Final Sentence by Daryl Wood Gerber is the first book in the new “Cookbook Nook” mystery series. Publisher: Berkley Prime Crime, July 2013
In need of a change, Jenna Hart leaves the high-pressure world of advertising to help her aunt Vera open a culinary bookshop and café. Back with her family in Crystal Cove, California, Jenna seems to have all the right ingredients for a fresh start–until someone adds a dash of murder.
As a marketing expert, Jenna wants to make sure the grand opening of the Cookbook Nook draws a crowd, and no one is better at getting attention than her old college roommate, celebrity chef Desiree Divine. But when Desiree arrives in quiet Crystal Cove to do a cookbook signing, the diva stirs up more trouble than business…especially when she turns up dead.
Known for stealing husbands and burning bridges, Desiree left behind plenty of suspects–including Jenna. Though the celebrity’s life always appeared to be an open book, Jenna will have to read between the lines in order to clear her name, and catch a killer before another body is served cold.
This is a great beginning to a delightfully charming series set in Crystal Cove. We meet Jenna whose return home is marred when her college roommate is murdered and she becomes the primary suspect. With an antagonist on the loose, Jenna will have to find a killer before her goose is cooked; and she doesn’t even cook.
Having read Daryl’s alter ego, Avery’s “Cheese Shop” series, I had high hopes for this new series and Daryl succeeded in writing a wonderfully crafted whodunit that quickly became a page turner thanks to a great setting, a feel-good atmosphere, engaging dialogue and an eclectically quirky cast of characters. This was a good mystery with plenty of suspects that had me guessing throughout most of this exciting drama. Bonus for me was the mention of other book titles or authors that I enjoy reading; puts me right in the middle of the story. This is a great read and a welcome addition to the cozy genre and I look forward to the next book in this exciting new series.
FTC Full Disclosure – The publisher sent me a copy of this book, in hopes I would review it.
previously posted on the Cozy Chicks blog
I have read it and lloved it. I am looking forward to reading the second one in the series.
Everything written by Daryl Wood Gerber/Avery Ames is a great read. Can’t wait to get to read Final Sentence. Keep up the great writing Daryl/Avery.
I have this book, and I’m planning on starting it in a couple of days.
wonderful review, cant wait to read it!
Looking forward to this one. I have read many good reviews about it. Dee
How nice to see all of you here! Dru Ann, thanks for a lovely review. I’m so thrilled everyone is enjoying the story. I am loving spending time with my “new family” in Crystal Cove. 🙂 All my best,
Daryl aka Avery
I read this book & loved it. I can’t wait for the next one. I have the “cheese series” on my trb list. Thanks for all the hard work and please keep writing these great books.
I love her other series and now I simply must try this one as well. A very talented author, I am sure I will love it.