Tart of Darkness by Denise Swanson is the first book in the NEW “Chef-to-Go” mystery series. Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark, coming April 3, 2018.

Right when Dani thinks she’s hit a dead-end in her career, she unexpectedly inherits an enormous old house in a quaint college town. This gives her the perfect opportunity to pursue her true passion―cooking! So Dani opens Chef-to-Go, preparing delicious, ready-made meals for hungry students attending the nearby university, as well as providing personal chef services and catering events for the local community. To help support her new business, she opens her home to a few students, renting them rooms and becoming almost like a big sister figure in their lives.

But just as Dani is relishing her sweet new life, the friend of one of her boarders is murdered, and Dani becomes one of the primary suspects! She’ll have to scramble to clear her name and save her business before the killer reappears―perhaps to silence the new chef forever.

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Dani is on the case when she and one of her boarders become the prime suspect in the death of her client. The detective investigating is bent on pinning the crime on Dani and it will take Dani and an assortment of friends to solve this puzzling case.

I like it. The pacing is on par with how well this light drama is being told. The mystery was nicely done, keeping me engrossed in all aspects as the main cast all had pivotal roles that enhanced the telling of this tale. From first meeting Dani to the boarders (Ivy, Tippi and Starr) to Regina-the victim, to Spencer and to the suspects, all provided me with an enjoyable read that I could not put down until the last sentence was read. The narrative was visually descriptive and I could visualize the college town, the mansion, and the scenery as the story moved forward. The author did a great job in presenting this story and I especially loved the “cameo” appearances, some in person and some in name of family friends from Denise’s Scumble River series. This is a wonderful story that boasts a likable cast of characters, a small-town atmosphere and engaging dialogue. There is an unrequited romance on the rise and I look forward to seeing where it goes in the next book in this delightfully charming series.

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FTC Full Disclosure – I received a digital ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley.