A review by louisekf
Case of the Bleus: A Cheese Shop Mystery by Korina Moss

funny informative lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

 Case of The Bleus is another enjoyable mystery featuring Willa Bauer and her Curds & Whey cheese shop, set in a small town in California. This time, the mystery involves trying to find out where Max, Willa’s former employer and mentor, hid his rare/custom blue cheese, called Church Bleu, after the cheese shop he owned, which occupied a former church. Church Bleu won several prizes over the years and no one knows how Max made the cheese, where he made it and where he aged it. Now that he’s died, his cheese shop employees as well as his formerly-estranged daughter, are all on the hunt for this mysterious and valuable cheese. Sounds a bit loony, but the author made it all very believable. All these people are in Yarrow Glen for the Northwest Cheese Society Invitational, when Willa receives a mysterious letter from Max, via his lawyer, with a riddle, for Willa to solve, even though she’s not mentioned in his will. In addition to the puzzle of the blue cheese, there’s a murder to be solved. 

 

This series features fun regulars like Mrs. Schultz and Archie who work at Curds & Whey, Willa’s neighbor and friend Baz, Roman who makes mead, and Heath, the local detective, who may or may not become a love interest for Willa. The small town vibe is delightful. 

 

I guarantee you will hungry for cheese after reading this book, even if blue cheese isn’t your favorite. (There are a few recipes at the end of the book too.) 

 

Although this is the fourth in a series, I think this would work fine as a standalone. 

 

Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for the opportunity to read a review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.