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Chef-to-Go Mystery #2
Leave No Scone Unturned
Another deadly fun Chef-to-Go mystery from New York Times bestselling author Denise Swanson!
The back-to-school season can be murder
It's the beginning of the university's fall semester and Dani can't wait for the college students to return to Normalton, Illinois--after all, without them, there is no one to support her Lunch-to-Go service, which is a vital part of her Chef-to-Go business. But Normalton University's orientation week is marred by a mysterious murder, along with a series of car-jackings and sightings of a mysterious creature in a pond on campus. And with the whole town feeling unsettled, Dani finds herself dealing once again with the infuriatingly handsome Spencer Drake, the head of security at the university.
Although Dani vowed that her life would never again be boring and routine after she quit her stifling corporate job, she had no idea that she'd end up dealing with such strange happenings--not to mention murder. But as the trouble in Normalton draw worryingly close to home, Dani realizes that if the killer isn't caught soon, she may be the next one who is found scone cold dead.
A delicious cozy mystery, perfect for readers of Kate Carlisle and Gayle Leeson!
The Chef-to-Go Mysteries:
Tart of Darkness (Book 1)
Leave No Scone Unturned (Book 2)
The back-to-school season can be murder
It's the beginning of the university's fall semester and Dani can't wait for the college students to return to Normalton, Illinois--after all, without them, there is no one to support her Lunch-to-Go service, which is a vital part of her Chef-to-Go business. But Normalton University's orientation week is marred by a mysterious murder, along with a series of car-jackings and sightings of a mysterious creature in a pond on campus. And with the whole town feeling unsettled, Dani finds herself dealing once again with the infuriatingly handsome Spencer Drake, the head of security at the university.
Although Dani vowed that her life would never again be boring and routine after she quit her stifling corporate job, she had no idea that she'd end up dealing with such strange happenings--not to mention murder. But as the trouble in Normalton draw worryingly close to home, Dani realizes that if the killer isn't caught soon, she may be the next one who is found scone cold dead.
A delicious cozy mystery, perfect for readers of Kate Carlisle and Gayle Leeson!
The Chef-to-Go Mysteries:
Tart of Darkness (Book 1)
Leave No Scone Unturned (Book 2)
344 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published March 26, 2019
163 people are currently reading
671 people want to read
About the author
Denise Swanson
69 books1,121 followersDenise Swanson lives in rural Illinois with her husband, classical composer David Stybr.
After 22 years as a practicing school psychologist, she's happiest sitting in her scree porch reading. However, when the weather turns too cold, she's willing to leave the Midwest to cruise the sunny Caribbean.
Denise is an animal lover, but her home is currently furless, since her kitty of 20 years passed away in August of 2016. Instead, she enjoys watching the wildlife out her office window.
After 22 years as a practicing school psychologist, she's happiest sitting in her scree porch reading. However, when the weather turns too cold, she's willing to leave the Midwest to cruise the sunny Caribbean.
Denise is an animal lover, but her home is currently furless, since her kitty of 20 years passed away in August of 2016. Instead, she enjoys watching the wildlife out her office window.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 206 reviews
June 14, 2019
Leave no scone unturned by Denise Swanson is the 2nd book in the Chef-to-Go Mystery series. Chef-to-Go business owner Dani Sloan becomes involved in the murder of a homeless person, which appears to be tied to recent car jackings. I enjoyed this book very much. Dani is a strong, capable and kind character and I loved the crossover with the Scumble River characters, which is one of my favourite series. A captivating and interesting mystery.
March 9, 2021
Great read! I’m interviewing this author April 17th @ 2pm Es time on my cozy mystery YouTube channel the BEACHBUM bookworm, and getting caught up on her books. The interview is live, so please feel free to come Join In the discussion and ask questions, and subscribe to my channel for more cozy mystery fun!
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March 17, 2019
Release Date: March 26, 2019
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Actual Rating: 4.5 stars
Leave No Scone Unturned is the second book in the Chef-to-Go mystery series! One of my favorite things about this series is how Denise Swanson makes the murder so complex. They aren't your average mysteries where it's easy to spot the killer and the actual murders that take place are big deals. It's not over something small. This makes the stories much more intriguing and easy to devour. That being said, I recommend that if you chose to read this series that you read the books in order. Some cozy mysteries can be read in whatever order you choose but this series has a budding romance and friendships that need to be followed in order. Otherwise, things will be spoiled.
If you are a fan of cozies I HIGHLY recommend this series. It's actually one of my favorites and I am always excited for new installments. Secondly, if you are a cozy reader and haven't had the chance to read a Denise Swanson book yet then you should get right on it. Her books as amazing! Her characters are friendly, fun, sassy, stubborn, charming, and a whole lot more. I love them!
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Actual Rating: 4.5 stars
Leave No Scone Unturned is the second book in the Chef-to-Go mystery series! One of my favorite things about this series is how Denise Swanson makes the murder so complex. They aren't your average mysteries where it's easy to spot the killer and the actual murders that take place are big deals. It's not over something small. This makes the stories much more intriguing and easy to devour. That being said, I recommend that if you chose to read this series that you read the books in order. Some cozy mysteries can be read in whatever order you choose but this series has a budding romance and friendships that need to be followed in order. Otherwise, things will be spoiled.
If you are a fan of cozies I HIGHLY recommend this series. It's actually one of my favorites and I am always excited for new installments. Secondly, if you are a cozy reader and haven't had the chance to read a Denise Swanson book yet then you should get right on it. Her books as amazing! Her characters are friendly, fun, sassy, stubborn, charming, and a whole lot more. I love them!
March 30, 2019
Dollycas’s Thoughts
It’s Orientation Week at the university and freshman are flocking to take part. Dani Sloan is hoping to draw new students to her Lunch-To-Go business in addition to getting the word out about her catering and personal chef services to keep Chef-To-Go going strong. Unfortunately, the area is also dealing with several car-jackings, of which one of Dani’s tenants is a victim, and an eerie creature appearing at twilight in the pond on campus. Ivy’s uncle Spencer is the head of security and he has his hands full.
Dani also finds out the Ivy has been giving food left over from their catering events to the homeless who are camped out near the university. At first, Dani thinks this is a wonderful idea, but then they find Ivy’s contact person dead in his tent. Dani wants to do anything she can to help find the killer so she teams up with Spencer AND the new hunky detective, Gray Christensen. Spencer is not pleased with her new alliance at all.
Dani, Ivy, Tippi, and Starr are still figuring out their living/working situation but Chef-To-Go is off to a great start. While Dani is like a big sister and friend to the girls she is learning that sometimes she must put the boss hat on as well. Dani’s relationship with Spencer is moving very slowly because they are both so busy and are getting over past relationships, but a new man entering Dani’s life has Spencer rethinking things. Some people don’t but I enjoy the beginning of a romantic triangle. Gray can really shake things up and shake things out for Dani. I am excited to see how the author continues the romantic side of Dani’s life.
Ms. Swanson has entangled these wonderful characters in complicated mystery too. With each turn of the page, I became deeper ensconced into this mystery. Twist after twist truly kept me guessing. The ending was super exciting.
I was really drawn in by the homeless plight that was featured. Homeless veterans, families, teens. It has become so prevalent in this nation and two sides were clearly portrayed with this story.
Again, the college setting opens up so many possibilities. All the core characters are involved in college life in different ways giving the story different views of all the happenings. The author has described the layout so well that I could easily picture the events happening all over and around the campus.
There is also plenty of food being made, sold, and passed around throughout the whole story. Enticingly described, I could easily whip up some of the tasty treats from those descriptions, but I was surprised there were no recipes at the end of the book.
A complex mystery featuring likable and interesting characters set at a fine school of knowledge featuring delectable food. This book checks all my boxes for a fabulous cozy mystery. I highly recommend Leave No Scone Unturned to all foodie cozy lovers!
It’s Orientation Week at the university and freshman are flocking to take part. Dani Sloan is hoping to draw new students to her Lunch-To-Go business in addition to getting the word out about her catering and personal chef services to keep Chef-To-Go going strong. Unfortunately, the area is also dealing with several car-jackings, of which one of Dani’s tenants is a victim, and an eerie creature appearing at twilight in the pond on campus. Ivy’s uncle Spencer is the head of security and he has his hands full.
Dani also finds out the Ivy has been giving food left over from their catering events to the homeless who are camped out near the university. At first, Dani thinks this is a wonderful idea, but then they find Ivy’s contact person dead in his tent. Dani wants to do anything she can to help find the killer so she teams up with Spencer AND the new hunky detective, Gray Christensen. Spencer is not pleased with her new alliance at all.
Dani, Ivy, Tippi, and Starr are still figuring out their living/working situation but Chef-To-Go is off to a great start. While Dani is like a big sister and friend to the girls she is learning that sometimes she must put the boss hat on as well. Dani’s relationship with Spencer is moving very slowly because they are both so busy and are getting over past relationships, but a new man entering Dani’s life has Spencer rethinking things. Some people don’t but I enjoy the beginning of a romantic triangle. Gray can really shake things up and shake things out for Dani. I am excited to see how the author continues the romantic side of Dani’s life.
Ms. Swanson has entangled these wonderful characters in complicated mystery too. With each turn of the page, I became deeper ensconced into this mystery. Twist after twist truly kept me guessing. The ending was super exciting.
I was really drawn in by the homeless plight that was featured. Homeless veterans, families, teens. It has become so prevalent in this nation and two sides were clearly portrayed with this story.
Again, the college setting opens up so many possibilities. All the core characters are involved in college life in different ways giving the story different views of all the happenings. The author has described the layout so well that I could easily picture the events happening all over and around the campus.
There is also plenty of food being made, sold, and passed around throughout the whole story. Enticingly described, I could easily whip up some of the tasty treats from those descriptions, but I was surprised there were no recipes at the end of the book.
A complex mystery featuring likable and interesting characters set at a fine school of knowledge featuring delectable food. This book checks all my boxes for a fabulous cozy mystery. I highly recommend Leave No Scone Unturned to all foodie cozy lovers!
March 28, 2019
Leave No Scone Unturned is another great Chef-to-Go cozy mystery!
Dani runs a catering, personal chef and fresh box lunch business in small college town Normalton. When homeless veteran, Deuce, is murdered, Dani decides to investigate. Assisting her (or vice versa) are sexy city detective, Gray, and her unrequited love interest and University security chief, Spencer. At the same time, there is a car jacking upsurge in the town and the mysterious “Creature from the Blackheart Canal” is sighted on the campus.
It is always nice to see what is occurring in Dani’s life and there is a lot going on in Leave No Scone Unturned. In addition to the mysteries, Dani now has two attractive men to silently lust after. Plus her catering business takes a positive turn when she has almost too much work to handle.
Reading the Chef-to-Go mysteries is like slipping back into a comforting bubble bath. You know what to expect but are still pleasantly surprised by some of the plot twists. This series just keeps getting better and is highly recommended to cozy fans. 4.5 stars rounded up to 5 stars!
Thanks to Sourcebooks Landmark and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Dani runs a catering, personal chef and fresh box lunch business in small college town Normalton. When homeless veteran, Deuce, is murdered, Dani decides to investigate. Assisting her (or vice versa) are sexy city detective, Gray, and her unrequited love interest and University security chief, Spencer. At the same time, there is a car jacking upsurge in the town and the mysterious “Creature from the Blackheart Canal” is sighted on the campus.
It is always nice to see what is occurring in Dani’s life and there is a lot going on in Leave No Scone Unturned. In addition to the mysteries, Dani now has two attractive men to silently lust after. Plus her catering business takes a positive turn when she has almost too much work to handle.
Reading the Chef-to-Go mysteries is like slipping back into a comforting bubble bath. You know what to expect but are still pleasantly surprised by some of the plot twists. This series just keeps getting better and is highly recommended to cozy fans. 4.5 stars rounded up to 5 stars!
Thanks to Sourcebooks Landmark and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for an honest review.
May 7, 2019
Dani is ready for the university’s fall session to bump up her business and the lunch-to-go she offers. Back to school is marred by a murder, car jackings and a creature coming out of the pond. Dani also gets some catering job and finds one of the isn’t at all what she expects. Her relationship with the college’s head of security ramps up. The girls are still living with her and add to the story.
June 3, 2021
I never saw that person being the killer.
April 10, 2019
Summer is winding down and students are returning to campus for the beginning of the fall semester. Dani is pleased that her business will again be picking up. The majority of her Lunch-to-Go clients are students.
Orientation at Normalton University does not go as planned. In addition to car-jackers making their way onto the campus there are sightings of an unknown creature in a canal near campus. Things get worse when a man is found dead in a homeless camp hidden between the canal and the university. The entire town is in an uproar and are looking to blame the homeless and those who are helping them. Dani finds herself working to help find a murderer. She joins the new local detective and Spencer, the head of security at Normalton University and father of her tenant Ivy. Dani discovers she still has in interest in Spencer, while the new detective seems to be interested in her.
I love this book and I am sad that I have to wait so long for the next book in the series. The characters are well-developed and interesting. I was a bit surprised at Dani’s interaction with Hilary. I felt that Hilary’s personality was off-putting. The action in this book moves at a steady pace and I didn’t want to put it down. I recommend this book. It is able to stand alone, but book one was also very good and should be read.
Orientation at Normalton University does not go as planned. In addition to car-jackers making their way onto the campus there are sightings of an unknown creature in a canal near campus. Things get worse when a man is found dead in a homeless camp hidden between the canal and the university. The entire town is in an uproar and are looking to blame the homeless and those who are helping them. Dani finds herself working to help find a murderer. She joins the new local detective and Spencer, the head of security at Normalton University and father of her tenant Ivy. Dani discovers she still has in interest in Spencer, while the new detective seems to be interested in her.
I love this book and I am sad that I have to wait so long for the next book in the series. The characters are well-developed and interesting. I was a bit surprised at Dani’s interaction with Hilary. I felt that Hilary’s personality was off-putting. The action in this book moves at a steady pace and I didn’t want to put it down. I recommend this book. It is able to stand alone, but book one was also very good and should be read.
May 21, 2020
This is the second book in the chef to go series. Dani Sloan runs a chef to go business. This was a light, quick read that was highly enjoyable. I had not read the previous book but I was still able to follow all of the characters. There have been a series of car jackings in town and one of the victims is Dani's tenant. Things only become stranger when Dani finds out that another tenant has been given leftover food from catering jobs to the homeless and soon find the tenants point of contact dead in his tent. I really enjoyed the characters and loved seeing Frannie and Ryan from the Scumble River series. The mystery was well done. I didn't suspect the killer until the very end. Definitely will be reading more in this series.
April 18, 2019
Team Spencer!! Such a good second book to the series. Dani is a great character, so caring and her food sounds so good. I loved how all the different subplots wound together and the mystery totally kept me guessing until the end. I also enjoy some character cross over from the Scumble River series, it’s an added bonus for fans of both series. This series is a lot of fun with good characters, good food, good setting and I hate that I have to wait another year for the next book!
March 26, 2019
The school year is about to start and Dani is looking forward to promoting her business during the orientation going on in the quad, with all the new incoming freshman she is sure to attract new business. When the orientation is over she heads home to put everything away and comes across one of her renters, Ivy, talking to an unsavory looking man. She comes to learn that the man is part of the homeless population that has a place in the outskirts of the college. Ivy has been giving out many of their left overs from Dani's catering business to the homeless and the man Deuce is her go between with all the homeless. When Deuce ends up dead Dani feels the need to investigate and help find his killer. The detective on the case is eager to have her help and the two decide to help each other out with information. Follow along as they look into his death meanwhile coming across a group of zombies, a monster that only comes out at certain times, and a group of carjackers in the area. With all that is going on will they be able to find a killer among these groups or are they looking in the wrong direction? This is a great new series filled with a fun setting, a mixture of wonderful characters, and a plot that will have you eyeing everyone when it comes to the killer. I can't wait to see what Dani gets into next!!!
I received an ARC of this book, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
I received an ARC of this book, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 27, 2018
Leave No Scone Unturned is an enjoyable cozy mystery. As is typical of this genre, the story is cute and entertaining and a fast read. It's good for a relaxing day.
November 21, 2022
First of all... Why is it even possible to set up a homeless camp on the university grounds? It should be prohibited, no? So this thing doesn't make sense.
Second, what with that mask and zombies, mysterious creature in the pond? It was so random and didn't fit into the story.
Third, once again, I usually expect more to the food in the cozy mysteries with food theme. There was some food, but when I finished the book, I couldn't even remember, what it was.
Forth, I'm starting to have issues with all those extremely handsome males, could it be just an ordinary person with some unique charm? It would be so great to read about not perfect, but normal people at least in some books.
And finally, though I enjoyed the mystery itself (for that 3 stars), some turns were predictable. But I think it's just me, reading way too many cozy mysteries recently.
Second, what with that mask and zombies, mysterious creature in the pond? It was so random and didn't fit into the story.
Third, once again, I usually expect more to the food in the cozy mysteries with food theme. There was some food, but when I finished the book, I couldn't even remember, what it was.
Forth, I'm starting to have issues with all those extremely handsome males, could it be just an ordinary person with some unique charm? It would be so great to read about not perfect, but normal people at least in some books.
And finally, though I enjoyed the mystery itself (for that 3 stars), some turns were predictable. But I think it's just me, reading way too many cozy mysteries recently.
February 6, 2023
Good sequel, good mystery, ridiculous love triangle, please get rid of it; characters are improving and the mystery has enough twists to keep you engrossed.
Read
October 28, 2021I thought this book was adorable, and while I thought I knew who did it, the further it went I could not remember and was surprised in the end! I listened to the audiobook, and the narration was wonderful.
March 15, 2021
Very few cozy mystery authors can write characters as compelling as Denise Swanson's. They aren't draped in fashion-model unreality. You can relate to them both in terms of appearance and personality, and they are confident, positive people whose friendship you would seek were they real. That's one of the main reasons I keep reading the various series books she crafts.
Danielle Sloan is tired of her college-age employees who callously take advantage of her good nature. Things are about to tighten up for the Chef to Go employees, and it can't happen too soon. But the remarkable cook whose budding love interest is the local campus head cop has a murder to solve first, and solve it she does.
Normalton is a small Illinois town apparently not far from Scumble River, where another Swanson series occurs. It's fun to see the two series related to one another as happens in this book. Normalton's a college town, and while the university is small, it drives much of the town's economy. The last thing the town needs is a campus security scare. Returning students hear persistent rumors of zombie-like creatures that emerge from a canal that abuts the campus. Carjackers victimize local residents, and a student experienced the brutal loss of her car that way. She is one of Sloan's employees.
Another of Sloan's workers makes a habit of dropping off unused food at a homeless camp near the canal. The principle recipient is a veteran with PTSD. He, too, talks about zombies running through the camp, and when Dani finds his murdered body, both campus cops and local law enforcement get involved.
I didn't see the end of this coming, and the characters kept me interested to the back page. I'll definitely read more of this series and the others Swanson has written.
Danielle Sloan is tired of her college-age employees who callously take advantage of her good nature. Things are about to tighten up for the Chef to Go employees, and it can't happen too soon. But the remarkable cook whose budding love interest is the local campus head cop has a murder to solve first, and solve it she does.
Normalton is a small Illinois town apparently not far from Scumble River, where another Swanson series occurs. It's fun to see the two series related to one another as happens in this book. Normalton's a college town, and while the university is small, it drives much of the town's economy. The last thing the town needs is a campus security scare. Returning students hear persistent rumors of zombie-like creatures that emerge from a canal that abuts the campus. Carjackers victimize local residents, and a student experienced the brutal loss of her car that way. She is one of Sloan's employees.
Another of Sloan's workers makes a habit of dropping off unused food at a homeless camp near the canal. The principle recipient is a veteran with PTSD. He, too, talks about zombies running through the camp, and when Dani finds his murdered body, both campus cops and local law enforcement get involved.
I didn't see the end of this coming, and the characters kept me interested to the back page. I'll definitely read more of this series and the others Swanson has written.
April 27, 2019
That ending was totally swoon-worthy, now lets hope Spencer doesn't get cold feet...lol
Leave no Scone Unturned was amazing, I am really enjoying this series, it's got a great combination of serious and light-heartedness that I thoroughly enjoy. The mystery was great with all the threads to pull, I didn't mind the addition of Grey he seems okay but not in a romantic way for Danni.
The girls Ivy, Tippi and Starr are all great and I'm loving learning more about them I seriously love having Frannie and Justin popping in and the connection to Scrumble River...
The only part I didn't like was Emmy...lol I just can't stand her and even though I'm not a huge Simon fan either Emmy and Simon are all kinds of wrong together but that is a conundrum for another day and another visit to Scrumble River.
Leave no Scone Unturned was amazing, I am really enjoying this series, it's got a great combination of serious and light-heartedness that I thoroughly enjoy. The mystery was great with all the threads to pull, I didn't mind the addition of Grey he seems okay but not in a romantic way for Danni.
The girls Ivy, Tippi and Starr are all great and I'm loving learning more about them I seriously love having Frannie and Justin popping in and the connection to Scrumble River...
The only part I didn't like was Emmy...lol I just can't stand her and even though I'm not a huge Simon fan either Emmy and Simon are all kinds of wrong together but that is a conundrum for another day and another visit to Scrumble River.
December 27, 2018
I didn't want this book to end! The way the author wrote the mystery, the reader doesn't know what is going on until the very end. The way the author ties in all the plot lines is done in such a perfectly executed way that you slap your head in shock at the end. The only thing that gets to me as a reader is how Dani expects Spencer to completely share everything in relation to the case. That just isn't reality. The fact that a fictional character can cause emotions in me as a reader means the author is doing their job. Definitely a series that I hope continues.
September 7, 2019
Great quick read. Dani keeps busy with her Lunch to go service and the 3 college girls she has living in with her. They help her in shifts with their schedules. Then a mysterious murder take place of a homeless man that one of the girls knows. Also there is car jacking happening and a strange creature in the pond on campus is frightening everyone. Dani finds herself trying to solve the crime and find out who did this. She is dealing with the handsome head security man Spencer, at campus. At times it becomes quite dangerous for Dani but Spencer has her back.
March 7, 2019
Leave no Scone Unturned by Denise Swanson is the 2nd book in Chef-To-Go Mystery series, and another fun addition. Dani leaves her high paying corporate job at the same time she inherits a mansion with a commercial kitchen. Dani starts Chef-to-go, where she makes meals to go for students, and catering for special dinners. Dani rents rooms to three college students who also help her out as part of the rent. School is beginning and Dani is as busy as ever, but her tenants are slacking in helping her. When car jackings and murder occurs, Dani must find the truth. This book has more twists and turns, that keeps you turning page after page. I can't wait for the next book in the series. I recommend this book and series for any cozy mystery lovers like me.
I reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark. Thank you.
I reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark. Thank you.
March 16, 2023
Altra trilogia di cui avevo letto il primo libro anni fa e di cui mi ero dimenticata, nonostante mi fosse piaciuta. È stata una piacevole lettura, ma avevo capito la soluzione ben prima della protagonista: sto diventando troppo brava a risolvere questi gialli....
May 29, 2019
I really like this series! What a great cliffhanger!
January 20, 2021
Fantastic series!! This book was so good I did not want to put it down. If you haven't read Denise Swanson, you are missing out!
July 9, 2021
This really is such a cute, fun series. If you like cozies, give it a try!
July 18, 2021
The only reason this doesn't get 5 stars is because I'm not overly fond of some of the main characters.
February 5, 2022
3.5
Another fun listen of a cozy mystery story. It's always fun to hear these different characters speak in their own unique voices that I suppose come from the same voice actress, in this case ;)
Another fun listen of a cozy mystery story. It's always fun to hear these different characters speak in their own unique voices that I suppose come from the same voice actress, in this case ;)
March 6, 2019
It's the beginning of the university's fall semester and Dani can't wait for the college students to return to Normalton, Illinois. After all, without them, there is no one to support her Lunch-to-Go service, which is a vital part of her Chef-to-Go business. But Normalton University's orientation week is marred by a mysterious murder, along with a series of car-jackings and sightings of a shadowy creature in a pond on campus. With the whole town feeling unsettled, Dani finds herself dealing once again with the infuriatingly handsome Spencer Drake, the head of security at the university.
Although Dani vowed that her life would never again be boring and routine after she quit her stifling corporate job, she had no idea that she'd end up dealing with such strange happenings, not to mention murder. As the trouble in Normalton draws worryingly close to home, Dani realizes that if the killer isn't caught soon, she may be the next one who is found scone cold dead.
--
Series: Chef to-go Mysteries – Book 2
Author: Denise Swanson
Genre: Cozy Mystery/Culinary/B&B
Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark
From Sourcebook comes Denise Swanson’s latest edition to the Chef to-go Mystery series, Leave No Scone Unturned.
Normalton, Illinois is as far from its names derivative as you can get. There is nothing normal about the town or its residents. And Dani isn’t the average chef or B&B owner. Her business is dependent on the influx of college students, and murder is not conducive to parents keeping their kids enrolled.
Dani is a lovable character. She loves and cares deeply about those around her, from the girls who board and work with her, her neighbors, to her friends. It is no wonder she gets involved with murder investigations. The main character in this series is truly a wonderful creation of the author and why she is a New York Times best Seller.
Secondary characters are well rounded, with enough detail to make them interesting, and affable. Dani’s love interest, Spencer is not blatantly macho, but has enough masculinity to keep readers happy. The villain, although a murderer can be charming. Not all the suspects are disagreeable but they have issues that amuse the reader and keep the story moving forward.
Although there isn’t a great deal of information about the town of Normalton, what there is, reminds many of us why small to medium towns have a huge draw for readers. College towns in particular keep readers inquisitive and lend an air of youthful enthusiasm to this series and others.
I did not find it hard to figure out the killer’s identity, or the motive, and for some this will be a sticking point. There are some wonderful mouth-watering foods described in the book, but the recipes were not included as they often are in many culinary based cozies. Regrettably, I found the lack of recipes to be a disappointment.
Over all, Leave No Scone Unturned is a quick fun read with enjoyable characters. The plot stays on target and doesn’t roam too far from the main idea. The book is well written and will give readers a few hours of relaxing pleasure.
Although Dani vowed that her life would never again be boring and routine after she quit her stifling corporate job, she had no idea that she'd end up dealing with such strange happenings, not to mention murder. As the trouble in Normalton draws worryingly close to home, Dani realizes that if the killer isn't caught soon, she may be the next one who is found scone cold dead.
--
Series: Chef to-go Mysteries – Book 2
Author: Denise Swanson
Genre: Cozy Mystery/Culinary/B&B
Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark
From Sourcebook comes Denise Swanson’s latest edition to the Chef to-go Mystery series, Leave No Scone Unturned.
Normalton, Illinois is as far from its names derivative as you can get. There is nothing normal about the town or its residents. And Dani isn’t the average chef or B&B owner. Her business is dependent on the influx of college students, and murder is not conducive to parents keeping their kids enrolled.
Dani is a lovable character. She loves and cares deeply about those around her, from the girls who board and work with her, her neighbors, to her friends. It is no wonder she gets involved with murder investigations. The main character in this series is truly a wonderful creation of the author and why she is a New York Times best Seller.
Secondary characters are well rounded, with enough detail to make them interesting, and affable. Dani’s love interest, Spencer is not blatantly macho, but has enough masculinity to keep readers happy. The villain, although a murderer can be charming. Not all the suspects are disagreeable but they have issues that amuse the reader and keep the story moving forward.
Although there isn’t a great deal of information about the town of Normalton, what there is, reminds many of us why small to medium towns have a huge draw for readers. College towns in particular keep readers inquisitive and lend an air of youthful enthusiasm to this series and others.
I did not find it hard to figure out the killer’s identity, or the motive, and for some this will be a sticking point. There are some wonderful mouth-watering foods described in the book, but the recipes were not included as they often are in many culinary based cozies. Regrettably, I found the lack of recipes to be a disappointment.
Over all, Leave No Scone Unturned is a quick fun read with enjoyable characters. The plot stays on target and doesn’t roam too far from the main idea. The book is well written and will give readers a few hours of relaxing pleasure.
October 11, 2021
**WARNING: This review talks about the general plot of the book. If you're reading this review to determine to get it, skip paragraph 4 and the first sentence of paragraph 5.**
Overall, I'd give this book a two-and-a-half star rating if that was possible. This book was certainly an interesting one to read. It. wasn't exactly a get-to-the-point kind of book, expected from murder mysteries. Some chapters didn't get to develop much of the story, but instead were just talking about things that were involved and didn't get far at all. I got bored reading a lot of the chapters. I'm not that great of a reader, but books still shouldn't do that.
The main character, Dani, is unique. She's smart, cunning, and talented. She has a great business model of catering for College students at Normalton University, Illinois. The name "Normalton" is a bit of a silly name, and it does seem quite common in books like these to include some form of normal/regular in its name when there isn't anything normal about it. The whole thing of her being a caterer chef and baker is what got me into the book, but I didn't like it too far in. This entire book could've easily been a 60-page novella but it ended up being a 345-page novel.
There were quite a few chapters that didn't progress much of the story and a few where I was bored reading, but I did get one laugh out of one quote which stated that "Marriage is a three-ring circus--engagement ring, wedding ring, and then suffering." (Swanson 33) This quote is controversial, but I did get a laugh out of it.
The plot goes as follows: Dani has to go to an orientation day as she's running late, as she then gets bombarded by her coworker, Ivy, and a homeless man called Deuce. They were in a rush trying to grab food for the homeless camp near Normalton University, or NU, and Deuce also mentions sightings of zombies. Later on, they get through orientation day outside, and Dani made a deal with a local barber, Hillary, to give her a free demo cut and eight free haircuts on top of that as long as Dani makes meals for Hillary's kids, then sees a zombie. The zombie was just someone dressed up well trying to pitch a zombie 5k run across campus. They later find out that Deuce has been killed. After many long and boring chapters, and after coincidence through coincidence, Dani finds out Hillary killed deuce as she then gets what she deserved and everything ends fine... for now.
the theme I could find was "be kind to the homeless." This book was very slow and none of the other reviews are very truthful in my opinion. There are lots of better books in this category, and this one doesn't belong with them. I don't recommend this book, nor would I read it again.
Overall, I'd give this book a two-and-a-half star rating if that was possible. This book was certainly an interesting one to read. It. wasn't exactly a get-to-the-point kind of book, expected from murder mysteries. Some chapters didn't get to develop much of the story, but instead were just talking about things that were involved and didn't get far at all. I got bored reading a lot of the chapters. I'm not that great of a reader, but books still shouldn't do that.
The main character, Dani, is unique. She's smart, cunning, and talented. She has a great business model of catering for College students at Normalton University, Illinois. The name "Normalton" is a bit of a silly name, and it does seem quite common in books like these to include some form of normal/regular in its name when there isn't anything normal about it. The whole thing of her being a caterer chef and baker is what got me into the book, but I didn't like it too far in. This entire book could've easily been a 60-page novella but it ended up being a 345-page novel.
There were quite a few chapters that didn't progress much of the story and a few where I was bored reading, but I did get one laugh out of one quote which stated that "Marriage is a three-ring circus--engagement ring, wedding ring, and then suffering." (Swanson 33) This quote is controversial, but I did get a laugh out of it.
The plot goes as follows: Dani has to go to an orientation day as she's running late, as she then gets bombarded by her coworker, Ivy, and a homeless man called Deuce. They were in a rush trying to grab food for the homeless camp near Normalton University, or NU, and Deuce also mentions sightings of zombies. Later on, they get through orientation day outside, and Dani made a deal with a local barber, Hillary, to give her a free demo cut and eight free haircuts on top of that as long as Dani makes meals for Hillary's kids, then sees a zombie. The zombie was just someone dressed up well trying to pitch a zombie 5k run across campus. They later find out that Deuce has been killed. After many long and boring chapters, and after coincidence through coincidence, Dani finds out Hillary killed deuce as she then gets what she deserved and everything ends fine... for now.
the theme I could find was "be kind to the homeless." This book was very slow and none of the other reviews are very truthful in my opinion. There are lots of better books in this category, and this one doesn't belong with them. I don't recommend this book, nor would I read it again.
May 15, 2020
I had an ARC of this book from NetGalley when it first came out, but because I had listened to the first one on audio, I just couldn't get into it in print and ended up abandoning it. Months later, my library finally made the audiobook available through Hoopla, however, and I tried again with much better success. I really like the characters in this series, and it was fun to check in with them and to see more of the evolving potential romance between Dani and Spencer. I also really love that the author occasionally includes chapters from Spencer's point of view. This approach is more common in romance novels than in cozies, but it works well and adds new insight into solving the murder as well as into Spencer's feelings toward Dani. I do plan to stick with this series, but I'll be waiting for the audio version of book three!
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