Burger & Dies

Fun Foodie Cozy Mystery #1

by Maisy Marple

Welcome to the charming world of Bethany's Better Burgers, where delectable delights and dark secrets collide. Internet sensation Gregory Wendell, known as the Fun Foodie, seeks out culinary treasures in his quest for gastronomic greatness. However, this time, the tantalizing flavors of Bethany's famous burgers will have to wait.

When a shocking murder rocks the cozy atmosphere of the three-year-old burger joint, the devious deeds overshadow the delicious dishes. It seems that each member of the restaurant's dedicated staff harbors a motive for murder. From the enigmatic head chef with a suspicious past to the charismatic server who knows more than they let on, the suspects are as intriguing as the juicy patties on the grill.

Enter bestselling Christian Mystery Author Maisy Marple's delightful new series, where faith, food, and fatal secrets entwine. Join the Fun Foodie as he becomes an amateur detective, unraveling the puzzle piece by piece. With each turn of the page, you'll be immersed in a tantalizing world of mouthwatering meals, mischievous suspects, and hidden clues.

Can you solve the twisted riddle that lies beneath the sizzle of the grill? Will you uncover the truth behind this shocking crime? Prepare to feast on a savory tale filled with culinary adventures, charming characters, and a mystery that will keep you guessing until the very last bite. Bethany's Better Burgers is just the beginning—get ready for a delectable journey where taste and treachery collide.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Cozy, Mystery Thriller, Ebooks

73 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 10, 2023

Reviews

[Madhuri · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun cozy mystery with a food critic acting detective. The writing is flowing and fast paced. Would like to read more by this author.

Getting back to the reading habit with light reads like these.

[Helen Drake · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an interesting concept for a cozy. A food critic acts as a detective to try to solve the murder of the owner of a burger joint. He’s a bit annoying as a lead character even though he’s very logical. I’ll keep reading this new series, hoping this character will grow on me.

I was fortunate to receive an advanced copy of this book.

[Tambi Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

The opening of Maisy Marple's The Fun Foodie Cozy Mystery Series, (book 1) "Burger and Dies" introduces us to Greg Wendell, a well-known food columnist whose alter ego, The Fun Foodie, is famous for unearthing culinary delights. However, his visit to Bethany’s Better Burgers in upstate New York turns into anything but a simple taste test. Upon facing a rude hostess and a disappointing wait for a lackluster drink, Greg's gastronomic adventure takes a dark turn as a murder unfolds within the burger joint. A natural armchair detective enthusiast, Greg seizes the opportunity to delve into the mystery, hopeful and determined to unveil the culprit before the police arrive. The cozy, locked-room atmosphere confines the narrative to a limited number of suspects, each with motives as intriguing as the burgers themselves. Greg's investigation becomes a captivating journey as he navigates the hidden motives of the restaurant's staff.
Maisy Marple crafts this narrative with skillful character descriptions that bring the suspects vividly to life. Despite some minor inconsistencies in dialogue, which occasionally create contradictions, the characters remain engaging. Greg, though at times verbose and perhaps overly talkative, is an entertaining protagonist whose interactions with suspects are filled with witty exchanges. His tendency to dominate conversations might seem excessive, yet some may believe it adds a unique charm to his amateur sleuthing. The pacing of the story is expertly managed, moving from a quick start to an even more rapid conclusion, ensuring readers remain on the edge of their seats. Classified as a cozy mystery, it straddles the line with elements of a gritty noir, offering a gore-less yet suspenseful experience. Marple keeps readers engrossed by weaving in narratives that succinctly summarize each suspect's potential guilt, preventing confusion as the plot thickens.
The unexpected twist at the end of "Burger and Dies" adds a satisfying layer to the story, leaving readers both surprised and eager for more. While some may find themselves undecided about Greg as the central character, his quirky personality and relentless pursuit of the truth provide a compelling reason to continue with the series. The blend of humor, mystery, and the allure of a good burger invites readers to dive into the next installment, Cake or Death, with anticipation. Maisy Marple's debut in this series is a promising start, offering a refreshing take on the cozy mystery genre, and suggesting that this culinary quest is just beginning.
Book Rating:
Originality: 4.0/5.0
Structure: 4.25/5.0
Dialogue: 4.0/5.0
Pacing: 4.75/5.0
Personal Enjoyment: 4.25/5.0
Cover Design: 4.25/5.0 (Not included in overall rating.)
Overall Rating: 4.25/5.0 (Rating will be rounded up due to platforms not allowing partial ratings.)

[Sharmani Jayaram · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gregory Wendell is on a quest to find out the next great culinary experience as he is the “ Fun Food” sensation on the internet. Thus week he is at Bethany’s Better Burgers, a Burgers joint which is popular with the locals. But unfortunately there is a murder and everyone on the staff are suspects and had reason to kill the victim .The victim being none other than Bethany herself lying faced own with a chief knife in her back. It was the sous chef Maximus who had found the body. Bethany had worked hard for the part 3 years to perfect her Burgers and had been waiting to get a good review from Gregory . Mayhem brakes out among workers of the restaurant. Gregory was a witness to all of this and was determined to solve the case . He was also a le to find out the secret that Bethany was hiding. A very exciting and enjoyable read .I am on the ARC team and leave a honest review. I recommend this book to other readers.

[Becky Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Greg Wendell is a food writer and also known as the Fun Foodie. Bethany owner of Bethany’s Better Burgers can’t wait to have him visit her restaurant. This columnist could bring lots more business in or not depending on his review. But more than that Bethany had trouble with her three waitresses that didn’t like one another but all adored the hot bartender Alejandro. Dominic was the head cook and he had a temper for sure always yelling. Bethany ends up with a knife in her back can Greg the food critic figure the murder out before the police? Loved the descriptions of the three waitresses and the two cops involved.

I received this ARC from the author for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Faith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun book to read. The characters are interesting, the mystery intriguing. I was surprised at who the victim was and totally enjoyed Gregory. The story kept it a real mystery to the end. I hope Gregory will be in more of this series. His methods and thinking process to figure out who the murderer was made it hard for me to lay the book down--so I read it in one sitting! :-) Looking forward to Book 2!

I received this book from the author as an ARC and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.

[Tari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gregory was definitely a different MC than I'm used to, and I even remember the author saying in a newsletter this was a bit different from her usual cozy writing. But I did enjoy getting to meet the Fun Foodie and learn about his interest in mysteries to the point that he made me think of a modern, kinda nerdy Hercule Poirot when he started talking to possible suspects. The showdown was a good one and it did keep me guessing until the last minute. I'll definitely be borrowing the next book on KU too!

[Mom2three · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great afternoon escape. On the days when I don't want to delve into something that's going to take me days or weeks to finish, I love short stories like this one. Gregory Wendell is a fun and interesting character, and I liked the idea that he wasn't instantly liked by everyone. The fact that he was an outsider made the story more original. The mystery was well written and there were twists and turns that kept me guessing. I'm excited to read more.

[Joyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

When a book is centered around food and mystery, it is already a winner in my book, pun intended. Marple's first in the Fun Foodie Mystery series with a murder solving food critic is off to a great start when the burger business he is there to critique ends up in the murder of the owner who is literally stabbed in the back. Is it business related, personal, or more to the story? Only one way to find out.

I received a complimentary ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first in the series. The main character is Gregory. Gregory is a food critic who goes to Bethany's Better Burgers to do an article about their food. Before his order arrives there is a scream and in the back hall, there is Bethany dead with a knife in her back. Gregory calls the cops and decides to figure out who did while he waits. He has his main suspects but who did what and when. Can he figure it out before the police?

[Jeannie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quirky Fun!

This read like a parody of a mystery or a reality show. But for some odd reason it worked! A fast paced short story, I read it in about 30 minutes. A restaurant vlogger is present when the owner is discovered with a knife in her back. The critic then very quickly deduces who the murderer is all while two police officers are on scene. Not the usual type of book that I read but for some reason I took it for what it was, a quirky lighthearted take on a cozy mystery.

[Bonnie Theel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a short read, but it really pulls you in. There are a few people who worked at the restaurant who could have murdered Bethany, the owner. The food critic, Gregory, was trying to help the police narrow down the list. You will never see the end coming. Definitely recommend this book.

I received a free ARC, and this is my honest opinion.

[Sheila Cottingham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bethanys Better Burgers is the next victim of food critic Gregory Wendell until she gets murdered before he gets a chance. He then decides to play detective. See if he solves the mystery of who done it by reading this fun foodie first.
I received this book as an advanced reader copy and am leaving this review of my own free will.

[Tom · Rating 5 out of 5]

A small town murder mystery

Bethany’s Better Burgers is being reviewed by Gregory a famous on line food critic. The evening starts out poorly with strife between the staff. Then there is a scream and Bethany is found stabbed to death in a hallway. Gregory calls the police and dives into finding the murderer. A fun read.

[Bobbi · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fast and fun book. The main character, Gregory, fancies himself as a young Sherlock. Being totally self-absorbed helps him find clues and read people. If you enjoy a quick and fun story this is for you.

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Restaurant reviews and Murder

I think Maisy Marple has done it again. This a wonderful story about a restaurant with the usual amount of workers getting a food review from the Fun Foodie. The Fun Foodie is mostly the narrator until..........

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think these books are a bit tongue-in-cheek, as a food critic that solves mysteries. I enjoyed reading them and I think listening to what Gregory Wendall is thinking is some of the funniest in the book, the other is the police in the story. Recommend reading.

[Lovingly, Chele' · Rating 3 out of 5]

The short story was written well enough for what it was, but, man, did I hate that food critic. I kept wanting to punch him in the face. If that was the author's intention, well done! If not? Um. Oops.

[Marietta Slater · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cute novella that I finished in under an hour. Greg Wendell, well known food critic, is visiting Bethany Better Burgers to taste and review. This could be a make or break day for the restaurant. Wendell doesn't get a chance to review the restaurant but he does get to solve a murder.

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another delightful story! Fast, clean and full of twists Burger and Dies is a fun escape that allows you solve a mystery quickly and with a touch of fun. A promising start to a new series.

[Charlene Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good beginning

Main character very interesting, snooty and sophisticated until his not sure his right. Will be interesting to see how he grows

[Northern Light · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short story really and a new series
A food critic arrives at a burger restaurant but soon there's a murder.
A fun little read which doesn't tax the reader.

[Yvonne Gilbert · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun cozy to read in an afternoon.

[Amary Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fon short cozy

Restaurant critic uses his observation skills to try to figure out who killed the restaurant's owner and why they did it. Well written and engaging

[Joey Daveanie Jessel · Rating 5 out of 5]

:)

Loved the constant change. Kept you guessing on who did the dirty deed. I just had to know the end!

[Eirlys · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun read

An amusing murder mystery story with characters who were involved with the murdered woman. I was surprised by how short it was.

[Helen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just didn’t like the main character.

[Alayne · Rating 1 out of 5]

A ridiculous story, very badly written, with an unbelievable plot and unlikeable characters.

[Mary Everette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delicious Mystery

i was surprised by the quick turn on events that changed the story line and kept me guessing! Touché! A must read!

[jill lawley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick to read and clever

This was a Smile maker and surprised me As found it to be a clever story. what my circle friends and family get appropriate for all.