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An Italian Kitchen Mystery #4
Minestrone Mischief
When a Halloween stalker shows up on Mischief Night, Vic encounters lots of tricks, no treats, and one murder …
It’s the post-summer season in Oceanside Park, and mystery writer Victoria Rienzi’s hometown is preparing for one last blast on the boardwalk—its annual Mischief Night parade, held the evening before Halloween. While Nonna keeps her busy making treat bags full of Italian candy, Vic dreams up the perfect costumes for herself and Tim: Nick and Nora Charles, the famed detective pair from The Thin Man movies. Completing their look is a canine scamp, Willie, borrowed to play the part of Nora’s pet terrier.
But Victoria’s excitement is dimmed by the presence of a stalker, Edward Millman, who’s seen lurking around the Rienzi family restaurant. And who shows up at the Mischief Night parade dressed as Victoria’s book sleuth, Bernardo Vitali. But halfway through the parade, Willie sniffs out trouble, leading Vic and Tim on a not-so-merry chase that brings them to a dead body—Victoria’s stalker, Edward Millman. And in a scene straight out of Victoria’s latest book, Millman is found with a knife sticking from his chest, along with a nasty note: You deserved this.
As Vic digs into the details of the victim’s life, she wonders: Is it life imitating art? Or is there a more deadly form of mischief at work this Halloween?
It’s the post-summer season in Oceanside Park, and mystery writer Victoria Rienzi’s hometown is preparing for one last blast on the boardwalk—its annual Mischief Night parade, held the evening before Halloween. While Nonna keeps her busy making treat bags full of Italian candy, Vic dreams up the perfect costumes for herself and Tim: Nick and Nora Charles, the famed detective pair from The Thin Man movies. Completing their look is a canine scamp, Willie, borrowed to play the part of Nora’s pet terrier.
But Victoria’s excitement is dimmed by the presence of a stalker, Edward Millman, who’s seen lurking around the Rienzi family restaurant. And who shows up at the Mischief Night parade dressed as Victoria’s book sleuth, Bernardo Vitali. But halfway through the parade, Willie sniffs out trouble, leading Vic and Tim on a not-so-merry chase that brings them to a dead body—Victoria’s stalker, Edward Millman. And in a scene straight out of Victoria’s latest book, Millman is found with a knife sticking from his chest, along with a nasty note: You deserved this.
As Vic digs into the details of the victim’s life, she wonders: Is it life imitating art? Or is there a more deadly form of mischief at work this Halloween?
Kindle Edition
Published January 1, 2025
51 people are currently reading
127 people want to read
About the author
Rosie Genova
10 books351 followersProud Jersey girl Rosie Genova is a multi-genre author. Her work includes a Jersey shore cozy series, The Italian Kitchen Mysteries, and the upcoming Tess Mancini Time Travel Mysteries, set in 1955 Atlantic City. She is also the author of standalone suspense and a couple of rom-coms that presently live in her computer files (but are longing to be released into the wild). A former teacher and journalist, Rosie’s non-fiction has appeared in Entrepreneur magazine and The New York Times. The mother of three sons, Rosie still lives in her favorite state with her husband, too many dusty antiques, and a charming mutt named Lucy.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
October 4, 2022
I love cozy mysteries, especially ones with a culinary theme. MINESTRONE MISCHIEF is the perfect Halloween read, set during a Mischief Night parade. The protagonist (Victoria) is a writer who has returned to the Jersey Shore to help out with the family Italian restaurant.
This book has all of my favorite things in a cozy...laugh-out-loud humor, a cast of quirky characters, and even delicious recipes at the end of the book. The "women in white" were a cool collection of possible suspects. Victoria's family members are great fun as supporting characters, especially her side-kick SIL Sophia, and Nonna who is the chef mastermind of their restaurant. Genova has created an authentic, cozy world with this series, and she really captures the Jersey Shore ambience.
Looking forward to trying the recipe for Slow Cooker Pork Ragu.
Highly recommend. Grade: A
This book has all of my favorite things in a cozy...laugh-out-loud humor, a cast of quirky characters, and even delicious recipes at the end of the book. The "women in white" were a cool collection of possible suspects. Victoria's family members are great fun as supporting characters, especially her side-kick SIL Sophia, and Nonna who is the chef mastermind of their restaurant. Genova has created an authentic, cozy world with this series, and she really captures the Jersey Shore ambience.
Looking forward to trying the recipe for Slow Cooker Pork Ragu.
Highly recommend. Grade: A
January 1, 2023
Minestrone Mischief is my first foray into the Italian Kitchen Mysteries by Rosie Genova, but it won’t be my last. I really liked the protagonist Victoria as well as her boyfriend Tim (aka Chef Hottie), her pregnant sister-in-law (and amateur sleuthing sidekick) Sofia, her Nonna and even her detective brother Dan. The author writes with wit and heart, and I enjoyed unraveling the twists of the mystery along with Vic & crew.
Speaking of the mystery… the initial setting of Mischief Night (a New Jersey Halloween tradition that I didn’t know about before) was perfect for the plot, and by its very nature of pranks it contributed to the tangle of clues that Vic had to sort through. The book club that dresses up as the fictional detective from Vic’s books adds further tangles to the clue pile – with layers that require her to dig deeply in order to separate fact from fiction. I thought this was an exceptionally well-plotted mystery with a few surprises along the way and a twist even to the reveal, yet another one I didn’t see coming.
Bottom Line: I love cozy mysteries any time of the year, but there’s something about a Halloween cozy that is especially appealing. Minestrone Mischief by Rosie Genova grabbed my attention with that adorable cover, and the story itself kept me invested in turning the pages and solving the crime. The writing voice is engaging and entertaining, and the characters are very likable. (The dash of romance was a nice bonus, too, but not a major part of the story, so romance-fans and mystery-purists are all happy.) I thought the premise of the protagonist as a mystery writer working at her family’s Italian restaurant was unique (and so was utilizing a classic mystery which I won’t reveal for fear of spoilers), and the murder mystery was intriguing and layered. I haven’t read the first four books – and only felt a little lost at first – but I’ll definitely be following this series from now on!
(I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I read via Kindle Unlimited.)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
Speaking of the mystery… the initial setting of Mischief Night (a New Jersey Halloween tradition that I didn’t know about before) was perfect for the plot, and by its very nature of pranks it contributed to the tangle of clues that Vic had to sort through. The book club that dresses up as the fictional detective from Vic’s books adds further tangles to the clue pile – with layers that require her to dig deeply in order to separate fact from fiction. I thought this was an exceptionally well-plotted mystery with a few surprises along the way and a twist even to the reveal, yet another one I didn’t see coming.
Bottom Line: I love cozy mysteries any time of the year, but there’s something about a Halloween cozy that is especially appealing. Minestrone Mischief by Rosie Genova grabbed my attention with that adorable cover, and the story itself kept me invested in turning the pages and solving the crime. The writing voice is engaging and entertaining, and the characters are very likable. (The dash of romance was a nice bonus, too, but not a major part of the story, so romance-fans and mystery-purists are all happy.) I thought the premise of the protagonist as a mystery writer working at her family’s Italian restaurant was unique (and so was utilizing a classic mystery which I won’t reveal for fear of spoilers), and the murder mystery was intriguing and layered. I haven’t read the first four books – and only felt a little lost at first – but I’ll definitely be following this series from now on!
(I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I read via Kindle Unlimited.)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
October 22, 2022
Imitation may be the sincerest form of flattery. However, mystery writer, Victoria, is not amused when her biggest stan (stalkery fan) is found dead posed like a death in her book. The local prosecutor is suspicious of both Victoria and her boyfriend, Tim. What can Victoria do but find the real killer?
Setting the mystery during mischief night, October 30, is unique. Victoria, Tim, pregnant sister-in-law Sofia and especially grandmother Nonna all feel like genuine friends. The mystery is fun to guess whodunit. I really enjoyed the gathering of the suspects for the reveal as a nod to golden-age mysteries.
I have only one minor caveat. Be prepared to be hungry because Victoria works at her family’s Jersey shore Italian restaurant. Luckily, three recipes are included in the book—but, of course, you will have to cook them.
Overall, Minestrone Mischief is a great afternoon’s entertainment. 4 stars!
Thanks to the author and Great Escapes Book Tours for a digital review copy of the book.
Setting the mystery during mischief night, October 30, is unique. Victoria, Tim, pregnant sister-in-law Sofia and especially grandmother Nonna all feel like genuine friends. The mystery is fun to guess whodunit. I really enjoyed the gathering of the suspects for the reveal as a nod to golden-age mysteries.
I have only one minor caveat. Be prepared to be hungry because Victoria works at her family’s Jersey shore Italian restaurant. Luckily, three recipes are included in the book—but, of course, you will have to cook them.
Overall, Minestrone Mischief is a great afternoon’s entertainment. 4 stars!
Thanks to the author and Great Escapes Book Tours for a digital review copy of the book.
February 15, 2025
This book just wasn't for me. It wasn't bad, but it did come off as amateurish to me. The book spent a lot of time reviewing the same suspects over and over again and not really getting anywhere. Even the culprit ultimately didn't make much sense overall, and the situation never seemed fully resolved. Even the title had very little bearing on the book (I would say the plot focused on MUCH more than mischief). I won't be reading any other books in this series.
October 3, 2022
Great mystery!!
This is such a great addition to the series! The mystery kept me guessing until the very end. The characters were fun and believable, which isn't always the case in cozy mysteries. Ms. Genova is such a great writer I can't wait for the next book!!!!
This is such a great addition to the series! The mystery kept me guessing until the very end. The characters were fun and believable, which isn't always the case in cozy mysteries. Ms. Genova is such a great writer I can't wait for the next book!!!!
October 30, 2022
MINESTRONE MISCHIEF by Rosie Genova
The Fourth Italian Kitchen Mystery
Halloween is coming to Oceanside Park and with it, more mischief than mystery writer Victoria Rienzi is prepared for. Working on her next book and her relationship with Tim, she's now dealing with her "biggest fan", a stalker.
I'm so happy that this series has returned. The juxtaposition of a mystery author who kills people and solves crimes on paper and a woman who returns home to write about her roots and finds murder victims is brilliant. The fourth Italian Kitchen Mystery contains themes especially relevant today, from stalking, social media, privacy, and more. Though at times heavy, the book is peppered with humor, especially from Sofia, and I enjoyed many a laugh.
MINESTRONE MISCHIEF is a complex mystery for several reasons. What is the actual crime? Is there one crime or two? How many culprits could there be? The timing seems near impossible. Someone must be lying. Right? The victim becomes such a villain, isn't it good someone got rid of him? Should they be pursued, especially to the detriment of your own relationships? Moral dilemmas abound here making this an especially captivating and emotional mystery.
I like the emotional baggage Vic has with her relationship with Tim. It makes things more real. Life isn't easy and their relationship is complex. Readers unfamiliar with the characters may prefer things go more smoothly for them, but the reasoning behind this is more evident if you've read the previous books in the series, which I highly recommend. All of Victoria's relationships are impacted by the murders she discovers and I find that the victim in this fourth Italian Kitchen Mystery quite telling.
MINESTRONE MISCHIEF brings complex characters and comforting food together with an intricately plotted crime against a fun Jersey backdrop to create a delectable mystery to savor.
The Fourth Italian Kitchen Mystery
Halloween is coming to Oceanside Park and with it, more mischief than mystery writer Victoria Rienzi is prepared for. Working on her next book and her relationship with Tim, she's now dealing with her "biggest fan", a stalker.
I'm so happy that this series has returned. The juxtaposition of a mystery author who kills people and solves crimes on paper and a woman who returns home to write about her roots and finds murder victims is brilliant. The fourth Italian Kitchen Mystery contains themes especially relevant today, from stalking, social media, privacy, and more. Though at times heavy, the book is peppered with humor, especially from Sofia, and I enjoyed many a laugh.
MINESTRONE MISCHIEF is a complex mystery for several reasons. What is the actual crime? Is there one crime or two? How many culprits could there be? The timing seems near impossible. Someone must be lying. Right? The victim becomes such a villain, isn't it good someone got rid of him? Should they be pursued, especially to the detriment of your own relationships? Moral dilemmas abound here making this an especially captivating and emotional mystery.
I like the emotional baggage Vic has with her relationship with Tim. It makes things more real. Life isn't easy and their relationship is complex. Readers unfamiliar with the characters may prefer things go more smoothly for them, but the reasoning behind this is more evident if you've read the previous books in the series, which I highly recommend. All of Victoria's relationships are impacted by the murders she discovers and I find that the victim in this fourth Italian Kitchen Mystery quite telling.
MINESTRONE MISCHIEF brings complex characters and comforting food together with an intricately plotted crime against a fun Jersey backdrop to create a delectable mystery to savor.
January 21, 2023
Expertly crafted and twisty. In the much-anticipated Minestrone Mischief, book four of the Italian Kitchen Mysteries, Victoria Rienzi, aka mystery writer Vic Reed, once again finds herself with a dead body on her hands, and a long list of characters--every one of them bearing a plausible motive for murder. Thread-through with devotion to family and a second chance at first love, Genova had me guessing until the very end.
August 14, 2023
I am so happy that the author was able to continue this series! I have read all of her books and enjoy them so much! I too am an Italian Jersey shore Ragazza and there is so much nostalgia in the books for me. I really enjoyed this book a lot and I love how she teams up with her sister in law, Sofia, and reporter, Nina LaGuardia. Such a fun summer read!
October 7, 2022
Mystery writer Victoria is busy working at her family’s restaurant and writing her books. Now one of her book fans has decided to stalk her but before she can get a restraining order, she discovers his body. Of course she is going to investigate what happened to him.
November 20, 2023
Loving The Italian Kitchen Mysteries
I have enjoyed this series of books. Always kept me guessing. The cast of characters are all so likable. Even if trying to pull the big brother card! Have to say have enjoyed recipes as much as the stories! Yummy!!😋
I have enjoyed this series of books. Always kept me guessing. The cast of characters are all so likable. Even if trying to pull the big brother card! Have to say have enjoyed recipes as much as the stories! Yummy!!😋
June 22, 2024
Did I buy this book bc there was a dog on the cover? Obviously. You know me better than that by now. This was pretty much exactly what I expected. A fun murder mystery with a twist or two towards the end. Dragged a little in the middle, but a fun read all around
March 3, 2023
love of food family and murder
Good characters, many twits and turns . Did not guess correctly. Well written and highly enjoyable series. Hoping for more!
Good characters, many twits and turns . Did not guess correctly. Well written and highly enjoyable series. Hoping for more!
July 22, 2023
This is a fun series to read. The characters in the family are very engaging and enjoyable. There are recipes as an added bonus. I hope to read the entire series.
January 3, 2023
Great fun celebrating Halloween on the Jersey shore.
Been waiting anxiously for the next book of the series to come out, I missed Victoria and her sidekick sister in law sofia solving crimes together. The mystery kept me guessing until the end. Very well written and worth the wait.
Looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
Been waiting anxiously for the next book of the series to come out, I missed Victoria and her sidekick sister in law sofia solving crimes together. The mystery kept me guessing until the end. Very well written and worth the wait.
Looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews