Grilling the Suspects

Inherit the Word (Cookbook Nook Mystery #2) by Daryl Wood Gerber (Berkley Prime Crime mass market, 4 March 2014).

Jenna Hart is slowly beginning to feel more comfortable in Crystal Cove, California, where she moved after the death of her husband, to help her Aunt Vera run a culinary bookstore and cafe.  She has a kitten, a little cottage on the beach, and a group of gal-pals.

The Cookbook Nook is preparing to host the town's annual Grill Fest, a competition between local amateur chefs.  This  year, the challenge is grilled cheese sandwiches, and the contestants are fierce. Natalie Mumford has won for eight years in a row, and many of her challengers are determined that there will be no ninth.

But it's still a surprise when Nancy goes into the alley behind the store for a smoke and winds up dead.  When Jenna's "second mom" becomes the prime suspect, Jenna is determined to discover the true identity of the killer.

Besides the mystery of who killed Natalie, Jenna is also in the process of trying to figure out what really happened to her husband, David.  Although his sailboat disappeared in a storm, his body was never found, and she hasn't found closure yet.

As a foodie and a former bookseller, I can identify with Jenna. She's a likeable character, and getting to know her and watch her settle into Crystal Cove is a pleasure.


Comments on this blog post will be entered into the drawing for a copy of INHERIT THE WORD.  Please be sure to include a contact email to be included.  Entries in the US only, please.


FTC Full Disclosure:  Many thanks to the author for the Advance Reading Copy.