Blog Archives
Mean Cuisine
Mean Cuisine, by Wendy W. Webb, is a comic cozy mystery with a messy kitchen, a dead chef, a psychic investigator, and a black cat who seems to understand danger before everyone else does. Beluga Stein signs up for culinary school, looking for a change of pace, which is funny from the start because her first big food disaster involves exploding eggs. She tells herself the school will mean “Murder-free, safe cooking. No doubt about it.” Naturally, that hope lasts about five minutes.
The book’s real charm is Beluga herself. She’s nosy, dramatic, smart, food-obsessed, and usually aware that her life has become ridiculous. Her friendship with Tanya gives the story a lot of its bounce, since their conversations feel like those of two longtime friends who know exactly how to annoy and rescue each other. Planchette the cat and Emerson the goat add another layer of chaos, and the animal comedy never feels separate from the mystery. It’s part of Beluga’s world.
The mystery is built around the culinary school, where strict chefs, competitive students, strange accidents, and supernatural hints all share the same space. The murder investigation brings in poison, jealousy, hidden motives, and a cluricaun with a taste for wine. Webb keeps the pace lively by mixing classroom mishaps with clues, diary entries, and scenes that turn ordinary kitchen tools into potential hazards.
What stands out most is the voice. The humor is constant, but it comes from character more than punch lines. Beluga’s narration has a casual, sideways logic that makes even danger feel oddly cozy. By the end, when she writes, “All’s well that ends well. At least for some,” it fits the whole mood of the book: cheerful, suspicious, and perfectly aware that peace is probably temporary.
Mean Cuisine is a warm, weird, food-centered mystery about a woman who wants to learn to cook and instead finds herself sorting out murder, friendship, and a supernatural mess. It’s playful without losing the thread of the case, and its best moments come from watching Beluga stumble into trouble with total confidence that she can talk, eat, or investigate her way out of it. Webb’s work is best suited to fans of cozy mysteries and any reader who appreciates humor woven throughout suspenseful plots.
Pages: 224 | ASIN : B0DM2NYQHZ
A Tricky Dance
Trouble Afoot at the Three Hounds Bakery follows a mystery writer who inherits her aunt’s home and three dogs, where she finds herself in the middle of trouble in a town that is unwelcoming to her. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I grew up around dachshunds. They are extremely unique dogs, with definite ideas and temperaments of their own, and I wondered what it would be like to be plopped down in the middle of dachshund territory with no prior experience or warning. Setting up a character who is already a bit moorless and dropping her without warning into a nest of wiener dogs and a tricky mystery seemed like a very fun premise.
I found Willa Lattner to be an intriguing character. What was your inspiration for this character?
Willa sort of wrote herself. I planned on a plucky heroine who happened to write mystery stories, and she just showed up–every messy bit of her, from her crazy hair to her self-deprecating writing style. I liked her, so I let her stay awhile to see what would happen. I find I do my best work when I just let the characters show up and introduce themselves. Then my only job is to stay out of the way as much as possible.
What was the hardest part about writing a mystery story, where you constantly have to give just enough to keep the mystery alive until the big reveal?
I usually have to write a dozen versions of the same story before I’m satisfied with the pace at which the mystery is being delivered. Sometimes I say too much too quickly, and other times I get to the end and think I haven’t earned any of it! It’s always a tricky dance. Often, when I’m stuck, I bring in a reader to help me out. They haven’t been staring at the same story for months, and they can read with a fresh mind and let me know who they suspected, why, and what point, and help me really refine the ultimate clues and reveals.
When will book two be available? Can you give us an idea of where that book will take readers?
Book two, Death Pays A Call To The Three Hounds Bakery, will be out on Kindle on January 31st. We’ll be seeing a lot more of Willa and the dogs, and may even meet a few more human (and canine) friends. Willa’s past life plays a huge role in this mystery, and we get a lot more insight into who she was before she came to Humboldt Cove.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
When mystery novelist Willa Lattner inherits her great-aunt Mina’s charming bakery in the coastal town of Humboldt Cove, she expects to find solace in new friends, fresh air, and all the pastries she can eat. Instead, she’s met with a trio of heartbroken dachshunds and an unsettling mystery surrounding Mina’s sudden death.
As Willa digs into her aunt’s legacy, she uncovers a web of old grudges and hidden agendas lurking beneath the bakery’s warm facade. With each clue, the stakes rise, and she realizes that someone is desperate to keep the past buried—at any cost.
With her clever canines by her side, Willa must navigate quirky neighbors, mend a tattered reputation, and uncover dark secrets. Can she piece together the puzzle before the killer strikes again, or will her first adventure be her last?
Trouble Afoot at The Three Hounds Bakery is a deliciously twisty mystery full of memorable characters, cozy peril, and non-stop dachshund fun.
Trouble Afoot At The Three Hounds Bakery
Julie Titterington’s Trouble Afoot at the Three Hounds Bakery is an intriguing, heartwarming, and suspenseful tale of inheritance, mystery, and small-town secrets. At its center is Wilhelmina “Willa” Lattner, a mystery writer thrown into an adventure that’s as puzzling as the stories she pens. Inheriting a house and three quirky dogs, Willa finds herself in a town where not everyone welcomes her arrival. A cryptic note hints at life-changing revelations, while unanswered questions about her aunt’s death spark a deeper mystery. Was it murder? And if so, why? The town’s residents may be keeping more secrets than they’re willing to admit.
Willa is instantly captivating. Her mix of charm, vulnerability, and determination pulls you in from the start. The depth of her character keeps you invested as she navigates her strange new life. One of the highlights is Mr. Pilkington, affectionately nicknamed “Mr. Peanut” by Willa. This elderly, steadfast attorney is as endearing as he is principled, adding warmth and a touch of gravitas to the story. Other characters stir emotions in unexpected ways. Lucy’s enigmatic presence raises suspicion, Jake’s likability doesn’t completely mask his mystery, and Brian’s secrets as the bakery’s chef linger just out of reach. The trio of dogs is a delight as well. As they settle into Willa’s life, they manage to settle into the reader’s heart as well.
The story’s pace is excellent. It moves with purpose while allowing moments of tension and tenderness to land fully. The upbeat yet edgy tone creates an enjoyable balance, while the setting complements the characters and the unfolding drama. Titterington expertly introduces Willa to the town’s colorful cast, making each interaction a standout. The scenes with the sheriff sizzle with tension, while “Mr. Peanut” provides much-needed sweetness. And the central mystery, layered with danger, hidden truths, and Willa’s personal growth, delivers on every level.
Trouble Afoot at the Three Hounds Bakery is a delightful mix of suspense, charm, and heart. Mystery fans will devour it, but its engaging characters and entertaining twists make it a fantastic choice for anyone who loves stories about new beginnings and hidden depths. If you’re looking for an entertaining read that keeps you guessing, this book is a must.
Pages: 371 | ASIN : B0DJBCLL2T
The Vacant House
Tamara G. Cooper’s The Vacant House immerses readers in a web of intrigue as it follows mystery writer Sophie O’Brion. Wrongly accused of murdering her neighbor and former teacher’s cat, Sophie soon unearths a trove of hidden secrets that only lead to more questions. When her neighbor goes missing, Sophie’s curiosity propels her into the investigation, even as her former flame, now local policeman Burke, is also on the case. With all evidence pointing to Sophie, the suspense builds: Did she commit the crime? Is her neighbor truly missing? Or is Sophie being set up?
As the first installment in the Sophie O’Brion Mysteries series, Cooper has crafted a riveting debut. The story grips the reader from the start, keeping them on edge and eager for answers alongside the protagonist. Cooper’s exceptional writing, particularly her use of descriptive language, enhances the narrative. For instance, in the opening chapter, she writes, “The fierce warrior rose up inside me, and I tossed the covers, grabbed my robe, slid my tired feet into slippers, and shuffled across my bedroom.” Such vivid imagery not only illustrates everyday activities but also deepens our understanding of Sophie’s character, fostering a strong connection between the reader and the story. Throughout the book, the constant emergence of unsolved mysteries keeps readers hooked and yearning for more. Cooper’s compelling storytelling is further elevated by the fresh perspective of having a mystery writer as the main character. This is a book I highly recommend, and I am eager to see where Cooper takes Sophie O’Brion next.
The Vacant House by Tamara G. Cooper is a well-crafted mystery that hooks readers from the very first page. With its intriguing plot, well-developed characters, and rich descriptive language, this book sets a high standard for the Sophie O’Brion Mysteries series. Cooper’s ability to weave suspense and curiosity ensures that readers are continually engaged, eagerly turning pages to uncover the truth. This debut installment promises an exciting journey ahead for both Sophie and her readers.
Pages: 245 | ASIN : B07SNGSCTK
