What do you think?
Rate this book
Small Town Girl Mysteries #1
Muffalettas and Murder
Evangeline Delafose swore she'd never return to her ho-hum Louisiana hometown. But when her brother asks her to help solve a murder, things get a lot more interesting.
If you like cozy mysteries with twists and turns, deep South settings, and a hint of romance, you’ll love this series! Let’s not forget quirky yet charming characters who remind you of family—sometimes you want to hug them, and sometimes you want to disown them. Enjoy small town Graisseville with Ev as she solves crime with help from her family and friends. This is a clean faith based read with no profanity, sex, or graphic violence.
If you like cozy mysteries with twists and turns, deep South settings, and a hint of romance, you’ll love this series! Let’s not forget quirky yet charming characters who remind you of family—sometimes you want to hug them, and sometimes you want to disown them. Enjoy small town Graisseville with Ev as she solves crime with help from her family and friends. This is a clean faith based read with no profanity, sex, or graphic violence.
238 pages, Paperback
Published February 1, 2023
361 people are currently reading
458 people want to read
About the author
Jann Franklin
22 books361 followersWant to know more about me, and get a free short story delivered to your inbox? https://jannfranklin.com/my-newsletter/
Be sure to follow me on BookBub for the latest on sales: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jann-...
Jann Franklin Jann Franklin is a faith-based cozy mystery writer attracting readers who enjoy twisty Southern mysteries with a touch of romance and a dose of humor.
Her books offer mysteries in Louisiana with curious clues and characters who exasperate as much as they endear.
These quirky yet charming residents are just like family—sometimes you want to hug them, and sometimes you want to disown them. Immerse yourself in small town culture as you exercise your sleuthing skills and your funny bone.
Jann lives in the small town of Grand Cane, Louisiana with 298 other people. Many of her stories came from living the small-town life. Many years ago she was dragged kicking and screaming back to a small town. Then she encouraged herself to value her small-town roots. Now she can’t imagine living her life any other way.
Jann is a newspaper columnist and the author of several book series about small-town life. Her books center on fictional small towns in southern Louisiana.
She and her husband John enjoy Sundays at Grand Cane Baptist Church, supper with family and friends, and the sense of community that comes from living the small-town life. Their kids come to visit, when they aren’t too busy living their big-city lives.
Be sure to follow me on BookBub for the latest on sales: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jann-...
Jann Franklin Jann Franklin is a faith-based cozy mystery writer attracting readers who enjoy twisty Southern mysteries with a touch of romance and a dose of humor.
Her books offer mysteries in Louisiana with curious clues and characters who exasperate as much as they endear.
These quirky yet charming residents are just like family—sometimes you want to hug them, and sometimes you want to disown them. Immerse yourself in small town culture as you exercise your sleuthing skills and your funny bone.
Jann lives in the small town of Grand Cane, Louisiana with 298 other people. Many of her stories came from living the small-town life. Many years ago she was dragged kicking and screaming back to a small town. Then she encouraged herself to value her small-town roots. Now she can’t imagine living her life any other way.
Jann is a newspaper columnist and the author of several book series about small-town life. Her books center on fictional small towns in southern Louisiana.
She and her husband John enjoy Sundays at Grand Cane Baptist Church, supper with family and friends, and the sense of community that comes from living the small-town life. Their kids come to visit, when they aren’t too busy living their big-city lives.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
June 1, 2024
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Author Evangeline (Ev) Delafose has moved home to Graisseville, Louisiana three years following the tragic death of her husband, the inspiration for her long-running police procedural series. She has no desire to write or eat. Her friends and brother Nate are worried about her. Nate is a deputy with the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Department and he has come up with an idea to get her out of her doldrums. He asks for her help with a cold case hoping a fresh set of eyes will move the investigation ahead. She surprisingly teams up with local handyman and recently licensed private investigator, Shorty Cormier, who will work on the case for expenses and a muffaletta sandwich a day.
Shorty has his way of investigating and Ev has hers but together they follow the clues, and interview the suspects while trying to find something her brother missed. This may just be what she needed to move her life in a positive direction plus she loves showing her brother up any chance she gets.
Ms Franklin has created an interesting protagonist. Evangeline’s husband’s death really affected her. Everything about their lives was entwined. He came home from work and shared his cases and she used his experiences in her books. She says it herself, Doug Delafose was her character New Orleans police detective Lou Bergeron. Doug also read her books first to be sure what she wrote was authentic. His death left her stuck. She was shutting down. Her kids didn’t want her to move close to them so she finally moved closer to her brother Nate and his wife Bonnie. She is a smart woman with a doctorate but she struggles daily. She needs help to find herself and live her life in a new way. I was happy with the characters the author surrounded her with. They really cared about her and took her situation to heart. I do wish Evangeline wouldn’t have waited so long to move home and get the support she needed.
Graisseville, Louisiana, population 298 is a typical Southern small town where senior ladies break out their casseroles to try to catch one of the few available men, like Shorty. He is quite a ladies’ man. It is a place where everyone knows everyone’s business and gossips readily. They have opinions on every topic and can’t wait to share them. So it should be easy to figure out who killed Michael Cook and why. Investigating a murder isn’t the same as writing about one but Ev has good instincts and asks good questions. Shorty, on the other hand, has a way with women, never turns down food of any kind, and may eat Ev’s food too. Then at the last moment throws out a zinger of a question. They are an unusual team but play to their strengths. There were plenty of twists throughout the story but I kept my focus on one individual and I was right. I loved that during the showdown the person said “I don’t have time to give you a Murder She Wrote roundup.” But the needed details were spilled.
Humor is abundant in this story. The town is filled with quirky characters. Shorty is a hoot! Ev has some funny inner monologues as she thinks and overthinks situations.
This series is billed as faith-based and prayers are prevalent. Shorty knows Ev is religious and goes to great lengths not to curse in front of her which adds to the humor.
Muffalettas and Murder is the first book in the Small Town Girl Mystery Series. It was more than a whodunit. It was a story of self-discovery after a traumatic event. I enjoyed meeting Evangeline and all the people in her sphere. The mystery was well-plotted and executed. I am looking forward to seeing a more confident Ev as the series continues now that she has handled some hurdles she needed to work through.
*Amazon Purchase
Author Evangeline (Ev) Delafose has moved home to Graisseville, Louisiana three years following the tragic death of her husband, the inspiration for her long-running police procedural series. She has no desire to write or eat. Her friends and brother Nate are worried about her. Nate is a deputy with the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Department and he has come up with an idea to get her out of her doldrums. He asks for her help with a cold case hoping a fresh set of eyes will move the investigation ahead. She surprisingly teams up with local handyman and recently licensed private investigator, Shorty Cormier, who will work on the case for expenses and a muffaletta sandwich a day.
Shorty has his way of investigating and Ev has hers but together they follow the clues, and interview the suspects while trying to find something her brother missed. This may just be what she needed to move her life in a positive direction plus she loves showing her brother up any chance she gets.
Ms Franklin has created an interesting protagonist. Evangeline’s husband’s death really affected her. Everything about their lives was entwined. He came home from work and shared his cases and she used his experiences in her books. She says it herself, Doug Delafose was her character New Orleans police detective Lou Bergeron. Doug also read her books first to be sure what she wrote was authentic. His death left her stuck. She was shutting down. Her kids didn’t want her to move close to them so she finally moved closer to her brother Nate and his wife Bonnie. She is a smart woman with a doctorate but she struggles daily. She needs help to find herself and live her life in a new way. I was happy with the characters the author surrounded her with. They really cared about her and took her situation to heart. I do wish Evangeline wouldn’t have waited so long to move home and get the support she needed.
Graisseville, Louisiana, population 298 is a typical Southern small town where senior ladies break out their casseroles to try to catch one of the few available men, like Shorty. He is quite a ladies’ man. It is a place where everyone knows everyone’s business and gossips readily. They have opinions on every topic and can’t wait to share them. So it should be easy to figure out who killed Michael Cook and why. Investigating a murder isn’t the same as writing about one but Ev has good instincts and asks good questions. Shorty, on the other hand, has a way with women, never turns down food of any kind, and may eat Ev’s food too. Then at the last moment throws out a zinger of a question. They are an unusual team but play to their strengths. There were plenty of twists throughout the story but I kept my focus on one individual and I was right. I loved that during the showdown the person said “I don’t have time to give you a Murder She Wrote roundup.” But the needed details were spilled.
Humor is abundant in this story. The town is filled with quirky characters. Shorty is a hoot! Ev has some funny inner monologues as she thinks and overthinks situations.
This series is billed as faith-based and prayers are prevalent. Shorty knows Ev is religious and goes to great lengths not to curse in front of her which adds to the humor.
Muffalettas and Murder is the first book in the Small Town Girl Mystery Series. It was more than a whodunit. It was a story of self-discovery after a traumatic event. I enjoyed meeting Evangeline and all the people in her sphere. The mystery was well-plotted and executed. I am looking forward to seeing a more confident Ev as the series continues now that she has handled some hurdles she needed to work through.
*Amazon Purchase
June 22, 2024
"Muffalettas and Murder (Small Town Girl Mysteries #1)" by Jann Franklin is very Louisiana with a faith (Christian) touch cozy mystery. They're both present themes in just the right amount. It's also one of those ones that starts the book out with the perspective of the victim then jumps into the story, which was more of an authorized cold case investigation between the main character, Evangeline, and her childhood friend/PI, Shorty.
Ev's brother, a cop, asked her to help since the case was going cold and she used to help her, now deceased, detective husband run through cases. She's also a published mystery writer. She then gets Shorty to help her to investigate. I have to say I never really settled on one particular suspect, but had a couple in mind.
This was a good start to a new cozy mystery series. I'm not sure what I think of Shorty as a potential, down the road love interest. I kind of hope he doesn't become one and stays with the Librarian. It's good to show adult friendships that can work without Romance. I appreciate that.
Ev's brother, a cop, asked her to help since the case was going cold and she used to help her, now deceased, detective husband run through cases. She's also a published mystery writer. She then gets Shorty to help her to investigate. I have to say I never really settled on one particular suspect, but had a couple in mind.
This was a good start to a new cozy mystery series. I'm not sure what I think of Shorty as a potential, down the road love interest. I kind of hope he doesn't become one and stays with the Librarian. It's good to show adult friendships that can work without Romance. I appreciate that.
November 24, 2025
I think I came across this book on TikTok and since I’ve lived in Louisiana for 12 years now I thought it would be fun to read. I had no idea it would take place in the literal city I live in (well in a made up city next to mine)! I like Ev’s character albeit not as much as Shorty, he’s hilarious. But this book was a bit tedious to read, it’s just really slow and the constant phonetics of southern words drove me nuts. I’m not sure if this author ever lived in southeastern Louisiana but I see she’s from northwestern Louisiana and that’s like night and day. Louisiana accents vs southern accents are different. The expressions in here read more like Mississippi and Alabama than they do what I’ve heard people say. If you can get over that, which for me was hard, then you might enjoy this cozy mystery. I think I’ll probably read her other books because I like the idea of supporting a local author and I did enjoy the book. Overall, rounding up to 3/5 stars ⭐️
September 5, 2023
This murder mystery, full of humor and colorful characters, depicts characters embedded in small town drama, although murder wouldn't be a typical element. I yearned for a taste of the crawfish monica, oh la la cookies, and homemade muffalettas.
Join the journey for a taste of Louisiana and murder.
Bravo, Jann
Join the journey for a taste of Louisiana and murder.
Bravo, Jann
April 25, 2024
I really enjoyed this cozy mystery with spirited characters and a plot that kept me guessing until the end. I thought the immersion into Cajun culture, food, and language were all fascinating and that Evangeline Delafose was one spunky author turned detective. It's apparent just how much people care for her as a widow, as the town of Graisseville welcomes her back in their quirky ways. Her inner thoughts made for lighthearted humour, especially regarding Shorty, her own private investigator. Now, he would be an interesting character to get to know; it would be quite the journey to go inside his mind!
Told in first person, readers definitely feel like they are along for the ride. The twists and turns create an engaging adventure as readers attempt to solve the murder and piece the clues together. Christian faith is brought up at various points, and it's clear that Evangeline follows the Lord. I liked that this had an influence on Shorty and how, in turn, he changes his behaviour for the better and starts to come around to the things of God. This mystery is fun and plays out like a scene from Miss Marple, with lots of Cajun flavour thrown into the mix.
Review link: https://christianshelves.blogspot.com...
Told in first person, readers definitely feel like they are along for the ride. The twists and turns create an engaging adventure as readers attempt to solve the murder and piece the clues together. Christian faith is brought up at various points, and it's clear that Evangeline follows the Lord. I liked that this had an influence on Shorty and how, in turn, he changes his behaviour for the better and starts to come around to the things of God. This mystery is fun and plays out like a scene from Miss Marple, with lots of Cajun flavour thrown into the mix.
Review link: https://christianshelves.blogspot.com...
June 29, 2024
Before I talk about anything else related to Muffalettas and Murder, I must give Shorty his due time. In fact, I could probably do an entire review just about Shorty because he is quite the character, this newly-minted private investigator who idolizes Jim Rockford, eats everything in sight, charms all the ladies, and is honestly a pretty good guy when it comes down to it. If you’ve read any of Suzanne Woods Fisher’s Stoney Ridge books, you’ll have a good idea of Shorty’s personality when I say that he and Hank would either be the best of friends or drive each other crazy. I adored Shorty from the safety of the pages and I laughed out loud more than once at his quirky antics, theories, and turns of phrases, but I think in real life he would be better in small doses haha! Poor Evangeline ends up clocking lots of time with Shorty in this book, but fortunately she has a high level of tolerance (and a fond affection) for him and he does end up being a solid friend. So even though she periodically wants to choke him (like when he eats her out of house & home or comments on her bad breath), she won’t actually act on it. At least not in this book – who knows if her patience will last through the other three books LOL.
When I wasn’t guffawing at Shorty or praying for Ev’s sanity, I enjoyed watching this unlikely sleuthing duo work on a local cold case. They actually make a great team. After all, there’s a lot more to Shorty than just a bottomless stomach and a pretty face, and Ev’s past as a detective’s wife and mystery writer (and fan of Murder She Wrote) serve her well. The prologue from the victim’s perspective had me instantly invested in finding the culprit(s) and trying to figure it out before Ev & Shorty did. (I didn’t. lol.) The suspects do pile up though, as they work through Ev’s brother’s case notes, and while their interrogations often went comically awry (thanks mostly to Shorty) they ended up getting the job done just fine.
Bottom Line: Muffalettas and Murder by Jann Franklin is an often-hilarious and layered small town mystery with endearingly quirky characters, a sweet new canine sidekick, and loads of Louisiana charm (and food). Ev’s inner monologue had me giggling (when I wasn’t laughing at Shorty’s antics), but I also appreciated how naturally her thoughts slipped into a prayer from time to time. It’s clear that her faith in God affects her life but it’s not done in a preachy way, and I even loved watching Shorty be affected by Ev’s faith too. The cold case murder mystery they’re solving kept me guessing and held my interest, and I can’t wait to read the next book at my first opportunity to see what these two unlikely friends get up to next.
(I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I purchased for my own collection.)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
When I wasn’t guffawing at Shorty or praying for Ev’s sanity, I enjoyed watching this unlikely sleuthing duo work on a local cold case. They actually make a great team. After all, there’s a lot more to Shorty than just a bottomless stomach and a pretty face, and Ev’s past as a detective’s wife and mystery writer (and fan of Murder She Wrote) serve her well. The prologue from the victim’s perspective had me instantly invested in finding the culprit(s) and trying to figure it out before Ev & Shorty did. (I didn’t. lol.) The suspects do pile up though, as they work through Ev’s brother’s case notes, and while their interrogations often went comically awry (thanks mostly to Shorty) they ended up getting the job done just fine.
Bottom Line: Muffalettas and Murder by Jann Franklin is an often-hilarious and layered small town mystery with endearingly quirky characters, a sweet new canine sidekick, and loads of Louisiana charm (and food). Ev’s inner monologue had me giggling (when I wasn’t laughing at Shorty’s antics), but I also appreciated how naturally her thoughts slipped into a prayer from time to time. It’s clear that her faith in God affects her life but it’s not done in a preachy way, and I even loved watching Shorty be affected by Ev’s faith too. The cold case murder mystery they’re solving kept me guessing and held my interest, and I can’t wait to read the next book at my first opportunity to see what these two unlikely friends get up to next.
(I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I purchased for my own collection.)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
May 23, 2024
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from Great Escapes Book Tours, the Author. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.Muffalettas and Murder by Jann Franklin features a woman returning home to her small town to be closer to her family in her time of need.
Can Ev help her brother with his cold case?
Dr. Evangeline Delafose
Evangeline moved home to Graisseville, Louisiana. Three years after her husband passed away. Once she is settled, her brother asks for help on a cold case. You see, Evangeline writes a detective series, but also because her husband was also a cop. Nate thought this would help the widow get out of the house, meet some new people, and probably get into a situation where she needed to eat. Ev is a great character; she tries her best to please everyone around her. I like that she has her dog now to keep her company.
The Mystery
After getting permission from his boss, Nate goes to Ev to see if she can provide much-needed new eyes on the case. The case is cold and has been that way for a whole year. A young man was murdered in his kitchen after work one day. With the help of Shorty, her handyman and childhood friend, Ev is on it. I didn’t figure it out until Ev did. That means that Ms. Franklin did a fantastic job.
Five Stars
My rating for Muffalettas and Murder by Jann Franklin is five stars, and I definitely recommend it to all cozy mystery readers. Ms. Franklin does an excellent job of weaving the clues together and keeping the true killer from coming to the surface.
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Muffalettas and Murder by Jann Franklin.
Until the next time,
This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove
Can Ev help her brother with his cold case?
Dr. Evangeline Delafose
Evangeline moved home to Graisseville, Louisiana. Three years after her husband passed away. Once she is settled, her brother asks for help on a cold case. You see, Evangeline writes a detective series, but also because her husband was also a cop. Nate thought this would help the widow get out of the house, meet some new people, and probably get into a situation where she needed to eat. Ev is a great character; she tries her best to please everyone around her. I like that she has her dog now to keep her company.
The Mystery
After getting permission from his boss, Nate goes to Ev to see if she can provide much-needed new eyes on the case. The case is cold and has been that way for a whole year. A young man was murdered in his kitchen after work one day. With the help of Shorty, her handyman and childhood friend, Ev is on it. I didn’t figure it out until Ev did. That means that Ms. Franklin did a fantastic job.
Five Stars
My rating for Muffalettas and Murder by Jann Franklin is five stars, and I definitely recommend it to all cozy mystery readers. Ms. Franklin does an excellent job of weaving the clues together and keeping the true killer from coming to the surface.
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Muffalettas and Murder by Jann Franklin.
Until the next time,
This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove
May 24, 2024
MUFFALETTAS AND MURDER by Jann Franklin
The First Small Town Girls Mystery
With her children grown and on their own, widow Evangeline Delafose has moved back home to the small town of Graisseville, Louisiana. Ever since her husband died in the line of duty, Ev has been at a loss. She no longer has it in her to write her popular mysteries as the protagonist was based on her husband. She's stopped being interested in food and stopped being interested in life. Concerned about her, her brother Nate has an idea. In order to jump start a spark in her he gives Ev the case file of an old murder investigation that has him stumped. Partnering up with an old friend, Ev isn't just reading through the files, she's interviewing suspects. Ev gets a new lease on life...but could she be putting that life in jeopardy?
I had fun on my first visit to Graisseville. Evangeline has some growing to do and in MUFFALETTAS AND MURDER she makes a great start. She's a grown woman with adult children, but is still a bit naive. She acts much younger than a 50 year old widow. I also question some things. Ev has a PhD, teaches English, and writes crime fiction, but doesn't know the meaning of the word "saunter"? Still I do like her...and her teal pen. Shorty is a hoot and the two make a fun pair of investigators.
Like most cold cases, the mystery here was complex. Lots of interesting characters...most acting a bit hinky. There were lots of twists and turns and more than one surprise. I enjoyed following Ev's thought process and her reasoning with herself.
The Small Town Girls Mystery series is a faith based series, Baptist to be specific. Therefore there was a good bit of praying and calling on Jesus. Although it was a bit much for me, it didn't interfere with the storytelling and though was a mite preachy, it wasn't proselytizing.
MUFFALETTAS AND MURDER is a book about starting over and finding purpose. An engaging book filled with Louisiana charm, laugh out loud moments, and the constant of good friends and family make an enjoyable start to a series.
The First Small Town Girls Mystery
With her children grown and on their own, widow Evangeline Delafose has moved back home to the small town of Graisseville, Louisiana. Ever since her husband died in the line of duty, Ev has been at a loss. She no longer has it in her to write her popular mysteries as the protagonist was based on her husband. She's stopped being interested in food and stopped being interested in life. Concerned about her, her brother Nate has an idea. In order to jump start a spark in her he gives Ev the case file of an old murder investigation that has him stumped. Partnering up with an old friend, Ev isn't just reading through the files, she's interviewing suspects. Ev gets a new lease on life...but could she be putting that life in jeopardy?
I had fun on my first visit to Graisseville. Evangeline has some growing to do and in MUFFALETTAS AND MURDER she makes a great start. She's a grown woman with adult children, but is still a bit naive. She acts much younger than a 50 year old widow. I also question some things. Ev has a PhD, teaches English, and writes crime fiction, but doesn't know the meaning of the word "saunter"? Still I do like her...and her teal pen. Shorty is a hoot and the two make a fun pair of investigators.
Like most cold cases, the mystery here was complex. Lots of interesting characters...most acting a bit hinky. There were lots of twists and turns and more than one surprise. I enjoyed following Ev's thought process and her reasoning with herself.
The Small Town Girls Mystery series is a faith based series, Baptist to be specific. Therefore there was a good bit of praying and calling on Jesus. Although it was a bit much for me, it didn't interfere with the storytelling and though was a mite preachy, it wasn't proselytizing.
MUFFALETTAS AND MURDER is a book about starting over and finding purpose. An engaging book filled with Louisiana charm, laugh out loud moments, and the constant of good friends and family make an enjoyable start to a series.
September 25, 2025
📸
Main Characters
📸
Evangeline Delafose
🫶🏻 Gentre 🫶🏻
Fiction
Mystery
Cozy Mystery
🦋 Summary 🦋
When Evangeline Delafose returns to her hometown in Louisiana her brother asks her to help him out by taking a look at a murder case that they are stumped on. As she begins to look into it and investigate she finds herself in need of some help in the form of a family friend Shorty, who also happens to be a PI. Together they begin trying to unravel who could have murdered this seemingly nice man and try to narrow down the who and why of the murder. While on the case we meet all kinds of people, all pointing fingers at the other, Who could have possible done it and will they find them before they become the next target?
🤩 Did I love it? Thoughts? 🤩
Yes, I really liked this book. It was a fun read. I liked the murder mystery and trying to solve who it could have been. I also enjoyed Shorty a lot, he was hilarious and entertaining. I enjoyed meeting her family and all the interesting towns-people. I thought her career was really cool and loved that she was asked to give a fresh set of eyes to the case and then decided to go and interview the suspects and witnesses herself. Can’t be told no if you just do it, apologize later. I also liked that I was wrong on who I thought was guilty. I was surprised when we found out what happened. It was a really good read and I am so grateful to Voracious Readers Only for giving me access to the book.
This was the first in the Small Town Girl Mysteries.
🩵 Would I recommend this Book? 🩵
I would recommend this book. If you enjoy a non gore murder mystery and a good who done-it. Also if you love southern, small town novels with fun townspeople then this is the book for you.Definently check it out for a fun read.
Copy given by Voracious Readers Only but all thoughts and feelings are my own
Go. Buy. Now.
Enjoy reading! 🤩
Evangeline Delafose
🫶🏻 Gentre 🫶🏻
Fiction
Mystery
Cozy Mystery
🦋 Summary 🦋
When Evangeline Delafose returns to her hometown in Louisiana her brother asks her to help him out by taking a look at a murder case that they are stumped on. As she begins to look into it and investigate she finds herself in need of some help in the form of a family friend Shorty, who also happens to be a PI. Together they begin trying to unravel who could have murdered this seemingly nice man and try to narrow down the who and why of the murder. While on the case we meet all kinds of people, all pointing fingers at the other, Who could have possible done it and will they find them before they become the next target?
🤩 Did I love it? Thoughts? 🤩
Yes, I really liked this book. It was a fun read. I liked the murder mystery and trying to solve who it could have been. I also enjoyed Shorty a lot, he was hilarious and entertaining. I enjoyed meeting her family and all the interesting towns-people. I thought her career was really cool and loved that she was asked to give a fresh set of eyes to the case and then decided to go and interview the suspects and witnesses herself. Can’t be told no if you just do it, apologize later. I also liked that I was wrong on who I thought was guilty. I was surprised when we found out what happened. It was a really good read and I am so grateful to Voracious Readers Only for giving me access to the book.
This was the first in the Small Town Girl Mysteries.
🩵 Would I recommend this Book? 🩵
I would recommend this book. If you enjoy a non gore murder mystery and a good who done-it. Also if you love southern, small town novels with fun townspeople then this is the book for you.Definently check it out for a fun read.
Copy given by Voracious Readers Only but all thoughts and feelings are my own
Go. Buy. Now.
Enjoy reading! 🤩
April 13, 2024
Browbeaten into returning to her hometown after the death of her husband, Evangeline Delafose finds herself at a loss. Concerned for her mental well-being, her brother - a deputy sheriff - receives permission for her to look into a cold case, hoping that investigating a murder will cure her doldrums. With a curated catalogue of suspects, Ev needs to narrow the pool to one and bring justice for the victim.
Hmm. One of the sticking points I had about this story (and almost caused a 3-star rating) was the appellation of "girl" for a 50-plus-year-old woman. This bright (she has a doctorate!), financially secure professor was being treated as though she were a child with everyone from her children to her brother to a "friend" telling her what to say, how to act, what to do. It set my teeth on edge and I gritted my way through the pages. The poor lady is so gaslighted, that she starts to believe their hype - "Maybe I shouldn't talk to the wait staff" (or words to that effect). Moving on...
Ev is a good detective. Authoring mystery novels and the influence of her late husband, a police detective, have given Ev a solid criminal investigation background. Along the way, Ev is hindered/helped by Shorty a farmer who, for some unknown reason, has taken on his PI licence. It's the first time working a case for both of them, but Shorty takes over time and time again. Each breakthrough he heralds as his sole triumph. I was rather tired of Shorty and his manipulations by the end of the book.
I really enjoyed meeting Ev and even liked her new/old hometown, but the infantilizing was monumentally infuriating. I'll circle back to this series later and see if my feelings have changed.
Hmm. One of the sticking points I had about this story (and almost caused a 3-star rating) was the appellation of "girl" for a 50-plus-year-old woman. This bright (she has a doctorate!), financially secure professor was being treated as though she were a child with everyone from her children to her brother to a "friend" telling her what to say, how to act, what to do. It set my teeth on edge and I gritted my way through the pages. The poor lady is so gaslighted, that she starts to believe their hype - "Maybe I shouldn't talk to the wait staff" (or words to that effect). Moving on...
Ev is a good detective. Authoring mystery novels and the influence of her late husband, a police detective, have given Ev a solid criminal investigation background. Along the way, Ev is hindered/helped by Shorty a farmer who, for some unknown reason, has taken on his PI licence. It's the first time working a case for both of them, but Shorty takes over time and time again. Each breakthrough he heralds as his sole triumph. I was rather tired of Shorty and his manipulations by the end of the book.
I really enjoyed meeting Ev and even liked her new/old hometown, but the infantilizing was monumentally infuriating. I'll circle back to this series later and see if my feelings have changed.
April 26, 2024
Welcome to Graisseville (pronounced, GRACE-vil) Louisiana, population 298. A small town community where everyone knows everything. But for some reason, the murder of Michael Cook has gone unsolved for eighteen months. There is list of suspects but no evidence to prove anyone with the crime.
Dr. Evangeline Delafose, author of a pretty successful series of books, featuring New Orleans police detective Lou Bergeron, has moved back to her hometown of Graisseville. Now widowed with no intentions of writing again, since her husband passed. Ev is asked to go over the file of the unsolved murder of Michael Cook with fresh eyes to see if she can find something that was missed.
Does Rougarous prowl the swamps of south Louisiana? No but murderers sure do. With the help of her PI friend, Shorty, Evangeline dives into the mystery and a plate full of muffulettas. Will interviews with the residents of town lure out the true killer? Or will they find themselves in a heap of trouble themselves? Grab your sweet tea and a muffuletta and let the story begin!
I’m giving this one 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. I’m super obsessed with Louisiana and the Deep South. Plus a good cozy mystery with a funny twist in one of my favorite locations, what can get any better? My favorite character is ol’ Shorty, the ladies man of the town, the handyman and now Ev’s partner in crime. Together they make a good team and Shorty keeps Ev on her toes. I enjoy how Jann added a touch of the small town living and local culture to make you feel as if you are right there in Louisiana too. Although, I hope Evangeline gains more confidence throughout the rest of the series, it might make me like her a bit more. Super excited to see what the next book is about!
May 17, 2024
OVERALL STAR RATING: 5/5
CLEAN RATING: 5/5
This is one of the best cozy mysteries I’ve read thus far! Chapter one opens through the viewpoint of the murder victim which hooks you immediately to the plot. It’s short, to the point and leaves you wanting more.
Evangeline Delafose (Ev) has just moved back to her hometown of Graisseville, LA – population 298! How’s that for small town vibes!? Ev’s husband passed away three years earlier and she has since fallen into a mundane way of life. No husband and her grown children don’t really need her anymore. She had been a successful murder mystery writer, but stopped writing when her husband passed since he was the inspiration behind her book series’ main character.
Her brother Nate is a detective working on a real-life unsolved murder mystery. He decides to enlist the help of Ev to give her a sense of purpose. Ev then enlists the help of her handyman, “Shorty”, and oh my goodness - you are going to fall in love with this guy. Think Mater from Disney’s Cars, but in human form. He is SO funny! Quite the unlikely pair, but boy do they make a dynamic duo on this investigation. Their friendship melted my heart.
It was sweet to see Ev find a new purpose. Her inner monologues throughout this story are really entertaining and will make you giggle. There were just a lot of great layers to this cozy mystery that I appreciated. Happy to see that there are several more books in this series. Evangeline’s adventures have only just begun!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
For more reviews and bookish content, be sure to follow me on Instagram @aliciasbooksanctuary
CLEAN RATING: 5/5
This is one of the best cozy mysteries I’ve read thus far! Chapter one opens through the viewpoint of the murder victim which hooks you immediately to the plot. It’s short, to the point and leaves you wanting more.
Evangeline Delafose (Ev) has just moved back to her hometown of Graisseville, LA – population 298! How’s that for small town vibes!? Ev’s husband passed away three years earlier and she has since fallen into a mundane way of life. No husband and her grown children don’t really need her anymore. She had been a successful murder mystery writer, but stopped writing when her husband passed since he was the inspiration behind her book series’ main character.
Her brother Nate is a detective working on a real-life unsolved murder mystery. He decides to enlist the help of Ev to give her a sense of purpose. Ev then enlists the help of her handyman, “Shorty”, and oh my goodness - you are going to fall in love with this guy. Think Mater from Disney’s Cars, but in human form. He is SO funny! Quite the unlikely pair, but boy do they make a dynamic duo on this investigation. Their friendship melted my heart.
It was sweet to see Ev find a new purpose. Her inner monologues throughout this story are really entertaining and will make you giggle. There were just a lot of great layers to this cozy mystery that I appreciated. Happy to see that there are several more books in this series. Evangeline’s adventures have only just begun!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
For more reviews and bookish content, be sure to follow me on Instagram @aliciasbooksanctuary
January 26, 2025
Welcome to Graisseville, Louisiana where everyone knows everyone and their business, the coffee at Maggie's is always fresh, and the weather is guaranteed to stay around 80 degrees Fahrenheit, with 90% humidity and a chance of...murder?
Evangeline Delafose is a retired crime fiction author who has taken to teaching university writing classes. She's still adjusting to life as a widow after her detective husband Doug was killed in the line of duty and she moved back to her tiny hometown of Graisseville. But before she knows it, Ev finds herself caught up in the excitement and intrigue of solving a recent murder in this town of less than 400 and it gives her future a new purpose. Ev is quickly joined by her family friend "Shorty" Cormier who, boasting a PI license, helps her to investigate this crime and thus began a new chapter in Ev's life and a new cozy murder mystery series in Jann Franklin's growing bibliography!
Jann's previous series introduced us to Graisseville and the charming denizens of that fair village, but here, she dips her toe into the mystery pool and I must say, a cozy mystery is really where her storytelling excels! I loved getting to spend more time in Graisseville and meet new members of the community as well as see a new side to some familiar faces. Jann's writing practically bubbles over with wit and humor and her dialogue is delightfully snappy and fun. The way she weaves navigating the idiosyncrasies of daily life in a small Southern town with solving a crime is just masterful. The mystery of it all will keep you guessing until the very end, too. This is a strong start to what promises to be a great new series from Jann and I can't wait to see what she writes next!
Evangeline Delafose is a retired crime fiction author who has taken to teaching university writing classes. She's still adjusting to life as a widow after her detective husband Doug was killed in the line of duty and she moved back to her tiny hometown of Graisseville. But before she knows it, Ev finds herself caught up in the excitement and intrigue of solving a recent murder in this town of less than 400 and it gives her future a new purpose. Ev is quickly joined by her family friend "Shorty" Cormier who, boasting a PI license, helps her to investigate this crime and thus began a new chapter in Ev's life and a new cozy murder mystery series in Jann Franklin's growing bibliography!
Jann's previous series introduced us to Graisseville and the charming denizens of that fair village, but here, she dips her toe into the mystery pool and I must say, a cozy mystery is really where her storytelling excels! I loved getting to spend more time in Graisseville and meet new members of the community as well as see a new side to some familiar faces. Jann's writing practically bubbles over with wit and humor and her dialogue is delightfully snappy and fun. The way she weaves navigating the idiosyncrasies of daily life in a small Southern town with solving a crime is just masterful. The mystery of it all will keep you guessing until the very end, too. This is a strong start to what promises to be a great new series from Jann and I can't wait to see what she writes next!
May 27, 2024
3.5 Stars
Muffalettas and Murder is the first book in the Small Town Girl Mysteries. Evangeline Delafose is a widow who moves back home to Graisseville, Louisiana. She writes a very popular police procedural series, however, after her police detective husband was killed, the series stalls. Ev is not home very long when a local is found dead in his home. Her brother Nate brings her onboard to help figure out who-dun-it, and Ev works hard to to solve the crime. Maybe the engagement in this murder mystery will incite her to write again.
I had a hard time staying engaged with this cozy mystery, which is why it has taken me so long to get it read. There is a lot of fluff and external side-steps that I felt detracted from the story. I realize the information was the author's method of introducing Ev, Shorty, Nate, and the rest of the case. Readers need backstory, information about the main characters, and the characters involved with the victim, and this story provides that information. I just thought there was too much. As I sifted through the information though, I found the story to be fun and interesting.
The book has a lot of twists and turns, taking the reader on a wild ride through the small, southern town of Graisseville. Several suspects are developed and investigated. Clues are revealed that implicate and/or exonerate the suspects. The true suspect was surprising but looking back, made complete sense. The story wrapped up nicely. It will be interesting to see where the author take Ev next.
Muffalettas and Murder is the first book in the Small Town Girl Mysteries. Evangeline Delafose is a widow who moves back home to Graisseville, Louisiana. She writes a very popular police procedural series, however, after her police detective husband was killed, the series stalls. Ev is not home very long when a local is found dead in his home. Her brother Nate brings her onboard to help figure out who-dun-it, and Ev works hard to to solve the crime. Maybe the engagement in this murder mystery will incite her to write again.
I had a hard time staying engaged with this cozy mystery, which is why it has taken me so long to get it read. There is a lot of fluff and external side-steps that I felt detracted from the story. I realize the information was the author's method of introducing Ev, Shorty, Nate, and the rest of the case. Readers need backstory, information about the main characters, and the characters involved with the victim, and this story provides that information. I just thought there was too much. As I sifted through the information though, I found the story to be fun and interesting.
The book has a lot of twists and turns, taking the reader on a wild ride through the small, southern town of Graisseville. Several suspects are developed and investigated. Clues are revealed that implicate and/or exonerate the suspects. The true suspect was surprising but looking back, made complete sense. The story wrapped up nicely. It will be interesting to see where the author take Ev next.
February 26, 2023
The cover of Muffalettas and Murder, fits the book perfectly. Besides the muffalettas (classic Louisiana sandwich), there is the state of Louisiana, Maggie's Coffee Shop in Graisseville, and Evangeline (Ev) Delafose wearing her glasses. Ev is a widow with 2 adult children and she is the author of Lou Bergeron mysteries. Ev's brother Nate, a sheriff's deputy in East Baton Rouge Parish, asks for her fresh take on the eighteen month old unsolved murder of Michael Cook. There isn't a shortage of suspects. With characters like on the game of Clue, the list includes Stella--Michael's younger sister, Josh Fairchild--owner of Best Dry Cleaners, Sam Hughes--Michael's co-worker, Faith Dixon--Michael's ex-girlfriend, and Rob Dugas--Michael's best friend from high school. Stella agrees to go over the case and enlists the help of Shorty--Graisseville's handyman/PI. What ensues are the adventures of the humorous sleuthing duo. The author provides them with quirky characters from Graisseville to interact with. I like that the author included the character's thoughts. She also included several references to famous people and detective-type television shows which I enjoyed. This is an entertaining book and I look forward to reading other books in the Small Town Girl Mysteries.
April 11, 2024
This was a fun read. At its heart you’ve got a cozy mystery, with Ev, the protagonist, who has just moved back to the small town she grew up in helping her brother, a policeman, by looking into a murder case that he’s not making any progress on. Trying to imagine who the guilty party might be is difficult because there are a lot of people who are possibilities, but none are obviously the guilty party. As the story goes on people go on the list, then off, sometimes back on, as Ev and her cohort Shorty dig into the evidence and question people around town to put things together.
Shorty, who Ev describes as her “private investigator” is a hoot. He adds a lot of humor, is a unique character, and he keeps Ev both entertained and sometimes confused as he helps her out for a reasonably small price.
The other factor that makes this book unique is the small town atmosphere and culture. If you’ve never lived or spent much time in a small town, prepare to be amused and confused as you get exposed to how things tend to be in small towns where everybody knows everybody, or so it seems. That’s good in some ways, not so much in others, and you’ll get an idea of why that is as you read this fun cozy mystery.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
Shorty, who Ev describes as her “private investigator” is a hoot. He adds a lot of humor, is a unique character, and he keeps Ev both entertained and sometimes confused as he helps her out for a reasonably small price.
The other factor that makes this book unique is the small town atmosphere and culture. If you’ve never lived or spent much time in a small town, prepare to be amused and confused as you get exposed to how things tend to be in small towns where everybody knows everybody, or so it seems. That’s good in some ways, not so much in others, and you’ll get an idea of why that is as you read this fun cozy mystery.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
May 29, 2024
Read my review on NovelsAlive.com by clicking the link below. It is also posted in full.
https://novelsalive.com/2024/05/29/4-...
Ev wrote a detective series and is an adjunct professor and a widow in Muffalettas and Murder by author Jann Franklin.
Ev’s side-kick PI is a farmer with a lot of time on his hands. They are amateur sleuths looking at a cold case murder that happened in their small town in Louisiana at the request of her brother on the police force as well as the chief. We all know that small towns are filled with gossips and their town is no exception. Everyone is willing to be interviewed, even those on the suspect list.
Several smaller stories are played out as we get to know the many characters. There are twists and turns in the story and a lot of clues to sift through. Suspects are ruled out, then are front and center once again. All details are important and one major element was almost missed but I always held it in the back of my mind. There are family and friends, small businesses, secrets, reminiscences and dangerous situations The crime is solved in the end and the whodunnit is revealed. There’s a sneak peek at the next book, and it only whets my appetite for more.
Set in a small town, Muffalettas and Murder is a fun, cozy mystery with characters who grow on you.
https://novelsalive.com/2024/05/29/4-...
Ev wrote a detective series and is an adjunct professor and a widow in Muffalettas and Murder by author Jann Franklin.
Ev’s side-kick PI is a farmer with a lot of time on his hands. They are amateur sleuths looking at a cold case murder that happened in their small town in Louisiana at the request of her brother on the police force as well as the chief. We all know that small towns are filled with gossips and their town is no exception. Everyone is willing to be interviewed, even those on the suspect list.
Several smaller stories are played out as we get to know the many characters. There are twists and turns in the story and a lot of clues to sift through. Suspects are ruled out, then are front and center once again. All details are important and one major element was almost missed but I always held it in the back of my mind. There are family and friends, small businesses, secrets, reminiscences and dangerous situations The crime is solved in the end and the whodunnit is revealed. There’s a sneak peek at the next book, and it only whets my appetite for more.
Set in a small town, Muffalettas and Murder is a fun, cozy mystery with characters who grow on you.
Read
May 25, 2024Clocking in at just a little over 200 pages, the first in this new cozy mystery series packs a lot in. Set in a small town (and I mean SMALL town – about 200 folks!) this mystery is full of engaging characters, a solid mystery and great humor.
Our main character is Ev, a middle-aged widow who has moved back home to be closer to family. Ev’s husband had been a police detective before he passed away, and Ev wrote several detective mystery books with her husband as the inspiration. Grieving her husband, Ev has no interest in writing. Her college aged kids are supportive and help her make the decision to move.
The small town southern setting is so much fun – everyone knows everyone’s business but not in a malicious way. It’s clear they care deeply about Ev. Ev’s brother is also a detective, and he brings her a cold case, hoping to see if that might interest her. This ignites a spark in Ev and she’s determined to resolve this case. She partners with one of my new favorite characters in fiction – Shorty. He is hilarious and the banter between Ev and Shorty is entertaining.
Wonderfully written and developed main and side characters, and I enjoyed reading along as Ev and Shorty pieced together the many clues. What a great start to a new series!
Our main character is Ev, a middle-aged widow who has moved back home to be closer to family. Ev’s husband had been a police detective before he passed away, and Ev wrote several detective mystery books with her husband as the inspiration. Grieving her husband, Ev has no interest in writing. Her college aged kids are supportive and help her make the decision to move.
The small town southern setting is so much fun – everyone knows everyone’s business but not in a malicious way. It’s clear they care deeply about Ev. Ev’s brother is also a detective, and he brings her a cold case, hoping to see if that might interest her. This ignites a spark in Ev and she’s determined to resolve this case. She partners with one of my new favorite characters in fiction – Shorty. He is hilarious and the banter between Ev and Shorty is entertaining.
Wonderfully written and developed main and side characters, and I enjoyed reading along as Ev and Shorty pieced together the many clues. What a great start to a new series!
July 27, 2025
Muffulettas and Murder by Jann Franklin is a cozy Southern mystery with a whole lot of local flavor and small-town charm. Set in Louisiana, the book delivers a fun, easy read with a cast of quirky characters, a touch of suspense, and plenty of humor. The main character is relatable, the setting feels authentic, and the community vibe is strong—perfect for fans of lighthearted whodunits.
The mystery itself is enjoyable, with enough twists to keep things interesting, and the pacing flows well. The food references (especially those muffulettas!) add a delicious layer to the story, and the Southern sass is entertaining without being overdone.
That said, one thing I found a bit distracting was how often the characters called each other by name in the dialogue. Nearly every line seemed to end with “Ev” or “Nate,” and after a while, it started to feel unnatural. As a reader, I could easily follow who was speaking without being reminded every few seconds—it just pulled me out of the story a bit.
Still, if you enjoy cozy mysteries with a strong sense of place, lovable characters, and a sprinkle of humor, this one is worth picking up. It’s not groundbreaking, but it’s a feel-good read that goes down easy.
December 15, 2023
Small towns and a midlife change has made an excellent addition to the cozey murder mystery world. As a lady of midlife I really enjoy and often emphasized with Jann Franklin's mane character Evangeline Delafose is such a typically viewed board widowed cristian southern lady in thought and deeds, then a placed together with a longtime family friend that hasn't seen the inside of a church since who knows when and happens to have just gotten his PI license.I certainly couldn't help but be drawn in by these two vibrant, colorful and quirky characters and of course this wouldn't be a mystery without a deadly schemer hidden in plain sight . Given the array of characters that fallow you won't be but be enticed further through the misdirections, secrets, lies and betrayals that have lead to murder. The plot carries you throughout with its drama engaging twists and turns. It will take a great many of your little grey cells stirring to find the truth before you reach the unexpected and climatic conclusion. Acquire " Muffalettas and Murder " (Small Town Girl Mysteries Book 1)for hours of comical, intriguing and enjoyable entertainment. Kat
August 5, 2024
I really enjoyed Mufalettas and Murder. Evangeline Delafose (Ev) and her friend Shorty make a great team. Evangeline, a widow, has moved back to her hometown at the request of her grown children as they are away in college. She has been pushed to be closer to her brother and father. She is a professor of English Literature, a P.H.D., and an author of fictional police procedurals. Her late husband was the inspiration for her stories.
Shorty is a handyman, P.I. who has never had a case, and a childhood friend of Evangline's. He calls Ev "Doc."
Ev's brother Nate is with the sheriff's office and has a cold case. Since his sister wrote all those books, and since she has seemed depressed to him, Nate asks her to take a look at the crime (with the Sheriff's permission). With Shorty's help, she looks into the crime. She makes a few friends along the way and mends fences with a few people she knew from her childhood.
Twists and turns will keep readers guessing.
All the characters in the book were well-written. I'm looking forward to the next installment in this series. I received an Advanced reader's copy of this book and have written this review voluntarily.
Shorty is a handyman, P.I. who has never had a case, and a childhood friend of Evangline's. He calls Ev "Doc."
Ev's brother Nate is with the sheriff's office and has a cold case. Since his sister wrote all those books, and since she has seemed depressed to him, Nate asks her to take a look at the crime (with the Sheriff's permission). With Shorty's help, she looks into the crime. She makes a few friends along the way and mends fences with a few people she knew from her childhood.
Twists and turns will keep readers guessing.
All the characters in the book were well-written. I'm looking forward to the next installment in this series. I received an Advanced reader's copy of this book and have written this review voluntarily.
July 30, 2025
Muffalettas and Murder is a fun cozy mystery story with a small-town vibe and the charm of Louisiana. It’s a well-developed story with multi-dimensional characters that are loveable and a little quirky. Of course, it has a canine sidekick as most of the best stories do. The story starts with the victim's perspective which was a nice touch. The antics between Shorty and Ev was fun to see. I love and appreciate the little prayers that are slipped in from time to time. Her faith in God is a part of her life and it was natural in the story not forced. Louisiana is a very spiritual state (one way or another) and I was glad to see that element in the story, especially the way it was weaved into the story. There are many twists and turns as they try to solve this cold case. If you like the Hallmark mystery movies, you will like this book. You will laugh out loud many times, but you will also be invested in the story. A give it 4.5 stars. A very enjoyable read. I received a free copy of this book, and this is my voluntary review.
October 22, 2025
The following is a review of an ARC I was given free for my honest review. This is my expressed opinion and no one else’s.
Evangeline Delafose swore she’d never return to Graisseville, Louisiana—but when her brother Nate ropes her into solving a murder, she’s back in the thick of small-town drama, muffalettas, and mystery. What follows is a cozy, faith-based whodunit with Southern charm and a cast of quirky locals you won’t forget.
Franklin’s writing is clean and engaging, perfect for readers who enjoy mysteries without graphic content or profanity. Evangeline is a smart, snarky heroine with a heart, and her sibling banter with Nate adds warmth and humor. The mystery unfolds at a satisfying pace, with just enough twists to keep you guessing.
The town of Graisseville is practically a character itself—rich with gossip, gumbo, and good intentions. If you love culinary cozies, sibling sleuths, and stories that blend faith, family, and a dash of romance, this one’s for you.
Looking forward to book two already!
Evangeline Delafose swore she’d never return to Graisseville, Louisiana—but when her brother Nate ropes her into solving a murder, she’s back in the thick of small-town drama, muffalettas, and mystery. What follows is a cozy, faith-based whodunit with Southern charm and a cast of quirky locals you won’t forget.
Franklin’s writing is clean and engaging, perfect for readers who enjoy mysteries without graphic content or profanity. Evangeline is a smart, snarky heroine with a heart, and her sibling banter with Nate adds warmth and humor. The mystery unfolds at a satisfying pace, with just enough twists to keep you guessing.
The town of Graisseville is practically a character itself—rich with gossip, gumbo, and good intentions. If you love culinary cozies, sibling sleuths, and stories that blend faith, family, and a dash of romance, this one’s for you.
Looking forward to book two already!
March 20, 2024
A deliciously hilarious whodunit.
If you enjoy comical cozy mysteries, Muffalettas and Murder: Book 1 of The Small Town Girl Mysteries by Jann Franklin is the book for you.
Recently widowed mystery author, Evangeline Delafose, returns to her small home town and along with her childhood friend, Shorty, accepts a request from the local sheriff’s office to review a cold-case murder file. Shorty obtained his Private Investigator license online and it shows. Ev and Shorty—who by the way is not short and quite the heartthrob for the local single ladies—will keep you laughing. And I have never eaten a muffaletta, but I sure want to, now!
Born and raised in a small town, I grew up with quirky small-town characters, and I enjoyed the eccentric cast in Graisseville, Louisisana.
Lucky for me, there are three other books in the series, since I’ve grown attached to the characters. I highly recommend this book.
If you enjoy comical cozy mysteries, Muffalettas and Murder: Book 1 of The Small Town Girl Mysteries by Jann Franklin is the book for you.
Recently widowed mystery author, Evangeline Delafose, returns to her small home town and along with her childhood friend, Shorty, accepts a request from the local sheriff’s office to review a cold-case murder file. Shorty obtained his Private Investigator license online and it shows. Ev and Shorty—who by the way is not short and quite the heartthrob for the local single ladies—will keep you laughing. And I have never eaten a muffaletta, but I sure want to, now!
Born and raised in a small town, I grew up with quirky small-town characters, and I enjoyed the eccentric cast in Graisseville, Louisisana.
Lucky for me, there are three other books in the series, since I’ve grown attached to the characters. I highly recommend this book.
April 11, 2024
Muffalettas and Murder is book one in Jann Franklin's cozy small town girl mystery series and I loved it! I really like that it is set in the same small town as Jann Franklin's small town girl trilogy. It was fun to visit the same town but from a different perspective.
I also really like that Evangeline - or Ev for short - was the wife of a police detective and she picked up some things in the years they were married. Unfortunately, he is deceased and, due to that fact, Ev has moved back home to her small town in Louisiana called Graisseville.
Her brother, Nate, is a police detective who is concerned about his sister. They have a cold case that they weren't getting anywhere on and, with permission from the sheriff, Nate gives a copy of the file to Ev to review with fresh eyes. The book is mostly about her adventures in investigating with small town living and southern living anecdotes sprinkled throughout.
I received a free copy of this book and this is my honest review.
I also really like that Evangeline - or Ev for short - was the wife of a police detective and she picked up some things in the years they were married. Unfortunately, he is deceased and, due to that fact, Ev has moved back home to her small town in Louisiana called Graisseville.
Her brother, Nate, is a police detective who is concerned about his sister. They have a cold case that they weren't getting anywhere on and, with permission from the sheriff, Nate gives a copy of the file to Ev to review with fresh eyes. The book is mostly about her adventures in investigating with small town living and southern living anecdotes sprinkled throughout.
I received a free copy of this book and this is my honest review.
June 1, 2024
Muffulettas and Murder by Jann Franklin is off to a great start with Book 1 in the Small Town Girl Mysteries Series. It is set in a small Southern town in Louisiana as Evangeline attempts to help her brother Nate solve a murder. Ev is still reeling and grieving over the death of her husband a few years ago and believes investigating and solving the murder will help her get her life back on track so that she can move forward. Shorty was a great character who could be endearing, frustrating at times and funny at times. The author did a great job in character development of the charming, quirky people who fit perfectly with the storyline. It has all the elements of a good mystery, including drama, intrigue, danger second chances, and is an entertaining, clean,
enjoyable cozy mystery book. I received a copy of this book from the author and these opinions are strictly my own. I rated it a five and look forward to reading future books in this new series.
enjoyable cozy mystery book. I received a copy of this book from the author and these opinions are strictly my own. I rated it a five and look forward to reading future books in this new series.
August 24, 2025
In this first book in the Small Town Girl series, successful author, Evangeline Delafose, has moved back to her hometown of Graisseville. But the death of her husband has impeded her ability to write, so she's working on finding her new normal. When Ev is asked to go over the file of the unsolved murder of Michael Cook with fresh eyes to see if she can find something that was missed, she gets more than she was expecting.
One of my favorite characters is ol’ Shorty, the ladies man of the town, the handyman and now Ev’s partner in crime. A trained P.I. he strikes a bargain to help her as long as she keeps paying him in muffalettas. Together they make a good team and Shorty keeps Ev on her toes.
With small town living and local culture, Franklin draws the reader in. It was as if I shared a rocker on a big covered porch with a glass of iced tea alongside Ev and Shorty.
I'm so glad I found this series and I'm super excited to see what the next book is about!
One of my favorite characters is ol’ Shorty, the ladies man of the town, the handyman and now Ev’s partner in crime. A trained P.I. he strikes a bargain to help her as long as she keeps paying him in muffalettas. Together they make a good team and Shorty keeps Ev on her toes.
With small town living and local culture, Franklin draws the reader in. It was as if I shared a rocker on a big covered porch with a glass of iced tea alongside Ev and Shorty.
I'm so glad I found this series and I'm super excited to see what the next book is about!
May 10, 2023
Fun Deep South Cozy Mystery
Parents: PG-PG13 this is acceptable for middle school and up
Language: PG - not a lot of bad language
Violence: PG - nothing overly graphic
Sexual content: PG it stays clean
This is in line with other cozy mysteries. It's about an older (50ish) widow who's deceased husband was a police detective and she's a mystery writer of a popular detective series. She's moved back to her small town home in Mississippi and is still dealing with her grief. There are fun quirky characters and an unsolved murdered that she ends up investigating. It's a fun read although it felt like some of the dialog and descriptions were used more as an information dump instead of allowing the reader to put the pieces together.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Parents: PG-PG13 this is acceptable for middle school and up
Language: PG - not a lot of bad language
Violence: PG - nothing overly graphic
Sexual content: PG it stays clean
This is in line with other cozy mysteries. It's about an older (50ish) widow who's deceased husband was a police detective and she's a mystery writer of a popular detective series. She's moved back to her small town home in Mississippi and is still dealing with her grief. There are fun quirky characters and an unsolved murdered that she ends up investigating. It's a fun read although it felt like some of the dialog and descriptions were used more as an information dump instead of allowing the reader to put the pieces together.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
April 14, 2024
What I usually expect
I love cozy mysteries and they are mostly fun to read but not always realistic. In this one, although they ask a lot questions and get lots of information, it isn't easy solving the case nor get it right half the time. That is what you would expect for amateurs. Get close, or lucky, but definitely go around confounded half the time. I did enjoy the interactions between Shorty and Ev, though God bless her for putting up with him too. The other brother she did not know she needed, or to hear it his way, her other best friend. At the end of almost solving a cold case, and nearly getting killed, they definitely forged some bonds.
My first book by the author and I did enjoy it.
I love cozy mysteries and they are mostly fun to read but not always realistic. In this one, although they ask a lot questions and get lots of information, it isn't easy solving the case nor get it right half the time. That is what you would expect for amateurs. Get close, or lucky, but definitely go around confounded half the time. I did enjoy the interactions between Shorty and Ev, though God bless her for putting up with him too. The other brother she did not know she needed, or to hear it his way, her other best friend. At the end of almost solving a cold case, and nearly getting killed, they definitely forged some bonds.
My first book by the author and I did enjoy it.
May 4, 2024
Ev and Shorty solve the crime
When Ev's brother, Sheriff Nate, gave her the information on the murder of Michael & River, she and Shorty began interviews with all the suspects. Since Shorty had just earned his P.I. license, he became her protector as well as her partner. They had a number of suspects and did a good job of the interviews. Shorty always had Ev make him food or have Ev pay for food whenever they ate out. He was a true chow-hound. In the end, he cautioned Ev not to let anyone in her door when he left, but she didn't anticipate the murderer breaking in her back door. I loved the way Shorty came in with the Sheriff to rescue Ev from the killer who was threatening to poison Ev. This was the perfect ending for a great story.
When Ev's brother, Sheriff Nate, gave her the information on the murder of Michael & River, she and Shorty began interviews with all the suspects. Since Shorty had just earned his P.I. license, he became her protector as well as her partner. They had a number of suspects and did a good job of the interviews. Shorty always had Ev make him food or have Ev pay for food whenever they ate out. He was a true chow-hound. In the end, he cautioned Ev not to let anyone in her door when he left, but she didn't anticipate the murderer breaking in her back door. I loved the way Shorty came in with the Sheriff to rescue Ev from the killer who was threatening to poison Ev. This was the perfect ending for a great story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews