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A Memphis BBQ Mystery #3
Hickory Smoked Homicide
BBQ-joint owner Lulu Taylor knows pretty much everyone in Memphis who lives ribs. But one person she'd rather not know is Tristan Pembroke, a snooty pageant couch with a mean streak. When she finds Tristan's dead body stuffed in a closet at a party, the police are suspicious- especially since Lulu's developed a taste for being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Caught in a situation stickier than molasses, Lulu must clear her name, or risk getting fried...
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published November 1, 2011
23 people are currently reading
487 people want to read
About the author
Riley Adams
17 books121 followersElizabeth Spann Craig/Riley Adams writes the Memphis Barbeque series for Penguin/Berkley (as Riley Adams), the Southern Quilting mysteries for Penguin/Signet, and the Myrtle Clover series for Midnight Ink. She blogs at Mystery Writing is Murder, which was named by Writer’s Digest as one of the 101 Best Websites for Writers for 2010-2013.
Riley’s latest book is Rubbed Out: book four of the Memphis Barbeque mysteries. Her next book, Quilt Trip (written as Elizabeth Craig) releases December 2013. Elizabeth writes the Memphis Barbeque series for Penguin/Berkley (as Riley Adams), the Southern Quilting mysteries for Penguin/NAL, and the Myrtle Clover series for Midnight Ink and independently. Find out more about her books on her website: http://elizabethspanncraig.com .
Riley’s latest book is Rubbed Out: book four of the Memphis Barbeque mysteries. Her next book, Quilt Trip (written as Elizabeth Craig) releases December 2013. Elizabeth writes the Memphis Barbeque series for Penguin/Berkley (as Riley Adams), the Southern Quilting mysteries for Penguin/NAL, and the Myrtle Clover series for Midnight Ink and independently. Find out more about her books on her website: http://elizabethspanncraig.com .
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
June 21, 2012
Down home cooking is what’s on the menu for the latest Riley Adams book “Hickory Smoked Homicide.” Lulu Taylor is the owner of the family restaurant Aunt Pat’s BBQ restaurant in Memphis, TN. Not only does Lulu have a great sense for serving great food, she also has a knack for finding dead bodies.
In “Hickory Smoked Homicide,” Tristan Pembroke, whom is not loved by many, is found dead inside her home by Lulu, during a party in which she was the host. However, the killings don’t stop there, when another victim is found Lulu then has to put all her knowledge and amateur sleuthing skills to the test to stop the killer before they strike again.
The town does not lack suspects, which makes this mystery that much more tantalizing. Cozy readers and mystery lovers will find this novel is more than just an appetizer, but more like the BBQ picnic you would expect in Memphis. Riley does an excellent job of keeping the pace of the book at a high level and weaving the reader through the web of intrigue, when at the end this reader could honestly say I didn’t see that coming. I would rate this book four out of five stars, and I’m excited to see what new menu item Riley and Lulu have in the next Memphis BBQ Mystery series.
Reviewed by John Raab, CEO/Publisher of Suspense Magazine
In “Hickory Smoked Homicide,” Tristan Pembroke, whom is not loved by many, is found dead inside her home by Lulu, during a party in which she was the host. However, the killings don’t stop there, when another victim is found Lulu then has to put all her knowledge and amateur sleuthing skills to the test to stop the killer before they strike again.
The town does not lack suspects, which makes this mystery that much more tantalizing. Cozy readers and mystery lovers will find this novel is more than just an appetizer, but more like the BBQ picnic you would expect in Memphis. Riley does an excellent job of keeping the pace of the book at a high level and weaving the reader through the web of intrigue, when at the end this reader could honestly say I didn’t see that coming. I would rate this book four out of five stars, and I’m excited to see what new menu item Riley and Lulu have in the next Memphis BBQ Mystery series.
Reviewed by John Raab, CEO/Publisher of Suspense Magazine
February 12, 2012
Meh! I read the first and wasn't too impressed and hoped the second would be better. I could never get a picture of the characters in my head and never had the little mental movie playing of all the action. Plot seemed disjointed or badly paced. Denouement was ridiculous. I think this series and I are done.
September 30, 2022
3.5 BBQ-joint owner Lulu Taylor knows pretty much everyone in Memphis who loves ribs. But one person she'd rather not know is Tristan Pembroke, a snooty pageant coach with a mean streak. When she finds Tristan's dead body stuffed in a closet at a party, the police are suspicious- especially since Lulu's developed a taste for being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Caught in a situation stickier than molasses, Lulu must clear her name, or risk getting fried. [amazon synopsis]
Tristan was a very unlikable person. Lulu's DIL, an artist who painted a portrait of Tristan, is the main suspect as they were overheard arguing when the portrait was rejected by Tristan. Lots of beauty pageant behind the scenes theatrics/nastiness. Two murders. Fun read and good recipes. I like the fact that Lulu was older.
Tristan was a very unlikable person. Lulu's DIL, an artist who painted a portrait of Tristan, is the main suspect as they were overheard arguing when the portrait was rejected by Tristan. Lots of beauty pageant behind the scenes theatrics/nastiness. Two murders. Fun read and good recipes. I like the fact that Lulu was older.
July 31, 2023
A fun read with a healthy amount of potential suspects. The cast of characters that are focused on in Hickory Smoked Homicide is a bit smaller than past books in the series which helps the flow of the story. Lulu, the main character, has a sidekick through much of this book which adds some levity to the story. As with most cozy mysteries there's nothing too heavy here, but I enjoy seeing the character development of the regular cast with each passing book.
June 19, 2019
This was more enjoyable than the first two of the series. It may be because Lulu and her friends are growing on me. I especially liked Cherry more in this book. It's a good cozy mystery with a barbecue theme, and has recipes in the back that I'd like to try.
August 9, 2017
Who knew?? Beauty pageants could be dangerous??
Apparently so!!
Apparently so!!
September 12, 2017
Kindle
May 31, 2019
Good story first 2 were better but it was still a good story.
May 27, 2024
Enjoyed this, a lot of fun. Guessed the outcome, but not how it was reached. Could have been heavier on the wackiness. The regulars barely made cameos, but the new players were well presented.
June 23, 2025
Im am behind so I am putting them all in at once but I love them all.
September 25, 2025
Just okay.
December 17, 2011
I skipped the second one and read this one because it has to be back at the library first.
Lulu Taylor is the owner of Aunt Pat's, a barbeque restaurant in Memphis, Tennessee. Lulu makes everyone feel welcome and makes sure that they will get enough to eat. Lulu is invited to attend a party at Tristan Pembroke's home. The party is to promote art. Sara, Lulu's daughter-in-law, has some of her paintings in the show, so Lulu is attending the party to show her support. Tristan is probably the most hated person around. She doesn't care what people think of her and if she hurts someone along the way, too bad! She has even gone so far as to kick her daughter out of the house to fend for herself. So when Tristan turns up dead at the party, no one is overcome with grief.
Lulu starts asking questions because Sara seems to be one of the top suspects for the murder, because she and Tristan had a huge argument at the party shortly before the body is found. When another woman, closely associated with Tristan is found murdered some days later. Lulu is even more determined to find out who the culprit is. Will her meddling turn deadly? You'll have to pick this book and find out.
This is the third in the series. I haven't read the second one yet but should get to it shortly. I look forward to reading more of these tasty cozies.
Lulu Taylor is the owner of Aunt Pat's, a barbeque restaurant in Memphis, Tennessee. Lulu makes everyone feel welcome and makes sure that they will get enough to eat. Lulu is invited to attend a party at Tristan Pembroke's home. The party is to promote art. Sara, Lulu's daughter-in-law, has some of her paintings in the show, so Lulu is attending the party to show her support. Tristan is probably the most hated person around. She doesn't care what people think of her and if she hurts someone along the way, too bad! She has even gone so far as to kick her daughter out of the house to fend for herself. So when Tristan turns up dead at the party, no one is overcome with grief.
Lulu starts asking questions because Sara seems to be one of the top suspects for the murder, because she and Tristan had a huge argument at the party shortly before the body is found. When another woman, closely associated with Tristan is found murdered some days later. Lulu is even more determined to find out who the culprit is. Will her meddling turn deadly? You'll have to pick this book and find out.
This is the third in the series. I haven't read the second one yet but should get to it shortly. I look forward to reading more of these tasty cozies.
May 18, 2016
Lulu Taylor runs Aunt Pat's, a barbeque restaurant in the heart of Memphis. When she's not serving up the tastiest eats in town, Lulu is busy honing her amateur sleuthing skills. In HICKORY SMOKED HOMICIDE, Lulu is involved in another murder mystery when she discovers the body of Tristan Pembroke, a beauty pageant couch with more enemies than friends. With a list of suspects a mile long, and another murder on the heels of the first, Lulu has her work cut out for her, especially when the murderer takes a dislike to Lulu's snooping.
This is the third book in Riley Adams' A Memphis BBQ Mystery series, but it can easily be read stand-alone. I really enjoyed the characters in this story. Even the secondary characters had distinct personalities. I think my favorite was Cherry, Lulu's motorcycle riding, Elvis fanatic best friend. Cherry and Lulu together made for plenty of laughs. Ms. Adams did a fine job bringing Memphis to life, especially the descriptions of the delicious food! The mystery was good, and while I don't care a thing about beauty pageants, it was interesting to hear about the sinister goings on behind the curtain. Readers looking for a humorous Southern cozy mystery will be delighted by HICKORY SMOKED HOMICIDE.
I received my copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This is the third book in Riley Adams' A Memphis BBQ Mystery series, but it can easily be read stand-alone. I really enjoyed the characters in this story. Even the secondary characters had distinct personalities. I think my favorite was Cherry, Lulu's motorcycle riding, Elvis fanatic best friend. Cherry and Lulu together made for plenty of laughs. Ms. Adams did a fine job bringing Memphis to life, especially the descriptions of the delicious food! The mystery was good, and while I don't care a thing about beauty pageants, it was interesting to hear about the sinister goings on behind the curtain. Readers looking for a humorous Southern cozy mystery will be delighted by HICKORY SMOKED HOMICIDE.
I received my copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
November 19, 2011
I'm finding that this book is improving as far as my personal tastes go, each novel. I really enjoyed the story this time.
Our Sleuth, Lulu, owner of Aunt Pat's famous barbecue, attends an art auction that her daughter-in-law, Sara has oil paintings in. The owner of the house holding the showing is not a nice person. Tristan not only refuses to pay for the portrait Sara painted of her, she refuses the portrait. This is just the cliche 'tip of the iceberg.' Tristan hates family, friends (what friends,) business associates (beauty pageants and their participants,) and when the lights go out and Lulu finds Tristan dead, I must admit I cheered.
The police are looking at Sara as their main suspect due to the overheard argument between Tristan and her. Lulu must look into the crime.
Lulu has many friends that want to help. Especially Cherry, our motorcycle riding, Graceland docent, modern dressing friend. Cherry can't cook but she knows she is one heck of a side-kick. The problem is there is a bunch and I mean a bunch of suspects.
When a second murder occurs on the parking deck of Aunt Pat's, well that is just too much. Can Lulu take caring too far and become the target of the killer? Well, you must read to see.
Our Sleuth, Lulu, owner of Aunt Pat's famous barbecue, attends an art auction that her daughter-in-law, Sara has oil paintings in. The owner of the house holding the showing is not a nice person. Tristan not only refuses to pay for the portrait Sara painted of her, she refuses the portrait. This is just the cliche 'tip of the iceberg.' Tristan hates family, friends (what friends,) business associates (beauty pageants and their participants,) and when the lights go out and Lulu finds Tristan dead, I must admit I cheered.
The police are looking at Sara as their main suspect due to the overheard argument between Tristan and her. Lulu must look into the crime.
Lulu has many friends that want to help. Especially Cherry, our motorcycle riding, Graceland docent, modern dressing friend. Cherry can't cook but she knows she is one heck of a side-kick. The problem is there is a bunch and I mean a bunch of suspects.
When a second murder occurs on the parking deck of Aunt Pat's, well that is just too much. Can Lulu take caring too far and become the target of the killer? Well, you must read to see.
November 20, 2011
"Hickory Smoked Homicide" is a humorous cozy mystery. It's the third in a series, but you can follow this story without having read the first novel, and this novel didn't spoil the mysteries in the previous novels.
The characters were varied, engaging, and acted realistically. Lulu was an elderly lady with many friends. She listened to their gossip about who saw whom with whom and who argued with whom and so forth in an effort to solve the case. (She reminded me a little of Agatha Christie's Miss Marple.) While whodunit had occurred to me as a good possibility, so many people had a motive that it wasn't obvious who actually had. I liked that Lulu put all the clues together at the same time I did and that the vital clue wasn't something obvious that the police somehow overlooked.
The story had a lovely atmosphere that made me feel immersed in Memphis, TN and no where else. This fast-paced story had details about the setting and jobs, including the Southern food they ate. Some recipes for the food mentioned in the story were included in the back of the book.
There were no sex scenes. There was a minor amount of fake bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this well-written, enjoyable mystery.
I received this book as a review copy from the publisher.
The characters were varied, engaging, and acted realistically. Lulu was an elderly lady with many friends. She listened to their gossip about who saw whom with whom and who argued with whom and so forth in an effort to solve the case. (She reminded me a little of Agatha Christie's Miss Marple.) While whodunit had occurred to me as a good possibility, so many people had a motive that it wasn't obvious who actually had. I liked that Lulu put all the clues together at the same time I did and that the vital clue wasn't something obvious that the police somehow overlooked.
The story had a lovely atmosphere that made me feel immersed in Memphis, TN and no where else. This fast-paced story had details about the setting and jobs, including the Southern food they ate. Some recipes for the food mentioned in the story were included in the back of the book.
There were no sex scenes. There was a minor amount of fake bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this well-written, enjoyable mystery.
I received this book as a review copy from the publisher.
January 2, 2013
This was another fun cozy read. In this case, Lulu runs a barbeque joint and she serves as an amateur sleuth with her sidekick, Cherry. There are two murders in this book. First Tristan who is unloved even by her sister and daughter. However, Loren is smitten with her and offers a bit of comic relief. He loves her even more after her death despite the fact that he is married. The second murder victim is Dee Dee. It turns out that she was a black mailer and extortionist so no surprise there that she is killed! There are many red herrings in the book and there is a pseudo romance for Lulu. But most of all, in this book we learn about southern beauty pageants and all the drama they entail. Fun book!
July 7, 2016
Hickory Smoked Homicide was my introduction to author Riley Adams' Memphis BBQ Mystery series.. I really enjoyed this book because it was different than other cozy mysteries that I've read. For one thing, the heroine, Lulu Taylor, is a middle aged restaurant owner. She lives in a town where everyone knows everyone else's business. And it seems that almost everybody hates Tristan Pembroke, including her daughter. So no one is surprised to hear that someone killed her. Riley Adams gives us many suspects and motives. All of them sound logical. But she kept me guessing until the very end! The book really flowed and I found myself reading into the morning to finish it! I will definitely read the other books in this series!
January 18, 2012
I liked this book although I liked 'Finger Lickin Dead' better so it's a good thing this was the second book I read in this Memphis BBQ series and not the first.
It's a fast paced cozy mystery with good characters such as Lulu, the owner of Aunt Pat's BBQ restaurant. She knows half of Memphis it seems which is just as well since most of the other half seem to be suspects in first one murder then another. The police are wrongly focusing on a family member so really she has no choice, she has to figure out who done it so they can all get back to normal, enjoying BBQ from Aunt Pat's.
I'll be looking for more books in this series.
It's a fast paced cozy mystery with good characters such as Lulu, the owner of Aunt Pat's BBQ restaurant. She knows half of Memphis it seems which is just as well since most of the other half seem to be suspects in first one murder then another. The police are wrongly focusing on a family member so really she has no choice, she has to figure out who done it so they can all get back to normal, enjoying BBQ from Aunt Pat's.
I'll be looking for more books in this series.
January 29, 2012
What I liked: This series is just a down home all around good read. The characters are quirky and lovable. The few minor irritating characters always seem to end up being the victim or the bad guy so they really don't stay around long enough to get truly irritating. The pacing is perfect, making for a very quick and enjoyable read. And of course, the recipes included at the back of the book are wonderful added bonus.
What I didn't like: Liked it all!
Recommended: If you enjoy cozy mysteries with recipes you must read this series. But be warned - reading about all the wonderful food at Aunt Pat's will make crave some down home BBQ.
What I didn't like: Liked it all!
Recommended: If you enjoy cozy mysteries with recipes you must read this series. But be warned - reading about all the wonderful food at Aunt Pat's will make crave some down home BBQ.
March 30, 2013
Lulu Tayor teams up with Cherry her friend to find out who had it out from Tristan Pembroke which turned out to be everyone she encountered. Tristan set out to destroy everyone from her own sister, and daughter to other pageant contestants as she was a coach to many young girls entering pageants. When a second murder occurs the heat is on Lulu to solve this murder as the second murder took place right outside of Aunt Pat's.
I love this series, the family aspects and the close friends you meet up with time and again it's like going home in a sense. What a great series I am such a huge fan!
June 23, 2012
Tristan Pembroke is an important figure in the beauty pageant world. A former beauty queen, now a coach for aspiring contestants, she also seems to find her life's work is insulting and thwarting everyone around her. It's no surprise when she is found dead, but Lulu, owner of Aunt Pat's barbecue, is afraid that her daughter-in-law Sara, a talented artist, will be one of the suspects. Lulu's flighty friend Cherry decides to be her chief sidekick. Although Lulu's sure nobody will worry about a little old lady snooping, she's a little too sharp to be completely harmless.
July 28, 2014
Each time I read a book from this series, it increases my desire to visit Memphis Tennessee, especially for the BBQ.
This time Lulu finds herself looking for the killer of a hateful woman who caters in beauty pageants and vicious gossip. Someone close to Lulu is a prime suspect so Lulu needs to clear the air.
The story moves along at a nice pace, plenty of suspects to obfuscate since the victim was pretty much heartily disliked by all. The setting is Memphis, home of good music and fab BBQ, so pretty much a winner.
Can recommend this for anyone who digs a good foodie cozy.
This time Lulu finds herself looking for the killer of a hateful woman who caters in beauty pageants and vicious gossip. Someone close to Lulu is a prime suspect so Lulu needs to clear the air.
The story moves along at a nice pace, plenty of suspects to obfuscate since the victim was pretty much heartily disliked by all. The setting is Memphis, home of good music and fab BBQ, so pretty much a winner.
Can recommend this for anyone who digs a good foodie cozy.
January 17, 2012
With every book I read, I like this series more and more. This one really had me guessing till the end. There were so many good character's who could have "done it", and every time I thought I had someone pegged... there popped up another clue to make me wanna second guess someone else! Great thrilling and suspenseful ending as well.
May 21, 2012
A nice, breezy vacation read. The characters in this one were paired back a bit (not all of the Graces or band members are constantly around) so that made for less confusion. The mystery seemed to go around in circles but it was a vacation read so i didnt mind. As always, I loved all the BBQ cooking! Yum hope there is more of Lulu to come.
September 19, 2012
Lulu is the ideal southern grandmother; she cooks, bakes, wears floral dresses, and sometimes solves murders.
I think that Lulu is a great character! I was a little sad and disappointed that Derrick and the Graces did not play a larger role in this novel...
I am glad that Ella Beth was not involved. Who knows what the killers would have done if they suspected she knew anything.
I think that Lulu is a great character! I was a little sad and disappointed that Derrick and the Graces did not play a larger role in this novel...
I am glad that Ella Beth was not involved. Who knows what the killers would have done if they suspected she knew anything.
September 19, 2012
Lulu is the ideal southern grandmother; she cooks, bakes, wears floral dresses, and sometimes solves murders.
I think that Lulu is a great character! I was a little sad and disappointed that Derrick and the Graces did not play a larger role in this novel...
I am glad that Ella Beth was not involved. Who knows what the killers would have done if they suspected she knew anything.
I think that Lulu is a great character! I was a little sad and disappointed that Derrick and the Graces did not play a larger role in this novel...
I am glad that Ella Beth was not involved. Who knows what the killers would have done if they suspected she knew anything.
June 14, 2013
I think for a 'cozy' mystery these are among the better ones. This one focused a bit more on the main character Lulu and her friend Cherry and they work to solve the murder of a witch pageant coach and her friend. Can't say I was surprised at the ending reveal but it worked out pretty well and we're on to another one with Rubbed Out next month!
January 4, 2012
Lulu is dishing up it this time in the 3rd book of the series. Lulu doesn't like Tristan, a beauty pageant coach but Lulu is trying to help a friend. When Tristan is found in her own closet, Lulu must find the killer before her daughter-in-law is arrested for the crime.
November 14, 2011
It's hard for me to say why I enjoy this series as it doesn't meet most of my normal criteria for cozies. In spite of this, this series offers fun, fast reads with interesting characters. The plot to this one had enough red herrings that I didn't see the ending coming.
July 12, 2012
I thought this was alright. I'm not interested in the beauty pageant or the 'southern' food. The characters were alright, not much depth to them but the book is intended as light reading I suppose. Possibly I wasn't in the mood for this style of book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews