Here Comes the Body by Maria DiRico is the first book in the NEW “Catering Hall” cozy mystery series. Publisher: Kensington Books, coming February 25, 2020

After her philandering husband’s boat went down, newly single Mia Carina went back to Astoria, the bustling Queens neighborhood of her youth. Living with her nonna and her oversized cat, Doorstop, she’s got a whole new life—including some amateur sleuthing . . .

Mia is starting work at Belle View, her father’s catering hall, a popular spot for weddings, office parties, and more—despite the planes that occasionally roar overhead on their way to LaGuardia and rattle the crystal chandelier. Soon she’s planning a bachelor party for a less-than-gentlemanly groom. But it goes awry when the gigantic cake is wheeled in and a deadly surprise is revealed . . .

Since some of her family’s associates are on the shady side, the NYPD wastes no time in casting suspicion on Mia’s father. Now, Mia’s going to have to use all her street smarts to keep him out of Rikers Island . . .

Italian recipes included!

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This was a fun book to read. Starting over is the central theme of this fast-paced and well-written drama but someone is trying to put a stop to it and it is up to Mia to figure out who is behind it all.

The author did a great job in presenting this mystery with a solid plot, plenty of suspects and strategically placed clues that kept me immersed in all aspect of this intriguing tale. It was fun watching it all play out with the backstory of each character and their interactions with Mia and her family. There were a few twists and turns and one I didn’t see coming that enhanced my reading pleasure.

The narrative was visually descriptive with engaging dialogue and the backdrop of Queens and the city (especially treks via the subway) playing a part in the storyline. Mia is a strong, determined and likable protagonist who is surrounded by a quirky cast of characters that includes her nonna, her dad and Cammie.

This was an enjoyable read and I can’t wait for the next book in this delightfully refreshing new series.

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FTC Full Disclosure – I received an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) from the author.