Chili Con Carnage by Kylie Logan is the first book in the New “Chili Cook-Off” mystery series. Publisher: Berkley Prime Crime, October 2013

Bean there. . .done that

Romance is supposed to be the spice of life. But Maxie Pierce is so done with bad relationships—well, almost. She just has to get rid of the latest loser, Roberto. Besides, she has more important things to worry about. Her daddy, Texas Jack Pierce, king of the chili cook-off circuit, has been missing for nearly six weeks now. In his place, she must team up with her irritating half sister, Sylvia, to promote the family business at the Taos Chili Showdown, to be judged by celebrity chef Carter Donnelly.

But when Maxie discovers Roberto’s body in the chef’s trailer—only hours after publicly breaking up with him while wearing a giant red chili pepper costume—she suddenly finds she’s the one in the spotlight as the police pepper her with questions. Now this Chili Chick needs to kick up the search to catch the real killer and get back to finding her father.

This is a fun and humorous read where Maxie, our reluctant sleuth, starts an investigation when one of the roadie is murder and suspicions is cast upon her. What we have is a nicely executed whodunit that immediately entertains in this action-filled drama from the dancing chili to the apprehension of the killer. The author did a good job in keeping this mystery fresh and appetizing as we follow our spunky heroine who delighted me with her timely comedic escapades in her search for the truth. With a comfortable tone, the feel of being at traveling show, a group of eccentrically diverse characters and engaging dialogue, this was a wonderfully enjoyable read and I can’t wait to see what’s next up for Maxie and her friends.

FTC Disclosure – The publisher sent me a copy of this book, in hopes I would review it. I later read my kindle edition.

previously posted on the Cozy Chicks blog