Sunday, May 30, 2010

Sunday Salon: Delicious and Suspicious by Riley Adams

Lip-smackin’ good barbecue to die for.

That could literally serve as the slogan for Aunt Pat’s Barbecue Restaurant. However, owner Lulu Taylor isn’t happy with the dying part, she just wants the patrons to love her barbecue in DELICIOUS AND SUSPICIOUS, a Memphis Barbecue Mystery series.

Aunt Pat’s, located in the heart of Memphis, TN, has the reputation for having the best barbecue around. This title brings Rebecca Adrian, a prominent Cooking Channel show scout, to town to have a taste. But Rebecca has a flare for rubbing everyone the wrong way.

Within a short period of time Rebecca insults or humiliates a number of Aunt Pat’s patrons and staff, including several members of Lulu’s immediate family. With tempers flaring hotter than the oven at Aunt Pat’s, Rebecca is found dead in her hotel room after being poisoned.

While regular customers would never imagine getting tainted food at Aunt Pat’s, suspicion is starting to grow and Lulu decides to take matters into her own hands. She’s determine to find the killer and get a clean bill of health for her restaurant.

As Lulu begins to investigate, the list of suspects also begins to grow. While she’s finding clues, you’re introduced to some unique and lovable characters that frequent the restaurant. Among these will be the Graces, a group of ladies as loyal to Aunt Pat’s as they are to Graceland where they volunteer. Each one of the Graces is a delight, a bit of a character, and most are suspects in the murder.

Lulu quickly learns everyone is hiding secrets including her nine-year-old twin granddaughters.

Another murder causes Lulu to turn up the heat in her investigation after she’s knocked out by the killer minutes after finding the second body. Lulu may not be a spring chicken anymore, but she’s not about to let the killer cook her goose.

While trying to find the killer, Lulu also has time to interfere in her youngest son’s life, help play matchmaker with a couple of restaurant patrons, and go on an overnight outing with the Graces where they get stranded in the middle of a lake.

Author Riley Adams puts together a great mixture of eclectic characters, a wonderful sense of Southern culture, and a strong murder mystery. She sprinkles in the right amount of humor to flavor the story. But the icing on the cake is the twists the storyline takes at the end. Just when you think you know who the killer is, she adds a dash of surprise causing you to shake your head in disbelief and awe.

By the time you finish DELICIOUS AND SUSPICIOUS your mouth will be watering for the savory dishes mentioned throughout the story. For an added treat, a number of the recipes are included in the back of this cozy murder mystery book. Among the recipes is Pulled Pork Barbeque and Sauce, and Aunt’ Pat’s Spicy Corn Muffins.

DELICIOUS AND SUSPICIOUS is author Riley Adam’s first book in the Memphis Barbecue Mystery series. Can’t wait to see what Lulu’s cooking up next. This saucy amateur sleuth will have you coming back wanting more.

Riley Adams is the pseudonym of Elizabeth Spann Craig, who blogs daily at Mystery Writing Is Murder and blogs on Thursdays at Mystery Lovers Kitchen. DELICIOUS AND SUSPICIOUS is scheduled to be released July 6, but can be pre-order now.

Delicious and Suspicious by Riley Adams, Berkley Prime Crime, @2010, ISBN: 978-0-425-23553-9, Paperback, 288 pages


FTC Full Disclosure - This book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.

27 comments:

  1. What a super review, Mason. This is your gift...informative reviews.

    I am excited to read Delicious and Suspicious. July is just around the corner.

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  2. I like the look of this one - I'm on a bit of a cozy run at the moment :-)

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  3. You had me at lip smackin'!

    Looks like a great book and I love the cover! Thanks Mason.

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  4. Sounds intriguing and a very unusual setting!

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  5. Fantastic review! I cannnot *wait* to read this book and meet Lulu (and the Graces) and the entire cast of Riley's new series. It's at the top of my summer reading list, fo' sure.

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  6. Teresa, thanks for your kind words. I hope my review encourages others to read this, it's great summer read.

    Charmaine, this book will definitely hit the cozy spot.

    Talli, I hope that line would get attention. :)

    LadyFi, it a very intriguing plot with a number of twists and turns with a lot of fun mixed in.

    Cleo, thanks. I know you'll love this. Lulu may be a sweet tea drinker, but she's still a charmer.

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  7. Great review! You definitely make me want to get the book. I'm already thinking of a couple of family members who might get this for Christmas. (Love the cover, too.).

    Elizabeth/Riley is a sweetheart. I know her from her blog and feel like I know her in person.

    Helen
    Straight From Hel

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  8. I love cozy mysteries with recipes included! This one sounds really cute, too.

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  9. Mason - What a great review!!! And Elizabeth/Riley is a terrific author, so I am definitely going to get this book. I appreciate your whetting our appetites for it : ).

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  10. Great review and sounds like an engaging book. I'll watch for it. Have a great day.

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  11. Mason, thanks so much for the generous review! I'm so glad you enjoyed Lulu and her mystery. :) Have a happy Memorial Day weekend!

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  12. Helen, this would make a great Christmas or birthday gift or nice gift for someone in the hospital.

    Bermudaonion, this one has some great recipes in the back. There is also a recipe in the book (Onion Pie) where the ingredients are listed but not the amounts so it would be a fun recipe to experiment with.

    Margot, the recipes and the talk of barbecue and the fixins' will definitely stir your appetite.

    Lou, hope you enjoy the book. Thanks for stopping by and joining the gang.

    Elizabeth, Lulu reminds me a several people I know. Besides, Lulu was my grandmother's name so I couldn't help but enjoy Lulu Taylor. Have a great holiday weekend.

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  13. I love the cover on this book! What a great setting for a mystery, with that cast of great quirky characters. Looks like a good one for the beach tote :)

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  14. Joanne, this would be great for the beach tote. The characters are so enjoyable, even Rebecca.

    Mason
    Thoughts in Progress

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  15. Really enjoyed the review of Elizabeth's book. I am a big fan of her blog and eager to read her latest book.

    I also love the picture of your cat on your Facebook and Twitter pages. We had a cat that looked a lot like yours. Sweet little kitty that had the most amazing eyes.

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  16. I can't wait to read the book. I'm having some Southern BBQ tonight with some brisket and hot cornbread biscuits. Yummy.

    CD

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  17. Maryann, thanks for the kind words. Little One (in the photo) is special to me. She can be a wholly terror one minute and a sweetie the next. I think you'll enjoy Elizabeth's book.

    Clarissa, now you're making me hungry. After I finished reading this book, I ate barbecue sandwiches for lunch for about three days. LOL I just keep thinking barbecue.

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  18. I enjoyed Elizabeth's Pretty is as Pretty Dies - and this new one sounds great too! Can't wait :)

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  19. I loved this review and can't wait until I read the book!

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  20. Great review! I can't wait to read this, it'll go to the top of my summer reading list for sure.

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  21. Jemi, you'll love Lulu Taylor as much as you do Myrtle Clover.

    Eleanor, I think you'll have fun reading this.

    Ingrid, this is definitely a good summer read.

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  22. This book does look delicious. It's a great title. Wonderful review!

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  23. It looks great! The recipes sound yummy too. Lucky you for getting to read it early. Congrats to Elizabeth!

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  24. Mary, thanks. The book becomes even more delicious as you read some of the recipes and the protagonist talks about all the food they serve at Aunt Pat's.

    Lorel, I do feel lucky for having the opportunity to read it early. It is a great summer read.

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  25. So great to read such a good review on this one. It sounds really good! :-)

    Corra

    from the desk of a historical writer

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  26. Love cozies with good recipes and twists at the end! Nice review.

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  27. I love the idea behind Riley's series, and I can't wait to read Delicious and Suspicious. Good review, Mason.

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