally beautiful, genuine, and talented self. Jonny was his staid, blunt, but utterly charming and humorous self. I enjoyed how they complimented each other and worked together to figure out what was going on. I also enjoyed the addition of one of the baking show judges, Alan, and the dynamic he brought. The bromance was so fabulous! So many laughs there, plus the delicious food that made me quite hungry. The mystery was fairly low-key but grew in intensity towards the end. There weren't a lot of red herrings or clues, but they did come together. The sweet romance was woven throughout with a few swoon-worthy moments.
There were a few things that didn't quite work for me. One was Claire's emotional drama in thinking she was unworthy and not the ideal match for Jonny. I also wasn't super fond of Jonny letting one woman treat him as she did. He could have been distracting while still staying truer to Claire. Another was that the murder plot and villain were a bit too unrealistic. I wanted something a more logical.
In the end, was it what I wished for? This was an enjoyable read and a series that I'll definitely keep picking up! The characters were great, with a cozy mystery and some delicious food.
Content: Some off-page violence.
Source: I received a complimentary copy from Austenprose PR, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.
Other Books in the Series
(Image linked to my review.)
