The Silent Server

by Estelle Richards

Seaside luxury. Culinary delights. Dark secrets. When one of her servers is attacked on the job, chef Bitsy Pendleton springs into action to track down the culprit. Every answer brings more questions. What was the server hiding? Who attacked him? And now, are they after Bitsy? Join Bitsy as she follows the clues and finds the secret of The Silent Server.

116 pages, Paperback

Published June 9, 2023

About the author

Estelle Richards writes cozy mystery, including the Lisa Chance Cozy Mysteries and the March Street Cozy Mysteries.

Find out more at https://www.estellerichards.com/

Reviews

[Julie Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I normally like my stories longer because you get to know the characters better (and there are usually more suspects too) but I actually enjoyed this quick read and think it is a good start to a new series. There is no murder but the author still packs a lot in, including three or four suspects. I loved the method the criminals used to pass on the payment and it was a good job I wasn't investigating the case because I never would have come up with the answer. The book is a culinary mystery and I liked the fact that the author didn't waste time giving you a list of ingredients or how to make it, the only mention of food played a part in solving the crime or brainstorming. The characters were likeable and I look forward to getting to know them better in the next book.
Bitsy is pleased to get her first catering job, even if it is only because the original caters pulled out and it does mean turning to her ex to staff the party. The job doesn't go smoothly the pudding is ruined and it's a scramble to make an alternative, then one of the wait staff is found unconscious in the kitchen and to top it all off the host accuses them of theft and refuses to pay. The week doesn't get any better when Bitsy apartment gets broken into. Are the things connected? The police aren't moving fast enough for Bitsy who doesn't feel safe in her own home and has employee to pay, so she sets out to find the answers herself.
I was given this free review copy book at my request and have voluntary left this review.

[Beach · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun read. This was my first, and definitely not my last, read by this author. The book pulled me in right from the start and kept me up into the early hours of the morning. The characters were engaging and believable; the writing was skillfully done; and the storyline and mystery were well thought out. Bitsy and Odette, childhood best friends and now co-owners of a catering business; childhood enemy Katrina McBride, now a detective with the San Diego Police; and Bitsy's aging hippie mom make this a thoroughly enjoyable read. This book is a complete story, and I will be looking forward to reading more of Bitsy's sleuthing skills in the upcoming books.

The author provided an ARC of this book, and I am freely sharing my opinion of it.

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Estelle Richards has written a new short but intriguing cozey mystery introducing a new series with two young woman up and coming chefs in their own business. The array of characters are colorful and quirky. The intrigue comes when a young man working as a server is knocked out during an event. Who could have done it and why someone having a bad week. This cozey is a light who done it that I know you'll enjoy. Acquire " The Silent Server " today so you yourself can enjoy it as much as I have. Kat

[Shelly Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Silent Server is the first installment of the
Bitty Pendleton mystery series written by Estelle Richards. The characters in this story were really like-able, relatable and I look forward to getting to know them better in the next book. The writing in this book was skillfully done. The storyline and plot were well thought out. This book is a complete story, and I will be looking forward to reading more of Bitsy's sleuthing skills in the upcoming books.

I received an advanced reader copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[JeanneK · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Silent Server by Estelle Richards was a delightful cozy mystery. The characters were quirky and charming. The author did a great job in creating and crafting the characters who fit perfectly with the plot. It has all the elements of a good mystery including, drama, danger, suspense, intrigue and twists and turns. I received an Advanced Reader Ebook Copy from the author and these opinions are strictly my own. I rated it a four.

[Jeanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Silent Server is book #1 in the Bitsy Pendleton Mysteries series by Estelle Richards.

Bitsy and her friend own a catering business. During a last minute job, one of their servers is attacked.

This was a fun, quick read. Perfect if you need a quick escape into a book. Likable characters and an interesting premise. I look forward to the next one.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great beginning to a new series! Bitsy and Odette have begun a new catering business and secured a wealthy client. When one of her servers is injured at the party, Bitsy digs in to find the culprit. Thoroughly amusing and well written! I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to learning more about these new characters. I received a complimentary copy of this book and chose to write a voluntary, unbiased review.

[Karla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this fun mystery. Great characters, Bitsy and Odette are a fun pair and quite creative. Odette is the chef of the pair while Bitsy does the talking and assisting. They catered a fancy dinner party for some questionable people. One of the waiters was injured at the party. Let the sleuthing begin.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[David Berg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free advance review copy of this book and am voluntarily providing my honest review. What a great start to a new series. Bitsy and Odette have a catering business and a job puts them in jeopardy. I really enjoyed this book and recommend it. I can't wait for the next book in this series.

[Lavender Jade · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enjoyable, fast-paced read with likeable characters and an intriguing mystery that is full of layers.

A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great quick read cozy mystery. Highly recommend for mystery lovers.

[Gwen · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting whodunit. Although short, this story gives a good introduction to the main characters and setting for this new series. I will definitely be watching for the next book.

[Asia Dejerinett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like a short intruiging story, I finished the book in 1 day. definitely kept you guessing.