The Diva Runs Out of Thyme (A Domestic Diva Mystery, #1)

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The Diva Runs Out of Thyme (A Domestic Diva Mystery #1)

by Krista Davis (Goodreads Author)

3.85 · rating details · 535 ratings · 98 reviews

Gracious living can be murder. First in an all-new mystery series? includes delicious recipes and great tips on entertaining
Few can compete with Natasha Smith when it comes to entertaining, but her childhood rival, Sophie Winston, certainly tries. Natasha may have stolen the spotlight?and Sophie's husband?but Sophie is determined to rob her of the prize for the Stupendou...more

Paperback, 292 pages

Published October 7th 2008 by Berkley Prime Crime (first published September 7th 2008)

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Best Cozy Mystery Series

59th out of 422 books — 367 voters

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20th out of 192 books — 62 voters

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Community Reviews

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Nov 04, 2011

Joanne Mcmaster rated it

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I read this book because it takes place at Thanksgiving, and I'm reading books about the Season. To be fair, I really liked the mystery part; it kept me guessing right up until the end, which is what a mystery should do. On the other hand: a)Sophie is weak, a doormat who won't tell anyone the truth, and I HATE people like that. She won't tell Humphrey she has no interest in him (which isn't doing him any favors, by the way); she won't tell Natasha she's a pain in the rear and her ideas for de...more

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Aug 02, 2011

Diana rated it

I hadn't realized how many mystery writers there are that share receipes in their books....apparently there are a bunch of them. I many times read the receipes and think they sound good, but never have made any of them. A lot of the receipes are above my lower level cooking skills (including most of them in this book)
Main character Sophie is in a cooking contest against her arch rival since high school, Natasha.
Natasha is an immitation of Martha Stewart and Martha drives me crazy...more

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Jul 18, 2010

Grey853 rated it

Shelves: cozy, holiday, mystery

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Mar 16, 2009

Patti rated it

Recommends it for: Agatha Awards Nominee list for 2009

Shelves: agatha-nominees-and-winners, read-in-2009, mystery, i-own-this-book

This title is better than some of the traditional mysteries I've read lately (thank goodness!). Sophie Winston is a food/home entertaining writer and one of her childhood friends, Natasha, is a food/home entertaining host of a local TV show. Additionally, Natasha is now the girlfriend of Sophie's ex-husband. The two women, in addition to a few others, are put up against each other in a TV food contest that is cancelled due to one of the judges being killed. Sophie is the one to find the body,...more

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Oct 06, 2011

Patty rated it

This was a fun and fast read for a first in the series book. Sophie Winston is a caterer and food lover who is in a life-long competition with a former schoolmate who is the "Diva", Natasha. Natasha has her own local TV show and is glamorous to boot.

Sophie's troubles begin when she goes shopping for Thanksgiving and for her appearance on a televised turkey stuffing contest. She is approached by a stranger trying to give her a cat. Sophie brushes him off but while shopping...more

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Oct 24, 2010

Suzanne rated it

Shelves: mystery

Sophie Winston, and event planner and lifestyle columnist for a local newspaper has carried on a rivalry with Natasha Smith, a celebrity lifestyle expert, since childhood! Sophie was even once married to Mars Winston, who is now living with Natasha. While this is a fun cozy, set in historical Alexandria, Virginia, the book is absolutely exhausting to the reader. It starts out with Sophie planning a small Thanksgiving dinner for her parents, her sister Hannah and Hannah's fiance Craig. The book q...more

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Feb 03, 2010

Patricia rated it

Sophie Winston is gearing up for the Stupendous Stuffing Shakedown. Sophie is a great homemaker, a good cook and a marvelous hostess but the contest puts Sophie up against Natasha Smith. Natasha is not only Sophie’s childhood rival but is now living with Sophie’s ex-husband. Natasha is also a good cook and homemaker but more in the fashion of Martha Stewart.

Sophie makes a simple trip to the grocery store and winds up adopting a cat and finding a dead body and this is only the begi...more

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Jan 25, 2009

Susan rated it

Shelves: mystery-virginia

Recently divorced event-planner Sophie expects a small family party for Thanksgiving in her Alexandria home. But soon the group is much larger, and includes her ex-husband, her ex's new girlfriend Natasha, a Martha Stewart wannabe who is Sophie's rival from grade school onward, and a homicide detective. It all started when a man in the supermarket parking lot asked Sophie to adopt a kitten. She said no, but--changing her mind--looked for him after shopping and found his dead body. One of the...more

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Mar 12, 2010

Shonda rated it

Shelves: read-2010

The Diva Runs Out of Thyme is book one of the Domestic Diva Mystery series. Sophie Winston is down-to-earth and very likable. She’s recently divorced from Mars, who is now dating her high school rival Natasha. The story opens with Sophie preparing Thanksgiving dinner. She makes a last minute run to the store to purchase a few items, when a man approaches her to ask if she wants to adopt a kitten. Sophie has dog and declines, but remains concerned about the welfare of the kitten. When she finishe...more

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Apr 17, 2010

Nicola rated it

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Sophie is a freshly divorced party planner who is currently planning a family Thanksgiving and taking part in a turkey stuffing competition.

Within the first pages of this book you are introduced to Natasha, a glamorous, perfect, Martha Stewart type and Sophie’s nemesis since her school days. It seems that her family are completely enchanted with Natasha, her column and TV show – which only seems to give the most impractical of advice for Thanksgiving, guaranteed to make any regular...moreSophie is a freshly divorced party planner who is currently planning a family Thanksgiving and taking part in a turkey stuffing competition.

Within the first pages of this book you are introduced to Natasha, a glamorous, perfect, Martha Stewart type and Sophie’s nemesis since her school days. It seems that her family are completely enchanted with Natasha, her column and TV show – which only seems to give the most impractical of advice for Thanksgiving, guaranteed to make any regular woman feel like a failure. Oh, and she has also set up house with Sophie’s ex-husband, Mars.

On her way to the supermarket, Sophie is approached by a man with a kitten asking if she would like to have it. Sophie says no, but while shopping decides to accept the kitten if he is still there. She is also approached by Dean Coswell, the editor of a newspaper who is frustrated with the Natasha insanity (his wife injured herself trying to make Natasha’s Thanksgiving decorations), and asks if Sophie would write a column as the voice of reason – an anti-Natasha. Hooray

When she reaches her car, she finds the kitten as well as the body of the man . As the person who found the body, the police are suspicious of her especially as she is covered in residual blood (from the kitten? bin?) and the dead man had a picture of her in his car. After taking her statement, one of the policemen, Wolf, turns up at her house with her groceries and kitten food – he seems to have taken a shine to her and the kitten :)

At the stuffing contest, Simon, a judge who is obnoxiously rich presumes that Sophie would go on a date with him, as he is a judge, Natasha is the first (and only person) to shriek about cheating, even though Sophie hadn’t agreed to the date. When Simon is found dead, it is Natasha again who accuses Sophie of killing him. Good grief, this woman bugs me, to top it all Sophie doesn’t do anything, she just benignly accepts Natasha and her antics. “Oh, you’ve just accused me of cheating and murder… that’s nice”, also her family and friends do nothing either! Gah.

In the run up to Thanksgiving, her house (which seems like the Tardis) fills up with her own family including her sister Hannah (who is almost as irritating as Natasha) and her insipid fiance Craig, as well as Mars’ relatives who Natasha has pissed off and alienated. This includes his Mum, June and his best friend Bernie. After Natasha has a fire in her house (which she blames on June and consequently tries to convince Mars to put her in a residential care home), Sophie’s Mum and June invite Mars and Natasha to Thanksgiving in the hope to get Sophie and Mars back together. There is so much talk about Southern hospitality, but surely there is Southern etiquette for being a good guest too?

During Thanksgiving lunch, which includes several neighbours and Wolf, a guest is poisoned and guess what, there are more accusations by Natasha which prompts Sophie into figuring out who the murderer is.

I am split about this book, I really like it, but there are some elements that truly bug me. The main characters are all one-dimensional. Natasha is as irritating as a flea bite on your ass and Sophie has saint-like patience that makes her seems like a doormat. It is frequently commented that Natasha and Sophie are friends, but I see no friendship between them. Really, would a friend be the first person to accuse you of cheating and murder? With friends like those, who needs enemies! It’s not even a rivalry, just a woman who is so used to getting her own way that she just tramples over everyone. I suppose the author has done a good job, because Natasha’s character makes my blood boil, I just wish that I could see Sophie stand up to her. Or if they are friends, show me why they are friends, not simply because they went to the same school.

On the positive side, at the start of every chapter is an excerpt of a column or TV programme by Natasha or Sophie. It is not only interesting, but a clever way of setting the tone for the chapter and highlight the differences between Natasha and Sophie.

It is also a great mystery, there are so many twists and turns – and so many characters that it is hard to keep track of who is who which is a clever way of concealing who the murderer is. I also liked the characterisation of the animals and her next door neighbour Nina, who comes across as a real friend.

Of course I am going to read the next books, but not straight away – I can’t handle another Natasha filled novel, not just yet which is sad because in the end you want a reader to want to read your books, not read them while despising a character.(less)

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Jan 21, 2010

Dawn rated it

Shelves: cozy-mystery

This won an Agatha award for first novel, but I couldn't finish it. It takes place during Thanksgiving and the main character, Sophie, has her hands full with trying to feed and entertain her many guests, and also happened to find both bodies, so she's a suspect. Her rival in the book is the woman who stole her husband, Natasha, a Martha Stewart wannabe. The "Ask Natasha" snippets at the beginning of each chapter are funny. But I got sick of how the author lists every ingredient th...more

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Jan 13, 2010

Judy rated it

Shelves: mystery

I have been in the mood for "cozies" (mysteries that are just what the label implies - more character development and atmosphere than murders and gore). (Yes, my life is just that crazy right now.) It turns out that there is a whole sub-genre of cozies out there - themed cozies. There are mysteries about knitters, wine drinkers, coffee lovers, witches, cooks, and so on. I went to Barnes & Noble over the weekend and browsed through the mystery section, looking for books that were dec...more

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Jan 26, 2011

Beverly rated it

This book has been sitting on my To Read Shelf for quite a while. I can't believe I waited so long to read it. I love a good cozy mystery. This series fits the bill: an intelligent, likable, and down to earth sleuth, a love interest, a few lovable if irritating relatives and a nemesis you love to hate. Sophie is a well developed character that I look forward to reading more about. I think she shows incredible patience in dealing with all the distractions in her life. She's far nicer to Natash...more

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Jan 20, 2009

Mendy rated it

I really wish that the cozy writers would get away from the tired cop as love interest story element. Other than that, I really enjoyed this 1st novel. Sophie was a likable character and her rival Natasha is just nice enough that you don't totally hate her. LOL

I finished this book hungry! There is a plethora of eating in this story. I can't imagine how they aren't all big as houses at this point.

The story occurs over the Thanksgiving holiday and includes a stuffing b...more

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Nov 17, 2011

Laura rated it

Love these books!! I'm a big fan of any type of mystery, and cozies are some of my favorites. These are so fun to read, though you'll want to eat when you read them because of all the food references! The only thing I wondered was where Sophie got the money to buy all this nice food. I thought she wasn't making that much money. Anyway. Not important. Davis is a fantastic storyteller, and her books are just too much fun. LOVE the recipes at the back. Oh, and ESPECIALLY love how Sophie isn't this ...more

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Dec 13, 2010

Vickie rated it

There are two domestic divas in this book, one is a pain in the tookus and the other is Sophie. She is way better at organization and having things on hand than I, or anyone I know, is..are....I marvelled at how Sophie had everything to hand to entertain at a moment's notice or many drop-in guests for dinner. She had room in her house for stay-over guests and had time to go with her friend to go on wacky investigating into the murders that have occurred.
I love Nina, Sophie's ready-for-any...more

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Jul 10, 2009

Julie H. rated it

Shelves: mystery

These are what I'd qualify is "cozy" mysteries. You know, the ones that hinge upon people not having frank conversations, not discussing certain matters "in mixed company," etc. etc. (Ack! Double ack, I say!) Set in Old Town Alexandria (Virginia), the story is a bit improbable, and centers on the ongoing competition between a nice lead character (i.e., event planner Sophie) and her Martha-Stewart-on-crack nemesis (i.e., local cooking show star Natasha). Sophie's intrusive...more

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Mar 20, 2010

planetkimi rated it

Shelves: fiction, mystery

From the title and description on the back cover, I was worried that The Diva Runs Out of Thyme would be a bit cheesy, but I decided to give it a shot anyway, and I'm glad that I did.

I think the quirky, well-described characters are the best part of this book. I also liked the inclusion of Sophie and Natasha's columns at the beginning of each chapter - it's a unique way to underscore the differences between them. (And I found some of Natasha's tips to be pretty hilarious - keep a ...more

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Jan 19, 2012

Kelly Knapp rated it

Recommends it for: anyone 12 and up

If I read the information correctly, this is the first book in Krista Davis' Diva series. I was impressed with the style for the book. The friendly rivalry between the protagonist, Sophie, and her childhood friend, Natasha, is just iffy enough to make you wonder about the "friends" part.

When Sophie finds murdered man, which starts the story, it is interspersed with real life events that would continues on after a murder, even if you knew you were considered a "...more
If I read the information correctly, this is the first book in Krista Davis' Diva series. I was impressed with the style for the book. The friendly rivalry between the protagonist, Sophie, and her childhood friend, Natasha, is just iffy enough to make you wonder about the "friends" part.

When Sophie finds murdered man, which starts the story, it is interspersed with real life events that would continues on after a murder, even if you knew you were considered a "person of interest." The extended family arrives, including the ex-husband and his new squeeze, Natasha.

Thanksgiving and a stuffing contest will not be interrupted, until a second murder - at the stuffing contest – causes a delay in the contest. And you have probably guessed, Sophie finds this body, as well. Now, Sophie and her family are worried since she is being scrutinized by the police. One officer is convinced she should be arrested; the other officer isn’t jumping to conclusion, but perhaps he is falling for Sophie.

Throughout the book, there are tiny comments on decorating and being a perfect host. Some of those comments are from Natasha and others are from Sophie. The time consuming, elegant ideas are from Natasha. In contrast, Sophie’s ideas are simple and homey. Each idea or comment is a beautiful way to decorate. Along with those, each menu item described in the book is listed at the end for the readers to try the recipes on their own.

I found myself removing a star because I found that there was too much mystery and not enough romance for me. I did decide to research and learned that there are already several more books in the series. I intend to look for them…maybe put them on my Christmas list. I want to see Sophie and the cop become closer. I like a book that does not scrimp on any of its plot devices. If a romance is suggested, I want to see more of it. If this is all about the mystery, leave the romance alone and get on with the mystery. Not all readers appreciate broad hints that may or may not be continued in subsequent books.

I received this books as part of the Goodreads First Reads giveaway.

Update: I received three more books in the series. The Diva Takes the Cake, The Diva Paints the Town, and the Diva Cooks the Goose. The romance continues in these books. I just hope the romance is solved before too many more books in the series...maybe find a new character to play at the romance.

(less)

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Nov 23, 2009

Marci rated it

Recommends it for: Angela Boone

Shelves: mystery, cozy

This really cute cozy takes places in Alexandria VA. Sophie & Natasha are two event planners. Sophie is much more down to earth than Natasha (think a certain domestic goddess who was recently in prison. Natasha is also dating Sophie's ex husband & the two of them are competing in a Thanksgiving stuffing tournament. Things go bad for Sophie when one of the judges is found dead by her. Throw in a crazy family and an even zanier ex in law family & you've got the perfect recipe for a crazy Than...more

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Oct 19, 2008

Christy rated it

Event planner Sophie Winston and lifestyle columnist, TV celebrity Natasha Smith have been rivals since childhood. And now Natasha is living with Sophie’s ex and coveting Sophie’s house, which belonged to her ex’s deceased aunt. Sophie has a busy Thanksgiving planned, with her mother, father, sister and sister’s fiancé coming to visit. But things get off to a bumpy start from the get-go, when Sophie discovers the dead body of a private investigator in a dumpster. She quickly becomes a suspect wh...more

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Mar 19, 2009

Carmen rated it

Ok...I absolutely hated the characters and the alien world in which they must live. But, to be fair, I have never been able to watch Martha Stewart for more than 30 seconds (:::shudders:::). A Domestic Diva I do not strive to be. And in case you're wondering, no, I have no idea why I picked up this book...except that I can never have enough to read :)

That being said, the book was a fun, easy read. Maybe I rolled my eyes in a few places, but that kind of just added to the cozy charm. ...more

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Mar 26, 2010

Dawn Michelle rated it

Shelves: books-read-in-2010

WHAT a fun read!!

While some these characters (the main police guy, not Wolf) are so NOT believable, most of them are very! Natasha channels Martha Stewart in such a way that is so grating that you cannot help but like and "pull" for Sophie even more! And you want her to "win" so even more when she is paired against Natasha.

With a great supporting "cast", this was a fun, fast read. I enjoyed every minute of it, especially the fa...more

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Oct 22, 2011

Lindsay rated it

Reading a book that takes place during Thanksgiving just made me hungry. Turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy... YUM! It was a good book, almost made me wish I had a bigger place so that I could have friends and family over. It was very cozy even though some people die and the main character is a suspect. The Natashia character annoys me, but I liked everyone else. I'll keep reading the series. It makes me want to learn how to cook.

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Aug 06, 2011

Suzanne rated it

Recommends it for: Cozy Mystery fans

Recommended to Suzanne by: Book Crawl - Virginia

Shelves: cozy-mysteries

I think I'll go 4.5 on this one. I loved everything about it - the setting, the characters, the baking and holiday tips, etc. I really liked Sophie and can't wait to see where the romance with Detective Wolf goes. My only minor complaint was there were almost too many threads in the mystery; lots of characters (which weren't too hard to keep track of) and more than one 'baddie.'

I will definitely read more in this series and soon!

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Dec 04, 2011

Paula rated it

This book was great, funny and adventure packed. Sophie thought her biggest obstacle this Thanksgiving was competing against her rival Natasha, little did she know she would be up to her stuffing in murders.

Sophie keeps finding herself in the wrong place time and again. First at the grocery store, than at the bake off and even in her own house.

Mixed into the group was her family, her ex-husband and his family. And of course everyone is a suspect it is up to Sophie and her ...more

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Oct 24, 2011

Jan rated it

Shelves: cozies, culinary-mystery, includes-recipes, mystery, cozy-challenge-book, gentle-read

Sophie and Natasha have been rivals since they were kids. Now they are both "Domestic Divas" but with a difference. Natasha is Martha Stewart on crack and Sophie has a more homey and relaxed approach. Now Natasha is dating Sophie's ex-husband, Sophie's family is coming for thanksgiving and they are competing in a stuffing competition. Why not up the ante with a couple of murders?

This is the first in the Domestic Divia series. I really liked it. Each chapter starts with hint...more

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Sep 19, 2011

Michele rated it

I thought this was the epitome of a cozy! It was fun, it had interesting characters and it moved quickly with new turns and twists. I thought the descriptions were great, and it was so cozy I wanted our temperatures to drop and thought I should start decorating for Thanksgiving/Fall!

I can't wait to dive into the rest of the series!

I am so very glad I won this on Goodreads, I found a new series to love!

Terrific! The secret killer identity was kept until the end!

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Nov 29, 2009

Yolanda rated it

Shelves: library-book, my-2009-reads

I picked up this book because I wanted to read a book about Thanksgiving during the Thanksgiving holiday. I must say that before i picked up this book I didn't expect it to be any good. I liked this book. Alot, it was well written and i had no idea who the murderer was until the end. I liked that. Can't wait until the next one shows up from the library. :)

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Dec 01, 2008

Rayline rated it

Recommends it for: anyone

This is a fun and interesting type of mystery. It is not graphic and it is fun! It also comes with recipes and entertaining hints from the story. It keeps your interest also. I am not usually a mystery person, but I love this one and will continue to look for more cozy mysteries.

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About Krista Davis

Krista Davis lives and writes in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. She lived in Northern Virginia for many years and resided for a time in Old Town, Alexandria.

She really does have a gregarious Ocicat named Mochie who never ceases to amaze her. Daisy is based on one of her three dogs.

More about Krista Davis...

Books by Krista Davis

The Diva Takes the Cake (A Domestic Diva Mystery, #2)

The Diva Paints the Town (A Domestic Diva Mystery, #3)

The Diva Cooks a Goose (A Domestic Diva Mystery, #4)

The Diva Haunts the House (A Domestic Diva Mystery, #5)

The Diva Digs Up the Dirt (A Domestic Diva Mystery)

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