Dru’s Short Musing:
When a blackmailer is murdered and her parents are suspects, Ricki will do everything possible to clear their names.

What a great whodunit that I could not put down until all was said and done. This fast-paced and well-written drama with crisp writing and a comfortable tone was an enjoyable read. The mystery was nicely done with a festive yet mischievous multi-plot storyline, a bevy of suspects amid a cheer of the holiday season and clues that were sprinkled throughout giving us enough details to narrow out the list of who had a stronger motive to want the victim dead. The suspenseful nature of the story being told kept me in the game as each evidence uncovered took in a different direction that had me immersed in all that was happening on the page. The subplots with the secondary characters created a well-rounded atmosphere as each person’s role was pivotal in leading up to the apprehension of the person responsible. I love the camaraderie between Ricki and those in her life and how they will support one another. The ending was pitch perfect and put a smile on my face and I hope we get to explore this new situation. Overall, this was an enjoyable read and one of the best books in this delightfully entertaining series.

Series Name: A “Vintage Cookbook” Mystery, Book 4
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Release: November 4, 2025
Format: Print, Digital, Audio
Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Book Synopsis:
It’s Christmas. It’s cozy. It’s culinary. It’s chaos! It’s the fourth book in this fabulous mystery series with a vintage flair from USA Today bestselling and Agatha Award–winning author Ellen Byron.

Have yourself a merry little . . . murder?

Ricki James-Diaz gets the best present ever when her parents arrive in New Orleans for the holidays. Not only is it a chance to catch up, it’s also an opportunity to jog her mom Josepha’s memory about Ricki’s adoption. The details have always been shrouded in mystery. And Ricki understands why when she learns her mother was blackmailed for years, simply for not wanting to lose her precious daughter.

But digging into the past soon lands the James-Diaz clan in water hotter than a big pot of gumbo! When the woman who extorted Ricki’s mom is found dead at her home, Josepha becomes the primary suspect. Now Ricki has another murder to solve, and tracking down a killer in Crescent City is going to take a miracle.

Luckily, ‘tis the season! And Ricki has all the staff at the Bon Vee Culinary House Museum on hand to help. Can she prove her mother’s innocence and have the case wrapped up in time for Christmas?

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