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Jordan McAllister Mystery #3
Murder for the Halibut
A sports writing job would have been the perfect catch for Jordan McAllister, but in Ranchero, Texas, all she could reel in was the food column. Though she may not know her way around a kitchen, she has no trouble finding herself in a kettle of fish…
Tempted by the offer of a free Caribbean cruise, Jordan accepts a spot as a judge in a week-long big-time cooking competition aboard the Carnation Queen . She just better hope no one finds out that her famous palate is far from refined.
But there are bigger fish to fry when arrogant chef Stefano Mancini falls face first into his signature halibut dish during the first event. While evidence suggests that the handsome Italian chef’s death was an accident, Jordan thinks otherwise. But she’ll have to keep her wits about her—and the sea sickness pills handy—if she’s going to solve this one…
Tempted by the offer of a free Caribbean cruise, Jordan accepts a spot as a judge in a week-long big-time cooking competition aboard the Carnation Queen . She just better hope no one finds out that her famous palate is far from refined.
But there are bigger fish to fry when arrogant chef Stefano Mancini falls face first into his signature halibut dish during the first event. While evidence suggests that the handsome Italian chef’s death was an accident, Jordan thinks otherwise. But she’ll have to keep her wits about her—and the sea sickness pills handy—if she’s going to solve this one…
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 31, 2012
87 people are currently reading
549 people want to read
About the author
Liz Lipperman
11 books132 followersShe writes under the names Liz Lipperman (Cozy Mysteries) and Lizbeth Lipperman (Mainstream Mystery/Suspense and Romantic Suspense.)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
February 17, 2018
Whose harebrained idea was this, anyway?
Jordan is back as a judge for a contest sponsored by a local radio station. The contest will pit well known chefs against each other on a cruise ship. An obnoxious chef keels over into his dish during the first round and accusations begin to fly when it is discovered that the death was from natural causes.
Jordan continues to amuse me with her "fake it until you make it" attitude. Her food column in the Globe is made possible by her neighbor and good friend Rosie. I love how they come up with great names for simple dishes. I wondered how the book would be without her supportive neighbors until I realized that they were all a part of the cruise too.
Watching Jordan judge the type of foods that are presented in the style of CHOPPED was a hoot. Fortunately a renowned chef at the judges' table helped her get through it. The third judge is a slimy character that is the CEO of a company that makes liquor based sweets.
Emily Thorpe is the largest sponsor of the contest and is befriended by Jordan and her crew. She is putting up the prize for the winning chef. The competition is fierce and we soon learn that just about everyone involved has a back story that intertwines.
This was an enjoyable read. The plot is well done and the characters are very likeable. Of course Jordan gets in a pickle or two. The cruise ship setting along with the ports of call was a fresh change for the series. I could imagine being there with them. There were lots of twists and turns involving spouses, liaisons and old grudges. The ending was sad and I felt very sorry that the killer felt the need to commit the crimes. I look forward to the next book.
Jordan is back as a judge for a contest sponsored by a local radio station. The contest will pit well known chefs against each other on a cruise ship. An obnoxious chef keels over into his dish during the first round and accusations begin to fly when it is discovered that the death was from natural causes.
Jordan continues to amuse me with her "fake it until you make it" attitude. Her food column in the Globe is made possible by her neighbor and good friend Rosie. I love how they come up with great names for simple dishes. I wondered how the book would be without her supportive neighbors until I realized that they were all a part of the cruise too.
Watching Jordan judge the type of foods that are presented in the style of CHOPPED was a hoot. Fortunately a renowned chef at the judges' table helped her get through it. The third judge is a slimy character that is the CEO of a company that makes liquor based sweets.
Emily Thorpe is the largest sponsor of the contest and is befriended by Jordan and her crew. She is putting up the prize for the winning chef. The competition is fierce and we soon learn that just about everyone involved has a back story that intertwines.
This was an enjoyable read. The plot is well done and the characters are very likeable. Of course Jordan gets in a pickle or two. The cruise ship setting along with the ports of call was a fresh change for the series. I could imagine being there with them. There were lots of twists and turns involving spouses, liaisons and old grudges. The ending was sad and I felt very sorry that the killer felt the need to commit the crimes. I look forward to the next book.
September 17, 2022
Great cruise ship mystery
Ms. Lipperman's tale of murder and revenge was awesome. Her characters are so well described they are easy to believe as well as their motives. She gives us plenty of twists and turns as Jordan and company try to figure out what's going on. Grab this one, you won't regret it
Ms. Lipperman's tale of murder and revenge was awesome. Her characters are so well described they are easy to believe as well as their motives. She gives us plenty of twists and turns as Jordan and company try to figure out what's going on. Grab this one, you won't regret it
October 1, 2023
This was a lot of fun. It’s always fun reading a cruise ship story while on a cruise and we both had stops in San Juan. I’m still not sure why they decided to have a cook off between Texas chefs on a cruise ship but they did and it was fun. The whole gang got to come with Jordan who was asked to be a judge for the competition. It was really fun watching her fake her way through judging gourmet food. I was surprised with the culprit and the ending was kind of sad. Looking forward to seeing what happens next in Texas.
January 16, 2016
A sports writing job would have been the perfect catch for Jordan McAllister, but in Ranchero, Texas, all she could reel in was the food column. Though she may not know her way around a kitchen, she has no trouble finding herself in a kettle of fish…
Tempted by the offer of a free Caribbean cruise, Jordan accepts a spot as a judge in a week-long big-time cooking competition aboard the Carnation Queen. She just better hope no one finds out that her famous palate is far from refined.
But there are bigger fish to fry when arrogant chef Stefano Mancini falls face first into his signature halibut dish during the first event. While evidence suggests that the handsome Italian chef’s death was an accident, Jordan thinks otherwise. But she’ll have to keep her wits about her—and the sea sickness pills handy—if she’s going to solve this one…
Dollycas’s Thoughts
This third installment of the Clueless Cooks Mystery is the best one yet. We escape to the Caribbean on a cruise with fantastic food, the characters we have grown to love, and culinary mystery that will keep you entertained from the first page to the last. This story is absolutely hilarious. Caution: Do not eat or drink anything while you are reading about the appetizer portion of the competition. I will be sending my laundry bill to the author
As one of the worst cooks ever and a very picky eater I identify with Jordan very easily. Of course I am extremely jealous because I have never been on a cruise but hopefully someday I will be able to cross that off my bucket list.
Famous chef George Christakis, on the cruise to judge the cooking competition, quickly became by favorite character. Classy guy. Down to earth. Maybe he’ll visit Jordan in Texas someday.
Liz Lipperman has served up cozy worthy of 3 Michelin Stars or 5 Dollycas Starfish!!! Get ready to board the Carnation Queen and set off on an exciting adventure with Murder for the Halibut. Bon Voyage!!!
Tempted by the offer of a free Caribbean cruise, Jordan accepts a spot as a judge in a week-long big-time cooking competition aboard the Carnation Queen. She just better hope no one finds out that her famous palate is far from refined.
But there are bigger fish to fry when arrogant chef Stefano Mancini falls face first into his signature halibut dish during the first event. While evidence suggests that the handsome Italian chef’s death was an accident, Jordan thinks otherwise. But she’ll have to keep her wits about her—and the sea sickness pills handy—if she’s going to solve this one…
Dollycas’s Thoughts
This third installment of the Clueless Cooks Mystery is the best one yet. We escape to the Caribbean on a cruise with fantastic food, the characters we have grown to love, and culinary mystery that will keep you entertained from the first page to the last. This story is absolutely hilarious. Caution: Do not eat or drink anything while you are reading about the appetizer portion of the competition. I will be sending my laundry bill to the author
As one of the worst cooks ever and a very picky eater I identify with Jordan very easily. Of course I am extremely jealous because I have never been on a cruise but hopefully someday I will be able to cross that off my bucket list.
Famous chef George Christakis, on the cruise to judge the cooking competition, quickly became by favorite character. Classy guy. Down to earth. Maybe he’ll visit Jordan in Texas someday.
Liz Lipperman has served up cozy worthy of 3 Michelin Stars or 5 Dollycas Starfish!!! Get ready to board the Carnation Queen and set off on an exciting adventure with Murder for the Halibut. Bon Voyage!!!
January 24, 2013
My first FIVE star rating of the year.
Murder for the Halibut
By Liz Lipperman
Copyright January 2013
Publisher Berkeley Prime Crime
A sports writing job would have been the perfect catch for Jordan McAllister, but in Ranchero, Texas, all she could reel in was the food column. Though she may not know her way around a kitchen, she has no trouble finding herself in a kettle of fish…
Tempted by the offer of a free Caribbean cruise; Jordan accepts a spot as a judge in a week-long big-time cooking competition aboard the Carnation Queen. She just better hope no one finds out that her famous palate is far from refined.
But there are bigger fish to fry when arrogant chef Stefano Mancini falls face first into his signature halibut dish during the first event. While evidence suggests that the handsome Italian chef’s death was an accident, Jordan thinks otherwise. But she’ll have to keep her wits about her—and the sea sickness pills handy—if she’s going to solve this one…
My thoughts on the book:
When Jordon is tapped to replace one of the food tasting judges on a cruise sponsored by a local radio station she is only looking at the opportunity for some fun in the sun. But before she can get on the cruise ship she is taking part in a fishing trip with the chefs. The chef who pulls in the largest fish will gain points during the cook-off. So of course Jordon somehow lands the biggest fish of the trip and also gets hit on by one of the sleazy members of the group.
As the group boards the ship for the cruise, little does Jordon know how the bodies will pile up and the most unlikely of suspects takes the forefront. Jordon and her friends will have to stay on their toes to see this cruise and cook off to the end.
FTC Full Disclosure: I received this book from the author, who only requested a fair and impartial review.
Murder for the Halibut
By Liz Lipperman
Copyright January 2013
Publisher Berkeley Prime Crime
A sports writing job would have been the perfect catch for Jordan McAllister, but in Ranchero, Texas, all she could reel in was the food column. Though she may not know her way around a kitchen, she has no trouble finding herself in a kettle of fish…
Tempted by the offer of a free Caribbean cruise; Jordan accepts a spot as a judge in a week-long big-time cooking competition aboard the Carnation Queen. She just better hope no one finds out that her famous palate is far from refined.
But there are bigger fish to fry when arrogant chef Stefano Mancini falls face first into his signature halibut dish during the first event. While evidence suggests that the handsome Italian chef’s death was an accident, Jordan thinks otherwise. But she’ll have to keep her wits about her—and the sea sickness pills handy—if she’s going to solve this one…
My thoughts on the book:
When Jordon is tapped to replace one of the food tasting judges on a cruise sponsored by a local radio station she is only looking at the opportunity for some fun in the sun. But before she can get on the cruise ship she is taking part in a fishing trip with the chefs. The chef who pulls in the largest fish will gain points during the cook-off. So of course Jordon somehow lands the biggest fish of the trip and also gets hit on by one of the sleazy members of the group.
As the group boards the ship for the cruise, little does Jordon know how the bodies will pile up and the most unlikely of suspects takes the forefront. Jordon and her friends will have to stay on their toes to see this cruise and cook off to the end.
FTC Full Disclosure: I received this book from the author, who only requested a fair and impartial review.
February 20, 2013
the Clueless cook is a clueless author. I am only on page 3 and it is obvious the author doesn't know either Miami is on the Atlantic side of Florida or that Key West is several hour drive from Miami. It is not clear as to where Jordan and Michael are fishing.
Other than a few sexual inuendos, these novels could be read by a 6th grader (at best). The characters are highly immature. They behave like grade school children on the playground fighting over who gets the ball. A peanut allergy that was sworn to secrecy? Then Stefano dies by using a peanut-laced spice?
Also, the women are drop-dead gorgeous with store bought boobs, and the men are all slimey. Each book describes the same type of character and uses George Clooney as an example more than once to describe how someone looks. Since when does a woman 5'2" tall have "endless legs"?
Jordan, get over yourself. (Do you hear that Ms. Lipperman?) The main character apparently has every man flaunting over her. She must be quite the stunner! Jordan is not klutzy funny like that other well-known red-head, Lucy. Jordan just does stupid things. Stupid is the most polite word I have to describe her behavior. She has no common sense.
I am only on chapter 5. I plan to read this novel straight through and finish it today just to say I am done with the Clueless Cook series.
And I did. finished it. done with the series. discrepancies, idiotic behavior. Very immature. I often read to escape but this book went way beyond fiction.
Other than a few sexual inuendos, these novels could be read by a 6th grader (at best). The characters are highly immature. They behave like grade school children on the playground fighting over who gets the ball. A peanut allergy that was sworn to secrecy? Then Stefano dies by using a peanut-laced spice?
Also, the women are drop-dead gorgeous with store bought boobs, and the men are all slimey. Each book describes the same type of character and uses George Clooney as an example more than once to describe how someone looks. Since when does a woman 5'2" tall have "endless legs"?
Jordan, get over yourself. (Do you hear that Ms. Lipperman?) The main character apparently has every man flaunting over her. She must be quite the stunner! Jordan is not klutzy funny like that other well-known red-head, Lucy. Jordan just does stupid things. Stupid is the most polite word I have to describe her behavior. She has no common sense.
I am only on chapter 5. I plan to read this novel straight through and finish it today just to say I am done with the Clueless Cook series.
And I did. finished it. done with the series. discrepancies, idiotic behavior. Very immature. I often read to escape but this book went way beyond fiction.
January 2, 2013
Murder For The Halibut is the third book in the A Clueless Cook Mystery series.
Jordan McAllister may just be in over her head in this book. She has been volunteered, more or less, one of three judges for a week long cooking competition aboard the Carnation Queen. At the first nights competition, Chef Stefano Mancini is about to present his signature Halibut dish to the judges, when he falls face fist into it and dies. Shortly after this is learned from Chef Thomas that Mancini was allergic to nuts and it is learned that a small bottle of spices that he was using had ground nuts in it.
The prize going to the winner of this competition is substantial and Jordan wants to know who would go to such lengths to win the coveted prize. Two of the chefs, Marsha and Casey, seem willing to do whatever it takes to win, even giving favors to one of other two judges. Or Chef Thomas who knew of his allergy, but kept quiet until after he died.
The whole gang from Jordan apartment building is along on the cruise, too. They all, in one way or another, help Jordan to uncover just what who is killing who aboard ship,
As always there is a little humor included too. Can't be serious all the time. One of the funniest is read how Jordan will dispose of a bit of sweetbread once she learns what it is. And Alex comes in towards the end to help Jordan wrap things up.
As always, a very entertaining read. Looking forward to the next book.
Jordan McAllister may just be in over her head in this book. She has been volunteered, more or less, one of three judges for a week long cooking competition aboard the Carnation Queen. At the first nights competition, Chef Stefano Mancini is about to present his signature Halibut dish to the judges, when he falls face fist into it and dies. Shortly after this is learned from Chef Thomas that Mancini was allergic to nuts and it is learned that a small bottle of spices that he was using had ground nuts in it.
The prize going to the winner of this competition is substantial and Jordan wants to know who would go to such lengths to win the coveted prize. Two of the chefs, Marsha and Casey, seem willing to do whatever it takes to win, even giving favors to one of other two judges. Or Chef Thomas who knew of his allergy, but kept quiet until after he died.
The whole gang from Jordan apartment building is along on the cruise, too. They all, in one way or another, help Jordan to uncover just what who is killing who aboard ship,
As always there is a little humor included too. Can't be serious all the time. One of the funniest is read how Jordan will dispose of a bit of sweetbread once she learns what it is. And Alex comes in towards the end to help Jordan wrap things up.
As always, a very entertaining read. Looking forward to the next book.
January 20, 2013
Jordan McAllister and her closet friends have all been hired for various roles on a Caribbean Cruise. The Empire Apartments crew will be helping Jordan and Michael pull off the “Caribbean Cook-off” for Jordan’s newspaper and Michael’s radio station. When one of the contestants dies during the first round, Jordan and her friends once again stick their noses into the investigation.
Liz Lipperman pulls off a great plot with great characters – she kept me guessing with each clue. Just like in the previous two books, I thought I had caught onto the culprit’s identity – but I wasn’t sure until the final reveal. That quality to a cozy mystery is key in my opinion.
In addition to the Empire Apartments crew, we have the cast of cook-off contestants & judges, the contest’s organizers, and the cruise ship’s head of security. Liz developed the key players so well that I could easily imagine them.
I have no complaints – this was an awesome read!
*Review Disclaimer* This review reflects my honest personal opinion of this work, and was written to help others who have the same tastes as mine. That being said, everyone has their own opinions and there will be disagreements -- so please show my opinion respect, as I show your opinion respect. I did receive this book for free from the publisher, which had no bearing on my opinion.
Liz Lipperman pulls off a great plot with great characters – she kept me guessing with each clue. Just like in the previous two books, I thought I had caught onto the culprit’s identity – but I wasn’t sure until the final reveal. That quality to a cozy mystery is key in my opinion.
In addition to the Empire Apartments crew, we have the cast of cook-off contestants & judges, the contest’s organizers, and the cruise ship’s head of security. Liz developed the key players so well that I could easily imagine them.
I have no complaints – this was an awesome read!
*Review Disclaimer* This review reflects my honest personal opinion of this work, and was written to help others who have the same tastes as mine. That being said, everyone has their own opinions and there will be disagreements -- so please show my opinion respect, as I show your opinion respect. I did receive this book for free from the publisher, which had no bearing on my opinion.
May 1, 2013
“Murder for the Halibut” has got to be one of the best mystery titles ever. In Liz Lipperman’s third book in the “Clueless Cook” series, Jordan McAllister, food columnist, sails on a cruise where she will judge a celebrity cook-off. The problem? Jordan hates to cook, and gourmet food makes her gag. On the first night at sea, one of the chefs dies after sampling his dish. Was it a simple case of a food allergy or was he murdered?
Readers who enjoy Joanne Fluke’s mysteries will want to read this series.
Readers who enjoy Joanne Fluke’s mysteries will want to read this series.
May 31, 2024
This is such an enjoyable series and because I'm having fun reading them, they just read so fast. You can't help but love to visit Jordan, with her love of HoHos and her fun and crazy "crew" of neighbors who are now such good friends. They all pull for and help each other out when needed. Jordan, as we know from the past 2 books can't cook and doesn't even like to eat "gourmet" or "fancy" foods (her definition would be anything not chocolate, deep fried or TexMex for example). Because of her cookery and recipe column, the local radio station has invited her to be one of the judges of a gourmet cooking competition held on a Caribbean cruise ship out of Miami. In this book, Jordan has almost become Ado Annie (the girl who caint say No) but then who would want to say no to this offer? Despite being a fish out of water for sure (see what I did there?) with absolutely no qualifications, Jordan continues her judging job with, sometimes hilarious results, but mostly successfully. The cruise turns into more of a murder mystery cruise than a culinary one and, naturally, Jordan is right in the middle of things. Looking forward to the next one.
February 16, 2025
I'm about to give up on cozy mysteries because this is about the 4th one in a row that has fallen very short. This one was an intriguing concept but not sure I liked the main character enough to excuse her fraud. Which also seems ridiculous. I could excuse some little white lies on a resume to take a job you weren't qualified for but how long has she been at it now? Cooking isn't hard. A couple of months of research and practice and you can learn about food but she seems determined to be willfully ignorant. That's without mentioning the cliched writing and the annoying cast of characters.
May 15, 2017
Loved it !
July 19, 2018
This story was pretty far-fetched, but it moves quickly and the characters are interesting.
May 21, 2019
There are many continuity issues
May 20, 2021
I didn't even make it to the murder. The set-up was too cliched and cutesy.
July 8, 2021
If you read mystery, then you will love this delightful novel.
September 26, 2025
I enjoyed the book, it was an easy read and really enjoyed the twist in the end. Can’t wait to read more in the series.
October 21, 2014
Having read the first two installments in this series of Clueless Cook, I had a good idea what to expect. I was already familiar with Jordan, her crew of senior friends, and her boss. Fun, lighthearted stuff, and a good solid foodie theme, enjoyable. The first book developed her love interest with Alex, "Liver Let Die" and book two "Beef Stolen Off", brought the two into a tentative relationship that was about to turn to a long distance one, as Alex was on location for his job (undercover FBI). So we have established that Alex is hot, desirable, and FBI savvy. On my third book in the series that is about all I can say is memorable regarding Alex, other than his Paul Newman blue eyes. His personality was completely overlooked, no development, as if the reader knowing he was FBI and handsome summed him up entirely. It failed miserably.
I like Jordan, and the stand out characters are her senior friends, including, Rose, Lola, Ray, and the mandatory gay couple, Michael and Victor. The first two books charmed and had delightful conversation between young Jordan and her group of friends as they got into Friday night gatherings, and did some cooking with their sleuthing. By book three-"Murder for the Halibut", the charm is long gone, and the characters are cringe worthy, excepting Rosie, whose character developed into a pleasant surprising dynamic in this installment.
Normally, with a cozy, I overlook and expect some goofiness, and discrepancies, hey, it's not serious a cozy is fun and quick. However this one sunk the cruise ship the characters were on with the following idiotic issues-
Michael and Victor. Ok, we got it in the first book, they are a gay couple, and live together. In "Murder for the Halibut", Ms. Lipperman felt it necessary to consistently have them calling each other 'sweetie', watching every bite of food that found it's way into their mouths, and virtually patting one another's butt every time the two were mentioned. The author also had them assessing the good looks of other men in the story line, including Alex, and commenting to others in their immediate vicinity on 'how they filled out their jeans, or looked so handsome', pretty much drooling over other males. One scene depicted Victor "blurting out that half the crew on the ship could be described as tall, dark, and handsome, with Michael shooting him daggers. Victor patted his hand." Come on!
This was so far fetched and contrived, I can't believe it was not edited out or modified...just not needed or realistic at all, but screamed of stereotyping and pushed this well worn envelope into a cartoon.
The other worn out and overstated character here was Alex. So the boyfriend shows up and he and Jordan are trying desperately to find some alone time. This is so underscored with sex implied and hinted at I wanted them to just get it over with. What guy constantly says in front of a senior group of friends: "I got to get you alone, if you know what I mean", eat your carbs, you will need them tonight, and other such pointed innuendo over and over and.... To me, Alex who was supposed to be the main man, handsome hunk, became a creepy sleaze ball that I would have walked out on in a heartbeat. Yuk. The other problem with Alex was the FBI job. Are you kidding me? He is flown in for a 'break' from being "deep undercover" on another case. He is then asked to assist in this current chain of mysterious murders and disappearances onboard the cruise,(Mr. Important) and at one point while he is with Jordan and the gang, he gets a debriefing from another police figure who takes him away for a chat about the goings on. Alex then comes back from the table and informs the gang that he will "fill them in" in a little while. Okkkky, so you can just spill confidential info at will? Also Alex and Jordan have a chat on board in full vicinity of strangers while Jordan yet again, states, "but you were Deep Under Cover"!! This all became so lame and jokester-ish that it just didn't hold my interest any longer, there was no reality or plausibility in the least. Cute theme, but after the first book it has become overworked, unrealistic, the author just tried to hard when less could have been more.-this series has ended for me.
I like Jordan, and the stand out characters are her senior friends, including, Rose, Lola, Ray, and the mandatory gay couple, Michael and Victor. The first two books charmed and had delightful conversation between young Jordan and her group of friends as they got into Friday night gatherings, and did some cooking with their sleuthing. By book three-"Murder for the Halibut", the charm is long gone, and the characters are cringe worthy, excepting Rosie, whose character developed into a pleasant surprising dynamic in this installment.
Normally, with a cozy, I overlook and expect some goofiness, and discrepancies, hey, it's not serious a cozy is fun and quick. However this one sunk the cruise ship the characters were on with the following idiotic issues-
Michael and Victor. Ok, we got it in the first book, they are a gay couple, and live together. In "Murder for the Halibut", Ms. Lipperman felt it necessary to consistently have them calling each other 'sweetie', watching every bite of food that found it's way into their mouths, and virtually patting one another's butt every time the two were mentioned. The author also had them assessing the good looks of other men in the story line, including Alex, and commenting to others in their immediate vicinity on 'how they filled out their jeans, or looked so handsome', pretty much drooling over other males. One scene depicted Victor "blurting out that half the crew on the ship could be described as tall, dark, and handsome, with Michael shooting him daggers. Victor patted his hand." Come on!
This was so far fetched and contrived, I can't believe it was not edited out or modified...just not needed or realistic at all, but screamed of stereotyping and pushed this well worn envelope into a cartoon.
The other worn out and overstated character here was Alex. So the boyfriend shows up and he and Jordan are trying desperately to find some alone time. This is so underscored with sex implied and hinted at I wanted them to just get it over with. What guy constantly says in front of a senior group of friends: "I got to get you alone, if you know what I mean", eat your carbs, you will need them tonight, and other such pointed innuendo over and over and.... To me, Alex who was supposed to be the main man, handsome hunk, became a creepy sleaze ball that I would have walked out on in a heartbeat. Yuk. The other problem with Alex was the FBI job. Are you kidding me? He is flown in for a 'break' from being "deep undercover" on another case. He is then asked to assist in this current chain of mysterious murders and disappearances onboard the cruise,(Mr. Important) and at one point while he is with Jordan and the gang, he gets a debriefing from another police figure who takes him away for a chat about the goings on. Alex then comes back from the table and informs the gang that he will "fill them in" in a little while. Okkkky, so you can just spill confidential info at will? Also Alex and Jordan have a chat on board in full vicinity of strangers while Jordan yet again, states, "but you were Deep Under Cover"!! This all became so lame and jokester-ish that it just didn't hold my interest any longer, there was no reality or plausibility in the least. Cute theme, but after the first book it has become overworked, unrealistic, the author just tried to hard when less could have been more.-this series has ended for me.
September 17, 2024
This was a fantastic read in this one Jordan and her friends are on a cruise. Jordan is a judge for a cook off of fancy food one she is dreading. Of course a murder on board keeps Jordan and her friends busy working out who did it.
I love Jordan and all of her friends and I really love the love interest Alex. He is so sweet and nice and he treats Jordan wonderfully. I really hope that he and Jordan keep an even keel romance. The story line kept me guessing till the end with all its twists and turns.
A really great story line with fantastic characters and a really nice love interest. The perfect combination.
I love Jordan and all of her friends and I really love the love interest Alex. He is so sweet and nice and he treats Jordan wonderfully. I really hope that he and Jordan keep an even keel romance. The story line kept me guessing till the end with all its twists and turns.
A really great story line with fantastic characters and a really nice love interest. The perfect combination.
February 18, 2013
3.5 stars
This 3rd book in the series is what got me to read the other two. Let me explain: This book was offered as a free ebook; but it's book #3, and I hate coming into the middle of a story and established characters, so, of course, I bought the 1st two books (clever marketing, eh?) and already read them. If I hadn't liked the characters and mysteries, I'd have cut-and-run.
BUT I've grown quite fond of our Heroine, Jordan, and her apartment crew. This little adventure was set up in the previous book, when Michael's radio station job sets him up in the perfect position to hire his friends for this Cooking Competition Cruise. Since Jordan has the infamous Kitchen Kupboard byline and has established herself as a "gourmet", she's to be one of the judges. Yikes! Jordan is far from a gourmet girl, as she's already proven in book 1 with a hilarious and somewhat disastrous encounter with pate and in this book while judging an appetizer made from sweetbreads (which she has no idea are cow glands).
One of the chefs vying for the chance to win a coveted spot to represent a commercial food product dies during the appetizer quick fire challenge. Turns out, his basket included spices that had ground peanuts - and he was highly allergic. None of the other chefs' spices include the ground peanuts.
While awaiting the official autopsy results, the head of security for the Carnation Queen boat goes missing... and then another body turns up - on stage. What's going on?
Who's behind all of this? Is it one of the 2 gal cooks who've schemed together to use their wiles to win? The chef who's wife just delivered a newborn son that's probably not his child? The high-powered gorgeous entertainment lady lawyer with the rough early life? The celebrity chef whom everyone loves and no one would suspect? The rich, smug, spoiled, chases any skirt married slug of a 3rd judge who owns a sweets company that he built on the stolen recipe of a girl he trashed in high school? Micheal's boss, the owner of the radio station, who grew up with the smug sweets company rich judge and hates his guts? Or someone else?
LOVE that Alex shows up in the middle of this Caribbean cruise. Alex and Jordan together are sigh-worthy! But it's Jordan who saves the day, as always!
This 3rd book in the series is what got me to read the other two. Let me explain: This book was offered as a free ebook; but it's book #3, and I hate coming into the middle of a story and established characters, so, of course, I bought the 1st two books (clever marketing, eh?) and already read them. If I hadn't liked the characters and mysteries, I'd have cut-and-run.
BUT I've grown quite fond of our Heroine, Jordan, and her apartment crew. This little adventure was set up in the previous book, when Michael's radio station job sets him up in the perfect position to hire his friends for this Cooking Competition Cruise. Since Jordan has the infamous Kitchen Kupboard byline and has established herself as a "gourmet", she's to be one of the judges. Yikes! Jordan is far from a gourmet girl, as she's already proven in book 1 with a hilarious and somewhat disastrous encounter with pate and in this book while judging an appetizer made from sweetbreads (which she has no idea are cow glands).
One of the chefs vying for the chance to win a coveted spot to represent a commercial food product dies during the appetizer quick fire challenge. Turns out, his basket included spices that had ground peanuts - and he was highly allergic. None of the other chefs' spices include the ground peanuts.
While awaiting the official autopsy results, the head of security for the Carnation Queen boat goes missing... and then another body turns up - on stage. What's going on?
Who's behind all of this? Is it one of the 2 gal cooks who've schemed together to use their wiles to win? The chef who's wife just delivered a newborn son that's probably not his child? The high-powered gorgeous entertainment lady lawyer with the rough early life? The celebrity chef whom everyone loves and no one would suspect? The rich, smug, spoiled, chases any skirt married slug of a 3rd judge who owns a sweets company that he built on the stolen recipe of a girl he trashed in high school? Micheal's boss, the owner of the radio station, who grew up with the smug sweets company rich judge and hates his guts? Or someone else?
LOVE that Alex shows up in the middle of this Caribbean cruise. Alex and Jordan together are sigh-worthy! But it's Jordan who saves the day, as always!
May 13, 2013
The title and the surprise, bittersweet ending are worthy of 5 stars, but the main character brings this series down for me. Jordan, who has a job as a food reporter but doesn't know anything about cooking, now gets a free cruise so she can judge a cooking contest. However, she hates any kind of gourmet cuisine. I could get over this premise if Jordan was more likeable, but she seems spoiled to me and whiny, when she has things pretty good in life - good job, great friends, and a gorgeous boyfriend. I also have a hard time taking an adult seriously who constantly refers to her group of friends as "the gang".
I enjoyed the scenes when Jordan and the other judges actually judged the cooking contest, but there weren't enough of those scenes and too many of Jordan complaining about not having enough time to work on her tan.
I enjoyed the scenes when Jordan and the other judges actually judged the cooking contest, but there weren't enough of those scenes and too many of Jordan complaining about not having enough time to work on her tan.
May 21, 2014
Murder for the Halibut
Liz Lipperman
Imagine a cruise and you are a judge of a cooking contest with famous chefs and judges. Now imagine you aren’t even a chef, in fact, you are only an expert at fried bologna. Now throw in not one but three murders. How would handle it? This time Jordon is on that said cruise ship and she is one of the judges. When the most popular chef in the contest dies, at first it’s considered an accident. Was it really or wasn’t it? I love the way Liz Lipperman can pull me into her plots and make me think I’ve got the crime figured out, when in fact, I’m way off. This was an enjoyable book and I can’t wait to read the next one in the series.
Liz Lipperman
Imagine a cruise and you are a judge of a cooking contest with famous chefs and judges. Now imagine you aren’t even a chef, in fact, you are only an expert at fried bologna. Now throw in not one but three murders. How would handle it? This time Jordon is on that said cruise ship and she is one of the judges. When the most popular chef in the contest dies, at first it’s considered an accident. Was it really or wasn’t it? I love the way Liz Lipperman can pull me into her plots and make me think I’ve got the crime figured out, when in fact, I’m way off. This was an enjoyable book and I can’t wait to read the next one in the series.
October 18, 2015
Have you been on a cruise before? I bet it wasn't like this one. Reluctant food column writer accepts a free Caribbean cruise in exchange for acting as a judge in a cooking competition. What could possibly go wrong? Jordan McAllister, joined by her quirky friends, must uncover the truth about the suspicious death of one of the contestants. I was "hooked!" Liz Lipperman writes with a great sense of humor providing colorful characters and a "can't put it down" reading adventure. This Book 3 was the first book in the "Cluless Cook Mystery" series that I had read, and I'm am eager to go back to the beginning. Check it out!
January 28, 2013
I had a hard time getting into this book and I'm going to blame it on the "remote location" nature of the plot. I'm not a fan of the 'away from home' stories and this one just didn't do it for me as well. The series has likeable interesting characters, and the plot of the murder mystery was clever and very well thought out. I'll admit I suspected who the murderer was early on, but never the reasoning behind it. There ended up being a lot of complexity to the plot by the end of the book.
I'll look for the next book in the series.
I'll look for the next book in the series.
September 7, 2013
This is about a 6 on my 1-10 grading scale, so 3 stars here on GR. I think I would have liked this more had I not read 2 other cozies in the last 6 months or so that had a murder done the same way as the first one in this book. Still, the quirky characters who are Jordan and her friends made up for a lot. I think the 2nd one is still the best in this series, so far, but this one is maybe worth a read!***UPDATE: Have totally rethought this one and took it back to a 5, but a REALLY low 5, so just 2 here on GR.
January 21, 2013
I was a First Read Winner of this book and I really enjoyed it. Not only could I identify with the characters, it had a great plot line and I had a real hard time putting it down, great entertainment. Anyway I love the book and want to read the first 2 installments of the series to get to know all the characters better. Also a great addition to the book was the enclosed recipes at the end, I have my eye on some to try out already. If you like murder mysteries then don't pass up this gem.
March 23, 2015
Jordan is so lucky to have such amazing friends who will stick by her through anything.
While on vacation Jordan and her friends are caught up in a murder mystery on the high seas.
Sadly I knew fairly early on who the killer was, but the twists and turns made it an enjoyable read. I really appreciated how the background information was revealed in pieces from several different sources to create a complete picture.
While on vacation Jordan and her friends are caught up in a murder mystery on the high seas.
Sadly I knew fairly early on who the killer was, but the twists and turns made it an enjoyable read. I really appreciated how the background information was revealed in pieces from several different sources to create a complete picture.
November 6, 2013
I really enjoyed this book. I love the all of the characters with their distinct personalities. I storyline was great, it kept me guessing with a few twists that threw me. My only problems were Jordan as judge getting upset over having to eat food she doesn't like, I did want to say "put on your big girl pants and eat one bite". Other than that I loved the whole idea of the food competition, I wish there had been a little more. I eagerly await the next to come.
April 29, 2015
Yes, I liked it. One thing got annoying for me though. Jordan just kept conveniently forgetting to tell Ray about something. Several times through the book. It seemed like a big build-up to when she would tell Ray and the tidbit would be the one thing that solved the mystery. Ray would blow up at her, but it would be okay because she cracked the case. But no. It was like an afterthought. Like one sentence. I was disappointed with that.
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