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Marygene Brown Mystery #1
Southern Sass and Killer Cravings
Life has always been sweet on Georgia's Peach Cove Island, but a case of murder has Marygene Brown down in the pits . . .
For generations, the women of the Brown family on Peach Cove Island have been known for their Southern sass and sweet homemade desserts at their beloved Peach Diner. Since their mother's passing two years ago, Marygene has been stuck in Atlanta while her sister Jena Lynn has been running the family business. Now Marygene has left her husband and returned to her hometown, where she can almost feel Mama's presence.
But all is not peachy back home. Marygene has barely tied on an apron when a diner regular drops dead at the counter. When it turns out the old man's been poisoned, Jena Lynn is led away in handcuffs and the family eatery is closed. Now, to save her sister and the diner, Marygene must find the real killer. With some startling assistance from her Mama's spirit, Marygene will be serving up a special order of just desserts . . .
Includes Seven Recipes from Marygene's Kitchen!
For generations, the women of the Brown family on Peach Cove Island have been known for their Southern sass and sweet homemade desserts at their beloved Peach Diner. Since their mother's passing two years ago, Marygene has been stuck in Atlanta while her sister Jena Lynn has been running the family business. Now Marygene has left her husband and returned to her hometown, where she can almost feel Mama's presence.
But all is not peachy back home. Marygene has barely tied on an apron when a diner regular drops dead at the counter. When it turns out the old man's been poisoned, Jena Lynn is led away in handcuffs and the family eatery is closed. Now, to save her sister and the diner, Marygene must find the real killer. With some startling assistance from her Mama's spirit, Marygene will be serving up a special order of just desserts . . .
Includes Seven Recipes from Marygene's Kitchen!
361 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published May 28, 2019
147 people are currently reading
2552 people want to read
About the author
Kate Young
23 books1,164 followersKate Young writes Southern mystery novels. She is a member of Sisters in Crime and Georgia Writers Association. Kate lives in a small town in Georgia with her husband, three kids, and Shih Tzu.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 258 reviews
June 10, 2019
Southern Sass and Killer Cravings by Kate Young is the first book in the new Marygene Brown series. This series puts a bit of a paranormal twist on cozy mysteries with the main character having the ability to speak with the ghost of her mother.
Marygene Brown was from Peach Cove Island off the Georgia coast where her family has run the Peach Diner for generations. Marygene had left Peach Cove Island when she married but now after her divorce and her mother’s passing Marygene has returned to help her sister run the family business.
Shortly after Marygene has returned and begun to work in the diner with her sister she gets a visit from the ghost of her mother with a warning to not open the diner the next day or someone would die. Well, of course Marygene thinks the whole thing was crazy and when the diner is opened a regular drops dead at the counter. When it’s found to be a poisoning Marygene’s sister is suspect number one so Marygene must find the real killer.
Southern Sass and Killer Cravings was a great title for the opener to this new series as it describes what a reader will find pretty well. Being set down in the south the characters do have not only southern charm but a lot of sass too. And set in a diner there’s always plenty of food to crave too while you search out a killer along with Marygene. With a fun start I’ll definitely be on the lookout for book two.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
Marygene Brown was from Peach Cove Island off the Georgia coast where her family has run the Peach Diner for generations. Marygene had left Peach Cove Island when she married but now after her divorce and her mother’s passing Marygene has returned to help her sister run the family business.
Shortly after Marygene has returned and begun to work in the diner with her sister she gets a visit from the ghost of her mother with a warning to not open the diner the next day or someone would die. Well, of course Marygene thinks the whole thing was crazy and when the diner is opened a regular drops dead at the counter. When it’s found to be a poisoning Marygene’s sister is suspect number one so Marygene must find the real killer.
Southern Sass and Killer Cravings was a great title for the opener to this new series as it describes what a reader will find pretty well. Being set down in the south the characters do have not only southern charm but a lot of sass too. And set in a diner there’s always plenty of food to crave too while you search out a killer along with Marygene. With a fun start I’ll definitely be on the lookout for book two.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
April 27, 2020
My phone rang for the umpteenth time this morning.
Marygene Brown is returning home to Peach Cove Island off the coast of Georgia after leaving an abusive husband. She plans to be a part of the family business, The Peach Diner, which her sister Jena Lynn and brother Sam have been running. Soon after her arrival a local dies in the diner and Jena Lynn is the prime suspect. Marygene, along with the spirit of her deceased mother slip into sleuth mode to clear Jena Lynn.
This is an excellent start to a series. I really enjoyed getting to know the residents of Peach Cove. The descriptions of the town and the townspeople were very well done and made me feel at home.
Domestic abuse is a hard subject to present. I think the author did a good job handling the after effects of being in an abusive relationship.
Goodness there was a lot of cheating and lying going on with a number of the townspeople. That is what led to the murders and it was quite sad to see how it played out.
It was interesting to see Marygene and Alex as they try to reconstruct the relationship they had in high school. I'm glad the Marygene is being very smart and not jumping into being a couple so soon after her divorce.
Mama was an intriguing character. The island is apparently know for its spirits and why they are still there. Marygene and her mom did not have a great relationship because of family secrets. It will be interesting to see how they resolve.
I was sad at the revelation of the murderer. Such a difficult life to lead and then to throw it all away.
I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
Marygene Brown is returning home to Peach Cove Island off the coast of Georgia after leaving an abusive husband. She plans to be a part of the family business, The Peach Diner, which her sister Jena Lynn and brother Sam have been running. Soon after her arrival a local dies in the diner and Jena Lynn is the prime suspect. Marygene, along with the spirit of her deceased mother slip into sleuth mode to clear Jena Lynn.
This is an excellent start to a series. I really enjoyed getting to know the residents of Peach Cove. The descriptions of the town and the townspeople were very well done and made me feel at home.
Domestic abuse is a hard subject to present. I think the author did a good job handling the after effects of being in an abusive relationship.
Goodness there was a lot of cheating and lying going on with a number of the townspeople. That is what led to the murders and it was quite sad to see how it played out.
It was interesting to see Marygene and Alex as they try to reconstruct the relationship they had in high school. I'm glad the Marygene is being very smart and not jumping into being a couple so soon after her divorce.
Mama was an intriguing character. The island is apparently know for its spirits and why they are still there. Marygene and her mom did not have a great relationship because of family secrets. It will be interesting to see how they resolve.
I was sad at the revelation of the murderer. Such a difficult life to lead and then to throw it all away.
I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
June 1, 2019
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Everything is not peachy on Peach Cove Island. Marygene Brown has left her abusive marriage behind and returned home just in time to witness one of the customers at her family’s Peach Diner keel over dead. When it is determined the man was poisoned, Marygene’s sister Jena Lynn is arrested and the diner is closed. Knowing she has no choice, Marygene sets out to find the real killer to save her sister and reopen the family legacy. She gets an unusual assist from her Mama, who just happens to be dead! All while the sheriff tells her to butt out ‘cuz he’s got it covered. Well, he and that detective from Atlanta brought into the case by the victim’s son.
There is so much I loved about this story!
The author introduces us to Marygene, a survivor of domestic violence. I felt she dealt with the issue realistically while keeping within cozy mystery parameters. Marygene makes a huge step, filing for divorce and moving home, while her husband still tries to keep her under his thumb. She arrives back on Peach Cove Island with the process started, knowing it isn’t going to be easy.
I was impressed with the character growth of the core characters over the course of the story, realizing this is the first book in the series, the author has left plenty of room for growth. The family dynamic is unique and fluid. When her mother passed the family home was left to Marygene, and the Peach Diner was left to both daughters. With Marygene stuck in her marriage, Jena Lynn has been running the diner with their brother handling the kitchen. Marygene also just recently found out that Sheriff Eddie Carter is her biological father. Her return means rebuilding and defining relationships.
The murder takes place early in the story giving Marygene something else to focus on. It also gives her a way to reconnect with family and friends and gives her the opportunity to connect with those who had reason to want Mr. Ledbetter six feet under.
The mystery was cleverly plotted and the addition of Mama’s ghost was fantastic!! Friend and waitress Betsy also assists Marygene in her investigation. (Betsy is a hoot and a half!) There were more suspects than I at first imagined and plenty of twists. A lot is happening on this island. Marygene does her best to piece everything together, even putting herself in the line of fire. More than once she had me holding my breath.
Kate Young has what I would call a comfortable writing style. The dialogue is free flowing full of just the right amount of Southern Sass. I am not a fan of curse words in a cozy mystery but it fits within this dialogue and was rare. Her descriptive style sets the time and the scene without ever going over the top. The characters are easily visualized along with everything that is taking place.
Like a true cozy mystery, this book has its fair share of humor and just a touch of romance. Marygene is just out of a bad relationship and not ready to jump into another, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t any men on the horizon. I hope with all the woman has been through the author takes things slowly and gives out protagonist the time she needs to heal and trust. Jena Lynn romantic relationship has a fun milestone.
Full of Southern charm and a grand mystery along with delectable recipes that may give you some Killer Cravings this series is off to a wonderful start! I can’t wait for book two!!
Everything is not peachy on Peach Cove Island. Marygene Brown has left her abusive marriage behind and returned home just in time to witness one of the customers at her family’s Peach Diner keel over dead. When it is determined the man was poisoned, Marygene’s sister Jena Lynn is arrested and the diner is closed. Knowing she has no choice, Marygene sets out to find the real killer to save her sister and reopen the family legacy. She gets an unusual assist from her Mama, who just happens to be dead! All while the sheriff tells her to butt out ‘cuz he’s got it covered. Well, he and that detective from Atlanta brought into the case by the victim’s son.
There is so much I loved about this story!
The author introduces us to Marygene, a survivor of domestic violence. I felt she dealt with the issue realistically while keeping within cozy mystery parameters. Marygene makes a huge step, filing for divorce and moving home, while her husband still tries to keep her under his thumb. She arrives back on Peach Cove Island with the process started, knowing it isn’t going to be easy.
I was impressed with the character growth of the core characters over the course of the story, realizing this is the first book in the series, the author has left plenty of room for growth. The family dynamic is unique and fluid. When her mother passed the family home was left to Marygene, and the Peach Diner was left to both daughters. With Marygene stuck in her marriage, Jena Lynn has been running the diner with their brother handling the kitchen. Marygene also just recently found out that Sheriff Eddie Carter is her biological father. Her return means rebuilding and defining relationships.
The murder takes place early in the story giving Marygene something else to focus on. It also gives her a way to reconnect with family and friends and gives her the opportunity to connect with those who had reason to want Mr. Ledbetter six feet under.
The mystery was cleverly plotted and the addition of Mama’s ghost was fantastic!! Friend and waitress Betsy also assists Marygene in her investigation. (Betsy is a hoot and a half!) There were more suspects than I at first imagined and plenty of twists. A lot is happening on this island. Marygene does her best to piece everything together, even putting herself in the line of fire. More than once she had me holding my breath.
Kate Young has what I would call a comfortable writing style. The dialogue is free flowing full of just the right amount of Southern Sass. I am not a fan of curse words in a cozy mystery but it fits within this dialogue and was rare. Her descriptive style sets the time and the scene without ever going over the top. The characters are easily visualized along with everything that is taking place.
Like a true cozy mystery, this book has its fair share of humor and just a touch of romance. Marygene is just out of a bad relationship and not ready to jump into another, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t any men on the horizon. I hope with all the woman has been through the author takes things slowly and gives out protagonist the time she needs to heal and trust. Jena Lynn romantic relationship has a fun milestone.
Full of Southern charm and a grand mystery along with delectable recipes that may give you some Killer Cravings this series is off to a wonderful start! I can’t wait for book two!!
June 2, 2019
Release Date: May 28, 2019
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Actual Rating: 3 stars
Southern Sass and Killer Cravings is the first book in a brand new cozy mystery series. This book fits in perfectly with other culinary cozies and even some paranormal as our MC is being "haunted" by her dead mother. I use quotes around haunted because there is nothing malevolent about it, just that her mother who has passed is speaking to her about the murder that has taken place.
For the most part, I thought this was a cute cozy. I did find it to drag in places and I found myself skipping around a bit, but it's certainly worth the read for those who enjoy the genre. It could be a case of "it's me, not you" that made it feel a little slow, but that's how I felt while reading. As for the characters, I genuinely enjoyed them. I enjoyed how close the characters had become as a family even though they had been on the outs with one another for a while. I also liked how the MC, Marygene, has gotten herself out of an abusive relationship- she came off as very realistic and relatable because she suffers from real issues. The murder aspects and solving a crime as an amateur sleuth was fine as well. However, I have read so many of these books that I come to expect the endings like I did with this one.
In any event, I would suggest that those who are cozy mystery lovers grab a copy of this one. It's got fantastic recipes and an engaging plot with awesome characters. I do plan to read the next one and am hoping that I enjoy it a bit more than I did this one.
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Actual Rating: 3 stars
Southern Sass and Killer Cravings is the first book in a brand new cozy mystery series. This book fits in perfectly with other culinary cozies and even some paranormal as our MC is being "haunted" by her dead mother. I use quotes around haunted because there is nothing malevolent about it, just that her mother who has passed is speaking to her about the murder that has taken place.
For the most part, I thought this was a cute cozy. I did find it to drag in places and I found myself skipping around a bit, but it's certainly worth the read for those who enjoy the genre. It could be a case of "it's me, not you" that made it feel a little slow, but that's how I felt while reading. As for the characters, I genuinely enjoyed them. I enjoyed how close the characters had become as a family even though they had been on the outs with one another for a while. I also liked how the MC, Marygene, has gotten herself out of an abusive relationship- she came off as very realistic and relatable because she suffers from real issues. The murder aspects and solving a crime as an amateur sleuth was fine as well. However, I have read so many of these books that I come to expect the endings like I did with this one.
In any event, I would suggest that those who are cozy mystery lovers grab a copy of this one. It's got fantastic recipes and an engaging plot with awesome characters. I do plan to read the next one and am hoping that I enjoy it a bit more than I did this one.
May 28, 2019
3.5 stars
Southern Sass & Killer Cravings is what I would call a grittier cozy… it touches on some tough (potentially trigger) issues and uses some saltier language than I’m used to in cozy mysteries.
Marygene’s family is a bit of a hot mess, not the least of which is her recently-departed Mama who pops in and out to help Marygene and try to make amends for their less than stellar relationship. Yet – Mama included – they stick together when one of their own needs help and in this case both Marygene and her sister Jena Lynn need a passel of it.
The bodies keep piling up, and the plot kept me guessing until the whodunnit (and why) reveal. It’s a case with lots of twists and turns and plausible suspects – a town full of people who seem trustworthy but still may have had solid motive to kill. Marygene isn’t sure who she can trust & neither was I. Add to that, a couple of potential love interests (which Marygene approaches cautiously and slowly, given that she still has literal bruises from her ex) and readers are kept busy trying to decide who needs a purse whomping from Mama.
Bottom Line: Full of quirky small town southern charm and mouthwatering recipes, Southern Sass & Killer Cravings is an edgy cozy with a heroine who will draw readers’ sympathy for her struggles and admiration for her will to overcome them. The crude language and frequent cursing may turn away some typical cozy readers, but the bones of the story, the characters, the humor, and the well-crafted plot are enjoyable if you get past the language choices. I also appreciated the author’s thoughtful and candid portrayal of domestic abuse survivors and the subsequent hope and courage she offers to readers in similar situations.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first seen at Reading Is My SuperPower
Southern Sass & Killer Cravings is what I would call a grittier cozy… it touches on some tough (potentially trigger) issues and uses some saltier language than I’m used to in cozy mysteries.
Marygene’s family is a bit of a hot mess, not the least of which is her recently-departed Mama who pops in and out to help Marygene and try to make amends for their less than stellar relationship. Yet – Mama included – they stick together when one of their own needs help and in this case both Marygene and her sister Jena Lynn need a passel of it.
The bodies keep piling up, and the plot kept me guessing until the whodunnit (and why) reveal. It’s a case with lots of twists and turns and plausible suspects – a town full of people who seem trustworthy but still may have had solid motive to kill. Marygene isn’t sure who she can trust & neither was I. Add to that, a couple of potential love interests (which Marygene approaches cautiously and slowly, given that she still has literal bruises from her ex) and readers are kept busy trying to decide who needs a purse whomping from Mama.
Bottom Line: Full of quirky small town southern charm and mouthwatering recipes, Southern Sass & Killer Cravings is an edgy cozy with a heroine who will draw readers’ sympathy for her struggles and admiration for her will to overcome them. The crude language and frequent cursing may turn away some typical cozy readers, but the bones of the story, the characters, the humor, and the well-crafted plot are enjoyable if you get past the language choices. I also appreciated the author’s thoughtful and candid portrayal of domestic abuse survivors and the subsequent hope and courage she offers to readers in similar situations.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first seen at Reading Is My SuperPower
May 25, 2019
Marygene Brown is recovering from an abusive relationship. What better place to do that than her hometown of Peach Cove in Georgia? Her mother recently passed away, leaving the family diner to Marygene and her sister Jenna Lynn. Jenna Lynn has been holding things together on her own but now it’s time for Marygene to lend a helping hand.
When one of the older diner patrons suddenly dies at the counter Marygene is the one closest to the body. Unfortunately, all eyes turn toward Jenna Lynn and the police arrest her for murder. It’s up to Marygene to prove her sister’s innocence. With a little help from her ghostly mother, a close friend, and an overzealous reporter, Marygene is hot on the trail of a killer.
I thought I had it all figured out but I was so far off the mark. It kept me thinking and on my toes. Things aren’t as they appear to be. This story keeps me guessing until the end.
There are some paranormal aspects with Marygene able to converse with her dead mother. There was also romance tossed into the mystery. It’s a nice combo and it all blended in well together. I found the plot to be intriguing. The characters are well-developed and likeable. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.
FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
When one of the older diner patrons suddenly dies at the counter Marygene is the one closest to the body. Unfortunately, all eyes turn toward Jenna Lynn and the police arrest her for murder. It’s up to Marygene to prove her sister’s innocence. With a little help from her ghostly mother, a close friend, and an overzealous reporter, Marygene is hot on the trail of a killer.
I thought I had it all figured out but I was so far off the mark. It kept me thinking and on my toes. Things aren’t as they appear to be. This story keeps me guessing until the end.
There are some paranormal aspects with Marygene able to converse with her dead mother. There was also romance tossed into the mystery. It’s a nice combo and it all blended in well together. I found the plot to be intriguing. The characters are well-developed and likeable. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.
FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
January 23, 2022
Book 1. Marygene and her best friend Yvonne were going to go back to Peach Cove. They both livid in Atlanta. Marygene with her abbusive ex husband and Yvonne with her interior design degree. Marygene was going back to their family diner Peach Diner where her sister Jena Lynn has been running ever since their mom passed. Sam Marygene half brother Sam worked there. And Marygene detective dad Eddie ( that she did not know half her life was her dad. Was happy she was moving back in Nanny old house. Betsy her other best friend that has worked the diner Peach Diner since she was 16 was so glad to see her too. Marygene thought she was dreaming when she was sleeping in their old house. saw an image of her mamma saying at the diner there will be a murder and Jena Lynn will be number one suspect. Well it happened and then Marygene knew she was not losing her mind. She told Betsy about it. Betsy believed it. She wanted to summons up her mom slot but her mom said she had just some time to be present. Mr. Led better the one who got poison in the diner. And the one who served it was Jena Lynn. Was Ledbetter a major womanizer and that why someone killed him. There were 2 other murders in this book. This is a cute book but there were a little cursing in it. Betsy was pretty funny character. There were issues with mom and Marygene in life that they had not resolved. But it was good book in the series
November 30, 2023
3.75 stars rounded up. Not bad for a first book of the series. It’s quite funny and enjoyable. I liked it.
June 15, 2020
This is the first book in the Marygene Brown series. Marygene has returned to her hometown after divorcing her husband to help her sister at the family diner. But as soon as Marygene returns, one of the diner's customers dies in the diner. Marygene's sister, Jenna Lynn, becomes the prime suspect. Jenna Lynn could never hurt anyone so Marygene decides to find out what really happened.
The book overall was good. I liked the side characters in this book. Marygene's best friend, Betsy, was my absolute favorite. She had me laughing anytime she was in a scene. I liked the appearance of Marygene's mothers ghost trying to give her clues. The mystery was good. I was shocked at how it all came together as I wasn't expecting the killer to be the killer. I loved how easily the writing flowwed and how easily I got into the book. I will definitely be picking up the next book.
The book overall was good. I liked the side characters in this book. Marygene's best friend, Betsy, was my absolute favorite. She had me laughing anytime she was in a scene. I liked the appearance of Marygene's mothers ghost trying to give her clues. The mystery was good. I was shocked at how it all came together as I wasn't expecting the killer to be the killer. I loved how easily the writing flowwed and how easily I got into the book. I will definitely be picking up the next book.
March 25, 2019
This is the first book I have read from the author. It is the first book in the series.
I was totally caught up in the story. I am a domestic abuse survivor. I was surprised to see that Marygene was also a survivor. I totally paid attention to how this was treated. The author did an awesome job with it. It was a secondary story but was not graphic or excessive. It was a part of the reason why Marygene was returning home. It was something she needs to deal with. I was heartened to see the author did not toss out the reason and then never mention it again. I was able to connect with Marygene as she tried to figure out and deal with the many emotions that come with leaving. Amazingly, in my opinion, the author struck a balance between the mystery, (not using him as a suspect which had to have been tantalizing), potential love interests and her need to process what she went through. I thought the situation was handled honestly and sensitivity. I hope that future books continue with her growth as a background story. Domestic abuse still carries with it guilt and shame, even as more victims speak out. It took me almost 10 years to be able to talk about some of my experience. Books, like this one, are important because they not only let us identify with a main character, they help break through the silence. Thank you Ms. Young.
The mystery was well done. I don’t like to talk a lot about the mystery. I would rather let you figure it out yourself. There are several potential suspects. I found myself second guessing, and still trying to decide on who, in the last part of the book. I liked many characters. More I liked the exploration of relationships. Despite the serious subject, the book never felt heavy to me. I loved Mama popping in. She made me laugh out loud. I’m kind of hoping that her love for her children, along with her need to make atonement to them, will keep her in the series. I am looking forward to the next book in this series.
There are several recipes included. I definitely need a waffle iron. The recipes are unique, at least to me. They can look intimidating, I’m not a baker so they did look it to me, but the cookies were pretty easy and wow! Very much worth it. I love the author’s trick of using ziplock bags to mix in. I am planning to make those peach rolls. They made me drool when I was reading. That waffle iron I mentioned...potato waffles! Another diner menu item that had me drooling while reading. Maybe I can borrow a waffle iron.
This book is due out at the end of May, just in time for beach reading. I won an advanced paperback copy. I had some family issues pop up while reading it so it took longer than I expected to read it. I voluntarily reviewed the book as I try to review all the books I read. All the thoughts of the book are my opinions. As always, if a book interests you, I encourage you to read it. If you aren’t certain it is for you, please request it from your library or a library app.
I was totally caught up in the story. I am a domestic abuse survivor. I was surprised to see that Marygene was also a survivor. I totally paid attention to how this was treated. The author did an awesome job with it. It was a secondary story but was not graphic or excessive. It was a part of the reason why Marygene was returning home. It was something she needs to deal with. I was heartened to see the author did not toss out the reason and then never mention it again. I was able to connect with Marygene as she tried to figure out and deal with the many emotions that come with leaving. Amazingly, in my opinion, the author struck a balance between the mystery, (not using him as a suspect which had to have been tantalizing), potential love interests and her need to process what she went through. I thought the situation was handled honestly and sensitivity. I hope that future books continue with her growth as a background story. Domestic abuse still carries with it guilt and shame, even as more victims speak out. It took me almost 10 years to be able to talk about some of my experience. Books, like this one, are important because they not only let us identify with a main character, they help break through the silence. Thank you Ms. Young.
The mystery was well done. I don’t like to talk a lot about the mystery. I would rather let you figure it out yourself. There are several potential suspects. I found myself second guessing, and still trying to decide on who, in the last part of the book. I liked many characters. More I liked the exploration of relationships. Despite the serious subject, the book never felt heavy to me. I loved Mama popping in. She made me laugh out loud. I’m kind of hoping that her love for her children, along with her need to make atonement to them, will keep her in the series. I am looking forward to the next book in this series.
There are several recipes included. I definitely need a waffle iron. The recipes are unique, at least to me. They can look intimidating, I’m not a baker so they did look it to me, but the cookies were pretty easy and wow! Very much worth it. I love the author’s trick of using ziplock bags to mix in. I am planning to make those peach rolls. They made me drool when I was reading. That waffle iron I mentioned...potato waffles! Another diner menu item that had me drooling while reading. Maybe I can borrow a waffle iron.
This book is due out at the end of May, just in time for beach reading. I won an advanced paperback copy. I had some family issues pop up while reading it so it took longer than I expected to read it. I voluntarily reviewed the book as I try to review all the books I read. All the thoughts of the book are my opinions. As always, if a book interests you, I encourage you to read it. If you aren’t certain it is for you, please request it from your library or a library app.
May 24, 2019
Southern Sass and Killer Cravings by Kate Young is the beginning of the Marygene Brown Mystery series. Marygene Brown is returning home to Peach Cove, Georgia after the end of her abusive marriage. She is looking forward to working at The Peach Diner with her sister Jena Lynn that was started by her grandmother. Marygene has a knack for knowing what is missing from a recipe or that something special needed to enhance a dish. On her second day at the diner, longtime Joseph Ledbetter collapses and dies. Mr. Ledbetter’s son, Carl uses his connections to bring in Detective Davis Thornton from Atlanta PD to head up the investigation. It turns out that Mr. Ledbetter was poisoned, and all evidence points to Jena Lynn who is quickly arrested, and their diner is closed. To save Jena Lynn and their family diner, Marygene needs to find the killer. She gets help from her friend, Betsy and, surprisingly, her deceased mother’s spirit. Someone, though, is not happy with Marygene’s digging into the case and attempts to warn her off (not that Marygene can be dissuaded). As everyone knows, there are no secrets in a small town. Marygene needs to uncover which one led to Mr. Ledbetter’s demise before the killer makes Marygene his next victim.
Southern Sass and Killer Cravings is set on a small island off the Georgia coast called Peach Cove. The Peach Diner was started by Marygene’s grandmother, Nanny after her husband gambled and drank away their money. Marygene has a natural talent for cooking and baking. She knows what is needed to elevate a dish and how to fix a wonky recipe. I thought Southern Sass and Killer Cravings was nicely written and it moved along at a steady pace. I liked the author’s conversational writing style which made the story easy to read. Southern manners and hospitality are the code in the South. Southern women are polite and always have sweet tea ready for guests (even if they are unwelcome). I liked that Marygene is a friendly yet flawed character (realistic) who has gotten herself out of a bad marriage. She has made mistakes and knows that she needs to make amends (to family and friends). There are an assortment of characters in the story that include Marygene’s sister, her half-brother, biological father, shop owners, residents, a reporter, and land developers. Betsy Myers, Marygene’s best friend, is over-the-top and boisterous (she is quite a characters). With Carl Ledbetter’s father dead, he is ready to let developers buy the land he inherited for high rise condos and a resort. Other residents do not want this type of development which leads to animated debates. There is plenty of action throughout the story, but I could have done without the repetition of case details. The mystery was mixed for me. The method of murder and the killer’s identity are easily discerned by avid cozy mystery readers. It was interesting, though, following the investigation to learn more about the victim and why he was killed. There are two potential love interests for Marygene. Personally, I thought it was too soon for Marygene to move on after her abusive marriage (she still had bruises on her neck). There is mild foul language in Southern Sass and Killer Cravings and references to the abusive Marygene suffered. My favorite phrase from the book is “the past always has a way of coming back and biting you in the keister” (so true). There are recipes from The Peach Diner included at the end. Southern Sass and Killer Cravings is a humorous cozy mystery that is perfect to read on the front porch in a cozy rocking chair with sweet peach tea on a table nearby. Southern Sass and Killer Cravings has Southern hospitality, friendship, sweet tea, gossip, tasty treats, a dead man, secrets, an island spirit and a new amateur sleuth.
Southern Sass and Killer Cravings is set on a small island off the Georgia coast called Peach Cove. The Peach Diner was started by Marygene’s grandmother, Nanny after her husband gambled and drank away their money. Marygene has a natural talent for cooking and baking. She knows what is needed to elevate a dish and how to fix a wonky recipe. I thought Southern Sass and Killer Cravings was nicely written and it moved along at a steady pace. I liked the author’s conversational writing style which made the story easy to read. Southern manners and hospitality are the code in the South. Southern women are polite and always have sweet tea ready for guests (even if they are unwelcome). I liked that Marygene is a friendly yet flawed character (realistic) who has gotten herself out of a bad marriage. She has made mistakes and knows that she needs to make amends (to family and friends). There are an assortment of characters in the story that include Marygene’s sister, her half-brother, biological father, shop owners, residents, a reporter, and land developers. Betsy Myers, Marygene’s best friend, is over-the-top and boisterous (she is quite a characters). With Carl Ledbetter’s father dead, he is ready to let developers buy the land he inherited for high rise condos and a resort. Other residents do not want this type of development which leads to animated debates. There is plenty of action throughout the story, but I could have done without the repetition of case details. The mystery was mixed for me. The method of murder and the killer’s identity are easily discerned by avid cozy mystery readers. It was interesting, though, following the investigation to learn more about the victim and why he was killed. There are two potential love interests for Marygene. Personally, I thought it was too soon for Marygene to move on after her abusive marriage (she still had bruises on her neck). There is mild foul language in Southern Sass and Killer Cravings and references to the abusive Marygene suffered. My favorite phrase from the book is “the past always has a way of coming back and biting you in the keister” (so true). There are recipes from The Peach Diner included at the end. Southern Sass and Killer Cravings is a humorous cozy mystery that is perfect to read on the front porch in a cozy rocking chair with sweet peach tea on a table nearby. Southern Sass and Killer Cravings has Southern hospitality, friendship, sweet tea, gossip, tasty treats, a dead man, secrets, an island spirit and a new amateur sleuth.
July 22, 2019
Heading home with her tail between her legs after the final collapse of an abusive marriage, Marygene Brown just wants to settle back into partnership with her sister Jena Lynn, running the family diner on Peach Cove Island. The appearance of her mother’s ghost warning of an imminent murder puts paid to any thought of peace and quiet, though, and soon Marygene is up to her neck in trying to solve the mystery… and save her own neck.
This is a little bit grittier than your average cozy, with Marygene being a domestic abuse survivor and witness to deaths and violent assaults. She’s a great protagonist, though, full of determination to avoid repeating past mistakes and protect those she loves. Though there’s an old flame and a possible new one vying for her attention, the romance is laid on very lightly, which frankly feels realistic for the situation, just out of an ugly failed marriage as she is, Marygene makes it clear she’s not in the market for anything more right now.
There’s a delightful cast of supporting characters, my favorite being Betsy the waitress, who spends more time with Marygene than just about anyone else and indeed is the one who’s there for her when the chips are down. The drama of a small town (pop. 2,000 or so) where everyone knows everyone’s business is on full display, with affairs, gossip and mischief abounding. It’s a good-sized cast but not so big I couldn’t keep track of everyone reasonably well, and there were a few seeds sown for things I think are likely to bear fruit later in the series, although the mystery in this one was closed out nicely by the end.
Well-written with excellent pacing and some fantastic recipes included at the end, this is a good culinary cozy mystery…
… but.
I’d gotten all the way to the end of the book and was sitting trying to figure out what it was that bothered me about it before I started writing this review when I got it; it wasn’t what was in the book that was bothering me, it was what WASN’T.
And that was anyone diverse.
There wasn’t one single non-white character described (maybe the author intended some of them to be, but the rule of thumb is if they’re not explicitly described, they’re Default White) and not one single LGBTQI+ character. And frankly, that’s just not realistic. In fact, I think it was a massive missed opportunity. Having Marygene’s father Eddie be Black would have added a really interesting dimension to his messed-up relationship with her mother, and a racial element to Marygene’s fraught relationship with the investigating detective. There was no reason why one of Marygene’s siblings couldn’t be queer, or Betsy, or her friend Yvonne. There’s a GHOST as a primary supporting character, for heaven’s sake, but not ONE non-white or queer character? Pull the other one.
I was originally going to give this five stars for the storyline and the writing, but I’m knocking it down to three for this serious diversity failure and saying quite plainly to the author:
Do. Better.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for review via NetGalley.
This is a little bit grittier than your average cozy, with Marygene being a domestic abuse survivor and witness to deaths and violent assaults. She’s a great protagonist, though, full of determination to avoid repeating past mistakes and protect those she loves. Though there’s an old flame and a possible new one vying for her attention, the romance is laid on very lightly, which frankly feels realistic for the situation, just out of an ugly failed marriage as she is, Marygene makes it clear she’s not in the market for anything more right now.
There’s a delightful cast of supporting characters, my favorite being Betsy the waitress, who spends more time with Marygene than just about anyone else and indeed is the one who’s there for her when the chips are down. The drama of a small town (pop. 2,000 or so) where everyone knows everyone’s business is on full display, with affairs, gossip and mischief abounding. It’s a good-sized cast but not so big I couldn’t keep track of everyone reasonably well, and there were a few seeds sown for things I think are likely to bear fruit later in the series, although the mystery in this one was closed out nicely by the end.
Well-written with excellent pacing and some fantastic recipes included at the end, this is a good culinary cozy mystery…
… but.
I’d gotten all the way to the end of the book and was sitting trying to figure out what it was that bothered me about it before I started writing this review when I got it; it wasn’t what was in the book that was bothering me, it was what WASN’T.
And that was anyone diverse.
There wasn’t one single non-white character described (maybe the author intended some of them to be, but the rule of thumb is if they’re not explicitly described, they’re Default White) and not one single LGBTQI+ character. And frankly, that’s just not realistic. In fact, I think it was a massive missed opportunity. Having Marygene’s father Eddie be Black would have added a really interesting dimension to his messed-up relationship with her mother, and a racial element to Marygene’s fraught relationship with the investigating detective. There was no reason why one of Marygene’s siblings couldn’t be queer, or Betsy, or her friend Yvonne. There’s a GHOST as a primary supporting character, for heaven’s sake, but not ONE non-white or queer character? Pull the other one.
I was originally going to give this five stars for the storyline and the writing, but I’m knocking it down to three for this serious diversity failure and saying quite plainly to the author:
Do. Better.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for review via NetGalley.
April 14, 2019
This is a promising start for this new cozy mystery series from Kate Young. Set in the south it is full of charm and feisty characters. The book has a good pace that will keep the reader immersed and turning pages. The author has a smooth writing style which is very descriptive, allowing the reader to visually picture the story as it unfolds. Ms. Young does a good job of setting up the mystery and then allowing it to unfold as the story progresses. She gives the reader enough suspects and plenty of clues to keep them engaged and guessing.
Marygene is a bit unique for a cozy mystery protagonist in that she is a domestic violence survivor. That is not a subject matter that is typically dealt with in cozy mysteries, at least in my experience. I thought the author handle it well and didn't gloss over what Marygene is going through in order to heal. I thought the secondary characters were well done, especially Betsy and Marygene's mama (who is a ghost). There are some moments of humor that are a welcome part of the story and add to the overall charm of the book.
I think this is a promising start to a new series that will be a welcomed addition to the to be read pile for many readers of this genre.
I voluntarily read a digital ARC provided to me by the publisher through Netgalley.
Marygene is a bit unique for a cozy mystery protagonist in that she is a domestic violence survivor. That is not a subject matter that is typically dealt with in cozy mysteries, at least in my experience. I thought the author handle it well and didn't gloss over what Marygene is going through in order to heal. I thought the secondary characters were well done, especially Betsy and Marygene's mama (who is a ghost). There are some moments of humor that are a welcome part of the story and add to the overall charm of the book.
I think this is a promising start to a new series that will be a welcomed addition to the to be read pile for many readers of this genre.
I voluntarily read a digital ARC provided to me by the publisher through Netgalley.
May 28, 2019
Synopsis:
Life has always been sweet on Georgia’s Peach Cove Island, but a case of murder has Marygene Brown down in the pits . . .
For generations, the women of the Brown family on Peach Cove Island have been known for their Southern sass and sweet homemade desserts at their beloved Peach Diner. Since their mother's passing two years ago, Marygene has been stuck in Atlanta while her sister Jena Lynn has been running the family business. Now Marygene has left her husband and returned to her hometown, where she can almost feel Mama's presence.
But all is not peachy back home. Marygene has barely tied on an apron when a diner regular drops dead at the counter. When it turns out the old man's been poisoned, Jena Lynn is led away in handcuffs and the family eatery is closed. Now, to save her sister and the diner, Marygene must find the real killer. With some startling assistance from her Mama's spirit, Marygene will be serving up a special order of just desserts . . .
Includes Seven Recipes from Marygene’s Kitchen! (Goodreads)
Review:
This is a good start to a new cozy mystery series. It has all of the things that I look for in a cozy: engaging characters, a charming setting and a good mystery to solve. It also has a ghost, which is a real plus in my opinion. It also has a little bit of a darker edge to it because Marygene is a survivor of an abusive spouse. That topic is not usually found in a cozy but I felt the author handled it with compassion and sensitivity. It is a topic that affects a lot of people and it is good to see that this author was not afraid to include it in her book.
Marygene has had a tough life and she regrets that she left her family to get married. She is glad to be back home but she feels guilty for leaving. But her sister, Jena Lynn, has forgiven her and all should be well. But when a customer dies in the Peach Diner, Jena Lynn is arrested and Marygene knows she has to find the real culprit before her sister is put away forever. Eddi, Marygene’s father and the town sheriff, is not happy with her getting involved in the investigation because of the potential danger. But that does not stop Marygene from snooping.
The characters are fairly well developed and well rounded. I enjoyed getting to know Marygene’s family, friends and coworkers. And I really liked the fact the the ghost of her mother came back to help in anyway that she can. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and I felt like I was right there, watching the action take place and listening in on conversations. The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read.
The mystery was well plotted and moved along at a nice pace. There were plenty of clues to sift through and suspects to considered. Throw in a couple of red herrings and it was not easily solved.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. And if you like a pinch of paranormal thrown in, this is a book you should read.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, Kensington Books, and NetGalley, which I greatly appreciate.
Life has always been sweet on Georgia’s Peach Cove Island, but a case of murder has Marygene Brown down in the pits . . .
For generations, the women of the Brown family on Peach Cove Island have been known for their Southern sass and sweet homemade desserts at their beloved Peach Diner. Since their mother's passing two years ago, Marygene has been stuck in Atlanta while her sister Jena Lynn has been running the family business. Now Marygene has left her husband and returned to her hometown, where she can almost feel Mama's presence.
But all is not peachy back home. Marygene has barely tied on an apron when a diner regular drops dead at the counter. When it turns out the old man's been poisoned, Jena Lynn is led away in handcuffs and the family eatery is closed. Now, to save her sister and the diner, Marygene must find the real killer. With some startling assistance from her Mama's spirit, Marygene will be serving up a special order of just desserts . . .
Includes Seven Recipes from Marygene’s Kitchen! (Goodreads)
Review:
This is a good start to a new cozy mystery series. It has all of the things that I look for in a cozy: engaging characters, a charming setting and a good mystery to solve. It also has a ghost, which is a real plus in my opinion. It also has a little bit of a darker edge to it because Marygene is a survivor of an abusive spouse. That topic is not usually found in a cozy but I felt the author handled it with compassion and sensitivity. It is a topic that affects a lot of people and it is good to see that this author was not afraid to include it in her book.
Marygene has had a tough life and she regrets that she left her family to get married. She is glad to be back home but she feels guilty for leaving. But her sister, Jena Lynn, has forgiven her and all should be well. But when a customer dies in the Peach Diner, Jena Lynn is arrested and Marygene knows she has to find the real culprit before her sister is put away forever. Eddi, Marygene’s father and the town sheriff, is not happy with her getting involved in the investigation because of the potential danger. But that does not stop Marygene from snooping.
The characters are fairly well developed and well rounded. I enjoyed getting to know Marygene’s family, friends and coworkers. And I really liked the fact the the ghost of her mother came back to help in anyway that she can. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and I felt like I was right there, watching the action take place and listening in on conversations. The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read.
The mystery was well plotted and moved along at a nice pace. There were plenty of clues to sift through and suspects to considered. Throw in a couple of red herrings and it was not easily solved.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. And if you like a pinch of paranormal thrown in, this is a book you should read.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, Kensington Books, and NetGalley, which I greatly appreciate.
April 21, 2019
SOUTHERN SASS AND KILLER CRAVINGS by Kate Young introduces Marygene Brown, one of the Brown sisters who has just returned to the fictional island of Peach Cove, Georgia after escaping an abusive marriage. From the opening pages we are made aware of her sense of guilt for having left her family and for having been foolish enough to fall for a man who turned out to be an abuser. Having finally gotten the courage to leave him, she has moved home, full of shame and regret at having abandoned her family.
The Brown family has owned the Peach Diner in Peach Cove for generations, and Marygene is the gifted baker of the sisters. She has a talent for taking a good recipe, tasting it and determining what tiny tweak will make it great. However, she isn’t sure how to fit back in to the family dynamics.
As she is just getting started at reintegrating herself to home, a regular at the diner drops dead. The police almost immediately accuse Marygene’s step-sister Jena, shut down the diner and arrest her. This is disastrous for the family as well as for the employees of the diner. Convinced of her sister’s innocence, Marygene sets out to find the true culprit and release her sister from prison.
The murder plot is well developed, with good clues and some excellent red herrings. Still, it was easy to determine the murderer almost from the outset. It was still entertaining to read Marygene’s exploits as she moves around town on her investigations, putting herself in more and more danger. Her activity frustrates her former boyfriend and current sheriff deputy Alex as well as her biological father, Eddie, the town in sheriff. Complicating things even further are her feelings toward Eddie as she grew up not knowing of his actual relationship to her although he is trying to be a father to her, keep her safe and be part of her life.
The book is filled with interesting side characters. In addition to Alex and Eddie there’s Betsy, Marygene’s long time friend and a waitress at the diner who provides a humorous side to the book, Sam her step-brother, and the town of Peach Cove itself which sounds charming enough to want to move there. An added bonus for those who like new recipes are the recipes appended to the back of the book.
This is the first book in a new series featuring Marygene, her cohorts, and Peach Cove, Georgia. The mystery stands alone so the book can be enjoyed as a stand alone. However, the relationships between secondary characters look to be just beginning and this book seems to be offering the reader a front row seat to see how those relationships grow and change.
My thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for providing me an advanced digital copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. I will look forward to seeing how Peach Cove and it’s residents grow over the next few books.
*
The Brown family has owned the Peach Diner in Peach Cove for generations, and Marygene is the gifted baker of the sisters. She has a talent for taking a good recipe, tasting it and determining what tiny tweak will make it great. However, she isn’t sure how to fit back in to the family dynamics.
As she is just getting started at reintegrating herself to home, a regular at the diner drops dead. The police almost immediately accuse Marygene’s step-sister Jena, shut down the diner and arrest her. This is disastrous for the family as well as for the employees of the diner. Convinced of her sister’s innocence, Marygene sets out to find the true culprit and release her sister from prison.
The murder plot is well developed, with good clues and some excellent red herrings. Still, it was easy to determine the murderer almost from the outset. It was still entertaining to read Marygene’s exploits as she moves around town on her investigations, putting herself in more and more danger. Her activity frustrates her former boyfriend and current sheriff deputy Alex as well as her biological father, Eddie, the town in sheriff. Complicating things even further are her feelings toward Eddie as she grew up not knowing of his actual relationship to her although he is trying to be a father to her, keep her safe and be part of her life.
The book is filled with interesting side characters. In addition to Alex and Eddie there’s Betsy, Marygene’s long time friend and a waitress at the diner who provides a humorous side to the book, Sam her step-brother, and the town of Peach Cove itself which sounds charming enough to want to move there. An added bonus for those who like new recipes are the recipes appended to the back of the book.
This is the first book in a new series featuring Marygene, her cohorts, and Peach Cove, Georgia. The mystery stands alone so the book can be enjoyed as a stand alone. However, the relationships between secondary characters look to be just beginning and this book seems to be offering the reader a front row seat to see how those relationships grow and change.
My thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for providing me an advanced digital copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. I will look forward to seeing how Peach Cove and it’s residents grow over the next few books.
*
May 29, 2019
Southern Sass and Killer Cravings by Kate Young is the 1st book in the Marygene Brown series, and my first book by this author. Marygene leaves Atlanta behind and goes home to Peach Cove Island to help her sister Jena Lynn run the family business, Peach Diner. When an old man dies in the diner, Marygene is determined to find the real killer, and save her sister and the diner. Marygene's mother passed away two years ago, but Marygene keeps seeing her mom's ghost. I really enjoyed this book, and am looking forward to the next book in the series. This book has fun with well developed characters, and a fun plot. I recommend this book to cozy mystery book lovers, like me.
I reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and Kensington Publishing. Thank you.
I reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and Kensington Publishing. Thank you.
June 8, 2019
Wonderful new series, I loved this book! It has everything I love about a cozy mystery- food, friends, the perfect little town, romance, and, a ghost!! A fast paced read full of quirky characters, I especially loved Betsy, this is a very promising start to what I hope will be a long lasting series! I look forward to the next book!
May 20, 2019
Southern Sass and Killer Cravings is the first book in a new cozy southern paranormal cozy mystery series by Kate Young. I found this book to be a well-crafted cozy with a plot that moved smoothly with plenty of suspects,twists and red herrings to keep me guessing.
The introduction of the characters was well written and I admired Ms. Young's approach to Marygene being a domestic abuse survivor. I enjoyed meeting Betsy and Marygene's mother (she's a ghost),some family drama, and a possible romance triangle for Marygene. I felt that it was a little early in Marygene's recovery for romance and especially from two different men. All in all an easy read with plenty of southern charm and that touch of paranormal to make it just a little more fun.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Kensington via NetGalley. All of the above opinions are my own.
The introduction of the characters was well written and I admired Ms. Young's approach to Marygene being a domestic abuse survivor. I enjoyed meeting Betsy and Marygene's mother (she's a ghost),some family drama, and a possible romance triangle for Marygene. I felt that it was a little early in Marygene's recovery for romance and especially from two different men. All in all an easy read with plenty of southern charm and that touch of paranormal to make it just a little more fun.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Kensington via NetGalley. All of the above opinions are my own.
October 12, 2021
HOARDER CHALLENGE: BONUS # 1-SIGNED BOOK
3. 5 stars
A while back (pre-COVID) I went to a cozy writer's lunch in my area. It was an enjoyable way to spend a few hours as a book lover. The ladies were gracious enough to sign & give us free copies of some of their books. Therefore I didn't realize that I'd read one of her books before & didn't like it.
As I started this one, I had similar issues-lots of characters and very wordy. But she was a nice woman & I wanted to finish the book I received so I switched to the audiobook format. It was much better that way. The narrator Tiffany Morgan did a great job. Her accent was natural and the southern charm of the story was able to shine through.
I liked the characters and the added depth to the details with Marygene's divorce. Her dead mother's ghost was also an interesting element.
The mystery is the highlight element of the book. It kept me guessing.
I'd recommend doing this one on audiobook. I'll continue the series in that format instead.
3. 5 stars
A while back (pre-COVID) I went to a cozy writer's lunch in my area. It was an enjoyable way to spend a few hours as a book lover. The ladies were gracious enough to sign & give us free copies of some of their books. Therefore I didn't realize that I'd read one of her books before & didn't like it.
As I started this one, I had similar issues-lots of characters and very wordy. But she was a nice woman & I wanted to finish the book I received so I switched to the audiobook format. It was much better that way. The narrator Tiffany Morgan did a great job. Her accent was natural and the southern charm of the story was able to shine through.
I liked the characters and the added depth to the details with Marygene's divorce. Her dead mother's ghost was also an interesting element.
The mystery is the highlight element of the book. It kept me guessing.
I'd recommend doing this one on audiobook. I'll continue the series in that format instead.
November 24, 2020
I didn’t realize that the idea of being a cook or baker and solving murder mysteries was a genre. This was not one of the better ones. I couldn’t keep track of the characters- I get that it’s a small town, but they were introduced rapid fire without any kind of lasting descriptions or backstory. The number of times a guy ran his hands through his hair or put his hands on the protagonist’s shoulders started to rival the murmuring in Twilight. The rules of the mama ghost were already being played fast and loose by the end of the first book. I dunno... just felt kind of quickly written and lazily edited. Not a fan...
November 27, 2020
DNF at page 181.
I think I’m missing something... 🤷🏻♀️
This book has great reviews but I seriously can’t keep any of the characters straight, and I don’t particularly give two toots about any of the characters, anyway.
Not worth my time. The recipes look yummy, and that’s about it.
I think I’m missing something... 🤷🏻♀️
This book has great reviews but I seriously can’t keep any of the characters straight, and I don’t particularly give two toots about any of the characters, anyway.
Not worth my time. The recipes look yummy, and that’s about it.
July 18, 2019
I’m not sure how I feel about this book they were things I liked and some things I really didn’t like…
April 17, 2019
SOUTHERN SASS AND KILLER CRAVINGS is the first book in the brand new Marygene Brown Mystery series by Kate Young. I enjoyed being introduced to the protagonist, Marygene, and her family, along with spending time with them at The Peach Diner in Peach Cove Island. The author captures the southernisms and Georgia setting realistically and had me hearing, smelling, and thinking I was right there, visiting Peach Cove. This new cozy mystery is a bit different than most cozies in that the author tackles the difficult subject of domestic abuse by making Marygene a survivor. She handles the portrayal with great sensitivity without detracting from the overall mystery. Ms. Young effectively shows how Marygene grows and develops while dealing with the aftermath. Despite the subject matter and the murder of the town’s lothario, there is plenty of humor provided through the ghost of Marygene’s mother showing up to make amends. Marygene’s best friend, Betsy, also brings a lightheartedness, which makes me appreciate the care the author has taken to develop her protagonist and the supporting characters.
When Marygene’s sister, Jena Lynn, is accused of murder by poisoning one of their diner’s customers, the family must pull together to clear her name. I enjoyed that despite the status of being a half-sibling to both her brother and sister, Marygene jumps in with complete support. Marygene is also finding her way with her biological father, Eddie, whom she has been on the outs for a long time. As sheriff, Eddie doesn’t want his daughter to get involved, especially when danger seems to be moving in. It was heartwarming to see that despite the danger, Marygene does all she can to show her love by investigating. As she starts asking questions, it becomes clear that many people had reasons to hate the man. There were plenty of suspects to keep me guessing and the exciting conclusion, which includes Marygene’s mama, was an edge-of-your-seat read!
As owners of The Peach Diner, Marygene and her sister bake and serve mouthwatering dishes. Ms. Young provides several recipes at the back of the book, and they all sound delicious.
I was provided an advance copy via Netgalley with the hopes I would review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
When Marygene’s sister, Jena Lynn, is accused of murder by poisoning one of their diner’s customers, the family must pull together to clear her name. I enjoyed that despite the status of being a half-sibling to both her brother and sister, Marygene jumps in with complete support. Marygene is also finding her way with her biological father, Eddie, whom she has been on the outs for a long time. As sheriff, Eddie doesn’t want his daughter to get involved, especially when danger seems to be moving in. It was heartwarming to see that despite the danger, Marygene does all she can to show her love by investigating. As she starts asking questions, it becomes clear that many people had reasons to hate the man. There were plenty of suspects to keep me guessing and the exciting conclusion, which includes Marygene’s mama, was an edge-of-your-seat read!
As owners of The Peach Diner, Marygene and her sister bake and serve mouthwatering dishes. Ms. Young provides several recipes at the back of the book, and they all sound delicious.
I was provided an advance copy via Netgalley with the hopes I would review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 14, 2019
Southern Sass and Killer Cravings is the first book in Kate Young’s Marygene Brown Mysteries series. This book is edgier than most cozies and contains adult language. The storyline is well plotted and flows smoothly at a steady pace, and the characters are well developed and full of southern charm. The plot has lots of twists and turns, more than a few suspects, and a touch of the paranormal.
After leaving an abusive marriage, twenty-seven-year-old Marygene Francis Brown moved back home to Peach Cove, a small island off the Georgia coast, and into her childhood home. She’s trying to rebuild her relationship with her half-sister, Jena Lynn, her half-brother, Sam, and her biological father, Edward “Eddie” Carter. When their mother, Clara Brown, passed, she left the house to Marygene and the family business, the Peach Diner, to both sisters. Jena Lynn has been running the diner since their mother’s death, and Sam has been manning the kitchen. Now that she’s back, Marygene is helping wherever she’s needed. The ghost of her deceased mother appears to her with a warning that there is going to be a murder at the diner the next day and that they should close for the day. Not heeding the warning, they open as usual and one of their regular customers, Joseph Ledbetter, slumps over the counter and dies. In addition to the sheriff, Eddie Carter, the Peach Cove Sheriff’s Department only employs two officers, Alex Myers, her high school boyfriend, and Felton Powell, so Detective Davis Thornton from the Atlanta PD is called in to conduct the investigation. When the death is ruled a homicide, with poisoning as the cause, he shuts down the diner and focuses his investigation on Jena Lynn, who he arrests. Meanwhile, the mayor hosts a meeting between business and property owners and real estate developers who want to take over the island that most of the locals are against. At first, Mr. Ledbetter appears to be a kindly person, but Marygene soon discovers that might not be the case. Marygene and her friend, Betsy Myers, set out to find the person responsible, clear Jena Lynn’s name, and save the diner, which frustrates Eddie and Alex and places them in harm’s way. Clara periodically visits Marygene and offers some assistance trying to make amends for her past behavior and a mysterious reporter for the Atlanta Journal Daily, Roy Calhoun, keeps popping up, and while he appears to want to help, Marygene feels he may just be looking for a story.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.
After leaving an abusive marriage, twenty-seven-year-old Marygene Francis Brown moved back home to Peach Cove, a small island off the Georgia coast, and into her childhood home. She’s trying to rebuild her relationship with her half-sister, Jena Lynn, her half-brother, Sam, and her biological father, Edward “Eddie” Carter. When their mother, Clara Brown, passed, she left the house to Marygene and the family business, the Peach Diner, to both sisters. Jena Lynn has been running the diner since their mother’s death, and Sam has been manning the kitchen. Now that she’s back, Marygene is helping wherever she’s needed. The ghost of her deceased mother appears to her with a warning that there is going to be a murder at the diner the next day and that they should close for the day. Not heeding the warning, they open as usual and one of their regular customers, Joseph Ledbetter, slumps over the counter and dies. In addition to the sheriff, Eddie Carter, the Peach Cove Sheriff’s Department only employs two officers, Alex Myers, her high school boyfriend, and Felton Powell, so Detective Davis Thornton from the Atlanta PD is called in to conduct the investigation. When the death is ruled a homicide, with poisoning as the cause, he shuts down the diner and focuses his investigation on Jena Lynn, who he arrests. Meanwhile, the mayor hosts a meeting between business and property owners and real estate developers who want to take over the island that most of the locals are against. At first, Mr. Ledbetter appears to be a kindly person, but Marygene soon discovers that might not be the case. Marygene and her friend, Betsy Myers, set out to find the person responsible, clear Jena Lynn’s name, and save the diner, which frustrates Eddie and Alex and places them in harm’s way. Clara periodically visits Marygene and offers some assistance trying to make amends for her past behavior and a mysterious reporter for the Atlanta Journal Daily, Roy Calhoun, keeps popping up, and while he appears to want to help, Marygene feels he may just be looking for a story.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.
May 21, 2019
This is a peach of a new series with good food and ghostly help.
I always enjoy a new series because you never know what the author will come up with to entice a reader or create an intriguing new series. I think the author is on to something and has created a winning combination between a ghostly mother trying to make amends, a diner on a small island with delicious food, and a protagonist that has some baggage and yet is working towards freeing herself and learning to live life again.
Marygene has had a tough life - from learning who her father really was at a younger age to ending up in an abusive relationship. Now she is back home with her sister and brother and finds herself smack dab in the middle of a murder investigation. As true to form with cozies, she finds not one but multiple dead bodies. Nothing like being in the wrong place at the wrong time. However, this just spurs her on to investigate on her own with the assistance of her friend Betsy and even goes as far as creating a timeline in her spare bedroom to help decipher the information she uncovers in hopes it will point her towards the murderer.
I didn't suspect the killer until near the end because something just didn't seem right with this character. There were a few minor clues peppered throughout the book but nothing that really pointed this character's direction.
It wouldn't be a cozy without a love interest....or two! I can't wait to see how this plays out in future books. Will it be Alex her childhood sweetheart or Calhoun the older reporter from out of town?
Lastly, I appreciated the awareness the author brought to the subject of domestic abuse. It happens more often than we may know and I felt like it was handled well and showed Marygene in various stages of acceptance of what happened to her in the past. I hope she continues to address this issue in future books.
Overall we give this 4 paws up!
I always enjoy a new series because you never know what the author will come up with to entice a reader or create an intriguing new series. I think the author is on to something and has created a winning combination between a ghostly mother trying to make amends, a diner on a small island with delicious food, and a protagonist that has some baggage and yet is working towards freeing herself and learning to live life again.
Marygene has had a tough life - from learning who her father really was at a younger age to ending up in an abusive relationship. Now she is back home with her sister and brother and finds herself smack dab in the middle of a murder investigation. As true to form with cozies, she finds not one but multiple dead bodies. Nothing like being in the wrong place at the wrong time. However, this just spurs her on to investigate on her own with the assistance of her friend Betsy and even goes as far as creating a timeline in her spare bedroom to help decipher the information she uncovers in hopes it will point her towards the murderer.
I didn't suspect the killer until near the end because something just didn't seem right with this character. There were a few minor clues peppered throughout the book but nothing that really pointed this character's direction.
It wouldn't be a cozy without a love interest....or two! I can't wait to see how this plays out in future books. Will it be Alex her childhood sweetheart or Calhoun the older reporter from out of town?
Lastly, I appreciated the awareness the author brought to the subject of domestic abuse. It happens more often than we may know and I felt like it was handled well and showed Marygene in various stages of acceptance of what happened to her in the past. I hope she continues to address this issue in future books.
Overall we give this 4 paws up!
April 19, 2021
Books that take place in the South always seem to draw me to them. Perhaps, it’s because I was born in the North, but I feel it’s more the food and the slower pace of life, along with the gorgeous porches, flowers that last longer during the year, and the mint juleps. Southern Sass and Killer Cravings by Kate Young did not disappoint in any of these areas, especially the food.
While most towns in cozies are places I would like to visit, Peach Cove Island is one of the places I would love to live. Everyone seems so friendly, and yet, they all have secrets and the gossip abounds. The town has tons of great shops and I would have to take up running otherwise I would seriously become overweight with all the delights I would be enjoying at the peach dinner.
And I do love a cozy with fun, quirky characters. This book is riddled with them, including Betsy, Marygene’s BFF. And talking about characters, I have to mention the romantic prospects. I feel like Young hasn’t quite decided in which direction she is going to go, which goes hand in hand with the domestic abuse that Marygene has gone through with her ex-husband. Marygene is hesitant to rush into anything, even with a previous boyfriend, so Young has time to think on what is going to happen. I do have to say I’m not really enamored by any of the men that Marygene has to pick from.
As far as the mystery goes it wasn’t as earth shattering as some other cozies I’ve read. I think mainly because there weren't a lot of male characters to choose from that weren’t ones you knew were going to be in future books. And I feel that we do learn early on that it is going to be a man. But even with the easier to solve mystery aspect of Southern Sass and Killer Cravings, I am really looking forward to reading more books in the Marygene Brown Mysteries!
While most towns in cozies are places I would like to visit, Peach Cove Island is one of the places I would love to live. Everyone seems so friendly, and yet, they all have secrets and the gossip abounds. The town has tons of great shops and I would have to take up running otherwise I would seriously become overweight with all the delights I would be enjoying at the peach dinner.
And I do love a cozy with fun, quirky characters. This book is riddled with them, including Betsy, Marygene’s BFF. And talking about characters, I have to mention the romantic prospects. I feel like Young hasn’t quite decided in which direction she is going to go, which goes hand in hand with the domestic abuse that Marygene has gone through with her ex-husband. Marygene is hesitant to rush into anything, even with a previous boyfriend, so Young has time to think on what is going to happen. I do have to say I’m not really enamored by any of the men that Marygene has to pick from.
As far as the mystery goes it wasn’t as earth shattering as some other cozies I’ve read. I think mainly because there weren't a lot of male characters to choose from that weren’t ones you knew were going to be in future books. And I feel that we do learn early on that it is going to be a man. But even with the easier to solve mystery aspect of Southern Sass and Killer Cravings, I am really looking forward to reading more books in the Marygene Brown Mysteries!
May 24, 2019
SOUTHERN SASS AND KILLER CRAVINGS is a promising beginning to the Marygene Brown Mysteries. Author Kate Young has created a cast of likeable characters readers will enjoy watching grow over the course of the series.
This book had a well plotted mystery that I found a challenge to solve. Pinning a whodunit to a why did they do it took a lot of puzzle piecing. The reveal proved me all sorts of wrong in my guess.
There are wonderful moments in SOUTHERN SASS AND KILLER CRAVINGS, as well as a lot of humor. Drinking while reading could cause spit takes. The two things that just didn’t work for me were the use of profanity (Not as bad as in some cozies, but heavier than others), and the topic of domestic abuse. I personally find that too dark a subject for cozy mysteries.
Sassiness for sure, a ghostly momma to lend a helping hand, and mouthwatering recipes are all included. If you think you’re sassy enough to read SOUTHERN SASS AND KILLER CRAVINGS, grab your copy today.
This book had a well plotted mystery that I found a challenge to solve. Pinning a whodunit to a why did they do it took a lot of puzzle piecing. The reveal proved me all sorts of wrong in my guess.
There are wonderful moments in SOUTHERN SASS AND KILLER CRAVINGS, as well as a lot of humor. Drinking while reading could cause spit takes. The two things that just didn’t work for me were the use of profanity (Not as bad as in some cozies, but heavier than others), and the topic of domestic abuse. I personally find that too dark a subject for cozy mysteries.
Sassiness for sure, a ghostly momma to lend a helping hand, and mouthwatering recipes are all included. If you think you’re sassy enough to read SOUTHERN SASS AND KILLER CRAVINGS, grab your copy today.
May 24, 2019
Wowza! as a first book in a series this one pulled no punches, this is well worth a read and then a re-read to pick up what you missed the first time around!
Marygene has left an abusive marriage and headed home, her life has followed her though as she checks in with her sister at the family diner before heading to the family home she finds her car being re-possessed with a lot of her belongings still in it! Things then go from bad to worse when a regular at the diner drops dead, there are vultures (sorry developers) circling and the dead man's son seems to be in their pocket. It then gets worse with Marygene's half sister arrested by an out of town detective who isn't looking at the whole picture, oh and their mama just showed up, but as a ghost!
Now Marygene needs to save the diner, save her sister, save Peach Cove Island .... oh and not get killed in the process :)
Marygene has left an abusive marriage and headed home, her life has followed her though as she checks in with her sister at the family diner before heading to the family home she finds her car being re-possessed with a lot of her belongings still in it! Things then go from bad to worse when a regular at the diner drops dead, there are vultures (sorry developers) circling and the dead man's son seems to be in their pocket. It then gets worse with Marygene's half sister arrested by an out of town detective who isn't looking at the whole picture, oh and their mama just showed up, but as a ghost!
Now Marygene needs to save the diner, save her sister, save Peach Cove Island .... oh and not get killed in the process :)
January 22, 2021
Outstanding cozy mystery!!!
December 27, 2023
Good Read
It had me at the first couple of pages. Trying to figure out who was the true enemy. Read it in a day.
It had me at the first couple of pages. Trying to figure out who was the true enemy. Read it in a day.
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