Penne Dreadful by Catherine Bruns is the first book in the NEW “Italian Chef” cozy mystery series. Publisher: Poisoned Pen Press, coming July 30, 2019.

Tomato sauce isn’t the only thing that runs red. . .

Local chef Tessa Esposito is struggling to get back on her feet following her husband’s fatal accident. And when the police knock on Tessa’s door, things just get worse. They’ve discovered Dylan’s death wasn’t an accident after all, and they need Tessa to start filling in the blanks. Who would want her beloved husband dead, and why?

With the investigation running cold, Tessa decides it’s time to save her sanity by reconnecting with her first love-cooking. And maybe the best way back into the kitchen is to infiltrate Dylan’s favorite local pizza parlor, which also happens to be the last place he was seen before he died. But the anchovies aren’t the only thing that stink inside the small family business, and with suspects around every corner, Tessa finds that her husband’s many secrets might land her in hot water.

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When Tessa finds out that her husband’s accidental death was no accident and the one place he frequent may be a den of iniquities, she goes back to work at said place, doing what she does best – cooking and if she happens to discover information that will help expose a killer, so be it.

This was a solid read with a strong plot, a visually descriptive narrative, engaging dialogue and a small-town setting that added to how well this story was being told. The author knows how to take a concept that had me in the middle of all the action. The author did a great job in staging this mystery by introducing the main characters and the role they play in this well-written drama that had me immersed in all that was happening.

Who wanted her husband dead? There were plenty of people with motives and I like how the author vetted each one by the clues that were sprinkled throughout the story. The more Tessa searched, danger found its way to her and there was an intense scene that had me holding my breath.

I love the supporting cast and the relationship between Tessa and her cousins. And we can’t forget Luigi who played a pivotal role in what had transpired. When it was all said and done, this was an enjoyable story and I like the direction and opportunities awaiting Tessa in this delightfully delectable new series.

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