The Long Quiche Goodbye by Avery Aames is the first book in the new “Cheese Shop” mystery series. Publisher: Berkley Prime Crime (Penguin), July 2010

Welcome to the grand opening of Fromagerie Bessette. Or as it’s more commonly known by the residents of small-town Providence, Ohio—the Cheese Shop. Proprietor Charlotte Bessette has prepared a delightful sampling of bold Cabot Clothbound Cheddar, delicious tortes of Stilton and Mascarpone, and a taste of Sauvignon Blanc, and for the piece de resistance, a little crime of passion.

Charlotte has barely begun melting like fondue in front of a handsome artisanal cheese supplier named Jordan when a blood-curdling shriek disrupts the festivities. Right outside the shop Charlotte finds a body, the victim stabbed to death with one of her prized olive-wood handled knives. As the police leaps to conclusion, it’s up to Charlotte to find the real killer.

In this story we are introduced to cheese shop owner Charlotte; Rebecca, her assistant; Meredith, her best friend and her twin 8-year old nieces as well as her grandparents. When their landlord is found dead outside the store’s grand re-opening and her grandmother appears to be the only suspect, Charlotte, with help from her friends, in particular Rebecca, start investigating to find the real killer. This was a great read that I couldn’t put down. I’m not a big fan of cheese, but after reading this story, I want to sample all the cheese that was mentioned in this delightful and savory mystery. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series. My rating: 5 stars

*new-to-me author

Avery Aames is the pseudonym for Daryl Wood Gerber