Topped Chef (Key West Food Critic Mystery #3), by Lucy Burdette

Another oldie that's been languishing on my overflowing bookshelf. Having read the more recent books in the series, it was sort of fun to go back and see how Hayley Snow functioned in the earlier days of the series. As luck would have it, I actually have the newest book on my official review list, so it'll be fun to compare how things changed.

Hayley is more or less volunteered to be a judge of the Key West Topped Chef reality show contest.  As food critic for the local paper, that's probably not surprising. What is surprising is that one of the other judges is the one Hayley had just filed a negative review about. That made things tense but that's not the worst of it. He winds up being murdered. That winds up ruining Hayley's more or less first real date with Nathan, the local detective. Long time readers, it was a hoot to be reminded that love isn't always smooth going, let's just say. As this is an oldie, published in 2013, I won't detail the plot much further except to say Hayley finds herself playing amateur sleuth, not to mention uncomfortable in front of the cameras. Hayley isn't the most cautious of sleuths, I must admit, so I'm sure it won't surprise anyone that she winds up being in danger. I must also admit that I didn't figure out whodunit and, in fact, pretty much didn't like any of the suspects as the one. So much for my sleuthing skills. Anyway, a light read and, hey, one more off my extensive TBR list. 

A Holiday for Homicide, by Devon Delaney

 

Publication Sept. 17, 2024

If you're a foodie or fan of cozy mysteries, or simply enjoy watching cooking shows, this book is for you. While I'm hardly the primary audience, not being a cooking show fan, I found the whole reality show idea intriguing. This was definitely a cooking show with a twist and that doesn't even include the murder before it even began. There's even yarn and rugs for those so inclined.

While the plot is deceptively simple, Sherry Oliveri is selected to take part in a unique cooking show in her hometown, there's nothing simple about the behind the scenes action. Who killed the show's production assistant Rachel? Sherry's friend Kat seems to know her from the past but, whoa, then Kat goes missing, too. What's going on? It's all complicated by confidentiality clauses in the contracts signed for the show, so technically Sherry isn't even supposed to confirm she's on the show, let alone talk about the missing assistant. But, phew, Kat shows up although she's rather reticent about talking, too. In the meantime, Det. Bease is conferring with Sherry, a nice difference from the usual conflict in cozies between the law and amateur sleuths. Unfortunately, Sherry doesn't really have any answers for him. Will they figure out the killer before another victim is claimed? I'm not telling but between the mystery and the uniquely cool weirdness of the cooking competition, the book held my interest despite a relatively slow, to me, beginning. I honestly attribute that to my own lack of interest in cooking shows, hence don't let that sway your choice.

It's a fun read that, once I got into the rhythm of things, held my interest long past my usual bedtime. I liked the characters, from the rather busy body neighbors to boyfriend Don, who Sherry is growing increasingly close to. The cryptic messages appearing on napkins at Sherry's friend Pep's food truck are an added mystery. Or clue. Or just a distraction? Nope, not telling. Read the book. I'd suggest you have some yummy treats handy as you read and you may be tempted to try the recipes at the end. Thanks #BeyondThePagePublishing for allowing me this sneak peek into Sherry's always interesting life. I'm looking forward to seeing where some of the relationships mentioned are heading.

Turkey Trot Trouble: A Cozy Animal Mystery (Ruff McPaw Mysteries #8), by Max Parrott

 

Publication Feb. 8, 2024

Who knew being in a cooking show could be murder?

As much as I enjoy the mysteries in this series, the thing that keeps bringing me back is the human, family side of Angela. Her mother has early onset dementia and although it's sort of a lurking beneath the surface aspect of the story, it showcases the love and togetherness of Angela's family, which now seems to largely include teacher boyfriend David. Having dealt with dementia in the family, it makes Angela seem not just all the more real but anchors the story in reality. Yes, there are adorable, personable critters, most notably Ruff, the border collie sidekick who hates wearing his service animal vest, but Angela would drop everything in a heartbeat to be with family and it's a lovely trait to have. She also works closely with the police, not always true in cozy mysteries, even when the main character is romantically involved with a detective or police officer. In other words, Angela and her family are characters we can all relate to as humans, not just virtual characters we drop in on each new book. 

As for the mystery, yikes. A star chef is murdered on camera....sorta. Who'd want to kill hometown guy made good? As it turns out, there are several different suspects. There are also family issues that arise and, huh, missing/stolen cookbooks? Fortunately, besides David, also a huge help with the critters, and family, Angela has very human backup, a reporter/editor friend who is as good as, if not better than Angela at computer searches. I was a bit disappointed to see Ruff, with his very human thoughts throughout, rather sidelined this go-round but I'm sure he'll be back in action next book. Hey, someone has to stay home and keep an eye on Eggatha and her escape artist chick, now grown, Indy, named after Indiana Jones. Now, if someone could just teach Angela to make a good pie.

Bottom line, a fun, easy read that I pretty much devoured in one day. I'm trying hard not to get hung up on taking notes, so I'm sure I've left out stuff but, hey, you'll find out all about the cooking contest, wayward turkeys, close knit family, and, hey, even some growing romance. Lots to enjoy and I always find myself wondering what Angela will manage to do to wind up in the hospital next time. Thanks #BookSirens and author #MaxParrott for letting me have this sneak peek into Angela's world again. My dog Daisy sends Ruff a tail wag.

The Vintage Village Bake Off, by Judy Leigh

 

Publication Dec. 4, 2023

Loved this story that seems to focus on the idea that it's never to late to live your life. To make every moment count. While it'll surely speak loudest to readers like me with a few years under our belts, there is much for younger readers to absorb, too. I mean, a pastor's daughter who's a member of a punk band with the name Armpit? Hattie, who I'd pick as the character who spoke loudest to me, undergoes several transformations during the book, not the least of which is performing with said band on keyboards. Nope, not telling you how she got to that point but you'll enjoy the ride. It's a leisurely ride, true, one whose slow pace took a moment to adjust to, particularly as the blurb had me expecting Robert, Hattie's brother, to be the focus of the book. Hattie and sister Bunty are barely a blip in the blurb while, in actuality, Robert is initially not much more than a blip in the first few chapters. After the siblings are united, however, the story really begins and the message of living in the moment and taking chances picks up steam.

I won't try to detail the plot. It's nuanced and has multiple narrators, so you get more than on viewpoint of what is going on. Aside from Geoffrey, a nasty piece of work and a bully to boot, you'll probably wind up liking all the characters involved, even the pushy ones. Heck, even Jacko, a selfish sort, might ulitmately stir  a few moments of sympathy from you...but not many. Hattie has spent her life trying to please others, losing herself along the way, so watching her blossom is a delight. Bunty was the outgoing, cute sister, doing what she wanted, ironically rather losing herself, too, after a tragedy in her marriage. Robert strikes me as the typical nice guy. An older man, he's rather unsettled to find himself the target of so many single ladies in the community. Than, to top it off, he's caught up in a bit of a baking war to be televised. How that works out will both amuse and please you, particularly as he shudders at the idea of everything always having to be a competition. His opponent...well, you'll see. You'll also meet his critters along the way, their names giving insight into his quirky personality. Bet you can figure out what I mean when I say his goats are named after....oh, nope, not telling. Reading or hearing the names for the first time is too much fun to ruin it for you. Let's just say, I love his sense of humor. Gotta love those feisty goats. 

Bottom line, lots of growth, even for these largely 70-something characters that are surrounded by some fun, quirky characters in a lovely setting. Marriages broken, shaken, and ultimately brought to a satisfying conclusion. Romance? Oh, yeah, definitely. I didn't note who said it, but they discover that the biggest risk may be not taking that risk at all. Humor and pathos sound like an odd mix, but they're also there. You know, like in real life. That is perhaps what I love most about Leigh's writing. She captures the real face of life and relationships via engaging characters and allows us to watch them both flounder about and grow as we read. Seriously, I cannot recommend this one too highly. It's a winner and shouldn't be missed. Thanks #NetGalley and #BoldwoodBooks for allowing me to enter the intriguing, complicated world of these three siblings. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it, even the ones that left me in search of a tasty treat.

Poaching Is Puzzling: A Cookbook Nook Mystery #12, by Daryl Wood Gerber

 

Wow, I learned lots from this book. I don't know how much of it will stick but the wordplay was delightful, not to mention all we learned about baking and knives. You'll also get insight into how difficult creating crossword puzzles might be, albeit I never imagined it being a competitive sport, so to speak. In between, lots and lots of talk about food, including the way to proof your dough, and more. 

In other words, when not busy trying to figure out whodunit, you'll find yourself learning some pretty cool things, too. Like, cruciverbalist, which is the name for one who designs crosswords. Or what the figure of speech metonymic adage refers to. Hint, Pentagon is a metonymic. And, if you're a crossword addict, you'll probably find yourself reaching for a pencil to jot down all the short words and/or common and uncommon synonyms that are mentioned.

Of course, the murder itself is quite the puzzle. Who did it? Who, shudder, slit crossword designer Wesley's throat? As the suspects and their backstories emerged, I actually found that I felt sympathetic to each and every one of them, even the eventual culprit. The author does a superior job of fleshing them out as human beings, not just extras in the story. The regulars are, naturally, well-rounded and struck me as being people you might know and enjoy having as friends. Heck, even Tigger the cat and Rook the Lab emerge as personalities. In other words, it works well as a standalone.

Bottom line, an excellent, well-written read. Timely, too, as Wordle gets a mention during the gathering of word puzzle fans. Main character Jenna finds herself pulled into the investigation when her aunt is a potential suspect, not to mention she's just one of those people others find themselves telling things. Does she ultimately find herself in danger? Oh, come on. This is a cozy mystery. What do you think? And I loved every moment of the story.

You can't go wrong with this one if you enjoy mysteries, crosswords, or even just an excellent character driven story. Thanks #NetGalley and #BeyondThePagePublishing for letting me sit in virtually on the crossword competition. Loved the use of real book titles and comments within recipes by characters.