Warning: written as a reader not as an author.

Agnes is a cranky southern lady, who cooks - mostly Italian, go figure - and writes a cooking column for a local newspaper. Despite the fact that the best way to the man's heart is through his stomach, Agnes has been unlucky in love. Her current beau is no exception - from the get go, her fiance is pretty much a douchebag. While some people might have a problem with a heroine holding on to a man like that, I've seen plenty of real women cling to relationship despite all indications that it has gone sour. Just like these women, Agnes is grimly determined to build a better future with her fiance. She just purchased the house of her dreams, she and her fiance are working on a cookbook that is sure to be a hit, and even if things aren't quite perfect right now, they are bound to get better soon.

Then her home is invaded by a series of hitmen, who want to murder her, her engagement falls apart, and oh yes, someone is trying to swindle her out of the house of her dreams. Throw in a handful of old mafia tough guys, a wedding, a best friend that makes mobsters quake in their boots, a dog, and a quietly confident, unflappable hero, who just happens to be a hitman, and you'll have this book.

It's like a good old fashion Louis de Funes slapstick comedy, deep fried and served with a side of grits and a generous helping of marinara sauce. It's hilarious and at times macabre and so much fun.

While I love slapstick, I thought at times the book went a bit too far, swinging into silly. There is a certain distance between the characters and the reader that is very difficult to nail down. I think it might have occurred because at times the scenes were summarized. I was also slightly puzzled by the presence of so much mob and specifically Italian mob element. I lived in the region where the book is set and the towns there are ran by old Irish families, so the setting didn't quite snap into place for me, but it didn't prevent me from enjoying the book.

To reiterate, fun, slightly silly, slightly murderous, and I will try to find more of Jennie Crusie's work.