#Review / #Giveaway – The Diva Cooks up a Storm (Domestic Diva) by Krista Davis @KensingtonBooks

Dollycas’s Thoughts

Sophie and Nina had planned a mini vacay to the beach, but an impending hurricane has changed their plans. A pop-up dinner party is just what they need. An event planned by someone else where they can sit back and enjoy the food with their friends. But not everyone is enjoying the event, Hollis Haberman and his young new wife are in attendance as are his ex-wife and their son. Most of the town has shunned the new bride while remaining friendly with the ex.

The next morning the storm is coming closer to Old Town so Sophie heads out for a quick walk but finds Hollis Haberman having some kind of attack in front of his house. EMTs are called and he is rushed to the hospital but he doesn’t survive. It is an unusual death. He has asked for Sophie’s help because he thought he was been poisoned and the police seem to concur but they’re not sure how. Could it have been in the food at the party? or has it built up over time? His young bride is so upset and she is sure she is going to be arrested. Sophie agrees to look into the case herself hoping she doesn’t end up in a storm of trouble herself.

I really enjoy these characters, even Natasha. I love the way they come together when someone is in need or when they get together to celebrate. A heavy storm hits Old Town leaving the community without electricity. What does this gang do? The organize a street party so people can cook up or grill the food that would have been ruined by the lack of power to keep it cold. The party also gives the crew to do a little covert investigating. Friendship really blooms within the pages.

Poison is a common method of murder in cozy mysteries, but this time the author gives it a unique twist and they added some distinct turns that really opened up the pool of suspects. She kept me guessing right up to her grand reveal. I love when a story diverts my thinking so much that I and the protagonist have our “aha moment” together.

The author packs so much into these pages. The pacing and plotting are excellent. The characters are very real and most are very down to earth. The story contains the exact right amount of humor in relation to the drama. Krista Davis is a skilled storyteller with the perfect recipe for her cozy mysteries.

I highly recommend this entire series, but if you are new to it, don’t worry, there is plenty of background provided to dive right into this one. Then you can go back and start at the beginning to see all the world building and character development.