The Diva Runs Out of Thyme / Krista Davis - 3***

[Book Concierge]

The Diva Runs Out of Thyme – Krista Davis
3***

Sophie Winston may have lost her husband to domestic diva (and former high school rival) Natasha Smith, but she kept Max’s family home, and a decent relationship with her former mother-in-law. Now she has a chance to expand her role at the paper writing a domestic help column that rivals Natasha’s, but keeps things simple. If she can win the Stupendous Stuffing Shakedown she’ll get some great positive publicity and show her ex-husband, her rival, and her parents that she can make it on her own. But when she finds a body while grocery shopping, she’s suddenly embroiled in a murder investigation.

I love cozy mysteries – they are my reading comfort food. This has a pretty good premise, and I liked the rivalry between Sophie and Natasha, and between Sophie and her sister Hannah. Davis starts each chapter with domestic advice from either Natasha or Sophie; there are some great ideas for decorating or rescuing a cooking mistake here. Setting the story at Thanksgiving gave the divas plenty of fodder for advice (good or bad).

The story was filled with more suspects than you could shake a turkey leg at, and plenty of plot twists to keep the reader guessing. There’s also a nice little sub-plot of a senior romance that was entertaining. However, the central murder mystery plot was pretty thin, and the big reveal stretched credulity a little too far. Still, it’s a satisfying, fast read, and I’ll continue the series.

Oh … and even though it’s months until November, I’m ready to try that Bourbon Pecan Pie recipe now!