Murder Takes the Cake
(2026)(The fourth book in the Zoe & Trudie Comedic Mystery series)
A novel by Susan O'Leary
They weren’t invited—but they’re definitely solving the crime.
Crashing a wedding was not on Zoe’s to‑do list—especially one she and Trudie were clearly banned from. But when Zoe’s editor insists she cover the society event of the season, the duo sneaks in… only to stumble straight into chaos.
An altercation. The guests are whispering. And someone is found dead.
Suddenly, Zoe and Trudie are surrounded by a family so dysfunctional it could fill its own seating chart. Every member has a secret. Every secret comes with a motive. And every clue leads the pair deeper into a sordid web of family secrets and lies. As if that isn’t enough, Zoe’s ex‑boyfriend—the one who ghosted her without a word—shows up back in town at the worst possible moment. His unexpected return stirs up old feelings, new questions, and a distraction Zoe definitely doesn’t need while trying to solve a murder.
As the investigation spirals, Zoe and Trudie juggle sharp-tongued suspects, awkward run���ins with people who wish they’d stayed banned, and a case that’s far messier than the frosting disaster at the scene. But beneath the humor and hijinks lies a truth someone is desperate to keep hidden—no matter the cost.
Perfect for fans of lighthearted mysteries, witty sleuthing duos, small‑town charm, and twisty family secrets, this fourth installment delivers laughs, heart, and a mystery that keeps you guessing to the final page.
If you love cozy mysteries with humor, friendship, and a dash of danger, you won’t want to miss Zoe and Trudie’s most chaotic case yet.
Genre: Mystery
Crashing a wedding was not on Zoe’s to‑do list—especially one she and Trudie were clearly banned from. But when Zoe’s editor insists she cover the society event of the season, the duo sneaks in… only to stumble straight into chaos.
An altercation. The guests are whispering. And someone is found dead.
Suddenly, Zoe and Trudie are surrounded by a family so dysfunctional it could fill its own seating chart. Every member has a secret. Every secret comes with a motive. And every clue leads the pair deeper into a sordid web of family secrets and lies. As if that isn’t enough, Zoe’s ex‑boyfriend—the one who ghosted her without a word—shows up back in town at the worst possible moment. His unexpected return stirs up old feelings, new questions, and a distraction Zoe definitely doesn’t need while trying to solve a murder.
As the investigation spirals, Zoe and Trudie juggle sharp-tongued suspects, awkward run���ins with people who wish they’d stayed banned, and a case that’s far messier than the frosting disaster at the scene. But beneath the humor and hijinks lies a truth someone is desperate to keep hidden—no matter the cost.
Perfect for fans of lighthearted mysteries, witty sleuthing duos, small‑town charm, and twisty family secrets, this fourth installment delivers laughs, heart, and a mystery that keeps you guessing to the final page.
If you love cozy mysteries with humor, friendship, and a dash of danger, you won’t want to miss Zoe and Trudie’s most chaotic case yet.
Genre: Mystery
Used availability for Susan O'Leary's Murder Takes the Cake