A Murder Most Fowl : A Food Truck Mystery by Carmela Dutra

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

A Murder Most Fowl
A Food Truck Mystery Series Starter
Carmela Dutra
Crooked Lane

What a great start to a new cozy series.  Carmela Dutra should be strutting like rooster after writing such a clever cozy mystery based on a family food truck business. I was instantly hooked because I love a good culinary cozy with a slightly snarky, slightly silly sleuth. Beth (Bethany) Lloyd starts out this adventure by getting arrested, in a chicken costume, for assaulting another food truck owner's truck. I know that I am going to like her right away because she introduces herself to the reader and states that nothing she does is subtle. The snark shows up right away as illustrated by her nickname for the arresting officer, Officer Pretty Boy. Yep, that comes back to peck her in the face when it turns out that he is really Detective "Pretty Boy" Kane. 

Beth isn't alone in this adventure though, she has her BFF (best female friend) Rylie Cortes, and her womb-mate/twin brother and lawyer-to-be, Seth. And what an adventure it is going to be since their food truck, Kluckin' Good, has been selected for the reality food show/contest The Food Truck Showdown and a chance to win $50,000 not to mention the fantastic publicity just from being a part of the show. Unfortunately, a local rival and nemesis, Benji Mayhews, owner of The Dog House food truck is a contestant as well. So, of course, Benji is a victim, and Beth is a suspect who is questioned not once but twice by Detective Pretty Boy. Their playful banter is highly entertaining, and almost as good as the twins back and forth about who is older. 

The easygoing light-heartedness is perfect to counterbalance the over-the-top reality TV drama and keeps the reader entertained and interested. The contestants, all unique, and all offering some great food, are all suspects, even though they have received threatening serial killer like magazine cutout messages.  What cozy sleuth can ignore a food related threatening message created out of magazine bits? Beth and Rylie are true crime fans, so of course Beth intends to use all her knowledge to get to the bottom of the strange goings on.  There are plenty of clues to be followed and scenarios to be sorted out. Interestingly enough, Detective Kane is happy to listen to Beth’s theories and does his best to warn her to stay out of his investigation. I am looking forward to seeing how that relationship progresses as the series continues.

I found this story to be as appetizing and as original as the menu items and daily specials that are described in great detail. Speaking of food, there are two recipes, The Kluckin' Greek wings and Mac and Cheese Poppers included at the conclusion of the story that I cannot wait to make and enjoy.  

Deception's Edge : A Blade Broussard Thriller by Nannette Potter

Thank you to the author, Nannette Potter, for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review. The recipe review and food pairings found on my Instagram feed are of my own doing.  

Deception’s Edge
A Blade Broussard Thriller
Nannette Potter

WOW, this thriller grabs your attention and doesn’t let it go even at the end. This is book two of the Blade Broussard series and while I have not read the series starter (yet) I was not confused or lost in the least. Ms. Potter does an excellent job of building the plot, the characters, and the tension while incorporating bits of faith. I really appreciated that while it was definitely a gun shooting, knife throwing, bomb blasting thriller it is pretty much clean in fact if it was a mystery it would be an edgy cozy. 

The story is made up of three points of view that converge near the end. Blade is looking for the man she considers responsible for the death of her birth mother. Chase, the American Soldati di Cristo, is being held and tortured in a North Korean labor camp when a rescue mission goes very wrong. Lastly, there is Alec, an enigmatic man, who is the very man whom Blade is on the hunt to find. All three characters are diverse and strong-willed, with differing backgrounds, but their fates seem to be tied together as if by an unseen crimson silk rope.

Our protagonist, Genevieve, who goes by the stage name Blade, is a strong woman, who must have been a strong girl growing up. How often do we read about a professional impalement artist? Kudos to Ms. Potter for such an original day job. Blade does not suffer fools nor does she fool herself into believing that she is invincible. She is hard like the metal she wields but she is also warm, fiercely loyal to those she considers family, and she refuses to give up or give in no matter what the personal cost. 

The additional players, Chase, Alec, Finn, Father McCann, Joe, Thomas, Luc, and Xiu all have such different and well developed personalities that you are drawn even further into the plot line. I am not going to lie when I say that I did not put this book down and in fact, I read it in a single day. 

This book builds upon what was started with the first novel without giving too much away. I can only guess as to how much of a cliffhanger Pierce the Darkness must have been because I am currently holding on to a virtual cliff after finishing Deception’s Edge. I found this to be a highly enjoyable read and am on the hunt for the series starter to hopefully hold me over until book three makes its appearance.

Picking Up The Pieces : A Jigsaw Puzzle Mystery by J.B. Abbott

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

Picking Up the Pieces
A Jigsaw Puzzle Mystery
J.B. Abbott

This appropriately titled series starter had me hooked after the first chapter. Katie Chambers, our easy to like amateur sleuth, is working with literal and figurative puzzle pieces and not all of them have to do with the mystery. Fortunately, she has a great group of friends who are willing and ready to help her. I am a fan of this kind of cozy which incorporates a cast of variously aged characters who are the support system to assist the sleuth. Katie returns home after six years from Denver, Colorado to cozy Cedar Bay, Washington where not only does everyone know your name, but they also know your business too. I instantly took a liking to Katie, after all, she left a career to move back home after her mom died, so she can be close to her dad. This backstory instantly humanizes her, plus I would do the same thing in a heartbeat for my Dad. Speaking of dads, I found it refreshing that Katie’s dad is the head librarian, that is a new one for me as most librarians in books are women. As with most cozies, the librarians are fonts of knowledge. Katie’s dad could be quite helpful in the future stories. In this first story though, Jim is not helpful…at…all. With the police thinking they got their guy and Jim’s refusal to tell Katie anything helpful, it is up to Katie and the puzzle crew to solve their toughest puzzle yet.

A puzzle critiquing group originally started by Katie’s mom, the South Island Jigsaw Crew is back in business thanks to Katie. Not only are they passionate about puzzles but they are also extremely helpful when it comes to evaluating the next potential puzzle for the Cedar Bay Puzzle Company, where Katie works as the VP of product design and development. Actually, it was the same company and position that her mom worked for prior to her health problems and death. The ages of the members are from “almost 80” to 17, and each personality is just as different as the ages. A great group of people to help Katie solve the crime that claimed one of their own and to get her dad out of the hoosegow. Hannah, Todd, Kevin, and Mildred are such good friends to Katie that I didn’t even realize that she doesn’t have a bff like most cozy protagonists.

The plot is well planned with a variety of motives and misdirects. The story does a great job of eliciting emotional responses and I actually felt insulted on Katie’s behalf from the treatment she and her dad received from Lieutenant Crozier. Then there is the frustration when Katie’s dad refused to cooperate or share anything with Katie, or the bomb he dropped about her ex-boyfriend Connor. Lastly, I am hopeful for the continuation of this series and the development of the overall story arc as Katie continues to fill in the puzzle pieces of her life.

Shot Through the Tart - The Laughing Loaf Bakery Mysteries by Victoria Kazarian

Thank you to the author 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.

Shot Through the Tart
A Laughing Loaf Mysteries
Victoria Kazarian

Having read the series starter prior to reading book number 7 I am familiar with Gracie’s unique situation. Not to worry, this is a stand-alone cozy with a sprinkling of thriller so you will not feel lost. The Laughing Loaf bakery owner, Gracie Markley and her dad are in the WITSEC program and have only been in River Grove for about two years. The bakery has done so well that it is getting a little overhaul. To keep the patrons happy and the bills paid, Gracie has set up a “pop up” on the green until the final touches are complete. Since the Laughing Loaf will be a bigger place with more tasty offerings, that means more employees. This leads Gracie to once again become embroiled in a mystery. Well, that and her lousy ex-husband and his business partner telling certain foreign dissidents that she has the system codes they paid a whole lot of money to acquire.     

Opening day is crazy and it only gets crazier when the new employee who was fired for snooping in Gracie’s office is found dead. Topping the crazy is threats from members of SABRE who want what they paid ex-husband Ben for, and they are under the impression that Gracie has it. Is it a coincidence or was someone out to get Barb? I am not sure how Gracie keeps it together regardless of the number of agents who are watching her every move, the local operative who keeps an eye on her, or Chief Westerman who is working out of his car while parked outside of the bakery. This story draws you in like the scent of the fresh baked cinnamon rolls that Gracie makes every morning. With the new enhancements, the bakery is doing gangbusters, but Gracie is still able to make time to sneak out and search for clues. Actually, Gracie has an amazing staff to cover for her while she tries to keep away from the Satrovanians who are threatening her life.    

This cozy checks all the boxes. The story was entertaining, there is an adorable little pooch named Biga, there is an attentive boyfriend, and a supportive group of friends and family. For a little added flavor there is also the federal agent involvement and thriller undertones. Not only do you get an enjoyable mystery with amazing bakery items descriptions but also a great recipe for Beck’s Strawberry Shortbread Tarts made with créme anglaise. The directions were easy, and the cream and crust came out perfect. I will be going back to see what I missed in the previous books plus there will be more recipes to enjoy.

 

Drop Dead Bread: A Laughing Loaf Bakery Mystery (series starter) By Victoria Kazarian

Thank you to the author 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.

Drop Dead Bread
A Laughing Loaf Bakery Mystery
Victoria Kazarian

This series starter gets right to business as a cozy mystery with a touch of thriller due to Gracie Markley and her dad being participants in the WITSEC program, as in witness protection. The small and cozy town of River Grove seemed like the perfect place to relocate and start a new and different business. It was looking like a place where Gracie and her dad could reestablish roots. After a year they can breathe a little easier. During that one year, Gracie has been able to successfully launch a bakery business called the Laughing Loaf which is quite different from the tech job she left when she turned her tech secret selling husband in to the Feds.   

All is quiet in the cozy town and Gracie has settled into the life of a baker and according to Beck, her young and aspiring baker, Gracie is no longer the newest resident. Unfortunately, one of those new neighbors is the victim and the other one, is a not so neighborly. Former male model Nico Behrens is found dead on the bakery’s back doorstep with one hand reaching into the doorway. If Gracie wasn’t traumatized enough, she also gets to contend with nature photographer, Nate, the victim’s brother who in his grief decides to file a suit against Gracie claiming that it is her worn steps that led to a fall that caused the death. As members of the WITSEC program, the last thing that Gracie and her dad need is any sort of press coverage local or national due to the homicide. So of course, she is going to need to figure out who did the deadly deed. 

Gracie has a great friend and co-worker support system even though it is small (it will get bigger) and while the Sheriff doesn't want her involving herself in his investigation, he still shows her respect for the clues she finds. I for one respect her taste in music since she often turns up the 80s/90s tunes while mixing, kneading, prepping the dough for those incredible baked goods. The playlist can be found at the back of the book. Gracie is a sweetheart of a character, very relatable and she doesn't seem to make those rash mistakes like asking too many pointed questions. I can see why this series has so many books. It could also be because of the great recipes included at the back of the books. The series starter provides you with Gracie's Basic Scone recipe and it is always good to have a basic scone recipe that can be served with homemade preserves. This recipe was easy to follow, turned out so good that you don't even need preserves or lemon curd to enjoy.

This story was every bit as enjoyable as the scones. I did not guess the villain until the reveal and it held my attention the entire time. I look forward to reading the additional stories and seeing how the characters develop throughout the series.

That Missing Piece is Killing Me : Alice Pepper's Lonely Hearts and Puzzle Club by Roz Noonan

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

That Missing Piece is Killing Me
Alice Pepper's Lonely Hearts and Puzzle Club
Roz Noonan

Book two of the Alice Peppers series starts out with a missing person who may not want to be found, which brings back painful memories for Alice from her past. This story grabbed my attention right away as Alice and her friends follow what few clues, they can find to hopefully lead them to the missing Michelle. Michelle, the very responsible woman who teaches dance and martial arts, is missing in action during the annual children’s book festival, and no one, not even her husband, knows where she has gone. Speaking of Michelle’s husband, Lars makes for a very good suspect for the missing Michelle. He is an arrogant egomaniac artist, at least he is until he turns up dead, stabbed. Since Michelle found his body upon her return home, she is at the top of the suspect list. Now, how is that for a hook! 

This is a stand-alone cozy mystery with a “mature” main character. Librarian Alice Pepper and her lonely hearts and puzzle solving friends are 60-ish but that doesn’t stop them from getting involved, in spite of Alice’s granddaughter Madison’s request to “leave it to the police.” In Madison’s defense, she is the police. 

Alice refers to her group of friends as the Lonely Hearts and Puzzle Club not because it is a real club or because they are lonely but rather, all of the ladies are single. At least the book starts out that way. The little ribbon of romance that is woven into this story gives it a nice subplot when two of Alice’s friends find themselves with admirers. The only possible problem with this is that both men are possible suspects, but they aren’t the only suspects. Lars had a way of making enemies with his caustic attitude that was reserved for no one and utilized with everyone, even his 17-year-old intern. The more you learn about Lars the less it makes sense that Michelle is even on the suspect list. The motive could be money, love, or revenge.

I thought that it was interesting that there is a missing piece to one of the puzzles that Alice’s sets up to work on. I can relate to working on a puzzle and not being able to find the last piece. Thankfully, they turn up on the floor under the table. Alice felt like she was missing a piece to the murder mystery. Alice was also missing a piece of her family which was touched on in the series starter and is completely explained in this book giving the story a nice plot arc. The cozy and real-world elements are blended together to give added depth as well as enjoyment. I look forward to seeing what puzzle Alice puts together in the next book.   

Home Sweet Homicide: A Hometown Mystery #5 by Rosalie Speilman

Thank you to the author 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.

Home Sweet Homicide

Hometown Mysteries #5

Rosalie Speilman

Retired Army Lieutenant Colonel Tessa Treslow reporting for maid of honor duty and murder solving, sir. This is the fifth Hometown Mystery book and my first time reading from this series. The story is a stand-alone cozy that takes place in the town of New Oslo, Idaho. Tessa, moved back home after a successful service career to take her place working with her Aunt Edna, restoring vintage vehicles, (and solving mysteries). This latest book does not involve vintage vehicles, but it does involve something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, plus a dead body or two. 

Tessa hasn’t always gotten along with Jezebel aka Jessie who is engaged to Tessa’s high school boyfriend so why on earth is she agreeing to be her maid of honor? It certainly makes for an entertaining plot as do several of the characters. Jessie, the bride, for one has an unfortunate name, a bit of a reputation that she is trying to put way behind her, four ex-husbands, and a beautiful set of twin girls who can seem a little odd at times. 

Shelby, Jessie’s high school BFF frenemy, is a professional wedding planner, so why wasn’t she asked to help. Most likely because she is a frenemy who irritates everyone every time she opens her mouth. Tessa and the other ladies have everything well in hand, but Shelby tries to steamroll Jessie, the gang and their hard work. Needless to say, I half expected Shelby to be the victim because she is only slightly less repugnant than Jessie's first husband, Zane, the actual victim. Much of my enjoyment while reading this book involves the back and forth between Tessa and Aunt Edna. Everyone needs an Aunt Edna to help keep you straight and to listen when needed or to give advice when you might not want it. Something that Tessa seems to need from time to time to keep her cool when dealing with Shelby, who really should not have been invited in the first place. Tessa didn’t return from duty with PTSD; she came back with a bit of anger and Shelby does a great job of triggering. I appreciate the realness that Ms. Spellman incorporates into the story, from Tessa’s need to contact her therapist to Nick’s loss of limb from his time in the service. There is some light-heartedness to balance out the real-life seriousness.  

In addition, there are some really good red herrings to go along with the shifty suspects to keep you entertained and turning pages. Who is that guy that says he is a PI and who really hired him? Both the bride and the groom are on the suspect list, but we know that they couldn’t have done it, right? One more cozy aspect to this story is that there is also a fur baby, Vince the boxer, who is a butt wiggling ball of fun.  All in all, this is a good read that has me wanting to check out the rest of the series to see how it all started.