The Seven-Course Christmas Killer: A Holiday Novella from the Italian Kitchen
Cozy Mystery
Setting – New Jersey
Beyond the Page (November 27, 2016)
Print Length: 77 pages
ASIN: B01NBDVUCX
On Christmas Eve, someone might be sleeping with the fishes . . .
It’s December at the Casa Lido, which means only one thing: the Rienzi family’s traditional Christmas Eve celebration, including wine, song, and seven Italian seafood courses. As Victoria and Tim prep scungilli and calamari, Nonna directs the cooking until all is in readiness for the big night.
But the holiday cheer is interrupted by the attempted murder of Mayor Anne McCrae, who asks Vic to investigate. Trouble is, there are as many suspects as there are fishes on the Christmas Eve menu . . .
Dollycas’s Thoughts
There are many tense moments as the community comes together for the Rienzi family’s traditional Christmas Eve celebration. The mayor pulls Victoria aside and tells her someone is trying to kill her. Then she basically blackmails her into finding out who by the end of the dinner. Since the mayor is not that well liked one just needs to look around the room and see that everyone is a suspect, but she comes up with a list of 7 that may actually be guilty of attempted murder. Seven people, seven courses, with a little help she may be able to pull this off.
This is a fun, fast read from Rosie Genova, just in time for the holidays. It is a nice companion story to go with the series. You do not need to have read the previous books to enjoy this novella. The author does a wonderful job of introducing all the characters all while giving the reader a nice little mystery.
This series does have 3 previous books but was cancelled by Penguin Random House. I was so excited to see this novella that gives you just a taste of Casa Lido, the family that owns it and the community it serves. An introduction for new readers and something to hold fans of the series as we hope the author continues the series on her own. She is thinking of making holiday releases an annual event. That would make this reader very happy.
About the Author:
A Jersey girl born and bred, national bestselling author Rosie Genova left her heart at the shore, which serves as the setting for much of her work. Her series, the Italian Kitchen Mysteries, is informed by her appreciation for good food and her love of classic mysteries from Nancy Drew to Miss Marple. Her debut novel, Murder and Marinara, was named a 2013 Best Pick by Suspense Magazine and was a finalist for a 2014 Daphne Award. The proud mama of three grown sons, Rosie still lives in her home state with her husband and a charming mutt named Lucy.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of this book. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Lori, as always, I so appreciate being featured on your blog and being part of a Great Escapes Tour. I hope you have a wondrous holiday season, with lots of happy reading!
sounds great. Merry Christmas. Thanks for chance.