The One That Started It All

With three more Food Blogger Mysteries on the way—one releasing later this year and two in the works for 2026—I’ve been reflecting on how far this series has come. Whether you’re just meeting Hope Early or have followed her adventures from the start, now is the perfect time to revisit each book, refresh your memory, or discover a new favorite.

The Story Behind THE UNINVITED CORPSEEvery book has a story behind the story—and sometimes, the real magic happens when you least expect it. THE UNINVITED CORPSE wasn’t just the book that launched my Food Blogger Mystery series; it was the spark that ignited my publishing journey. But before Hope Early ever set foot in her charming Connecticut town, I was stuck in a writing rut, unsure if I’d ever reach “The End”—let alone see my name on a book cover.At the time, I was deep into a romantic suspense manuscript when I hit a wall. Desperate for a change, I turned to an old idea: a cozy mystery manuscript I’d written years earlier, which had been rejected by every agent who saw it. But something about the story—and the main character—stuck with me. Since I’d spent years as a food blogger, I decided to give her a fresh start in a new culinary cozy mystery series. I tweaked her name, wrote three chapters, and fell in love with the world I was creating.I sent those chapters to my critique partner, Ellie. A week later, during our video chat, she looked me in the eye and said, “Keep going.” I’m so glad I listened. A year later, I had an agent. Eight months after that, I signed my first book contract. And in March 2018, THE UNINVITED CORPSE hit the shelves.Little did I know, Hope Early’s story would become my own fresh start—and the beginning of a series I still adore writing today.About THE UNINVITED CORPSEBook 1 in the Food Blogger Mystery series by Debra SennefelderMurder is not on the menu… but it’s definitely crashing the party. First in series (start here!)
Charming New England town
Sister accused of murder
Dog companion you’ll adore
Recipes included (yum!)Hope Early traded big city burnout for small-town bliss—and a fresh start as a food blogger. But her quiet Connecticut life is turned upside down when a garden party ends in murder… and her sister becomes the prime suspect. Between creating blog content and testing recipes, Hope’s determined to clear her sister’s name and catch a killer. But can she solve the crime before she’s the next course on the murderer’s menu?Includes recipes straight from Hope’s kitchen!“The characters are portrayed vividly… I couldn’t put this one down.” —Socrates’ Book ReviewsWhy This Book Is Special to MeTHE UNINVITED CORPSE will always hold a special place in my heart because it was the first manuscript I completed and truly loved. I adored bringing Hope, Claire, Drew, Maretta, the Merrifields, Ethan, and all the characters in Hope’s world to life. Jefferson, with its small-town charm and quirky residents, felt like a place I wanted to visit myself. Crafting those special moments—whether a heartfelt conversation, a surprising twist, or a cozy scene—is just as rewarding as weaving together the mysteries I hope readers enjoy solving alongside Hope.Of course, no Food Blogger Mystery would be complete without recipes! I’ve tested every one in Hope’s kitchen—some turned out perfectly, while others… well, let’s just say they taught me a thing or two. (Pro tip: Always double-check your baking soda measurements!)When you open a book in this series, my goal is for you to find a story filled with intriguing whodunits, mouthwatering recipes, family bonds, and that lingering question: How well do you really know someone? If you love mysteries with heart, humor, and a dash of culinary delight, this series is for you.Thank You for Being Part of the JourneyThank you for being part of this journey, which all began with THE UNINVITED CORPSE. I’d love to hear from you: Do you prefer to start a series from book one, or do you like to jump in wherever the story calls to you?

 

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