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rayfaceee's review
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
amymiller's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.0
kimdavishb's review against another edition
5.0
CALYPSO CORPSES AND COOKING is the second book in the Caribbean Kitchen Mysteries by Raquel V. Reyes. While a lot of cozy mysteries can be read as a standalone, this book incorporates events that occurred in the first book that are integral to the plot. Having read the first book, it didn’t take me long to become engrossed in this complex, multi-murder mystery spiced up with Caribbean food and Halloween hijinks. I greatly enjoy the protagonist, Miriam Quiñones-Smith. She’s a feisty, take-charge kind of woman, and the repartee she shares with close friends and family brings wit and humor to the story. I was relieved that she finally stood up to her overbearing, offensive mother-in-law in this installment and I hope the snobby woman gets her comeuppance in the future or else has a change of heart.
Aside from the mother-in-law, the characters are engaging and let the reader experience the Cuban-American community and food—and oh the delicious foods mentioned! Be prepared to drool! My only little quibble is the amount of Spanish Miriam speaks throughout the book, without the benefit of obvious meaning or translations. It pulled me from the story as I struggled with my long-forgotten Spanish lessons during school to figure out what was being said. That aside, the mystery is well-plotted with a fast pace. With suspects galore and action that kept me turning pages, I was captivated as the scenes unfolded. I look forward to the next book in this delicious series!
I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Aside from the mother-in-law, the characters are engaging and let the reader experience the Cuban-American community and food—and oh the delicious foods mentioned! Be prepared to drool! My only little quibble is the amount of Spanish Miriam speaks throughout the book, without the benefit of obvious meaning or translations. It pulled me from the story as I struggled with my long-forgotten Spanish lessons during school to figure out what was being said. That aside, the mystery is well-plotted with a fast pace. With suspects galore and action that kept me turning pages, I was captivated as the scenes unfolded. I look forward to the next book in this delicious series!
I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
susbro's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
carina528's review against another edition
4.0
I received the opportunity to review this audiobook through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. I have not read the first book in this series, however, I don’t think that negatively impacted my enjoyment of this cozy mystery. I loved the multicultural nods throughout this book manifesting through relationships, food, and language. The MIL was horrid, and I didn’t like that she was allowed to act so poorly unchecked. I also found the mystery itself a bit unnecessarily convoluted and complex, but everything tied up in a nice bow by the end of the book. Overall, it was a quick read with a lot of charm.
allisonwonderlandreads's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
I love that right off the bat, Calypso, Corpses, and Cooking weaves in elements from the first book. It's not a completely new story because there's still fallout to contend with from Miriam's first foray into sleuthing. It gives the series a nice interconnected feel instead of an episodic one. The book also doesn't settle on a single dastardly deed. Rather, Miriam has the misfortune of stumbling into a web of events with several interested parties who could be murderers. Using several friendly sources and her own cleverness, Miriam feels the pressure to figure out who might be a danger in her neighborhood and keep her friends and family safe.
Miriam's a protagonist I want to be friends with even though I have no relevant skills for the impressive squad she puts together in this book. I love the feeling of community-- Miriam has strong friendships that give her people to call on in need, and she does the same for them. I also love all the Spanish and food anthropology tidbits in the book. The food descriptions made me hungry, and the provided sociocultural context made me thoughtful.
For those who were like me rooting against Miriam's mother-in-law in book one, rest assured that a satisfying standoff is coming your way in this sequel. I was less impressed with the ways her husband continues to be a pain in the butt, but he did have some solid co-parenting moments.
This cozy mystery has a lot going on-- a vibrant cast of characters, complicated crime(s), and important personal moments in Miriam's life. For those who want a socially aware, inclusive entry in the genre, this is a great read.
Miriam's a protagonist I want to be friends with even though I have no relevant skills for the impressive squad she puts together in this book. I love the feeling of community-- Miriam has strong friendships that give her people to call on in need, and she does the same for them. I also love all the Spanish and food anthropology tidbits in the book. The food descriptions made me hungry, and the provided sociocultural context made me thoughtful.
For those who were like me rooting against Miriam's mother-in-law in book one, rest assured that a satisfying standoff is coming your way in this sequel. I was less impressed with the ways her husband continues to be a pain in the butt, but he did have some solid co-parenting moments.
This cozy mystery has a lot going on-- a vibrant cast of characters, complicated crime(s), and important personal moments in Miriam's life. For those who want a socially aware, inclusive entry in the genre, this is a great read.
smalltownbookmom's review against another edition
4.0
Sometimes you just really need a feel-good cozy mystery book. Bonus if it's filled with diverse, likable characters and TONS of seasonal Fall vibes.
I hadn’t read the first book in this series yet but it gave me all the Tita Rosie's Kitchen Mystery series vibes I've come to love and crave by Mia P Manansala.
Full of great recipes, relatable characters and a likable amateur sleuth. Much thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early audio copy in exchange for my honest review!!
If you haven't yet discovered this Cuban American mom amateur detective series set in Miami, Florida you are missing out!! Plus Frankie Corzo does an EXCELLENT job narrating the audiobook!!
I hadn’t read the first book in this series yet but it gave me all the Tita Rosie's Kitchen Mystery series vibes I've come to love and crave by Mia P Manansala.
Full of great recipes, relatable characters and a likable amateur sleuth. Much thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early audio copy in exchange for my honest review!!
If you haven't yet discovered this Cuban American mom amateur detective series set in Miami, Florida you are missing out!! Plus Frankie Corzo does an EXCELLENT job narrating the audiobook!!