Butter Off Dead

Food Lovers' Village Mystery #3

by Leslie Budewitz

As the national bestselling Food Lovers’ Village Mysteries continue, the merchants of Jewel Bay, Montana, try to heat up chilly winter business with a new film festival. But their plans are sent reeling when a dangerous killer dims the lights on a local vendor...

In an attempt to woo tourists to Jewel Bay and cheer up the townies, Erin Murphy, manager of the specialty local foods market known as the Merc, is organizing the First Annual Food Lovers’ Film Festival, filled with classic foodie flicks and local twists on favorite movie treats. But when her partner in planning, painter Christine Vandeberg, is found dead only days before the curtain rises, Erin suspects someone is attempting to stop the films from rolling.

To make matters worse, Nick—Erin’s brother and Christine’s beau—has top billing on the suspect list. Convinced her brother is innocent and determined that the show must go on, Erin has to find who’s really to blame before Nick gets arrested or the festival gets shut down. But the closer she gets to the killer, the more likely it becomes that she’ll be the next person cut from the program...

INCLUDES DELICIOUS RECIPES!

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Cozy, Fiction, Audiobook, Food, Mystery Thriller

304 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published July 7, 2015

About the author

*Also publishes as Alicia Beckman*

Leslie Budewitz is the three-time Agatha Award winner and bestselling author of the Food Lovers’ Village and Spice Shop mysteries, continuing with the 9th installment, LAVENDER LIES BLEEDING (July 2025). Her historical short mystery collection, ALL GOD'S SPARROWS AND OTHER STORIES: A STAGECOACH MARY FIELDS COLLECTION (September 2024), featuring a remarkable figure from Montana history, is a finalist in the 2025 High Plains International Book Awards. She also writes standalone moody suspense as Alicia Beckman.

–

What a delight to return to the Spice Shop, a fictional shop in Seattle’s Pike Place Market, a place I fell in love ages ago as a college freshman. I made it my mission to eat my way through the place, and since it’s constantly changing, I’ll never be done!

In LAVENDER LIES BLEEDING, Spice Shop owner Pepper Reece is shocked when vandals destroy the greenhouse at her friend Liz Giacometti’s lavender farm. But then Liz is killed, and Pepper digs in to solve the crimes. As her questions threaten to unearth secrets others desperately want to keep buried, danger creeps closer to her and those she loves. Can Pepper root out the killer, before someone nips her in the bud?

Writing about Seattle and its surroundings never gets old. Plus it's an excuse to keep up with places I love, and to make regular research trips. And by research, you know I mean eat!

ALL GOD’S SPARROWS AND OTHER STORIES imagines the life and heart of Mary Fields (1832-1914), a real-life woman born into slavery who spent her last 30 years in Montana, where she found freedom and community, and her own place in the West, bringing solace and justice to those in need. The collection brings together three stories originally published in Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine, and a new novella, “A Bitter Wind,” set in 1897 and 1914, in which Mary helps a young picture bride solve the mystery of her fiancé’s death, his homesteading neighbors’ bitterness, and her own future. The title story won the 2018 Agatha Award for Best Short Story; others were finalists for awards from the Short Mystery Fiction Society and the Western Writers of America. The collection is a finalist for the 2025 High Plains International Book Awards.

I’m also the author of the Food Lovers' Village Mysteries, set in fictional Jewel Bay, Montana. DEATH A DENTE, first in the series, won the 2013 Agatha Award for Best First novel. My guide for writers, BOOKS, CROOKS & COUNSELORS: How to Write Accurately About Criminal Law & Courtroom Procedure, drawing on my long career as a lawyer, won the 2011 Agatha for Best Nonfiction.

I’m a past president of Sisters in Crime and former regional and national board member of Mystery Writers of America. I love to cook, eat, hike, travel, garden, and paint—not necessarily in that order. My husband and I live in northwest Montana.

For regular updates, please visit my website, http://www.LeslieBudewitz.com, and click on the newsletter tab to sign up for emails crammed with book news, peeks inside the writing life, and more, along with two free short stories.

Readers are my favorite people. Drop me a line at Leslie at LeslieBudewitz.com. Join me at my website, LeslieBudewitz.com, or on Facebook at Leslie Budewitz & Alicia Beckman.

Reviews

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good edition from Leslie Budewitz. I've read her other series in its entirety and now I'm catching up on A Food Lovers' Village Mysteries. Getting to know the protagonist's family is fun, and I do love the setting. Who wouldn't... with all the food and drink options! The mystery was strong, and there were a bunch of new characters to learn all about. I did struggle to connect with this one a bit, but I also had a lot going on at work and was so tired when I read at night... it could've caused the issue. I enjoy the author's witty style, and she brings something different to the industry. I will be reading more from the series next month, and while I like this series, I definitely find myself gravitating more toward the Seattle-based stories because of the whole spice concept.

[Paul Falk · Rating 2 out of 5]

Welcome to Jewel Bay nestled in the western part of Montana. By all standards; a small town. The storyline began in first gear and unfortunately never made it to second. I had waited, actually hoped for some excitement, energy - anything to take place but it never materialized. This overloaded, character-driven narrative had been the iceberg that ultimately brought this book down thousands of fathoms to its final resting place - Davy Jones Locker . RIP.

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

In our third visit to Jewel Bay, we find them hosting "The Food Lovers' Film Festival". The are planning on showing movies like Chocolat and Ratatouille. Sounds like a lot of fun until Christine, the originator of the idea, ends up dead. She also happens to be the girlfriend/fiancee of Erin's brother Nick. Erin’s brother, Nick is hiding something and it is making him look mighty guilty. Erin knows he is lying, so not only is she trying to prove his innocence but also find out why, who is he protecting. We also meet some high school students, specifically Zayda, who have volunteered to help with festival. She is definitely hiding something. What does she know? How did her earing end up under the dead body?

Leslie Budewitz knows how to get you invested in a story, her characters. She writes them like they are your friends and you want them to be okay. I wanted to encourage Erin to keep looking, but be very careful. When things start to go wrong at the film festival (porno chocolate movie instead of Chocolat) as well as vandalism, you know that she is coming close to figuring it all out. Of course, she is still running the Merc, and her mother is not very happy with her running off all the time.
It was nice to finally find out more about Sally, the town grump. She became much more human in this story and actually had me feeling sorry for her by the end of the story.

This was a well written, well plotted, well paced story. It kept me captivated from the first page until the very last. It was filled with many twists and clues, that left me guessing whodunit until the final reveal. Erin ran her butt off in this story while running the Merc, running the festival, and keeping community and family members in check, all while trying to figure out who killed her friend. She was always off doing something making the story pretty fast paced. The historical mystery of her father's death is also dealt with in this story and the family finally gets some closure. A great story that I recommend to all cozy mystery lovers.

[LORI CASWELL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dollycas’s Thoughts

In this third installment Jewel Bay is hosting another event. This time a Food Lovers’ Film Festival, showing movies like Chocolat and Ratatouille. Sounds like a lot of fun until one of the organizers ends up dead.

The author knows the key to a great mystery series is having characters that continue to grown and evolve and story-lines that put them in precarious situations. She dishes up perfection in Butter Off Dead. Erin’s brother, Nick is hiding something and it is making him look mighty guilty. Erin has to prove his innocence and find out who the heck he is protecting and that puts her right in the killer’s sights. We also meet some high school students who have volunteered to help with festival. They are also hiding something.

This story is so well written. It kept me captivated from the first page until the very last. It was filled with many clever twists that left me guessing whodunit until the final reveal. Erin ran her butt off in this story while running the Merc, running the festival, and keeping community and family members in check, all while trying to figure out who killed her friend. She was always off doing something making the story pretty fast paced.

I know some of the residents of Jewel Bay are not pleased with all the festivals and events but I can’t wait to return to this food loving town for the next one. I also look forward to shopping again soon at the Merc and trying more of those tasty recipes.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another good entry in the series. I enjoyed the addition of Erin's brother to the cast in this one. There were a lot of characters and even with a listing in front it was hard to keep track of everyone. The mystery was good and kept me guessing. Looking forward to reading more.

[Mystery, She Read]

Mood/Seasonal Reading: Mid February

[Janet · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is the third book in this series. Erin Murphy is the manager of a specialty foods market. Erin and her friend Christine decide to host a Food Lovers' Film Festival to boost morale. During all the planning, things go awry as they usually do in cozy mysteries. It's up to Erin to help clear her brother of any wrongdoing.

I really wanted to like this book more than I did. In all fairness, I haven't read the first two. The plot moved slowly, and it felt like nothing was being done about the murder till close to the end of the book. The two cats were the most interesting characters in here. This just wasn't my cup of tea (or coffee in my case). I'm sorry that I couldn't recommend or give a better rating.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lights!!!Camera!!!!Action!!!! We head to Jewel Bay, Montana this time for the First Annual Food lovers'Film Festival and I was so excited, i'm not a big movie fan per say but I am a big foodie movie fan and movies like Ratatouille and Big Night were featured at the festival and movies I happen to love. The food is ready and the movie reels ordered hoping one of them will make it there on time the but movie angle in this mystery will center in on a killer.

It's all about family for The Murphy's. Erin Murphy is the manager of "The Merc" a specialty foods market specializing in local food her mom, Fresca also works there. Erin always has her hands full and she is quite the people pleaser and she is all to pleased to assist Christine Vandeberg, a local painter and former girl friend to Erin's brother, Nick to organize the Food lovers' Film Festival. The high school film class will also be assisting and participating in the festival. Zayda is in the class and a movie buff and looks to have a bright future in the movie industry and she is also lending a hand.

But will cameras and the film festival stop rolling when Christine is found shot at her home with Zayda found at the scene of the crime?. Erin's Brother Nick was also not where he said he was at the time of the murder making Erin somewhat question him but she is also convinced that he is innocent and yet again Erin is drawn in and with family comes first mantra with the Murphy's Erin must help her brother clear his name but there are also a few other suspects. Erin finds it hard to understand what someone would want Christine dead , Could it be related the the film festival or the substantial inheritance that Christine received from another local painter? Erin is determined despite her mother's wishes for her to remain running "The Merc'" to save her brother from prison but Erin must find the killer before the the director yells "cut" on the Food lovers' festival and her life.

I look forward to reading about The Murphy's life at "The Merc" with every book in Food lovers village Mysteries. The food talk and foodie descriptions are very tempting and leave you craving more, perfect for a self proclaimed foodie like me. This was a exciting and entertaining edition to the series much like a favorite movie makes you feel.This is a book to enjoy while eating popcorn, sipping on some soda and munching on movie candy. Erin is a force to be reckoned with when family is concerned, you can feel this families love through the pages, with a past death of Erin's father and the suspicion over how he died Erin has a fighting spirit in wanting to help her brother . Butter off dead plays like a action packed movie with murder as the main attraction and gets five stars from this book reviewer.

FTC Disclosure: Thank you to the publisher for providing me a copy of this book for review.This did not influence my thoughts in any way. All the opinions of the book and review are my own and my reviews are honest.

[Melodie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Have decided this author's style is just not really my thing. Read a couple of others in this series and gave them 3 stars when they were 2.5 at best. She usually has a huge cast of characters to keep track of, so I eventually end up losing interest. She has another series that takes place in Seattle that is marginally better than this one, but not enough so I feel compelled to read more in either series. On to another series.

[Barb · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars, rounded up

I have really enjoyed this author’s Spice Shop series, and was excited to learn that she has another series as well. The Food Lovers’ Village series seems to have ended, so I’m glad there are still Spice Shop books to look forward to.

I like that this series is set in Montana, a location not very common in any of the books I read. I’ve never been there, but I would love to visit at some point, especially Glacier National Park, which seems to be near where these books are set.

I love the idea of a tourist village focusing on foodies, but with so many businesses struggling these days, I wonder if it’s a good idea to be so specialized, especially during winter when there aren’t as many tourists in the first place. Of course, the economy (and everything else!) looked a lot different back in 2015, when this book was published, so that needs to taken into consideration.

I like Erin, the MC, her family and friends, who feel like old friends by now. They work well together, although sometimes the family dynamics make me cringe, and they’re there to support each other as needed. That’s not something you can say about all families, so that’s a plus.

The murder victim in this book was well-liked in town, so there weren’t many suspects to consider at first, until the police – and Erin – uncovered clues. There were several red herrings to throw the reader off, as well as a few other puzzles to solve, but I had a weird feeling about one character relatively early in the book. That person turned out to be the killer, but I was surprised by the motive.

I look forward to listening to the next book in the series, before it’s removed from the Audible+ catalog.

[Lisa Ks Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, a thank you to the author for starting this book off with a character list. Even right down to the pets! It was lots of help.

I’ve enjoyed the Food Lovers’ Mystery series since book one, DEATH AL DENTE. So, when I saw the cover and read the blurb for this book, BUTTER OFF DEAD, I couldn’t wait to get this book in my hands. It was more than worth the wait!

Author Leslie Budewitz filled this story with twists and turns that had me on the edge of my seat, holding my book in a death grip, easing my hold only long enough to turn the pages. This was an expertly written mystery, from the sad death scene to the surprising and exciting reveal. I had no idea who to suspect as the murderer!

As with the first two books, the characters in this series are still wonderfully charming and quirky. It was fun getting to learn even more about them. And I loved idea of the Food Lovers’ Film Festival. Such a fun idea to go with this series. I’d like to see come back in a future installment.

It’s no surprise at all Leslie Budewitz won an Agatha Award for book two, CRIME RIB. She knows how to serve up a satisfyingly delicious story that fills your senses with delight and leaves you hungry for more.

And check out the back of the book for The Food Lovers’ Film Festival Guide to Food and Drink, with 8 yummy recipes!

[Cozy Reader Lady · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Butter Off Dead (Food Lovers' Village Mystery #3)" by Leslie Budewitz is a little bit Valentine's Day themed. There's the occasional mention of it coming up since it coincides with the movie festival the village is putting on. There's also the occasional mention when the characters talk about how they're decorating or what they're stocking at the store.

When Erin's good friend is shot just before Erin is due to meet her, Erin gets pulled into investigating. She is especially interested in finding out who the culprit is because her brother is the primary suspect. There's also the constant reminder of Erin's dad's suspicious death many years earlier that the anniversary of it dampening the mode. Two mysteries get solved in this one. This book is fairly standalone despite the cold case that gets more attention.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Butter Off Dead is the third installment in the Food Lovers' Village Mystery series by author Leslie Budewitz. This series features Erin Murphy and the merchants of Jewel Bay, Montana. In Butter Off Dead the Jewel Bay merchants attempt to attract winter tourists with a film festival. So the beauty of Montana, gourmet food and a film festival...what more can you ask for! Well a murder of course.

I enjoy cozies published by Berkley because so you know that you are going to read a well-written novel with a great story. Butter Off Dead can be read as a stand alone. I had not read the earlier books in the series (yet!) and it did not affect my enjoyment one bit.

Erin's partner in planning Jewel Bay's First Annual Food Lovers’ Film Festival, Christine, is found dead just before the opening of the festival. Does someone want to stop the festival? Could the killer be Nick who is Christine's boyfriend and Erin's brother? Could Erin be next? You'll have to read Butter Off Dead to find out!

Great cozy mystery! I'm already looking forward to the next one in the series! Keep them coming Leslie Budewitz!

[Doward Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the Book#3 in A Food Lovers' Village Mystery series and it keeps right on rolling out the entertainment. Erin Murphy manages her mother's market, The Merc, which specializes in locally grown and sourced food items in the tourist town of Jewel Bay, Montana. While helping with a winter film festival for the town Erin's friend, Christine is murdered and Erin's brother becomes the prime suspect. Keeping the film festival on track and to honor Christine's involvement has Erin bouncing from suspect to suspect in the small town. With food, movies, wolves, art collections, scary gun toting neighbors, Christine's murder and the unsolved fifteen year old hit and run death of her father, Erin has her hands full. This series has a great background, fascinating characters and diabolical murder plots. This is a must read for mystery fans and I do recommend starting with the first book. I can't wait to see what comes next.

[Diane ~Firefly~ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Erin has to deal with taking over a film/food festival and help clear her brother as a suspect in a murder.

What I enjoyed:
* The small town setting of merchants pushing local Montana goods
* The cat drama as Erin took in the victim's cat
* We finally get closure in Erin's father's hit and run and not surprised that her former best friend knew something (it was her cousin's car - but not her cousin it turns out)
* Glad Sally learned her lesson and will hopefully stop being an annoying character

What could have been better:
* The story seemed slow
* Zayda should have been punished. She knew Larry had to be the killer but let the fact he might keep her out of film school keep her silent

[Christi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book #3 in the Food Lovers' Village series finds Erin Murphy as the co-chair of the first annual movie festival in Jewel Bay, Montana. After Erin's co-chair, Christine Vandenberg, is murdered and Erin's brother, Nick, becomes a suspect, Erin must work fast to solve the murder. Another great book in the series!

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great entry in an enjoyable cozy series! I wonder, though, if the locals would get festival burnout. This story had a lot going on, with main character Erin dealing with the town's film festival, her growing relationship with Adam, her family, her business, and of course, investigating a murder. It wasn't too overwhelming, and kept the story moving at a good pace. I did find a few hints to the killer, but I was still guessing until he/she was revealed at the end. The killer's motive wasn't too overthought or complicated. And there was another mystery in the book that was solved, which I didn't guess quite right, either. I recommend this series to mystery lovers, foodies, charming small town fans, and anyone who just likes a great story. Looking forward to reading #4, Treble at the Jam Fest!

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Set in Montana, this series follows specialty food shop manager Erin Murphy, a local gal who left the big city to return to her hometown. When her friend and co-chair of the upcoming local film festival is murdered, Erin's brother, who was dating her, becomes the prime suspect. Can Erin clear her brother's name while juggling work, festival preparations, and small-town gossip?

Nothing extraordinary about this one, but it was an enjoyable enough read. I haven't read any of the others yet, so I'll probably try them out to see what I think.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to this book on audio and really enjoyed it!
Great story! The characters are very interesting and I'm looking forward to reading the rest of this series.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice installment in the Food Lover's Village series with an ending that surprised me!

[OpenBookSociety.com · Rating 5 out of 5]

http://openbooksociety.com/article/bu...

I love the characters in Leslie Budewitz’s Food Lovers’ Village Mystery series and they are just as amazing in her third installment Butter Off Dead. The wonderful town of Jewel Bay, Montana is hosting its first annual Food Lovers’ Film Festival. Everything is going as planned, the food has been arranged with local spin on movie favorites. They have the classic movies ordered. The local film class is going to be assisting and even showing a movie they made. Main character, Erin Murphy is working with her brother, Nick’s girlfriend local artist Christine Vanedburg to get all the last minute work done. Just when it looks like things will go off without a hitch, it looks like someone is sabotaging the festival. Then her partner Christine is found dead. The worst part is Erin’s brother is the prime suspect.

I love how Erin cares so much not just for her brother, but for her town as well. She tries to find the answers, the killer, the motive, all of it in order to not only save her brother, but the festival. The characters are fun, well developed and their interaction is wonderful. At times humor washes over the story, while at others deep sadness penetrates the scenes. Several other suspects pop up on Erin’s radar and lead her down mysterious paths. With stellar writing that twists and turns and pulls the reader in deeper and deeper, Budewitz has again written a fabulous cozy mystery. The intrigue and adventure is entertaining and amusing. Little clues are dropped here and there with little or no fanfare to tease the reader so they sneak in and sit in the back of your mind. The mystery is well written and keeps you guessing not only as to who the killer may be, but also why.

The setting of this series is enticing, making me want to move to this Jewel of a town. The characters are entertaining and have become friends that I love visiting with as often as possible. Intelligent writing throughout with descriptive prose that carries the story through twists and turns a plenty. Is the murder related to the film festival, the inheritance Christine received, or something totally unrelated to any of it? Several wrong paths lead the reader to different conclusions. Great red herrings. You really do not need to have read the first two in this wonderful series to enjoy Butter Off Dead, but I recommend reading them as they are truly enjoyable as well. This is an intriguing cozy mystery full of fabulous characters and suspenseful mystery. Grab the popcorn and the boxes of candies and sit back enjoy this great story spun by author Leslie Budewitz.


*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review as part of their ongoing blog tour*

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always enjoy my visits to Jewel Bay, Montana. And, this, my third trip to the Food Lover’s Village did not disappoint. A wonderful description and synopsis of the story is provided on this page, so I won’t bore you with a repetition of the storyline. But I will try to explain why I continue to give this series a 5 star rating. First, author Leslie Budewitz’s obvious love of all things Montana is present in descriptions of scenery, food, and personalities. This book’s reference of Montana’s most famous artist, Charles M Russell, led me to investigate the Old West artist’s works further. While I have not spent much time there, her books make Montana a place I would like to explore more fully.
Secondly, the wonderful residents of Jewel Bay could have been created from some of my own friends and family. Erin Murphy, her mother Fresca, brother Nick, and sister Chiara, are a celebration of family. Their love, good natured teasing, and concern for one another makes these characters so likeable. Ms. Budewitz has definitely spent some time with a five year old, as the character of Landon made me laugh out loud, and reminded me so much of my own five year old granddaughter. She has her own version of Superhero, frequently Anna or Elsa, and his same approach toward life. I liked the fact that the residents of Jewel Bay were having their own mid-winter festival; one for the community rather than the tourists. (Christine’s obnoxious neighbor, Jack Frost, is not like a friend or family member.) And I loved the two cats, Pumpkin and Mr. Sandburg’s, interactions. If you have ever tried to introduce a second cat into your home, you will appreciate it as well.
Thirdly, the writing flows easily, and I was caught up in the mystery quickly. I did not guess the murderer, as the numerous red herrings kept me guessing to the end. The mystery storyline was very entertaining. It’s a book that is perfect for the beach, a rainy day, or curled up by the fire with a cup of tea.
Lastly, although this is the third book in a series, it can stand alone. I had previously read both of the earlier books, so I let my daughter read it. She has not read the earlier books, and did not have difficulty following the characters or the plot.
In disclosure, I won a copy of this book from a Facebook group in exchange for a fair and unbiased review. I purchased my copies of Death al Dente and Crime Rib, the earlier books in the series, and I was planning on picking up this book. My 5 star review is based solely on my enjoyment of this series, and this book in particular.

[K.A. Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leslie Budewitz writes a very intriguing cozy mystery in BUTTER OFF DEAD. Erin Murphy runs the Merc, her family’s century old grocery store recently turned gourmet food store in Jewel Bay, Montana. The town relies heavily on tourists to make a living and usually Erin is busy organizing a festival to bring them in. This time, however, she’s only the “go-fer” for her brother’s ex-girlfriend, Christine Vandeberg, who is organizing the First Annual Food Lovers’ Film Festival. They plan on showing food-themed movies and serving food that celebrates the chosen movies.

Just days before the festival is to begin, Christine is found murdered in her home. Suspicions quickly land on her ex-boyfriend, Nick, who happens to be Erin’s brother. He won’t tell anyone his whereabouts during the time she was shot, which only increases the belief that he is guilty. Erin knows that even though Nick is hiding something, he is innocent of murder and sets about to clear his name. However, she soon finds out that there are quite a few people who might be capable of going to extreme levels to keep their secrets from being exposed and she must find the culprit before they strike again. In addition to the turmoil her family experiences from the possible murder charges facing Nick, Erin is plunged back into piecing together new clues on how her father died while she was still in high school with the hopes of finding comfort in finally finding out the truth about the terrible tragedy. And all the while Erin must fill Christine’s position and keep the Food Lovers’ Film Festival on track to open.

I enjoyed revisiting Jewel Bay and it’s townspeople in this latest release in the Food Lovers’ Village series. The author gives us greater insight into Erin and her family’s dynamics and allows them to grow and experience life in a realistic manner. Besides the relationships, Leslie provides lots of twists and turns to the plot and kept me guessing the entire book. And as always, some yummy recipes are included....I tried the Jewel Bay Critter Crunch and without a doubt, it's the best caramel corn I've ever made!

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

The 3rd book in Leslie Budewitz's Food Lovers' Mysteries is another great novel in this charming award winning series. The books follow the exploits of Erin Murphy and her family & friends in the fictional town of Jewel Bay Montana; a picturesque and believable setting where, I'm sure, many readers wish they lived. Erin, the manager of the local "mercantile", has been working hard at promoting the community through the use of food festivals but this time the Film Festival is for the locals and another resident is in charge. Unfortunately, death strikes the town the week before the festival and Erin is drawn into, not only organizing the festival, but also trying to solve the murder. When Erin's brother Nick becomes a viable suspect, she refuses to let the police solve the case without her help. Her family's distrust of the police traces back to the unsolved hit and run death of Erin's father years ago. Will that case ever be solved? Is a local responsible for the current murder? With intriguing characters, small town charm & scrumptious sounding recipes this mystery book is a highly recommended read. I received an pre-publication copy of this book from the author but my review is voluntary and solely my impression of the work.

[Stormi (StormReads) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Erin Murphy manager of the specialty local foods market known as the Merc, is organizing the First Annual Food Lovers’ Film Festival, filled with classic foodie flicks and local twists on favorite movie treats. Everything was going fairly good until painter Christine Vandeberg is found dead. She was Erin's partner in putting the Film Festival together and was also her brother's ex-girlfriend. 

So of course her brother is the one they automatically suspect as well as Zayda, a young girl who wants to be an actress. Erin is worried about both of them but especially her brother because he is being very secretive about where he has been and what he has been doing. There are others that could be suspects and so Erin is determined to find out who killed Christine not only to prove her brother innocent but she liked Christine and feels awful about what happened. 

I like Erin as a character  and it has a well balanced cast of secondary characters. It's not a cutesy cozy but still very enjoyable. It had a really good mystery and I didn't guess the killer so that is always good. 

Overall it was enjoyable and I hope to be getting to the next one Treble at the Jam Fest soon. This town sure has a lot of festivals. :)

[Dianne Thompson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the third installment of the Food Lovers' Village Mysteries. The book is very well written with many descriptions of the village of Jewell Bay, Montana and its residents. The descriptions of the village sound so homey, it sounds like somewhere I would like to live. The story has many twists and turns and holds your attention in trying to figure out who is responsible for the murder of Christine. This story keeps you guessing until the end.I received this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. I have not read the first two books of this series and did not find that this lessened my enjoyment of this book. I will definitely read them in the future. A nice read on a hot summer day!

[Mesembryanthemum · Rating 2 out of 5]

I got mad at this book on page 23, when the author misidentifies "Babette's Feast" as a French movie. (Amazing how those French actors speak such perfect Danish, eh?)

OK, so that's just one error. But there were lots of others. And this sloppy, lazy approach affects the plot as well. So many senseless and repetitive scenes. So much boring.

Then --- whoops -- a 10-page ending with a WTF "solution" including a piece that belongs to the first book in this series, which I haven't read. The too-quick ending is followed by the most classic of cozy stereotypes: mediocre recipes, where the author claims that pastel-pink Cara Cara oranges are blood oranges.

Where were the editors? I blame them and the publisher, Berkeley Prime Crime, for this waste of time.

[Jackie Rogers · Rating 3 out of 5]

Butter Off Dead is a Quirky mystery taking place in a small Montana village. One doesnt often equate mystery and a love for food, but both are in LEslie Budewitz new paperback. The main character is the manager ofa specialty food shop in this small town. She is also a nosy nellie which makes for a good detective. There is murder in this village and the mystery of Erin's fathers death 15 years ago. Erin is our nosy nellie. As murder goes so comes suspects and main one is Erins brother. Assmall towns go everyone knows everyone and speculation is always a problem. AS the book progresses the story is a keeper. Thanx to Goodreads for this gift.

[Bertha · Rating 3 out of 5]

To get tourists to Jewel Bay and cheer up the townspeople, Erin Murphy, manager of the specialty local food market, is organizing the first annual food lovers film festival. When her planning partner, painter Christine Vandeberg, is found dead only days before the opening, Erin suspects someone is attempting to stop the festival. To make matters worse Erin's brother, Nick, who was Christine's boyfriend, is the prime suspect. Erin has to find out who the real killer is. The closer she gets to the killer the more likely to be the next victim.
Great book for all the cozy mystery lovers.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

First, I want to live in a town with as many festivals as these people have. Oh wait! I do!
Lovely continuation of the ongoing events in a little Montana town that seems to get more than it's share of murder. Even though I guessed the culprit(s) early on, I was still surprised when everything was resolved. This is exactly what a "cozy" is all about!