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A review by hugbandit7
Pineapple Upside Down Murder by Jodi Rath
4.0
If you need a shorter cozy mystery to read on the go (in between appointments, etc) then this is one you might want to check out. It has everything a full length cozy has but in 130 pages.
I always love a cozy that involves food and this is the first time I’ve seen one that centers around recipes that are cooked in a cast iron skillet. (The recipes at the end look divine!) Jolie is sort of a mess, I think she is an introvert so has problems talking to people or fitting in unless it is her family or best friend, Ava. Plus we get a peek into her past when it comes to her biological father and the emotional abuse he inflicted on Joie which has a lot to do with how she acts and reacts to people and situations.
Jolie and Ava have planned this restaurant since they were young children and are the best of friends and even live next door to each other. They have a great relationship which hasn’t wavered even though Ava is in a relationship with Delilah – sometimes love interests get in the way of friendship. Despite their friendship, there are some tense moments in several spots in the book but I’m not going to reveal why you’ll have to read the book and find out.
There is quite a cast of characters but even with the varied characters, I was able to deduce who is the killer. I couldn’t tell you why, but something about this character’s actions and words clued me into their guilt. Now that isn’t to say that a few other characters didn’t seem a bit suspicious. There is also an attractive police detective that seems to have a thing for Jolie once they get past his initial brusqueness.
Overall a great start to a new series and we give this 4 paws up.
I always love a cozy that involves food and this is the first time I’ve seen one that centers around recipes that are cooked in a cast iron skillet. (The recipes at the end look divine!) Jolie is sort of a mess, I think she is an introvert so has problems talking to people or fitting in unless it is her family or best friend, Ava. Plus we get a peek into her past when it comes to her biological father and the emotional abuse he inflicted on Joie which has a lot to do with how she acts and reacts to people and situations.
Jolie and Ava have planned this restaurant since they were young children and are the best of friends and even live next door to each other. They have a great relationship which hasn’t wavered even though Ava is in a relationship with Delilah – sometimes love interests get in the way of friendship. Despite their friendship, there are some tense moments in several spots in the book but I’m not going to reveal why you’ll have to read the book and find out.
There is quite a cast of characters but even with the varied characters, I was able to deduce who is the killer. I couldn’t tell you why, but something about this character’s actions and words clued me into their guilt. Now that isn’t to say that a few other characters didn’t seem a bit suspicious. There is also an attractive police detective that seems to have a thing for Jolie once they get past his initial brusqueness.
Overall a great start to a new series and we give this 4 paws up.