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meezan's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
I have been enjoying this series from the beginning, but it has gotten even better with each new installment. There is a good mix of characters in Cheddar Late Than Dead. Several of them are familiar to readers who read the previous books, while some are new. Some of them are very likeable, while others not so much. While the supporting cast we're familiar with doesn't play a huge role in this book, I did enjoy meeting with them again. I was especially interested in Grant's side story in this one. He has been one of my favorite characters from the beginning and I never get tired of finding out what he's up to.
The mystery in Cheddar Late Than Dead is again a strong one, but even more complex than in the previous books. There are twists and turns and red herrings throughout the book. I thought I knew who the culprit was from the beginning and I held my ground on this suspect until almost the end when Carly figured it out. I was hoping I was wrong...and I was. The final chapters in this book are very emotional. There is so much more to it than just figuring out whodunnit. Be prepared for some jaw-dropping events and revelations. I truly felt something for all of these characters. I wanted the book to end, and yet I didn't want it to end.
You can read this self-contained mystery without first having read the previous two, but like most cozies, it's more enjoyable (in my opinion) if you read them order. That way you can follow the main characters and their stories. Either way, if you're a fan of cozies, I highly recommend this one. It's cozy and clean, yet entertaining, emotional, and suspenseful. It briefly covers some heavy topics in a respectable way.
None of the books in this series contain cursing. I know it doesn't bother many readers, but one of my biggest pet peeves in cozies is cursing. I read cozies in the hopes of avoiding language like that and I always appreciate when authors write quality cozies without it. Cursing doesn't make it a bad book; it's just something I prefer not to read. I'm glad I can read all the books published so far in the Grilled Cheese Mystery series without it.
For fans of culinary cozies with recipes, Cheddar Late Than Dead contains two delectable-sounding ones at the end of the book. One of them is something I've been hoping for since the previous installments and the other is quite unique and new to me. Just when you think grilled cheese can't get any more scrumptious...it does.
Content Warnings
Minor: Mental illness, Death, Grief, Murder, and Suicide attempt
thelittlebookishnerd's review against another edition
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Cheddar Late Than Dead is the third book in Linda Reilly's Grilled Cheese Mysteries series, but it can be read as a standalone. This is the first book that I have read in the series and by the author and I didn't feel like I missed anything by not reading the first two books.
The main character, Carly, owns an eatery that serves specialty grilled cheese sandwiches. She is roped into catering a former classmate's bridal shower. The groom-to-be unexpectedly shows up at the shower and suddenly dies and the maid of honor is the prime suspect. Carly keeps saying that she will not get involved in the investigation, but she eventually does.
Carly was not a likeable character for me. Her involvement in the case never felt natural. After the reveal at the end, I realized there were small clues sprinkled throughout the book, but they weren't enough to point out a specific person. I never felt invested in trying to determine who committed the murder. I liked the setting and I wish there were more scenes involving the eatery and Carly's staff. Carly and Ari's relationship felt off, but I wish Ari was in it more often. I think that would've helped it feel more natural.
Overall, Cheddar Late Than Dead is a decent cozy mystery set in a small Vermont town. It slightly missed the mark for me, but I think a lot of readers will enjoy it. It is the third book in the Grilled Cheese Mysteries series, but it can be read as a standalone.
Thank you to Poisoned Pen Press for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
The main character, Carly, owns an eatery that serves specialty grilled cheese sandwiches. She is roped into catering a former classmate's bridal shower. The groom-to-be unexpectedly shows up at the shower and suddenly dies and the maid of honor is the prime suspect. Carly keeps saying that she will not get involved in the investigation, but she eventually does.
Carly was not a likeable character for me. Her involvement in the case never felt natural. After the reveal at the end, I realized there were small clues sprinkled throughout the book, but they weren't enough to point out a specific person. I never felt invested in trying to determine who committed the murder. I liked the setting and I wish there were more scenes involving the eatery and Carly's staff. Carly and Ari's relationship felt off, but I wish Ari was in it more often. I think that would've helped it feel more natural.
Overall, Cheddar Late Than Dead is a decent cozy mystery set in a small Vermont town. It slightly missed the mark for me, but I think a lot of readers will enjoy it. It is the third book in the Grilled Cheese Mysteries series, but it can be read as a standalone.
Thank you to Poisoned Pen Press for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Content Warnings
Minor: Death, Grief, Kidnapping, Mental illness, Murder, Toxic relationship, and Confinement
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