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Mina Kitchen #1
Kitchen Addiction!
Meet Mina Kitchen, a forty-something single who likes to cook - and cook and cook. In fact, her zest for whipping up trays of canapes is dwarfed only by her weird luck and mountain-lion size tabby cat, Vinnie. That, and her godmom's tendency for blackmailing new members into joining St. Bart's. Okay, maybe Mina's Swiffer-addicted neighbor, Vito, is a bit weird, too. As if all that wasn't enough, Mina's a Jersey girl transplanted in the midst of the Amish-flavored countryside of Lancaster, PA.
Things get really complicated when she learns that her neighbor Vito is in a witness protection program, and her dry cleaner deals in prescription samples. Throw in a few mysterious flaming feces flingers and a fuse box labeled in Arabic, and you have a recipe for catering disorders.
Kitchen Addiction! will keep you smiling when you're not LOL-ing. Set in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, you'll find a surprising cast of characters, humorous plot twists, red herrings and actual recipes. Well, some of the recipes are real. The others you might to take with a pinch of salt, and some Tums.
If you're looking for a funny fiction read, packed with humor, excitement - and recipes - look no further. Lund's debut "chick lit" novel blends fun characters, great dialogue and zany capers into a frothy fiction that's sure to amuse. The novel also delivers a virtual tourist romp through the actual streets of Lancaster City and its surroundings.
Things get really complicated when she learns that her neighbor Vito is in a witness protection program, and her dry cleaner deals in prescription samples. Throw in a few mysterious flaming feces flingers and a fuse box labeled in Arabic, and you have a recipe for catering disorders.
Kitchen Addiction! will keep you smiling when you're not LOL-ing. Set in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, you'll find a surprising cast of characters, humorous plot twists, red herrings and actual recipes. Well, some of the recipes are real. The others you might to take with a pinch of salt, and some Tums.
If you're looking for a funny fiction read, packed with humor, excitement - and recipes - look no further. Lund's debut "chick lit" novel blends fun characters, great dialogue and zany capers into a frothy fiction that's sure to amuse. The novel also delivers a virtual tourist romp through the actual streets of Lancaster City and its surroundings.
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 2, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
December 28, 2015
This book did not disappoint. I love Lizz Lund's writing style. Her books are funny, and a mystery all in one. Mina, the heroine, as well as her family and friends are interesting characters. Her friend and neighbor, Vito, has a tendency to get Mina into situations that could get her into real trouble. There are her co-workers Bauser and Howard in this book. They worked with her, lost their jobs with her, and were there for Mina all the time. There are also Mina's pets, Vinnie the cat, and Marie the bird. Throw in Bauser's 3-legged dog, Jim, Mina's sister Ethel's dogs, Hansel and Gretel, and Vito's dog, Stanley for more laughs. This book took twists and turns. The story was always changing to accommodate Mina's chaotic life. The book was great fun, and made me laugh out loud while reading.
April 10, 2017
A fantastic start to a cozy mystery series. I laughed out loud at Mina's antics and the recipes at the end were a nice touch. Can't wait to read more!
My Rating: 5 stars
My Rating: 5 stars
October 8, 2018
Cute story. I really liked the idea of putting recipes at the end of the book.
July 25, 2012
I'm not going to bother summarizing the plot of this book - honestly, the book is all over the place. There are a few mysteries, but they don't seem to be matters of consequence. It's not captivating at all.
My favorite character of this book is Vinnie the cat. As for the rest of the characters in the book - there are just too many of them to keep track of. The names are silly - Mina, who goes on cooking binges, has a last name of Kitchen. Neighbor Vito's last name is Spaghetti (but we find out it's a made-up name). Vito's late wife's name was Marie, as is Mina's cockatiel's. Mina's bff Trixie was having an affair with an officer named Appletree. Whose first name is Adam and whose wife's name is Eve. Mina works at a company named EEJIT whose parent company is Effhue. Right...
The chapters in this book are l-o-n-g. And rambling. And overly descriptive. We don't need a play-by-play of how one gets into their car, starts the car, puts the car in reverse and backs out of the driveway.
There's a ton of food mentioned in this book - each meal is like an all-you-can-eat buffet and the author lists dish after dish. It was pretty exhausting after a while.
Honestly, I didn't care much for the book. I ended up skimming through large parts of it just to get to the end. It's an okay read if you have nothing else to do but don't expect to get through it in one sitting.
(Note on one of my earlier status updates about the mystery not being resolved by the end - I think it does? people get arrested - but it felt very anti-climatic and was just tossed in there about three-quarters of the way through the book).
My favorite character of this book is Vinnie the cat. As for the rest of the characters in the book - there are just too many of them to keep track of. The names are silly - Mina, who goes on cooking binges, has a last name of Kitchen. Neighbor Vito's last name is Spaghetti (but we find out it's a made-up name). Vito's late wife's name was Marie, as is Mina's cockatiel's. Mina's bff Trixie was having an affair with an officer named Appletree. Whose first name is Adam and whose wife's name is Eve. Mina works at a company named EEJIT whose parent company is Effhue. Right...
The chapters in this book are l-o-n-g. And rambling. And overly descriptive. We don't need a play-by-play of how one gets into their car, starts the car, puts the car in reverse and backs out of the driveway.
There's a ton of food mentioned in this book - each meal is like an all-you-can-eat buffet and the author lists dish after dish. It was pretty exhausting after a while.
Honestly, I didn't care much for the book. I ended up skimming through large parts of it just to get to the end. It's an okay read if you have nothing else to do but don't expect to get through it in one sitting.
(Note on one of my earlier status updates about the mystery not being resolved by the end - I think it does? people get arrested - but it felt very anti-climatic and was just tossed in there about three-quarters of the way through the book).
July 21, 2012
As copied from my Amazon review:
Fishy lips and fuzzy toesies... delectable
that is,if you are the oversized cat that seems to have an opinion about everything Mina gets involved in: and Mina is a busy woman in this story. A genetic predisposition to overcooking during times of stress, or for holidays, a neighbor with a house key, a secret and a cleaning obsession, and someone setting fires with flaming bags of dog poo - and you have the gist of the issues to be dealt with in this book.
I won't claim this book is without its faults: the humor often is juvenile and derives more from the ridiculous situations, but although those were many (and the story wouldn't have suffered if there were fewer "events") the author has done a good job describing, creating and sorting them. What was slightly distracting was the overuse of some phrases: "yous" comes into play far more than it should.
But, for a fun read that had me laughing until I cried more than once -this is the read for you. It also won't hurt if you have ever been in servitude to a cat, had a crazy family member or a horrible boss. You don't have to have experience with any of that, or even have to cook: but it helps.
Fishy lips and fuzzy toesies... delectable
that is,if you are the oversized cat that seems to have an opinion about everything Mina gets involved in: and Mina is a busy woman in this story. A genetic predisposition to overcooking during times of stress, or for holidays, a neighbor with a house key, a secret and a cleaning obsession, and someone setting fires with flaming bags of dog poo - and you have the gist of the issues to be dealt with in this book.
I won't claim this book is without its faults: the humor often is juvenile and derives more from the ridiculous situations, but although those were many (and the story wouldn't have suffered if there were fewer "events") the author has done a good job describing, creating and sorting them. What was slightly distracting was the overuse of some phrases: "yous" comes into play far more than it should.
But, for a fun read that had me laughing until I cried more than once -this is the read for you. It also won't hurt if you have ever been in servitude to a cat, had a crazy family member or a horrible boss. You don't have to have experience with any of that, or even have to cook: but it helps.
July 8, 2012
I must say that Vinnie was my fave character
June 26, 2013
Made me laugh out loud in quite a few parts...but I honestly couldn't finish it without skipping through quickly from about Chapter six. It is way too long, could have used a good editor for sure.
April 5, 2024
Mina Kitchen has it all: a habit of cooking like a mad woman when she's stressed, a crazy landlord who lives next door and comes over, via his own key, to clean and cook for her & and since her to drop and pick up his dry cleaning several times a week,, a boss who applies never-ending headaches and pressure to her, a mother and Aunt who want to decorate her home and keep sending her swatches, and someone who is setting fires to her company's biggest client. The stress keeps piling on the tale keeps getting sillier and sillier, and poor Mina can solve nothing. It's a cozy mystery but it never truly gets off the ground it just keeps getting sillier. Even though it is laugh out loud ridiculous it's a fun enough read to keep you going.
May 16, 2019
No More Hiding
Mina is finally going on a vacation ,this is something new to her, no bird, no giant cat, no crazy bothersome neighbours, no pushy family. Oh the thought of it is just so heavenly. At least she thought it was going to be that way, but all that changes when she comes across another dead body and here they are, all the people she loves but needed to take a break from. I'ts all here the zany caracters, the wildly funny run in with crazy called Mina's life. Check it out, you definitely won't be disappointed in this laugh out loud cozey murder mystery .😉🙄😊 Kat
Mina is finally going on a vacation ,this is something new to her, no bird, no giant cat, no crazy bothersome neighbours, no pushy family. Oh the thought of it is just so heavenly. At least she thought it was going to be that way, but all that changes when she comes across another dead body and here they are, all the people she loves but needed to take a break from. I'ts all here the zany caracters, the wildly funny run in with crazy called Mina's life. Check it out, you definitely won't be disappointed in this laugh out loud cozey murder mystery .😉🙄😊 Kat
May 28, 2019
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who needs a laugh. I have not laughed so much in a long time and it was hard to put down. The story went from one situation to another for Mina and you can understand why she puts up with Vito as you get into the story. Crooked bosses, law enforcement, food, friends and family all come together for a fun read. I will definitely be seeking out additional books by this author to add to my library.
November 29, 2021
Br forewarned do not read in public since there are parts of this book that will have you snorting and laughing out loud. Also do not drink anything while reading this book since you will probably snort it through your nose when another sneaky laugh session comes along.
Honestly as far as a plot or plots go it's kind of like who care? There so much craziness and wacky people happening all over this book it really does not matter.
For a really good laugh and a genuinely funny book please read!
Honestly as far as a plot or plots go it's kind of like who care? There so much craziness and wacky people happening all over this book it really does not matter.
For a really good laugh and a genuinely funny book please read!
March 5, 2020
Laughing out loud. Single 40's something with good friends but miserable boss must juggle enormous cat, parakeet, excentric mother, wacky godmother and overly helpful but strange neighbor. She finds solace in cooking... huge meals in her home not necessarily aimed at feeding anyone. She has an addiction to cooking, and note everyone is thrilled.
July 22, 2019
Kitchen Addiction
I felt story dragged towards the end. Author gives you a plethora of descriptive adjectives to describe food, clothing, and driving instructions. She never explained why so many people were burned, unless it was from the tent fire.
I felt story dragged towards the end. Author gives you a plethora of descriptive adjectives to describe food, clothing, and driving instructions. She never explained why so many people were burned, unless it was from the tent fire.
December 13, 2019
LOL! LOL! LOL!
This book was a hoot! Quirky characters, pets, cars and even an uncooled van. Giggles galore, countless chuckles and lots of outright guffaws! It was fun reading the book and Mina's recipes, none of which i intend to make.
This book was a hoot! Quirky characters, pets, cars and even an uncooled van. Giggles galore, countless chuckles and lots of outright guffaws! It was fun reading the book and Mina's recipes, none of which i intend to make.
March 3, 2023
First time reader
But definitely not the last! All the characters were so endearing and story line was good. So many parts made me laugh. The only downfall was when I finished reading the book. Good thing there are more in the series.
But definitely not the last! All the characters were so endearing and story line was good. So many parts made me laugh. The only downfall was when I finished reading the book. Good thing there are more in the series.
November 16, 2017
Great book
Loved the book, real people who low each other and enjoy each other, I giggled a lot, can't wait to start book 2
Loved the book, real people who low each other and enjoy each other, I giggled a lot, can't wait to start book 2
September 22, 2018
This was fun to read. I loved the characters and the voices.
August 22, 2019
Cute cozy mystery with an interesting cast of characters.
February 15, 2020
Campy and funny. I enjoyed the humour and can’t wait to read the next one
July 6, 2022
I laughed all the way through the book.
February 21, 2025
Screwball insanity with bird fluff, cat fur, disasters galore, great word play, and a whole lot of food.
July 3, 2025
Wanders too much
Not for me ... I can't find the main character's name or identity the plot in the story with all the wandering rambling around ...
Not for me ... I can't find the main character's name or identity the plot in the story with all the wandering rambling around ...
December 20, 2025
This book might appeal to others. It just didn't for me. I made it to chapter 2 then decided to give up and read something more my taste.
August 10, 2026
3.5 stars
Humor, yes. This book is a lot.
Humor, yes. This book is a lot.
January 1, 2015
This is a long book, but rather funny in a Stephanie Plum, tongue in cheek sort of way. Mina (Mine-a) Kitchen is a 40 something who has a bad job, no love life, and an addiction to cooking as a method of stress relief. Unfortunately, that addiction does not come with portion or quantity controls, and she can't cook for less than 100 people!
Add to this, her older swiffering neighbor who she bought her half of the duplex from (and never managed to get the extra key back from), a rich aunt who guilts her over all sorts of things, a mother who is techno savvy (while Mina still plays vinyl and does not own a cell phone), a BFF who has a thing for men in uniform (married or not), and her own menagerie that includes a Cockatiel named Marie and a rather large cat (small mountain lion) named Vinnie who nearly talks. It makes for a rather hilarious tale of woe and misfortune and occasionally, murder. Read it if you dare, just remember that this comes with a SPEW ALERT...
Add to this, her older swiffering neighbor who she bought her half of the duplex from (and never managed to get the extra key back from), a rich aunt who guilts her over all sorts of things, a mother who is techno savvy (while Mina still plays vinyl and does not own a cell phone), a BFF who has a thing for men in uniform (married or not), and her own menagerie that includes a Cockatiel named Marie and a rather large cat (small mountain lion) named Vinnie who nearly talks. It makes for a rather hilarious tale of woe and misfortune and occasionally, murder. Read it if you dare, just remember that this comes with a SPEW ALERT...
December 1, 2014
This is the first book of the Mina Kitchen series and is a very good book to introduce the series. I wish that I had read this book first as it explains so many of the personality traits of the characters and the whys.
Mina and her coworkers are victims of boss How-weird and some cyber-conspiracy. We are introduced to neighbor Vito and his mob family connections and a mystery concerning some seniors and medication deliveries.
Family introductions include Aunt Muriel, Mom and sister and brother in law, all of whom contribute to Mina's crazy life. Pets are a huge part of Mina's life and those of her friends and family.
This is a delightful book filled with numerous quirky characters and exploits which make up Mina's life. There are numerous mysteries going on at once and great laughs!
Mina and her coworkers are victims of boss How-weird and some cyber-conspiracy. We are introduced to neighbor Vito and his mob family connections and a mystery concerning some seniors and medication deliveries.
Family introductions include Aunt Muriel, Mom and sister and brother in law, all of whom contribute to Mina's crazy life. Pets are a huge part of Mina's life and those of her friends and family.
This is a delightful book filled with numerous quirky characters and exploits which make up Mina's life. There are numerous mysteries going on at once and great laughs!
August 4, 2012
(Free Kindle download)
It's not perfect; it needs some editing. But I did have some fun with it, which is more than I can say for many of the free Kindle books that I've downloaded.
I don't quite understand why it's "kitchen" addiction--not much cooking. The "recipes" are more in the nature of slapping things together and being surprised that they are edible. And the characters eat more pizza than a human should consume.
I'm sad that Krumpfth's doesn't seem to be a real beer. :^)
Would I pay for it yet? No. But the characters are likeable, and I think there may be something here.
It's not perfect; it needs some editing. But I did have some fun with it, which is more than I can say for many of the free Kindle books that I've downloaded.
I don't quite understand why it's "kitchen" addiction--not much cooking. The "recipes" are more in the nature of slapping things together and being surprised that they are edible. And the characters eat more pizza than a human should consume.
I'm sad that Krumpfth's doesn't seem to be a real beer. :^)
Would I pay for it yet? No. But the characters are likeable, and I think there may be something here.
May 26, 2015
This was a silly, fun, and lighthearted mystery type book that felt as though I had written it myself. Mina talks to herself and thinks to herself much like most people do. It made her very relatable. Very few things ever seemed to go her way, but even the bad moments were comical. Her bright sense of humor helped make the book easy to read. It did feel a bit like it dragged on for a long time, and as others have mentioned in their reviews, there were a LOT of characters to keep straight. Overall, however, I enjoyed it and found it to be a rather fun read!
February 11, 2013
A surprisingly long read, compared to several of similar genres. The main protagonist is a cookaholic with a rag-tag bunch of friends. After problems at work (EEJIT) a lot of things roll along - computer hacking, drugs running, The Mob... but not as you would expect.
Yeah - I loved it, but thought I'd missed a crucial piece of the plot. Tweeting the author came back with a prompt reply. "I could tell you, but it would be a spoiler!"
Hurry up and finish book 2 :)
Yeah - I loved it, but thought I'd missed a crucial piece of the plot. Tweeting the author came back with a prompt reply. "I could tell you, but it would be a spoiler!"
Hurry up and finish book 2 :)
December 16, 2014
This story is cute but it just drags on and on and on. It says it is a mystery but the mystery solved about half-way through the book and I was still confused as to what exactly was happening. She could use a good editor and the recipes are not exactly my taste. The cat is the best part, but this girl is a trainwreck and nobody has this much going on in their life or they would die of overload of stress.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews