By: Vivienne Cole
In The Cupcake Caper, the first book in the Undercover Cat Mysteries, author Kelle Z. Riley introduces readers to Dr. Bree Watson—a chemist, accidental sleuth, and reluctant spy whose life gets upended by murder, mystery, and a mischievous cat. Set against the backdrop of corporate intrigue and cupcake experiments, this cozy mystery blends forensic science with romantic tension, offering a fun, fast-paced read that’s as smart as it is entertaining.
Dr. Bree Watson, whose real name is Gabriella Catherine Mayfield-Watson, is more comfortable balancing chemical equations than navigating murder investigations. But when her boss turns up dead—and she becomes the prime suspect—her analytical mind is forced to take on a whole new kind of puzzle. With a moody cat in her care, a charming (and possibly deadly) marketing manager in her orbit, and a handsome detective asking all the right questions, Bree is thrust into a world of secrets, sabotage, and cupcakes.
Kelle Z. Riley brings her own background as a Ph.D. chemist to the forefront, crafting a heroine whose scientific smarts are both her greatest strength and biggest vulnerability. “I love that Bree’s abilities are tempered with the self-doubt and ‘imposter complex’ we all feel,” Riley says. “She’s learned to project confidence even when she doesn’t feel it—which is something we can all try to channel.”
Riley herself is no stranger to wearing many hats. A writer, speaker, martial arts expert, and full-time scientist, she has authored works ranging from romantic suspense and memoir to short stories and a full-fledged mystery series. Her experience as a self-defense instructor and her sharp eye for accuracy—especially when it comes to the scientific elements of her stories—lend The Cupcake Caper a unique authenticity. Still, she admits that sometimes the search history for her books raises eyebrows. “Ignore my search history—I’m a writer, not a serial killer,” she jokes. “But I do research everything from scholarly articles to interviews with medical colleagues to ensure the details ring true.”
That commitment to realism makes the science in The Cupcake Caper both fascinating and accessible. Riley manages to seamlessly weave forensic timelines, chemical analysis, and even the onset of rigor mortis into a story that never feels bogged down by technical jargon. Instead, the science serves as an empowering tool—one that helps Bree unravel the truth, even as danger closes in.
And while the murder mystery is front and center, Riley doesn’t shy away from layering in romantic tension. With two potential love interests—each carrying secrets of their own—The Cupcake Caper has the kind of emotional complexity that keeps readers guessing. “Writing mystery allows me to include romantic tension without it taking over,” Riley explains. “I even break the rules a bit by writing from the male characters’ point of view—it adds richness to the story and makes the unfolding relationships even more satisfying.”
But it’s not all danger and deduction. Bree’s search for the perfect cupcake recipe and the antics of her animal companions—a cranky cat and a misbehaving dog—add just the right amount of levity. “Each character, no matter how minor, has a secret,” Riley notes. “Some secrets point toward guilt, others toward innocence—but all of them serve to mislead Bree and the reader, until the truth is finally uncovered.”
As a debut mystery, The Cupcake Caper laid the groundwork for what has become a beloved series. Riley admits that the biggest surprise while writing it was just how many secrets her characters revealed. “I fell asleep telling myself the story and often woke up with new insights,” she says.
Since then, the Undercover Cat Mysteries have continued to evolve, with Riley drawing on cutting-edge tech and real-life frustrations to shape her plots. “Mystery is cathartic,” she admits. “People who annoy me in real life sometimes end up as victims or villains.”
For aspiring mystery writers looking to infuse their stories with science, Riley offers simple but crucial advice: “Do your research. Don’t rely on TV or other fiction. Vet your sources, and if possible, consult an expert in the field.”
With The Cupcake Caper, Kelle Z. Riley has created more than just a whodunit—she’s crafted a world where intellect, intuition, and a sprinkle of sass combine to serve justice, one clue (and cupcake) at a time.
Published by Joseph T.
