Why Oh Rye?

Bohemia Bartenders Mysteries #7

by Lucy Lakestone

Bunnies, bonnets and bedlam in New Orleans…

Are the rhyming threats of a crafty con man a good reason to return to New Orleans? Maybe not, but mixologist Pepper Revelle wants to neutralize her nemesis. She hopes she’ll have time for cocktails and Easter parades with her friends, too—as well as the next step in her romance with fellow bartender Neil.

But they don’t count on finding a body in their hotel room, the machinations of her vexing ex Mr. Mixy, and drama with her quirky family. To clear her name and settle the score, Pepper must crack the case—and figure out if her increasingly dangerous enemy engineered the murder or if another killer is involved.

As they face a farting ghost, an unexpected gig, spooky surprises and the wacky charms of the French Quarter on Easter weekend, can Pepper and Neil unravel the mystery before they’re flamed like a lemon peel in a Vieux Carré?

WHY OH RYE? is the seventh book in the Bohemia Bartenders Mysteries, funny whodunits with a dash of romance set in a convivial collective of cocktail lovers, eccentrics and mixologists. These quasi-cozy culinary comedies contain a hint of heat, a splash of cursing and shots of laughter, served over hand-carved ice.

Genres: Cozy Mystery

278 pages, Paperback

First published March 5, 2024

About the author

Lucy Lakestone writes books that offer fun escapes, whether they’re humorous mysteries, hot romances or storm-chasing adventures (as Chris Kridler). She loves sipping a classic cocktail and chasing tornadoes, but not at the same time. An award-winning author and photographer, she’s also told stories as a journalist and video producer. She lives with her husband and two crazy dogs on Florida’s Space Coast, which inspires many of the colorful settings in her books.

Lucy’s series include the Bohemia Bartenders Mysteries and Comet Cove Mysteries, as well as the Bohemia Beach Series of hot romances.

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See you at the beach!

Reviews

[Margery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Drink mixologists and famous bartenders are gathered in New Orleans for a party and meeting, but Pepper finds herself in danger. Starting off with mysterious threats from her stalker to discovering a murdered man in her hotel bed, she finds herself in a mix of her own. She finds out her stalker is also a con man and conning not only her parents, but many others as well. Besides introducing me to new drinks, Ms. Lakestone has woven a truly intricate web of clues! A fast reading book, only because it is such a page turner it is hard to put down.

[Sharen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is my first time reading a Lucy Lakeshore book and I jumped right into book 7 in the series of a group of bartending cozy mysteries without feeling like I was missing out on any previous happenings from earlier books. This book had a mystery, bit of romance, and action events keeping the read progressing quickly. It was a cute book and I liked the New Orleans back story, the liquor trivia and even the drink recipe provided.

'I'd gotten to know the English botanist better over the holidays after some trouble in the swamp at home in Florida, and I found her warm to her friends, cool with strangers and impatient with stupidity.'

I received an advance review copy for free, and am I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lucy Lakestone does it again! The Bohemia Bartenders Mystery series just keeps getting better with every book.

Pepper is the main suspect and her and Neil are set on finding out who the real culprit is in this murder. Every page I read I got deeper and deeper in the mystery and getting to who the killer was sure was not the one I was thinking did it.

Grab this book and get ready for a wonderful read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Katherine Azad · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun series. My dad used to live in Louisiana and I have a special place in my heart for New Orleans, so I really appreciated the references to that magical place. The book was good. It was fun to read through and kept my attention. I would recommend it.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Delphia Von Heeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why the Rye? is Book 7 in the Bohemia Bartenders Mystery by Lucy Lakestone. It is Easter in the Big Easy and Pepper and Neil on a getaway… until a dead body turns up in the hotel room! Since Pepper is the main suspect, she and Neil dive into uncovering the culprit. The pace is fast and crazy, with a gun toting Easter Rabbit. Pepper's nemesis is trying to put her permanently down. So much excitement and great characters. Why the Rye? is a fantastic cozy. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.

[Ale · Rating 3 out of 5]

ITA
Pepper insieme ai suoi amici, la zia e il cane, e al fidanzato si dirigono a New Orleans per Pasqua. Sono lì per piacere ma anche perché Mr. Mixy li ha ingaggiati come baristi per una festa il giorno di Pasqua.
Pepper è molto entusiasta di questo viaggio perché, finalmente, condividerà una stanza con il fidanzato Neil, arrivati nella famosa camera d’albergo nel letto matrimoniale trovano una persona vestita da dandy/vampiro con un pugnale nel petto.
Cominciamo benissimo, inoltre Pepper continua a ricevere dei messaggi in rima (bislacca) di minaccia da un suo nemico (secondo me lo si trova nel volume 6, se non ricordo male).
Pepper & co indagano sia a chi avrebbe potuto uccidere il dandy/vampiro, sia cercando di capire come fermare il nemico delle minacce in rima.
Secondo me la combinazione barista e amici che sono dei detective è carina, spesso nei libri il personaggio principale fa le cose da solo. Qui si trovano nei guai in compagnia.
Ho ricevuto una copia gratuita. Questa recensione contiene la mia opinione ed è pubblicata liberamente.

ENG
Pepper, along with her friends, her aunt and dog, and her boyfriend, heads to New Orleans for Easter. They are there for pleasure but also because Mr. Mixy, Pepper's ex-boyfriend, has hired them as bartenders for a party on Easter Day.
Pepper is very excited about this trip because, finally, she will share a room with her boyfriend Neil. Arriving in the hotel room in their double bed, they find a person dressed as a dandy/vampire with a dagger in his chest.
Great start! Moreover, Pepper continues to receive (lame) threatening rhyming messages from one of her enemies (if I am not mistaken, this character is introduced in volume 6).
Pepper & Co. investigate who could have killed the dandy/vampire and try to figure out how to stop the enemy of the rhyming threats.
In my opinion, the combination of bartender and friends being detectives is cute; often in the books, the main character does things alone. Here they get into trouble in the company.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Yvonne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pepper Revelle and her colleagues from the Bohemia Bartenders take us on a wild ride to New Orleans. It’s Easter and Pepper is sort of looking forward to going to her hometown. However, all is not that pleasant since she will be dealing with her difficult parents and a killer who is threatening all of them. In the midst of this, the Bohemia Bartenders are working a party and Pepper’s looking for some romance from her boss, Neil. Much will be going on during this trip.

Pepper and Neil’s chance for a romantic evening comes to a crashing halt when they discover a dead body in their hotel bed. As far as the police are concerned, all fingers point towards Pepper and Neil committing the crime, but they didn’t even know the guy. It becomes obvious Pepper is being framed by her number one enemy.

Pepper, Neil, and the Bohemia Bartenders set out to do their own investigation. The stakes are high since the killer is also threatening Pepper and everyone she loves.

What a roller-coaster ride this book turned out to be! Just when you think you’ve figured it all out, you find out that you didn’t at all. This has become one of my favorite series. Each book we learn more about Pepper and her friends.

I strongly suggest you read this series from the first book. There are continuing storylines and you won’t want to miss any of the fun. There’s mystery, humor, even a little romance with a cast of whacky characters. They will keep you laughing as well as holding your breath as they try to avoid being victims themselves.

This series always manages to sweep me away to another place and join in the search for a killer. It’s edge-of-your-seat reading for me. I’ve read the entire series, and the books keep getting better and better. I didn’t think that was possible since I loved the first one.

The next book takes us to Scotland and I’m more than ready!





FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed a free Advance Reader Copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I must admit that I usually don’t like jumping into a series that’s already well established without starting from the first book, but the cover and description of this one sounded so fun that I really wanted to give it a try so here I am, reading Book 7 in a new-to-me series. And wow – I’m so glad I did!

If I had to describe Why Oh Rye? in one word, it would be – shenanigans. There is so much happening in this series and it offers up a well balanced story that if fast-paced and full of mystery, action, and humour.

Don’t believe me? Will the inclusion of a farting ghost convince you? LOL. Pepper and her friends and family are in New Orleans, both to have a good time (it’s New Orleans after all) but also to face down Pepper’s nemesis, Beau, who has been sending her veiled threats in the form of little poems hidden inside Easter treats. It’s hijinks from the get-go and while Pepper does everything in her power to keep the holiday from going off the rails, she also has to clear her name when a body shows up in her hotel room.

This book zips along at a really fast pace – there was so much going on that it kept me turning the pages. I enjoyed the mix of mystery and humour, which isn’t always easy to pull off without being too cheesy.

One of the things that made this book fun were the characters. There were quite a few for me to remember – something that might have been easier if I had started from the beginning of the series – but almost all of them were funny, unique, and brought something different to the story. Even the bad guys are interesting.

I definitely had a lot of fun reading Why Oh Rye?. While you can read it as a standalone, I’m looking forward to going back and starting the series from Book 1, Risky Whiskey, so that I can get to know Pepper, Neil, Mr. Mixy, and all the other characters to see how they are introduced and develop.

*** Thank you to the author, Lucy Lakestone for providing me with an advanced e-copy of this book for review purposes. ***

[Karen Temme · Rating 5 out of 5]

(I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book, and am leaving an honest review)

Another fabulous Bohemia Bartenders mystery, and back to a gig in New Orleans, no less! It’s all fun and games until a body shows up in your hotel room, and Pepper, Neil (who is officially now her boyfriend), and their colleagues get enveloped in this Easter holiday whodunnit. Clues arrive in the form of poorly written poems tucked inside plastic eggs, and although everyone suspects Pepper’s nemesis Beau, there are plenty of twists and turns in the story to make you wonder just who is behind all the mayhem. The clues take Pepper and her tuba-playing friend Kirby to a cacophonous playground of sorts, and with the other bartenders to a chase in an abandoned military. The flirtations between Pepper and Neil continue, although there really isn’t time for romance like they had planned, and of course Pepper’s exasperating ex, Mr. Mixy, is along for the ride. “Why, Oh Rye?” is a fantastic page-turner, and Lucy Lakestone’s wonderfully descriptive writing again makes me reiterate putting a trip to New Orleans on my bucket list. Like with the previous novels in the series, I anxiously await the next!

[Merry Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pepper, Neil, and the Bohemian Bartenders go to New Orleans with the Easter holiday around the corner complete with all the parades and hoopla to work on a Mixology party. And also have a little down time for some fun and maybe some alone time for Pepper and Neil. But for Pepper, things are not always as they should be. When she and Neil arrived at their hotel room, they find a dead body in their bed! And so the roller coaster begins since Pepper is a suspect. Along with Pepper, Neil and her crew, she not only has to find a murderer, but she has to stop a con man from conning her parents, her nemesis who is after her and her very annoying ex, Mr. Mixy as well as a ghost and the wacky French Quarter can Pepper get through it all unscathed this time. This is a page turning 7th book in the series that I highly recommend! In fact, I recommend the whole really good series. I received and ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

[Brandi Conico · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. But full disclosure, I'm a fan of cozy mysteries and I enjoy my whiskey (particularly ryes), so I started out with high expectations.

This is part of a series and while I read it stand alone, I had a hard time keeping track of the characters because there were so many. Also, this is a little long for a cozy mystery, usually they are quick reads and this took me longer than expected.

Overall, I really enjoyed how it ended and found it very interesting particularly with my knowledge of whiskey markets. I think it would've been better if I had connections and knew history from the prior books, so I would recommend reading the series from the start, though it's not absolutely necessary.

I'm looking forward to the next in this series.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Becky Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are back with the Bohemia Bartenders and this is the seventh book in the series. Pepper and Neil are in New Orleans and Pepper is really hoping that her and Neil will have a intimate time. But yikes a dead body in their bed when they arrive at the hotel. They set out quickly to try and figure out why in their room and who the dead person is. Pepper is feeling very unsafe since Beau tried to kill her previous. This book in this series takes you through an Easter parade with a gun toting rabbit that barely misses them. It gets more mysterious as the book progresses. And, who can forget Mr. Mixy and his shenanigans.

I received this ARC from Booksirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Heather (Bookedwithheather) · Rating 5 out of 5]

*DID I ENJOY IT? Absolutely! This series is one of my favorites.
*WOULD I RECOMMEND IT? Of course!
*HOW WERE THE CHARACTERS? To say these characters are amazing would be an understatement. Pepper, Neil and the gang are back at it with even more funny quirky banter and lol moments.
*FAVORITE THINGS ABOUT THE BOOK? This whole series with this book included are set in such amazing places. The descriptions are spot on and whisk me away to vividly be in the story. I can see, hear and smell everything described. The mystery element is so fun and keeps you guessing. All around it's just a fun read.
*SUM UP THE BOOK IN 10 WORDS OR LESS... head to New Orleans for mystery, laughter, suspense and fun.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love being back with the Bohemia Bartenders! Reading these books is like having a reunion with old friends. There's always something to catch up on as they're growing as people, but still together. This episode finds them back in New Orleans and maybe this slow burn romance will start moving forward. But since murder seems to follow them everywhere, probably not. Most of our cocktailian friends show up and even some people we really want to get rid of. I really want to have drinks with them some day. Read and enjoy!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kath · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not my normal genre, but I did enjoy this book. Pepper and boyfriend, Neil, are going to spend time together with the Bohemia bartenders for a fun time in New Orleans. Everything starts to unravel for Pepper and Neil when they arrive to their suite and find a dead person in their bed.

Neil and Pepper go on this huge romp through New Orleans trying to find the real murderer. Liked how they brought in some unique New Orleans landmarks and named some well known bartenders. Enjoyed how the author kept everyone holding their breath until the end of the book to solve this murder mystery.

I received an early copy, ARC, for my honest and free review.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

You can't have a New Orleans mystery without alcohol and ghosts but in the seventh book of the Bohemia Bartender's Mysteries series you get so much more. The plot involves a murder, a scam, an obnoxious ex-boyfriend and a sprinkle of romance and humor that has Pepper and her friends trying to solve a murder and stay alive.

The New Orleans setting was well done and there was a great blend of suspense and mystery that kept me guessing to the end.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pepper is part of Bohemia Bartenders who have a gig in New Orleans. Neil author of a popular cocktail book is head of the bartenders and Peppers boyfriend. Unknown to her her ex sat this all up. Death threats have been made on her, her aunt and her parents so Neil wanted to get her out of town with him for the gig. As soon as they check into their hotel room they find a dead body. Death threats continue. This is a very suspenseful book with a surprise ending. A very good read.
I received an advance review copy, ARC, for free, and I am leaving an honest opinion and voluntary review

[Sharmani Jayaram · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pepper Revelle and Neil with Aunt Celestine and dog Astra with her half brother Royce joining them too travel to New Orleans for the Easter Parades. Pepper was not happy that Mr. Mixy had done a deal for them to work for him . They find the dead body of Edgar Poevillc a Ghost tour operator dead in their hotel room. Pepper becomes the main suspect and she has to find evidence to prove her innocence. Lots of humour ,twist and turns in the read to make it very entertaining. I received this ARC copy via booksirans and leave a honest review. I recommend this book to other readers.

[Don Lentz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why oh Rye written by Lucy Lakestone WOW What a book it has mystery, murder and romance. This book was ell written I enjoyed this book. Pepper & Neil and friends had a lot to deal with starting with a murder. The book will grab you right away and won’t let you put it down till you finish it then you will be wanting more. I highly recommend you get this book it is so awesome and I can’t wait for the next book. Yes I own this book and this is my recommendation “ Get the book & read it you will not regret it.

Written by
Edith L

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 7 in Lakestone's Bohemia Bartenders series and can be read as a standalone. I loved this fun, cozy mystery that takes place in New Orleans at Easter. I found myself pulled deeper and deeper into this cozy mystery as Pepper finds herself not only dealing with her parents but a killer - all while trying to salvage some romance with Nell only to be found as the primary suspects in a murder...oh what a captivating, well written cozy! I love this series and can't wait for more!!!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Claudete Takahashi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pepper, Neil, and the whole team of bartenders go to New Orleans on Easter to spend the holiday and to work on a party. As soon as they arrive, they find a man killed in their room and Pepper believes that it could be her con brother in action. After this incident, many other things happen and they are not as they seem to be. They will chase the killer and Pepper's con brother to unveil the truth. Why Oh Rye is an easy and fun read, there is romance, action, and mystery making an engaging story.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun little book! Probably would be best if I didn't start with book 8 but that's my fault. It is filled with funny whodunits with a dash of romance set in a convivial collective of cocktail lovers, eccentrics and mixologists

Pepper is the main suspect and her and Neil are set on finding out who the real culprit is in this murder. Every page you turn deeper and deeper in the mystery and getting to who the killer, dun, dun, dun!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[MommyO · Rating 4 out of 5]

OH MY GOSH!! This was such a roller coaster of a story with lots of smoke and mirrors that you weren’t sure who was the true villain! Pepper one again finds herself in the midst of it all along with her mixologist friends and a few reoccurring character favorites! An interesting visit to New Orleans that kept me intrigued.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jeanne Chepko · Rating 4 out of 5]

The crazy cast of Bohemian Bartenders are at it again! New Orleans, a dead body in their hotel room, Beau is back, lots of cocktails and scam targets. Once again Pepper is a magnet for murder, mayhem and chaos.

Lots of wild interactions keep the pages turning. Twists and turns, who really is the bad guy and will we finally get some romance for Pepper and Neil?

I received a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.

[Edi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Action packed and funny at times, Pepper and Neil are once again mixing drinks and solving murders. Though part of a series it is very easily read as a stand alone, however it is better understood if you have read previous books and know a little more about their relationships. Read and enjoy. I was provided an advanced reader copy and under no obligation to write a review. The opinions expressed are my own. Thanks to the author, publisher and book sirens for the opportunity to read the book.

[Katherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great continuation of the series.

Shows a great group of friends supporting each other and having some fun along the way. An enjoyable series you getting know the characters and become part of their lives, it's like catching up with the news of people you know.

Always fun to see what a writer does when their characters visit New Orleans, that's where magic and the mysterious live.

[Eileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the seventh book in the Bohemia Bartenders series. I have enjoyed them all. Each one has been a mix of mystery, humor, a little romance all mixed together like one of their fancy cocktails. I think I may have enjoyed this one the most, as the characters now seem like people I have come to know. I received an advance review copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Barb Foerst · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Bohemia Bartenders are off to New Orleans for a special job and to hopefully solve once and for all the annoyance of Beau who is conning Pepper’s parents. But the trip has a bad start when Pepper and Neil find a dead body in what was to be a shared bed. The hotel and restaurant next door have a farting ghost. The crew is off unto another madcap mystery. This is another fun mystery.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this series! It's hilarious. All kinds of crazy is happening in New Orleans on Easter weekend. Pepper has her hands full trying to figure out who the murderer is and dealing with wacky family as well as ghosts. This book is as good as the first in the series, and there are very few I saw that about. I could see this series going on forever! lol

[Kandiemarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great cozy mystery. I enjoyed reading this book. The suspense kept me intrigued. It has wonderful characters and an amazing storyline. I look forward to reading more from the series and recommend reading this book.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.