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A review by sareidle
Death Al Dente by Leslie Budewitz
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
A great cozy mystery set in Western Montana. The plot has layers, with interesting characters and a realistic setting. I enjoyed the descriptions of food and could easily imagine The Merc and other key locations in Jewel Bay. I may pick up another book from this series when I need something mysterious and heartwarming.
My only critique is Budewitz's comments about Eastern Montana via the MC Erin Murphy. In the beginning when she and her mother are discussing huckleberry chocolates, she realizes that they can't be a fully local product because chocolate and sugar are not produced in state. However, sugar beets are grown in Montana and there is a processing facility near Billings. The other comment was that western Montanans don't visit the eastern side of the state and vice versa. While the first statement is true, eastern Montanans need to go west to the larger cities (Bozeman, Missoula, Helena, etc.) for university, medical treatment, and sports events. Western Montana is the "heart" of the state and eastern Montana is the backwater that is largely ignored in state politics and media representation.
My only critique is Budewitz's comments about Eastern Montana via the MC Erin Murphy. In the beginning when she and her mother are discussing huckleberry chocolates, she realizes that they can't be a fully local product because chocolate and sugar are not produced in state. However, sugar beets are grown in Montana and there is a processing facility near Billings. The other comment was that western Montanans don't visit the eastern side of the state and vice versa. While the first statement is true, eastern Montanans need to go west to the larger cities (Bozeman, Missoula, Helena, etc.) for university, medical treatment, and sports events. Western Montana is the "heart" of the state and eastern Montana is the backwater that is largely ignored in state politics and media representation.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Death of parent
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Murder
Minor: Terminal illness, Medical content, Stalking