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A Cook-Off Mystery #8
Serving Up Spite
A simple wooden spoon stirs up a tantalizing puzzle in the new Cook-Off Mystery . . .
With international cuisine on the menu for her next cook-off, Sherry Oliveri experiments with one dish after another looking for that perfect killer recipe. But her competitive drive gets put on the back burner when her friend Patti calls Sherry because Patti's new boyfriend has vanished, and signs of foul play suggest he may have been killed. Then the police begin investigating the disappearance as a murder, and they’ve got Patti pegged as the main suspect. Still, the man’s body has yet to be found, and that in itself has Sherry wondering.
Slipping out of her apron and into her sleuthing cap, she learns that the man had serious money and relationship complications. Did he fake his own death to get out of a jam? Determined to find the truth and get her friend off the hook, Sherry follows the clues until they come together like the perfect meal—until one final surprise brings her face-to-face with a killer . . .
Includes recipes from Sherry’s kitchen!
Praise for the Cook-Off
“The Cook-Off Mystery series by Devon Delaney is a very tasty treat!” —Cozy Mystery Book Reviews
“This is a very fun and rollicking mystery that stays light-hearted even as the case gets more complicated . . . Cooking, holiday celebrations, and moving family drama all make for the perfect escape.” —Kings River Life
About the Author Devon Delaney has been handsomely rewarded for her recipe innovation over the last twenty-plus years. Among the many prizes she has won are a full kitchen of major appliances, five-figure top cash prizes, and four trips to Disney World. She is a wife, mother of three, and grandmother of two. She’s a lifelong resident of the Northeast and currently resides in coastal Connecticut. You can learn more about Devon on her website.
With international cuisine on the menu for her next cook-off, Sherry Oliveri experiments with one dish after another looking for that perfect killer recipe. But her competitive drive gets put on the back burner when her friend Patti calls Sherry because Patti's new boyfriend has vanished, and signs of foul play suggest he may have been killed. Then the police begin investigating the disappearance as a murder, and they’ve got Patti pegged as the main suspect. Still, the man’s body has yet to be found, and that in itself has Sherry wondering.
Slipping out of her apron and into her sleuthing cap, she learns that the man had serious money and relationship complications. Did he fake his own death to get out of a jam? Determined to find the truth and get her friend off the hook, Sherry follows the clues until they come together like the perfect meal—until one final surprise brings her face-to-face with a killer . . .
Includes recipes from Sherry’s kitchen!
Praise for the Cook-Off
“The Cook-Off Mystery series by Devon Delaney is a very tasty treat!” —Cozy Mystery Book Reviews
“This is a very fun and rollicking mystery that stays light-hearted even as the case gets more complicated . . . Cooking, holiday celebrations, and moving family drama all make for the perfect escape.” —Kings River Life
About the Author Devon Delaney has been handsomely rewarded for her recipe innovation over the last twenty-plus years. Among the many prizes she has won are a full kitchen of major appliances, five-figure top cash prizes, and four trips to Disney World. She is a wife, mother of three, and grandmother of two. She’s a lifelong resident of the Northeast and currently resides in coastal Connecticut. You can learn more about Devon on her website.
279 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 14, 2023
4 people are currently reading
53 people want to read
About the author
Devon Delaney
10 books136 followersI am a wife, mother of three, accomplished cooking contester and a recent empty nester. I taught computer education and Lego Robotics for over ten years prior to pursuing writing. All the way I have been handsomely rewarded for my recipe innovation over the last twenty-plus years. Among the many prizes I have won are a full kitchen of major appliances, six-figure top cash prizes and four trips to Disney World. I have also won the grand prize in a national writing contest for my ‘foodie’ poem “Ode to Pork Passion.” Combining my beloved cooking contesting with my enthusiasm for writing was inevitable.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
November 24, 2023
I received a free copy of, Serving Up Spite, by Devon Delaney, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This is book 8 of 8 in A cook off mysteries. Sherry Oliveri is looking for a killer recipe, not to kill but to win. Then Patti's boyfriend goes missing but was he murdered. A nice cozy mystery, great series.
October 25, 2023
#ServingUpSpite #NetGalley is a new addition to this fast paced series by Devon Delaney.
Sherry Oliveri is a master at amateur food competitions. She certainly knows her way around the kitchen, and this particular cooking competition features International foods.
Sherry's friend, podcaster Patti Mellit, calls Sherry in a panic, her new friend and possible love interest is missing and Patti is a suspect in his disappearance.
As Sherry begins to ask questions, it seems the missing person has his reasons to hide, and one of them is the wife he left behind in Iceland.
I really enjoyed this story, having Patti, Sherry, and her sister Marla all working together really captured the essence of these books and I must admit, #ServingUpSpite may be my favorite one of the series so far.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of the book.
I'm looking forward to recommending this book to other readers.
Sherry Oliveri is a master at amateur food competitions. She certainly knows her way around the kitchen, and this particular cooking competition features International foods.
Sherry's friend, podcaster Patti Mellit, calls Sherry in a panic, her new friend and possible love interest is missing and Patti is a suspect in his disappearance.
As Sherry begins to ask questions, it seems the missing person has his reasons to hide, and one of them is the wife he left behind in Iceland.
I really enjoyed this story, having Patti, Sherry, and her sister Marla all working together really captured the essence of these books and I must admit, #ServingUpSpite may be my favorite one of the series so far.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of the book.
I'm looking forward to recommending this book to other readers.
October 22, 2023
Some call it progress. Others call it a pain in the neck. Everything should remain the same way by appreciating the present and learning from the past in Augustin. I really liked the interview with Sherry I am going to hug my wooden spoons. What's your favorite kitchen tool? I like my vegetable chopper and my silver ice cream scoop. Also fun are the conversations in the book about new and old. One man is not caring for the podcasts and also continues to use his Rolodex. It is interesting the many ways we find to show our dissatisfaction and stubbornness. There is so much going on at the school and in the kitchen. The cook-off will lean on the word delicious. Really, it is all about change. The mention of Iceland really catches the interest. Maybe the magic word here in Served Up Spite is change.
December 1, 2023
This was a cozy mystery. I liked the story. I found myself really enjoying the part of the book when Icelandic culture and tradition were discussed.
Thank you to the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 16, 2024
In book 8 of the Cook-Off Mystery series, it seems that strife and cold weather have come to the town of Augustin, Connecticut in the way of an age old argument about progress versus tradition. As with all Sally Oliveri books, there is a new cooking contest for Sally to participate in when she isn’t solving the mystery and wonderful recipes are shared at the conclusion of the mystery.
We are introduced to the cast of characters early on when Sally shows up for a Podcast interview with her friend Patti. The topic of the podcast is favorite kitchen implement; Sally’s is the wooden spoon. What is your favorite kitchen tool? Some might say the whisk, or the spatula, and those who don’t cook would say that it is their phone or favorite meal delivery app. I would probably pick the spatula because there isn’t much I can’t do with one in a pinch. While Sally is in her interview session the other folks waiting to be interviewed get into quite the heated discussion about the importance of the wooden spoon. The next day, Patti calls Sally in a tizzy because Sigmund “Sig” is missing and his brother says matter-of-factly that he must have fallen through the ice and drown. How strange for a man from Iceland who grew up and knew when the ice was thick or thin, would fall through it and supposedly drown? Patty pleads with Sally to use her sleuthing skills to discover what happened to Sig.
Sleuthing isn’t the only thing that Sally does, this time around she is giving a daily garden lesson at a local middle school, working part time at the family ruggery, prepping for her boyfriend Don‘s birthday which is on Valentine’s day, and last but not least there is an international cooking contest that Sherry needs to prep for that is also on Valentine’s day. I get tired just typing out all that she needs to do and then you top it off with looking into the disappearance and/or murder of Patti’s boyfriend Sig.
Sally’s first place to start is determining possible suspects. Unfortunately Patti is one of the suspects as the missing man was seen arguing with Patti because it turned out that he wasn’t single. Back to the wife, Nora shows up in a warm and cozy looking hat when Sig’s body is located but when exactly did she get to town? She isn’t the only one with that stylish hat, Sienna one of the three contest judges is sporting the same Icelandic hat, and she is not from Iceland. He also wasn’t very successful in business, seems like Icelandic foods are an acquired taste and no one local is buying. Sigmund’s own brother Thomas starts accusing Patti of helping Sig to leave it all behind, to leave his wife behind, his business failures behind, and his old life behind. The quick change of attitude in Thomas had me wondering if he could have done a Cain and Abel. Was Sig stepping out on his wife and Patti? Was more than one lady being scorned?
If you aren’t feeling pulled in yet, then maybe the great gardening tips shared during Sally’s sessions with the kids will entice you to take a look at this multifaceted cozy that has a little something for everyone. The story is woven so artfully that before you realize it, you have turned to the last pages of the mystery and the only thing left to do as you think back to red herrings and subtle clues is to try your hand at making the Snappy African Groundnut Stew or Icelandic Savory Ponnukukur Pancakes.
We are introduced to the cast of characters early on when Sally shows up for a Podcast interview with her friend Patti. The topic of the podcast is favorite kitchen implement; Sally’s is the wooden spoon. What is your favorite kitchen tool? Some might say the whisk, or the spatula, and those who don’t cook would say that it is their phone or favorite meal delivery app. I would probably pick the spatula because there isn’t much I can’t do with one in a pinch. While Sally is in her interview session the other folks waiting to be interviewed get into quite the heated discussion about the importance of the wooden spoon. The next day, Patti calls Sally in a tizzy because Sigmund “Sig” is missing and his brother says matter-of-factly that he must have fallen through the ice and drown. How strange for a man from Iceland who grew up and knew when the ice was thick or thin, would fall through it and supposedly drown? Patty pleads with Sally to use her sleuthing skills to discover what happened to Sig.
Sleuthing isn’t the only thing that Sally does, this time around she is giving a daily garden lesson at a local middle school, working part time at the family ruggery, prepping for her boyfriend Don‘s birthday which is on Valentine’s day, and last but not least there is an international cooking contest that Sherry needs to prep for that is also on Valentine’s day. I get tired just typing out all that she needs to do and then you top it off with looking into the disappearance and/or murder of Patti’s boyfriend Sig.
Sally’s first place to start is determining possible suspects. Unfortunately Patti is one of the suspects as the missing man was seen arguing with Patti because it turned out that he wasn’t single. Back to the wife, Nora shows up in a warm and cozy looking hat when Sig’s body is located but when exactly did she get to town? She isn’t the only one with that stylish hat, Sienna one of the three contest judges is sporting the same Icelandic hat, and she is not from Iceland. He also wasn’t very successful in business, seems like Icelandic foods are an acquired taste and no one local is buying. Sigmund’s own brother Thomas starts accusing Patti of helping Sig to leave it all behind, to leave his wife behind, his business failures behind, and his old life behind. The quick change of attitude in Thomas had me wondering if he could have done a Cain and Abel. Was Sig stepping out on his wife and Patti? Was more than one lady being scorned?
If you aren’t feeling pulled in yet, then maybe the great gardening tips shared during Sally’s sessions with the kids will entice you to take a look at this multifaceted cozy that has a little something for everyone. The story is woven so artfully that before you realize it, you have turned to the last pages of the mystery and the only thing left to do as you think back to red herrings and subtle clues is to try your hand at making the Snappy African Groundnut Stew or Icelandic Savory Ponnukukur Pancakes.
December 3, 2023
Serving Up Spite
A Cook-off Mystery #8
By: Devon Delaney
Publish Date: 14 November 2023
Publisher: Beyond the Page Publishing
Cooking, Food and Wine/ Mystery and Thrillers
#ServingUpSpite#NetGalley
100 Book ReviewsProfessional Reader
I would like to thank both NetGalley and Beyond the Page Publishing for allowing me to read and review this book.
Good Reads Synopsis:
A simple wooden spoon stirs up a tantalizing puzzle in the new Cook-Off Mystery . . .With international cuisine on the menu for her next cook-off, Sherry Oliveri experiments with one dish after another looking for that perfect killer recipe. But her competitive drive gets put on the back burner when her friend Patti calls in her new boyfriend has vanished, and signs of foul play suggest he may have been killed. Then the police begin investigating the disappearance as a murder, and they’ve got Patti pegged as the main suspect. Still, the man’s body has yet to be found, and that in itself has Sherry wondering. Slipping out of her apron and into her sleuthing cap, she learns that the man had serious money problems and was even dating Patti while he was still married. Did he fake his own death to get out of a jam? Determined to find the truth and get her friend off the hook, Sherry follows the clues until they come together like the perfect meal—until one final surprise brings her face-to-face with a killer . . .Includes recipes from Sherry’s kitchen!
Book Review:
I gave this book 4 stars. This is the second book I have read in this series. I still haven’t read the first book, but you really don’t need to read the books in order in order to understand what is happening. The author does a great job in giving you enough information to stay connected to the characters. I really enjoy the friendships and family relationships in this book. I love how Sherry wants to help her friend Patty and how she stands behind her no matter what.
In this book her sister comes for a visit. During a podcast interview Marla, Sherry’s sister gets to know some of the judges for an upcoming cook-off. Sherry meets the judges after her interview and learns a little about them. Sherry has picked her favorite cooking utensil as a wooden spoon and one of the judges talks about the tradition of the wooden spoon from his native land of Iceland.
Unfortunately, this judge later goes missing and her friend Patty is under investigation for his disappearance. Can Sherry help her friend?
I will have to say this book did seem to drag in parts and took a lot longer to get the results than I would have liked but the story was interesting, and I learned about some things about Iceland.
A Cook-off Mystery #8
By: Devon Delaney
Publish Date: 14 November 2023
Publisher: Beyond the Page Publishing
Cooking, Food and Wine/ Mystery and Thrillers
#ServingUpSpite#NetGalley
100 Book ReviewsProfessional Reader
I would like to thank both NetGalley and Beyond the Page Publishing for allowing me to read and review this book.
Good Reads Synopsis:
A simple wooden spoon stirs up a tantalizing puzzle in the new Cook-Off Mystery . . .With international cuisine on the menu for her next cook-off, Sherry Oliveri experiments with one dish after another looking for that perfect killer recipe. But her competitive drive gets put on the back burner when her friend Patti calls in her new boyfriend has vanished, and signs of foul play suggest he may have been killed. Then the police begin investigating the disappearance as a murder, and they’ve got Patti pegged as the main suspect. Still, the man’s body has yet to be found, and that in itself has Sherry wondering. Slipping out of her apron and into her sleuthing cap, she learns that the man had serious money problems and was even dating Patti while he was still married. Did he fake his own death to get out of a jam? Determined to find the truth and get her friend off the hook, Sherry follows the clues until they come together like the perfect meal—until one final surprise brings her face-to-face with a killer . . .Includes recipes from Sherry’s kitchen!
Book Review:
I gave this book 4 stars. This is the second book I have read in this series. I still haven’t read the first book, but you really don’t need to read the books in order in order to understand what is happening. The author does a great job in giving you enough information to stay connected to the characters. I really enjoy the friendships and family relationships in this book. I love how Sherry wants to help her friend Patty and how she stands behind her no matter what.
In this book her sister comes for a visit. During a podcast interview Marla, Sherry’s sister gets to know some of the judges for an upcoming cook-off. Sherry meets the judges after her interview and learns a little about them. Sherry has picked her favorite cooking utensil as a wooden spoon and one of the judges talks about the tradition of the wooden spoon from his native land of Iceland.
Unfortunately, this judge later goes missing and her friend Patty is under investigation for his disappearance. Can Sherry help her friend?
I will have to say this book did seem to drag in parts and took a lot longer to get the results than I would have liked but the story was interesting, and I learned about some things about Iceland.
November 7, 2023
Sherry Oliveri makes her living working at her father's store, The Ruggery, and entering cook-offs in her spare time. While giving a week-long lecture about gardening at a school, she learns that one of the students' father is the owner of a new newspaper in town. A newspaper that is riling up the townspeople with talk of modernizing her small town. Most people are happy with the way it is, and they don't like the interference of someone who has recently moved here from Iceland.
To make matters worse, Sherry discovers that her friend Patti Mellit is dating the man's brother -- at least until Sig disappears. Now she's suspected of murdering him, even though there's no body. She didn't even know he was married until recently, and Sherry doesn't think that's a motive. So, when Patti asks for her help, she can't say no. Not to mention she has to concentrate on the cook-off, sponsored by the rival newspaper; and her boyfriend Don is acting around her. Sherry has a lot of pots on the fire, and she'll be lucky if none of them get her burned...
This is the eighth book in the series, and I have loved them all. This time out Sherry is trying her hand at international cuisine, and also trying to solve a murder. Even her cop friend Ray Bease knows why she's doing it, and he knows cautioning her isn't going to change anything. At least her sister Marla is in town to help out, so that's a plus.
When Sherry starts looking for clues, she notices that there's one constant (which I won't mention here as you will find out when you read the book), and that sets her to thinking that the murderer might be someone involved in the cook-off. But which person? When she's confronted by a PI that Sig's wife hired, who's convinced Patti had something to do with the murder, she refuses to work with the woman. But it's not that easy, and the more they discover, the harder it becomes to determine the killer.
In the end, this was a twisted tale that hinged on that one constant, and it all comes together nicely after all. The reasons for the murder only make sense to the murderer (but that's the way it usually is, right?) and the ending gives us a nice satisfaction. I enjoyed this book and look forward to the next. Recommended.
I received an advance copy from the publisher and NetGalley but this in no way influenced my review.
To make matters worse, Sherry discovers that her friend Patti Mellit is dating the man's brother -- at least until Sig disappears. Now she's suspected of murdering him, even though there's no body. She didn't even know he was married until recently, and Sherry doesn't think that's a motive. So, when Patti asks for her help, she can't say no. Not to mention she has to concentrate on the cook-off, sponsored by the rival newspaper; and her boyfriend Don is acting around her. Sherry has a lot of pots on the fire, and she'll be lucky if none of them get her burned...
This is the eighth book in the series, and I have loved them all. This time out Sherry is trying her hand at international cuisine, and also trying to solve a murder. Even her cop friend Ray Bease knows why she's doing it, and he knows cautioning her isn't going to change anything. At least her sister Marla is in town to help out, so that's a plus.
When Sherry starts looking for clues, she notices that there's one constant (which I won't mention here as you will find out when you read the book), and that sets her to thinking that the murderer might be someone involved in the cook-off. But which person? When she's confronted by a PI that Sig's wife hired, who's convinced Patti had something to do with the murder, she refuses to work with the woman. But it's not that easy, and the more they discover, the harder it becomes to determine the killer.
In the end, this was a twisted tale that hinged on that one constant, and it all comes together nicely after all. The reasons for the murder only make sense to the murderer (but that's the way it usually is, right?) and the ending gives us a nice satisfaction. I enjoyed this book and look forward to the next. Recommended.
I received an advance copy from the publisher and NetGalley but this in no way influenced my review.
January 18, 2024
Princess Fuzzypants here: Sherry is once more competing in another cook off but there is much more going on besides trying to come up with a spin on an international dish. She is also getting sucked into another murder investigation. A man who is not the guy he pretends to be disappears and then is found murdered at the bottom of a frozen lake. There are plenty of suspects with grievances including the deceased’s brother, Thomas, who also happens to be a sponsor of the cook-off and Sherry’s friend, Patti.
The two brothers are from Iceland and Thomas is using his newspaper as a sledgehammer trying to force changes upon their community that many people do not want. There is considerable acrimony between the two sides and the blow ups are distracting from the real problem- finding a killer and getting justice for the victim.
Sherry is not a character who gets embroiled in an investigation and locks horns with the local police. In fact, after a shaky start, she and Ray, the detective, have formed an association whereby they work together to solve crimes. It is a rather refreshing twist. It makes for an easy and enjoyable read. Four purrs and two paws up.
The two brothers are from Iceland and Thomas is using his newspaper as a sledgehammer trying to force changes upon their community that many people do not want. There is considerable acrimony between the two sides and the blow ups are distracting from the real problem- finding a killer and getting justice for the victim.
Sherry is not a character who gets embroiled in an investigation and locks horns with the local police. In fact, after a shaky start, she and Ray, the detective, have formed an association whereby they work together to solve crimes. It is a rather refreshing twist. It makes for an easy and enjoyable read. Four purrs and two paws up.
March 27, 2024
In this 8th book in the Cook-Off Mystery series, Sherry needs to come up with her own version of international cuisine. She qualified with an African Stew (recipe included) and now has to come up with something that will wow the judges.
While considering what to make, Sherry agrees to be interviewed by her good friend, Patti. The subject is her favorite kitchen tool. In Sherry’s case, this is a simple wooden spoon. Others were interviewed on their favorite kitchen tool as well.... including the cook-off judges.
The next morning Sherry gets a call from Patti saying that her boyfriend had been murdered. Things get very complicated when Sherry realizes the boyfriend's brother is sponsoring the cook-off and two of the judges are friends of the brothers. Accusations are flying and some don't even think Patti's boyfriend is really dead.
Of course, it's all sorted out in the end.
I've read and enjoyed several books in this series. This one had the same great family and friends but unfortunately was more chsllenginh to follow.
Includes recipes from Sherry’s kitchen!
#ServingUpSpite
While considering what to make, Sherry agrees to be interviewed by her good friend, Patti. The subject is her favorite kitchen tool. In Sherry’s case, this is a simple wooden spoon. Others were interviewed on their favorite kitchen tool as well.... including the cook-off judges.
The next morning Sherry gets a call from Patti saying that her boyfriend had been murdered. Things get very complicated when Sherry realizes the boyfriend's brother is sponsoring the cook-off and two of the judges are friends of the brothers. Accusations are flying and some don't even think Patti's boyfriend is really dead.
Of course, it's all sorted out in the end.
I've read and enjoyed several books in this series. This one had the same great family and friends but unfortunately was more chsllenginh to follow.
Includes recipes from Sherry’s kitchen!
#ServingUpSpite
November 13, 2023
This is the first Devon Delaney mystery I have read. She is a new to me author. The main protagonist, Sherry Oliveri makes her living working at The Ruggery, her father's store, and entering cook-offs. Her sister from Oklahoma is visiting during the story.
The location of this series is Connecticut. An extended family has relocated from Iceland to the surrounding area. One of them, Thomas Hulguverson, heads a newspaper that is extremely opinionated. The newspaper’s slant is that Sherry’s town is resistant to change and will perish in the near future if it cannot keep up with changing trends.
Thomas’ brother Sigmund disappears and everyone is eager to write it off as he has runaway with the help of Sherry’s friend, Patti Mellit.
As circumstances develop, the police find Sig’s body.
I liked the well-written story with plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing. There were plenty of suspects.
I was given an advanced e-copy by Netgalley and am not required to leave a positive review.
The location of this series is Connecticut. An extended family has relocated from Iceland to the surrounding area. One of them, Thomas Hulguverson, heads a newspaper that is extremely opinionated. The newspaper’s slant is that Sherry’s town is resistant to change and will perish in the near future if it cannot keep up with changing trends.
Thomas’ brother Sigmund disappears and everyone is eager to write it off as he has runaway with the help of Sherry’s friend, Patti Mellit.
As circumstances develop, the police find Sig’s body.
I liked the well-written story with plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing. There were plenty of suspects.
I was given an advanced e-copy by Netgalley and am not required to leave a positive review.
November 10, 2023
I re-read the whole series in anticipation of reading this book, and I have to say, the series as a whole is like a warm hug on cold day. I love the whole Oliveri family and this mystery doesn't disappoint! Marla's come to visit and I love it when she's in town. I also love Patti (and while I was like 'Oh no, Patti's not a killer of course Sherry has to investigate') and did like to see her centered in a mystery. It was fun to see a bit more of Patti! I did also enjoy the discourse around progress vs. tradition. It's a conversation that many towns and cities around the world are having, especially in places that have a long and/or proud history. Devon Delany did a great job of contextualizing both sides of the conversation and also did a great job of also pointing out the sensationalism of this conversation by the media (on both sides). All in all, made for a enjoyable read and can't wait for the next book!
November 20, 2023
Through NetGalley, I received a free copy of SERVING UP SPITE (Book 8 of the Cook-Off mystery series) by Devon Delaney in exchange for an honest review. Sherry Oliveri is participating in another cook-off and another murder investigation. The host of a popular podcast, Patti Mellit, asks Sherry, as a local celebrity, to give an interview in anticipation of the upcoming cook-off. After Sherry, Patti interviewed the judges for the cook-off, including Patti’s new boyfriend. When Patti’s boyfriend disappears, Patti becomes a person of interest in the investigation, so Patti asks Sherry to help her out by finding out what really happened.
I liked this book and enjoy the series. I recommend this series to fans of cozy murder mysteries featuring food, family, and competitions.
#ServingUpSpite #NetGalley
I liked this book and enjoy the series. I recommend this series to fans of cozy murder mysteries featuring food, family, and competitions.
#ServingUpSpite #NetGalley
November 15, 2023
While preparing for her next, cook off, Sherry received a call from her friend Patti whose boyfriend has gone missing. While it appears, he may have met a tragic ending, nobody means no proof. This means Sherry is on the case. Especially when Patti becomes a suspect.
Did Patti cook up murder, or will Sherry be able to decompose and figure out what’s really happened and Claire her friend? Or has Sherry seen the last of her cook off days?
I adore this series. Every time I read a new entry in this series I feel like I’m visiting old friends. An extremely likable and relatable protagonist along with a solid mystery. Every single time is what keeps me coming back for more. This is one taste you series!
Did Patti cook up murder, or will Sherry be able to decompose and figure out what’s really happened and Claire her friend? Or has Sherry seen the last of her cook off days?
I adore this series. Every time I read a new entry in this series I feel like I’m visiting old friends. An extremely likable and relatable protagonist along with a solid mystery. Every single time is what keeps me coming back for more. This is one taste you series!
November 15, 2023
Serving Up Spite is book #8 in the Cook-Off Mystery series by Devon Delaney.
I really enjoyed catching up with Sherry Oliveri again. The characters are well-written. If I don’t like the main characters, reading becomes a chore instead of fun. This was a fun read. There was discussion about old vs new which riled up people in town. Sherry’s investigation to clear her friend Patti’s name was interesting and kept me guessing. I like how everything wrapped up.
Thank you to the author, Beyond the Page Publishing, and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I really enjoyed catching up with Sherry Oliveri again. The characters are well-written. If I don’t like the main characters, reading becomes a chore instead of fun. This was a fun read. There was discussion about old vs new which riled up people in town. Sherry’s investigation to clear her friend Patti’s name was interesting and kept me guessing. I like how everything wrapped up.
Thank you to the author, Beyond the Page Publishing, and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
November 22, 2023
Thank you NetGalley and Beyond the Page Publishing for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. Serving Up Spite is the latest book in the Cook-Off Mystery series. Sherry Oliveri, the main character, is once again investigating. This time, she has to clear her friend Patti's name, as she is accused of murder. Also, Sherry's sister Marla is present and she lends a hand. The storyline is interesting and it was difficult to put the book down, as I wanted to know more. Also great, newcomers to the series will not feel lost or confused will reading the book. Very enjoyable!
November 8, 2023
Her friend's new boyfriend disappears and some think that he faked his death for one reason or other, but the S&R and Cadaver dogs prove it to be otherwise. What a mess for Sherry to untangle.
The publisher's blurb covers the major basics, but the characters are much more interesting, and the plot has more than enough surprises to keep my attention to the end.
I requested and received an EARC from Beyond the Page Publishing via NetGalley. Thank you
The publisher's blurb covers the major basics, but the characters are much more interesting, and the plot has more than enough surprises to keep my attention to the end.
I requested and received an EARC from Beyond the Page Publishing via NetGalley. Thank you
November 2, 2023
This was a completely enjoyable cozy mystery. I loved the main character, and her interactions with her friends and fellow "sleuths". Lots of great dialogue, fun memories, and a truly fun mystery. I recommend to cozy mystery lovers.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
November 26, 2023
Sherry is a busy woman with lots going on. Along with her boyfriend Don, her sister Marla and her friend Patti they will all have to work together to solve a murder. This is a really fun read, all about cook offs and murder. The wonderful descriptions of the locale and food, made me hungry for a visit and a meal. I will definitely look for more from this author.
March 8, 2024
A week's stint in teaching gardening had Sherry in a joyful mood. It also opened her to a new culinary cuisine from Iceland. When her friend’s boyfriend went missing, and it became a murder investigation, Sherry couldn’t avoid getting in the mix of things. It was an intriguing, captivating, and entertaining read.
September 16, 2024
“Culinary cozy mystery lovers will find Serving Up Spite a delightful and delicious installment in author Devon Delaney’s A Cook-Off Mystery series” – The Mystery Review Crew
See our full review on The Mystery Review Crew
See our full review on The Mystery Review Crew
October 29, 2023
The story flowed well and the characters were well developed. I recommend this book and look forward to more from this author.
****Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest review****
****Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest review****
January 12, 2024
Storyline lacked details and tended to drag on in spots. The characters were interesting and I would try other books if there is more or this becomes a series
February 27, 2025
Unfortunately, this book did not work for me. The plot and characters were not realistic enough and it was too much running around.
August 16, 2024
I wrote this book as a tribute to the Iceland culinary culture which is fascinating. My cooking competitions have led me to so many different locations and introduced me to so many food traditions I cant wait to share with my readers. Some murder and mayhem mixed in certainly adds to the readability of my plots. All in all this is one of my favorite and most intriguing books Ive written.
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