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A Cocktails and Catering Mystery #2
Murder Served Neat
Cozy up to the bar as Michelle Hillen Klump pours another “sparkling cocktail of murder and mystery” (Amy Pershing).
Fans of Diane Mott Davidson and Lee Hollis will savor every delectable sip of this clever and utterly intoxicating cozy.
Reporter-turned-mixologist Samantha Warren has already thwarted one murder. Now, her world is shaken—definitely not stirred—once again as another killing throws her world into chaos.
Samantha is mixing up traditional cocktails at the German Texan Lodge’s Fourth of July festival—a gig she was roped into by her mother. But amidst the bratwurst and brass bands, trouble is brewing. Lodge loyalties are divided over a proposal to build a private, country-club-style tennis center on the lodge grounds. Her mom’s best friend Patty Davis is vehemently opposed to the plan. Society matron Angela Clawson is all for it. At the festival, they’re seen in a heated argument—and hours later, Angela is found dead, killed by one of the ceremonial shovels intended for the groundbreaking.
Samantha’s mother begs her to help clear her best friend’s name, but can she handle another murder case or will the whole investigation go bottoms up?
Fans of Diane Mott Davidson and Lee Hollis will savor every delectable sip of this clever and utterly intoxicating cozy.
Reporter-turned-mixologist Samantha Warren has already thwarted one murder. Now, her world is shaken—definitely not stirred—once again as another killing throws her world into chaos.
Samantha is mixing up traditional cocktails at the German Texan Lodge’s Fourth of July festival—a gig she was roped into by her mother. But amidst the bratwurst and brass bands, trouble is brewing. Lodge loyalties are divided over a proposal to build a private, country-club-style tennis center on the lodge grounds. Her mom’s best friend Patty Davis is vehemently opposed to the plan. Society matron Angela Clawson is all for it. At the festival, they’re seen in a heated argument—and hours later, Angela is found dead, killed by one of the ceremonial shovels intended for the groundbreaking.
Samantha’s mother begs her to help clear her best friend’s name, but can she handle another murder case or will the whole investigation go bottoms up?
314 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 21, 2023
40 people are currently reading
268 people want to read
About the author
Michelle Hillen Klump
2 books159 followersMichelle Hillen Klump began her writing career as a newspaper reporter, traveling the back roads of central Texas and Arkansas, reporting on everything from natural disasters to crime and corruption. She’s interviewed former presidents, covered a midnight manhunt through the Ozark Mountains, and learned the finer points of how to break a car window from a looter while covering a hurricane. Now, she uses her experiences as fodder for fiction, writing a cozy mystery series about a former reporter turned craft cocktail caterer.
Michelle lives in Houston, Texas, with her husband and young daughter. When she’s not writing or working her day job, she enjoys gardening, reading, exploring Houston’s neighborhoods, hiking and biking, and creating craft cocktails for friends and family.
Michelle lives in Houston, Texas, with her husband and young daughter. When she’s not writing or working her day job, she enjoys gardening, reading, exploring Houston’s neighborhoods, hiking and biking, and creating craft cocktails for friends and family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
February 18, 2023
Book two in this series opens with the main character, Samantha, serving up celebratory cocktails at the Highlands Lodge Independence Day Festival. Things seem to be going well until one of the organisers is found murdered, and Samantha's mother's friend Patty is the chief suspect. Of course Samantha has to try and find the real culprit before Patty finds herself under arrest.
This is definitely a book for readers who also enjoy cocktails. Some of the recipes sound amazing and there is a lot of information about the how to assemble them. The characters are fun and Samantha finds herself with two men who are interested in her although I am pretty sure which one she is going to go with.
An entertaining read and I look forward to finding out what happens in the next book.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
This is definitely a book for readers who also enjoy cocktails. Some of the recipes sound amazing and there is a lot of information about the how to assemble them. The characters are fun and Samantha finds herself with two men who are interested in her although I am pretty sure which one she is going to go with.
An entertaining read and I look forward to finding out what happens in the next book.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
March 2, 2023
Well written cozy mystery that moves at a good pace. I love learning about the different cocktails and menu items they came up with and enjoy the continued focus on growing their business. This story, however, employs a few things that I am not a fan of: breaking into places to get clues, aggressive interrogation strategies, and TSTL moments (seriously, if they’re smart enough to solve a crime, they’re smart enough not to put themselves in danger!). There was also potential for a love triangle but hopefully that’s resolved itself and will not reappear. Otherwise, this story was a quick, easy read and I look forward to the next.
I received a copy from #NetGalley for an honest review.
I received a copy from #NetGalley for an honest review.
March 4, 2023
Dollycas's Thoughts
Independence Day in Texas like everything else is BIG! Samantha is spending her holiday at the German Texan Lodge’s Fourth of July festival mixing up her signature drinks for the masses. It is clearly evident that there are two factions at the event. Those that are for the new private club and tennis courts being built on the property owned by the lodge and those against the project, happy with things just the way they are. Samantha's mom's BFF Patty is definitely one of the latter and has no problem voicing her opinion even right to the woman in charge of the project's face, in full view of a crowd. Things even got physical and they had to be separated. So when the high society tennis racket-wielding matron, Angela Clawson is found dead at the construction site it isn't long before Patty Davis is driven away in a police cruiser.
Samantha already pored over the clues to solve another murder and never wanted to repeat the process, but when her mother begs her to help Patty, she just can't say no. Hopefully, she can wrap this one up quickly and get back to her and Beth's cocktails and catering business with another killer behind bars.
_______
Mixologist Samanta Warren is an appealing protagonist. A former newshound she knows how to get the answers she needs, most of the time. Sometimes it takes a little more work but she doesn't give up. Her friends Marisa and Beth understand but Beth is worried about how Samantha's sleuthing will affect their new business. Marissa on the other hand is more willing to help Samantha investigate any time she can.
In Murder Served Neat, Samantha's mom, Lillian is in town for a visit which is good because her friend Patty needs her now more than ever. Patty's son Martin has also come to town to help. He and Samantha have known each other for years but they had a falling out in college and she is not ready to forgive him. I enjoyed the close relationship Samantha has with her mother and by extension to her mother's friend Patty. It made sense for Samantha to start her own investigation. The testy relationship with Martin added a little drama and I enjoyed that too. Samantha asked David if they could take their relationship slow and I was happy to see it moving a little bit faster by the end of the story.
The victim was a force, pushy, and entitled so she had made more than a few enemies, some within her own family so it was fun to tag along with Samantha as she kept her eyes and ears open and used her journalist skills to get to the truth. I did put the clues together quicker than Samantha and wanted to jump in the book to stop her but boy that was an exciting ending.
The author's descriptive writing style takes her readers on the entire journey with her characters. I felt like I was right at the festival and could almost taste Samantha's Sparkler Cocktail and was even craving a funnel cake. I could envision the locations of the lodge, the festival, the original construction site, and the proposed changes. All the places Beth and Samantha catered were also easy to imagine. I really enjoyed having a bird's eye view as Beth created the foods to serve and how Samantha comes up with her drink ideas and the work entailed to make her bitters. Six recipes are included at the end of the book including the recipes for Samantha's Sparkler Cocktail and a Blackberry Shrub needed to make Angel's Blackberry Blush.
Michelle Hillen Klump has served up a delightful mystery in Murder Served Neat. Engaging characters and a well-plotted mystery kept me happily entertained from the first page to the last. I am looking forward to visiting these characters again soon.
Independence Day in Texas like everything else is BIG! Samantha is spending her holiday at the German Texan Lodge’s Fourth of July festival mixing up her signature drinks for the masses. It is clearly evident that there are two factions at the event. Those that are for the new private club and tennis courts being built on the property owned by the lodge and those against the project, happy with things just the way they are. Samantha's mom's BFF Patty is definitely one of the latter and has no problem voicing her opinion even right to the woman in charge of the project's face, in full view of a crowd. Things even got physical and they had to be separated. So when the high society tennis racket-wielding matron, Angela Clawson is found dead at the construction site it isn't long before Patty Davis is driven away in a police cruiser.
Samantha already pored over the clues to solve another murder and never wanted to repeat the process, but when her mother begs her to help Patty, she just can't say no. Hopefully, she can wrap this one up quickly and get back to her and Beth's cocktails and catering business with another killer behind bars.
_______
Mixologist Samanta Warren is an appealing protagonist. A former newshound she knows how to get the answers she needs, most of the time. Sometimes it takes a little more work but she doesn't give up. Her friends Marisa and Beth understand but Beth is worried about how Samantha's sleuthing will affect their new business. Marissa on the other hand is more willing to help Samantha investigate any time she can.
In Murder Served Neat, Samantha's mom, Lillian is in town for a visit which is good because her friend Patty needs her now more than ever. Patty's son Martin has also come to town to help. He and Samantha have known each other for years but they had a falling out in college and she is not ready to forgive him. I enjoyed the close relationship Samantha has with her mother and by extension to her mother's friend Patty. It made sense for Samantha to start her own investigation. The testy relationship with Martin added a little drama and I enjoyed that too. Samantha asked David if they could take their relationship slow and I was happy to see it moving a little bit faster by the end of the story.
The victim was a force, pushy, and entitled so she had made more than a few enemies, some within her own family so it was fun to tag along with Samantha as she kept her eyes and ears open and used her journalist skills to get to the truth. I did put the clues together quicker than Samantha and wanted to jump in the book to stop her but boy that was an exciting ending.
The author's descriptive writing style takes her readers on the entire journey with her characters. I felt like I was right at the festival and could almost taste Samantha's Sparkler Cocktail and was even craving a funnel cake. I could envision the locations of the lodge, the festival, the original construction site, and the proposed changes. All the places Beth and Samantha catered were also easy to imagine. I really enjoyed having a bird's eye view as Beth created the foods to serve and how Samantha comes up with her drink ideas and the work entailed to make her bitters. Six recipes are included at the end of the book including the recipes for Samantha's Sparkler Cocktail and a Blackberry Shrub needed to make Angel's Blackberry Blush.
Michelle Hillen Klump has served up a delightful mystery in Murder Served Neat. Engaging characters and a well-plotted mystery kept me happily entertained from the first page to the last. I am looking forward to visiting these characters again soon.
March 4, 2023
Mixologist Samantha Warren is working hard to make her catering business a success. She and her friend, Beth, are always excited when an opportunity arises to show off their services. This time it’s the German Texan Lodge’s Fourth of July celebration.
However, not everyone is celebrating. Angela Clawson is seen having several arguments. The next thing anyone knows, Angela has been murdered. There are certainly a huge amount of suspects, but the police are focusing on one person - Patty Davis. Patty just happens to be Samantha’s mother’s best friend. She begs Samantha to help her investigate and prove Patty’s innocence. Samantha reluctantly agrees.
This is the second book in the A Cocktails and Catering Mystery series. I enjoyed the first one and this one is just as good. The characters are well-written and their personalities are even stronger as readers get to know them.
Although the mystery is solved in this book, it’s always a plus to read from the beginning of a series to get to know the characters. Fortunately, since this is only the second book, there’s just one book ahead of it.
The mystery keeps you guessing until the end. There were many possibilities as far as “whodunit” in this captivating mystery. There’s even a potential hint at a romantic triangle. The author includes a few recipes and quite a bit of information about the process of making cocktails.
Overall, this is a riveting, page-turning mystery that will keep you captivated until the last page is turned.
FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed a free Advance Reader Copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
However, not everyone is celebrating. Angela Clawson is seen having several arguments. The next thing anyone knows, Angela has been murdered. There are certainly a huge amount of suspects, but the police are focusing on one person - Patty Davis. Patty just happens to be Samantha’s mother’s best friend. She begs Samantha to help her investigate and prove Patty’s innocence. Samantha reluctantly agrees.
This is the second book in the A Cocktails and Catering Mystery series. I enjoyed the first one and this one is just as good. The characters are well-written and their personalities are even stronger as readers get to know them.
Although the mystery is solved in this book, it’s always a plus to read from the beginning of a series to get to know the characters. Fortunately, since this is only the second book, there’s just one book ahead of it.
The mystery keeps you guessing until the end. There were many possibilities as far as “whodunit” in this captivating mystery. There’s even a potential hint at a romantic triangle. The author includes a few recipes and quite a bit of information about the process of making cocktails.
Overall, this is a riveting, page-turning mystery that will keep you captivated until the last page is turned.
FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed a free Advance Reader Copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
February 17, 2023
Samantha is busy making her unique cocktails at the German Texan Lodge’s Fourth of July festival when Angela Clawson is found dead at the construction site of the new tennis courts. Lodge employee Patty Davis had a heated argument with Angela & may be the prime suspect.
Patty is the best friend of Samantha's mother Lillian who is visiting for the week. Lillian begs Samantha for help to clear her name. A Cocktails and Catering Mystery series sounds like an interesting cozy mystery concept but this second book did not work for me for several reasons. Samantha & Lillian's sleuthing to eliminate other possible suspects was unlikely amidst her other catering jobs and the pacing in the book was uneven. The police were nowhere in sight until close to the end of the story when Samantha makes the TSTL (too stupid to live) act of meeting alone with the suspected killer.
I received a digital ARC from Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books. All opinions are my own.
Patty is the best friend of Samantha's mother Lillian who is visiting for the week. Lillian begs Samantha for help to clear her name. A Cocktails and Catering Mystery series sounds like an interesting cozy mystery concept but this second book did not work for me for several reasons. Samantha & Lillian's sleuthing to eliminate other possible suspects was unlikely amidst her other catering jobs and the pacing in the book was uneven. The police were nowhere in sight until close to the end of the story when Samantha makes the TSTL (too stupid to live) act of meeting alone with the suspected killer.
I received a digital ARC from Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books. All opinions are my own.
March 9, 2023
Murder Served Neat by Michelle Hillen Klump is the second book in a well written, fast-paced cozy mystery series. I got to meet up with Samantha Warren again, a reporter who lost her fiancé just days before their wedding, and her reporter's job. Sam is building her own mixology business. Set in Houston, Texas, Sam is the owner of an orange and grey cat named Ruby. I like Sam, finding her to be level-headed and pretty positive in spite of her circumstances. The mystery is complex and intriguing, there are some great recipes and I had no idea who the killer was until the ending. I am eager for Samantha’s next adventure.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Crooked Lane via NetGalley and this review is my unbiased opinion.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Crooked Lane via NetGalley and this review is my unbiased opinion.
March 25, 2023
Murder Served Neat Earns 5/5 Sparkler Shots … Entertaining & Clever Gem!
New to me, Michelle Hillen Klump’s second book in her Cocktails and Catering Mystery kept me engaged and entertained with a clever murder mystery again entangling Samantha Warren with Corpus Christi, Texas, Fourth of July, and the inaugural Highlands’ Independence Day Festival as the backdrop. Sam’s put some of life”s left turns behind her, a lost job and fiancé, and has grabbed her new life as a caterer and mixologist with both hands. But, she landed in the middle of a conflict. The German Lodge social club is meant to preserve Texan’s German heritage, and one faction wants to maintain that vision while another wants to build a tennis club. This pits Patty Davis, Sam’s mother’s best friend, and her status quo vision versus Angela Clawson, the tennis club committee chairman, and not surprising, the public argument will be hard for Patty to dismiss when she’s suspected in Angela’s murder. Sam’s mother encourages her to look into the matter which uncovers an estranged family and inheritances, but that may be only the tip of the iceberg.
Michelle Hillen Klump’s writing is descriptive with a third person narrative and does well to create an environment in which readers can immerse in fusion cultures, food, and … drink. There’s an enjoyable diverse, multigenerational cast, supportive and realistic mother/daughter dynamic, and beyond the murder, a bit of emotional conflict between Sam and Martin, Patty’s son, a childhood friend turned not-so-friend, then add a certain detective to create a fun romantic triangle for Sam to deal with. Of course, with the theme of cocktails and catering, readers are treated to mouth-watering descriptions of a plethora of foods … and recipes are including to perform your own taste test: an entree, Blackberry Glazed Salmon; a dessert, Samantha’s Grandmother’s Fig Cake and Fig Cake Frosting, and a few drinks, Samantha’s Sparkler Cocktail, Angela’s Blackberry Blush, and Blackberry Shrub. A cozy mystery, delicious eats, and flavorful drinks … the perfect combination!
Disclosure: I received an ARC from publisher Crooked Lane thru NetGalley. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.
New to me, Michelle Hillen Klump’s second book in her Cocktails and Catering Mystery kept me engaged and entertained with a clever murder mystery again entangling Samantha Warren with Corpus Christi, Texas, Fourth of July, and the inaugural Highlands’ Independence Day Festival as the backdrop. Sam’s put some of life”s left turns behind her, a lost job and fiancé, and has grabbed her new life as a caterer and mixologist with both hands. But, she landed in the middle of a conflict. The German Lodge social club is meant to preserve Texan’s German heritage, and one faction wants to maintain that vision while another wants to build a tennis club. This pits Patty Davis, Sam’s mother’s best friend, and her status quo vision versus Angela Clawson, the tennis club committee chairman, and not surprising, the public argument will be hard for Patty to dismiss when she’s suspected in Angela’s murder. Sam’s mother encourages her to look into the matter which uncovers an estranged family and inheritances, but that may be only the tip of the iceberg.
Michelle Hillen Klump’s writing is descriptive with a third person narrative and does well to create an environment in which readers can immerse in fusion cultures, food, and … drink. There’s an enjoyable diverse, multigenerational cast, supportive and realistic mother/daughter dynamic, and beyond the murder, a bit of emotional conflict between Sam and Martin, Patty’s son, a childhood friend turned not-so-friend, then add a certain detective to create a fun romantic triangle for Sam to deal with. Of course, with the theme of cocktails and catering, readers are treated to mouth-watering descriptions of a plethora of foods … and recipes are including to perform your own taste test: an entree, Blackberry Glazed Salmon; a dessert, Samantha’s Grandmother’s Fig Cake and Fig Cake Frosting, and a few drinks, Samantha’s Sparkler Cocktail, Angela’s Blackberry Blush, and Blackberry Shrub. A cozy mystery, delicious eats, and flavorful drinks … the perfect combination!
Disclosure: I received an ARC from publisher Crooked Lane thru NetGalley. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.
September 26, 2022
Samantha Warren's mom is in town having encouraged her participation in the local German Texan Lodge's Fourth of July celebrations. Samantha is a mixologist and her speciality cocktails have customers queuing around the block. Not everyone is enjoying themselves however, especially as the Lodge has recently agreed unpopular plans for a tennis club to be built on its land. When two of the opposing factions come to blows in the middle of the festival it is shocking but worse is to come when one of the combatants is found dead just before the groundbreaking ceremony.
Sam wants nothing to do with any murder investigation, she and friend Beth have a fledgling catering and cocktails company to get off the ground and it got very dangerous last time she tried to help someone out! Her mom is close friends with the main suspect however and before she realises it Samantha is caught up in her plans and in peril once again.
This is just the second Cocktails and Catering mystery and so the main protagonists are only one book old but they are already becoming familiar and relatable. There is plenty about the cocktails and catering aspects included which adds an originality to this cosy storyline and I enjoyed the family relationships and little romantic interludes as much as the twists and turns of the investigation.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but the opinions expressed are my own. I can happily recommend it to cosy fans as a fun, easy read to snuggle up with.
Sam wants nothing to do with any murder investigation, she and friend Beth have a fledgling catering and cocktails company to get off the ground and it got very dangerous last time she tried to help someone out! Her mom is close friends with the main suspect however and before she realises it Samantha is caught up in her plans and in peril once again.
This is just the second Cocktails and Catering mystery and so the main protagonists are only one book old but they are already becoming familiar and relatable. There is plenty about the cocktails and catering aspects included which adds an originality to this cosy storyline and I enjoyed the family relationships and little romantic interludes as much as the twists and turns of the investigation.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but the opinions expressed are my own. I can happily recommend it to cosy fans as a fun, easy read to snuggle up with.
September 24, 2022
Samantha Warren left her journalism career to start a thriving cocktail business. Samantha had been hired by the Highlands Lodge to cater to their inaugural Independence Day Festival. Samantha’s mother Lilian had suggested Samantha work the event, which Samantha had initially resisted.
At the event, Samantha witnesses a fight between two ladies: Angela Dawson and Patty, Samantha’s mother’s friend.
Apparently, there’s been an ongoing feud between Angela and Patty over the Highlands’ German Lodge.
Some Highland residents have decided to build a new country club-style tennis complex on the grounds of the German Lodge. The project is spearheaded by Angela, head of the Tennis Club Committee.
Patty, however, is opposed to the idea citing that German heritage in Texas would be lost in the process. This has caused a lot of controversy among the Highland residents.
Then on the festival day, Angela is found dead at the construction site where the proposed project would be built.🏗 Fingers point towards Patty as the prime suspect.
Overall a good read. Would recommend.
Recipes include Blackberry-Glazed Salmon, Samantha’s Grandmother’s Fig Cake 🍰, Samantha’s Sparkler Cocktail 🍹 and so on
Thank you to Michelle Hillen Klump, NetGalley, and Crooked Lane Books for the arc of this book
At the event, Samantha witnesses a fight between two ladies: Angela Dawson and Patty, Samantha’s mother’s friend.
Apparently, there’s been an ongoing feud between Angela and Patty over the Highlands’ German Lodge.
Some Highland residents have decided to build a new country club-style tennis complex on the grounds of the German Lodge. The project is spearheaded by Angela, head of the Tennis Club Committee.
Patty, however, is opposed to the idea citing that German heritage in Texas would be lost in the process. This has caused a lot of controversy among the Highland residents.
Then on the festival day, Angela is found dead at the construction site where the proposed project would be built.🏗 Fingers point towards Patty as the prime suspect.
Overall a good read. Would recommend.
Recipes include Blackberry-Glazed Salmon, Samantha’s Grandmother’s Fig Cake 🍰, Samantha’s Sparkler Cocktail 🍹 and so on
Thank you to Michelle Hillen Klump, NetGalley, and Crooked Lane Books for the arc of this book
September 24, 2023
I liked that the mothers of the sleuths were supportive. I didn't like the repetitive use of ,"Will Patty be arrested?", in multitude iterations. After the amateurs bother every old friend and stranger with questions and accusations, a character is pulled out of the air as the killer of Angela, the manipulative tennis club glomming onto German/Texans' lodge land. Had the detectives not been so incompetent, they'd have done the work of catching the actual perp, rather than ultimately arresting poor Patty, innocent person. I'll skip Klump's other book, because editing is a woefully lacking skill in her author repertoire.
September 29, 2024
Fast read for fun.
September 10, 2022
An interesting view of the country club set and best friends since childhood. The characters are interesting and well defined, the sleuthing is a co-operative effort well done. A good read.
I requested and received a free temporary e-book copy from Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley.
I requested and received a free temporary e-book copy from Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley.
Read
August 21, 2022I really enjoyed this cozy mystery.. I am not going to say a lot because I will give something away for anyone that likes to be surprised.
If you like cozy mysteries about dealing with food and drinks and catering then this is a cozy mystery for you.
The characters were fun interacting and you learn a lot of good drink recipes and other recipes In it too.
I love the characters in this story. . This book was approved by netgalley and the publisher for Mr to read and review.
If you like cozy mysteries about dealing with food and drinks and catering then this is a cozy mystery for you.
The characters were fun interacting and you learn a lot of good drink recipes and other recipes In it too.
I love the characters in this story. . This book was approved by netgalley and the publisher for Mr to read and review.
March 4, 2023
Murder Served Neat by Michelle Hillen Klump takes place in the summer in South Texas and during a Fourth of July celebration.
Will Samantha prove that Patty Davis didn't kill Angela Clawson?
Samantha Warren is working at the Fourth of July festival for the German Texas Lodge. Her mom forced her into doing this for her mom's best friend, Patty Davis. Everything seems fine and dandy for Sam and Beth's business at this festival. Until something gruesome happens, and Sam is forced into finding out who killed Angela. Sam is a complex character, and even though I didn't read the first book, I can tell that she is nervous about investigating after what happened in the first book. Not only that, but she is worried about starting a new relationship. I liked how we can see that Sam has grown in confidence about her cocktails and, even more, her cooking, but she is still not feeling like the investigative part is really her. Even though she was a reporter and has a knack for sleuthing. I do like Sam, and I hope to continue to see her growth.
The Victim
Angela Clawson is the victim in this story that was brutally murdered toward the end of the German Texas Lodge Fourth of July celebration that lasted for two days. She was not a well-liked person in any social groups. We learned a lot about Angela and that even though she married into money, she still didn't feel like she belonged. So in that sense, she overcompensated by promising a lot more to people than they originally budgeted for. There were people on both sides of the German Texas Lodge who both liked and disliked her. Even the tennis group that she brought to the German Texas Lodge is two-faced around her. Any one of the people at the Lodge or even in her personal life could have killed her, but not Patty since she isn't the type of person who could do that. I figured out who did it, but not the motive. Once that was figured out, I was shocked, to say the least.
Five Stars
I am giving five stars to Murder Served Neat by Michelle Hillen Klump and recommend it to anyone who likes a good Texan sleuth that makes fantastic cocktails. Speaking of those cocktails, there are recipes in the back. They are Blackberry-Glazed Salmon, Samantha's Grandmother's Fig Cake, Fig Cake Frosting, Samantha's Sparkler Cocktail, Angela's Blackberry Blush, and Blackberry Shrub. They all sound amazing, and some of these recipes are from actual scenes in the book. I can't wait for the next installment to see what happens.
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Murder Served Neat by Michelle Hillen Klump.
Until the next time,
This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove
Will Samantha prove that Patty Davis didn't kill Angela Clawson?
Samantha Warren is working at the Fourth of July festival for the German Texas Lodge. Her mom forced her into doing this for her mom's best friend, Patty Davis. Everything seems fine and dandy for Sam and Beth's business at this festival. Until something gruesome happens, and Sam is forced into finding out who killed Angela. Sam is a complex character, and even though I didn't read the first book, I can tell that she is nervous about investigating after what happened in the first book. Not only that, but she is worried about starting a new relationship. I liked how we can see that Sam has grown in confidence about her cocktails and, even more, her cooking, but she is still not feeling like the investigative part is really her. Even though she was a reporter and has a knack for sleuthing. I do like Sam, and I hope to continue to see her growth.
The Victim
Angela Clawson is the victim in this story that was brutally murdered toward the end of the German Texas Lodge Fourth of July celebration that lasted for two days. She was not a well-liked person in any social groups. We learned a lot about Angela and that even though she married into money, she still didn't feel like she belonged. So in that sense, she overcompensated by promising a lot more to people than they originally budgeted for. There were people on both sides of the German Texas Lodge who both liked and disliked her. Even the tennis group that she brought to the German Texas Lodge is two-faced around her. Any one of the people at the Lodge or even in her personal life could have killed her, but not Patty since she isn't the type of person who could do that. I figured out who did it, but not the motive. Once that was figured out, I was shocked, to say the least.
Five Stars
I am giving five stars to Murder Served Neat by Michelle Hillen Klump and recommend it to anyone who likes a good Texan sleuth that makes fantastic cocktails. Speaking of those cocktails, there are recipes in the back. They are Blackberry-Glazed Salmon, Samantha's Grandmother's Fig Cake, Fig Cake Frosting, Samantha's Sparkler Cocktail, Angela's Blackberry Blush, and Blackberry Shrub. They all sound amazing, and some of these recipes are from actual scenes in the book. I can't wait for the next installment to see what happens.
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Murder Served Neat by Michelle Hillen Klump.
Until the next time,
This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove
March 5, 2023
"Murder Served Neat" is the 2nd book in the "Cocktails And Catering Mysteries" by Michelle Hillen Klump
Reporter-turned-mixologist Samantha Warren has already thwarted one murder. Now, her world is shaken—definitely not stirred—once again as another killing throws her world into chaos.
Samantha is mixing up traditional cocktails at the German Texan Lodge’s Fourth of July festival—a gig she was roped into by her mother. But amidst the bratwurst and brass bands, trouble is brewing. Lodge loyalties are divided over a proposal to build a private, country-club-style tennis center on the lodge grounds. Her mom’s best friend Patty Davis is vehemently opposed to the plan. Society matron Angela Clawson is all for it. At the festival, they’re seen in a heated argument—and hours later, Angela is found dead, killed by one of the ceremonial shovels intended for the groundbreaking.
Samantha’s mother begs her to help clear her best friend’s name, but can she handle another murder case or will the whole investigation go bottoms up?"
My thoughts:
Samantha may have been roped into working the festival by her mother but doing some investigating after the murder came naturally to the former reporter - not to mention to her librarian mother!
The dead woman had been difficult on many levels, so figuring out who killed her and why wasn't going to easy. Clearly, Patty was expected to take the fall but who hated the deceased enough to actually do the deed? Was it part of the complex family history, a disgruntled lodge member or her work with high society and tennis club set? Take your pick! The trick will be proving it.
Samantha's history with Patty's son Martin also threw a bit of a twist into the dynamics of working out the murder solution. Things got a bit awkward when her boyfriend David returned from a business trip.
The fledgling cocktail and catering business she and Beth have started doesn't need any hiccups but they do happen. The food that Beth comes up will have any foodies drooling! I rarely drink, but I can definitely admire the creativity of the cocktails that Samantha comes up with.
I came across three places where the word "detention" was written rather than "retention". Minor to the overall plot but should have been caught in proofing (Kindle edition).
Overall a fun and entertaining read.
Reporter-turned-mixologist Samantha Warren has already thwarted one murder. Now, her world is shaken—definitely not stirred—once again as another killing throws her world into chaos.
Samantha is mixing up traditional cocktails at the German Texan Lodge’s Fourth of July festival—a gig she was roped into by her mother. But amidst the bratwurst and brass bands, trouble is brewing. Lodge loyalties are divided over a proposal to build a private, country-club-style tennis center on the lodge grounds. Her mom’s best friend Patty Davis is vehemently opposed to the plan. Society matron Angela Clawson is all for it. At the festival, they’re seen in a heated argument—and hours later, Angela is found dead, killed by one of the ceremonial shovels intended for the groundbreaking.
Samantha’s mother begs her to help clear her best friend’s name, but can she handle another murder case or will the whole investigation go bottoms up?"
My thoughts:
Samantha may have been roped into working the festival by her mother but doing some investigating after the murder came naturally to the former reporter - not to mention to her librarian mother!
The dead woman had been difficult on many levels, so figuring out who killed her and why wasn't going to easy. Clearly, Patty was expected to take the fall but who hated the deceased enough to actually do the deed? Was it part of the complex family history, a disgruntled lodge member or her work with high society and tennis club set? Take your pick! The trick will be proving it.
Samantha's history with Patty's son Martin also threw a bit of a twist into the dynamics of working out the murder solution. Things got a bit awkward when her boyfriend David returned from a business trip.
The fledgling cocktail and catering business she and Beth have started doesn't need any hiccups but they do happen. The food that Beth comes up will have any foodies drooling! I rarely drink, but I can definitely admire the creativity of the cocktails that Samantha comes up with.
I came across three places where the word "detention" was written rather than "retention". Minor to the overall plot but should have been caught in proofing (Kindle edition).
Overall a fun and entertaining read.
January 5, 2023
MURDER SERVED NEAT is the second book in the Cocktails and Catering Mystery series. Author Michelle Hillen Klump spins an entertaining Independence Day tale filled with sparkler cocktails, fireworks, and conflicts. What should have been a boon to her fledgling business serving cocktails to the crowd celebrating Highlands’ Independence Day festival, instead finds protagonist Samantha Warren caught in the middle of a feud. Her mother’s best friend, Patty, is dead set against the country-club tennis center while Angela, the woman who hired Samantha, is steamrolling any opposition to the plan. Ms. Klump does an admirable job setting the stage for the festival from music, food, cocktails, Texas heat, and participating characters. Her descriptive voice brings it all to life, so the reader feels like they’re right there experiencing it all. I really enjoyed that Samantha and her mother, Lillian, are close, so when Patty is accused of murder, it makes sense that Samantha would get involved to clear her mother’s best friend. Adding a twist to the equation is Patty’s son, a long-time frenemy of Samantha’s. Can they put aside their differences and help prove Patty’s innocence?
At first, reluctant to get involved in the investigation because of her close call with a murderer not that long ago, Samantha finally agrees to put her former reporter skills to work. I appreciated the protagonist has some actual skills to back up her quest to find the truth, instead of bumbling around with no thought or reason. As Samantha delves into the life of the victim, it becomes apparent that she’d been hiding secrets and had made several enemies. Invited to cater the funeral luncheon gives Samantha even more opportunities to gather clues. With an edge-of-your-seat reveal and a unique and clever save by the protagonist, the conclusion wrapped up the loose threads into a highly satisfactory story.
The yummy food and cocktails served up on the pages will have the reader drooling. Several recipes, sweet, savory, and libations are included at the back of the book to try out at home.
I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
At first, reluctant to get involved in the investigation because of her close call with a murderer not that long ago, Samantha finally agrees to put her former reporter skills to work. I appreciated the protagonist has some actual skills to back up her quest to find the truth, instead of bumbling around with no thought or reason. As Samantha delves into the life of the victim, it becomes apparent that she’d been hiding secrets and had made several enemies. Invited to cater the funeral luncheon gives Samantha even more opportunities to gather clues. With an edge-of-your-seat reveal and a unique and clever save by the protagonist, the conclusion wrapped up the loose threads into a highly satisfactory story.
The yummy food and cocktails served up on the pages will have the reader drooling. Several recipes, sweet, savory, and libations are included at the back of the book to try out at home.
I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 10, 2022
Publication Feb. 21, 2023
Samantha Warren left her job as a journalist to start a career as a mixologist. While that may seem like a downward step, as it turns out she's excellent at the job. Sam and her business partner/friend, Beth, who does most of the cooking, leaving the unique drink concoctions to Sam, are building an impressive client catering and customer list. Romance is even in the air. I know which guy I'm rooting for but, dang it, liked them both. Anyway, in other words, Sam's busy and has definitely gained self-confidence and direction since I first met her in book one.
So, how is it Sam keeps getting caught up in murder investigations? In this case, the question is, "Who killed Angela Clawson?" She was a society mover-and-shaker and involved in a community project that had both strong support and detractors. Although the police immediately zero in on a suspect, one who turns out to be her visiting mother's long-time friend Patty, it turns out the suspect list is lengthy. Patty wasn't the only one who had a heated argument with Angela. Could it be a family member? Did fancy money handling have anything to do with the murder? Who was that snickering at the funeral? Oh, so many possibilities.
Sam is reluctant to become involved. She recalls her brush with death last time she encountered a killer. It's only when she realizes she can't turn her back on her mother, Lillian, and her concern for Patty that Sam reluctantly begins to research and ask questions. Will that lead her into danger? Oh, come on. This is a cozy mystery. Of course it will.
In the process, there's lots and lots of food talk and, hmm, I think I even learned a thing or two about mixing drinks. There are even some delicious, intriguing recipes at the end, including one for Samantha's Sparkling Cocktail, so not just food recipes! Thanks #NetGalley and #CrookedLaneBooks for letting me drop in on Sam and friends again. Can't wait to come back!
Samantha Warren left her job as a journalist to start a career as a mixologist. While that may seem like a downward step, as it turns out she's excellent at the job. Sam and her business partner/friend, Beth, who does most of the cooking, leaving the unique drink concoctions to Sam, are building an impressive client catering and customer list. Romance is even in the air. I know which guy I'm rooting for but, dang it, liked them both. Anyway, in other words, Sam's busy and has definitely gained self-confidence and direction since I first met her in book one.
So, how is it Sam keeps getting caught up in murder investigations? In this case, the question is, "Who killed Angela Clawson?" She was a society mover-and-shaker and involved in a community project that had both strong support and detractors. Although the police immediately zero in on a suspect, one who turns out to be her visiting mother's long-time friend Patty, it turns out the suspect list is lengthy. Patty wasn't the only one who had a heated argument with Angela. Could it be a family member? Did fancy money handling have anything to do with the murder? Who was that snickering at the funeral? Oh, so many possibilities.
Sam is reluctant to become involved. She recalls her brush with death last time she encountered a killer. It's only when she realizes she can't turn her back on her mother, Lillian, and her concern for Patty that Sam reluctantly begins to research and ask questions. Will that lead her into danger? Oh, come on. This is a cozy mystery. Of course it will.
In the process, there's lots and lots of food talk and, hmm, I think I even learned a thing or two about mixing drinks. There are even some delicious, intriguing recipes at the end, including one for Samantha's Sparkling Cocktail, so not just food recipes! Thanks #NetGalley and #CrookedLaneBooks for letting me drop in on Sam and friends again. Can't wait to come back!
July 15, 2023
Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.
Murder Served Neat is the second cozy mystery featuring plucky mixologist and amateur sleuth Samantha written by Michelle Hillen Klump. Released 21st Feb 2023 by Crooked Lane Books, it's 320 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.
This is a nice summer-themed small town cozy with a humorous, lightly sarcastic MC and well constructed mystery. The book is full of the quirky and appealing small-town characters, and the denouement and resolution are satisfying and complete. It works well enough as a standalone, but the returning characters do have some back history which is explained in the first book in the series.
This is the kind of cozy which has some recipes included at the back of the book, and the author and publisher have included one for glazed salmon, fig cake, and some mixed drinks. Throughout the book, the author has included lots of interesting info and factoids about mixing drinks, food and professional cooking.
Four stars. Interesting and engaging.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Murder Served Neat is the second cozy mystery featuring plucky mixologist and amateur sleuth Samantha written by Michelle Hillen Klump. Released 21st Feb 2023 by Crooked Lane Books, it's 320 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.
This is a nice summer-themed small town cozy with a humorous, lightly sarcastic MC and well constructed mystery. The book is full of the quirky and appealing small-town characters, and the denouement and resolution are satisfying and complete. It works well enough as a standalone, but the returning characters do have some back history which is explained in the first book in the series.
This is the kind of cozy which has some recipes included at the back of the book, and the author and publisher have included one for glazed salmon, fig cake, and some mixed drinks. Throughout the book, the author has included lots of interesting info and factoids about mixing drinks, food and professional cooking.
Four stars. Interesting and engaging.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
January 27, 2023
I gave Murder Served Neat by Michelle Hillen Klump 5 stars
Samantha is mixing up traditional cocktails at the German Texan Lodge’s Fourth of July festival—a gig she was roped into by her mother. But amidst the bratwurst and brass bands, trouble is brewing. Lodge loyalties are divided over a proposal to build a private, country-club-style tennis center on the lodge grounds. Her mom’s best friend Patty Davis is vehemently opposed to the plan. Society matron Angela Clawson is all for it. At the festival, they’re seen in a heated argument—and hours later, Angela is found dead, killed by one of the ceremonial shovels intended for the groundbreaking.
Samantha’s mother begs her to help clear her best friend’s name, but can she handle another murder case or will the whole investigation go bottoms up?
-------- REVIEW --------
This is the second book in A Cocktails and Catering Mystery series and I enjoyed both books a lot, but this one got one more star. In the first book Samantha started her new catering company and in this book the business is finally taking off. Reading about the workplace is one of my favorite things about cozy mysteries.
I also really liked reading about Samantha's mom and seeing her help out sleuthing. The mystery was intriguing and I had no clue of whodunit.
This is a series I highly recommend and I am very much looking forward to the next book.
This book comes out 21 Feb.
Thank you Net Galley and Crooked Lane Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Samantha is mixing up traditional cocktails at the German Texan Lodge’s Fourth of July festival—a gig she was roped into by her mother. But amidst the bratwurst and brass bands, trouble is brewing. Lodge loyalties are divided over a proposal to build a private, country-club-style tennis center on the lodge grounds. Her mom’s best friend Patty Davis is vehemently opposed to the plan. Society matron Angela Clawson is all for it. At the festival, they’re seen in a heated argument—and hours later, Angela is found dead, killed by one of the ceremonial shovels intended for the groundbreaking.
Samantha’s mother begs her to help clear her best friend’s name, but can she handle another murder case or will the whole investigation go bottoms up?
-------- REVIEW --------
This is the second book in A Cocktails and Catering Mystery series and I enjoyed both books a lot, but this one got one more star. In the first book Samantha started her new catering company and in this book the business is finally taking off. Reading about the workplace is one of my favorite things about cozy mysteries.
I also really liked reading about Samantha's mom and seeing her help out sleuthing. The mystery was intriguing and I had no clue of whodunit.
This is a series I highly recommend and I am very much looking forward to the next book.
This book comes out 21 Feb.
Thank you Net Galley and Crooked Lane Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
February 21, 2023
Murder Served Neat is the second A Cocktails and Catering Mysteries. It can be read as a standalone for those new to the series. Samantha is busy serving cocktails in this book. The Fourth of July event turned out to be a winner for Samantha and her foodie business partner. We get detailed descriptions on a variety of cocktails as well as information on bitters. This book is definitely for those who enjoy alcohol. I found the pacing to be uneven. The mystery portion was especially slow as well as the sections describing the details of the various alcoholic beverages. The mystery was straightforward. There is a nasty lady who ends up dead (it was obvious that she would be the victim), friend of the family who is the main suspect, our protagonist ends up investigating thanks to her mother (who, of course, has to help), and, let us not forget, the to stupid to live moment during the reveal. I am amazed that Samantha found time to investigate in between her many catering gigs. The police are present at the end when it is time to arrest the bad guy. Samantha’s mother is visiting town. She spends the majority of her time comforting Patty who the police’s main suspect. Patty’s son, Martin shows up much to Samantha’s chagrin. They had a falling out in college and Samantha has avoided him ever since (which is difficult since the two families frequently have get togethers). Samantha has two love interests in this story (I am not a fan of love triangles). I believe she is leaning one way over the other, but we will have to wait and see. There are recipes at the end for items mentioned in the book. Murder Served Neat is a light cozy mystery that focuses on cocktails and romance. Murder Served Neat is a cocktail cozy with creative cocktails, a dead diva, fireworks on the fourth, a family friend in a fix, and an executioner served up with a twist.
February 16, 2023
Samantha has started a new chapter in her life after being jilted just three weeks before her wedding and losing her job. She and her friend, Beth, are working hard to start a catering business and Samantha's well received mixed drinks are part of it. When her mother talks her into the German Texan Lodge Fourth of July festivities she agrees. It could be very good for business....or just the opposite. When two women have a very loud contretemps in public over the Lodge building a tennis facility on their property, one of them is found dead and the other happens to be a best friend - now prime suspect - of Samantha's mother. The dead woman was all for the tennis facility. Was that enough motive for her murder? Samantha has no desire to become involved in another murder but it's her mother doing the asking so what's a daughter to do? Investigate.
This mystery is full of good food, interesting mixed drinks and a well plotted puzzle to unravel. The characters have depth and there are strong relationships with friends and family. I'm holding a spot for future books in the series.
My thanks to the publisher Crooked Lane and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
This mystery is full of good food, interesting mixed drinks and a well plotted puzzle to unravel. The characters have depth and there are strong relationships with friends and family. I'm holding a spot for future books in the series.
My thanks to the publisher Crooked Lane and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
April 26, 2023
Thank you NetGalley, Michelle Hillen Klump, and publishers for gifting me a copy of Murder served neat in return for my honest opinion.
3/5 stars
Samantha is mixing up traditional cocktails at the German Texan Lodge’s Fourth of July festival—a gig she was roped into by her mother. But amidst the bratwurst and brass bands, trouble is brewing. Lodge loyalties are divided over a proposal to build a private, country-club-style tennis center on the lodge grounds. Her mom’s best friend Patty Davis is vehemently opposed to the plan. Society matron Angela Clawson is all for it. At the festival, they’re seen in a heated argument—and hours later, Angela is found dead, killed by one of the ceremonial shovels intended for the groundbreaking. Samantha’s mother begs her to help clear her best friend’s name, but can she handle another murder case or will the whole investigation go bottoms up?
I am torn by this cozy. While I found some parts to be enjoyable and easy to read there were some moments that had me rolling my eyes. I need to say that I didn't read the first book in this series and maybe they went more in-depth for character development but I didn't feel like I connected or cared about the main character that much. It was well written but out of all the cozies I've read this wasn't my favorite. I did like learning about the different cocktails that were included in the book!
3/5 stars
Samantha is mixing up traditional cocktails at the German Texan Lodge’s Fourth of July festival—a gig she was roped into by her mother. But amidst the bratwurst and brass bands, trouble is brewing. Lodge loyalties are divided over a proposal to build a private, country-club-style tennis center on the lodge grounds. Her mom’s best friend Patty Davis is vehemently opposed to the plan. Society matron Angela Clawson is all for it. At the festival, they’re seen in a heated argument—and hours later, Angela is found dead, killed by one of the ceremonial shovels intended for the groundbreaking. Samantha’s mother begs her to help clear her best friend’s name, but can she handle another murder case or will the whole investigation go bottoms up?
I am torn by this cozy. While I found some parts to be enjoyable and easy to read there were some moments that had me rolling my eyes. I need to say that I didn't read the first book in this series and maybe they went more in-depth for character development but I didn't feel like I connected or cared about the main character that much. It was well written but out of all the cozies I've read this wasn't my favorite. I did like learning about the different cocktails that were included in the book!
June 16, 2023
Murder Served Neat is the second book in Michelle Hillen Klump's Cocktails and Catering mysteries. This book picks up with protagonist Samantha Warren serving her specialty Sparkler cocktails at the local Independence Day festival being sponsored by the Highlands' German Lodge. When tensions between two factions of the lodge increase to the point that one of the most vocal supporters of the new tennis club is found dead, Samantha is quickly pulled in to the investigation when one of her mother's friends is identified as a prime suspect due to some public confrontations she had with the victim.
As this series is developing, the author is utilizing some unique venues and storylines to expose her readers to cultures and traditions that may be new to them while maintaining consistency with the characters and their backgrounds. Utilizing the conflicts that the victim has had within the community keeps the reader guessing throughout the multitude of twists and turns that the author takes on the journey to the solution of the mystery. I look forward to reading more books in this series to see where the author takes Samantha and friends in the future.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books and am leaving this review voluntarily.
As this series is developing, the author is utilizing some unique venues and storylines to expose her readers to cultures and traditions that may be new to them while maintaining consistency with the characters and their backgrounds. Utilizing the conflicts that the victim has had within the community keeps the reader guessing throughout the multitude of twists and turns that the author takes on the journey to the solution of the mystery. I look forward to reading more books in this series to see where the author takes Samantha and friends in the future.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books and am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 21, 2023
Teaser review at https://wellreadpiratequeen.blogspot....
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One of my first reads of the year was Michelle Hillen Klump's A Dash of Death. I wasn't overly impressed by it, but I stuck with it because this was already on my NetGalley shelf. I almost didn't and just hit the "will not be leaving feedback" button since I have had very bad luck with the "second book curse" lately.
Murder Served Neat has broken the curse!
I cared more about the characters -- possibly because we had already "met" before. Even the victim was a "what the heck! who? how?" right off the bat. I still don't care who killed the guy in the first one 😆 As a whole, the story just flowed much more smoothly. Sure, it was a little bit all over the place at times, but here it made sense and even added to the story rather than distracting from. Now, we just need to address the not-so-little matter of a certain little triangle that hopefully won't drag on and on for books to come.
And, yes, I'll definitely be reading the books to come.
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One of my first reads of the year was Michelle Hillen Klump's A Dash of Death. I wasn't overly impressed by it, but I stuck with it because this was already on my NetGalley shelf. I almost didn't and just hit the "will not be leaving feedback" button since I have had very bad luck with the "second book curse" lately.
Murder Served Neat has broken the curse!
I cared more about the characters -- possibly because we had already "met" before. Even the victim was a "what the heck! who? how?" right off the bat. I still don't care who killed the guy in the first one 😆 As a whole, the story just flowed much more smoothly. Sure, it was a little bit all over the place at times, but here it made sense and even added to the story rather than distracting from. Now, we just need to address the not-so-little matter of a certain little triangle that hopefully won't drag on and on for books to come.
And, yes, I'll definitely be reading the books to come.
March 2, 2023
Cheers to Murder Served Neat by Michelle Hillen Klump, the second book in the Cocktails and Catering Mysteries! This second book takes place around the 4th of July, and let me tell you, I could almost feel that Texas heat. When Samantha and her business partner Beth get a catering gig at the Highlands Independence Day festival, things take a turn when a body is found. When a friend of Samantha's mom is the top suspect in the murder, Samantha has to decide how much she can get involved, while still remaining safe.
Samantha and Beth are busy with their new catering business, but starting a new business can be stressful. I liked that Samantha had a good attitude and had more faith in herself. The descriptions of the food and cocktails were fantastic! When Samantha goes to the Farmer's Market to pick up supplies, I felt like I was right there seeing everything.
Being that Samantha is a former reporter, she knows how to ask questions to get people to talk. She also knows when to push a little more to see people's reactions. While reading I kept wondering, who the killer was. I felt that the story ended on a good note, and I hope to read more in the series!
Samantha and Beth are busy with their new catering business, but starting a new business can be stressful. I liked that Samantha had a good attitude and had more faith in herself. The descriptions of the food and cocktails were fantastic! When Samantha goes to the Farmer's Market to pick up supplies, I felt like I was right there seeing everything.
Being that Samantha is a former reporter, she knows how to ask questions to get people to talk. She also knows when to push a little more to see people's reactions. While reading I kept wondering, who the killer was. I felt that the story ended on a good note, and I hope to read more in the series!
March 27, 2023
Princess Fuzzypants here: Sam and Beth are working hard to build their catering and cocktail business and things are looking good as Sam’s cocktails are a hit at the German festival. But things take a sudden turn for the worst when her mother’s best friend is the prime suspect in the murder of one of the organizers of the event.
Lillian is determined to help Patty and enlists Sam’s help against Sam’s better judgement. She has even more reason to question her involvement when Patty’s son arrives. Martin and Sam have a long history and it did not end well. Can the two children of the best friends put their animosity aside and work together?
This is not Sam’s first murder and she is rightly nervous as the last one almost turned deadly. I like that she keeps that in mind as she investigates. It adds to the believability of the plot. Heroines who suffer from amnesia every murder and tempt fate are frustrating. The story was good but I would hate to see the livers of the characters if they are drinking cocktails every single day= no matter how yummy they may sound. Four purrs and two paws up.
Lillian is determined to help Patty and enlists Sam’s help against Sam’s better judgement. She has even more reason to question her involvement when Patty’s son arrives. Martin and Sam have a long history and it did not end well. Can the two children of the best friends put their animosity aside and work together?
This is not Sam’s first murder and she is rightly nervous as the last one almost turned deadly. I like that she keeps that in mind as she investigates. It adds to the believability of the plot. Heroines who suffer from amnesia every murder and tempt fate are frustrating. The story was good but I would hate to see the livers of the characters if they are drinking cocktails every single day= no matter how yummy they may sound. Four purrs and two paws up.
March 9, 2023
Samantha is ready to get her new catering business off the ground and running. Armed with a festive cocktail and new business card, she and Beth are hoping the German Lodge’s 4th of July Festival will help them drum up new business. The last thing she expected was another murder, this time of a prominent socialite, to unofficially investigate. Armed with her journalism skills, some new friends and old, and all the hot gossip, Samantha is determined to find the murderer before her moms best friend is put behind bars for a crime she didn’t commit.
I’m always the first to admit I don’t read many mysteries, but this cozy novel has reminded me I need to work more of them into my rotation. Samantha is smart and practical (the ultimate compliment from this self-proclaimed pragmatist), the mystery murderer is not obvious, and the cute lawyer is back! As a bonus, the cocktails sound amazing.
Overall it’s a fun, quick mystery that will have you dying for a blackberry shrub cocktail (though not literally).
I’m always the first to admit I don’t read many mysteries, but this cozy novel has reminded me I need to work more of them into my rotation. Samantha is smart and practical (the ultimate compliment from this self-proclaimed pragmatist), the mystery murderer is not obvious, and the cute lawyer is back! As a bonus, the cocktails sound amazing.
Overall it’s a fun, quick mystery that will have you dying for a blackberry shrub cocktail (though not literally).
January 24, 2023
Former reporter Samantha Warren has changed her career to mixologist when her job was downsized. She and her good friend are trying to build new careers as caterers. One of their first jobs has them working at the German Texan Lodge's Fourth of July festival.
Samantha is selling lots of her Sparkler cocktails when she witnesses an argument between her mother's best friend Patty who is one of the organizers and a woman who is spearheading the plan to add a tennis club to the facility.
When Angela Clawson is found dead, hit with one of the ceremonial shovels from the groundbreaking for the tennis club, Samantha has to investigate again because Patty is the prime suspect. She's a reluctant investigator since her previous investigation almost cost her life. But she does find a number of suspects including the victim's family who seem better candidates for murderer than her mother's friend.
This was an engaging cozy mystery with tempting recipes at the end.
Samantha is selling lots of her Sparkler cocktails when she witnesses an argument between her mother's best friend Patty who is one of the organizers and a woman who is spearheading the plan to add a tennis club to the facility.
When Angela Clawson is found dead, hit with one of the ceremonial shovels from the groundbreaking for the tennis club, Samantha has to investigate again because Patty is the prime suspect. She's a reluctant investigator since her previous investigation almost cost her life. But she does find a number of suspects including the victim's family who seem better candidates for murderer than her mother's friend.
This was an engaging cozy mystery with tempting recipes at the end.
May 15, 2023
⭐⭐⭐ -- Great cover on this one!
Murder Served Neat by Michelle Hillen Klump is an entertaining cozy mystery novel that follows the story of Samantha Warren, a reporter-turned-mixologist who finds herself in the middle of another murder investigation. This time, her mother’s best friend has been accused of murder, and Samantha must clear her name by helping to solve the case.
Although this book was better than its predecessor, and it also had a well-crafted mystery that kept me guessing until the end, it still suffered from being too long-winded and unevenly paced. That said, Samantha was more likable this time around, and I enjoyed reading about her mixology skills. The addition of recipes at the end of each chapter is always an additional bonus.
Overall, Murder Served Neat is an enjoyable cozy mystery with interesting characters and plenty of twists and turns that unfortunately suffers from uneven pacing and could use a good edit.
**ARC Via NetGalley**
Murder Served Neat by Michelle Hillen Klump is an entertaining cozy mystery novel that follows the story of Samantha Warren, a reporter-turned-mixologist who finds herself in the middle of another murder investigation. This time, her mother’s best friend has been accused of murder, and Samantha must clear her name by helping to solve the case.
Although this book was better than its predecessor, and it also had a well-crafted mystery that kept me guessing until the end, it still suffered from being too long-winded and unevenly paced. That said, Samantha was more likable this time around, and I enjoyed reading about her mixology skills. The addition of recipes at the end of each chapter is always an additional bonus.
Overall, Murder Served Neat is an enjoyable cozy mystery with interesting characters and plenty of twists and turns that unfortunately suffers from uneven pacing and could use a good edit.
**ARC Via NetGalley**
April 4, 2024
Reporter-turned-mixologist Samantha Warren is mixing up traditional cocktails at the German Texan Lodge’s Fourth of July festival. Lodge loyalties are divided over a proposal to build a private tennis center on the lodge grounds. Her mom’s best friend Patty Davis is opposed to the plan. Society matron Angela Clawson is all for it. At the festival, they’re seen in a heated argument. Then, Angela is found dead. Can Samantha help Patty and find the real culprit?
This was a good cozy mystery, although I felt a little disconnected. I remembered the main character yet didn't remember any of the other characters involved in this mystery. I became confused with the suspects, and I had problems telling them apart. Overall, I like the plot and hope to read more from this author soon. This review is my unbiased opinion. Thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane books for the opportunity to read this advanced reader's copy.
This was a good cozy mystery, although I felt a little disconnected. I remembered the main character yet didn't remember any of the other characters involved in this mystery. I became confused with the suspects, and I had problems telling them apart. Overall, I like the plot and hope to read more from this author soon. This review is my unbiased opinion. Thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane books for the opportunity to read this advanced reader's copy.
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