Shredding the Evidence

Cookbook Nook Mystery #9

by Daryl Wood Gerber

The Agatha Award–winning author of Sifting Through Clues returns to the Cookbook Nook, where a combative food reporter gets her just deserts . . .
The denizens of Crystal Cove are salivating over the upcoming Food Bowl Week, when local chefs offer some of their best and most imaginative creations in bite-size portions all over town. Bookstore proprietor Jenna Hart is hungry to sample as many of the delicacies as she can, but when she stumbles onto the dead body of a local food reporter and learns that her best friend’s husband is the primary suspect, she’ll have to summon the appetite for a side dish of sleuthing to prove his innocence.
Jenna knows the ambitious and aggressive reporter, who was strangled at a fitness center with her shredded restaurant reviews scattered around her, left behind a long list of potential suspects. As she begins piecing together the scant clues, she uncovers illicit ties between the victim and a local newspaper owner, a spurned would-be lover, and a host of disgruntled restaurant owners not a bit torn up by the critical reporter’s demise. And with a solution so close she can almost taste it, Jenna turns up the heat on the culprit, realizing too late that she’s the next course on the murderer’s menu . . .
Includes tasty recipes!

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Cozy, Contemporary

230 pages, Paperback

First published April 21, 2020

About the author

Agatha Award-winning and nationally bestselling author Daryl Wood Gerber writes the Aroma Wellness Mysteries, Literary Dining Mysteries, Fairy Garden Mysteries, Cookbook Nook Mysteries, and French Bistro Mysteries. As Avery Aames, she pens the popular Cheese Shop Mysteries.

In addition, Daryl also writes suspense including the stand-alone novel, THE SON'S SECRET, the Aspen Adams novels of suspense, and two more stand-alone titles, DAY OF SECRETS and GIRL ON THE RUN.

She has recently delved into the realm of romance with her first Christmas romance, HOPE FOR THE HOLIDAYS.

Fun tidbit: as an actress, Daryl appeared in “Murder, She Wrote.” She loves to cook, and she has a frisky Goldendoodle named Sparky who keeps her in line!

Visit Daryl at www.darylwoodgerber.com.

Reviews

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're looking for a gruesome way to die (in a cozy), then purchase Shredding the Evidence written by Daryl Wood Gerber. Yep, the title says it all, and I recommend the whole Cookbook Nook Mystery series. I've finished all but the most recent installment now, and I've also read many of the author's other books. She's a prolific writer and in this latest example, she shines with plot, character, and setting development.

Jenna's world is changing. She's engaged. One best friend adopted a baby, the other had a baby. Her father might be getting engaged, as might her aunt. Everyone around her is in love, and it seems, so was the latest victim. Who killed the reporter / gym enthusiast? A former lover? A new one? Her boss? Her sorta-adopted family? A stranger in town? When the body is found, it looks like one of Jenna's friend's husbands is guilty, but it can't be true! As Jenna investigates, Cinnamon, the pregnant sheriff, goes on temporary bedrest, and she actually deputizes Jenna to help in her absence.

I'm closing in on finishing this series. I enjoyed this one a lot, but it wasn't one of my top favorites. I think most of the other characters were all outsiders / newbies, so it felt a little bit like a different story for a while. All the normal charms were present, and the food and recipes were kinda amazing, so it was only momentarily until the story really kicked in. I'll be starting the final book next week, so that I'm ready to take on the new one when it is published in 2022. How about you?

[Gloria · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is Food Bowl Week in Crystal Cove, California, with events going on all over the town where chefs get to show off their skills. At the Cookbook Nook, Jenna Hart and her crew are busy as well bringing in cookbooks written by the local chefs and planning events to bring in customers. Next door in the adjoining cafe, Nook Cafe, Chef Katie is gearing up for a special meal to bring in patrons as well. Jenna's fiance' Rhett is also busy at his restaurant, Intime, so the two are not seeing enough of each other but wedding plans are in progress.
The events are overshadowed by a murder at a local gym with the victim being the best friend of the owner. She is found alone in the locked facility by Jenna, her best friend, Bailey, and Alexa, owner of the gym. The victim is not well liked and has a caustic personality so there is a pool of haters to check out. When Bailey's husband is a suspect, she and Jenna work hard to get to the bottom of the crime, including looking at some friends and acquaintances. In a small town, most everyone knows each other so investigating friends can be tough.
This is a great addition to this fun series with a cast of recurring characters in a lovely setting and yummy sounding foods to read about. Recipes are included at the end of the book.
I received a complimentary ARC from Beyond the Page Publishing through NetGalley for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are mine only.

[Peggy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy visiting with Jenna, her Aunt Vera, and the rest of the residents of Crystal Cove in the Cookbook Nook Mystery series. What I find enjoyable able this series, aside from the characters, is how each one has a town festival or event attached to the mystery. I think it adds to the overall vibe of the story and helps carry the plot along while providing a way for Jenna to uncover clues. The author has a terrific descriptive writing style that helps pull the reader into each new book and keep them engaged. This time around, Jenna has to help clear her friend Bailey's husband from being a murder suspect. There were a lot of viable suspects with great motives which makes the reader really pay attention to each new clue that Jenna is able to uncover. The mystery is wrapped up in a climactic conclusion and once again all is right in Crystal Cove. I can wait to attend the next festival or event in Crystal Cove to see what new mystery confronts Jenna.

[JoAn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shredding the Evidence by Daryl Wood Gerber was an engaging addition to the Cookbook Nook series. I enjoyed spending the afternoon and evening with Jenna in Crystal Cove as she hunts for clues to clear her best friend's husband of being a murder suspect.

I received a copy of this book from my local library.

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shredding the Evidence by Daryl Wood Gerber has Jenna Hart preparing the shop for Food Bowl Week in Crystal Cove, California. Local restaurants are offering their best and most creative dishes including Intine, Rhett’s new French bistro. Kylie O, the food critic for the Crystal Cove Courier, is determined to cover all the Food Bowl events on her own much to Tito Martinez’s frustration. When Kylie is found dead on a Pilates machine, Tito ends up the prime suspect. Bailey needs Jenna prove Tito’s innocence before her husband ends up a cook at the local prison. Shredding the Evidence is the ninth A Cookbook Nook Mystery. It can be read as a standalone, but I do recommend each book in this charming series. I always enjoy visiting Crystal Cove with its darling shops and friendly (well, most of them of are) residents. I have liked watching Jenna, Cary Hart, Aunt Vera, Bailey and the other develop as characters. It is lovely to see Aunt Vera in a romance, Bailey enjoying her new baby girl, Jenna and Rhett planning their wedding and Cinnamon expecting a baby. The annual Food Bowl Week means an influx of tourists to sample the delectable food and purchase gifts which includes cookbooks plus related items from the Cookbook Nook. Kylie Obendorfer (you can see why she preferred Kylie O) is murdered and there are a variety of people who would have liked to see her dead. As a food critic, Kylie did not hold back. She was equally as rude in her private life. Unfortunately, Tito had a public argument with Kylie the day before her death. Bailey has no intention of letting her husband linger on Cinnamon’s suspect list. I liked the misdirection as well as the method of murder. I was caught by surprise when Cinnamon did something completely unexpected that left Jenna equally flabbergasted (for a moment). There were a couple of side storylines in Shredding the Evidence. Aunt Vera’s romance has upset her romantic partners children, Eugene Tinsdale is thinking of selling the Crystal Cove Courier, Rhett is overwhelmed at his new restaurant, redecorating is happening at Jenna and Rhett’s new home plus they are planning their wedding. I just love Tigger, Jenn’s cat, and his adorable antics. I like how the shredding theme was incorporated into the book in clever ways. The food descriptions will have your mouth watering and, luckily, there are recipes at the end of the book for some of the food dishes mentioned. Shredding the Evidence is a fun cozy mystery with delectable delights, a cute cat, wedding woes, a horrifying homicide, a beloved baby, relationship tribulations, and throngs of tourists.

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love visiting Jenna and the Cookbook Nook. That being said, When there's a list of characters at the beginning of the book I get scared. Scared that I will lose track of the characters and not remember who is who. But I was pleasantly surprised. I kept everyone straight in my head. The "food bowl" theme was fun and the mystery kept me reading. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.

I received this book from Netgalley for a honest review.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite series by one of my favorite authors. A visit to Crystal Cove is always interesting because each story has an unique theme. This time it is Food Bowl Week so get ready to salivate over yummy sounding dishes and get some great recipes. Also, A+ for the original manner of the murder.

Thanks to Beyond the Page Publishing and NetGalley for an ARC. The opinions expressed are my own.

[Daryl Gerber · Rating 5 out of 5]

“That’s what Tito said, but would Kylie listen? No, she would not. She’s deaf. Obstinate. A real piece of work.” Bailey leaned in and lowered her voice. “Between you and me, I think my sweet husband would like to clock her.”



You can read an excerpt, see book club questions, watch a book trailer and find all the buy links for this book on my website HERE. https://darylwoodgerber.com/cookbook-...

[LORI CASWELL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dollycas’s Thoughts

It’s Food Bowl Week in Crystal Cove and Jenna Hart is excited to not only try the chef’s creations but knows the event will bring plenty of customers to her Cookbook Nook. Chef Katie also has plans of her own for the food at the Nook Cafe too including a special guest. Jenna’s finance Rhett’s new bistro, Intime has a very special dinner planned as well. Kylie O., the Crystal Cove Courier food critic is determined to cover all the events by herself even though reporter Tito Martinez has offered to help. Bailey’s husband, Tito has wanted to take on more stories and he and Kylie have a very public argument over it. So when Kylie O. is found dead in a local gym, a gym where both Tito and Bailey work out, he becomes the prime suspect in her murder.

Truthfully, Kylie O. was a pretty aggressive reporter and dished out some caustic reviews so she left behind a wide variety of suspects. Jenna knows Tito is innocent so she just has to clear his name by finding the actual killer. Easier said than done because the clues point to several individuals. When Jenna starts to hone in on the killer she finds the killer is already homing in on her. Can Jenna corner the killer or will she be the next victim?

It is always fun to catch up with these characters because there never seems to be a dull moment in Crystal Cove. In addition to the town events, Jenna and Rhett are starting to plan their wedding, Aunt Vera is dating, everyone is swooning over Bailey’s baby girl and another core character is expecting a baby. With everything going on Jenna still finds time to investigate the murder and this makes for one very unhappy Cinnamon. As always the characters are cleverly written and they all continue to develop in realistic ways.

The theme of this story is Shredding and it is not just the evidence that is shredded. Food is shredded in amazing ways. The descriptions had my tummy rumbling and I really appreciated the recipes the author provides at the end of the book. She is a true foodie and her passion reigns within the pages of her stories. The Cookbook Nook theme of the series is just perfect for her.

The mystery was very well-plotted with some red herrings to divert everyone’s thinking. Bailey really pushes Jenna along in her quest to prove her husband is not a murderer. Twist after twist start to pull the killer into focus but I was really off on this one. I really came to dislike the deceased more than I usually do when reading cozy mysteries and I think that clouded my thinking. The author has a real strength of pulling her readers into the story and she really did that for me this time.

Shredding the Evidence was A Perfect Escape. I was entertained from the beginning to the end and look forward to reading Wining and Dying soon.

[Micky Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

What happens when the most hated person in town ends up dead and your bestie's hubs is potentially on the hook for strangling the wench? Well you have to snoop of course! I love this series with its wonderfully written characters and entertaining plots! This one definitely offers up a plethora of potential suspects, but you'll have to read to see how this plot unwinds as I won't give away any spoilers. I absolutely can't wait to see what happens in the next book, but in the meantime I'll be trying out the gluten free recipe options that the author provided! It's so wonderful to have an author include those of us with food issues rather than to treat us with disdain! I absolutely can't love this author anymore....well unless she hurries up and gives us another Cookbook Nook mystery really soon!

[K.A. Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

SHREDDING THE EVIDENCE, the ninth book in the Cookbook Nook Mystery series by Daryl Wood Gerber, is another terrific addition to a well-loved series! The protagonist, Jenna Hart, is preparing for their town’s week-long Food Bowl event, where local chefs create imaginative bite-sized delicacies. I adore the clever event themes Ms. Gerber bases each murder mystery around in her books. It adds to the reader becoming immersed in the setting and provides the opportunity to experience it with all the senses. She also creates entertaining, witty names for the businesses in town which showcases the author’s humor. Jenna is a very likeable character and I appreciate how the author has continued to find avenues of growth and change for her along with the other central characters. It makes them seem all the more relatable. Jenna is a true friend to her employees and treats her many customers with respect. It’s no wonder her shop, the Cookbook Nook Bookstore and Nook Café, which she co-owns with her Aunt Vera, is so successful. I would love to spend my free time in the Cookbook Nook browsing the many veritable, specialty cookbooks that Jenna sells. Instead I do the next best thing and search for those that catch my eye on Amazon to add to my own collection.

The local food reporter turned murder victim didn’t come as a surprise. She was a mean-spirited woman and there were many, many people who had reasons to hate her, including Jenna’s best friend’s husband. In keeping with her character, Jenna jumps in to support her friend no matter the cost and prove his innocence. Ms. Gerber writes a tightly plotted mystery with the clues twisting and turning to keep the reader on their toes. With the murder happening in a “locked-room” situation, the reveal was quite stunning on how it was pulled off with an edge-of-your seat conclusion. The author does an admirable job wrapping up each strand of the story creating a highly satisfying read!

With Food Bowl week happening and the Nook Café serving up all sorts of delightful goodies, the reader will be hungry as they turn the pages. You can always count on Ms. Gerber’s books containing many delectable recipes at the back of the book and as usual, I want to try them all! As a bonus, many of them have been adapted for those who need to eat gluten-free as well.

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

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Daryl Wood Gerber once again captures the essence of the Cookbook Nook Mystery series in Shredding the Evidence, which is food. In this volume, a week long Food Bowl event is happening in Crystal Cove, and all the events and food descriptions made me wish Crystal Cove was a real town. And then there’s the recipes at the end of the book, all of which look fairly easy to make, and they all sound so tempting.

And we couldn’t have a cozy without a murder. This one was very unique in the murder weapon, and Gerber provided lots of clues and red herrings to keep the reader guessing. I thought I knew the killer early on, although I wasn’t completely sure what the motive would be. But Gerber kept tempting me with two other very strong options, so I did question myself a couple of times. I will say the murderer and motive was nothing new and I’ve been seeing a trend in cozies lately that have been giving the readers this type of killer. I want to say more about it, but I don’t want to give anything away.

We once again get to visit our character friends and see what is happening in their lives. Jenna is starting to make plans for her wedding, which is so much fun, since this series started with her being a widow. And as always, Aunt Vera is my favorite, although we see a lot more of Bailey and Tito in this book since Tito is accused of murder, and Bailey will stop at nothing, including very aggressively questioning suspects.

Another solid addition to the Cookbook Nook Mystery series.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shredding The Evidence is the ninth book in Daryl Wood Gerber's Cookbook Nook Mystery series.
While it is part of a series, you can read and enjoy it as a standalone.
I really enjoyed this book. The well developed characters and the cleverly crafted storyline line kept my interest from beginning to end. There was the perfect amount of suspects to keep you guessing but not so many it was convoluted. I did not guess who the guilty party was until just before it was revealed.
I appreciate the cast of characters list the the author included at the beginning of the book, as there is quite a large supporting cast in this book , it was a handy reference tool. And I would be amiss If I didn't mention the delicious recipes at the end of the book, I am really looking forward to trying those pumpkin muffins!

It is always a pleasure to spend time in Crystal Cove, can't wait until my next visit!

I was given a copy of this book which I voluntarily reviewed .

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this latest edition in the cookbook nook series, it is food bowl week in Crystal Cove and Jenna Hart is getting things ready in her cookbook nook shop. Things take a turn when a food reporter, Kylie, is found dead shortly after an argument with fellow reporter and Jenna's friend, Tito. Jenna doesn't believe Tito could have killed anyone so she sets out to find the killer along with Tito's wife Bailey. This was such a fun edition in this series. I loved to see how the characters have evolved since the beginning of the series. The characters are wonderful as always and the mystery was well done. I was surprised at the killer but the reveal was good. I definitely will continue this series.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always love diving into the world of The Cookbook Nook and visiting with Jenna and friends, and this time was no exception! I love the theme weeks that are always present, and I always enjoy trying out the recipes included. The mystery, as always, was fun to figure out. I truly enjoyed Gerber’s newest book - one of my favorite series, and this addition to it was awesome!

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good one! I always enjoy the characters and Jenna does a good job investigating. I love the town, although their events always sound both fun and exhausting. I did enjoy the food week theme this time. The mystery was good, kept me guessing and I enjoyed the conclusion. Recipes are included at the end which I always enjoy.

[The Cozy Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

From Beyond the Page Publishing comes Daryl Wood Gerber’s ninth book in the “A Cookbook Nook Mystery” series, Shredding the Evidence.

The characters in this bookstore cozy are always fun, intelligent, and happy to get into mischief. They are also easily persuaded to jump into a murder investigation. Which considering the fact that another murder has occurred, is a good thing. Jenna is an amateur sleuth at best, but not as unwilling as she would like people to think. Bailey takes the lead this time, her husband being the main suspect. She is almost ruthless in her questioning of suspects and witnesses. Aunt Vera, although not directly involved in the investigation, adds drama and entertainment to an already delightful story. A pregnant Cinnamon is an unpredictable Cinnamon; this opens up the character to have more depth and personality. I would like to have seen Rhett more involved in the story as he plays such a small part.

As always, the setting of Crystal Cove is idyllic and a town most readers would enjoy visiting. The base of this series is a bookstore that specializes in cookbooks and cooking items. I would love to spend a couple of hours roaming through the cookbooks and other items. The recipe descriptions are mouth-watering!

The murder is unusual, and a bit more violent than readers might expect from a cozy book. Thankfully, Ms. Gerber limits the description to the bare necessities, readers need not worry that it crosses the boundaries of cozy vs. pulp. Suspects are plentiful, and many have excellent motives to have killed the victim. Kylie O wasn’t well-liked and earned the dislike and perhaps hatred of those she came in contact with. After everything she did, its a wonder someone hadn’t murdered her sooner! The bookstore doesn’t play a big enough part in this book, but that could just be my inner literary greed speaking. Food Bowl week sounds like an event most people would enjoy attending, and the characters in this story are no exception.

In the end, the killer is found and will come as somewhat of a surprise to many readers. Unfortunately, I was fairly sure who the killer was almost from the beginning, but the motive and the means were intriguing and kept me turning the page. Overall, Shredding the Evidence is a delightful cozy, with a fan favorite setting of a bookstore, with a small-town feel that keeps readers coming back to this series. Ms. Gerber is a wonderful writer who can craft a story that leaves you feeling happy. In a world where happiness can be hard to find right now, reading a good cozy is a pleasure we can all endure with ease.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jenna Hart lives in Crystal Cove, California.
She runs a bookstore, Cookbook Nook which
sells all types of cookbooks, culinary mysteries,
cooking equipment and even has a small
restaurant attached. The book shop has a
children’s section to host activities for them.
Aunt Vera brought Jenna back to Crystal
Cove to have her help run this bookstore.
Aunt Vera is a quirky character with a great
sense of humor. She dresses in unusual attire
and enjoys giving tarot card readings.
There is a week long Food Bowl event in
Crystal Cove. Shredding is the theme of the
Food Bowl. The local chefs create bite-sized,
mouthwatering delicious treats made from
shredding all types of food. Their creations
are described in such vivid, realistic detail
that the reader will start to crave something
to eat!!!
All seems to be going well in Crystal Cove
until the local newspaper food critic is found
DEAD. On the floor there are articles that
have been shredded. To what or whom were
these articles referring?
The deceased person was not well liked so
when it is determined to be murdered, there are
a lot of suspects. Each suspect has a personal
reason to end this woman’s life.
When Jenna’s best friend husband becomes
the main suspect, Jenna starts her own
investigation.
The characters are well created, multifaceted
with interesting backstories plus there are a
hidden secrets aplenty.
Action packed, talented creative writing plus
thrills and chills to keep the reader engrossed.
Jenna has a fur baby, Tigger the cat who goes
with her to work. Tigger has his own area in the
Cookbook Nook.
To satisfy the reader’s hunger cravings, there
are quick, easy and wonderfully flavored recipes
are provided at the end of the book.
This is book # 9 in the Cookbook Nook Mysteries
series. It can be read as a stand alone.
I volunteered to read Shredding the Evidence.
Thanks to the author via the Cozy Mystery Review
Crew for the opportunity. My opinion is voluntary
and my own.

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an awesome cozy mystery series. It has likable main characters and a wonderful setting. The town of Crystal Cove sounds like the perfect small town, and I wish I could live someplace like this. The seaside setting, and the shopping district full of cute little shops, sounds so fun.

The town of Crystal Cove is having a "Food Bowl Week" showcasing local restaurants and chefs. It sounds like a well attended event. Jenna Hart owns a cookbook store with a cafe attached to it. She is right in the middle of the action for the food events. When a newspaper reporter is killed, one who has written many negative restaurant reviews, Jenna steps in to solve the crime.

Jenna seems like the type of person you would want as a friend. She cares about her friends and goes out of her way to help them. The mystery was interesting, with several suspects. The victim, Kylie, has had several run ins with the locals, so many people had motives. The ending made sense, and the murderer had an interesting reason for killing Kylie. I enjoyed reading this.

I received a free copy from the Cozy Mystery Review Crew in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Taryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crystal Cove is gearing up for the Food Bowl Week that will be happening soon. A week of a variety of imaginative foods offered by local chefs. Jenna is excited and has already figured out when she'll be able to sample and which places she wants to visit. Things are going well until she helps break up a fight between her best friends husband who is a reporter for the local paper and the food reporter for the same paper. When she finds the body of the food reporter the next day she worries about her Bailey's husband being a suspect. Tito says he is innocent and Jenna believes him, she knows she needs to put her investigating skills to the test in hopes of finding out who the real killer is and why they went to such extremes. Meanwhile she is trying to get started on her wedding plans and making sure nothing will be left for the last minute. As she digs deeper things start to come to light but will she figure out who the killer is before she herself becomes the next victim? This series is a must read filled with amazing characters, great plots, and an inviting destination.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy this series. I have found new things I enjoy because of this series. The town of Crystal Cove host different event/festivals all the time. This book focuses on local chefs. I’m not a great cook, but I love reading cozy mysteries about food. This is a fun way to learn about new foods. The characters are likable and realistic. The mystery has quite a few suspects and well place red herrings to keep the reader guessing until the big reveal. I look forward to the next in the series.

All thoughts and opinions are my own, and in no way, I have been influenced by anyone.

[Melissa Lowrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great installment (the 9th) in the Cookbook Nook Mystery series. Daryl Wood Gerber has once again provided a wonderfully well written, delightfully suspenseful book featuring the favorite cast of characters in Crystal Cove, California. If you've never read any of the books in the series, a cast of characters is provided for you at the beginning to lay the groundwork for the adventures ahead. Both "foodies" and "non-foodies" can enjoy the descriptions of the Food Bowl coming to Crystal Cove. Add in murder and mystery and you have a book you can enjoy from start to finish.

[Annarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series and I think this was an excellent addition.
It was great to meet again the likeable cast of characters, they are well written and interesting.
The mystery is solid and it kept me guessing.
I can't wait for the next instalment.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

[Seraphia Bunny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shredding the Evidence is a cozy mystery by Daryl Wood Gerber that will hook you from the beginning with descriptions of tasty mouth-watering treats and a who-done-it murder that will keep you page-turning to the very end as the author expertly shrouds the killer in mystery until the surprising twist of a reveal. The author creates a backdrop in Crystal Cove where the citizens are getting ready for Food Bowl Week, and man do I wish I could have been there myself. People are excited about the festivities and food, but there is trouble brewing with a foodie reporter/reviewer is making waves and causing problems, but apparently she’s about to push one button too many and her troubles are coming home to roost.
Shredding the Evidence is the ninth book in Daryl Wood Gerber’s “Cookbook Nook” series, but trust me when I say…this book can be read as a stand-alone. The author provides readers with a cast of characters in the front of the book so that you know who exactly to expect and who’s who. This is the first book that I have read by this author and I’ll admit…I skipped the character index. Haha! I like to learn the characters as I go, and I really just wanted to get to the story and see if it could be read as a stand-alone. The characters, while their relationships are well established easily engaged me and pulled me into the story. Now, I have to say this – when I read the story was set in Crystal Cove my first thought was…well, where’s Scooby and the gang? I couldn’t resist since I’ve watched almost everything Scooby-Doo.
The author does an excellent job of pulling the reader into the story before the murder even happens. You feel like you could cross paths with the characters at any moment with this book. The author sets the stage piece by piece before dropping the murder on you and then it’s not just the murder that you get to watch be dealt with. The author also throws in personal drama with each of the characters that help to move the story along. Jenna is such an engaging character and she captures my attention the most as she runs a business, manages her love life with her fiancée, and works hard to solve a murder and help her friends. I pride myself on figuring out who committed the crime before the big reveal, but the author, I have to say, is a master of misdirection and keeps me in the dark until the end. I loved it.
My only gripe about this book would be Bailey. The author paints her as a “force of nature” but my goodness! She is a freight-train of nature! When she’s determined to grill someone she GRILLS someone! I couldn’t help but be a bit disappointed in Jenna for not standing up to her when she becomes more than a “little” overzealous in her efforts to clear her husband. I wasn’t too keen on how she bulldogged people for answers and skirted the line if not crossing it by even a hair. I think I’d have felt a bit better if she had at least apologized later.
Honestly though… at the end of the day, I loved this book. There is so much to like about it. The characters are engaging, the storyline is easy to follow, the mystery hooks you, and the suspense keeps you coming back until the big reveal. If you love a good cozy mystery with lots of tasty treats then this is the book to pick up. If you have read the previous books in this series and enjoyed them then don’t hesitate and grab this book ASAP! I can’t wait to go back and read the other books by this author. I am rating this book 5 out of 5 stars. Job well done to the author! You’ve got yourself a new fan!

[Kay Garrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

SHREDDING THE EVIDENCE by Daryl Wood Gerber is the ninth book in the Cookbook Nook Mystery series. It’s the well-crafted story centered around Jenna Hart. Although Jenna seems to be always stumbling upon bodies, she also has great sleuthing abilities making her able to assist the police by supplying them with leads in their cases. The story takes place in Crystal Cove, California during the scrumptious Food Bowl Week when foodies show up for bite-size portion testing of the local chef’s best efforts and foul play visits one of the local citizens.

When local food reporter Kylie O (short for Obendorfer), is found murdered in Your Wellness, owned by Alexa Tinsdale, and Tito Martinez is Chief Cinnamon Pritchett’s number one suspect, Jenna knows she has to get busy to find evidence to clear him. She’s best friends with Tito, his wife Bailey and adores their baby girl Brianna and knows without a doubt that Tito is innocent. Seems that Kylie O ruffled a lot of feathers leaving behind more folks happy not to have to contend with her any more than those sorry for her passing making for a suspect list with many occupants. Could it have been local newspaper owner, his wife, rejected or abused friends, a client, or someone from her past?

Why had Alex gone to Your Welless if she and Alexa were on the outs? With the necessity of a code to get in, how had the murderer gotten in? With the lack of security camera, can they find an eye witness to prove who that was? Were they inside waiting of her to arrive to ambush her? What was the motive for murder – revenge, jealousy, jilted lover, anger, blackmail – there’s evidence to them all? Was there a significance to the shredded paper and crumpled articles at the crime scene? Seems there are a lot of folks with secrets to hide! Can Jenna figure out which are connected to the crime or are all of them connected in some way?

Daryl Wood Gerber does a fabulous job of weaving these questions and their answers into a story that keeps you turning pages with anticipation to finding the answers right along with Jenna. Along the way the foodie in you will enjoy the Food Bowl as well. Thankfully, a lot of the recipes mentioned and described in the story are located at the back of the book.

SHREDDING THE EVIDENCE can definitely be read as a standalone book. If you have read other books in the series, you will get to visit again with Jenna’s fiancé, Rhett, her Gran and Aunt Vera as well as her adoring fella, Deputy Marlon Appleby, ZZ the mayor of the town, as well a lot of the other locals. If this is the first book you read, there’s enough about the town and characters that you immediately feel as if you are one of the residents.

Highly recommend SHREDDING THE EVIDENCE to anyone that loves a fabulous cozy mystery. It will leave you wanting to read more books in this series as well as other book by this author. Daryl Wood Geber is one you will want to follow. You will be recommending this book to others just as I have done already.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shredding the Evidence earns 5/5 Critic’s Notes...Engaging Fun!

It’s embarrassing that I’ve overlooked this series for so long; I am an eager fan of Daryl Wood Gerber’s French Bistro Mystery and her new Fairy Garden Mystery. I am also a fan of the Cheese Shop Mysteries she writes under her pen name Avery Aames. But, better late than never! This is definitely a gem no cozy fan should miss! First, clever title and cover that grabbed my attention, and a cookbook shop...hey, I’m a cookbook fanatic, so I’m in!

Daryl Wood Gerber follows the traditional cozy formula...a very good thing! Great writing! Descriptive style, clever dialogue, page-turner extraordinaire. Great setting! It’s Crystal Cove, California, a small town nestled next to the Pacific coast with beaches, marinas, and a lovely harbor. Lots of places for felonies to occur like murder. Great theme! Jenna Hart owns the delightful Cookbook Nook, a culinary bookshop and café. She often participates in local festivals or themed weeks to entice tourism like the Food Bowl Week with local chefs creating delicious bite-sized delicacies. Great mystery! Jenna always seems to find or be directed to a murder victim often cut down by fate or karma. She discovers an ambitious food critic dead among some of her “shredded” restaurant reviews. Great clues and investigation! It’s a locked room, and there is a smorgasbord of suspects from restaurant owners to newspaper editors to would-be boyfriends to explore. It’s personal when her BFF Katie’s husband is at the top of the list. Great conclusion! The final reveal includes a bit of personal peril, and the motive is always clever. My inner Sherlock was challenged. Great bonus! Recipes, eight of them, are sensitive to those who want a gluten-free options. Each easy-to-follow recipe has a fun narrative from Jenna (Nook co-owner and amateur detective), Katie (Nook chef), Lola (owner Pelican Brief diner), or Aunt Vera (Nook co-owner). Enjoy Bird’s Nest Kale Salad with choice of Peanut Dressing or Ginger Salad Dressing, Cocoa Bliss Balls, Coconut Haystacks including a Chocolate Version, Honey-Lemon Vinaigrette, Mini Crab Cakes with an Aioli, children-friendly no-cook Haystacks uses a microwave, Pumpkin-Chocolate-Coconut Muffins, and Shredded [insert giggle] Grilled Cheese Sandwich.

Disclosure: I received an eBook ARC from Beyond the Page Publishing thru NetGalley. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.

[Dianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Shredding the Evidence, Jenna Hart, part-owner of a culinary bookshop and café in Crystal Cove, California, once again takes on the role of amateur sleuth. A woman is murdered, and the prime suspect is Tito Martinez, the husband of her shop assistant, Bailey Martinez. Cinnamon Pritchett, Chief of Police, and friend of Jenna warns her to leave the investigating to the police. However, this does not deter Jenna, who along with Bailey’s help follow their own line of investigation. Is Tito innocent and if so, who is the real culprit?

Daryl Wood Gerber not only pulls readers into this delightful ninth installment in the Cookbook Nook Mystery series right from the first page but also keeps their attention until the end. There is a large cast of unforgettable, unique, and believable characters in the story, but it is easy to keep them straight. Although, the characters’ list at the beginning of the book is a useful reference tool. Gerber does an excellent job of coupling real-life scenarios, which range from entertaining and heartwarming moments to serious occasions, all while solving a murder hangs in the balance. Shredding the Evidence is a great title that cleverly captures the essence of the story. Recipes for dishes, which sound delicious, referred to in the story are listed at the end of the book. Even though this book is the ninth installment in the series, it can be read and enjoyed as a standalone, and the series does not have to be read in order.

[Karen Stallman · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Shredding the Evidence” by Daryl Wood Gerber the 9th instalment in the Cookbook Nook Mystery series. I had forgotten how much I enjoy this series. This is only the 3rd book I have read in the series and it will not be my last. I hope to read the earlier instalments one day soon, I have slowly been buying them. One thing I do like is the list of characters listed in the beginning as a quick reference.

I like Jenna as the protagonist she is realistic, relatable and I love Tigger the marmalade cat. The authors descriptions of the Food Bowl and Crystal Cove had me picturing myself walking down the streets enjoying all the aromas and appetizers. I have an uncle who was editor for a small town newspaper so understood Eugenes struggle with keeping the Crystal Cove newspaper going in today’s digital world.

As for the mystery it was full of twists, and a few turns which kept me guessing. Overall this was a very enjoyable read, especially if you’re a foodie.

I requested and received an Advanced Readers Copy from Beyond the Page Publishing and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Meg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crystal Cove, a small coastal community is the backdrop for the nineth installment in the Cookbook Nook Mysteries. Although I have missed several books in this series, I was able to catch up quickly with the cast of characters and their lives which I appreciated. Jenna, our protagonist, as well as her Aunt Vera, owns the Cookbook Nook, a culinary bookstore, and also the Nook Café. “Shredding the Evidence” takes place during Crystal Cove’s Food Bowl, a highly anticipated event featuring several restaurants and one of their own celebrity chefs. The Food Bowl is event I would love to participate in given the wonderful descriptions of the selections offered. Having a few recipes at the end of the book is always a plus. When one of the reporters covering the event is murdered, there is no shortage of suspects. Every time I thought I knew who it was, I as wrong! When the killer is revealed at the end, I was completely caught off guard. This is an entertaining mystery, and I look forward to once again being able to walk the streets of Crystal Cove in the next installment.
I received this complimentary book as a gift and the thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Kara Marks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read all the books in this series and this one does not disappoint. I was eager to revist Crystal Cove and its inhabitants; I love how characters have changed and grown over the series. Most of the people are likable, but if they aren't, well...this is a cozy mystery series in which murders regularly occur, lol. Jenna is one of my favorite characters ever--very well-rounded and with a great heart, although of course she's a bit nosy, which is how she becomes involved in solving murders. All of the books in the series work well as standalones. I especially love descriptions of clothing and all of the food! The recipes look great, and they're a part of the story. This book revolves around a Food Bowl, a local food celebration, and I thought it was the perfect background for the story. The mystery was intriguing and the resolution satisfactory. I'm always eager for the next book in this series, although I know it will be a few months. I highly recommend this book and series. I received an arc of this book, but these opinions are my own.