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Culinary Competition #2
Chicken Soup & Homicide
From bestselling mystery author Janel Gradowski...
Amy Ridley and her friend, Sophie, have perfected their chicken soup recipe, and the winter-weary residents of Kellerton, Michigan can't wait to watch them compete against other local chefs in the Chicken Soup Showdown. But the charity event starts out with a bang, literally, when one of the rival chefs falls out of a freezer and onto Amy. If it wasn't stressful enough for Amy to catch a dead body, the detective in charge of the investigation targets her best friend, Carla, as the chief suspect in the murder.
In order to clear her friend's name, Amy does her own investigating. The problem is nobody liked the arrogant murdered celebrity chef, and soon her suspect list is longer than the list of ingredients in her secret chicken soup recipe. Can Amy figure out who killed the celebrity chef? Or will Carla be spending the spring in jail?
**Recipes Included!**
Culinary Competition Mysteries:
Pies & Peril (book #1)
Chicken Soup & Homicide (book #2)
Christmas Canapés & Sabotage (short story)
What critics are saying about the Culinary Competition Mysteries:
"PIES & PERIL is the perfect cozy to curl up with in your favorite chair or at the beach while enjoying some sun. It’s teeming with a lot of charm and great characters along with many tidbits of delectable goodies perfect for any foodie. I was really looking forward to reading (Janel Gradowski's) first full length novel and it didn’t disappoint! PIES & PERIL is sure to please any reader who loves their cozy mysteries!"
~ Peeking Between the Pages
"PIES & PERIL is a beautiful debut and I know I will be eagerly awaiting the second book in the series. (Amy Ridley) had me laughing and smiling, and the warm cozy feeling of reading a good mystery never left me."
~ Cozy Reader
"PIES & PERIL is a fun read with, murder, arson, threats and romance in the plot! This is a very enjoyable story with a very satisfactory closure. There is also an added bonus of recipes at the end of the book. Amy's many trial recipes made me hungry and inspired me to bake some goodies! Enjoy!"
~ Indy Girl
Amy Ridley and her friend, Sophie, have perfected their chicken soup recipe, and the winter-weary residents of Kellerton, Michigan can't wait to watch them compete against other local chefs in the Chicken Soup Showdown. But the charity event starts out with a bang, literally, when one of the rival chefs falls out of a freezer and onto Amy. If it wasn't stressful enough for Amy to catch a dead body, the detective in charge of the investigation targets her best friend, Carla, as the chief suspect in the murder.
In order to clear her friend's name, Amy does her own investigating. The problem is nobody liked the arrogant murdered celebrity chef, and soon her suspect list is longer than the list of ingredients in her secret chicken soup recipe. Can Amy figure out who killed the celebrity chef? Or will Carla be spending the spring in jail?
**Recipes Included!**
Culinary Competition Mysteries:
Pies & Peril (book #1)
Chicken Soup & Homicide (book #2)
Christmas Canapés & Sabotage (short story)
What critics are saying about the Culinary Competition Mysteries:
"PIES & PERIL is the perfect cozy to curl up with in your favorite chair or at the beach while enjoying some sun. It’s teeming with a lot of charm and great characters along with many tidbits of delectable goodies perfect for any foodie. I was really looking forward to reading (Janel Gradowski's) first full length novel and it didn’t disappoint! PIES & PERIL is sure to please any reader who loves their cozy mysteries!"
~ Peeking Between the Pages
"PIES & PERIL is a beautiful debut and I know I will be eagerly awaiting the second book in the series. (Amy Ridley) had me laughing and smiling, and the warm cozy feeling of reading a good mystery never left me."
~ Cozy Reader
"PIES & PERIL is a fun read with, murder, arson, threats and romance in the plot! This is a very enjoyable story with a very satisfactory closure. There is also an added bonus of recipes at the end of the book. Amy's many trial recipes made me hungry and inspired me to bake some goodies! Enjoy!"
~ Indy Girl
199 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 18, 2015
38 people are currently reading
197 people want to read
About the author
Janel Gradowski
23Ìýbooks61ÌýfollowersJanel Gradowski grew up, and still lives, in the mitten of Michigan. She is a wife and mother whose writing companion is a crazy Golden Retriever named Cooper. In the past she has worked many jobs. Renting apartments, scorekeeping for a stock car racetrack and selling newspaper classified advertisements are some of the experiences that continue to provide inspiration for her stories. Now she writes fiction and is also a beadwork designer and teacher. She enjoys cooking and is fueled by copious amounts of coffee.
Her work has appeared in many publications, both online and in print. She is the author of three series. The Culinary Competition Mystery Series stars Amy Ridley, a former hair stylist with a passion for entering cooking contests. Her first women's fiction series is The Bartonville Series. Each volume contains stories ranging from flash to novella length. All of the stories are set in Michigan every volume contains accompanying recipes. The 6:1 Series features themed collections of her stories that are based on the title's theme.
Her work has appeared in many publications, both online and in print. She is the author of three series. The Culinary Competition Mystery Series stars Amy Ridley, a former hair stylist with a passion for entering cooking contests. Her first women's fiction series is The Bartonville Series. Each volume contains stories ranging from flash to novella length. All of the stories are set in Michigan every volume contains accompanying recipes. The 6:1 Series features themed collections of her stories that are based on the title's theme.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
June 15, 2016
My review for Chicken Soup & Homicide by Janel Gradowski will be featured on Romancing the Book Blog in the near future.
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February 28, 2015
It's the Chicken Soup Showdown and it's wintertime in Kellerton, Michiagan and housewife and recipe developer, Amy along with her friend Sophie who owns, an up and coming cafe where Amy will providing her recipe expertise are competing along with other chefs for charity.As Amy is going backstage to chill her butter for their soup recipe, a competing chef, Chet Britton falls on top of Amy with a knife plunged into his chest as she's opening the fridge. It is one strange place to find a dead body and Amy is in shock from the experience but she has found a dead body before.
Soon every one including Amy and her other friend Carla become targets because Carla was seen telling off the arrogant Chef before he died, that and the fact that they are ex lovers but it soon seems that he had a lot more ex lovers than Carla and fellow chefs that seem to have it in for him. The detective on the case thinks that everyone is a suspect and results to low, down and dirty tactics to unsuccessfully catch Chef Britton's killer.
Amy has had enough of the crocked detective harassing her and her friends and decides to try to Clear her friends name along with her own. Amy needs to find the secret recipe to finding a killer before her or one of her friend becomes 86 ed .
Such a perfect book for a culinary mystery fan. This book is filled with yummy and delicious food references, descriptions and foodie chefs. I loved how most of the characters were chefs or had connections with food. I found I could totally relate to Amy being a foodie house wife who loves to cook and try new recipes. For me, it made this book great when you can connect with the characters. The story and the characters were so well written especially the horrible detective, it just made me want to punch him in the face because I hated him so much and I truly feared for Amy and her friends fate and when you can feel that passionate about them. I can't wait to read and review the next in this series and It has become one of my favorites.
Soon every one including Amy and her other friend Carla become targets because Carla was seen telling off the arrogant Chef before he died, that and the fact that they are ex lovers but it soon seems that he had a lot more ex lovers than Carla and fellow chefs that seem to have it in for him. The detective on the case thinks that everyone is a suspect and results to low, down and dirty tactics to unsuccessfully catch Chef Britton's killer.
Amy has had enough of the crocked detective harassing her and her friends and decides to try to Clear her friends name along with her own. Amy needs to find the secret recipe to finding a killer before her or one of her friend becomes 86 ed .
Such a perfect book for a culinary mystery fan. This book is filled with yummy and delicious food references, descriptions and foodie chefs. I loved how most of the characters were chefs or had connections with food. I found I could totally relate to Amy being a foodie house wife who loves to cook and try new recipes. For me, it made this book great when you can connect with the characters. The story and the characters were so well written especially the horrible detective, it just made me want to punch him in the face because I hated him so much and I truly feared for Amy and her friends fate and when you can feel that passionate about them. I can't wait to read and review the next in this series and It has become one of my favorites.
January 24, 2015
I think I loved this book even better than the first. I was on the edge off my seat the whole time. I couldn't read it fast enough. I totally didn't see it coming when the real killer was revealed. I thought for sure I knew who it was, boy was I surprised. I can't wait to see wage adventures are in Amy's future. I received an ARC of this book, which in no way influenced my opinion of this book.
October 11, 2019
Reviewed by Julie
Book provided by the author
Wow, what a difference one book can make! The first book in this series was really cute, and did get the ball rolling, but on uneven ground. Still, I liked it enough to give this second book a try and I have to say, I am really glad I did.
Amy has entered a chicken soup competition, but when she finds one of her competitors, an unpopular chef, dead in the walk in, her best friend, Carla, becomes the prime suspect. In the meantime, Amy’s husband, Alex, is working long hours away from home, which has Amy worried about her marriage.
I wasn’t sure, at first, if I could take Amy’s hyperactive personality for the long haul, but in this second installment, Amy’s character develops more, and her sleuthing is less frenetic and feels more like detective work, even though she’s obviously an amateur. A little bit of angst is added into the equation as well, since Amy is worried about Alex and Carla is worried about being a murder suspect, which gave the two friends something to bond over.
The only downside is the mystery, which for a veteran mystery reader, is still just a little too apparent, although it was much firmer this time around, and there were a few clever red herrings that kept me on my toes.
The pacing is fast, the dialogue crisp, and the characters seem to be developing quite nicely. But, you may not want to start this book on an empty stomach. Amy is a diehard foodie who is always dreaming up yummy, mouth watering recipes, some of which is included at the end of the book.
Overall, it looks like this series could be shaping up quite nicely.
Book provided by the author
Wow, what a difference one book can make! The first book in this series was really cute, and did get the ball rolling, but on uneven ground. Still, I liked it enough to give this second book a try and I have to say, I am really glad I did.
Amy has entered a chicken soup competition, but when she finds one of her competitors, an unpopular chef, dead in the walk in, her best friend, Carla, becomes the prime suspect. In the meantime, Amy’s husband, Alex, is working long hours away from home, which has Amy worried about her marriage.
I wasn’t sure, at first, if I could take Amy’s hyperactive personality for the long haul, but in this second installment, Amy’s character develops more, and her sleuthing is less frenetic and feels more like detective work, even though she’s obviously an amateur. A little bit of angst is added into the equation as well, since Amy is worried about Alex and Carla is worried about being a murder suspect, which gave the two friends something to bond over.
The only downside is the mystery, which for a veteran mystery reader, is still just a little too apparent, although it was much firmer this time around, and there were a few clever red herrings that kept me on my toes.
The pacing is fast, the dialogue crisp, and the characters seem to be developing quite nicely. But, you may not want to start this book on an empty stomach. Amy is a diehard foodie who is always dreaming up yummy, mouth watering recipes, some of which is included at the end of the book.
Overall, it looks like this series could be shaping up quite nicely.
March 27, 2019
Enjoyed the mystery and relationships except for one exception you'll see below.
What I enjoyed:
* I like Amy and Carla and their friends and like learning more about their lives
* Tons of suspects for the murder and a decent mystery
* I like the settings of cooking competitions, but eventually people will stop wanted to compete against Amy if she keeps finding dead bodies
What could have been better:
* How is it Bruce couldn't stay on the case because he was in a relationship with a suspect, but the new, incompetent detective could after starting to date a different suspect? It wasn't a secret. This bugged me soooooo much.
* I hate incompetent cops in cozies. All he did was come up with crazy theories and threaten people.
What I enjoyed:
* I like Amy and Carla and their friends and like learning more about their lives
* Tons of suspects for the murder and a decent mystery
* I like the settings of cooking competitions, but eventually people will stop wanted to compete against Amy if she keeps finding dead bodies
What could have been better:
* How is it Bruce couldn't stay on the case because he was in a relationship with a suspect, but the new, incompetent detective could after starting to date a different suspect? It wasn't a secret. This bugged me soooooo much.
* I hate incompetent cops in cozies. All he did was come up with crazy theories and threaten people.
August 31, 2017
This author has an interesting tale of colorful characters. The setting is Michigan with all the seasons adding color to the story. The conclusion lets the reader know there will be more books in the future. copy right 2015
April 23, 2015
Originally posted at Peeking Between the Pages ()
Chicken Soup & Homicide is the second book in the Culinary Competition Mysteries series by Janel Gradowski. I read the first book Pies & Peril last year and really enjoyed it but I have to say that I liked Chicken Soup & Homicide even more. What I like most about reading a cozy series like this is getting to know the characters and the town the books take place in and when some humor and a good mystery is thrown in it’s all the better. This is the perfect book to curl up with in your favorite comfy chair or to read out in the sun that’s sure to come out sooner or later!
Amy and her friend Sophie are set to compete in the Chicken Soup Showdown. They’ve got the perfect chicken soup and are up against other local chefs in their town of Kellerton, Michigan including the formidable Chef Britton. Nobody is all that fond of the rude and obnoxious Chef Britton and that includes Amy’s friend Carla who once dated him. As they get set to start the competition Amy has to run to the back to get something out of the freezer and boy does she find herself a big something. Who but Chef Britton falls right out of that freezer and with a knife sticking out of his chest and deader than a doornail. Amy has to wonder what it is with her and finding dead bodies � once was enough and here she finds yet another one.
Needless to say trouble is brewing along with the ever present coffee pot (gotta love women who love coffee!). Amy figures that Carla’s boyfriend Bruce who is a detective will be on the case and clear them all quickly but unfortunately he has to step down due to a conflict of interest. Instead it is Detective Pitt and the only suspects he seems to have his eye on are Amy and Carla. Amy soon realizes that if she wants both herself and Carla to stay out of jail then she’s going to have to do some detective work of her own. Hopefully she can solve the crime before she ends up a victim herself.
I really like the characters in this series especially Amy and Carla. I really felt we got to know Amy on a different level this time as she struggles not only to clear herself of murder but is experiencing some marital woes as well. The mystery is good as well and while I can usually pick out the culprit early on I didn’t realize this one until almost the end. So yet another great addition to this series and I’m really looking forward to the next one and more adventures with Amy and her crew. Highly recommended.
Chicken Soup & Homicide is the second book in the Culinary Competition Mysteries series by Janel Gradowski. I read the first book Pies & Peril last year and really enjoyed it but I have to say that I liked Chicken Soup & Homicide even more. What I like most about reading a cozy series like this is getting to know the characters and the town the books take place in and when some humor and a good mystery is thrown in it’s all the better. This is the perfect book to curl up with in your favorite comfy chair or to read out in the sun that’s sure to come out sooner or later!
Amy and her friend Sophie are set to compete in the Chicken Soup Showdown. They’ve got the perfect chicken soup and are up against other local chefs in their town of Kellerton, Michigan including the formidable Chef Britton. Nobody is all that fond of the rude and obnoxious Chef Britton and that includes Amy’s friend Carla who once dated him. As they get set to start the competition Amy has to run to the back to get something out of the freezer and boy does she find herself a big something. Who but Chef Britton falls right out of that freezer and with a knife sticking out of his chest and deader than a doornail. Amy has to wonder what it is with her and finding dead bodies � once was enough and here she finds yet another one.
Needless to say trouble is brewing along with the ever present coffee pot (gotta love women who love coffee!). Amy figures that Carla’s boyfriend Bruce who is a detective will be on the case and clear them all quickly but unfortunately he has to step down due to a conflict of interest. Instead it is Detective Pitt and the only suspects he seems to have his eye on are Amy and Carla. Amy soon realizes that if she wants both herself and Carla to stay out of jail then she’s going to have to do some detective work of her own. Hopefully she can solve the crime before she ends up a victim herself.
I really like the characters in this series especially Amy and Carla. I really felt we got to know Amy on a different level this time as she struggles not only to clear herself of murder but is experiencing some marital woes as well. The mystery is good as well and while I can usually pick out the culprit early on I didn’t realize this one until almost the end. So yet another great addition to this series and I’m really looking forward to the next one and more adventures with Amy and her crew. Highly recommended.
March 6, 2015
What started off as a simple cook off for charity - a competition for the best chicken soup ends up much more complicated. One of the participants ends up in the freezer with a knife in his chest and Detective Shepler, the homicide detective assigned to the case is replaced by Detective Pitt because of a conflict of interest. The new detective seems to be accusing everyone and just hoping someone will volunteer themselves as the murderer.
At this rate no one will ever be charged with the murder and will get away with the crime and may be able to commit another murder. Right now the Pitt thinks someone did it to win the competition so the charity they wanted the winnings to go to would get the money. Somehow that doesn't make sense to Sophie so she begins to investigate on her own.
Her investigation leads her into many different twists and turns in the plot as she learns more about each of the characters who have some connection to the competition or the investigation. She even suspects Detective Pitt himself.
If you like food, you'll like this book as it talks a lot about food - sweet food, savoury food, and some of the recipes are in the back of the book including Sophie and Amy's recipe for their entry into the competition.
I enjoyed the talk around the food. I could almost visualize and smell it. Too bad books don't come with samples! At least this one comes with recipes.
Don't forget the romance too (or lack of it) as husbands and wives, boyfriends and girlfriends interact with one another. This was a fairly clean romance novel but there were a moderate number of swear words in the text.
This was a very interesting cozy mystery that was a lot of fun to read. There are other books in this series by this author, but each one can be read as a stand-alone novel. I gave Chicken Soup and Homicide 5 stars out of 5.
Thank you to the author for providing a copy of the book in exchange for a fair and honest review. A positive opinion was not required. All thoughts are my own.
This review was published on my blog Shelf Full of Books
At this rate no one will ever be charged with the murder and will get away with the crime and may be able to commit another murder. Right now the Pitt thinks someone did it to win the competition so the charity they wanted the winnings to go to would get the money. Somehow that doesn't make sense to Sophie so she begins to investigate on her own.
Her investigation leads her into many different twists and turns in the plot as she learns more about each of the characters who have some connection to the competition or the investigation. She even suspects Detective Pitt himself.
If you like food, you'll like this book as it talks a lot about food - sweet food, savoury food, and some of the recipes are in the back of the book including Sophie and Amy's recipe for their entry into the competition.
I enjoyed the talk around the food. I could almost visualize and smell it. Too bad books don't come with samples! At least this one comes with recipes.
Don't forget the romance too (or lack of it) as husbands and wives, boyfriends and girlfriends interact with one another. This was a fairly clean romance novel but there were a moderate number of swear words in the text.
This was a very interesting cozy mystery that was a lot of fun to read. There are other books in this series by this author, but each one can be read as a stand-alone novel. I gave Chicken Soup and Homicide 5 stars out of 5.
Thank you to the author for providing a copy of the book in exchange for a fair and honest review. A positive opinion was not required. All thoughts are my own.
This review was published on my blog Shelf Full of Books
June 17, 2015
Reviewed for Read Your Writes Book Reviews
by Kim
Amy Ridley is back. This time, she's competing in the Chicken Soup Competition with her new friend Sophie. The competition is a pretty cool one, pitting local foodie celebrities/restaurant owners against each other. The winning team will win a small cash prize for themselves, with a bigger cash prize for a local charity of their choice.
This is Amy and Sophie's first time competing together and in this competition. Tensions are high but things are about to get more tense when Amy finds the body of Celebrity Chef Chet Britton.
Amy, Sophie, and Amy's best friend Carla become suspects when a new detective arrives in town and takes over the investigation. Amy has to worry about herself and her friends going to jail because the detective has no clue what the words “detect� or “investigate� mean. She is also worried about her husband, Alex, who is putting work before her and spending insanely long hours at his office. When the detective starts to harass Amy and her friends, she has no choice but to put her sleuthing skills to work.
What I loved about this book was trying to figure out who the murderer was and why. Chet wasn't well liked so the list of suspects was definitely long. I will say that I was surprised with the reveal, but if I would have paid more attention, I might have figured it out. I admit that I was upset that I missed all the clues.
Janel Gradowski has written likeable characters which help to make this a good series. Okay, so sometimes I don't like Amy because she has this ability and need to always cook. It just makes us non-cooks and wannabes look bad. Needless to say, I am looking forward to the next book in the series. It should be noted that while Chicken Soup & Homicide is the second book in the Culinary Mystery Series, it can be read as a standalone.
**Received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest unbiased opinion.**
by Kim
Amy Ridley is back. This time, she's competing in the Chicken Soup Competition with her new friend Sophie. The competition is a pretty cool one, pitting local foodie celebrities/restaurant owners against each other. The winning team will win a small cash prize for themselves, with a bigger cash prize for a local charity of their choice.
This is Amy and Sophie's first time competing together and in this competition. Tensions are high but things are about to get more tense when Amy finds the body of Celebrity Chef Chet Britton.
Amy, Sophie, and Amy's best friend Carla become suspects when a new detective arrives in town and takes over the investigation. Amy has to worry about herself and her friends going to jail because the detective has no clue what the words “detect� or “investigate� mean. She is also worried about her husband, Alex, who is putting work before her and spending insanely long hours at his office. When the detective starts to harass Amy and her friends, she has no choice but to put her sleuthing skills to work.
What I loved about this book was trying to figure out who the murderer was and why. Chet wasn't well liked so the list of suspects was definitely long. I will say that I was surprised with the reveal, but if I would have paid more attention, I might have figured it out. I admit that I was upset that I missed all the clues.
Janel Gradowski has written likeable characters which help to make this a good series. Okay, so sometimes I don't like Amy because she has this ability and need to always cook. It just makes us non-cooks and wannabes look bad. Needless to say, I am looking forward to the next book in the series. It should be noted that while Chicken Soup & Homicide is the second book in the Culinary Mystery Series, it can be read as a standalone.
**Received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest unbiased opinion.**
March 2, 2015
A cooking contest with benefits to various charities sets the stage for Amy to find - or more accurately be found by - the body of Chef Britton. Other than the interference with the cook-off, nobody seems particularly upset that this man is dead. In fact, there are lots of people with motive, so why is the new detective targeting Carla as the prime suspect? One things for sure, Amy will do her best to identify the real killer, or at least generate a healthy list of suspects, in order to help her friend. The whodunit is the major plot and several well-well-integrated subplots. The characters are unique, but likable without being saints. As the main character, Amy has depth and humanity - someone you'd like as a friend or partner. CHICKEN SOUP & HOMICIDE is the second in the Culinary Competition Mystery series, but it can be read as a stand alone. PIES AND PERIL is the first in the series. As in the first, CHICKEN SOUP & HOMICIDE includes recipes as an added to bonus to a fun read!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 13, 2015
This is the second in the Culinary Competition series by Janel Gradowski and it's scrumptious! Food competitor Amy and her friend Sophie are set to compete in a charity showdown with other local chefs. Just as the competition gets under way, Amy discovers the body of one of the competitors in the freezer. The new detective in town targets Amy's best friend Carla as the murderer. Amy scrambles to find the real person responsible before Carla ends up in jail for good.
I really enjoyed this book! Janel Gradowski does a great job of immersing the reader into the setting so it feels like your there. Full of twists and turns that will keep you guessing, this is one you won't want to put down! The recipes included in the book all sound delicious This is one series I look forward to continue reading!
I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this book! Janel Gradowski does a great job of immersing the reader into the setting so it feels like your there. Full of twists and turns that will keep you guessing, this is one you won't want to put down! The recipes included in the book all sound delicious This is one series I look forward to continue reading!
I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
February 24, 2015
Great Cozy Mystery!
This is a great cozy mystery; it is the second book in the Culinary Competition Mysteries by Janel Gradowski. Amy and her friend Sophie are competing in the chicken soup cook off to raise money for a local charity. When Amy finds the body of a rival chef in the freezer, her friend Carla ends up being the number one suspect. So Amy decides to put her sleuthing skills once again to the test and find the killer. The problem is everyone who knew the chef hated him. This book is very cute and kept me reading long into the night. It also kept me guessing until the end of who the killer was. I loved all of the characters, and can’t wait until the next book in this series comes out.
A Review copy was provided to me in exchange for a fair and honest review. The free book held no determination on my personal review.
This is a great cozy mystery; it is the second book in the Culinary Competition Mysteries by Janel Gradowski. Amy and her friend Sophie are competing in the chicken soup cook off to raise money for a local charity. When Amy finds the body of a rival chef in the freezer, her friend Carla ends up being the number one suspect. So Amy decides to put her sleuthing skills once again to the test and find the killer. The problem is everyone who knew the chef hated him. This book is very cute and kept me reading long into the night. It also kept me guessing until the end of who the killer was. I loved all of the characters, and can’t wait until the next book in this series comes out.
A Review copy was provided to me in exchange for a fair and honest review. The free book held no determination on my personal review.
July 11, 2015
I enjoyed this second offering in the Cooking Competition series. The protagonist is up to her eyeballs in a murder investigation with a cop who couldn't find a clue if his life depended on it... and it just might! His only method of working the case is to harass the obviously innocent and ignore anyone else who might have had the opportunity or motive to do the dirty deed. In addition, her darling hubby is working too many long hours and isn't available to help her through one crisis after another. And her best friend is on the verge of breaking up with Mr Right because she thinks she is hurting his career... read the story to find out how she manages to solve all the problems and live to tell about it!
February 21, 2015
An amazing culinary offering from soup and salad to murder. A twisted tale of skilled chefs, dark characters, hidden motives, & surprise outcomes. Poor Carla who's badgered unmercifully and separated from her man. Hooray for Amy who defends her friends & never backs down from a challenge. Here's to Shepler who won't give up until a killer is caught & justice is done. What of Alex & Sophie, Chef Jake, Pitts, & Trisha? You'll just have to read it to find out! The good news is, if you haven't read vol. 1, Pies and Perils, you'll be inspired to do so now. Janel Gradowski cooks up a fine culinary mystery.
February 23, 2015
Chicken Soup & Homicide is the second book in the series that began with Pies & Peril. Our heroine, competitive cook Amy Ridley, has a killer recipe for the Chicken Soup Showdown. But before any one gets a taste, a real killer turns the backstage area into a crime scene. Amy is the lucky contestant who opens the refrigerator only to have a dead body fall out. The situation gets worse when Amy’s best friend Carla is named the prime suspect in the case.
More thoughts on my blog, especially about how cozy this book is as a winter read:
More thoughts on my blog, especially about how cozy this book is as a winter read:
February 23, 2015
Soup Can Be Murder
Lots of good food and murder make for a fantastic book! There are so many suspects that this book keeps you running. I caught the major clue early on, but allowed myself to be steered in another direction. I hope there will be more books in this wonderful series!
Lots of good food and murder make for a fantastic book! There are so many suspects that this book keeps you running. I caught the major clue early on, but allowed myself to be steered in another direction. I hope there will be more books in this wonderful series!
April 7, 2015
Cozy cooking murder
A obnoxious chef gets in the chest and there are many people who could have wanted him dead. The detective assigned to the case seems not only incompetent and vendictive but determined to solve the murder by pinning it on the innocent chefs. A good mystery to read.
A obnoxious chef gets in the chest and there are many people who could have wanted him dead. The detective assigned to the case seems not only incompetent and vendictive but determined to solve the murder by pinning it on the innocent chefs. A good mystery to read.
May 4, 2016
I was hoping Carla's pov would actually be needed, especially since she's a suspect and all, but nothing. Her pov is pointless. I am however totally loving the recipes that are at the end of the book, I think adds a nice touch. As for the mystery here, I couldn't believe no one was suspicious like I was.
February 14, 2015
I enjoyed this book immensely. It was my first in the series. It kept me guessing right up to the end. A cozy mystery, with a cast of wonderful supporting characters, and fantastic recipes. I am looking forward to playing catch up by reading the first book in the series. Great book.
March 9, 2015
#2 is still good
Really enjoyed the second book in this series. Some great characters, some you love to hate. Did know the murderer, but well done plot. Only drawback, need more recipes! Looking forward to third book.
Really enjoyed the second book in this series. Some great characters, some you love to hate. Did know the murderer, but well done plot. Only drawback, need more recipes! Looking forward to third book.
March 23, 2015
Tasty!
Nice girlfriend romp. Lots of clues. Lots of suspects. Lots of pot stirring. Hope you're hungry! Load up the bowl!
Nice girlfriend romp. Lots of clues. Lots of suspects. Lots of pot stirring. Hope you're hungry! Load up the bowl!
Read
April 3, 2015Love mindless novels when I do not feel good.
May 8, 2016
I really enjoy this series set in fictional Kellerton, Michigan. Still not crazy about the occaisional shifts in POV between Amy and her best friend Carla. Didn't have this one figured out.
August 23, 2016
Loving this series!
I enjoyed this book as much as the first in this series. Fun, Light-hearted and witty, and more cooking tips and recipes. Looking forward to book 3!
I enjoyed this book as much as the first in this series. Fun, Light-hearted and witty, and more cooking tips and recipes. Looking forward to book 3!
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