The Ruthless Rice: a Provence cozy mystery

Julie Cavallo Investigates #8

by Ana T. Drew

The rice is ripe in Provence… and so is a wicked murder plot.

During a rice-themed culinary competition, head judge and top food critic Seraphin Rampal is found face down in the Rhône River. The gendarmes believe it was a drunken accident. But pastry chef Julie Cavallo disagrees.

With the help of her misfit crew, she discovers that much more than rankings were at stake. Ruined careers, shortchanged colleagues, and scorned girlfriends all point to one many in the region’s finest kitchens wanted Seraphin Rampal to pay. As their unsavory secrets come to light, danger closes in, compelling Julie to put aside her own troubles and race against the clock to solve the mystery.

Will she succeed, or will she be the next one served cold?

Set against the backdrop of the Camargue marshlands—home to black bulls, white horses, and pink flamingos—this entertaining novel will keep you glued to the page until the final twist!

Genres: Cozy Mystery

260 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 7, 2025

About the author

Chanticleer Mystery & Mayhem Book Awards First Place winner, Ana T. Drew is the evil mastermind behind the recent series of murders in the fictional French town of Beldoc.

When she is not writing cozy mysteries or doing mom-and-wife things, she can be found watching “The Rookie” to help her get over “Castle”. She lives in Paris but her heart is in Provence.

>>> Sign up for her monthly newsletter to be notified when her next mystery comes out and get a free novella and a cookbook!

Reviews

[Lizz Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is revenge a dish best served cold? Julie finds herself in the crosshairs of someone who will do anything to get away with murder. She is lucky to have good friends to rely on. This was a quick page-turner with intriguing twists and turns. It can be read as a standalone. I am looking forward to more books in this series.

[Tina Loves To Read · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a Cozy Mystery, and this is the 8th book in the Julie Cavallo Investigates. I have not read the first seven books in this series before picking up this book, and I do not know if I would like this book better if I read the first seven books in this series before picking up this book. I was bored while reading this book. I found the mystery in this book ok, but there was not enough going on to pull me into the story. I found the characters did not pop off the page, and I just did not care about the characters. I did like the ending, but it did not make up for me being bored before getting to the ending. I would have DNF this book if it was not an ARC. I received an ARC of this book. This review is my own honest opinion about the book like all my reviews are.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best scenes involves Rose and voting! She is a formidable presence even as a secondary character ~ she's a powerhouse and I really enjoy her justifications and thinking process. Lady steals the show with her cute thoughts and it's spot on for a pampered pet! The main character and her squad of sleuths exhibit great teamwork which adds to the calibre of the narrative. It's an excellent mystery and the method used is truly unique! There's suspense, action, and a goodly dose of humour all neatly wrapped up in the mystery. There are a few small interactions with passing suspects that have great potential for other tales. Julie needs to reign in her enthusiasm and recklessness and have some self discipline with investigating if she wants a family with any partner. Of course ~ where's the excitement for the reader then😃‼️ looking forward to more of Julie and Rose in coming mysteries.

[Mary Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Revenge really is best served cold in this latest instalment in a very enjoyable series. When the body of a renowned food critic is found after he disappears from the judging panel of the local rice competition, the police write it off as an accidental death but Julie is convinced there is foul play involved.

This was a quick read as it was such a page-turner. I love the characters. They are fun and the whole baking always has me drooling. I do enjoy the supernatural side of things and it's only very slightly in here but enough to give Julie more of a sense that she is right. Things progress on her other unofficial investigation but only to the extent that I want to know more so hopefully the next book is not too far away. There are also things to be resolved on the personal front that I hope will happen soon. I have really gotten too invested in these characters!

[Delphia Von Heeder · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Ruthless Rice is Book 8 in the Julie Cavallo Investigates by Ana T Drew. This mystery is centered around the Ritzy Rice competition. However, murder was not supposed to be part of the celebration. After 8 stories in this series, the characters become "book friends". I enjoyed this story and I believe that it should be on everyone's TBR list. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.

[Christie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Ruthless Rice is a great story. It does start a little slow, but once it gets going, it's impossible to put down. I really like the main character, Julie. She is strong, independent, and keeps on searching, no matter what. I also like Gabriel, Eric, Flo Rose. They all make the story realistic, yet fun to read. I received a review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I look forward to reading more books by Ana T. Drew.

[Mickey Kay Troxell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, she does it! Back with the same and new characters that are simply wonderful. Hope she continues the series for many more to come!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Gillian Griffis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous plot

Loved the twist and turns, of both mysteries. Certainly hadn't figured out the killer and looking forward to the continued hunt for the ghost rider. Enjoyed Gabriel been an active and present character in this episode of Julie's adventures.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

this book is an easy read with a who dun it themed. well written with believable characters