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Sunny Side Up Mysteries #1
Diners, Drive-Ins, and Lies
Welcome to the Sunny Side Up Diner, where the pancakes are fluffy, the bacon is crisp, and murder should not be on the menu…
Jax Tapman has lived in the same small town her whole life. On one hand, it's helped her dream of buying the local diner with her best friend come true, and their newly opened business is hopping. On the other hand, it means everyone knows her, and she pretty much never gets away with anything. There are a lot of expectations that come along with being the town darling.
So, when Jax finds a dead body behind her Aunt Hildy’s restaurant, surely no one will truly believe she did it, right?
Wrong. The victim was strangled with swag from Jax's diner, and suddenly every eye is squarely on her, town darling or not! Enter Eliot Taylor, Aunt Hildy’s new cook and a former cop who grudgingly agrees to help Jax clear her name and save the diner's reputation. Only the deeper they dig, the more dirt they churn up, proving there’s far more happening in the small, innocent town than meets the eye.
Together they’ll uncover more secrets than Jax can shake a spatula at and far more danger than she might be ready to handle. Can Jax save her reputation and solve a murder...or will this order be her last?
Jax Tapman has lived in the same small town her whole life. On one hand, it's helped her dream of buying the local diner with her best friend come true, and their newly opened business is hopping. On the other hand, it means everyone knows her, and she pretty much never gets away with anything. There are a lot of expectations that come along with being the town darling.
So, when Jax finds a dead body behind her Aunt Hildy’s restaurant, surely no one will truly believe she did it, right?
Wrong. The victim was strangled with swag from Jax's diner, and suddenly every eye is squarely on her, town darling or not! Enter Eliot Taylor, Aunt Hildy’s new cook and a former cop who grudgingly agrees to help Jax clear her name and save the diner's reputation. Only the deeper they dig, the more dirt they churn up, proving there’s far more happening in the small, innocent town than meets the eye.
Together they’ll uncover more secrets than Jax can shake a spatula at and far more danger than she might be ready to handle. Can Jax save her reputation and solve a murder...or will this order be her last?
- GenresMysteryCozy MysteryCozy
209 pages, Paperback
Published August 27, 2024
68 people are currently reading
213 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
August 6, 2024
Diners, Drive-Ins, and Lies is a new book by Misty Simon.
Jax and Dani, best friends, have bought the local diner, hoping to bring new life to their favorite childhood establishment.
Things are going well until the shocking death of a local, who no one seems to like very much.
Jax has her own secret she's keeping from everyone, she's too embarrassed to tell anyone that she's broke.
With the help of Eliot, a chef at her Aunt Hildy's restaurant, they begin their own investigation into the murder, and slowly put the pieces together.
I really enjoyed this book, I had an immediate connection with the characters and the story grabbed my attention from the beginning and held it to the end.
I'm hoping there will be more in this fun, colorful cozy mystery series.
Jax and Dani, best friends, have bought the local diner, hoping to bring new life to their favorite childhood establishment.
Things are going well until the shocking death of a local, who no one seems to like very much.
Jax has her own secret she's keeping from everyone, she's too embarrassed to tell anyone that she's broke.
With the help of Eliot, a chef at her Aunt Hildy's restaurant, they begin their own investigation into the murder, and slowly put the pieces together.
I really enjoyed this book, I had an immediate connection with the characters and the story grabbed my attention from the beginning and held it to the end.
I'm hoping there will be more in this fun, colorful cozy mystery series.
May 13, 2025
This was my first read by this author. I was really attracted to the small time diner idea. Unfortunately, we didn't get much diner atmosphere or food, which is weird because we spent plenty of time there. I liked the MCs and enjoyed and supported their dream, but I found the mystery and story somewhat disconnected. There wasn't a lot of flow in the story, which made it hard to follow, especially since we get all kinds of weird information that goes nowhere. The MC spends all kinds of time looking for a key that has no part in the mystery. There is a locker that has weird stuff in it that neither Jax nor Dani know anything about, even if its in their place of business. Jax has money missing from her account, thinks it's a ex boyfriend never looks or follows up, and again, this has no place in the mystery. While there is potential here, this is just a little too scattered for me.
August 24, 2024
Diners, Drive-Ins, and Lies is the first book a brand-new cozy mystery series by Misty Simon.
Diners, Drive-Ins, and Lies is a new book by Misty Simon.
Jax and Dani who have been best friends forever bought a diner together in their hometown.
Business seems to be going well until a local resident dies with the lanyard of the diner around their neck. No one liked the victim and there is no shortage of suspects.
Jax is hiding a secret from everyone, even her bestie and business partner Dani.
I really enjoyed this cozy mystery. The characters were well written and fun.
The setting was fun, and I loved the Diner so much.
Look forward to more books in this series!
Diners, Drive-Ins, and Lies is a new book by Misty Simon.
Jax and Dani who have been best friends forever bought a diner together in their hometown.
Business seems to be going well until a local resident dies with the lanyard of the diner around their neck. No one liked the victim and there is no shortage of suspects.
Jax is hiding a secret from everyone, even her bestie and business partner Dani.
I really enjoyed this cozy mystery. The characters were well written and fun.
The setting was fun, and I loved the Diner so much.
Look forward to more books in this series!
August 25, 2024
Thank you Misty for an ARC of this book! I got a little lost in the beginning but got back on track once I realized I was confusing two characters. 🤣 I knew the motive but didn’t guess the murderer on this one. She did leave a little cliffhanger at the end so I can’t wait for the second book to see how that is resolved! Over all a great cozy mystery.
August 5, 2024
You’ll enjoy this delectable romp with Misty Simon’s full-bodied, well brewed characters. It is a delightful and thrilling meal of sumptuous intrigue, with to die for food, and a dash of romance. I warmed immediately to her main character, Jax, a struggling, perhaps, bumbling, entrepreneur who literally stumbles on a body. Then things get complicated. I had a wonderful time following Jax as she tries to help her father find a murderer, while running a new business. When someone starts to target her, a less fierce individual might back down. Not this woman. I love how she tackles life’s problems head on.
The book is filled with strong women, doing what they have to. Also, they get to eat amazing food! I have to admit, this book made me bake in 90 degree heat. The descriptions of the food, both in the diner and the inn, made my mouth water, not to mention the descriptions of the main male character. The well written supporting characters could be part of anyone’s family, I did wonder if Misty had been spying.
The book has page-turning surprise twists with realistic, yet difficult escapes. Real danger, murder, adultery, petty rivalry, and a Siamese cat? What more could you ask for in a book? Thoroughly, enjoyable from start to finish, or appetizer to coffee?
Warning do not read this book unless there are snacks handy.
The book is filled with strong women, doing what they have to. Also, they get to eat amazing food! I have to admit, this book made me bake in 90 degree heat. The descriptions of the food, both in the diner and the inn, made my mouth water, not to mention the descriptions of the main male character. The well written supporting characters could be part of anyone’s family, I did wonder if Misty had been spying.
The book has page-turning surprise twists with realistic, yet difficult escapes. Real danger, murder, adultery, petty rivalry, and a Siamese cat? What more could you ask for in a book? Thoroughly, enjoyable from start to finish, or appetizer to coffee?
Warning do not read this book unless there are snacks handy.
August 13, 2024
I absolutely loved this book!! Misty Simon has hit it out of the park with this one!! This is a must read!! Pick this book up today!! You will not be disappointed!!
August 4, 2024
Jax and Danielle have purchased an old diner in town and renovated it to become the Sunny Side Up Diner, a lifelong dream of theirs. To celebrate, they’re going out to dinner at her aunt/godmother’s four-star restaurant. They’re seated when Delilah Westerbrook charges into the restaurant yelling “Where is he?”, apparently looking for her latest man. Aunt Hildy seats her and sends Jax out the back to find Roderick and send him to safety. Jax finds him dead, strangled, unfortunately with one of the lanyards advertising her restaurant! Even having her dad is on the police force isn’t going to save her from this one. Dad enlists Eliot, a chef and former cop to help her investigate! A complicated mystery and a great first book in this new series!
August 7, 2024
Amazing start to a new series! The characters were relatable and funny. Twists and turns to the end, and a setup to keep you ready for the next book. Misty has out done herself again!
August 2, 2024
Such a good first book of a new series! I loved everything about it: the ditzy protagonist, her best friend, the chef, the diner! Great storyline! Big surprise ending with a tiny cliff-hanger! Can’t wait for the next one!
September 11, 2024
Diners, Drive-Ins, and Lies is the first book in the Sunny Side Up Mystery series written by Misty Simon and I can tell you right away that this is going to be a series to watch and will become one of your favorites to read !!!
Ever since Jax can remember she has always wanted to own a diner, and not just any diner, she wanted the one that she and her best friend Dani worked in when they were teenagers in high school. So when the owner Jeb decides to sell, Jax talks Dani into moving back to their hometown and co-owning in with her. And now after being open for six months, they are celebrating !!! Unfortunately things are going to turn quickly .....
While Jax and Dani are trying to celebrate their success at Jax's aunt Hildy's upscale restaurant, there is a commotion and Hildy asks Jax to go out the back and give Roderick the keys to her car so that he can make a hasty escape and not deal with Delilah's outburst. Of course Jax does what she is asked of but when she slips out the back door, Roderick is no where to be found. But when she walks around she finds him out in the garbage enclosure dead .... and strangled by a lanyard with her diner information on it that she just picked up from the printer and are locked in her car.
Luckily for Jax her father is a detective with the police force. Unluckily for Jax her father is a detective with the police force. So Jax has no choice but to play by the rules ... mostly. But then her father asks her to do some investigating of her own with the help of Hildy's chef, Eliot, who happens to have been a police officer until recently.
Eliot has secrets of his own as well as Jax keeping a huge one from her family, friends, and business partner so working together will be a piece of cake !! Especially seeing as Jax, with coaxing from Dani, cannot help but notice how attractive he is !!!
Readers cannot help but fall in love with this first book !!! Simon has you laughing out loud when you read the part where Jax stumbles upon Roderick's dead body and the dilemma she goes through on what to do and how unprepared she is when she doesn't have her phone at the ready. She is probably the most laid backed person in cozy history to ever be in that position. And you continue to fall in love as you dive deeper into the story. I, for many, congratulate Simon on her new release and new series and I, for one, look forward to more books in the series !!!!
Ever since Jax can remember she has always wanted to own a diner, and not just any diner, she wanted the one that she and her best friend Dani worked in when they were teenagers in high school. So when the owner Jeb decides to sell, Jax talks Dani into moving back to their hometown and co-owning in with her. And now after being open for six months, they are celebrating !!! Unfortunately things are going to turn quickly .....
While Jax and Dani are trying to celebrate their success at Jax's aunt Hildy's upscale restaurant, there is a commotion and Hildy asks Jax to go out the back and give Roderick the keys to her car so that he can make a hasty escape and not deal with Delilah's outburst. Of course Jax does what she is asked of but when she slips out the back door, Roderick is no where to be found. But when she walks around she finds him out in the garbage enclosure dead .... and strangled by a lanyard with her diner information on it that she just picked up from the printer and are locked in her car.
Luckily for Jax her father is a detective with the police force. Unluckily for Jax her father is a detective with the police force. So Jax has no choice but to play by the rules ... mostly. But then her father asks her to do some investigating of her own with the help of Hildy's chef, Eliot, who happens to have been a police officer until recently.
Eliot has secrets of his own as well as Jax keeping a huge one from her family, friends, and business partner so working together will be a piece of cake !! Especially seeing as Jax, with coaxing from Dani, cannot help but notice how attractive he is !!!
Readers cannot help but fall in love with this first book !!! Simon has you laughing out loud when you read the part where Jax stumbles upon Roderick's dead body and the dilemma she goes through on what to do and how unprepared she is when she doesn't have her phone at the ready. She is probably the most laid backed person in cozy history to ever be in that position. And you continue to fall in love as you dive deeper into the story. I, for many, congratulate Simon on her new release and new series and I, for one, look forward to more books in the series !!!!
September 14, 2024
Misty Simon KILLED IT - again! Her new series is to die for.
Lifelong best friends, Jax and Dani, see their dreams come true when they purchase the local diner and make it their own, while staying true to the 50s feel that made the diner so special to the townsfolk and tourists alike. Their dream turns into a nightmare when a body is found and it becomes obvious that the killer is trying to implicate Jax and ruin the new business.
Misty developed engaging characters, painted a great environment, and managed to add plent of twists and turns to trip up most armchair detectives without it getting bogged down or confusing.
I'm not prone to laughing at most comedies, but I found myself chuckling throughout the book. Misty Simon also penned in plenty of excitement and tension to keep me enthralled and not wanting to put the book down.
Diners, Drive-Ins, and Lies offers some light romantic elements that don't distract or overpower the mystery or the main story line. The characters are interesting and I look forward to learning more about them, their business, and the community as the series unfolds.
I was thoroughly entertained and satisfied! Misty Simon set the bar high for subsequent novels, but I'm sure she won't dissapoint! I'm eagerly awaiting her next in the series.
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Lifelong best friends, Jax and Dani, see their dreams come true when they purchase the local diner and make it their own, while staying true to the 50s feel that made the diner so special to the townsfolk and tourists alike. Their dream turns into a nightmare when a body is found and it becomes obvious that the killer is trying to implicate Jax and ruin the new business.
Misty developed engaging characters, painted a great environment, and managed to add plent of twists and turns to trip up most armchair detectives without it getting bogged down or confusing.
I'm not prone to laughing at most comedies, but I found myself chuckling throughout the book. Misty Simon also penned in plenty of excitement and tension to keep me enthralled and not wanting to put the book down.
Diners, Drive-Ins, and Lies offers some light romantic elements that don't distract or overpower the mystery or the main story line. The characters are interesting and I look forward to learning more about them, their business, and the community as the series unfolds.
I was thoroughly entertained and satisfied! Misty Simon set the bar high for subsequent novels, but I'm sure she won't dissapoint! I'm eagerly awaiting her next in the series.
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
May 8, 2025
Diners, drive-ends, and Lies
It started at Hillary's party at Her restaurant. Delihah came into the restaurant hollering where is he?. Hildy you will find him. Hildy came over to her niece Jax and said get your car keys go on back for Roderick to take your car out front. Do it so Delilah doesn't catch you. So Jax grabbed her keys went out the back door in the dark troubling to herself she got to big trash container , someone pushed her down and left the area. Jax opened the grass door and and was pushed , she fell over something there was a dead body Roderick and one of her lanyards around his neck. Jax left her phone in the door of the kitchen she walked forward and grabbed the door and her phone when someone left out the back door knocking her on the ground. Elliot looked out the door and found her on the ground checked on her got her inside and wanted to know what was going on. Glitter was in her hair. Elliot called the police. Jax and Elliot begin the work finding clues of who killed Roderick😀
It started at Hillary's party at Her restaurant. Delihah came into the restaurant hollering where is he?. Hildy you will find him. Hildy came over to her niece Jax and said get your car keys go on back for Roderick to take your car out front. Do it so Delilah doesn't catch you. So Jax grabbed her keys went out the back door in the dark troubling to herself she got to big trash container , someone pushed her down and left the area. Jax opened the grass door and and was pushed , she fell over something there was a dead body Roderick and one of her lanyards around his neck. Jax left her phone in the door of the kitchen she walked forward and grabbed the door and her phone when someone left out the back door knocking her on the ground. Elliot looked out the door and found her on the ground checked on her got her inside and wanted to know what was going on. Glitter was in her hair. Elliot called the police. Jax and Elliot begin the work finding clues of who killed Roderick😀
October 19, 2025
Jax Tapman and Danielle Brighton bought Diner they grew up with from Jeb;
renamed it the Sunny Side up Diner;
Teri - cook, Colleen - Terri's daughter
Jax and Dani went to Aunt Hildy's 4 star restaurant - Poplarsville Inn to celebrate 6 months in business, Aunt Hildy sent Jax outside to find Roderick....she did, MURDERED, strangled with a lanyard advertising the Diner;
Dean - chef, Tobias, Taylor - masterbaker and Eliot, former cop, now chef for Aunt Hildy;
Kenneth Benningfield, Roderick's son;
Delilah, Lydia, etc issues with Roderick Benningfield;
Roderick working with Brady over land deal, Kenneth hoped he inherited the land when his dad died.
However it wasn't Roderick's. Land went to the county to repay debts he reached up over the years;
Brady's son KILLED Roderick in hopes his father Brady would be proud of him......
The key found in the jukebox might be valuable if they can find out what the key goes to.
renamed it the Sunny Side up Diner;
Teri - cook, Colleen - Terri's daughter
Jax and Dani went to Aunt Hildy's 4 star restaurant - Poplarsville Inn to celebrate 6 months in business, Aunt Hildy sent Jax outside to find Roderick....she did, MURDERED, strangled with a lanyard advertising the Diner;
Dean - chef, Tobias, Taylor - masterbaker and Eliot, former cop, now chef for Aunt Hildy;
Kenneth Benningfield, Roderick's son;
Delilah, Lydia, etc issues with Roderick Benningfield;
Roderick working with Brady over land deal, Kenneth hoped he inherited the land when his dad died.
However it wasn't Roderick's. Land went to the county to repay debts he reached up over the years;
Brady's son KILLED Roderick in hopes his father Brady would be proud of him......
The key found in the jukebox might be valuable if they can find out what the key goes to.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 11, 2025
A cozy mystery in a small town where the diner is the place to be if you want to know what's going on. Great strong women characters with a complicated murder mystery plot. There are many suspects, several sub-mysteries which will keep you guessing as to whether they are all interconnected or just rabbit holes to explore.
I did have a hard time getting into the story because of all the characters and sub plots. It was hard to know which direction the story was headed and what was relevant and what wasn't. However, it did pick up mid way and pulled me in because I wanted to know WHO did it! Misty Simon writes well. This is first in a new series and slightly more sophisticated than some of her other series. A fun book with a delightful diner setting that will bring back memories to anyone who ever had a favorite diner with red vinyl seats.
I did have a hard time getting into the story because of all the characters and sub plots. It was hard to know which direction the story was headed and what was relevant and what wasn't. However, it did pick up mid way and pulled me in because I wanted to know WHO did it! Misty Simon writes well. This is first in a new series and slightly more sophisticated than some of her other series. A fun book with a delightful diner setting that will bring back memories to anyone who ever had a favorite diner with red vinyl seats.
August 26, 2024
Diners, Drive-ins and Lies
When a diner co-owner is implicated in a murder by the murder weapon, what's she supposed to do? Try to figure out the mystery, right? Of course! Boy what a convoluted mess to figure out. Fortunately a hunky ex-cop is available to help with the sleuthing, and eventually they get to the bottom of the mystery.
What I really liked---hidden problems that came to light, a new mystery evolved during the solving of the murder, and a mini mystery that solved itself.
What bothered me---so many ramblings about the same people and the same clues that sometimes it was hard to follow because Jax changed her mind so much.
Bottom line? A fun start to a new series that I am looking forward to seeing where it goes.
When a diner co-owner is implicated in a murder by the murder weapon, what's she supposed to do? Try to figure out the mystery, right? Of course! Boy what a convoluted mess to figure out. Fortunately a hunky ex-cop is available to help with the sleuthing, and eventually they get to the bottom of the mystery.
What I really liked---hidden problems that came to light, a new mystery evolved during the solving of the murder, and a mini mystery that solved itself.
What bothered me---so many ramblings about the same people and the same clues that sometimes it was hard to follow because Jax changed her mind so much.
Bottom line? A fun start to a new series that I am looking forward to seeing where it goes.
June 19, 2025
A Fun Enjoyable Read
This is my first Misty Simon book, and I'm asking myself why it took me so long to pick one up!
I enjoyed every aspect of this story. Jax and Dani's friendship, Hildy, Eliot, Jax's parents, the mystery, and, of course, the diner. As one who grew up in the world of diners and the joy that they are, I could envision myself there with a gal pal, eating French fries, sucking down milkshakes and being part of the excitement.
A lot more I want to know, though - more on Dani and the apparent mom situation; who was Karen; more on Eliot; will the Avacado artwork be worth anything and, the Key!
I read Diners, Drive-In's and Lies for book club; the next for my pure enjoyment!
This is my first Misty Simon book, and I'm asking myself why it took me so long to pick one up!
I enjoyed every aspect of this story. Jax and Dani's friendship, Hildy, Eliot, Jax's parents, the mystery, and, of course, the diner. As one who grew up in the world of diners and the joy that they are, I could envision myself there with a gal pal, eating French fries, sucking down milkshakes and being part of the excitement.
A lot more I want to know, though - more on Dani and the apparent mom situation; who was Karen; more on Eliot; will the Avacado artwork be worth anything and, the Key!
I read Diners, Drive-In's and Lies for book club; the next for my pure enjoyment!
February 2, 2026
Jax has lived in the same small town her whole life. She recently achieved her dream of owning a restaurant with her best friend. Her diner is doing well but things take a negative turn for her when a person turns up dead outside her Aunt Hildy's restaurant, strangled by some swag that Jax recently order for her restaurant. Jax proceeds to assist her father with investigating.
I really enjoyed getting to know Jax and the secondary characters. Jax is a rather likable character and someone I can see hanging out with. Both the story and mystery were excellent. The author did a good job adding red herrings because I didn't guess the killer until it was revealed to Jax. I also enjoyed the chemistry between Jax and Eliot.
I really enjoyed getting to know Jax and the secondary characters. Jax is a rather likable character and someone I can see hanging out with. Both the story and mystery were excellent. The author did a good job adding red herrings because I didn't guess the killer until it was revealed to Jax. I also enjoyed the chemistry between Jax and Eliot.
August 24, 2024
What a great new series! Jax finally has the diner she has been dreaming of for years but then someone uses a lanyard with her diner's name on it to commit murder. Her Dad is the detective on the case so she is not really a suspect, but she needs to know who did this and why.
This story surprised me with a couple of intriguing twists I hadn’t encountered in the numerous mysteries I’ve read. Another plus was how the author skillfully shows Jax’s character through her internal thoughts giving the reader a better feel for the character. I am definitely looking forward to more books in this series.
This story surprised me with a couple of intriguing twists I hadn’t encountered in the numerous mysteries I’ve read. Another plus was how the author skillfully shows Jax’s character through her internal thoughts giving the reader a better feel for the character. I am definitely looking forward to more books in this series.
September 25, 2024
Jax has lived in her hometown her whole life. She recently accomplished her lifelong dream – to own the local diner with her best friend. While celebrating their success at her Aunt Hildy’s restaurant, she finds a dead body outside. While she hopes the police find the murderer, she soon learns that she is the prime suspect, as the victim was strangled with some swag from the diner that was in her car. Aunt Hildy’s new cook Eliot is a former police officer, and he grudgingly agrees to help her. Sadly, the more evidence they find still makes her look guilty. It also turns out that there are more secrets in her small town than she ever expected! Delightful characters and a good mystery!
June 23, 2025
Cute first book in a series. Jax and her bestie, Dani, have opened a diner in their hometown... and not just any diner, but the same one where they worked when they were teenagers. They've been dreaming of this day for years. They've hit the six month mark and are celebrating. But like any good cozy mystery, the celebration comes with a dead body. Jax's dad, a police detective, asks Jax to keep her ears open at the diner to see if any gossip will lead to the killer.
The characters are well-written and likeable (well, except for a handful of irksome folks). There are secrets, and red herrings, and where are all these lanyards coming from? Very enjoyable book.
The characters are well-written and likeable (well, except for a handful of irksome folks). There are secrets, and red herrings, and where are all these lanyards coming from? Very enjoyable book.
September 9, 2024
Diners, Drive-ins, and Lies will make you crave food and/or snacks. This delightful mystery introduces some great characters and two fabulous eateries! Okay, there is a murder victim but no one seems to have liked him much. Jax is kept busy trying to run a new business and hunt for a murderer. This well plotted book keeps the reader’s interest with plenty of action, lots of suspects, surprising twists, the red herring of the lanyards and some danger for our intrepid sleuth! I am eargerly/hungerly awaiting book two.
September 3, 2024
What a delightful new cozy mystery series. I found the characters very engaging and the story entertaining. There was just the right mix of humor and budding romance thrown in as well. I was pleasantly surprised by who the killer was. Misty did an excellent job of keeping me guessing. Loved the cliffhanger ending. Can’t wait to learn more in book 2.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
September 12, 2024
I absolutely love this new mystery book! This author is so good at keeping you in the dark trying to figure it all out and yet you can’t put the book down because of the storyline. I guessed all over the place and boy was I wrong. I love that the real killer was absolutely none of the characters I thought would do it and for me, that makes an excellent mystery story. I can’t wait to see what else is in store for this series.
April 14, 2026
I found this book full of twist and turns due to all the secrets in the small town. Jax and Dani buy the local diner and it’s doing well. So they decided to have 6 month’s celebration which ends in Jax found a dead body (Roderick) with one of lanyards around his neck that they had been handing out. The suspects start piling up due to the fact Roderick wasn’t well liked. The story line and the secondary characters are well written. I definitely recommend reading this book.
September 10, 2024
I received a copy from the publisher.
Jax and Dani are making their dreams come true when they buy a local diner. They didn't plan on finding the body of an unliked local. Now, they're off to solve the mystery. This is a great first book in a new series. The characters are likable and you will definitely be rooting for them.
Jax and Dani are making their dreams come true when they buy a local diner. They didn't plan on finding the body of an unliked local. Now, they're off to solve the mystery. This is a great first book in a new series. The characters are likable and you will definitely be rooting for them.
October 17, 2024
Fabulous new series!
Ms. Simon strikes gold again with her new diner series. I truly loved this starter, and can't wait for more servings! I am drawn to the characters and the setting like fries with malt vinegar! (I love them!!) Simon is an automatic pre order, and has been for a while. Top notch!
Ms. Simon strikes gold again with her new diner series. I truly loved this starter, and can't wait for more servings! I am drawn to the characters and the setting like fries with malt vinegar! (I love them!!) Simon is an automatic pre order, and has been for a while. Top notch!
November 17, 2024
Fantastic cozy diner mystery, loved all the characters, including Jax, Dani, Eliot, etc. story plot left me on the edge of my seat and once I started reading it, I couldn’t put the book down and read until I finished it in the middle of the night. Highly recommended it to all my friends and family and also recommended to all mystery. lovers out there.
May 21, 2025
Persistent diner owner
It took me a few chapters to get into. But it ended up being an amazing story. They say women are better detectives than the FBI. The story made me feel like I was helping Jax solve the murder. I was just so hoping that Jax and Eliot would end up together. Guess I need to read book number 2. Must read.
It took me a few chapters to get into. But it ended up being an amazing story. They say women are better detectives than the FBI. The story made me feel like I was helping Jax solve the murder. I was just so hoping that Jax and Eliot would end up together. Guess I need to read book number 2. Must read.
June 16, 2025
free via Gemma Halliday. Cozy. Sunny Side Up Mystery. Too much talk and touchy-feely dialogue and not enough action. I read about half of it and then skimmed through it and then read the last couple of chapters. When the name of the murder was announced, I had no idea who that was and really didn't care. C.Sept 2024.
July 5, 2025
Jax and Dani, best friends, have bought the local diner and are making their way to success. But when Jax trips over a body with a lanyard from the diner around his neck, she becomes involved in her Dad's search for the killer. She has help from a retired detective turned chef and they struggle their way they to find the killer. A fun read with plenty of twists and turns.
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