dollycas's review against another edition
5.0
When Chef Eve Angelotta’s grandmother, Maria Pia, is invited to join Belfiere, a secret all-female Italian culinary society, Eve is concerned. Rumor has it that membership is lifelong—whether you like it or not. Eve and her cousin Landon try to research Belfiere, but all they come up with is a two-year-old blog entry warning against the two-hundred-year-old society that centers around meals inspired by famous female poisoners.
Soon after, Eve’s new sous chef turns up dead just inside the front door of Miracolo, Eve’s restaurant. When they discover the sous chef had connections to Belfiere, Eve and her Italian cousins start a mission to find out what happened—before Maria Pia is made an offer she can’t refuse.
Dollycas’s Thoughts
This crazy Italian family is back and with their new sous chef dropping dead in the restaurant foyer and a big party coming up the story turns into scenes similar to the movie Weekend at Bernie’s. Oh my, this story was hilarious. Add to that a strange group of chefs and their weird rituals, Eve’s community college delinquents and murder investigation and you have a fantastic story.
Some of these characters take eclectic to a whole new level. Mrs. Crawford, the pianist that sets the restaurants atmosphere, continues to crack me up again and again. Maria Pia with her nightly Three Coins in the Fountain performances just add to the fun. “You have to give the people what they want.” Eve and Landon try to keep the eatery under control but let’s face it they are fighting an uphill battle.
Costa has woven a very creative mystery amongst all the humor. Eve really has the best intentions but she sure gets herself in trouble. She follows those clues wherever they lead and always thinks if she gets caught she can talk her way out of it but that doesn’t always work. She gets herself into the pesto several times and keeps the reader on their toes.
This was a fun read and I was truly craving Italian food when I finished it. Too bad there isn’t a restaurant like Miracolo nearby sans the dead body, of course.
Soon after, Eve’s new sous chef turns up dead just inside the front door of Miracolo, Eve’s restaurant. When they discover the sous chef had connections to Belfiere, Eve and her Italian cousins start a mission to find out what happened—before Maria Pia is made an offer she can’t refuse.
Dollycas’s Thoughts
This crazy Italian family is back and with their new sous chef dropping dead in the restaurant foyer and a big party coming up the story turns into scenes similar to the movie Weekend at Bernie’s. Oh my, this story was hilarious. Add to that a strange group of chefs and their weird rituals, Eve’s community college delinquents and murder investigation and you have a fantastic story.
Some of these characters take eclectic to a whole new level. Mrs. Crawford, the pianist that sets the restaurants atmosphere, continues to crack me up again and again. Maria Pia with her nightly Three Coins in the Fountain performances just add to the fun. “You have to give the people what they want.” Eve and Landon try to keep the eatery under control but let’s face it they are fighting an uphill battle.
Costa has woven a very creative mystery amongst all the humor. Eve really has the best intentions but she sure gets herself in trouble. She follows those clues wherever they lead and always thinks if she gets caught she can talk her way out of it but that doesn’t always work. She gets herself into the pesto several times and keeps the reader on their toes.
This was a fun read and I was truly craving Italian food when I finished it. Too bad there isn’t a restaurant like Miracolo nearby sans the dead body, of course.
julieputty's review
4.0
The mystery needed so much coincidence it was eye-rolling, but the characters and snarky voice had me grinning.
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