Saturday, July 19, 2025

A Plattering of Murder: A Charcuterie Shop Mystery #4 by J.C. Eaton

Thank you to the authors, publishers, and NetGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review. The recipe review and food pairing found on my Instagram feed are of my own doing.  


A Plattering of Murder
A Charcuterie Shop Mystery #4
J.C. Eaton


Spirited and savory Katie Aubrey, owner of The Char-Board is back and serving up amazing charcuterie boards at a mystery author event. This is the fourth book in the Charcuterie Shop Mystery series by the husband and wife writing team known as J.C. Eaton. While this is the 4th book, it is a stand-alone and can be enjoyed without reading the preceding books. In addition to a fun story there is a recipe included at the conclusion. Thanks to this series I have learned that charcuterie is for more than just pairing with wine and am going to try my hand at making a dessert board in the near future. 

A Plattering of Murder is like a wild ride on a runaway horse. A horse that Katie had no intention of riding until…her Aunt Regina is questioned as a person of interest and later as a suspect. Alas, many people including Katie can see how this is possible, but Katie knows that Regina isn’t a killer. She can drive a person a bit nuts with her aggressively helpful ways, but she isn’t a killer. She was Richard’s editor; it makes no sense for her to “rub him out.” As with the other books, Katie and friends get involved to help solve this caper, much to the chagrin of local law enforcement. One important thing to know is that Edith, a former food critic, is a ghost and only Katie can see or hear her, which makes for some great scenes. I am surprised that Katie’s friends and coworkers haven’t staged an intervention based on the number of times Katie has to cover up for speaking out loud to Edith with other people around. Not even Ian, Katie’s boyfriend, knows about Edith or Katie’s ability to talk to ghosts.  In addition to the Char-Board crew and Ian pitching in to help with sleuthing, as do Edith and Rosalind, another ghost. That is, Edith and Rosalind are possibly available when they aren’t busy looking over couture from those who have passed on to the great beyond.  Apparently, Grace Kelley’s wardrobe is released at one point and while Edith may be dead, she still wants to look smashing.


One would think that it would be easy to solve this mystery. Katie has access to not one, but two ghosts so why can’t Edith and Rosalind just go ask Richard who did him in? One would be wrong. Edith and Rosalind both report that the other realm is a labyrinth that even the Minotaur killer Theseus would have a tough time navigating. As an armchair sleuth, I found myself writing down clues and suspects and then erasing as the red herrings were added. The side plot with the potentially “haunted” house that Katie’s friend and realtor Maddie, is trying to sell adds a little something as well. I must admit that my main reason for turning page after page was for the comedy aspect that intertwines nicely with the cozy mystery. Katie’s snark just keeps me in stitches, and I cannot wait to see how she becomes embroiled in the next mystery.


Monday, July 7, 2025

Christmas Cozies in July

Thank you to the authors, publishers, and NetGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review. The recipe review and food pairing found on my Instagram feed are of my own doing.  


Murder at a Scottish Christmas
The Scottish Shire Mystery Series
Traci Hall

Murder at a Scottish Christmas is the 6th book in the Scottish Shire Mystery series. This is a heartwarming cozy series that features Paislee Shaw, a hard-working single mom who owns her own specialty sweater and yarn boutique. Paislee even offers a "knit n sip" for the locals who like to work on a project while being social. This group of ladies are a great sounding board when it comes to reluctant sleuthing or life in general. The characters exude the same warmth and care that Paislee shows to everyone, even people who can be rather annoying, like the victim of this story. It really shouldn't be so hard to find a "first footer" to cross your threshold. This is a lovely tradition involving a dark-haired person walking through your front door after the stroke of midnight, making them the first person to step foot inside your house for the new year. It turns out that this was a tradition that my husband's paternal grandparents celebrated every year. His paternal grandfather was a first-generation citizen with a Scottish heritage. After reading this cozy, I decided that we needed to bring the tradition back. Thankfully we were not waiting on home renovations or running around looking for clues regarding a murder or a puppy smuggling ring. Paislee is an excellent friend, helping Amelia to find her puppy and get justice for her less than savory brother who had finally gotten himself is into more trouble than he could handle. There are plenty of suspects and clue chasing to keep you turning the pages. There is also the banter between DI Zeffer and Paislee. Hamish, the school master might seem like a smart match for Paislee, she is in no hurry to join the ranks of those in a relationship. I for one am #teamZeffer all the way. Looking forward to the next Scottish Shire Mystery.  


A Wonderful Christmas Crime
A Christmas Tree Farm Mystery
Jacqueline Frost


Holly Grey nee White is back for another cozy Christmas murder in the town of Mistletoe. The Gumdrop Gumshoe is making money on her notoriety which is a blessing and a curse.  

A Plattering of Murder: A Charcuterie Shop Mystery #4 by J.C. Eaton

Thank you to the authors, publishers, and NetGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review. The recipe review and food pair...