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At Romano’s Pizza Parlor, murder is always on the menu…

In small town, Lake Basil, Gina has finally gotten her uncle’s pizza parlor back into its authentic Italian shape. The new menu, including the pizza melanzane special, is popular and everyone wants a slice of the pie.

Except for the newest restaurateur in town who happens to be opening a pizzeria right across the street.

When one of Gina’s regulars is found murdered in the alleyway next to the parlor, she’s sure she knows whodunit—her chief competitor.

But the local police, including the crotchety sheriff, have other suspects in mind. And they’re closing Romano’s until they catch the killer…

Can Gina figure out whodunit before the murderer strikes again?

101 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 8, 2022

155 people are currently reading
110 people want to read

About the author

Rosie A. Point

139 books613 followers
Rosie A. Point is a USA Today Bestselling cozy mystery author who loves writing about food, small towns, and cats. Her favorite books are ones you can snuggle up with under a cozy blanket on a winter's day. Born and raised in South Africa, her books are all set in small towns in the United States. She dreams of visiting the places she writes about in her books.

Rosie wants to hear from you. Whether it’s about a recipe or one of her books, you can contact her on her website. Join her reader club today!

https://www.rosiepointbooks.com/

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5 stars
136 (41%)
4 stars
110 (33%)
3 stars
71 (21%)
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10 (3%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
Profile Image for Obsidian.
3,240 reviews1,143 followers
April 17, 2023
Not as good as the first one. Also ridiculously short. Which somehow made it drag worse? I don’t know. Definitely going to just try one more book in the series. If that one is like this, hard passing on this series.

Full review, way too short, especially considering what I paid for it. It should have been a dollar at just 101 pages. There's no time for any character development of Gina, and the whole murder felt very rushed along with the resolution of the case.

"Murder Boxed Up" follows Gina who has about gotten her uncle's pizza parlor back in the black. However, a long-time customer shows up dead outside the pizza parlor, and then it's shut down again because the local sheriff hates Gina's uncle. There's a hint about something else going on there, but if the author refuses to dwell on it, I will as well. Gina is of course forced to investigate to make sure the parlor can open back up.

Honestly, there was no need for Gina in this one. It makes it sound like she solved the thing, but not really. The police were already there. And her maybe love triangle is quickly worked out in this one. Which makes it fairly boring. The other characters don't have much to do besides giving her baked goods and telling her to be careful.

Just a big old snooze.
Profile Image for eli.
80 reviews12 followers
November 25, 2025
i did enjoy this second book in the series a bit more than the first one, ive actually almost missed the characters and the world. the mystery was much better as well.
Profile Image for Amy .
324 reviews107 followers
July 21, 2022
Murder Boxed Up is the second book of A Pizza Parlor Mystery series. In this second installment, we find that Gina has continued to run her Uncle Rocco's pizza parlor while he recovers from an injury. And everything was running really well until she had to break up an argument between two customers. In doing so, she learns from Rose, one of her favorite customers, that her old high school bully, Brittany, intends to put her uncle out of business by opening her own pizza parlor directly across the street. The next morning Gina finds that Rose has been murdered and her body left by the pizza parlor back alley. When the sheriff closes the doors of the restaurant, Gina is determined to figure out what happened to Rose and why Brittany wanted to destroy the reputation of her uncle's pizza parlor. This book not only has wonderful characters but is full of suspense and kept me guessing on whodunnit right until the very end. I am really looking forward to reading the third book in the series soon.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,188 reviews
July 15, 2022
Gina is making progress on her uncle’s pizzeria by hiring Jacob, as the new chef. Customers are coming back and things are looking up. While at the pizzeria, chaos unfolds when Brittany (her nemesis) and an elderly woman, Rose, start a confrontation. Rose accuses Brittany of wanting to open a pizzeria across the street. Things get hot and heavy and Gina steps in between them and ends the ordeal. Unfortunately, the next morning, Rose’s body is found besides the pizzeria. Sheriff Stills arrives to investigate. The Sheriff, having a grudge against Uncle Rocco, is nasty to them and closes the pizzeria. Join Gina as she investigates the murder with the help of Matilda and Jacob. As Gina tries to put the pieces of the puzzle together with plenty of twists, turns and secrets, will she discover who murdered Rose?

This was an enjoyable read. The plot and characters were well-written. This was a perfect cozy mystery with just the perfect amount of humor, mystery, intrigue, and adventure that will keep any reader completely engaged. I highly recommend the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,372 reviews8 followers
July 30, 2022
This series is really heating up pun intended because this book is on fire and I can't wait to read the next one in the series. The book is so good and the characters are really interesting but then again this is Rosie A. Point we are talking about, she is amazing.
987 reviews12 followers
July 8, 2022
Gina's regular customer is murdered in the vicinity of her uncle's pizzeria. The sheriff has closed the pizzeria and Gina must find the killer so that the pizzeria can stay open. I enjoyed the quick short read with a lot of suspense and intrigue thrown in.
Profile Image for Brett Smith.
125 reviews1 follower
August 25, 2025
The second in the series. Enjoyed this storyline too but could have been more detailed if a little longer
Profile Image for Michelle.
1,558 reviews15 followers
July 14, 2022
Another slice of death

Gina has gotten the family pizzeria back up and moving in the right direction. With the addition of a great chef even if he is the brother in law of the town bully has helped tremendously. However an altercation between a sweet older leader Rose and said bully Brittany leads to the discovery that Brittany is trying to open a pizzeria right across from Romanos. When Rose is found in the alley the next morning things seem dire another murder and a sheriff with a grudge against the family. Now there’s something extra hinky besides the murder in the alley the sheriff has gotten the pizzeria closed indefinitely. Gina has no choice but to get involved in order to save her family’s livelihood. Rose’s life was filled with secrets and the people around her cared more about what she could do for them than they did about her. Which one snapped and took her life?
Lots of drama, high emotions and greedy selfish people. Gina is lucky to have the loving family and the few friendships she is developing. A great whodunnit set in a quaint small town. I love the expanding case of characters and their distinctive personalities. A great mystery and a quick fun read!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Tari.
3,657 reviews103 followers
July 12, 2022
Just as Gina was getting her uncle's pizzeria to a fairly decent financial place, one of their regulars was killed and Gina felt she owed it to the woman to get justice for her. I know who I wanted the perp to be, lol, but sometimes things don't work out that way.

We found out as a little side thing how come the sheriff didn't seem to like Gina's family which was something she'd never known before. I love that she's found a bestie in Matilda and comfort in said bestie's cat sometimes. I liked how her newest employee showed his loyalty to Romano's Pizza, and eventually the truth came out about the rumors of a competing pizzeria.

I'm not a fan of triangles so I hope Gina either picks Shawn or Jacob and this doesn't go on all through the series. I completely get why she likes both of them, but I guess I'm secretly Team Shawn and figure she could leave Jacob for Matilda. ;) Oh and I definitely didn't pick the killer right this time but most times this author cleverly keeps me guessing! Can't wait to read the next book!
Profile Image for Debbie Orazi.
1,755 reviews26 followers
July 20, 2022
Loving this newest series! I like the touch more grit and realism in the author's writing of these stories. Personally think this series is her best work yet!


Gina is getting the pizzeria into shape and they are just making ends meet. She comes out of the kitchen to find Brittany arguing with Rose Williams, one of Gina's friends and a regular customer. Brittany announced she is opening a pizzeria to directly compete with Romano's and she is stealing her brother-in-law Jacob to be her chef. Next morning she is driving Aunt Sofia and Uncle Rocco to see her changes to the pizzeria when Rocco noticed something in the adjacent alleyway - turns out someone stabbed Rose to death. Gina is desperate to find out who killed Rose and to get the business re-opened. While looking into suspects she finds out some secrets the locals have been trying to keep under wraps. By the time she finds out who the killer is he/she has someone else in their sights. Must read, highly recommend!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Merry Chapman.
2,581 reviews23 followers
July 25, 2022
Gina is finally making the Pizza Parlor back to its original greatness for her uncle with a new Chef who just happens to be her nemesis, Brittany who was always a bully to Gina. But he is so different and is doing a wonderful job. When one of the sweet fans of Gina and the pizzeria gets into a confrontation with Brittany right in the Pizzeria, Gina has to break it up and tell Brittany to leave. But when Rose is found outside in the alley dead and the sheriff, who has a grudge against the Romano family, decides he has to indefinitely shut down the restaurant, Gina decides it's up to her to investigate the murder and save her Uncle's Pizzeria! So with the help of her new best friend Matilda and her cat, she is full speed ahead! With so many twists and turns and red-herrings we are taken on a ride until the end. Lots of surprises along the way as well. I love this series it is so much fun and can't wait to see what is next for Gina. I received and ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
60 reviews
July 20, 2022
This is the second book in the Pizza Parlor Mystery Series. It's been a few months since Gina Romano took over running her uncle's pizza parlor and things are going pretty well. That is, until she finds out that her arch nemesis, Brittany Murphy, is planning to open a competing restaurant right across the street, and one of her favorite customers, Rose, is found dead in the alley next to the pizza shop. To make matters worse, the sheriff has decided to close the restaurant until the murder is solved. Gina must discover who killed Rose before her pizza parlor gets closed for good. I love the continuing story, and how Gina is growing and opening up to people in her small town. She has a small network of friends and family that she can rely on to help her with anything. I also like the potential love interests in the series, and can't wait to read more!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
38 reviews
September 24, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Enjoyable Cozy Mystery with Surprises Along the Way

Murder Boxed Up is the second book in the series, but it easily stands on its own, there is no need to have read the first to follow the story or enjoy the characters. That said, it was nice to see all the familiar faces return, along with a few new additions that add more depth to the world.

This is a fun, well-written cozy mystery with the right blend of humor, romance and intrigue. The fast-paced storyline makes it a quick and entertaining read, with plenty of twists and surprises to keep you guessing. I especially appreciated the little side stories about the various characters, which added charm and personality without dragging down the main plot.

While it wasn’t a standout for me overall, it was still an enjoyable read and I do plan to continue with the series. If you like lighthearted mysteries with a touch of romance and a strong sense of community, this one’s worth checking out.
2,677 reviews12 followers
July 14, 2022
This could put the pizzeria out of business!

Romano’s Pizza Parlor is beginning to recover after Gina fired the incompetent chef that was driving it to ruin but Brittany, her childhood enemy, is still up to her old tricks. Gina breaks up a confrontation between Rose, a long-time customer, and Brittany but the next morning Gina finds Rose dead in the alley beside the pizzeria. When the sheriff decides to shut down the restaurant until the crime is solved, Gina springs into action to solve the case.

I am enjoying the books in this series. This book has good story elements including hints that several men are interested in Gina, the bad-humored sheriff who bears a grudge, the friendly cat next door, enough suspects to keep Gina spinning, and of course, a corpse. I received an advance copy but my review is honest and voluntary.
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
20.8k reviews361 followers
July 21, 2022
Who Killed Rose ? . . .

Having returned to Lake Basil, Gina Romano has finally fixed up Uncle Rocco’s pizza parlor, hiring a new chef, Jacob, offering a new menu, and presenting their special pizza melanzane. But now the town bully Brittany is supposed to be opening another pizza parlor right across the street from Romano’s! Then the dead body of the elderly woman, Rose, one of Gina’s regular customers who had argued with Brittany, is found near the shop, likely intended to throw suspicion on her and ruin the business. And unfortunately, Sheriff Stills is more than eager to shut down Romano’s until he can find the killer, even though there is no evidence that they had anything to do with it! Will Gina find the culprit first? Will she ever get to sell pizzas again?
35 reviews25 followers
July 15, 2022
Soon after Brittany Murphy and Rose Williams argue in Romano's Pizzeria, Rose is discovered dead in the alley between the pizzeria and the antique shop. Sheriff Stills closes the pizzeria to investigate the murder. Gina is quite upset because the shop wasn't involved in the murder and the sheriff is just causing trouble for aunt and uncle because of a situation that happened a long time ago. Gina thinks the sheriff is taking his time with the investigation, so she decides to conduct her own investigation. Who killed Rose? Was it Brittany, they were arguing, her daughter Cordelia, Jeremiah, the librarian, Benny, Rose's boyfriend. Interesting conclusion, great fast read story.
Profile Image for Dwayne Keller.
1,009 reviews13 followers
August 9, 2022
The pizza shop is running well. Gina's bully from high school, Brittany, comes in to brag about opening her own pizza shot and one of the regular customers, Rose, puts Brittany in her place. Gina has to separate the two and kick Brittany out. However, the next morning, Rose is found dead in the alley by the pizza shop. The Sheriff doesn't like Gina's uncle, so he closes the pizza shop until the murder is solved. Gina investigates because she doesn't have faith in the sheriff and wants to get the shop open asap. Another great mystery, full of plenty of side story about all the people involved.
691 reviews2 followers
October 19, 2022
Great book!!

I liked this series!!
I gave it 3 stars, because I am tired of authors taking their books off kindle unlimited while I am in the middle of reading their series.
Gina got caught in the middle of the Sheriff and her Uncle Rocco's feud when all she was trying to do is get his pizzeria back to where it was.
Rose a very loyal customer has always defended the pizzeria to anyone, but someone has other plans.
To read this book, NOW YOU HAVE TO BUY IT!!!!
It was on kindle unlimited and I won't be able to finish the series!!!!
It is a good book.
Profile Image for M.
46 reviews
April 27, 2025
Awww I just love this “cute “ little series xx an I love how jumbo the cat features a lot innit 🐈.

I know they’re only short stories but they are good little tasters for when u just want an hour or so of reading to yaself an u want to get stuck into something criminal x

It’s a fantastic series and love Gina , eager to see what happens between her and Jacob (I don’t know why I picture him to be like Jacob from twilight ) but hey ho! It works lol xx

Thank you Rosie . A. Point I will be reading more x
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
71 reviews4 followers
July 10, 2022
Some people are vicious but don't know it! They make others miserable just by opening their mouth. Other people are kind even in a bad situation. This book shows these personalities and how they cause hurt and healing. I enjoyed the differences in the story. It made the characters come to life. And a touch of romance in the midst of a murder mystery just adds some fun. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
714 reviews5 followers
July 14, 2022
Just when Gina is about to return her uncle's pizza parlor to its glory days, her high school bully threatens to ruin her chances with plans to compete. When her loyal customer Rose ends up stabbed outside her shop, Gina feels a need to find the killer. First she needs to figure out is it due to love or money or both.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
6,028 reviews45 followers
July 15, 2022
Gina Romano is just starting to get things really off the ground at her family pizza parlor, when an old enemy and a long time ally spar over plans for a competing pizza parlor.

A jealous sheriff takes the opportunity to close down the pizza parlor for a while

could this be the end of Romanos?

tangled small town intrigue, murder and mayhem.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
336 reviews3 followers
July 24, 2022
Wonderful & Fun Cozy Murder Mystery in Lake Basil!!!

This is a fun cozy mystery that was well-written with likable characters. I really enjoy it, it's a quick read full of mystery, humor and romance, it's a fast-paced story line that keeps you entertained as you try to figure out who murder Rose and why. I would recommend this book to any cozy mystery fans. It is very entertaining and I am looking forward to read the next books in the series.
155 reviews
July 13, 2022
Murder and anchovies!

When the future of her pizza parlor is threatened by a murder and the sheriff is an idiot who hates our uncle Gina decides to investigate herself. This story is short but fast moving with lovable and crazy kooky characters and laugh out loud moments and some Romance. And it kept me guessing who d o n e it right to the end!
Profile Image for Priscilla Oliveira.
329 reviews4 followers
July 18, 2022
I'm enjoying Gina's adventures in solving the murder cases happening in Lake Basil. Murder Boxed Up tells the story of the murder of a loyal pizzeria customer and Gina can't let the case go unsolved. The story is a light mystery and very well written. I'm loving this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Bev.
3,272 reviews98 followers
July 26, 2022
Oh no another murder has happened and this time it was one of my favorite characters in this series! But who would do such a thing and outside the pizza parlor? Sheriff Stills is NOT on my favorite characters list, can they find the killer before Romanos is closed for good? I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book
136 reviews
September 12, 2022
I Sure Didn't Figure Out Who the Murderer Was!

I loved reading this book #2 from the Pizza Parlor mystery series and it's so refreshing to not run into an error every other sentence!!! I've loved reading Rosie's books for the great stories, but came close to not reading anymore of her series' because of all the errors. I will definitely continue now!
32 reviews
June 2, 2023
I'm hooked!

Really enjoying this new series (new to me). And even better, I have not gotten close to who dunnit till the end. Actually the same time as the reveal. Which is unusual for me. And that makes it a great story. Moves quickly, the character building & keeping me guessing. Yes, I already bought all of the books.
1,205 reviews
February 25, 2024
Murder of Rose, a wealthy woman, body found by Gina in the alley behind the Pizza Parlor
Suspects include her daughter Cordelia, her boyfriend and Bethany. Love this story with Gina trying to solve the murder so her uncles Pizza Parlor can be reopened after being closed by Sheriff Gill who does not like Uncle Rozzo
Also a possible love interest
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews

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