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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: Confinement, Death, Mental illness, Toxic relationship, Kidnapping, Grief, and Murder