3rd in Series
Setting - Arizona
Independently Published
Publication Date: April 20, 2024
Digital Print length: 271 pages
ASIN: B0CW1GPJR7
“Rumor
has it Ms. Jackson is looking to the Chocolate Martini Sisters for, shall we
say, guidance. Not to mention, Nic, your ex-husband is her attorney.” Even with
sunglasses on, Ken’s expression came across as smug—a description she would
never have assigned to his personality.
“Oh!
How on earth do you know all of that?”
“They
call us detectives, and some might think we’re good at our jobs.”
Em’s
hand went to her mouth, stifling a snicker.
“Does
that mean if we come across clues or actual evidence, you don’t want to hear
from me?”
“Ah,
Nic.” He flicked a finger under her chin. “I always like to hear from you.” He
ticked his head as if considering how much to commit. “We’ll keep in touch.
After all, you do have the ear of Ms. Jackson.” He nodded at Em and darted into
the Dulce.
Aware
her mouth opened and shut, she stared at her sister. “That was kind of weird.”
“But
revealing. They haven’t a clue.”
Nic
pushed her Panama higher off her forehead. “That’s what you got out of our
exchange?”
“Hakata
has never stonewalled us before. And I don’t think he would now since he knows
we could probably share something helpful via Jillian. You heard his last
remark. He’ll welcome an exchange when there’s anything to exchange. Even if he
does have to be careful around Dawg. Now I’d really like to find the
killer first.” Her sister’s competitive juices were gushing.
The fun, sleuthing sisters return in another birthday weekend murder mystery!
Cornbread, Ribs, and Murder is the third book in the collaborative mystery series by author Joyce Pruell and Brenda Whiteside, the Chocolate Martini Sisters Mysteries, and this time, Nic and Em agree to help their recurring nemesis and hotel owner/manager, Jillian Jackson, prove her innocence in the murder of a former lover. With a cornbread baking contest, a rib cook-off, and the ever-present promise of a delicious chocolate martini, the story is full of culinary delights as well as romantic liaisons and, of course, a shocking murder.
The plot unfolds from the dual points of view of the main characters, sisters Emma Banefield and Nicole ‘Nic’ Earp. The smoothly transitioning alternating chapters effectively tell the story and provide a more robust view of events and insight into the characters’ thoughts. The sisters are truly opposite sides of the same coin, very different from each other yet sharing the same values and warm-hearted souls. They are quick to begin investigating or gathering information, as they term it, as the murder occurs early in the story, but Jillian Jackson, the disagreeable hotel owner/manager, officially asks for their help when she is arrested and charged with the murder of Leo Ragazzi, the assistant manager and the lover who recently rejected her.
The Dulce Inn is once again Murder Central in this third outing for the Chocolate Martini Sisters, and over the course of the previous books, and well summarized to date in this one, acquired a Peyton Place-ish vibe. The inter-relationships among the staff are starting to gain legendary status, and the high degree of fraternization provides additional opportunities for plausible red herrings. The sisters gather their bits of information from any and all who were at the hotel at the time of the murder or who might have insight into the victim’s background. With plenty of twists and turns keeping the story fresh and entertaining, coupled with easy-to-read narratives and writing styles, I whipped through this book in almost a single sitting.
Although this is the third book in the series, it can easily
be read and enjoyed without reading the earlier ones; however, they were both
excellent mysteries and shouldn’t be overlooked. I recommend CORNBREAD, RIBS,
AND MURDER to cozy mystery readers and fans of the previous novels in the
series.
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2 comments:
Thanks so much for being a tour host. And double thanks for your detailed review.
Ditto what my cohort in writing crime said. Mucho thanks for hosting and the great review. I'm so tickled you loved the book.
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