Monday, April 4, 2011

Blackberry Crumble by Josi Kilpack Review

The word is out about Sadie Hoffmiller's amateur detective work, but it's not exactly the kind of publicity Sadie wants. In the newest culinary mystery from bestselling author Josi Kilpack, Sadie accepts her first investigation-for-hire and travels to Portland, Oregon, at the request of a woman who has suspicions about her wealthy father's untimely death. 
Putting her detective skills to the test, Sadie delves into a past business partnership that didn't end well, discovers some unsavory family secrets, and exposes more than a few motives for murder. When the investigation leads to threats against her safety, Sadie pretends to crumble under the pressure. But secretly, she is more determined than ever to uncover answers that seem to be buried in shocking scandal, insatiable appetites, and pure greed. 

• Includes eight new mouthwatering recipes, tested and approved by the official bakers of Sadie's Virtual Test Kitchen.

 
• Josi's culinary mysteries have become favorites with members of Goodreads and other book networking sites. 


• Reader's guide available online.



My take:  This cozy read really hit the spot.  Although I haven't read any of Kilpack's previous mysteries, I've been wanting to for quite awhile.  I wanted something light and clean.  I am so tired of reading trash.  I knew I had exactly what I wanted when the novel begins with Sadie's character being questioned because, it is implied, that she spent time with a man in his apartment in a different state.  This causes quite an uproar in Sadie's small town, providing the perfect catalyst for Sadie to want to get out and prove herself.  


The plot is well enough developed that it doesn't need the extraneous shock value of bad language, tawdry sex, or naughty dialog.  The characters are well developed, personalities quickly understood, the story easy to follow.


I can not, in good conscience, complete this review without addressing the recipes.  They are mouth watering.  I can not wait to try them out.  


Loved it.


3 comments:

Cheryl said...

I wanted to read this book for the tour, but couldn't fit it into my schedule. It sounds great. I have friend who writes souther fiction and she includes recipes too. I love to see that.

Shirley said...

This sounds just like what I need right now!! Great job on the review!

Anonymous said...

I've never read a cozy before. I'm not entirely sure what a cozy is. But, this books sounds great! I think it would make me really hungry though. I've added this one to my To Read list. I'm intrigued.