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Biscuit Bowl Food Truck Mystery #1
Death on Eat Street
Zoe Chase always wanted to own her own restaurant—but first, she’ll have to serve up a heaping helping of meals on wheels, with a side of mystery…
When she’s once again passed over for a promotion at work, Zoe decides to take the big leap and go for her dream. She quits, gives up her fancy digs, and buys a fixer-upper diner in a shady part of town. To keep above water during the renovation, she buys a used food truck to serve the downtown and waterfront of Mobile, Alabama.
Zoe starts to dish out classic Southern food—but her specialty is her deep-fried biscuit bowls that blow traditional bread bowls away.
After a promising start, things start to go downhill faster than a food truck without brakes. First, someone tries to rob the cash register. Next, Zoe is threatened by the owner of a competing food truck for taking their spot. And when the owner ends up dead inside Zoe’s rolling restaurant, Zoe and her sole employee, Ollie, find themselves hopping out of the frying pan into the fryer. They need to find the real killer, before both of them get burned.
When she’s once again passed over for a promotion at work, Zoe decides to take the big leap and go for her dream. She quits, gives up her fancy digs, and buys a fixer-upper diner in a shady part of town. To keep above water during the renovation, she buys a used food truck to serve the downtown and waterfront of Mobile, Alabama.
Zoe starts to dish out classic Southern food—but her specialty is her deep-fried biscuit bowls that blow traditional bread bowls away.
After a promising start, things start to go downhill faster than a food truck without brakes. First, someone tries to rob the cash register. Next, Zoe is threatened by the owner of a competing food truck for taking their spot. And when the owner ends up dead inside Zoe’s rolling restaurant, Zoe and her sole employee, Ollie, find themselves hopping out of the frying pan into the fryer. They need to find the real killer, before both of them get burned.
295 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published April 1, 2014
26 people are currently reading
1432 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 167 reviews
June 25, 2025
One of the most enjoyable Culinary Cozies, yet, of 2014! Delightful setting in Mobile, Alabama. Splendid cast of 'misfit' characters with endearing traits of generosity of spirit and empathy for the underdogs. I admired Zoe Chase's courage and determination to succeed with her food truck business. I liked her cat, Creme Brûlée--he was tough, too! The story is filled with humor. There's a budding romance between Zoe and Miguel, her lawyer. Fairly early on in the story, I did suspect a certain character of being involved in the murder; but it took nothing away from the unfolding mystery, since the motive wasn't revealed until the end. I eagerly look forward to future books in the Biscuit Bowl Food Truck series!
October 18, 2018
A quick, easy read with likable characters and a good mystery. A solid 3.5*
March 9, 2014
This was great book! I enjoyed every minute of it. Zoe is a very likeable character with a crazy hilarious cat. I also enjoyed the food truck setting. Already looking forward to the next book!
January 16, 2016
Dollycas’s Thoughts
For a great cozy series to be a success you have to have great characters that readers can get comfortable with and invest themselves in. J.J. Cook has introduced us to some truly wonderful characters in this new series.
Zoe is a leading character readers will fall for quickly. Passed over time and time again for jobs that went to men, men she had trained, she chucks the easy paycheck and goes after her dream. She wants to open a restaurant and to make enough money for that she starts out with a food truck selling some awesome biscuit bowls with delicious fillings.
Her parents, who are divorced, think she has lost her mind. Her mom is a bit over the top but her dad seems to understand but won’t stand up to his ex-wife. This couple plus her Uncle Saul brings much of the comedy to this story.
Then there is Zoe’s boyfriend that soon becomes her ex-boyfriend who may be banking smart but is relationship stupid.
Her friend Ollie has her back and helps out with the food truck. He is a homeless man she met at a shelter where she donates any food not sold at the end of the day. There is much more to his story and we just scratch the surface in this installment.
To top things off there is Miguel, the lawyer that comes to Zoe’s rescue more than once and makes her heart rate increase. I can’t wait to see how this relationship progresses.
And I mustn’t forget Crème Brûlée, Zoe’s fabulous feline. He plays a key role!
Added to this characters is a fantastic mystery. As the body count rises Zoe does her best to try to sort out the clues and find the real killer.
J.J. Cook has cooked up a real winner with this series debut. I read it all in one serving, I mean sitting. I could not put it down!!
December 1, 2015
Food Van Experience
The first book in a new series and books by this author are easy and fun reads. Zoe Chase has made a major chance in her life quitting her job and buying an old dinner and food van to the dismay of her parents and boyfriend. She call her van Biscuit Bowl and it sports a thrilling Biscuit on top. Zoe has a problem with a neighboring food van and He is later found dead in the front of her van. I found the characters well developed and interesting. I question if the subject had been research as there are inaccuracies in places.
The first book in a new series and books by this author are easy and fun reads. Zoe Chase has made a major chance in her life quitting her job and buying an old dinner and food van to the dismay of her parents and boyfriend. She call her van Biscuit Bowl and it sports a thrilling Biscuit on top. Zoe has a problem with a neighboring food van and He is later found dead in the front of her van. I found the characters well developed and interesting. I question if the subject had been research as there are inaccuracies in places.
August 31, 2015
Really enjoyed this book. I sat the book down half way through and couldn't find the book and for 3 days I was so lost, wanting to know what was going to happen in the story, if I would ever know. Finally I found the book again, finished it up and was completely satisfied.
Excellent author. Loved the unique story line of a lady who gives up everything to follow her dream of having a Food Truck/restaurant. You cant see it on the front of the cover but she has a biscuit that turns constantly on top of the food van and I just thought that was so cute. The murder mystery was a great one.
Would love to read book 2!!
Excellent author. Loved the unique story line of a lady who gives up everything to follow her dream of having a Food Truck/restaurant. You cant see it on the front of the cover but she has a biscuit that turns constantly on top of the food van and I just thought that was so cute. The murder mystery was a great one.
Would love to read book 2!!
January 17, 2015
I'm in the minority here, but I didn't love this book. Zoe was trying too hard to justify her sleuthing. Also in the try-hard category was the shoehorning in of the various sidekicks, esp. Delia.
I'll give the series another chance, but I'm not sold yet.
I'll give the series another chance, but I'm not sold yet.
November 15, 2021
First thing I have to say about this book is how much I love the cover. Most cozy mystery covers are cute and bright so this one really stands out. Plus a food truck mystery? I'm sold!
Death On Eat Street started off with pretty well. The murder happens fairly quickly which is a plus and bonus points for the dead body being found in a food truck. I also liked some of the supporting characters.
My enjoyment began to dwindle about a third of the way through. Too much time was spent on unimportant details. It was too slow and the book felt longer than it is and there was a lot of repetition.
There wasn't much investigation or sleuthing. Some repeated incidents and the reaction to them were unrealistic and over the top. I wish I could have enjoyed it more as the overall spirit of the book was kind. I just didn't enjoy my time enough.
2.5 stars
Death On Eat Street started off with pretty well. The murder happens fairly quickly which is a plus and bonus points for the dead body being found in a food truck. I also liked some of the supporting characters.
My enjoyment began to dwindle about a third of the way through. Too much time was spent on unimportant details. It was too slow and the book felt longer than it is and there was a lot of repetition.
There wasn't much investigation or sleuthing. Some repeated incidents and the reaction to them were unrealistic and over the top. I wish I could have enjoyed it more as the overall spirit of the book was kind. I just didn't enjoy my time enough.
2.5 stars
August 28, 2022
This is one of those books that I kept getting frustrated when I was interrupted. I did not want to put the book down, I did not want the story to end. I love cozies where the main character is starting over & who doesn't love a food truck?! I loved the way the guys from the shelter rallied around Zoe when needed. I love the relationship that is forming with Ollie, and I cannot wait to see what blooms out of the relationship between Zoe & Miguel. I am bummed that this is a shorter series, but I am looking forward to getting and reading book 2.
April 29, 2023
Fun first in a new series
This is the first book I've read in this series and I really liked it.
Zoe is a great character, she's determined to do what she loves, cooking for others, even if her well to do parents don't approve.
Opening her food truck is the fastest way she can think of to make money to finish renovating her diner, but it soon becomes deadly when Zoe finds herself involved in a murder investigation.
I was taken by surprise when the perpetrator was revealed, I had no idea who it was.
I'm looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
This is the first book I've read in this series and I really liked it.
Zoe is a great character, she's determined to do what she loves, cooking for others, even if her well to do parents don't approve.
Opening her food truck is the fastest way she can think of to make money to finish renovating her diner, but it soon becomes deadly when Zoe finds herself involved in a murder investigation.
I was taken by surprise when the perpetrator was revealed, I had no idea who it was.
I'm looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
September 9, 2019
The mystery is good, but her family are just about the most awful people ever. Imagine trying to kidnap your child simply because you don't like the choices she is making! I'd love for lightning to strike both her parents and her ex. Otherwise, an enjoyable book!
September 16, 2018
Very good first entry in the series. I liked Zoe and admired how she went after her dream of owning a restaurant even when everyone in her life thought she was crazy. The mystery was good and while I wouldn’t say I solved it (or even really had a main suspect) the person I had suspicions about was guilty. Good setting, fun characters and the food sounds good, I’ll be back for more!
April 9, 2014
After losing out on a promotion at the bank where she has been a senior loan officer, Zoe Chase quits. She always wanted her own restaurant, so she follows her dreams and buys a run down diner and food truck. The area isn’t in the safest location, but it’s all hers. Zoe is filled with excitement and hope for a bright future. However, her wealthy parents and her fiancé, Tommy Lee, aren’t impressed and think she’s lost her mind. She realizes she and Tommy Lee have different outlooks for the future and she breaks things off. It’s an easy decision, especially after she sees him kissing another woman.
As her parents and Tommy Lee do everything to convince Zoe to change her mind, she puts her heart into making her food truck and diner a success. Her specialty dish is her biscuit bowls and they are a huge success. Her future looks bright until she discovers a dead body in her food truck. To make matters worse, the body belongs to one of her food truck competitors who she happened to recently fought. Of course the police immediately suspect Zoe of the murder, giving her parents another reason to get her out of the restaurant business.
Things continue to go downhill for Zoe when her truck is broken into and she receives threats. Adding to her misery is someone thinks the dead man gave something valuable to Zoe. She has no idea what this is all about but things are heating up and not in a good way. With the help of some friends and her cat, Crème Brulee, Zoe finds her dreams of running a restaurant may come to an end before they even start.
J.J. Cook is fast becoming one of my favorite cozy mystery authors. This is another brand new series and I loved it from page one. Zoe is a fun, lively character. She has a lot of energy and a huge heart to match. She can easily become a beloved character as the series continues. There’s a potential romance in the air with attorney, Miguel Alexander. I’m looking forward to seeing how their relationship develops.
Zoe’s parents and ex-fiance were a bit annoying at times and treated her like she was ten years old but she stood up to them and held her own against them. There is a diverse array of supporting characters that I’m looking forward to reading about again. Of course my favorite, next to Zoe, was her heroic cat, Crème Brulee. What a great name for a cat!
The mystery moved along at a good pace, although I must admit I did suspect the culprit rather early. However, there were so many twists or turns along the way, I wasn’t really sure. I enjoyed this one and will definitely have my open for the next release.
FTC Disclosure: The publisher provided me with a copy of this book to review for this blog tour. This did not influence my thoughts and opinions in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
As her parents and Tommy Lee do everything to convince Zoe to change her mind, she puts her heart into making her food truck and diner a success. Her specialty dish is her biscuit bowls and they are a huge success. Her future looks bright until she discovers a dead body in her food truck. To make matters worse, the body belongs to one of her food truck competitors who she happened to recently fought. Of course the police immediately suspect Zoe of the murder, giving her parents another reason to get her out of the restaurant business.
Things continue to go downhill for Zoe when her truck is broken into and she receives threats. Adding to her misery is someone thinks the dead man gave something valuable to Zoe. She has no idea what this is all about but things are heating up and not in a good way. With the help of some friends and her cat, Crème Brulee, Zoe finds her dreams of running a restaurant may come to an end before they even start.
J.J. Cook is fast becoming one of my favorite cozy mystery authors. This is another brand new series and I loved it from page one. Zoe is a fun, lively character. She has a lot of energy and a huge heart to match. She can easily become a beloved character as the series continues. There’s a potential romance in the air with attorney, Miguel Alexander. I’m looking forward to seeing how their relationship develops.
Zoe’s parents and ex-fiance were a bit annoying at times and treated her like she was ten years old but she stood up to them and held her own against them. There is a diverse array of supporting characters that I’m looking forward to reading about again. Of course my favorite, next to Zoe, was her heroic cat, Crème Brulee. What a great name for a cat!
The mystery moved along at a good pace, although I must admit I did suspect the culprit rather early. However, there were so many twists or turns along the way, I wasn’t really sure. I enjoyed this one and will definitely have my open for the next release.
FTC Disclosure: The publisher provided me with a copy of this book to review for this blog tour. This did not influence my thoughts and opinions in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
November 19, 2016
Zoe Chase has finally decided that being a banker just isn't what she really wants to do with her life. She goes against her families wishes and expectations by cashing in her 401k and buying a dilapidated diner and food truck. Her passion is cooking for people and she's determined to be successful. The diner needs major renovations so Zoe is starting her business out of the food truck. She makes and sells sweet and savory biscuit bowls - which sound absolutely scrumptious!! Business is competitive and not always lucrative. Doesn't make it easier when she discovers a dead body or two, deals with overbearing parents and a horrible boyfriend, and somehow manages to get involved with a stolen Thomas Jefferson recipe.
I'm sad to say that this book has been on my shelf for quite some time. I'm so glad I finally pulled it out to read because it is a fun new series to start. The characters are fantastic and come from various backgrounds. Zoe comes from a prominent family who really can't fathom why she would want to operate a food truck. They try to control every aspect of her life. It will be interesting to follow the series and watch Zoe gain more confidence and independence. Zoe's diner and food truck headquarters is located near a homeless shelter. She has befriended several of the people from there and often donates her leftover food to them. Miguel, the love interest, is guarded, but for a good reason. The chemistry between him and Zoe is definitely there and I look forward to watching it slowly develop. Chef Art is the epitome of any celebrity chef. I enjoyed his character and wouldn't be surprised if he makes more appearances in the series. Everyone needs an Uncle Saul. Someone who lives by his own rules and is completely happy being his own self. I really hope Zoe visits him and his albino alligator in the swamp. The star of the book is clearly Creme Brûlée, Zoe's temperamental cat who shows affection by hissing and biting people. The mystery really kept me stumped until the very end. Loved the concept and enjoyed piecing together the clues. The food descriptions sounded wonderful. Food trucks are pretty big around Austin so it's fun seeing a culinary cozy have this unique setting. I can't believe that I never realized the JJ Cook was a pen name for Jim and Joyce Lavene. I've enjoyed several of their series and I'm happy to now add this one to the list. I have the next few books already on my bookshelf and look forward to reading them soon!!
I'm sad to say that this book has been on my shelf for quite some time. I'm so glad I finally pulled it out to read because it is a fun new series to start. The characters are fantastic and come from various backgrounds. Zoe comes from a prominent family who really can't fathom why she would want to operate a food truck. They try to control every aspect of her life. It will be interesting to follow the series and watch Zoe gain more confidence and independence. Zoe's diner and food truck headquarters is located near a homeless shelter. She has befriended several of the people from there and often donates her leftover food to them. Miguel, the love interest, is guarded, but for a good reason. The chemistry between him and Zoe is definitely there and I look forward to watching it slowly develop. Chef Art is the epitome of any celebrity chef. I enjoyed his character and wouldn't be surprised if he makes more appearances in the series. Everyone needs an Uncle Saul. Someone who lives by his own rules and is completely happy being his own self. I really hope Zoe visits him and his albino alligator in the swamp. The star of the book is clearly Creme Brûlée, Zoe's temperamental cat who shows affection by hissing and biting people. The mystery really kept me stumped until the very end. Loved the concept and enjoyed piecing together the clues. The food descriptions sounded wonderful. Food trucks are pretty big around Austin so it's fun seeing a culinary cozy have this unique setting. I can't believe that I never realized the JJ Cook was a pen name for Jim and Joyce Lavene. I've enjoyed several of their series and I'm happy to now add this one to the list. I have the next few books already on my bookshelf and look forward to reading them soon!!
August 3, 2016
DEATH ON EAT STREET is a tantalizing start to a new culinary cozy mystery series from J.J. Cook. I was drawn in by the unique food truck setting, and it was exciting to see how this mystery on wheels played out.
The owner of Mobile's latest food truck is Zoe Chase, and her specialty is deep fried biscuit bowls filled with savory or sweet treats. Zoe spent years in the banking business, but she gave it all up to follow her dream of opening a restaurant, which irritated her affluent parents to no end. It doesn't help that the dilapidated restaurant she bought is in the wrong part of town, or that she has to depend on food truck sales to pay for the renovation. On top of that, poor Zoe finds a dead body in the front seat of her truck on her first day out. Zoe's new life is not off to a good start.
I enjoyed everything about this book. The murder mystery was well-crafted, and I was so intrigued to learn who and especially what was behind the victim's death. Very clever. I also thought the characters were wonderful. I felt like I really got to know Zoe, Ollie, and the rest of the colorful cast. Zoe was so likable, and I thought she was brave to take a chance on her dream and not give up when things got crazy. Go, Zoe! I have a sweet spot for Miguel Alexander, the defense lawyer who comes to Zoe's aid. He's smart, handsome, and strong, but he has a hidden vulnerable side caused by a tragedy in his past. There was a spark of something between Zoe and Miguel, but it's going to take a while to grow.
In addition to a great mystery and cast of characters, DEATH ON EAT STREET includes yummy Biscuit Bowl-inspired recipes. This is the first book by J.J. Cook I've read (a.k.a. Joyce and Jim Lavene), and I can't wait to read more.
Source: Review copy from the publisher
The owner of Mobile's latest food truck is Zoe Chase, and her specialty is deep fried biscuit bowls filled with savory or sweet treats. Zoe spent years in the banking business, but she gave it all up to follow her dream of opening a restaurant, which irritated her affluent parents to no end. It doesn't help that the dilapidated restaurant she bought is in the wrong part of town, or that she has to depend on food truck sales to pay for the renovation. On top of that, poor Zoe finds a dead body in the front seat of her truck on her first day out. Zoe's new life is not off to a good start.
I enjoyed everything about this book. The murder mystery was well-crafted, and I was so intrigued to learn who and especially what was behind the victim's death. Very clever. I also thought the characters were wonderful. I felt like I really got to know Zoe, Ollie, and the rest of the colorful cast. Zoe was so likable, and I thought she was brave to take a chance on her dream and not give up when things got crazy. Go, Zoe! I have a sweet spot for Miguel Alexander, the defense lawyer who comes to Zoe's aid. He's smart, handsome, and strong, but he has a hidden vulnerable side caused by a tragedy in his past. There was a spark of something between Zoe and Miguel, but it's going to take a while to grow.
In addition to a great mystery and cast of characters, DEATH ON EAT STREET includes yummy Biscuit Bowl-inspired recipes. This is the first book by J.J. Cook I've read (a.k.a. Joyce and Jim Lavene), and I can't wait to read more.
Source: Review copy from the publisher
May 20, 2015
This was a fun fast paced mystery with lots of action, a tantalizing possible love interest and some unusual and great characters. The idea of a food truck with a spinning biscuit on top had me smiling. Zoe, the main character, parents were typical WASPS but I have the feeling that they will be mellowing out as this series continues. I did not guess the culprit until the reveal. A great cozy.
January 29, 2016
A cute start to a new cozy mystery series that I will be reading!
Zoe was an interesting main character, however she was at times very stuck up and snobby. I would of loved it if the novel started off with Zoe quitting her job, instead of a few months later.
Zoe was an interesting main character, however she was at times very stuck up and snobby. I would of loved it if the novel started off with Zoe quitting her job, instead of a few months later.
December 10, 2019
Death on Eat Street #1 Biscuit Bowl Food Truck Mystery
She has her food truck and a building to have her cafe if she can get it going. Right now she makes biscuits and her fillings and goes out to try and sell. She has not found the best place to sell, yet. When a competitor shows up and causes her problems and then is found dead in her truck. She is first thought to be the murderer, but when her businesses are frequently searched and nothing is found, she helps two others get better jobs (with her) and the police to find the missing item.
This took me some time to read because I spend too much time driving and this was not available as an audiobook from the library. I would read a little at a time as I was able to obtain the book.
She has her food truck and a building to have her cafe if she can get it going. Right now she makes biscuits and her fillings and goes out to try and sell. She has not found the best place to sell, yet. When a competitor shows up and causes her problems and then is found dead in her truck. She is first thought to be the murderer, but when her businesses are frequently searched and nothing is found, she helps two others get better jobs (with her) and the police to find the missing item.
This took me some time to read because I spend too much time driving and this was not available as an audiobook from the library. I would read a little at a time as I was able to obtain the book.
July 6, 2018
This writing team turns out such a rolicking narrative that I can overlook slight disconnects, possibly a result of two writers, or perhaps just from writers so eager to tell good stories that they don't let a little discontinuity get in the way.
December 30, 2019
An enjoyable read. The characters are a good mix of likable, tolerable and "you need to be eliminated". And while I had part of the mystery figured out, the ending was a shocker on multiple fronts. I will read the other entries in the series at some point.
July 1, 2017
A good start to the series. The mystery was nicely complicated with an ending that surprised me.
April 4, 2014
J.J. Cook aka. Jim and Joyce Lavene brings readers the first book in a new series featuring a food truck. Death on Eat Street is the first book in the Biscuit Bowl Food Truck Mystery series. Readers are treated to an eclectic cast of characters and a great new cozy heroine, in Zoe Chase. J.J. Cook shows readers how it's done by giving them a well thought out mystery that will have them on the edge of their seats, while setting up the new series and introducing all the characters. A great new book from a couple of trusted authors in the cozy genre.
What I liked:
J.J. Cook is a pseudonym for authors Jim and Joyce Lavene. The Lavenes are authors who cozy lovers have come to know well with several series' to their credit including one other under the J.J. Cook name. Some of my favorite cozies have come from their pens and I think the idea of this series is original and interesting. Food has become more and more popular of late with the advent of the Food Network and other cooking related shows. People who may never have heard of a food truck before have heard about them now and I thought the idea for this series was current and refreshing.
Zoe Chase the heroine of the series is a girl after my own heart. After years in a lack luster career as a banker, she throws caution to the wind and takes a chance on her dreams. She buys a run down restaurant and plans to use the proceeds from her food truck business to help with the renovations and get her up and going. I loved the fact that J.J. Cook gave this protagonist goals and ambition. Zoe knows what she wants and what it's going to take to get it. She wants to prove to her family and friends that she knows what shes doing. I liked her chutzpah and her ingenuity. A great new cozy protagonist.
But Zoe isn't the only new kid on the block. The cast of characters that J.J. Cook has created for this series range from Zoe's more affluent family to her partner in crime Ollie, who helps her run the truck. Sometimes in the first book in a series, the author spends more time on the set up than on the story itself. I thought Cook did a great job of balancing all the aspects of the story, while still introducing readers to some great characters they are sure to want to read about again. I even loved the kitty, with the cool name, Creme Brulee... very culinary!
The mystery itself, was full of surprises. When one of the other food truck owners ends up dead in the front seat of Zoe's truck after a very public argument with her, she becomes suspect number one. I found the mystery part of the book to be well written. There were plenty of suspects and when the motive becomes a little more clear, everything starts to fall into place. I thought the motive was interesting and very unique and the killer was not easy to pinpoint. Cook goes to great links to throw the reader off and in the end it pays off.
What I didn't like:
This was a very good first book in a series. I can't say that there was too much I didn't like, though I was perhaps not overly enthusiastic. I want to know more about the characters and thought the recipes sounded amazing, but it lacked a little zip. I think the pacing was off just a bit. Nothing too serious and still a good read.
Bottom Line:
Another good book from J.J. Cook. Cook introduces an interesting set of characters for this new series and a great culinary point of view. I look forward to reading more about Zoe and her friends and finding out what might happen with that very handsome defense attorney.
What I liked:
J.J. Cook is a pseudonym for authors Jim and Joyce Lavene. The Lavenes are authors who cozy lovers have come to know well with several series' to their credit including one other under the J.J. Cook name. Some of my favorite cozies have come from their pens and I think the idea of this series is original and interesting. Food has become more and more popular of late with the advent of the Food Network and other cooking related shows. People who may never have heard of a food truck before have heard about them now and I thought the idea for this series was current and refreshing.
Zoe Chase the heroine of the series is a girl after my own heart. After years in a lack luster career as a banker, she throws caution to the wind and takes a chance on her dreams. She buys a run down restaurant and plans to use the proceeds from her food truck business to help with the renovations and get her up and going. I loved the fact that J.J. Cook gave this protagonist goals and ambition. Zoe knows what she wants and what it's going to take to get it. She wants to prove to her family and friends that she knows what shes doing. I liked her chutzpah and her ingenuity. A great new cozy protagonist.
But Zoe isn't the only new kid on the block. The cast of characters that J.J. Cook has created for this series range from Zoe's more affluent family to her partner in crime Ollie, who helps her run the truck. Sometimes in the first book in a series, the author spends more time on the set up than on the story itself. I thought Cook did a great job of balancing all the aspects of the story, while still introducing readers to some great characters they are sure to want to read about again. I even loved the kitty, with the cool name, Creme Brulee... very culinary!
The mystery itself, was full of surprises. When one of the other food truck owners ends up dead in the front seat of Zoe's truck after a very public argument with her, she becomes suspect number one. I found the mystery part of the book to be well written. There were plenty of suspects and when the motive becomes a little more clear, everything starts to fall into place. I thought the motive was interesting and very unique and the killer was not easy to pinpoint. Cook goes to great links to throw the reader off and in the end it pays off.
What I didn't like:
This was a very good first book in a series. I can't say that there was too much I didn't like, though I was perhaps not overly enthusiastic. I want to know more about the characters and thought the recipes sounded amazing, but it lacked a little zip. I think the pacing was off just a bit. Nothing too serious and still a good read.
Bottom Line:
Another good book from J.J. Cook. Cook introduces an interesting set of characters for this new series and a great culinary point of view. I look forward to reading more about Zoe and her friends and finding out what might happen with that very handsome defense attorney.
April 2, 2014
http://openbooksociety.com/article/de...
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie
A bad day has to get better, right? Not for Zoe, whose day went from bad to worse when she became a murder suspect in the untimely death of a rival food truck driver. The only suspect, in fact.
Okay, I never thought that driving and selling fast, tasty meals from a food truck would be a terribly dangerous job. And Zoe’s menu is unique – biscuit bowls that would be the envy of every southern cook, brimming with a variety of special, delectable fillings. The only danger I could think of is that I would start to look like a food truck after a few weeks of taste-testing new fillings!
However, at the end of a long, unprofitable day in which Zoe had a loud disagreement with the driver of a rival food truck, Zoe picked up her plump Persian puss, Creme Brulee, from her special on-board basket and found … the unsavory competitor, Terry from Terry’s Tacky Tacos in the driver’s seat. Of her truck. Dead.
From her soon-to-be ex-boyfriend, Tommy Lee, to her mother who is campaigning to be a judge, Zoe’s attorney Miguel Alexander, her newest employee and friend, Delia, Detective Patti, and her friends from the nearby shelter, there is no shortage of opinions on whodunit and what she should do next. Zoe, however, just wants to clear her name and get her biscuit mobile back on the road.
Can’t get worse, can it? Oh, yeah. Her business venture begins to turn even more deadly with threats, break-ins, kidnappings, and gunshots. It seems that everybody thinks that Zoe now has what Taco Terry was supposed to have on him when he was murdered. A stolen, hand-written recipe that Thomas Jefferson wrote out personally and brought back from France for Creme Brulee. Seriously? The only Creme Brulee that Zoe knows is her pampered puss.
As she mulls over the possible players and suspects, Zoe experiments with new recipes for her biscuit bowls, and her business multiplies overnight. She’ll be able to open the doors of her restaurant soon if business continues to boom. If she is able to stay out of jail. And if she and her friends live.
This first Biscuit Bowl Food Truck Mystery is at times witty, surprising, and sweet. It is also about sorting through deceit and hair-raising danger. Death on Eat Street is also about working toward the career of one’s dreams and the value of friends and family.
Zoe is amazing, an intuitive young lady who could have almost any career her parents could school her for, yet she is strong enough to pursue her own dreams. I admire her creativity and perseverance. Zoe’s Uncle Saul and her new friends are an eclectic, likable mix of folks who have little to give except their friendship, loyalty and help. Creme Brulee (the cat, not the recipe) is all feisty feline, using her cat-sonality to the max to help identify the good guys and fend off the bad guys.
The novel wouldn’t be complete without Zoe’s biscuit recipes. Since my attempt to prepare much of anything in a kitchen would be a crime in itself, I haven’t tried them, but those of you who aren’t kitchen challenged will enjoy them.
I highly recommend this delightful cozy to anyone who enjoys cooking, mystery, and a touch of romance and whimsy. It could be enjoyed by teens and adults of any age, and I, for one, am looking forward to the next book in the series. Zoe and Creme Brulee are a hit!!
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie
A bad day has to get better, right? Not for Zoe, whose day went from bad to worse when she became a murder suspect in the untimely death of a rival food truck driver. The only suspect, in fact.
Okay, I never thought that driving and selling fast, tasty meals from a food truck would be a terribly dangerous job. And Zoe’s menu is unique – biscuit bowls that would be the envy of every southern cook, brimming with a variety of special, delectable fillings. The only danger I could think of is that I would start to look like a food truck after a few weeks of taste-testing new fillings!
However, at the end of a long, unprofitable day in which Zoe had a loud disagreement with the driver of a rival food truck, Zoe picked up her plump Persian puss, Creme Brulee, from her special on-board basket and found … the unsavory competitor, Terry from Terry’s Tacky Tacos in the driver’s seat. Of her truck. Dead.
From her soon-to-be ex-boyfriend, Tommy Lee, to her mother who is campaigning to be a judge, Zoe’s attorney Miguel Alexander, her newest employee and friend, Delia, Detective Patti, and her friends from the nearby shelter, there is no shortage of opinions on whodunit and what she should do next. Zoe, however, just wants to clear her name and get her biscuit mobile back on the road.
Can’t get worse, can it? Oh, yeah. Her business venture begins to turn even more deadly with threats, break-ins, kidnappings, and gunshots. It seems that everybody thinks that Zoe now has what Taco Terry was supposed to have on him when he was murdered. A stolen, hand-written recipe that Thomas Jefferson wrote out personally and brought back from France for Creme Brulee. Seriously? The only Creme Brulee that Zoe knows is her pampered puss.
As she mulls over the possible players and suspects, Zoe experiments with new recipes for her biscuit bowls, and her business multiplies overnight. She’ll be able to open the doors of her restaurant soon if business continues to boom. If she is able to stay out of jail. And if she and her friends live.
This first Biscuit Bowl Food Truck Mystery is at times witty, surprising, and sweet. It is also about sorting through deceit and hair-raising danger. Death on Eat Street is also about working toward the career of one’s dreams and the value of friends and family.
Zoe is amazing, an intuitive young lady who could have almost any career her parents could school her for, yet she is strong enough to pursue her own dreams. I admire her creativity and perseverance. Zoe’s Uncle Saul and her new friends are an eclectic, likable mix of folks who have little to give except their friendship, loyalty and help. Creme Brulee (the cat, not the recipe) is all feisty feline, using her cat-sonality to the max to help identify the good guys and fend off the bad guys.
The novel wouldn’t be complete without Zoe’s biscuit recipes. Since my attempt to prepare much of anything in a kitchen would be a crime in itself, I haven’t tried them, but those of you who aren’t kitchen challenged will enjoy them.
I highly recommend this delightful cozy to anyone who enjoys cooking, mystery, and a touch of romance and whimsy. It could be enjoyed by teens and adults of any age, and I, for one, am looking forward to the next book in the series. Zoe and Creme Brulee are a hit!!
July 7, 2015
3.5/5
Man oh man, do I love cozy mysteries. It’s one of my favorite genres that I don’t get to read often enough, so I was thrilled to read Death on Eat Street, the first in the new “Biscuit Bowl Food Truck” mystery series.
The story centers around Zoe Chase, an Alabama girl and former banker turned diner owner. When she buys an old run down diner in the sketchier side of town, she starts a food truck company to try and make some money while renovating the diner and trying to get it open. She serves her own special deep fried biscuit bowls from her truck, along with her friend Ollie, from the homeless shelter down the street. Business finally starts picking up and things are going great until a competing food truck driver (from Tacky Tacos) winds up dead in HER food truck. Now there are all sorts of people after Zoe, accusing her of stealing something very valuable, and starting to turn violent. Already battling with her snobby family who are disapproving of her new business endeavor, Zoe must rely on her new friends and cute lawyer to help her track down the real killer before she gets hurt.
This was a really fun and fast paced mystery centering on two of my favorite things: food and the South! I love all cozy mysteries, but as a foodie, I was particularly drawn to this one for its story line and Southern setting. The cast is unique and varied, from Zoe’s swamp-living Uncle Saul, to her down on his luck but intriguing (not to mention CUTE) lawyer, to her conniving, snobby ex-boyfriend Tommy Lee; this book has quite a colorful cast! I grew to really like the characters and was really rooting Zoe on, hoping her new business would flourish, despite the protestations from her family. I liked that she stuck to her guns and followed her dreams, even when they didn’t align with her family’s vision and dreams for her.
This story also had so many twists and turns, with nearly every single chapter ending on a cliffhanger, which really kept me turning the pages. I was constantly racing to find out what drama would happen next.
I have a couple of minor complaints, one being the constant cliffhangers, even though I enjoyed them a lot too. I felt like there was just SO much action that I didn’t see quite as much character development in Zoe that I would have liked. I really liked her as a character, but would have really enjoyed getting an even better glimpse of who she really was. Maybe this will happen in subsequent books? One other little thing was that I would have liked to see was a bit more Southern-ness, if that makes any sense. I knew it was set in the South, but aside from the Southern cooking and some elaborate homes, I didn’t get quite the Southern feel I was hoping for… y’all.
All in all though, I thought this book was a lot of fun. I am really looking forward to future books in this fresh new series!
Note: I received a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Man oh man, do I love cozy mysteries. It’s one of my favorite genres that I don’t get to read often enough, so I was thrilled to read Death on Eat Street, the first in the new “Biscuit Bowl Food Truck” mystery series.
The story centers around Zoe Chase, an Alabama girl and former banker turned diner owner. When she buys an old run down diner in the sketchier side of town, she starts a food truck company to try and make some money while renovating the diner and trying to get it open. She serves her own special deep fried biscuit bowls from her truck, along with her friend Ollie, from the homeless shelter down the street. Business finally starts picking up and things are going great until a competing food truck driver (from Tacky Tacos) winds up dead in HER food truck. Now there are all sorts of people after Zoe, accusing her of stealing something very valuable, and starting to turn violent. Already battling with her snobby family who are disapproving of her new business endeavor, Zoe must rely on her new friends and cute lawyer to help her track down the real killer before she gets hurt.
This was a really fun and fast paced mystery centering on two of my favorite things: food and the South! I love all cozy mysteries, but as a foodie, I was particularly drawn to this one for its story line and Southern setting. The cast is unique and varied, from Zoe’s swamp-living Uncle Saul, to her down on his luck but intriguing (not to mention CUTE) lawyer, to her conniving, snobby ex-boyfriend Tommy Lee; this book has quite a colorful cast! I grew to really like the characters and was really rooting Zoe on, hoping her new business would flourish, despite the protestations from her family. I liked that she stuck to her guns and followed her dreams, even when they didn’t align with her family’s vision and dreams for her.
This story also had so many twists and turns, with nearly every single chapter ending on a cliffhanger, which really kept me turning the pages. I was constantly racing to find out what drama would happen next.
I have a couple of minor complaints, one being the constant cliffhangers, even though I enjoyed them a lot too. I felt like there was just SO much action that I didn’t see quite as much character development in Zoe that I would have liked. I really liked her as a character, but would have really enjoyed getting an even better glimpse of who she really was. Maybe this will happen in subsequent books? One other little thing was that I would have liked to see was a bit more Southern-ness, if that makes any sense. I knew it was set in the South, but aside from the Southern cooking and some elaborate homes, I didn’t get quite the Southern feel I was hoping for… y’all.
All in all though, I thought this book was a lot of fun. I am really looking forward to future books in this fresh new series!
Note: I received a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
March 20, 2014
Death On Eat Street is the first book in the A Biscuit Bowl Food Truck Mystery series from this great story telling duo.
A fun new series with a cast of enjoyable, fun characters.
Zoe Chase has always dreamed of owning her own restaurant. So after being passed up for a promotion at her bank job, she quits and gets a restaurant is in a less than desirable section of Mobile. Her parents, her mother, an affluent lawyer and her father a president of a bank, are dead set her venture. Since Zoe doesn't have enough funds to bring it up to code, she gets her Uncle Saul's food truck and is ready to hit the streets selling her specialty, Biscuit Bowls, hoping to generate enough revenue to finish updating her restaurant. Her few days are hardly what she was hoping for and rather than throw the unsold food away, she donates it to a homeless shelter down the street. One evening after dropping off the food to the shelter and to Delia, a waitress in the area, Zoe is readying the food truck for the next day, when she finds the body of Terry of Terry's Tacky Taco's food truck in the seat of her truck, dead from a gunshot wound. Her screams bring Ollie, a resident at the shelter comes to see what is wrong. Once the police are near, Ollie tells Zoe that he will contact his lawyer for her and leaves. Soon Miguel Alexander is representing Zoe. Soon business is picking up for her and she gets Ollie and Delia to help her prepare the food and with sales. Soon there is a break in at the restaurant and then an attempted armed robbery of the food truck. The robber wants whatever Terry had given Zoe, which was nothing. Soon it is learned that a very valuable recipe has been stolen and is reputed to be in Mobile area.
Zoe is off, using Delia and Ollie to man the truck and with help of her Uncle Saul to gain access to the behind the scenes activities of some of restaurants and antique shops, to search for the valuable recipe.
This book has interesting and am looking forward to reading more about Delia and Ollie in future books. Ollie is an especially interesting character and will be waiting to learn more of his past history. Also will wanting to learn if there will be maybe a little romantic interest for Miguel and Zoe in the future. And for the animal lovers there is Zoe cat Crème Brulee who seems to show her affection be giving people a quick nip.
Delicious recipes included in the book.
Looking forward to the next book.
A fun new series with a cast of enjoyable, fun characters.
Zoe Chase has always dreamed of owning her own restaurant. So after being passed up for a promotion at her bank job, she quits and gets a restaurant is in a less than desirable section of Mobile. Her parents, her mother, an affluent lawyer and her father a president of a bank, are dead set her venture. Since Zoe doesn't have enough funds to bring it up to code, she gets her Uncle Saul's food truck and is ready to hit the streets selling her specialty, Biscuit Bowls, hoping to generate enough revenue to finish updating her restaurant. Her few days are hardly what she was hoping for and rather than throw the unsold food away, she donates it to a homeless shelter down the street. One evening after dropping off the food to the shelter and to Delia, a waitress in the area, Zoe is readying the food truck for the next day, when she finds the body of Terry of Terry's Tacky Taco's food truck in the seat of her truck, dead from a gunshot wound. Her screams bring Ollie, a resident at the shelter comes to see what is wrong. Once the police are near, Ollie tells Zoe that he will contact his lawyer for her and leaves. Soon Miguel Alexander is representing Zoe. Soon business is picking up for her and she gets Ollie and Delia to help her prepare the food and with sales. Soon there is a break in at the restaurant and then an attempted armed robbery of the food truck. The robber wants whatever Terry had given Zoe, which was nothing. Soon it is learned that a very valuable recipe has been stolen and is reputed to be in Mobile area.
Zoe is off, using Delia and Ollie to man the truck and with help of her Uncle Saul to gain access to the behind the scenes activities of some of restaurants and antique shops, to search for the valuable recipe.
This book has interesting and am looking forward to reading more about Delia and Ollie in future books. Ollie is an especially interesting character and will be waiting to learn more of his past history. Also will wanting to learn if there will be maybe a little romantic interest for Miguel and Zoe in the future. And for the animal lovers there is Zoe cat Crème Brulee who seems to show her affection be giving people a quick nip.
Delicious recipes included in the book.
Looking forward to the next book.
June 18, 2014
Death on Eat Street
Author: J.J. Cook
Copyright: April 2014
Publisher: Berkeley Prime Crime
Zoe Chase always wanted to own her own restaurant—but first, she’ll have to serve up a heaping helping of meals on wheels, with a side of mystery…
When she’s once again passed over for a promotion at work, Zoe decides to take the big leap and go for her dream. She quits, gives up her fancy digs, and buys a fixer-upper diner in a shady part of town. To keep above water during the renovation, she buys a used food truck to serve the downtown and waterfront of Mobile, Alabama.
Zoe starts to dish out classic Southern food—but her specialty is her deep-fried biscuit bowls that blow traditional bread bowls away.
After a promising start, things start to go downhill faster than a food truck without brakes. First, someone tries to rob the cash register. Next, Zoe is threatened by the owner of a competing food truck for taking their spot. And when the owner ends up dead inside Zoe’s rolling restaurant, Zoe and her sole employee, Ollie, find themselves hopping out of the frying pan into the fryer. They need to find the real killer, before both of them get burned.
Zoe has reached her breaking point. Between a cheating boyfriend, being constantly passed over for promotion at work, and the most pushy mother in the world she’s had it! Zoe is going to reach for her dream of owning her own restaurant.
She buys a closed diner and does enough to bring the kitchen up to code. But to raise the money needed for a full refit and updating she decides to run a food truck to raise the money to finish her dream plan. It’s hard work and she’s fighting against all the established operators and the interference of family. After an argument with one of the other truck owners who park down by the police station she comes back to the restaurant and has another unending fight with her ex.
To make matters worse she is out of the truck for maybe half an hour and comes back to find a dead body wedged into her truck cab.
This is just the start of J.J. Cook’s new Biscuit Bowl Mystery series and if you want to know more about this first adventure you’re going to have to beg, borrow or steal a copy. I find that the mix of characters (her family and street people) make for a great read. I’m not handing out any spoilers. LOL
FTC Full Disclosure: I received my copy of this book from the authors who only asked for a fair and impartial review.
Author: J.J. Cook
Copyright: April 2014
Publisher: Berkeley Prime Crime
Zoe Chase always wanted to own her own restaurant—but first, she’ll have to serve up a heaping helping of meals on wheels, with a side of mystery…
When she’s once again passed over for a promotion at work, Zoe decides to take the big leap and go for her dream. She quits, gives up her fancy digs, and buys a fixer-upper diner in a shady part of town. To keep above water during the renovation, she buys a used food truck to serve the downtown and waterfront of Mobile, Alabama.
Zoe starts to dish out classic Southern food—but her specialty is her deep-fried biscuit bowls that blow traditional bread bowls away.
After a promising start, things start to go downhill faster than a food truck without brakes. First, someone tries to rob the cash register. Next, Zoe is threatened by the owner of a competing food truck for taking their spot. And when the owner ends up dead inside Zoe’s rolling restaurant, Zoe and her sole employee, Ollie, find themselves hopping out of the frying pan into the fryer. They need to find the real killer, before both of them get burned.
Zoe has reached her breaking point. Between a cheating boyfriend, being constantly passed over for promotion at work, and the most pushy mother in the world she’s had it! Zoe is going to reach for her dream of owning her own restaurant.
She buys a closed diner and does enough to bring the kitchen up to code. But to raise the money needed for a full refit and updating she decides to run a food truck to raise the money to finish her dream plan. It’s hard work and she’s fighting against all the established operators and the interference of family. After an argument with one of the other truck owners who park down by the police station she comes back to the restaurant and has another unending fight with her ex.
To make matters worse she is out of the truck for maybe half an hour and comes back to find a dead body wedged into her truck cab.
This is just the start of J.J. Cook’s new Biscuit Bowl Mystery series and if you want to know more about this first adventure you’re going to have to beg, borrow or steal a copy. I find that the mix of characters (her family and street people) make for a great read. I’m not handing out any spoilers. LOL
FTC Full Disclosure: I received my copy of this book from the authors who only asked for a fair and impartial review.
June 3, 2014
I really enjoyed this cozy mystery. Death on Eat Street has all the elements for a top notch beach read or just a book to relax with and enjoy. Full of plenty of mystery that kept me guessing who is the killer.
Zoe’s passion for cooking drives her, regardless of whatever her rich family and friends think. She doesn’t want the easy life that comes with money. She is determined to follow her dream.
When Terry is found dead in her food truck, she feels it’s her duty to follow proper procedure and do the right thing. Sooo, she calls the cops, because that’s the kind of girl she is.
The colorful cast of characters is fantastic, covering all classes. Her snooty controlling mother, her father who just wants to get along, her eccentric Uncle Saul, who they called in to help them with Zoe and he sure did. LOL Tommy lee, her jerk boyfriend, who doesn’t live in the real world. Ollie, from the homeless shelter, is a fantastic and tragic character that I am sure has a story to be told. He seemed to adopt her and was fast becoming her greatest ally. She would take the leftover food from the day to the guys at the homeless shelter, so they were always happy to lend her a hand. Miguel became her lawyer, when she was accused of the murder, but would he become more than that? Delia is her employee and friend and I can’t forget Creme Brulee, a sassy cat with a superior attitude. He snores and takes no guff from anybody. the I love them all, even the rich snobby ones.
JJ talks about Wintzell’s and I couldn’t help but smile. Wintzell’s is a seafood restaurant that is a staple of downtown Mobile, Alabama. Oliver Wintzell opened the restaurant in 1938 and the walls are covered with his sayings. I must confess, I have a couple.
~~~~~~
“Don’t worry. It will never happen again,” says Zoe.
I burst out laughing. This is the first book in the series and I feel she will be getting in much more trouble in the future. I am ready for the adventure.
I received a paperback copy of Death on Eat Street by JJ Cook for tour review.
April 14, 2014
Death on Eat Street by J.J. Cook
The First Biscuit Bowl Food Truck Mystery
In Mobile, Alabama Zoe Chase has decided to follow her dreams. After getting passed over for promotion yet again, she cashes in her 401(k), and buys a run down (although dilapidated may be another word) diner. The diner is not yet fit for customers so she uses a food truck to sell her biscuit bowls; food, both savory and sweet, served in her signature biscuit bowl. Business isn't good, however, and then she finds a fellow food truck owner, with whom she recently had words, dead in her food truck. What can make matters worse? Being a "person of interest", discovering her boyfriend is a louse, overbearing, wealthy parents...unfortunately for Zoe, the list could go on.
In their latest release Joyce and Jim Lavene, writing as J.J. Cook, bring the food truck into the world of cozy mysteries. Filled with diametrically opposed characters: the overbearing, wealthy parents and the good-hearted, eccentric uncle, the "bad" girl with the good heart, the troubled lawyer, the homeless men who help, and the protagonist herself, the poor little rich girl who decides to live the life she chooses, Death on Eat Street is a solid start to a new series. Zoe is charming, albeit a little naive, or perhaps it's just her rosy, positive outlook. However, I believe we may need her to show us that rosy hue as things are somewhat grim in Zoe's new neighborhood.
This first Biscuit Bowl Food Truck mystery brings the food truck into the realm of the culinary mystery and I'm pleased with its presence, as it joins the diners, B & Bs, and assorted food shops as a place to enjoy food as well as solve murders! I also really want to eat a biscuit bowl, I'm thinking of strawberries and cream for me, what about you?
Recipes are included.
The First Biscuit Bowl Food Truck Mystery
In Mobile, Alabama Zoe Chase has decided to follow her dreams. After getting passed over for promotion yet again, she cashes in her 401(k), and buys a run down (although dilapidated may be another word) diner. The diner is not yet fit for customers so she uses a food truck to sell her biscuit bowls; food, both savory and sweet, served in her signature biscuit bowl. Business isn't good, however, and then she finds a fellow food truck owner, with whom she recently had words, dead in her food truck. What can make matters worse? Being a "person of interest", discovering her boyfriend is a louse, overbearing, wealthy parents...unfortunately for Zoe, the list could go on.
In their latest release Joyce and Jim Lavene, writing as J.J. Cook, bring the food truck into the world of cozy mysteries. Filled with diametrically opposed characters: the overbearing, wealthy parents and the good-hearted, eccentric uncle, the "bad" girl with the good heart, the troubled lawyer, the homeless men who help, and the protagonist herself, the poor little rich girl who decides to live the life she chooses, Death on Eat Street is a solid start to a new series. Zoe is charming, albeit a little naive, or perhaps it's just her rosy, positive outlook. However, I believe we may need her to show us that rosy hue as things are somewhat grim in Zoe's new neighborhood.
This first Biscuit Bowl Food Truck mystery brings the food truck into the realm of the culinary mystery and I'm pleased with its presence, as it joins the diners, B & Bs, and assorted food shops as a place to enjoy food as well as solve murders! I also really want to eat a biscuit bowl, I'm thinking of strawberries and cream for me, what about you?
Recipes are included.
March 18, 2014
The first book in a brand-new series and I am privileged enough to be able to read an advanced copy. After leaving her loan officer job Zoe moves back to Mobile, wishing that she were able to open a restaurant. Hoping to earn enough money to keep herself out of the poor house she decides to open a food truck. A food truck specializing in southern food, focusing mainly on biscuits. When another food truck owner is found dead in Zoe's truck, she of course feels the need to solve the murder. Complicating the matter are her parents, who of course don't agree with their daughter's life, Ollie, who lives in a homeless shelter down the block, Delia a young woman who Zoe befriends, her ex-boyfriend Tommy Lee, and attorney Miguel Alexander. Add to the mix of murder or to a famous TV chef in the best biscuits of the world and you have a great book.
J.J. Cook is the pseudonym of husband-and-wife team Jim and Joyce Lavene. Along with writing the new food truck mysteries they also write the Sweet Pepper Fire Brigade mysteries. Under their real names they've written the Peggy Lee mysteries, the Sharon Howard mysteries, the Renaissance Fair mysteries, the Taxi for the Dead series and the Missing Pieces mystery. When they come out with a new book, no matter if it's a new book or a new series I am thrilled. As of this review the Lavene's have over 40 books that have been published, and I'm very proud to say that I have read all of them, if you haven't read their books may I suggest that you pick up one and read it. I'm almost positive that you'll enjoy it and want to read more just like I do.
J.J. Cook is the pseudonym of husband-and-wife team Jim and Joyce Lavene. Along with writing the new food truck mysteries they also write the Sweet Pepper Fire Brigade mysteries. Under their real names they've written the Peggy Lee mysteries, the Sharon Howard mysteries, the Renaissance Fair mysteries, the Taxi for the Dead series and the Missing Pieces mystery. When they come out with a new book, no matter if it's a new book or a new series I am thrilled. As of this review the Lavene's have over 40 books that have been published, and I'm very proud to say that I have read all of them, if you haven't read their books may I suggest that you pick up one and read it. I'm almost positive that you'll enjoy it and want to read more just like I do.
April 15, 2014
I received this book free from the authors. This is my honest review.
Food trucks are all the rage right now, so why not make food trucks the center of a yummy cozy mystery. Zoe has left her boring job at the bank to start up her dream job owning a restaurant, but she's short on money and long on talent. She's bought a run down diner that she has every intention of fixing up for her restaurant. To earn the money for renovations, she's purchased a food truck to sell her inventive biscuit bowls, and she's taken up residence in the diner, with her charming nipping cat " Cream Bralee".
Parking her truck in lucrative spots, publicizing her food, and convincing her family that she gets to make " big girl choices" now should be her major focus, but someone has broken into her truck, a dead body is found in the front seat' and she needs to find out what is happening before she finds herself trying to survive more than the food truck wars.
There's an interesting cast of characters in this book. Besides Zoe and her family, there's a hunky lawyer with his own back story, a strangely charming homeless guy, a less than classy working girl, a big name rich chef, and a whole group of men from the homeless shelter behind her diner. Wonderful start to a new series by authors who have already proven their talents with their other series. JJ Cook is the husband and wife team--Jim and Joyce Lavene.
Food trucks are all the rage right now, so why not make food trucks the center of a yummy cozy mystery. Zoe has left her boring job at the bank to start up her dream job owning a restaurant, but she's short on money and long on talent. She's bought a run down diner that she has every intention of fixing up for her restaurant. To earn the money for renovations, she's purchased a food truck to sell her inventive biscuit bowls, and she's taken up residence in the diner, with her charming nipping cat " Cream Bralee".
Parking her truck in lucrative spots, publicizing her food, and convincing her family that she gets to make " big girl choices" now should be her major focus, but someone has broken into her truck, a dead body is found in the front seat' and she needs to find out what is happening before she finds herself trying to survive more than the food truck wars.
There's an interesting cast of characters in this book. Besides Zoe and her family, there's a hunky lawyer with his own back story, a strangely charming homeless guy, a less than classy working girl, a big name rich chef, and a whole group of men from the homeless shelter behind her diner. Wonderful start to a new series by authors who have already proven their talents with their other series. JJ Cook is the husband and wife team--Jim and Joyce Lavene.
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