Case of the Bayfront Murder: A Macaroni on Wheels Mystery, by - S. K. Derban

 

ABOUT THE BOOK -

Little Italy in San Diego, once a thriving fishing community, has blossomed into a prominent tourist destination. Nestled in the heart of this vibrant neighborhood, both travelers and residents find the Tiepolo Mercato a favorite spot to stop and shop. Ezio and Benedette Tiepolo are the proprietors of the Mercato, while their daughter owns Macaroni on Wheels, the catering company located directly next door.

There’s more than pasta cooking in the Macaroni on Wheels kitchen. Meet Terza Tiepolo, a feisty Italian caterer who fills her free time solving crime. She belongs to a local murder mystery book club, and leads the other participants in their monthly whodunnit contest.

Terza also works diligently to grow her catering business. But when a prominent doctor hires Terza’s company to cater a dinner party, she never expects murder to be on the menu. The prestigious bayfront event should enhance the Macaroni on Wheels portfolio, and Terza anticipates meeting many potential new clients. On the day of the party, Terza arrives early to prepare, only to discover her grand expectations are as dead as the body on the kitchen floor.

Purchase from Amazon - HERE

ABOUT THE AUTHOR -

Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, S.K. Derban moved to London within the first three months, and remained in England until the age of five. Her father, an American citizen, was a decorated veteran of the second world war. Derban's mother, born and raised in the United Kingdom, was involved with the London Royal Ballet Company, and a great fan of the arts. Even after returning to the United States, Derban's life was filled with a love of the theatre and a passion for British murder mysteries.

S.K. Derban has always remained passionate about writing, and is thrilled to finally share her work with others. Her personal travel and missionary adventures also help to transport readers virtually across the globe. When writing, S.K. Derban relies on all aspects of her life, from her faith in the Lord, to her love and knowledge of the arts.

MY THOUGHTS -

Well this book was a hoot! It was like taking a little vacation, a vacation from heavy detailed reading, a vacation to Little Italy, San Diego, California. A simple, easy going "cozy mystery". But what this book lacks in suspense and action, it certainly makes up for in fun and character development.

This was more like the life and times of Terza with a little bit of mystery thrown in, which was very enjoyable. A little Italian cutie, she was a fun character to get to know. She seemed like a real sweetheart. I loved the interactions between her and her best friend Moheenie. They were quite a fun pair. Those two got a little bit too excited and we’re having a little too much fun with their amateur sleuthing! I also really loved and appreciated the relationship she had with her family. It is the same kind of relationship I have with my own daughter.

Preparing for a catering gig the two of them just happened upon the murder of one of their clients. Of course sticking their noses in where they truly don’t belong… We get to see a little bit of fun, mischief, and maybe… a little bit of romance?

But with all that is going on there is always a lot of cooking! It is based around a catering business after all. I thought the cooking parts were a lot of fun to read about. BTW, I have never made risotto!

While I do typically like a little more suspense, angst, heartfeltness (I know that's not a word, I made it up) but... this book was a lot of fun and like I said - it was like taking a vacation to Little Italy. I think I would love to read the next book in the series to see where it takes Terza and Moheenie (and I have to find out about Terza's love life!).

A huge thanks to the author for sending me a copy of this book to read and post my honest thoughts.