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The Cast Iron Skillet Mysteries #3
Blueberry Cobbler Blackmail
Welcome to Leaven—oh wait—Santo Domingo, where DEATH takes a DELICIOUS turn! Family bombshells, sibling rivalries, blackmail, and a trip that could be deadly...and the new year has only just begun! After a disastrous Thanksgiving, Jolie Tucker is beside herself and feeling the walls closing in around her. She feels like she needs to escape Leavensport before she loses her mind. She unexpectedly gets her wish when her best friend and co-owner of Cast Iron Creations, Ava Martinez, gets a terrifying email revealing that her papa, Thiago, is in danger in Santo Domingo. The girls are off on a dangerous adventure in new territory. Will they be able to save the day before danger finds them?
219 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 28, 2020
5 people are currently reading
84 people want to read
About the author
Jodi Rath
16 books234 followersMoving into her second decade working in education, Jodi Rath has decided to begin a life of crime in her The Cast Iron Skillet Mystery Series. Her passion for both mysteries and education led her to combine the two to create her business MYS ED, where she splits her time between working as an adjunct for Ohio teachers and creating mischief in her fictional writing. She currently resides in a small, cozy village in Ohio with her husband and her nine cats.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
March 6, 2020
Another fun installment into this series. This book finds Jolie and Ava in Santa Domingo helping Ava's family deal with blackmail. I enjoyed learning more about the country and feel like the author did a great job researching the details to include in her book.
Jolie is still a hot mess and Ava has a hard time letting others help her when the chips are down. But they manage to solve the mystery and learn some new things about themselves in the process. The mystery is woven throughout the book and just when you think you have something figured out, the author throws a twist and you have to rethink everything again.
I have to say there is one part where Jolie stands up to her family because let's face it, they are a helicopter family which would drive me crazy! I'm not sure how that is going to play out in future books but only time will tell. I also wonder if Jolie is going to give Meiser a second chance after what she learned about him in the last book. I think they could be good together but both have their own baggage to deal with before they can really move forward in a relationship.
We give this book 4 paws up.
Jolie is still a hot mess and Ava has a hard time letting others help her when the chips are down. But they manage to solve the mystery and learn some new things about themselves in the process. The mystery is woven throughout the book and just when you think you have something figured out, the author throws a twist and you have to rethink everything again.
I have to say there is one part where Jolie stands up to her family because let's face it, they are a helicopter family which would drive me crazy! I'm not sure how that is going to play out in future books but only time will tell. I also wonder if Jolie is going to give Meiser a second chance after what she learned about him in the last book. I think they could be good together but both have their own baggage to deal with before they can really move forward in a relationship.
We give this book 4 paws up.
March 7, 2020
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Jolie and Ava embark on a trip to Santo Domingo soon after Ava gets a frantic email from her father, Thiago. They don’t really know what they are flying into but Jolie really needed a break from Leavensport so she hopes it is just a family squabble that can be wrapped up quickly and she can enjoy a little vacay before heading home.
When they arrive Ava’s family is surprised, the last thing they wanted was her wrapped up in their troubles. The girls finally figure out that Thiago is being blackmailed and really does need their help and their money. So while posing as tourists the girls try to find out who is behind the blackmail and why. Turns out acting like a tourist is a lot more dangerous than they imagined.
____
Jodi Rath has penned a fun little mystery and takes her characters and readers on a trip too!
Even with all the trouble they were facing it was great to get to know more about Ava’s family. Sure blackmail is the main mystery but the family dynamics and sibling rivalry are what really drew me in. They were not what I expected at all.
Never fear, Jolie may have been out of the country, but she was just a phone call away from her family. She had hoped the distance would give her time to process family secrets recently revealed but that didn’t happen. Sometimes funny, sometimes pushy, her family just couldn’t leave her alone. This helped keep the Leavensport characters on the pages but I felt a little sorry for Jolie.
The author delivers up plenty of twists and turns and action. I was flipping the pages so fast there should have steam billowing out of my Kindle.
Blueberry Cobbler Blackmail was a nice addition to this series. Entertaining characters, an exciting mystery, plenty of humor and a smidgen of romance give readers a charming little escape. I am looking forward to Cast Iron Stake Through the Heart set to be released on May 29.
Jolie and Ava embark on a trip to Santo Domingo soon after Ava gets a frantic email from her father, Thiago. They don’t really know what they are flying into but Jolie really needed a break from Leavensport so she hopes it is just a family squabble that can be wrapped up quickly and she can enjoy a little vacay before heading home.
When they arrive Ava’s family is surprised, the last thing they wanted was her wrapped up in their troubles. The girls finally figure out that Thiago is being blackmailed and really does need their help and their money. So while posing as tourists the girls try to find out who is behind the blackmail and why. Turns out acting like a tourist is a lot more dangerous than they imagined.
____
Jodi Rath has penned a fun little mystery and takes her characters and readers on a trip too!
Even with all the trouble they were facing it was great to get to know more about Ava’s family. Sure blackmail is the main mystery but the family dynamics and sibling rivalry are what really drew me in. They were not what I expected at all.
Never fear, Jolie may have been out of the country, but she was just a phone call away from her family. She had hoped the distance would give her time to process family secrets recently revealed but that didn’t happen. Sometimes funny, sometimes pushy, her family just couldn’t leave her alone. This helped keep the Leavensport characters on the pages but I felt a little sorry for Jolie.
The author delivers up plenty of twists and turns and action. I was flipping the pages so fast there should have steam billowing out of my Kindle.
Blueberry Cobbler Blackmail was a nice addition to this series. Entertaining characters, an exciting mystery, plenty of humor and a smidgen of romance give readers a charming little escape. I am looking forward to Cast Iron Stake Through the Heart set to be released on May 29.
March 3, 2020
Our girls Jolie and Ava are back and this time they are not solving a mystery at home, oh no they are heading to the beautiful Dominican Republic town of Santo Domingo, not for a holiday (despite having a disastrous thanksgiving and the girls in desperate need of one) but to help Ava's father who is being blackmailed.
Sun, Sea and blackmail await the girls in Santo Domingo, and even though I an idea who I thought was behind it all, it still came a surprise when I found out.
I really enjoyed this instalment in the series and I loved getting to know Ava's family more, but I do look forward to the girls being back home for their next adventure.
The Cast Iron Skillet Mystery Series is one of good clean cozy mysteries that you can get lost into for a few hours with some great characters and food recipes to boot!
4 stars
Sun, Sea and blackmail await the girls in Santo Domingo, and even though I an idea who I thought was behind it all, it still came a surprise when I found out.
I really enjoyed this instalment in the series and I loved getting to know Ava's family more, but I do look forward to the girls being back home for their next adventure.
The Cast Iron Skillet Mystery Series is one of good clean cozy mysteries that you can get lost into for a few hours with some great characters and food recipes to boot!
4 stars
March 4, 2020
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from the Great Escapes Book Tours. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.Blueberry Cobbler Blackmail by Jodi Rath is taking the girls to Santo Domingo, where Ava's family originated.
Who is blackmailing the Martinez family?
Jolie Tucker
Jolie Tucker finds herself in Santo Domingo for two weeks leading up to Valentine's Day because of a family issue for Ava. She has done a lot of self-reflecting while taking a stand for herself in some parts of her life. Will it helps her? Who knows?
The Mystery
The mystery is basically my question up above. Who is blackmailing the Martinez family? There is a lot of circling around and not figuring out a whole lot of things fast because of how invested Jolie and Ava are in this case. Ava, especially since it is her family. We learn a lot about Ava's family and how things are done in the Dominican Republic. These two ladies find clues, but they have a hard time putting them together. Granted, I didn't figure out who the blackmailer was until right before Jolie.
Four Stars
Ms. Rath did a fantastic job of researching all of these things. From the things happening in Santo Domingo to the recipes to the research of a dance called merengue. Researching that dance must have been so much fun, especially trying it out. I am giving Blueberry Cobbler Blackmail by Jodi Rath four stars, and I will be recommending it to any cozy mystery reader out there.
Don't forget to check out the recipes in the back. The blueberry cobbler one sounds good, but I'm not so sure about the Bubble Tea.
Other Books in the Series
Prize: (1) Signed Print Copy - Blueberry Cobbler Blackmail (The Cast Iron Skillet Mystery Series) by Jodi Rath (U.S. Only) and (1) Digital Copy Blueberry Cobbler Blackmail (The Cast Iron Skillet Mystery Series) by Jodi Rath
Who is blackmailing the Martinez family?
Jolie Tucker
Jolie Tucker finds herself in Santo Domingo for two weeks leading up to Valentine's Day because of a family issue for Ava. She has done a lot of self-reflecting while taking a stand for herself in some parts of her life. Will it helps her? Who knows?
The Mystery
The mystery is basically my question up above. Who is blackmailing the Martinez family? There is a lot of circling around and not figuring out a whole lot of things fast because of how invested Jolie and Ava are in this case. Ava, especially since it is her family. We learn a lot about Ava's family and how things are done in the Dominican Republic. These two ladies find clues, but they have a hard time putting them together. Granted, I didn't figure out who the blackmailer was until right before Jolie.Four Stars
Ms. Rath did a fantastic job of researching all of these things. From the things happening in Santo Domingo to the recipes to the research of a dance called merengue. Researching that dance must have been so much fun, especially trying it out. I am giving Blueberry Cobbler Blackmail by Jodi Rath four stars, and I will be recommending it to any cozy mystery reader out there.
Don't forget to check out the recipes in the back. The blueberry cobbler one sounds good, but I'm not so sure about the Bubble Tea.
Other Books in the Series
Prize: (1) Signed Print Copy - Blueberry Cobbler Blackmail (The Cast Iron Skillet Mystery Series) by Jodi Rath (U.S. Only) and (1) Digital Copy Blueberry Cobbler Blackmail (The Cast Iron Skillet Mystery Series) by Jodi Rath
To find all the tour information, click the banner at the top of the page.
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Blueberry Cobbler Blackmail by Jodi Rath. Don't forget to enter the giveaway!
Until the next time,
Happy Reading!
This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove
March 5, 2020
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated and all opinions are 100 percent mine.
First of all, this is a cozy mystery in that there is no profanity or gratuitous violence. However, there are a couple moments with minor implied bedroom scenes. Also, there is a same-sex relationship included but no disturbing details included about that relationship. But none of this affects the rating I gave the book.
I realize this is not the first book of the series. While I appreciate the fact that the author has provided a character list with brief descriptions at the beginning of the book, I still would recommend anyone who really would like to read this series to start at the beginning of the series. Even though I was able to navigate the story with relative ease by beginning with this book, I believe I would have had an easier time starting at the beginning of the series.
The comedy of this book was definitely the strength of this book in my opinion. There were a few classic moments that added to my overall enjoyment of the story.
I also commend the author for doing her research for this book. Not every author can write so authentically when setting a book in a somewhat unfamiliar place. She captured the spirit if the people and surroundings of Santo Domingo.
I do admit that I prefer a bit more action in my mysteries and I struggled to invest myself in the characters and the story of this mystery. I recognize the obvious talent of the author, but I would have preferred more "meat" from this book. I happily give this book a 3.5 rating, and if someone is looking for a light, entertaining mystery that is a bit out-of-the-box, this may be the book to read.
First of all, this is a cozy mystery in that there is no profanity or gratuitous violence. However, there are a couple moments with minor implied bedroom scenes. Also, there is a same-sex relationship included but no disturbing details included about that relationship. But none of this affects the rating I gave the book.
I realize this is not the first book of the series. While I appreciate the fact that the author has provided a character list with brief descriptions at the beginning of the book, I still would recommend anyone who really would like to read this series to start at the beginning of the series. Even though I was able to navigate the story with relative ease by beginning with this book, I believe I would have had an easier time starting at the beginning of the series.
The comedy of this book was definitely the strength of this book in my opinion. There were a few classic moments that added to my overall enjoyment of the story.
I also commend the author for doing her research for this book. Not every author can write so authentically when setting a book in a somewhat unfamiliar place. She captured the spirit if the people and surroundings of Santo Domingo.
I do admit that I prefer a bit more action in my mysteries and I struggled to invest myself in the characters and the story of this mystery. I recognize the obvious talent of the author, but I would have preferred more "meat" from this book. I happily give this book a 3.5 rating, and if someone is looking for a light, entertaining mystery that is a bit out-of-the-box, this may be the book to read.
July 17, 2021
Sun, fun and relaxation was part of Jolie's purpose of tagging along with Ava to Santo Domingo, but she got caught up in the mystery down there as well. Mystery seems to follow that girl, lol. It was nice to meet Ava's family, well some of them anyway. It was really hard to figure out who could be trusted aside from her mom and dad though. Once they caught Ava's dad's blackmailer, the sleuths could relax for a little bit before returning home. I really liked Ava's mom and dad, and at first I hadn't thought much of her sister who just seemed rude and entitled, but we learned a little more about her eventually.
Most of the book was spent in sunny Santo but once Jolie was back home, her fears about someone she wanted to care about came back, and of course, Nestle the snaky politician was seeming to be up to no good again. The author does a stellar job of writing characters you either love or hope they'll be the next victim, lol. It's like a soap opera I just can't stop reading!
Most of the book was spent in sunny Santo but once Jolie was back home, her fears about someone she wanted to care about came back, and of course, Nestle the snaky politician was seeming to be up to no good again. The author does a stellar job of writing characters you either love or hope they'll be the next victim, lol. It's like a soap opera I just can't stop reading!
February 28, 2020
Come and enjoy the beautiful Dominican Republic! This time we have the privilege of getting to know Ava's family. This author crafted a wonderfully intricate plot. The wealth of amazing characters keep me guessing and coming back for more. I highly recommend this book and series!
May 4, 2020
I loved this book!! Great story!! Loving this author's books!!
May 18, 2022
okay book
Not my favorite book. I wouldn’t recommend this book to my friends to read, I enjoyed the other books better
Not my favorite book. I wouldn’t recommend this book to my friends to read, I enjoyed the other books better
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews