A Kebab Kitchen Mystery Series is one of my favorite series. I love the characters in it. The wonderful food that I can practically smell while reading about it, the family, the friends. *sigh* It all comes together so beautifully. When I read the books in this series it feels like I am there. Tina Kashian never fails to transport me away from my troubles. This series is like comfort food except in book form.
Mistletoe, Moussaka and Murder was just what I needed to read. This year has been a rocky one for everyone. I had been having a struggle with concentration. I switched to darker reading to match my feelings. Then I was gifted an ecopy of this book for review consideration. I didn’t even know how much I needed old friends, wedding talk, a Christmas party and a murder. Reading this book, being transported far away, truly lifted my soul. I was so happy to see Lucy examine her feelings and accept them. It was delightful when she spoke to her mom about her plans. I laughed out loud picturing it. I swear, that was my favorite scene in the book! The dead body? Yes, there is one. Wait until you read about that! I won’t talk much about it as you really need to figure it out yourself. There are a number of potential murderers. The reveal was a heart pounder for sure. I am already anticipating the next book. Will there be a wedding soon? If Katie and Lucy’s Mom have anything to say about it the answer is most definitely! Give yourself a gift and get a copy of this book. We can all use some Christmas spirit now.

Edited to add: *I received an ecopy of this book for review consideration. Thank you to Kensington Publishers, NetGalley and the Author for this opportunity. I voluntarily reviewed this book and all opinions are based on my enjoyment of the book.* ( )

Mistletoe, Moussaka, and Murder by Tina Kashian has Lucy Berberian gearing up for the holiday season at Kebab Kitchen. Lucy is participating in the Polar Bear Plunge with her best friend, Katie Watson because the proceeds are benefiting the local senior center. It is a madhouse when everyone hits the water which is a balmy 46 degrees and one man does not make it out alive. Deacon Spooner, co-owner of Sea View, was drowned. When Susan Cutie of Cutie’s Cupcakes is accused of the crime, Lucy sets out to prove the woman’s innocence. Mistletoe, Moussaka, and Murder can be read as a standalone if you are new to A Kebab Kitchen Mystery series. The book contains good writing and it is well plotted. I did find the pacing a little slow in places. There are lovely descriptions of the town decked out in all its holiday finery. Lucy has become engaged to Azad Zakarian, the head chef at Kebab Kitchen. It has not been announced publicly nor has Lucy set a date for the wedding. Her best friend, Katie is pushing Lucy to pick a venue, theme, dress, or perhaps a date. Lucy loves Azad, but there is something holding her back (they are meant for each other). Of course, Deacon Spooner’s pompous attitude and high prices did not help matters. When Susan Cutie becomes the prime suspect in Deacon Spooner’s death, Lucy with her trusty sidekick, Katie begins asking questions. There are a few suspects since Spooner was not a nice man. I picked out who I thought was the guilty party early in the book and then waited to see if I was right. There are good clues to help readers solve the whodunit. There is, of course, plenty of food talk in Mistletoe, Moussaka, and Murder. There are four recipes at the end for lemon meringue pie, Perfect Pilaf, holiday pretzel treats, and Azad’s moussaka. Mistletoe, Moussaka, and Murder is a cheery cozy mystery with holiday house hop, matrimonial machinations, Christmas cheer, a polar plunge, seashells, seagulls, and snow. ( )

This is the 5th book in the Kebab Kitchen mystery series but the first one I've read, yet I jumped right in and enjoyed it from the start. Set in a small town on the Jersey shore, the book features Lucy, a former attorney who manages her family's kebab restaurant, and her best friend, Katie.

This is an excellent Christmas holiday mystery. Murder during a polar bear plunge plus lots of Christmastime activities/events.

Absolutely loved it. Loved the characters and the plot. Already purchased the first book in the series and I intend to catch up.

Highly recommended for cozy fans!! ( )