CORNBREAD, RIBS, AND MURDER
CORNBREAD, RIBS, AND MURDER
Brenda Whiteside and Joyce Proell
GENRE: Mystery
It’s a rib cookoff…with a recipe for murder.
Nicole Earp and Emma Banefield are celebrating another birthday at the Dulce Inn with the added fun of a rib cookoff in the park. Not only are chocolate martinis in their plans, Nic has her heart set on winning the cornbread contest. But as the excitement bakes, someone is stirring up trouble for the inn and its employees.
Strange occurrences at the Dulce are on the rise. Slashed tires, menacing phone calls, and unsavory characters add a vibe that threatens the sisters’ anticipated fun-filled stay. When the hot-headed hotel owner is caught wielding a bloody letter opener over a dead coworker, the sisters are embroiled in a caper to help the one person who finds their sleuthing as welcomed as a rattlesnake in her bed. But is she innocent?
The Chocolate Martini Sisters are primed to find out. First, they’ll have to eliminate a host of suspects that includes a dishonest restaurant owner, a jilted girlfriend, an ex-wife, the barkeeper, and a masseuse with a crush. If they can stay off the radar of the surly chief homicide detective long enough, they can put out the fire…unless the killer burns them first.
The third book in this amateur sleuths, cozy mystery series will have you chuckling and on the edge of your seat as the sisters solve the murder.
Enjoy an Excerpt:
“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.
My Thoughts:
Cornbread, Ribs, and Murder is a great cozy mystery. I may be a bit biased, as that is my favorite genre to read. This is the third book in the Chocolate Martini Sisters Mysteries. I am truly enjoying the character development in this series.
One of the things that I enjoy most about the cozy mystery genre is that the stories often have a humorous facet to them, making them quite enjoyable. Humor always makes serious matters better. The authors definitely do not disappoint with this book. I really enjoyed this book. My rating 4 out of 5
About the Authors:
After hearing countless stories as a mental health professional, Joyce retired to create her own tales. As an award-winning author, she writes historical romance and cozy mystery where all endings are guaranteed happy. She shares her home on the prairie with a husband and a little dog with a big personality. When she isn’t reading or writing, she likes to swim and finds baking almost as relaxing as a day at the spa.
Visit here at her website: https://joyceproell.com/ or at https://www.facebook.com/JoyceProellAuthor
Brenda Whiteside is the award-winning author of romantic suspense, romance, and cozy mystery. She writes children’s books under the pen name, Brenda Sue. After living in six states and two countries—so far—she and her husband have settled in Central Arizona. They admit to being gypsies at heart and won't discount the possibility of another move. They share their home with a rescue dog named Amigo. While FDW fishes, Brenda writes.
Visit Brenda at https://www.brendawhiteside.com or https://www.facebook.com/BrendaWhitesideAuthor
Book Link:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CW1GPJR7
Series Link:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BQ9T7ZBX
GIVEAWAY
Brenda Whiteside and Joyce Proell will award a $20 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter. Be sure to visit the Blog Tour page for more opportunities to win!
Thank you so much for hosting and reviewing today.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for hosting. We appreciate the review too!
ReplyDeleteI like that you included your thoughts after the excerpt.
ReplyDeleteShe had great thoughts too! Thanks, Katie.
DeleteSounds like a fun mystery read.
ReplyDeleteWe think so, Mary. Thanks.
DeleteThis sounds exactly like my kind of read.
ReplyDeleteWe love to hear that, Sherry.
DeleteThanks for the great review and giveaway! It's a great series!
ReplyDeleteYour welcome and thanks, Shannon.
DeleteI love the cover art! The design and colors are great!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jeanna.
DeleteThis looks so much fun. Great summer read.
ReplyDeleteWe hope everyone has as much fun reading it as we had writing it. Thanks, Marcia.
DeleteThis sounds like a fun read. Cute cover.
ReplyDeleteDebbie, it is! Thanks for coming by.
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