Deep Fried Revenge

Farm-to-Fork #4

by Lynn Cahoon

Angie Turner is all prepped to face Boise’s culinary best when she enters her restaurant, The County Seat, into a big State Fair challenge. Instead, she gets dunked into a new murder investigation after a killer starts scrapping her competition . . .
 
The Idaho State Fair is in full swing and chefs are lining up to enter Boise’s Best Restaurant contest, including Angie and her County Seat crew. They might be the hometown favorite, but the competition is steeper than a funhouse floor. And when a top contender is felled following a heated confrontation over a corn dog recipe, winning suddenly becomes a matter of life or death. With a foul foodie on the prowl, it’s up to Angie to dig into the case and put a murderer on ice.

Genres: Cozy Mystery, Mystery, Fiction, Cozy, Audiobook, Romance, Contemporary

212 pages, Paperback

First published April 7, 2020

About the author

NYT and USA Today bestselling author, Lynn Cahoon, writes the Tourist Trap, Cat Latimer, Farm-to-Fork, Kitchen Witch, Survivors' Book Club, the Haunted Life, and the Bainbridge Island cozy mystery series. No matter where the mystery is set, readers can expect a fun ride Sign up for her newsletter at www.lynncahoon.com

Reviews

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Deep Fried Revenge is the 4th full-length book in the Farm-to-Fork Mystery series written by Lynn Cahoon. I've read the previous three books, plus a shorter novella in the series, and was thrilled to get an early copy of this one. I love this series, maybe even a little more now than I do another of hers that I regularly read too -- Cat Latimer Mysteries. Let's talk about this new release coming out on April 7, 2020.

Revenge is bad enough, but then Cahoon has to smother it in deep fried oils, huh? Well, the book takes place at a traveling carnival / fair, and those are the greasy but divine kinds of foods you must enjoy -- so delicious, just as this plot was. Our wonderful heroine, Angie, had entered a contest of 12 restaurants to win a grand prize. Three are eliminated each day until the winner is chosen... sort of a Top Chef / Restaurant Wars contest. Except, someone ends up dead... luckily not in the deep fryer. That'd be scary, but this time it's poison, and possibly from a rare flower. One by one, the competition is kicked out, and Angie's left standing at the last possible moment. Will she be killed by this crazy chef killer?

Okay, so I amp'd it up a little, but I couldn't put the book down for 3 hours, I kept reading and reading, and it flowed so well. I really enjoyed the story, visiting old faves, and meeting a few new ones. The relationships in this series are strong, and I love seeing them develop. Angie is a kind boss, someone we'd all love to work for. And the food makes me so hungry each time. I must put Idaho on my traveling map, to see what all this fuss is about. But I will not get caught up in this little food war. When we find out why chefs were dying, it's delectable.

Overall, I give this one a 4.5. I'm rounding down on some sites and up on others to even it out, but its a high recommend from me. This one shines in the series and cements that it's hit its groove quite well... okay, can I ask for the next one by fall? I'm so greedy, but they're so fun!

[Janete on hiatus due health issues · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF at Page 91. Almost nothing really important is happening in this novel so far. There is merely a narration of everyday facts and there are no thrilling actions at all. Scribd's text and audiobook.

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Deep Fried Revenge by Lynn Cahoon is the fourth full length novel in the cozy Farm-to-Fork Mystery series. As with most cozy mystery series each book of the Farm-to-Fork Mystery series can be read as a standalone if choosing to do so as each contains it’s own mystery solved by the end of the book. However, there is always a bit of character building within each read so those that read from the beginning will know the characters stories a bit better.

In this series Angie Turner has moved back to her hometown in rural Idaho after her grandmother’s passing and opened up a new restaurant, the County Seat. Angie’s restaurant has really taken off in the small town offering fresh ingredients straight from the surrounding farms. Angie has also gotten pretty good at solving the murders that keep turning up in the area although she keeps hoping to be done with her crime solving.

I’ve followed this series from the beginning and really enjoy the characters and the mysteries they get involved in solving. There are plenty of funny moments, a lot of cute critters and plenty of suspects to keep one guessing. Deep Fried Revenge was another great installment to keep me engaged in the series and always looking forward to the next book to come.

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/

[Linda Langford · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always enjoy visiting with Chef Angie Turner and her staff at the County Seat farm-to-fork restaurant. Book 4 embroils the team in a Restaurant Wars competition, and the murder of one of the winning chefs. A mini-mystery involving a runaway girl also captures Angie and her boyfriend, Ian McNeal’s attention. The second half of the story moves swiftly into an exciting wrap-up of both mysteries! I really enjoy this cozy series.

I honestly reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and Kensington Publishing. Thank you.

[Elle G. Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Release Date: April 7, 2020
Actual Rating: 4 stars

Cozy Mystery | Culinary Cozy

Deep Fried Revenge by Lynn Cahoon is the 4th book in the Farm-to-Fork cozy mystery series! This is one series I am always excited about! Lynn Cahoon has created not only an awesome and organic concept but relatable and charming characters. In this one, the crew is has entered into a culinary contest at the local fair. One would think this would be an amazing opportunity to showcase their culinary skills, but someone is watching and doesn’t want them or any other contestant to win… When the first murder occurs, and they find out a fellow contestant was poisoned they have no choice but to figure out who dun it before they are the next victim. And if you know Angie and her team, you know they’ll stop at nothing to solve the case!

If you’re a fan of culinary cozy series, you don’t want to miss Lynn Cahoon’s Farm-to-For series! When I get tired of reading so many romances over and over, I tend to go straight to a cozy mystery because it clears my mind and makes me smile. I love a sleuth too and Angie is one of my favorites! She’s smart, kind, and a whiz in the kitchen! I always want to try out her recipes because they sound so delicious!

[beachbum bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Angie called me to invite me for a visit...I was really excited. When she went on to tell me it was the Idaho state fair and she would be participating in their own version of “restaurant wars”....well I was on the next plane! I mean corn dogs, cotton candy, fudge, beer, rides, AND a cooking competition….what more could you ask for???
Round 1 of the competition was corn dogs….and let me just say Angie’s team should have one...those corn dogs were delish!!!....oh sorry got distracted thinking about the food. Anyways when they announced the winner of round 1….he wasn’t around to collect his prize. That’s because he had been poisoned!!
You know earlier when I said what more could I ask for….Well how about not turning the competition into a bad version of the hunger games.
Knowing Angie….I knew the rest of my visit would be less about the tilt-a-whirl, and more about finding who is trying to pick off all the chefs in the competition!

My thoughts:
I have enjoyed all the books in the series, but this was the best one yet!! I felt like we got more of the small town feel I love. The camaraderie of the County Seat team, the setting of the fair...loved, loved, loved it! As usual Lynn Cahoon did an amazing job with the writing! I liked that we are seeing Angie and Ian’s relationship evolve, and Estebe and Felicia….well im really rooting for those two crazy kids, the subplot with Bleak was interesting, and the mystery itself kept me guessing to the end! Admittedly I was really distracted with the food and rides lol.

This book is definitely a fabulous addition to a great series!! I highly recommend you check out all the books in the series! It’s mouthwatering delicious!! Ohh and so are the recipes included!!

Check out my blog for more book fun @ http://beachbumbookworm.com/

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. I would like to thank Netgalley, the author Lynn Cahoon, and the publisher for this opportunity.

[Gloria · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is fun times in River Vista when the County Seat Restaurant with Angie and the staff participate in restaurant wars at the Idaho State Fair in Boise where they put their farm to fork in play creating unique presentations of dishes. That is, it is fun until one chef dies from poisoning and happens to be the first winner. Angie, Ian, Felicia, and Estebe set out to figure out who has reason to want someone dead. Who is next? They find out about an affair, a restaurant in financial trouble, and more reasons that might make a killer set his or her sights on the different contestants. But enough to kill? There are a couple of strangers in town that raise suspicions and a homeless teen that Ian and the rest of the crew take under their wings.
This is a fun series to read about realistic, likable characters in a family type atmosphere where great foods are created and served with a side of a murder mystery to solve. It is always a fun place to return to and see what is happening with Angie, Ian, and the County Seat Restaurant employees.
I received a complimentary ARC from Kensington Publishing and Lyrical Press through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine only.

[Valerie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the interaction between the characters and how they pulled everything together for Bleak. I liked the story line, it was interesting to watch the restaurant contest and how the fair environment colored everything. The mysteries are interesting and I had no clue who was behind it all. The ending is great. #DeepFriedRevenge #NetGalley

[Micky Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's time for Chef Wars at the county fair, only someone is taking the war part a bit to literally and is attempting to kill off the competition! The County Seat crew is on the hunt for the killer and they need to find them quickly or one of them may be the next chef offed! The author does an excellent job of weaving multiple storylines throughout each book and writes strong characters that keep you invested and entertained! If you are looking for an excellent culinary cozy mystery, then this series is definitely one that needs to be added to your must read list!

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the cooking contest element of this story.Not so much the carnival because i'm not a big fan. The best part was the confrontation over the "corn dog recipe". The part of the runaway was fantastic. Deep Fried Revenge was a page turner and and exciting read.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great characters and interesting situations.

[LORI CASWELL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dollycas’s Thoughts

I love a state fair, don’t you? At the Idaho State Fair, they are holding a culinary competition and Angie Turner has entered her team from The County Seat to participate. The Boise’s Best Restaurant contest has several rounds with restaurants being eliminated after each round. One contestant, a top contender, is eliminated permanently shortly after the first round. Another is rushed to the hospital after the next round. Winning now has become a matter of life or death and Angie and Felicia rally their troops while Angie, Ian, and others get deep into the case to catch a killer. Ian also brings a new person in to join The County Seat crew and she has an interesting story.

________

Again Lynn Cahoon gives readers a great mystery to sink our teeth into. I really enjoyed this one because of the way the plot and subplots blended together so seamlessly. Thankfully while the revenge may be deep friend, none of the victims are, poison is the method of death and it is tough to ascertain where it actually came from. It was also hard to pare down the suspects. I found myself circling back around a couple of times.

The characters are this series have become some of my faves, both the humans and the animals. I absolutely love Angie’s, Saint Bernard Dom. I was also happy to have Mrs. Potter return in this book but she may be leaving the canvas again and that is okay knowing what she may be facing. The addition of a homeless teenager was a pleasant surprise. I loved the way everyone rallied around to protect her and take her under their wings. These characters truly have a family feel as close friends and co-workers tend to evolve into giving the story a very realistic feel.

At just 184 pages, Miss Cahoon packs in a lot of details and wonderfully descriptive writing. For me, the pace was measured to start with but picked up nicely about halfway through the story. The carnival food had my mouth watering and making me think that with the tragic virus in the world today most of our summer fun and yummy treats will be missed this year.

Deep Fried Revenge is a nice treat as this fun series continues. I recommend this whole series for foodie cozy mystery lovers.

[Micky Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's time for Chef Wars at the county fair, only someone is taking the war part a bit to literally and is attempting to kill off the competition! The County Seat crew is on the hunt for the killer and they need to find them quickly or one of them may be the next chef offed! The author does an excellent job of weaving multiple storylines throughout each book and writes strong characters that keep you invested and entertained! If you are looking for an excellent culinary cozy mystery, then this series is definitely one that needs to be added to your must read list!

[The Cozy Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

From Lynn Cahoon comes the fourth installment in the “A Farm-to-Fork Mystery” cozy series, Deep Fried Revenge. Published by Kensington Books starting April 7th.

Angie and company are hard at work trying to win the Boise best restaurant competition. But when things turn nasty and restaurant owners start dying, Angie steps into the investigation to prevent anyone else from becoming the next victim. This cozy series has become a fan favorite. The characters are intelligent, charming, and easily likable. The setting of Boise, Idaho, although not a big city or a small town, has a certain ambiance that allows readers to achieve a small home town feeling without being too “city.”

The setting of a cooking competition, although not necessarily unique in a cozy series, allows the reader to be introduced to a more extensive cast, with some delightfully descriptive food ideas that will leave them craving summer festivals and fairs. The background of these characters is not needed to enjoy this book. Readers will have no trouble figuring out who the players are and what purpose they serve within the series and the plot of this new book.

The murder(s) and the subplot are all intertwined and keep readers guessing until the end of the book. Motives are plentiful, but the story never strays too far away from what readers would expect of a cozy series. Victims are not well known but aren’t disliked. The competition may be stiff, but the competitors are all talented chefs with restaurants that the audience would be thrilled to spend a couple of hours dining with family and friends. The unmasking of the killer is exciting and action-filled. Angie saves the day, as usual, but risks her life to get to the bottom of the investigation. She also happens to help save a young run-a-ways future while her relationship with Ian continues to blossom.

Ms. Cahoo’s writing is as always top-notch. Her characters are fully developed, very realistic, and a joy to spend time with. Her settings are always descriptive, and places readers would enjoy visiting over and over. I am pleased to see this cozy series continue to gain strength and look forward to the next addition. I am delighted to recommend Deep Fried Revenge.

[Mary Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deep Fried Revenge
Farm-To-Fork Mystery, Book #4
Lynn Cahoon
5 Stars

Synopsis:

Angie Turner is all prepped to face Boise’s culinary best when she enters her restaurant, The County Seat, into a big State Fair challenge. Instead, she gets dunked into a new murder investigation after a killer starts scrapping her competition . . .

The Idaho State Fair is in full swing and chefs are lining up to enter Boise’s Best Restaurant contest, including Angie and her County Seat crew. They might be the hometown favorite, but the competition is steeper than a funhouse floor. And when a top contender is felled following a heated confrontation over a corn dog recipe, winning suddenly becomes a matter of life or death. With a foul foodie on the prowl, it’s up to Angie to dig into the case and put a murderer on ice.

Praise for Lynn Cahoon's Tourist Trap Mysteries

“Murder, dirty politics, pirate lore, and a hot police detective: Guidebook to Murder has it all! A cozy lover’s dream come true.”
—Susan McBride, author of The Debutante Dropout Mysteries

“Lynn Cahoon has created an absorbing, good fun mystery in Mission to Murder.”
—Fresh Fiction (Goodreads)

Review:

The characters are well rounded and well developed. I really enjoy how well Angie and all of the crew get along. Even though they are not related, they act like a family. They help each other, they worry about each other and they love each other.

The writing style flows smoothly and it defines the characters very clearly by their words and actions. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and those descriptions pulled me into the story from the very beginning. The mystery was well crafted and there were enough clues to sift through and suspects to consider.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. I am looking forward to reading the next one.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, Kensington Books, and NetGalley, which I greatly appreciate.

[Dawn Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This has been a fun series for me - after a rocky start with the books, each book has gone up in stars and has stayed at 4 stars since book 2. And this one was right up there as well - there are some negative points, but not too many. I will list them here -

1. It was about 50 - 75 pages too long. There was just too much middle stuff and not enough mystery. Angie was way less nosy than normal [because she was in a competition] and while that is usually good thing, this time it just detracted from the story. And there just wasn't enough about the food - they talked about it, but considering it was about a food competition, there should have been more about the food. It wasn't a huge detraction, but it was noticeable.

2. Even though I really like the addition of Bleak [WHO names their kid that?? I mean really?], it made some of the story murky to have the dual story of her being a run away and the competition going on together. It would have been great to have one or the other. TWO books ultimately, would have been better than one.

BUT!!!!
The mystery was REALLY good and I didn't know who the killer was until close to the end [the red herrings were good in this one] and because of that, it stayed at 4 stars. The base mystery WAS good, even with the negative points, and so overall, I am a happy camper. I like how the interpersonal relationships are working out and I really DO like the addition of Bleak. She is a great character and I can see her being a great addition to these stories. She works well with Hope and its nice to see Hope have a friend and someone to bond with.

I am looking forward to the next one in the series. :-)

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Restaurant owner and chef Angie Turner is participating in Restaurant Wars at the state fair but finds herself dealing with a lot more than stress from the cooking competition. It seems someone is out to kill the winning chefs plus her boyfriend has befriended a mysterious homeless girl and then there is the matter of a stranger in the park that seems to know Angie and then turns up at her neighbor's house.

I enjoyed the mysteries within the mystery and found the main characters although not perfect to be likable and relatable. Thanks to Kensington and NetGalley for an ARC. The opinions expressed are my own.

[Heidi Prockish · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series keeps getting better and better.

[Shawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kept me on my toes and had no idea who the killer was.

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Deep Fried Revenge by Lynn Cahoon has Angie Turner, a co-owner in the County Seat, participating in the Idaho State Fair’s Restaurant Wars. At the end of the first day of competition, the winner fails to appear and is found dead in his competition trailer. Soon a second man falls ill after eating tainted tacos. Is someone trying to eliminate the competition? Angie intends to find out without finding herself the killers next target. Deep Fried Revenge is the fourth A Farm-to-Fork Mystery. It can be read alone for those new to the series. Angie Turner is a friendly chef with a big heart. She is dating Ian McNeal who suits Angie. Angie’s lovable St. Bernard, Dom is just as busy and friendly as ever. Angie is busy with the restaurant as well as the farm plus she is now competing in the Boise State Fair’s version of Restaurant Wars. The competition is stiff with the front runner ending up dead after the first round of competition (which Angie’s team should have won). Angie cannot help but ask questions and dig for clues (she is naturally curious). I liked the carnival atmosphere with the rides, exhibits and the food that will clog your arteries (but is too good to resist). The mystery had a handful of suspects. I wish there had been more action and sleuthing. One detail pointed me in the direction of the killer. The mystery did not become a priority until late in the story. The gang was more concerned with a new arrival, Bleak. She is a teenage runaway in need of assistance. She provides few details about herself, but she does make it clear that she will not go back home. Bleak gets a job at the County Seat and goes to live with the sheriff and his wife. Bleak finds herself in a sticky situation that will need Angie and the gang to come to her rescue. Lynn Cahoon has an engaging writing style. It is friendly and casual which makes Deep Fried Revenge easy to read. The story had a good flow and moved along at a steady pace. I enjoyed joining Angie, Ian, Felicia and the group at the fair. There is also romance in the air between Felicia and a certain sous chef. Deep Fried Revenge is an upbeat cozy mystery with fun fair food, the darling Dom, a killer cooking competition, a worrying runaway and a crafty killer.

[Patrizia · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stelle e mezza
Bella storia, con diversi colpevoli possibili e con una soluzione che in parte mi ha sorpreso. Ancora migliore la storia secondaria sulla giovane fuggitiva, mentre non ho apprezzato molto il cliffhanger verso il libro successivo, ma questo è un problema mio in quanto non amo molto questo artificio letterario.

[Trish · Rating 3 out of 5]

This series always makes me hungry!

[Peggy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Deep Fried Revenge is the 4th book in the Farm-to-Fork Mystery series by author Lynn Cahoon and I have to say I think that it is my favorite in the series so far. This time around, Angie and the team from the Country Seat are entered in the best restaurant competition at the Boise State Fair. Unfortunately, this time around the competition is murder - literally. Not only that, this time around Sheriff Brown actually welcomes Angie's help as she tries to dig up the murder before the next victim is someone from the restaurant.

In this installment, it feels like the series and characters are hitting their stride. The story, pace and mystery flow really well in this book and if I didn't have a full-time job, I would have finished the book a lot sooner. The characters and their relationships with each other and romantic are developing well. As a reader, I can see the growth in them from book to book and each time I pick up a new installment I am excited to see the changes and developments. This time around, we add a new secondary character, a young runaway, whose story is also a bit of a mystery. Her name is Bleak and I really enjoyed her addition to the cast of characters. I'm hoping we will see more of her in future books.

The mystery was well done as always. Ms. Cahoon weaves clues throughout the story, and frankly, for this reader, uses her delicious description of the food made during the competition as a red herring used to distract this reader. There were actually two mysteries that were woven together nicely throughout the story. First, who is Bleak, where did she come from and why did she run away? Second, who is killing the chefs that are winning the various rounds in the food competition? Ms. Cahoon wrapped both of these up very nicely, with Angie once again in the thick of some danger, much to Ian's worry.

This is a terrific series and I recommend it to culinary cozy mystery lovers and those who are fans of Ms. Cahoon's other series. I will definitely be returning for the next installment, which was set up nicely at the end of this book.

I voluntarily read a digital advanced reader copy provided to me by the publisher, Kensington, through Netgalley.

[Lyne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Deep Fried Revenge is Lynn Cahoon’s 4th book in the “Farm-to-Fork Mystery” series.
When I need a break from reading my serious books, I reach for my bubble gum for the brain reads. Not a criticism of Ms. Cahoon, but a return to a cozy, comfortable mystery. I relax and enjoy meeting old friends. I totally recommend reading Ms. Cahoon’s series, but begin with the first book of the series where she introduces the characters so you get familiar with them.
Overall, very enjoyable. This is a Whodunnit, not a Thriller.
I feel the ending was a little rushed, and left me a bit confused. I’m hoping that all the little loose ends will be tied up in book #5. I will definitely be reading it.

[Jennifer Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

Average mystery. I still enjoyed reading about Angie and her crew, this one just didn't grab me like the others.

[Patty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Deep Fried Revenge by Lynn Cahoon is the 4th book in the Farm to Fork Mystery series, and another great addition to the series. Angie Turner is busy getting ready for the State Fair challenge, where she has entered her restaurant, The County Seat, in Boise's Best Restaurant contest. The problem is something bad happens to the restaurants that win, so Angie and the crew are on the case. Once I started this book I could not stop reading it. It was a quick read that kept me guessing. I look forward to the next book in the series. I recommend this book for all cozy mystery book lovers, you will not be disappointed.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been enjoying the Farm to Fork Mystery series and was looking forward to another enjoyable visit to Boise to spend time with the gang from The County Seat. Well, I am thrilled about this outing with Angie and the others. This time around, we got to spend a lot of time at the Idaho State Fair. The County Seat is participating in the Boise’s Best Restaurant contest along with several other restaurants in the area. It sounds like a lot of fun and a great way to get publicity until people start dying and/or getting sick. There is also a teenage runaway that adds a bit more excitement as she begins working with Angie and being fostered in town. Can Angie figure out who is poisoning the chefs, and what is Bleak's secret?

I loved this addition to the series, in fact, I think it was the best one yet. The setting of the fair was wonderful and gave the book that small town feel I love. The County Seat team really came together in this one, not just with the competition, but also working with Bleak. My heart broke for the young girl, I knew she had secrets, but when we find out what those secrets were, I wanted her to stay in Boise and settle down. As usual Lynn Cahoon penned a great story with a wonderful plot. I was not sure what was going on and who the culprit was, until shortly before the reveal. Of course Angie puts herself in danger, but is able to protect herself for the most part. I also like how the personal relationships in the story between Angie and Ian, as well as the burgeoning relationship of Estebe and Felicia are evolving. There is a lot to like about this book and keep you guessing right to the end.

I did a read/listen for this book. Susan Boyce has narrated many books that I have listened to over the last couple of years and she is one that I enjoy. She has good expression and intonation when reading. I am able to distinguish characters based on the voice she uses, even though they are not radically different. She is a narrator that I enjoy. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.

[Patricia Romero · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Idaho State Fair is a big deal and this year the competition ramps up to include the Boise's Best Restaurant Contest. Angie Turner and her crew from her restaurant the County Seat are running all over the place trying to guess what the next challenge will entail. Everyone gets the same dish to put their own personal spin on.

Not all of the contestants are in it for fun. Someone is knocking off the winners. Angie and her team aren't about to keep their noses out of the sleuthing fun and they intend to win the contest too!

Chefs are the most competitive people! While our beloved chefs at the County Seat are an exception, some of these folks are crazy!

This is the fourth book in the Farm to Fork Mysteries and I felt like everyone was on point and the characters are coming together nicely. I may have gained a few pounds with this one!

Well Done!

NetGalley/ April 7th, 2020 by Lyrical Press


 

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deep Fried Revenge earns 5/5 Treats on a Stick...Engaging Entertainment!

And the Winner is...Lynn Cahoon’s new Farm-to-Fork Mystery! Angie is ready to pit her restaurant, The County Seat, against eleven other culinary hopefuls in the State Fair’s Restaurant Wars to select Boise’s Best Restaurant. However, while checking out the venue of individual trailers, Angie and Ian are surprised by a dark figure running out of the tent. Nothing seems obviously stolen, but one contestant’s trailer has been trashed, and Angie is twitching to find out what security discovered. When the winner of the first day of competition is announced, he is nowhere to be found. His trailer, the one that had been trashed the night before, is checked, and he’s lying on the floor. Dead. Poisoned. The show must go on revealing the lurker that earlier creeped out Angie is in overdrive with his self promotion and insults as he tries to throw, or threaten, everyone off their game. When another trailer is trashed and another winning contestant ends up in the hospital, Angie seems to have another one of her feelings...is someone taking out the winners?

As a kindred “spud” having been born in Idaho, like my parents, and visiting my grandparents in Boise, I have fond memories of the Idaho State Fair with its rides, exhibits, animals, and food along the midway...sans any murders, of course, unless you count “devouring” countless quantities of corn dogs. Here Lynn Cahoon brings that experience to life with the sights, sounds, tastes, and murderous peril. Her well-written drama is with a first-person narrative from Angie’s perspective sharing inner thoughts and theories along with fun, sometimes snarky, sense of humor. But, it’s the strong familial manner among the main list of characters that I enjoy with each looking out for the other and engaging in realistic banter. Law enforcement has a close connection, but recognizes the barrier between professional and amateur (well, mostly, details always get out). There is an additional intriguing mystery about a young girl, ironically named Bleak, that sparks interest. Newbies can start with any of the books. Although characters develop and relationships see ups and downs, there are no spoilers and the mystery du jour is always solved well. Bonus! Lynn gives readers some insights, “Dear Reader,” into her philosophy on cooking: Homestyle. She also includes her version of the hearty Shepherd’s Pie with some easy shortcuts to save time or a healthy option.

Disclosure: I received an ARC from Kensington/Lyrical thru NetGalley. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.

[K.A. Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

DEEP FRIED REVENGE, the fourth book in the Farm-to-Fork Mysteries by Lynn Cahoon, is another strong addition to a highly enjoyable series! The protagonist, Angie Turner, is co-owner of the County Seat restaurant with her best friend, Felicia. Their banter with the restaurant employees is pure entertainment and I greatly appreciate the way they treat each and every one of them as family. Thrown into the mix in this newest release is a runaway teen, Bleak (I know, a sad, sad name...). Angie and her team show their true worth as they take the girl into their midst and show her heartwarming kindness and help create a stable life for the girl. One of Ms. Cahoon’s greatest strengths is character development for all of the players in the book. It helps the reader connect to and feel invested in the story as it unfolds. Not only are the human characters well-developed, but the animal characters also have their individual personalities, like Dom, the adorable St. Bernard, Precious the goat, and Mabel the chicken. Their antics adds a layer of humor to the book.

In addition to fun characters, Ms. Cahoon writes a compelling mystery set at the Boise, Idaho fair. The reader is treated to the sights, sounds, smells, and especially tastes of the setting with the author’s vivid descriptive passages. Taking place at the fair is a Restaurant Wars / Top Chef type of competition. Since I love watching those types of shows, I found it entertaining reading about Angie’s participation in the multi-day event and about all the work that goes into preparing for that kind of contest. But the fun and games comes to an end when one of the chefs competing is poisoned after winning the first round and another chef falls gravely ill after winning the second round. Tantalizing clues are sprinkled throughout the book as Angie starts asking questions and the author adds twists and turns to keep the reader guessing. Ms. Cahoon writes a roller coaster worthy ending that had me sitting on the edge of my seat until I’d read the very last page.

One of the things I admire about the Farm-to-Fork Mystery series is the downhome food served at the County Seat. Ms. Cahoon writes such enticing descriptions of the delectable dishes it makes me want to call for a reservation. She does include a family recipe at the back of the book and I am anxious to try it.

I was provided an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.