Murder and Marinara by Rosie Genova is the first book in the new “Italian Kitchen” mystery series. Publisher: Obsidian, October 2013
Hit whodunit writer Victoria Rienzi is getting back to her roots by working at her family’s Italian restaurant. But now in between plating pasta and pouring vino, she’ll have to find the secret ingredient in a murder.
When Victoria takes a break from penning her popular mystery series and moves back to the Jersey shore, she imagines sun, sand, and scents of fresh basil and simmering marinara sauce at the family restaurant, the Casa Lido. But her nonna’s recipes aren’t the only things getting stirred up in this Italian kitchen.
Their small town is up in arms over plans to film a new reality TV show, and when Victoria serves the show’s pushy producer his last meal, the Casa Lido staff finds itself embroiled in a murder investigation. Victoria wants to find the real killer, but there are as many suspects as tomatoes in her nonna’s garden. Now she’ll have to heat up her sleuthing skills quickly…before someone else gets a plateful of murder.
Have you ever been behind the scenes of a family restaurant? Well, in this new debut series, the author takes us there and let the good time roll as Victoria is gently forced to save the family business by any means necessary and if that means she plays detective like the character she writes, then so be it. I love the comfortable atmosphere of this story as every scene depicted made me feel like I was right there alongside this eccentric cast of characters lead by our heroine, Victoria with support from her BFF who adds comedic relief throughout this charming drama. With a nicely done plot, great conversations and a mystery that kept me entertained from beginning to end, this was especially enjoyable and I look forward to the next book in this appealingly fresh new series. Bonus recipes are included.
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
What good Italian could not love this title. The book sounds like so much fun!
This sounds great. I will check my library after I leave this message…Dee
Since my garlic allergy keeps me from enjoying Italian restaurants anymore, I will have to read this to get my “fix” without asphyxiating!
My very favorite cozies are those that have food as a theme; so this is definitely a book that I want to get to “satisfy” me over the long, cold, snowy winter. I have read really great reviews about this book and within a well written story, a comedic element makes the book even more inviting to me, which this one has from all accounts. To Rosie I wish you the sale of lots and lots of books in this series and thank you to Dru for posting this information for us readers.. Have a great weekend.
Cynthia