Travelling chef, Stevie Elliott, has come home for Christmas to her small town of Quapaw, Mississippi, to help with her church’s annual Hallelujah Holiday Bazaar. It’s her famous southern fried chicken that the congregation has been hankering for.
This joyous festival suddenly sours when Pastor Oliver is found dead in his office. And in his hand is one of Stevie’s half eaten chicken legs. Accusing fingers begin pointing to Stevie’s new sous chef, Milo Iker, a stranger to the community and the one who actually made the chicken.
Stevie is certain that the dear pastor died from natural causes. But when Stevie’s father, Sheriff Elliott, informs her that Pastor Oliver was poisoned, Stevie is forced to take this investigation into her own hands. Now she must help clear Milo’s name, protect his secret, and find the real killer.
Kathryn Dionne lives in Southern California with her husband, Jeff, and their two Shar Peis, Bogey and Gracie.
From an early age, Kathryn's love of treasure hunting sparked an interest in archaeology. As an amateur archaeologist, she's been fortunate enough to uncover some very unique artifacts in different parts of the globe. However, she's still searching for that very special scroll.
In addition to writing, she manages their five-acre property and their grove of Italian olive trees. Her husband has lovingly named their business; Saint Kathryn's Olive Oil.
In her spare time, she makes cookie jars and throws pottery in her studio. She also creates mosaics from discarded objects and sells them under the category of Found Art.
Kathryn is the author of the supernatural thriller, The Eleventh Hour Trilogy and a children's book of humorous poetry called, Derek the Fireless Dragon. Her most recent book, a historical novel called, At the End of the Line, was coauthored with Abby L. Vandiver, under their pen name, Kathryn Longino.
Kathryn is currently writing a new series called, Chasing Time, which she hopes to have published some time in 2014.
When an autopsy reveals the local pastor died from poisoning rather than a heart-related issue, several people suspect Chef Stevie's sous chef, Milo. Stevie must convince her father, the sheriff, that the accusations made by the church secretary is false, and it is up to Stevie to prove her friend is innocent, despite a checkered past. From what she has overheard, there are several members of the congregation that have secrets to hide, including the pastor's wife and the assistant pastor. She eavesdrops, asks questions, and researches at the library in order to connect the dots.
Delightful cozy, great characters, heartwarming story about second chances. Part of the 12 Slays of Christmas boxed set. Approx. 125 pages.
A good read. Maybe the culprit was just a tad too obvious from the start. When she comes home with her assistant chef to make food for the bazaar she doesn't expect to be embroiled in a murder. The murder of the pastor! With fingers pointed firmly at her assistant. Can she untangle the Web of lies and half truths to get to the real culprit? A decent plot with a good if slightly stereotype life in a small town. The characters are full blooded and should get better as we get to know them more in future books.
This was a nice cozy featherweIght Elliott Chef. I liked the storyline and the interesting cast of characters. This book is recommended for those who love cozy mysteries.
Oh yes, the pastor is found dead during the church's annual holiday bazaar and everyone is a suspect. This was an entertaining introduction to an author that I hope to encounter again.