Review - French Fried

This is the second book in a new series - and the first that I have read.  I had no problem understanding it without reading the debut novel.  The author provided us with a guest post (click here) that goes into the cafe in the series.  Find out what my thoughts are on this new book.

Author: Kylie Logan

Copyright: June 2017 (Berkley) 304 pgs

Series: 2nd in Ethnic Eats Mystery series

Sensuality: Mild

Mystery Sub-genre: Cozy

Main Characters: Laurel Inwood, former personal chef to a Hollywood movie star

Setting: Modern day, Hubbard Ohio

Obtained Through: Publisher for honest review

From book cover "The Statue of Liberty is 130 years old, and for the struggling residents of Hubbard, Ohio, any opportunity to bring in tourists is reason enough for a celebration. Laurel Inwood and her aunt, Sophie, are pitching in. Sophie’s Terminal at the Tracks, a former greasy spoon turned charming ethnic eatery, will be offering French cuisine for the entire week.

For expert help with their quiche and escargot, the ladies turn to Raquel “Rocky” Arnaud, a former French chef and friend of Sophie. What looks like a match made in heaven turns rank as quickly as buttermilk on a summer’s day. Rocky turns up dead and when her nightly red wine shows notes of oak, cinnamon, and poison, Laurel turns from soufflé to sleuth."

Laurel is torn between the growing attachment for the town (particularly Declan), and getting back to high profile personal chef jobs.  This is the main aspect of Laurel.  Aunt Sophie, owner of a small cafe, is the closest thing to family that Laurel has left - and she is ever hopeful that Laurel will stay long term.  Declan is the romantic interest and owner of the Irish shop is set on Laurel being his gal. The victim - Raquel - is fascinating and not your typical victim in that she was a pretty cool person.  But she had lived quite a life, and the past came back with a vengeance.

The setting is standard small town, with the exception of Rocky's property, Pacifique, which is idyllic.  The beauty of Rocky's property turns scary since the murder occurred there.

I really like tense and thrilling killer reveals, and this was mild.  It answered all the questions without any harrowing chills.  It worked, but I miss the blood pumping finish.

The mystery aspect was good, I appreciated the motive as not typical. But, since Laurel is keeping just how hard she is looking to leave town and actively seeking personal chef jobs, she is deceptive to her aunt about her activities.  That was a bit cold-hearted as her aunt's hopes are growing that she will stay.  That put a crimp on fully enjoying the character for me.  I enjoyed the victim Rocky and her fascinating life, I even felt sorry for her as personal things are dug up during the investigation.  I liked how the author made the victim more likable, although that made the murder even more emotional - which I felt was a good thing. 

This second entry in the series provided an interesting mystery with a victim you want to provide justice for, mixed with small town characters.  

Ratings: Good - A fun mystery, good beach reading

 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

I have written and published my first cozy mystery - Iced

(Resort to Murder #1) by Avery Daniels.

What a reviewer said: "The mystery is relentless, the characters alive and funny, and for the lack of a better expression, the novel is a page-turner. A must read for all those who enjoy getting lost in a well-crafted story."  5 Stars Joss Landry

ICED
Julienne has her ideal job as an event planner at a prestigious resort. During a luncheon event she coordinated, a renowned celebrity pastor is killed next to the buffet. All eyes turn to her as the suspect. If she wants to stay out of jail or even keep her job, Julienne needs all the help she can get to solve the crime. 

She has her work cut out for her with a vengeful high school rival now reporter, the public demanding she be fired, plus family who knows what's best for her, and a boyfriend who doesn't understand her. She turns to friends and a new ally to uncover who wanted to put the pastor on ice. 

Julienne goes undercover and investigates a local swingers group as she follows the trail of clues before they go cold. Can she gather enough suspects and motives to convince the police to her widen their investigation? Can she do it before the killer sets his murderous sights on her? Will her personal life ever be as simple as unveiling a murderer?

Amazon ebook and print (click here)
Barnes and Noble print book (click here)
IndieBound print book (click here)  
Audio book is due shortly, I will include link then.

Oh, and if you have a blog and would like to do a spotlight or a review, just leave me a comment.