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theavidreaderandbibliophile's review against another edition
3.0
Hummus and Homicide by Tina Kashian is the first story in A Kebab Kitchen Mystery series. Lucy Berberian is returning home to Ocean Crest, New Jersey after quitting her job as a patent attorney in Philadelphia. Lucy’s parents own Kebab Kitchen and can certainly use her help in the restaurant since they are down a waitress. Lucy is happy to reconnect with her friend Katie Watson. Lucy is staying with Katie and her police officer husband, Bill while she is in town. Lucy is surprised to learn that her parents are contemplating selling the restaurant. They already have three potential buyers that include Lucy’s former boyfriend, Azad Zakarian. The one thing marring Lucy’s enjoyment at being home is Heather Banks. Heather was the mean cheerleader girl in high school, and now she is the new health inspector. She quickly learns that Heather has not changed one iota since high school. Heather comes to do an inspection of the premises before the restaurant can be listed for sale and, despite the cleanliness of the facility, she lists nitpicky (and bogus) violations. The next day Heather returns to eat from the new hummus bar (which she criticized the day before). After Heather departs, Lucy takes the trash outside and finds Heather dead in the back-parking lot. Detective Clemmons is assigned the case, but he holds a grudge against the Berberian family (thanks to Lucy’s sister). Raffi, Lucy’s father, wants her to investigate Heather’s death and find the culprit before their business is ruined. Lucy, with help from Katie, retraces Heather’s steps the day she was killed and delves into Heather’s life looking for suspects. Who disliked Heather enough to murder her? The bike shop owner, a restaurateur, the mob boss, the suspense author who was dating Heather, or the loan shark? Join Lucy in her investigation in Hummus and Homicide.
Hummus and Homicide is nicely written and has a steady pace. I like that the author sets the stage for the series by giving us Lucy’s background and introducing us to her family and friends. The mystery was interesting, but the killer can easily be discerned early in the book (one detail is the key). There are some interesting suspects that Lucy questions. I just wish that there had been more action. If Lucy is going to continue to be a sleuth, she needs to work on her questioning technique. Her queries sounded more like accusations. Lucy also has a temper (triggers easily) and loose lips. You can tell that Tina Kashian (aka Tina Gabrielle) has written romance novels. We have Lucy’s ogling her romantic interests. She admires the attractive and handsome Azad (many times) and appreciates Michael Citteroni’s physique. The family kept pushing Lucy and Azad together trying to rekindle their romance. I prefer romances that progress slowly over the course of a series and for it not to overshadow the mystery element. As usual, there was repetitive information (Cooking Kurt’s show was mentioned five times for example). Hummus and Homicide was a typical cozy mystery where the main character returns home, someone dies, she investigates and solves the crime, there are love interests, potential sidekick, the amateur detective is inept in her questioning, and the main character realizes she likes being home and is going to stay. There are some nice cozy moments in the book. You can tell that Lucy’s family loves her and the mother is especially happy that her daughter has returned to Ocean Crest. My rating for Hummus and Homicide is 3 out of 5 stars. I will check out Stabbed in the Baklava when it releases in August. Hummus and Homicide is just the first book in the series, and I hope Tina Kashian ups her game in the next book in A Kebab Kitchen Mystery series. There are recipes (hummus) at the end of Hummus and Homicide.
Hummus and Homicide is nicely written and has a steady pace. I like that the author sets the stage for the series by giving us Lucy’s background and introducing us to her family and friends. The mystery was interesting, but the killer can easily be discerned early in the book (one detail is the key). There are some interesting suspects that Lucy questions. I just wish that there had been more action. If Lucy is going to continue to be a sleuth, she needs to work on her questioning technique. Her queries sounded more like accusations. Lucy also has a temper (triggers easily) and loose lips. You can tell that Tina Kashian (aka Tina Gabrielle) has written romance novels. We have Lucy’s ogling her romantic interests. She admires the attractive and handsome Azad (many times) and appreciates Michael Citteroni’s physique. The family kept pushing Lucy and Azad together trying to rekindle their romance. I prefer romances that progress slowly over the course of a series and for it not to overshadow the mystery element. As usual, there was repetitive information (Cooking Kurt’s show was mentioned five times for example). Hummus and Homicide was a typical cozy mystery where the main character returns home, someone dies, she investigates and solves the crime, there are love interests, potential sidekick, the amateur detective is inept in her questioning, and the main character realizes she likes being home and is going to stay. There are some nice cozy moments in the book. You can tell that Lucy’s family loves her and the mother is especially happy that her daughter has returned to Ocean Crest. My rating for Hummus and Homicide is 3 out of 5 stars. I will check out Stabbed in the Baklava when it releases in August. Hummus and Homicide is just the first book in the series, and I hope Tina Kashian ups her game in the next book in A Kebab Kitchen Mystery series. There are recipes (hummus) at the end of Hummus and Homicide.
alynnhays's review against another edition
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
2.0
⭐⭐
The Good
I liked the cozy setting and the challenge of trying to solve the mystery. I've only read one other cozy mystery and I'm glad I gave it another try.
The Bad
Even though I liked the mystery, it was a little slow. I was super disappointed by the lack of creativity in the characters. I felt completely detached from all the characters. I found the names and descriptions very stereotypical and it made them shallow and uninteresting. I found the anti-fat messaging regarding calorie counting and characters
looks outdated, unnecessary, and annoying. The ending was abrupt and somewhat predictable (I knew it wasn't Paul immediately after the arrest. ). At the same time, I wish there had been more clues to help me solve the mystery on my own.
Content Warnings
Minor: Eating disorder, Fatphobia, Body shaming, and Murder
kimdavishb's review against another edition
4.0
This first book in the brand new Kebob Kitchen Mystery series is a delightful insider’s view into a first generation American growing up in the household of immigrant parents and their Mediterranean restaurant in Ocean Crest, New Jersey. Lucy Berberian “escaped” from her upbringing after earning a law degree. While she loves her family she also felt the need to get away from their traditional views, especially on marriage, after her failed relationship with Azad Zakarian while in college. But after losing her job in Philadelphia, she ends up back in her family’s restaurant, put back to work the minute she returns. She’s never been able to tell her parents “no”. It doesn’t take long for Lucy to have a run-in with the new health inspector, who just so happens to be her high school nemesis. When the health inspector dies shortly after eating at the Kebab Kitchen, Lucy’s father begs her to clear their name and save the family business, because “family helps family”.
HUMMUS AND HOMICIDE is a story about coming home and discovering yourself. It’s a story about finding happiness where you least expect it. And a story about accepting your family for who they are and not for who you’d like them to be. I enjoyed learning about the different culture that Lucy grew up in and I loved all the mentions of Armenian and Mediterranean foods! Lucy and her family have good character development and made me want to spend time with them to get to know them better. Lucy’s best friend, Katie, is a worthy side-kick and provides great support. The mystery was well plotted and had a good pace. There were several people who had good reason to want the health inspector dead and the author explores the potential of each suspect. With an exciting finale, each of the threads of the plot and subplots are woven together leaving the reader well satisfied.
The author, Tina Kashian, actually grew up in her family’s Armenian restaurant. She shares several of her family’s recipes at the back of the book, all which sound fabulous.
I was provided an advance copy via Netgalley with the hopes I would review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
HUMMUS AND HOMICIDE is a story about coming home and discovering yourself. It’s a story about finding happiness where you least expect it. And a story about accepting your family for who they are and not for who you’d like them to be. I enjoyed learning about the different culture that Lucy grew up in and I loved all the mentions of Armenian and Mediterranean foods! Lucy and her family have good character development and made me want to spend time with them to get to know them better. Lucy’s best friend, Katie, is a worthy side-kick and provides great support. The mystery was well plotted and had a good pace. There were several people who had good reason to want the health inspector dead and the author explores the potential of each suspect. With an exciting finale, each of the threads of the plot and subplots are woven together leaving the reader well satisfied.
The author, Tina Kashian, actually grew up in her family’s Armenian restaurant. She shares several of her family’s recipes at the back of the book, all which sound fabulous.
I was provided an advance copy via Netgalley with the hopes I would review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
melinda1962's review against another edition
4.0
The characters and setting were great in this book. I enjoyed the mystery as well. But, the ginormous plot hole in the ending was frustrating.
How on earth can the suspect Paul and the real killer Al have the same last name. Yes they are father and son but, neither knew anything about the other until a few months prior. Paul’s mom was never married to Al. Paul’s stepdad became ill and told Paul the truth about his parentage. So it’s very, very unlikely that the father and son would have the same last name. It was because of that last name that the sleuth, Lucy put it all together.
I will continue reading this series because I do like the characters and the newly developed live triangle.
How on earth can the suspect Paul and the real killer Al have the same last name. Yes they are father and son but, neither knew anything about the other until a few months prior. Paul’s mom was never married to Al. Paul’s stepdad became ill and told Paul the truth about his parentage. So it’s very, very unlikely that the father and son would have the same last name. It was because of that last name that the sleuth, Lucy put it all together.
I will continue reading this series because I do like the characters and the newly developed live triangle.
katreader's review against another edition
5.0
HUMMUS AND HOMICIDE by Tina Kashian
The First Kebab Kitchen Mystery
After being passed over for promotion yet again, Lisa Berberian quits her job as a patent attorney in Philadelphia and returns home to the Jersey Shore for an extended visit. Despite a warm welcome from friends and family, who are pleased to have her helping out in the family restaurant, Lisa has a run in with her old high school nemesis, who has just taken over from her father as health inspector. Although her father never found fault with the Kebab Kitchen, Heather amasses numerous bogus citations. What could be worse than that? Heather being found dead behind the restaurant, with her death being ruled suspicious. Will the detective put his grudge against the Berberian family aside and find the real killer or will Lisa be charged with murder?
The first Kebab Kitchen Mystery is all about family and coming home. It's about sticking together, even after being apart; a balance between nostalgia and moving with the times. Richly detailed writing makes me feel as if I'm in the midst of all the action while plenty of humor and the right amount of drama flavor this tasty mystery.
Lisa is a smart likable protagonist with a good head on her shoulders. Although charged by her father to solve the murder, Lisa knows when to investigate and when to call in the professionals. The rest of the characters are as interesting and varied as the flavors of hummus Angela creates, some traditional, some spicy, some tart, and some a bit nutty.
HUMMUS AND HOMICIDE is the start of a delectable new mystery series. I urge you all to dig in!
Recipes included.
FTC Disclosure – The publisher sent me a digital ARC provided through NetGalley, in the hopes I would review it.
The First Kebab Kitchen Mystery
After being passed over for promotion yet again, Lisa Berberian quits her job as a patent attorney in Philadelphia and returns home to the Jersey Shore for an extended visit. Despite a warm welcome from friends and family, who are pleased to have her helping out in the family restaurant, Lisa has a run in with her old high school nemesis, who has just taken over from her father as health inspector. Although her father never found fault with the Kebab Kitchen, Heather amasses numerous bogus citations. What could be worse than that? Heather being found dead behind the restaurant, with her death being ruled suspicious. Will the detective put his grudge against the Berberian family aside and find the real killer or will Lisa be charged with murder?
The first Kebab Kitchen Mystery is all about family and coming home. It's about sticking together, even after being apart; a balance between nostalgia and moving with the times. Richly detailed writing makes me feel as if I'm in the midst of all the action while plenty of humor and the right amount of drama flavor this tasty mystery.
Lisa is a smart likable protagonist with a good head on her shoulders. Although charged by her father to solve the murder, Lisa knows when to investigate and when to call in the professionals. The rest of the characters are as interesting and varied as the flavors of hummus Angela creates, some traditional, some spicy, some tart, and some a bit nutty.
HUMMUS AND HOMICIDE is the start of a delectable new mystery series. I urge you all to dig in!
Recipes included.
FTC Disclosure – The publisher sent me a digital ARC provided through NetGalley, in the hopes I would review it.
pussreboots's review against another edition
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
hugbandit7's review against another edition
4.0
This is an exciting new series with a mystery to solve and lots of good food to drool over (recipes too!).
This story flowed quite well and it was hard to put down. I enjoyed getting to know Lucy and her crazy family - well most families are crazy, but when you throw in a different ethnic background they seem to get crazier. If you have seen My Big Fat Greek Wedding you will understand what I mean.
I did figure out who the killer was early on but only because of a few clues that you may or may not interpret as clues. A hazard of reading so many mysteries I think. Now while I guessed who, I did not know the why. I'm not sure anyone might have figured out that part until it was revealed. The only issue I have is trying to figure out how the killer killed Heather. I don't want to give away too much, but considering how it happened there just did not seem to be the opportunity for the killer to act.
And no book would be complete without a romantic triangle. Will Lucy give Azad, the known man, another chance to right his wrong from so many years ago? Or will she give Mike, the bad boy on the motorcycle a chance to fill a role in her life?
Overall a great book and a killer series in the making.
This story flowed quite well and it was hard to put down. I enjoyed getting to know Lucy and her crazy family - well most families are crazy, but when you throw in a different ethnic background they seem to get crazier. If you have seen My Big Fat Greek Wedding you will understand what I mean.
I did figure out who the killer was early on but only because of a few clues that you may or may not interpret as clues. A hazard of reading so many mysteries I think. Now while I guessed who, I did not know the why. I'm not sure anyone might have figured out that part until it was revealed. The only issue I have is trying to figure out how the killer killed Heather. I don't want to give away too much, but considering how it happened there just did not seem to be the opportunity for the killer to act.
And no book would be complete without a romantic triangle. Will Lucy give Azad, the known man, another chance to right his wrong from so many years ago? Or will she give Mike, the bad boy on the motorcycle a chance to fill a role in her life?
Overall a great book and a killer series in the making.
git_r_read's review against another edition
5.0
I really enjoyed this book and I am glad I have more of the series already on my Nook ready to go. It's a fairly normal premise of the main character, Lucy, dissatisfied with her job and life returning home to take a breather. She knows in her heart that she is going to get sucked back into the family business, Kebab Kitchen, and goes fairly willingly with all that it entails with her nosy loving family and the small town atmosphere.
Lucy gets involved rather naturally in the investigation of the suspicious death that happens behind the family restaurant. She is the prime suspect and her family's restaurant is in danger of failing.
Plenty of intriguing characters, a good setting and a nice learning curve for Lucy who will go from being a lawyer in the big city to being more responsible in the Kebab Kitchen.
Two possible romantic interests, small town life that can be comforting and smothering, surrounded by family, Jersey shore setting, with plenty to cause mayhem.
I can definitely recommend this book and author and likely this series.
Lucy gets involved rather naturally in the investigation of the suspicious death that happens behind the family restaurant. She is the prime suspect and her family's restaurant is in danger of failing.
Plenty of intriguing characters, a good setting and a nice learning curve for Lucy who will go from being a lawyer in the big city to being more responsible in the Kebab Kitchen.
Two possible romantic interests, small town life that can be comforting and smothering, surrounded by family, Jersey shore setting, with plenty to cause mayhem.
I can definitely recommend this book and author and likely this series.