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theavidreaderandbibliophile's review against another edition
4.0
Here Comes the Body by Maria DiRico has Mia Carina returning to Queens for a fresh start. She is thankful to no longer be under suspicion for her husband’s disappearance. Mia will be working for her father as assistant manager at Belle View Catering Hall. Ravello Carina, Mia’s father, is taking a stab at running a legit business which pleases Mia. Mia’s first event is a bachelor party with a woman popping out of a cake. Things go sideways when they find a woman who threatened Ravello a few days earlier inside the cake with a knife sticking out of her chest. With Ravello as the police’s prime suspect, Mia begins searching for the real culprit. Here Comes the Body is the exciting debut of A Catering Hall Mystery series. Mia Carina has had a rough time recently with her husband disappearing and the police accusing her of offing him (her family has a reputation). She is glad to be back in Astoria with her family. Mia can visit her brother, Posi during visiting hours at Triborough Correctional Facility where the guards know the family by name. Mia will be working at Belle View Catering Hall which a man gave up to cover his gambling debts. Ravello, Mia’s father, is the manager and Mia will be handling events. Belle View is run down and needs a facelift (get rid of the 80s vibe). Mia has not been home a week when a body if found inside a cake. Someone is framing Ravello and Mia does not appreciate it. She begins questioning attendees of the bachelor party in hopes of narrowing in on the killer. The mystery had several viable suspects. I had a good time following Mia on her quest to clear her father’s name. I thought Here Comes the Body contained good writing, interesting characters and humor. I laughed several times while reading. I loved Mia’s grandmother, Elisabetta Carina. She is an Italian grandmother who makes mouthwatering dishes. The ladies on her block compete to have the best decorations for each holiday (and other things as well). There are a couple of side stories as well. A greedy realtor is trying to get senior citizens to sell their homes and move into an assisted living facility. 46th Place is the new hot area where people want to take the homes, gut them and modernize them. Something is going on with Evans, the sous chef, as well. Cozy mystery readers will be delighted with Here Comes the Body which is written by Ellen Byron under the pen name Maria DiRico. Here Comes the Body is a humorous & intriguing cozy mystery with a murdered moll, a vanished feathered friend, transportation troubles, frightful free furniture, a relentless reporter, and a matchmaking mobster.
kimdavishb's review against another edition
5.0
HERE COMES THE BODY, the first book in the brand new Catering Hall Mystery series by Maria DiRico (aka award-winning author Ellen Byron) combines the perfect balance of a clever mystery, zany characters, and witty humor. It captured my imagination and my attention so thoroughly, I didn’t want to put it down until I’d read the very last word. As the daughter of a mobster (who’s trying to go straight), protagonist Mia Carina has developed a very strong personality and has what it takes to meet life head-on and then move on (like being a person of interest in her cheating husband’s disappearance). The smart-alecky responses to situations Mia finds herself in, provides plenty of laugh out loud moments, while heart-felt scenes concerning her missing parakeet brings an emotional depth to the story. I greatly enjoyed that the author embraces the vibes of Queens, New York, instead of focusing on the typical pretentiousness of Manhattan. The way she weaves the comparisons into the story provides another layer of humor.
The author’s descriptive voice makes the setting come alive so I felt like I was visiting the Astoria neighborhood as she captures the flavors of the Italian and Greek residents. And oh what fun those senior neighborhood women are! Heading up the “Army” is Mia’s elderly Italian grandmother, Elisabetta. She and her friends add another dimension of humor to the story. Don’t think for a moment that since the story is filled with humor and entertaining characters, that the mystery has been overlooked. It hasn’t in the least. HERE COMES THE BODY is well-plotted with sub-plots that intertwine with the main murder mystery, and plenty of shady characters to keep the reader guessing. Ms. DiRico touches on crime themes that many cozy mysteries might shy away from. It has a bit of an edgier feel than a typical “English Village” cozy, yet she makes it work beautifully and I am eager to read future books in this new series!
I was provided an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The author’s descriptive voice makes the setting come alive so I felt like I was visiting the Astoria neighborhood as she captures the flavors of the Italian and Greek residents. And oh what fun those senior neighborhood women are! Heading up the “Army” is Mia’s elderly Italian grandmother, Elisabetta. She and her friends add another dimension of humor to the story. Don’t think for a moment that since the story is filled with humor and entertaining characters, that the mystery has been overlooked. It hasn’t in the least. HERE COMES THE BODY is well-plotted with sub-plots that intertwine with the main murder mystery, and plenty of shady characters to keep the reader guessing. Ms. DiRico touches on crime themes that many cozy mysteries might shy away from. It has a bit of an edgier feel than a typical “English Village” cozy, yet she makes it work beautifully and I am eager to read future books in this new series!
I was provided an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
katreader's review against another edition
5.0
HERE COMES THE BODY by Maria DiRico
The First Catering Hall Mystery
When her cheating husband goes missing, Mia Carina becomes a person of interest, partly because she's the aggrieved wife and even more so because of her mob connections. Once out from under suspicion this Queens girl leaves Florida and returns home to Astoria and her Family. While Belle View Catering Hall is under the auspices of the Boldano Family, her father is running it as a legitimate business and Mia aims to help him keep it that way. But when a dead body turns up during a bachelor party, police immediately suspect Ravello. Mia will have to use her street smarts and Family connections to keep the business afloat and prove her dad's innocence.
I'm not sure what it is about the mob that's so fascinating, but its appeal can't be denied. I absolutely love this book! Mia is a fantastic protagonist, she's tough and no nonsense, but also shows a vulnerability. One of my favorite things about the book is the Astoria neighborhood. Mia's nonna and her army of aging residents are a delight from their holiday decor one-upmanship, "traditional" furnishings (plastic slipcovers, anyone?), and food, plenty of home cooked food, be it Italian or Greek. Mia's brother is also a hoot, trying to be a viral hot con, while doing another prison stint. Add her father's soft side and his intimidating boss, and you have a Family to die for.
From wacky characters with heart, villains you love to hate, and comedic touches to keep you laughing HERE COMES THE BODY is the crème de la crème of cozy mysteries.
FTC Disclosure – The publisher sent me a copy of this book in the hopes I would review it.
The First Catering Hall Mystery
When her cheating husband goes missing, Mia Carina becomes a person of interest, partly because she's the aggrieved wife and even more so because of her mob connections. Once out from under suspicion this Queens girl leaves Florida and returns home to Astoria and her Family. While Belle View Catering Hall is under the auspices of the Boldano Family, her father is running it as a legitimate business and Mia aims to help him keep it that way. But when a dead body turns up during a bachelor party, police immediately suspect Ravello. Mia will have to use her street smarts and Family connections to keep the business afloat and prove her dad's innocence.
I'm not sure what it is about the mob that's so fascinating, but its appeal can't be denied. I absolutely love this book! Mia is a fantastic protagonist, she's tough and no nonsense, but also shows a vulnerability. One of my favorite things about the book is the Astoria neighborhood. Mia's nonna and her army of aging residents are a delight from their holiday decor one-upmanship, "traditional" furnishings (plastic slipcovers, anyone?), and food, plenty of home cooked food, be it Italian or Greek. Mia's brother is also a hoot, trying to be a viral hot con, while doing another prison stint. Add her father's soft side and his intimidating boss, and you have a Family to die for.
From wacky characters with heart, villains you love to hate, and comedic touches to keep you laughing HERE COMES THE BODY is the crème de la crème of cozy mysteries.
FTC Disclosure – The publisher sent me a copy of this book in the hopes I would review it.
hugbandit7's review against another edition
5.0
I'm a huge fan of this author's other series written under the name Ellen Byron because of my Cajun connections. So, of course, I wanted to check out a new series and was intrigued by the family with mob connections. Let's just say it makes for some humorous situations sprinkled throughout when people learn who Mia's father is and his connections.
Mia arrives back in Astoria to assist her father in running a legitimate business - a catering hall. The building has seen better days but has a lot of potential despite being so close to La Guardia airport. Mia is basically thrown into the deep end as she takes over several events that lead to deadly results. Considering who her father is, he does not escape scrutiny by the police. Clues and red herrings are peppered throughout the story and had me stumped and I did not figure out who the criminals really were in this case.
This series is going to be a lot of fun and I already like Mia's brother Posi who is trying to go viral as a sexy convict. It isn't working but gotta give him an A for effort! Mia's grandmother and the "army" are a hoot especially when it comes to the Virgin Mary statues in their yards. Don't mess with their statues. Then there is a past love with Jamie who keeps ending up as Mia's Uber driver. Sure he has a girlfriend, but I'm thinking that relationship might fizzle in future books.
There are some delicious recipes at the end of the book worth trying out next time I have time to experiment.
We give this book 5 paws up and look forward to the next book.
Mia arrives back in Astoria to assist her father in running a legitimate business - a catering hall. The building has seen better days but has a lot of potential despite being so close to La Guardia airport. Mia is basically thrown into the deep end as she takes over several events that lead to deadly results. Considering who her father is, he does not escape scrutiny by the police. Clues and red herrings are peppered throughout the story and had me stumped and I did not figure out who the criminals really were in this case.
This series is going to be a lot of fun and I already like Mia's brother Posi who is trying to go viral as a sexy convict. It isn't working but gotta give him an A for effort! Mia's grandmother and the "army" are a hoot especially when it comes to the Virgin Mary statues in their yards. Don't mess with their statues. Then there is a past love with Jamie who keeps ending up as Mia's Uber driver. Sure he has a girlfriend, but I'm thinking that relationship might fizzle in future books.
There are some delicious recipes at the end of the book worth trying out next time I have time to experiment.
We give this book 5 paws up and look forward to the next book.
git_r_read's review against another edition
5.0
I love when I find a new to me series that is so truly enjoyable as this one is. A truly wonderful main character in Mia and her family and friends. And the premise is not like one I've read before. She's the daughter of a mob boss who is trying to go straight by buying a catering and event hall with Mia managing it. She's back home after a divorce and the ex is missing and presumed deceased. That taint is hanging over her cranium but Mia strides forward.
It's not only the mystery and investigation she becomes involved in, which is excellently done. Her family/Family being what it is, she knows she has to do something to clear the names.
What I found most engaging was how quickly Mia thinks on her feet, solving problems, handling things. The surrounding characters are delightful, especially Mia's grandmother. She might be tied with Mia as favorite character.
I immediately downloaded book 2, Long Island Iced Tina, and will begin reading that after the current book I started as a breather.
I can absolutely recommend this book, likely this series and definitely this author. She is aka Ellen Byron.
It's not only the mystery and investigation she becomes involved in, which is excellently done. Her family/Family being what it is, she knows she has to do something to clear the names.
What I found most engaging was how quickly Mia thinks on her feet, solving problems, handling things. The surrounding characters are delightful, especially Mia's grandmother. She might be tied with Mia as favorite character.
I immediately downloaded book 2, Long Island Iced Tina, and will begin reading that after the current book I started as a breather.
I can absolutely recommend this book, likely this series and definitely this author. She is aka Ellen Byron.
auntbopp's review
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
tlvz721's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
peggyemi's review
4.0
Here Comes the Body is the first book in a new series by author Maria DiRico (a pen name for author Ellen Byron). This is the first I've read by this author and I found it to be a very enjoyable and entertaining read. The story was well told and the plot moved along nicely. Mia Carina, our main character, is returning home after a disastrous marriage that ended with her husband's disappearance without a trace (or a body). Mia is no stranger to being on the wrong side of the law, her father is, after all, an enforcer for the New Jersey mob. However, now that her father has decided to go legit, Mia comes home to help him run an event planning business.
I found the characters to be enjoyable. Mia is independent and has a good heart. Her brother Posi and her grandmother are a hoot. Both of them provide some nice humor throughout the story as well as provide Mia with the voice of reason where her love life is concerned. The event business is populated with some interesting secondary characters that I am interested in seeing develop in future stories.
The mystery unfolded nicely and carried throughout the story. I liked that Mia was not portrayed as reckless, or an overly nosy busybody who is surprised when she finds herself in trouble. Mia is just looking to make sure her father is not wrongfully accused of committing two murders, just because of who he used to be. The story kept me guessing and I thought the author wrapped it up nicely tieing up all the loose ends.
I voluntarily read a digital ARC provided to me by the publisher, Kensington, through Netgalley.
I found the characters to be enjoyable. Mia is independent and has a good heart. Her brother Posi and her grandmother are a hoot. Both of them provide some nice humor throughout the story as well as provide Mia with the voice of reason where her love life is concerned. The event business is populated with some interesting secondary characters that I am interested in seeing develop in future stories.
The mystery unfolded nicely and carried throughout the story. I liked that Mia was not portrayed as reckless, or an overly nosy busybody who is surprised when she finds herself in trouble. Mia is just looking to make sure her father is not wrongfully accused of committing two murders, just because of who he used to be. The story kept me guessing and I thought the author wrapped it up nicely tieing up all the loose ends.
I voluntarily read a digital ARC provided to me by the publisher, Kensington, through Netgalley.
megs_s's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0