Dru's Cozy Report: October Reading List

Welcome to Dru's Cozy Report. This month we have two new series and one returning series for your reading pleasure.

Liver Let Die by Liz Lipperman is the first book in the new "Clueless Cook" mystery series. Publisher: Berkley Prime Crime, October 2011

Jordan McAllister doesn't know the first thing about food, but filling in for the culinary reporter at the Ranchero Globe is better than writing personal ads. She's convinced the weekly Kitchen Kupboard report will bring her closer to the coveted sports column—as long as she doesn't let on that she can't cook herself out of a macaroni and cheese. Her first assignment is reviewing the new steak house in town. But she never should have ordered that foie gras—or hidden it in her purse. Back home she finds that she has ruined her friend's handbag, but that's nothing compared to finding her waiter from the steak house murdered outside her door—with her name and number in his pocket. Now Jordan is the prime suspect, as well as the main course on the murder menu.

What an enjoyable debut. The engaging plot with a mystery that caught me unaware of the killer's identity flowed very easily with each turned page, as I could not put this book down. The setting provided a local flavor to the story that made me feel like I was right there in Ranchero, Texas solving the crime with Jordan. With refreshing dialogue, likable quirky characters and delicious recipes, I look forward to more adventures with Jordan and the gang in this attractive and charming debut series.

Visit Liz at www.lizlipperman.com

FTC Full Disclosure – The publisher sent me a copy of this book

Shoe Done It by Grace Carroll is the first book in the new "Accessories" mystery series. Publisher: Berkley Prime Crime, October 2011

Society maven MarySue Jensen has old San Francisco money and an eye for style. That's why she must have those handmade silver stilettos special ordered from Dolce's by their top fashionista, Rita Jewel. She'd die before she wore anything less at the biggest charity event of the season. That same night, MarySue Jensen's cold, lifeless body is found in Golden Gate Park...tragically barefoot. What kind of remorseless, fashion-conscious maniac would swipe a pair of handcrafted stilettos from a corpse? With her boss a prime suspect, Rita Jewel—and unnervingly sexy detective Jack Wall—must track down a killer. But before Rita engages in such a dangerous game, she has one nagging question...What does one wear to solve a crime?

They say it's all about the shoes that make an outfit perfect and when a custom-made pair is missing from their customer's dead body, Rita wonders, who would kill for a pair of shoes? This book started out a bit slow for me, but quickly picked up speed as I continued reading. I enjoyed this evenly-paced murder mystery that kept my interest as I wanted to know which person was involved in the crime. As Rita laces up clues to solve this case, we got glimpse of San Francisco and the tasty food one finds in this city, all experienced by newbie Rita. Fashion tips and recipes are included in this book and I look forward to more excitement with Rita and friends.

Grace Carroll is the pseudonym for Carol Culver and you can visit her at www.carolculver.com

FTC Full Disclosure – The publisher sent me a copy of this book

Skating Over The Line by Joelle Charbonneau is the second book in the "Rebecca Robbins" mystery series. Publisher: Minotaur Books, September 2011

Rebecca Robbins is desperate to sell her inherited roller-skating rink in small-town Indian Falls, and—finally—she has a buyer. She can't wait to head back to Chicago, especially now that her long delinquent father has blown back into town, but Lionel, her veterinarian boyfriend, thinks she should stay put. Also, the gang at the Senior Center wants her to track down the thief who's been hot-wiring rusted-out classic cars. Unable to resist, Rebecca soon has the Sheriff's Deputy threatening to arrest her for obstruction, and strange but scary men threatening her life. Then cars start exploding, with people in them, and Rebecca's father goes missing. With the help of Pop, her Elvis-impersonating grandfather, Rebecca must find the pyromaniac car thief and put a stop to him—before he stops her first.

All Rebecca wants is to sell the skating rink and return to Chicago, but when Pop's friend's car is stolen, Rebecca reluctantly takes the case, only to find the car ablaze. With a visit from her estranged father and being threatened, Rebecca has her hands full trying to find an arsonist car-thief. What a fun read! This was an enjoyable story from the moment I opened the book and read the first line. The mystery kept me turning the pages and the lovable and eccentric characters of Indian Falls entertained me with their humorous antics and engaging dialogue. I look forward to more adventures with Rebecca and gang in this charming and delightful series.

Visit Joelle at www.joellecharbonneau.net