Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.37 AVERAGE
3.37 AVERAGE
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Snooty well-to-do college student is discovered dead after a party she’s hosted. Somehow the caterer winds up as the prime suspect in the murder and is harassed by the detective trying to crack the case. Caterer becomes sleuth, develops a crush on her housemate’s uncle who happens to be a retired cop and solves the mystery. Paper-thin characters, a plot that portrays police procedure in ridiculous comic-book fashion, and an idiotic side plot involving the caterer-sleuth’s ex-boyfriend mark this one a waste of time.
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
After an unexpected twist of fate gives her a local historic mansion, Dani decides to leave her career in HR to open her dream Chef-to-Go business. With her college boarders to help, Dani's business appears to be picking up steam. However when a client is found murdered after one of her catered events, Dani is afraid that she will be blamed. Can she find the true murderer before her reputation is destroyed?
I really enjoyed the book. I was surprised by the swearing and more adult themes, but the story was enjoyable. The mystery kept me guessing. The characters were very likeable. I enjoyed the added romantic element. I'm looking forward to reading the next installment of the series.
I really enjoyed the book. I was surprised by the swearing and more adult themes, but the story was enjoyable. The mystery kept me guessing. The characters were very likeable. I enjoyed the added romantic element. I'm looking forward to reading the next installment of the series.
Content Warnings
Minor: Eating disorder
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I’m a sucker for culinary cozies and this one reminded me why I love them so much! A fantastic main character, a setting that references the author’s bestselling Scumble River Series, and a curious mystery that will keep you guessing. I finished this in one sitting, it was highly enjoyable and I absolutely loved it!
I really like the title of this book.
It's listed as a cozy mystery, but the language and sexual innuendos are a bit stronger than what is usually seen in a cozy. I did enjoy the interactions between Dani (the protagonist) and her three college-age boarders; Dani is like an older sister to them instead of a mother figure.
While there was the trope of the bad cop, the threaten the civilian detective by the villain during the aria trope was not present and that was a bit refreshing.
Lots of descriptions of food and meals, but no recipes included--that is unusual for a cozy too.
I did enjoy it and would read the rest in the series.
It's listed as a cozy mystery, but the language and sexual innuendos are a bit stronger than what is usually seen in a cozy. I did enjoy the interactions between Dani (the protagonist) and her three college-age boarders; Dani is like an older sister to them instead of a mother figure.
While there was the trope of the bad cop, the threaten the civilian detective by the villain during the aria trope was not present and that was a bit refreshing.
Lots of descriptions of food and meals, but no recipes included--that is unusual for a cozy too.
I did enjoy it and would read the rest in the series.
Read for Romanceopoly 2020 Coffee Shop
2.5 stars.
This is the first ever cozy mystery I have finished. It was fun at parts with some good potential but there was some telling more then showing particularly with regards to Spencer and some instances of 'not like other women' (I hate that one soooo much I don't have words for it) and that was jarring enough to color my enjoyment of the story as a whole.
2.5 stars.
This is the first ever cozy mystery I have finished. It was fun at parts with some good potential but there was some telling more then showing particularly with regards to Spencer and some instances of 'not like other women' (I hate that one soooo much I don't have words for it) and that was jarring enough to color my enjoyment of the story as a whole.
A great first in series! Denise Swanson is a new to me cozy author and after reading this book I am hoping to read more of her cozies.
A fun premise, interesting setting, and engaging characters! A great mystery that will keep you guessing until the end.
I also enjoyed the food descriptions which is always a plus when reading a cozy mystery!
A fun premise, interesting setting, and engaging characters! A great mystery that will keep you guessing until the end.
I also enjoyed the food descriptions which is always a plus when reading a cozy mystery!
4.5 Stars for this book. It took me a bit to get into it as it was not your typical cozy mystery. Once Dani started to confide in Spencer I was hooked. I struggled a bit with the companionship of the younger women - although stranger things have happened in cozies!
I really enjoyed the interaction of all the characters, supporting characters included. Will certainly give the next one a go!
I really enjoyed the interaction of all the characters, supporting characters included. Will certainly give the next one a go!