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caitz's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-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? It's complicated
3.75
meliaraastair's review
4.0
After finishing A Dark and Stormy Murder the other day, I knew I wanted more Julia Buckley! So I discovered this series, with a unique concept where the main character enjoys cooking so she provides “covered dishes” for others to claim as their own – PTA moms, Boy Scout leaders, church dinners with “their” famed chili, etc. Kind of furtive, kind of just strange! Give the poor girl some credit! But when the famed chili ends up killing someone, will Lilah be able to keep her secret?
Again…it’s just such a strange concept. Then there’s this whole thing with “what song is stuck in her head.” I mean – I’m a music teacher – I always have a song in my head. But why is it almost but not quite a part of the plot?
I didn’t hate the book – this review is coming off a bit harsh. I did enjoy it. It just seems a little weird but overall was light and fun. But does Lilah become a caterer? What happens with her almost new boyfriend? It’s kind of left as a big ole question mark. I definitely enjoyed Julia Buckley’s other series better based on the first books of each.
I’ll go 7 of 10 for enjoyment and 4 of 5 for readability. Not as entertaining as A Dark and Stormy Murder but I probably will read the others of this series.
-Holly
For more reviews, check out bedroopedbookworms.wordpress.com!
Again…it’s just such a strange concept. Then there’s this whole thing with “what song is stuck in her head.” I mean – I’m a music teacher – I always have a song in my head. But why is it almost but not quite a part of the plot?
I didn’t hate the book – this review is coming off a bit harsh. I did enjoy it. It just seems a little weird but overall was light and fun. But does Lilah become a caterer? What happens with her almost new boyfriend? It’s kind of left as a big ole question mark. I definitely enjoyed Julia Buckley’s other series better based on the first books of each.
I’ll go 7 of 10 for enjoyment and 4 of 5 for readability. Not as entertaining as A Dark and Stormy Murder but I probably will read the others of this series.
-Holly
For more reviews, check out bedroopedbookworms.wordpress.com!
wildflowerz76's review
5.0
The Big Chili is number one in the Undercover Dish series. Lilah loves to cook and she's found her niche in her side hustle, secretly making food for people to pass off as their own. But when someone does after eating the chili she made for a customer for the church bingo, Lilah's not sure if she should fess up or keep quiet.
This was fun. There are a TON of music references and quite a few for movies, some familiar to me and some not so much. The mystery was good and definitely engaging. This is the third series I've tried by this author and I've liked all of them!
This was fun. There are a TON of music references and quite a few for movies, some familiar to me and some not so much. The mystery was good and definitely engaging. This is the third series I've tried by this author and I've liked all of them!
quietjenn's review
4.0
I was a little skeptical of the premise that lies at the heart of this cozy series, but it works really well and I super enjoy Buckley's writing. The characters and the town are really well-done and appealing and nothing is too cutesy, the way it can sometimes be in books like this. The mystery is solid - I totally didn't guess it - and I immediately put in my reserve for book two.
brooke4131's review
5.0
This is one of the best books I've read in a long time. I loved the wholesomeness of Lilah Drake and her adorable "Undercover Dish" business. All of the supporting characters (especially her cute parents and her brother's girlfriend, Serafina) were so endearing and made me eager to keep reading. The mystery itself was well done and wrapped up neatly. I'm so looking forward to reading more of this series!
julie7's review
5.0
I tend to veer towards British cosy mysteries. The only reason being, that I have often been to, and can relate to the villages they are often set in.
Saying this, I thought this American based mystery was fabulous. Interesting characters, with a smattering of chilli thrown in for good measure. What more could you want?
Saying this, I thought this American based mystery was fabulous. Interesting characters, with a smattering of chilli thrown in for good measure. What more could you want?
brookeblogs's review
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
I bought this cozy several years ago and it has been sitting on my shelf...it was selected this month for Cozy Escape Book Club, and I was excited to finally pick it up. I was not disappointed! This first-in-a-series cozy is well-written with characters you like right away. The town of Pine Haven is picture-perfect...except for the murder, that is.
Lilah has found her niche in the catering world - providing delicious dishes prepared secretly so no one knows you didn't cook it yourself. That's all fine until someone dies eating one of these dishes...the author did a great job at concealing the murderer. I wasn't fully sure of who it was until close to the reveal. I am planning to read more in the series - I want to see how Lilah's career develops, as well as her relationship with Jay Parker.
As a warning, there are a few curse words in this as well as some romance/kissing, more than in typical cozies.
I'm sharing my honest review; not influenced in any way.
Lilah has found her niche in the catering world - providing delicious dishes prepared secretly so no one knows you didn't cook it yourself. That's all fine until someone dies eating one of these dishes...the author did a great job at concealing the murderer. I wasn't fully sure of who it was until close to the reveal. I am planning to read more in the series - I want to see how Lilah's career develops, as well as her relationship with Jay Parker.
As a warning, there are a few curse words in this as well as some romance/kissing, more than in typical cozies.
I'm sharing my honest review; not influenced in any way.
susanknowsbooks's review
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0