By Cathy Wiley
© July 29, 2023
194 pages
ASIN: B0C6FJ8HN3
What a fun little cozy mystery! A renowned chef is invited to help judge a cooking competition in small-town Texas and is almost a murder victim when the first dish presented for judging turns out to be poisoned!
I loved the main character, Jackie–who was not only a gourmet channel TV star, but also a recovering alcoholic. She had spunk, wasn’t afraid to admit her mistakes, and was smart enough to know she needed to stay clean, even when she was accused of the murder. Many challenges try her patience throughout the story, but she resists every temptation to have a drink.
Supporting characters stood up well in the story, too. Each strenthened Jackie’s role throughout. It was easy to like the good guys and dislike the villains. But when the true murderer was revealed, I was surprised. What a great twist!
Claws of Death is book 1 of 4 in the Fatal Food Festival Mysteries series. This story is perfect for an enjoyable, low-stakes read that’s stress-free and as warm and comfy as a bowl of hot soup. Definitely recommended.