It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Murder by Maria DiRico

Series Name: Catering Hall Mystery #3
Genre: Cozy
Release: October 26, 2021

Astoria, Queens, is decorated within an inch of its life for the Christmas season, and Mia Carina is juggling her job at the Belle View catering hall with a case of murder . . .

Mia’s busy with a full schedule of events at the family business—among them an over-the-top Nativity-themed first birthday party and a Sweet Sixteen for a teen drama queen. But her personal life is even more challenging. Her estranged mother has returned—and her lifelong friend Jamie has discovered a shocking secret about his past. He’s so angry that he starts hanging out with Lorenzo, who claims to be his long-lost brother—even after it becomes clear that Lorenzo’s story is as fake as a plastic Christmas tree.

Then a body turns up among the elves in a Santa’s-workshop lawn display, and amateur sleuth Mia has a buffet of suspects to choose from. Amid the holiday celebrations, she intends to find out who’s the guilty party . . .

Italian recipes included!

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Dru’s Short Musing:
This fast-paced and well-written drama had me completely immersed in all aspect as I couldn’t put this book down, quickly becoming a page-turner. The mystery was well executed with a solid plot involving family, family, family. Mia once again steps up to the plate to help solve the question of who wanted Lorenzo dead. In protecting her family, she uncovers nefarious doings and deceit, with a bit of wickedness playing a role in this intriguing and holiday-themed whodunit. The pool of suspects take center stage as Mia looks for clues and the arrival of her mother adds to what’s already loaded on Mia’s plate. Hilarity was afoot in this delightfully funny and entertaining tale which enhanced my reading pleasure. The ending was heart warming and I liked how the author left things with Mia. Now I can’t wait for the next book.