My Review
Imitation may be the sincerest form of flattery. However, mystery writer, Victoria, is not amused when her biggest stan (stalkery fan) is found dead posed like a death in her book. The local prosecutor is suspicious of both Victoria and her boyfriend, Tim. What can Victoria do but find the real killer?
Setting the mystery during mischief night, October 30, is unique. Victoria, Tim, pregnant sister-in-law Sofia and especially grandmother Nonna all feel like genuine friends. The mystery is fun to guess whodunit. I really enjoyed the gathering of the suspects for the reveal as a nod to golden-age mysteries.
I have only one minor caveat. Be prepared to be hungry because Victoria works at her family’s Jersey shore Italian restaurant. Luckily, three recipes are included in the book—but, of course, you will have to cook them.
Overall, Minestrone Mischief is a great afternoon’s entertainment. 4 stars!
Thanks to the author and Great Escapes Book Tours for a digital review copy of the book.
About Minestrone Mischief
Minestrone Mischief: A Culinary Cozy (The Italian Kitchen Mysteries)
Cozy Mystery
4th in Series
Setting – New Jersey
Two Roses Books (September 28, 2022)
Paperback : 309 pages
ISBN-10 : 1737058367
ISBN-13 : 978-1737058366
Digital ASIN : B0BFK3XJ86
When a Halloween stalker shows up on Mischief Night, Vic encounters lots of tricks, no treats, and one murder …
It’s the post-summer season in Oceanside Park, and mystery writer Victoria Rienzi’s hometown is preparing for one last blast on the boardwalk—its annual Mischief Night parade, held the evening before Halloween. While Nonna keeps her busy making treat bags full of Italian candy, Vic dreams up the perfect costumes for herself and Tim: Nick and Nora Charles, the famed detective pair from The Thin Man movies. Completing their look is a canine scamp, Willie, borrowed to play the part of Nora’s pet terrier.
But Victoria’s excitement is dimmed by the presence of a stalker, Edward Millman, who’s seen lurking around the Rienzi family restaurant. And who shows up at the Mischief Night parade dressed as Victoria’s book sleuth, Bernardo Vitali. But halfway through the parade, Willie sniffs out trouble, leading Vic and Tim on a not-so-merry chase that brings them to a dead body—Victoria’s stalker, Edward Millman. And in a scene straight out of Victoria’s latest book, Millman is found with a knife sticking from his chest, along with a nasty note: You deserved this.
As Vic digs into the details of the victim’s life, she wonders: Is it life imitating art? Or is there a more deadly form of mischief at work this Halloween?
About Rosie Genova
Bestselling and award-winning author Rosie Genova left her heart at the shore, which serves as the setting for much of her work. The inspiration for her cozy series, the Italian Kitchen Mysteries, comes from her deep appreciation for Italian food, her affinity for the New Jersey seaside, and her love of classic mysteries from Nancy Drew to Miss Marple. A former journalist and teacher, Rosie also writes women’s fiction and suspense. The proud mama of three grown sons, she still lives in her favorite state with her husband and a charming mutt named Lucy.
Author Links
Website: http://www.rosiegenova.com
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6462450.Rosie_Genova
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/rosiegenova
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/rosie-genova
Purchase Link – Amazon
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Lovely review of a fun and entertaining book Diane!
Elza Reads
Hi Diane,
Thanks so much for the thoughtful review and for featuring my book today!