It Cannoli be Murder by Catherine Bruns
Italian Chef Mystery series #2. Cozy mystery. Can be read as a stand-alone. Recipe included at the end of the book.
Tessa Esposito is opening her own restaurant in just a couple of weeks. She books famous author Preston Rigotta to insure a successful opening. In the meantime, she agrees to cater a book store event for her cousin using her famous Italian desserts. When a publicist is found dead after the party, Tessa fears she may be a suspect which would be the end of all her plans for her future.

Amusing amateur mystery sleuths as Tessa and her cousin investigate the death and learn of an unusual ingredient in one of thee appetizers. I am not a cook or chef or baker by any measure, but it was interesting to follow along to see how the ingredient was incorporated and hidden. In fact, there were several other dishes described that had me thinking it was time for pasta!
The mystery itself isn’t that deep and you will probably figure out the killer midway through, but that doesn’t take away from the investigation antics that Tessa and Gabby juggle.
Recipe included afterward. ( )

Very fun cozy mystery! And so cool that there are recipes included at the back of the book. I will definitely want to read the next installment. ( )

Tessa’s life has been an emotional roller coaster. Six months ago, her husband was murdered. Now, in just a few days, her new restaurant was going to have its grand opening. Her cousin Gabby was also experiencing some deep emotions, but of a more desperate nature. Her bookshop was slowly but surely dying. Sales were down, and she needed a boost if she was going to remain open. Having a signing event with a famous author was just the shot in the arm she needed. But when the author’s publicist is found dead after-hours in the bookshop, everything went south. And it sure didn’t help that Gabby and the deceased were old enemies from their high school days. Now high on the list of suspects as persons of interest, Tessa and Gabby are frantic to save both their businesses and their freedom. Their methods are certainly not legal, something they try to hide from Gabby’s brother the cop, and their rash behavior is likely to result in injuries rather than solutions. It’s a wild ride to the finish! The plot is great and the characters are endearing. Recipes are included. ( )

Cooking and cats are always a winning combination for me. Add in several handsome guys, a bookstore, and some secret sleuths, and you have the basis for a fun cozy mystery. By the way, did I mention some real jerks as well, just to add interest!

Tessa looks forward to opening her own Italian restaurant and is cooking madly in her happy space kitchen. Her cousin Gabby requests her help with putting on a book signing, and Tessa supplies the cannoli goodies. Things turn sour when the featured author turns out to be a womanizing pompous jerk. His arrogant wife,sulky daughter, rude marketing agent, and secretive housekeeper round out the picture of nastiness. Of course a murder ensues, with Tessa and Gabby helping the local police officers gather clues to find the killer.

The characters are likeable and funny. The setting of restaurant and bookstore provide a pleasing backdrop to the mysterious action, with plenty of red herrings and wrong turns for any cozy lover. The only thing I did not like was the excessive detail in the book. Personally, I do not need to know the type of mixer or chocolate brand, or the exact detail of a character's dress or hair.

Although this is the second in the series, it can be read as a standalone. This is a clean novel, with no strong language or graphic scenes.

I received this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own. ( )

I really enjoyed the first book by Catherine Bruns in the Italian Chef Mystey series, Penne Dreadful, and It Cannoli be Murder was another winner… which is not always the case with the second book in a cozy mystery series, so I was very happy!

As with the first book Bruns does a fantastic job with the scene descriptions, character development, and the mouth watering scenes with food. We got to know the characters very well in the first book, so in It Cannoli be Murder not only do we get some new insights into the main characters, but the new characters receive just as much detail. Tessa and her cousin, Gabby, have a fantastic relationship. Although they are cousins, it’s more like they are sisters and both of them are people I would love to have as friends. There’s a new detective in town that is a jerk so I’m interested to see if there will be a heartwarming story in future books that sheds a light on why he’s so mean, or to find out if that’s just the way he acts all the time.

Tessa’s landlord, Vince, is looking awful good to me and I hope something starts to happen with them in the romance department. I would jump on… ummm… I meant, at, a chance to be with him. Tall, dark, handsome, romantic, and owns a winery, Yes, Please. Then there’s her long time friend, Justin… while he’s attractive too and has been very sweet to Tessa, I’m still rooting for Vince.

There were lots of suspects as to who the killer could be and plenty of red herrings to keep one guessing. I thought I had figured out whodunnit, but I was wrong, which I always enjoy in a cozy mystery. Some of the suspects were vile people so it goes to show that Bruns can write a variety of characters very well.

Another great addition to the Italian Chef Mysteries and I am excited to see where book three leads. If you enjoy cozy mysteries, you should definitely give this series a try! ( )