Long Island Iced Tina by Maria DiRico
Series Name: Catering Hall Mystery #2
Genre: Cozy
Release: February 23, 2021
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Mia’s newly pregnant friend Nicole plans to hold a shower at Belle View—but Nicole also has to attend one that her competitive (and mysteriously rich) stepmother, Tina, is throwing at the fanciest place in Queens. It’s a good chance for Mia to snoop on a competitor, especially since doing a search for “how to run a catering hall” can get you only so far.

Mia tags along at the lavish party, but the ambience suffers at Nicole’s Belle View shower when a fight breaks out—and then, oddly, a long-missing and valuable stolen painting is unwrapped by the mom-to-be. Tina is clearly shocked to see it. But not as shocked as Mia is when, soon afterward, she spots the lifeless body of a party guest floating in the marina . . .

Italian recipes included!

Dru’s Musing:
This book made me laugh with all the antics that seems to follow Mia in her search for a killer, quickly becoming a page-turner as I could not put it down until all was said and done. The cleverly written story has the ingredients that made for a solid whodunit, an intriguing mystery plot, an abundance of quirky characters, engaging dialogue, and the urban jungle of New York as a background which included rides on the subway and utilizing car service. All to keep me immersed in all aspects as I follow along with what she has intended for the latest thrills and exploits of one Messina Carina. The pacing was on par with how well this tale was being told with plenty of suspects, clues nestled in between forays across the city, a bit of comical relief, and a few red herrings, all to enhance my reading pleasure. Overall, a delightful entertaining read, and I can’t wait for more exciting times with the Carina family and their friends.

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