It’s time again to get comfortable, make sure your cup of coffee is filled and discuss the books we’ve enjoyed this past week as another edition of Sunday Salon has arrived.Today I have a cozy murder mystery to share that has deep Southern roots, yummy recipes, and a whodunit to keep you guessing.
HICKORY SMOKED HOMICIDE by Riley Adams
![Hickory Smoked Homicide_thumb[1]](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC3N5DQPc7d_YuizLfYy5FTtvCnyFsG1YFkxAH8RFwgnWulDxqjfHnPpwnl29bWcJszxOAdP3SGrpobdvUqBZ2ZE7U3_WwUVJVX06S3zt2XTUzov7oSprFMIQZ0VXqGC8GhjSPj2td/?imgmax=800 "Hickory Smoked Homicide_thumb[1]")
Beauty pageants, a popular event in the South, can be fun but cause hard feelings among competitors and judges alike.Pageant coach Tristan Pembroke is at the top of the list of those judges disliked. She can’t even get along with her own daughter, Steffi.
Aunt Pat’s Barbecue Restaurant, located in the heart of Memphis, TN, is known for having the best barbecue around and a family-feel atmosphere. Lulu Taylor, owner of Aunt Pat’s, can’t help but step in to help when she sees someone in trouble. She hires Steffi as a waitress and gives her a place to stay when Tristan kicks her out.
Later Lulu; her daughter-in-law, Sara; her friend, Cherry Hayes; and Steffi attend an auction at Tristan’s. Unfortunately Sara and Tristan argue over a portrait Sara had done of Tristan. When Lulu goes searching for Sara, she founds Tristan instead and she’s dead.
Finding dead bodies seems to becoming a habit for Lulu. Before she gets deep fried for murder, Lulu teams up with Cherry to find the killer. The more they search, the more suspects they uncover. Can they find the real killer before it’s too late?
Author Riley Adams demonstrates Southern culture through the actions and voices of her core cast of characters. She makes her characters lovable, but realistic with flaws and problems - not counting the murder.
Each new installment in the Memphis BBQ Mystery series draws readers into the world of the Taylors and their friends just a bit more. The characters continue to evolve as we get to know them better. The cast of supporting characters adds spice, flavor and just enough zaniness to have you laughing at times.
Despite Lulu’s uncanny ability to find murder and mayhem, HICKORY SMOKED HOMICIDE gives you a feeling of family and friendship, caring and concern, warmth, and hospitality. The delicious recipes included at the end are an added bonus.
Pick up HICKORY SMOKED HOMICIDE and step into the fascinating world of suspense, murder and intrigue topped with a big dollop of Southern virtues, lip-smacking recipes, and good wholesome fun.
HICKORY SMOKED HOMICIDE is the 3rd book in the Memphis BBQ Mystery series, but is a stand alone read. New fans just finding Lulu and Aunt Pat’s will want to check on Lulu’s earlier adventures in DELICIOUS AND SUSPICIOUS and FINGER LICKIN’ DEAD.
Riley Adams is the pseudonym of Elizabeth Spann Craig, who blogs daily at Mystery Writing Is Murder and on Wednesdays at Mystery Lovers' Kitchen.
Hickory Smoked Homicide by Riley Adams, A Memphis BBQ Mystery, Berkley Prime Crime, @2011, ISBN: 9780425244609, 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.
What was on your reading schedule this past week? Thanks so much for dropping by.
Mason - I'm so glad you liked this one! Elizabeth Spann Craig/Riley Adams is such a talented cosy writer, and I really like her Memphis BBQ series. I'm looking forward to the quilting series, too...
ReplyDeleteMargot, Elizabeth/Riley's BBQ series is a great read with that Southern charm. I'm looking forward to her quilting series too.
ReplyDeleteOh, this does sound juicy! Juicy (barbecue good!), too.
ReplyDeleteLove that cover...and the plot is very tempting.
Thanks for sharing...and for visiting my blog. As you may have noticed, I had a cozy mystery on my list this week (Bogey Nights).
Laurel-Rain, thanks for stopping by. The book covers of the Memphis BBQ Mystery series all look very tempting. I did notice your review of BOGEY NIGHTS. Sounds like an interesting read.
ReplyDeleteYay Elizabeth!! I have this one on my list to get.
ReplyDeleteI adore your book reviews, Mason!
It's nice when an author includes an added feature, like the recipes you mention here. It gives another dimension to the story for the reader to enjoy!
ReplyDeleteWhat a clever title for a Southern mystery. Sounds like a good one.
ReplyDeleteTeresa, thank you for the kind words. I think you'll definitely enjoy Elizabeth's book. Happy reading.
ReplyDeleteJoanne, nice to see you back online after that terrible snow storm. I agree the added features give another dimension to the story. I enjoy it when you read about a delicious dish the protagonist prepared and then the author shares the recipe for it.
ReplyDeleteHarvee, it is a good read and we Southerns do enjoy our food (and a good mystery). :)
ReplyDeleteLove cozies and really love the smell of hickory smoke. It is addicting! This sounds sooo good!!!!
ReplyDeleteCarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com
Carol, the smell of hickory smoke always makes me think of a mountain fair that we attend each year. So much fun, just like this cozy mystery.
ReplyDeleteJust for once I don´t mind that you have made me want just one more book... Eventually I buy all of Elizabeth´s books anyway :D
ReplyDeleteThey are musts for lovers of cosy mysteries.
Dorte, oh I know the feeling always adding just one more book to the wish list or TBR stack. Elizabeth's books are a must for cozy mystery lovers.
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness, I'm so far behind in catching up on Riley/Elizabeth's Memphis BBQ series! The second one is still in my TBR pile. I think I'll order this one and then have a marathon and read them back to back.
ReplyDeleteIngrid, a reading marathon of Elizabeth's books sounds like a fun idea. Happy reading.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for this generous review, Mason! I really appreciate it and I'm so glad you enjoyed the book. :)
ReplyDelete