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Rolling Dough Pizza Truck Mystery #1
Mozzarella Murder
When a copyeditor trades his red pen for a rolling pizza kitchen, he embarks on a tantalizing adventure, crafting his artisan pies in a charming Pennsylvania town…
But his hopes for a peaceful existence take an abrupt detour when a shocking discovery leaves his dear friend, a local cheesemonger, as the prime suspect in a murder investigation.
With his trusty five-pound Yorkshire Terrier companion, Romeo, by his side, he’s determined to clear his friend’s name and must slice through the layers of deception to expose the true culprit.
The stakes are high, and time is running out. Will they crack the case before the cunning killer strikes again? Or will they find themselves on the chopping block in this gripping tale of crime and cuisine?
Savor every moment of this wholesome food truck mystery, where each bite brings you closer to the final, satisfying revelation.
But his hopes for a peaceful existence take an abrupt detour when a shocking discovery leaves his dear friend, a local cheesemonger, as the prime suspect in a murder investigation.
With his trusty five-pound Yorkshire Terrier companion, Romeo, by his side, he’s determined to clear his friend’s name and must slice through the layers of deception to expose the true culprit.
The stakes are high, and time is running out. Will they crack the case before the cunning killer strikes again? Or will they find themselves on the chopping block in this gripping tale of crime and cuisine?
Savor every moment of this wholesome food truck mystery, where each bite brings you closer to the final, satisfying revelation.
162 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 5, 2024
400 people are currently reading
313 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
October 12, 2024
Entertaining cozy mystery. Cute little Yorkie dog.
November 15, 2024
Widower Denny Winwood switches up his career and purchases a food truck to create pizzas for the masses on the road. When Denny rolls into his old hometown, he plans to meet up with cheesemeister Ruben Wilkes, but their reunion is cut short by a dead body found in Ruben's shop. With a tight schedule, Denny will need to work quickly to convince the police that his friend is not a murderer.
This mystery was short but tightly woven, with a great ending. I'm not a big fan of Denny or his Yorkie (sorry), but the plot was compelling, and I liked that even though it was a quick read, it wasn't missing any elements.
This clean cosy will appeal to lovers of the genre - especially dog fanciers!
This mystery was short but tightly woven, with a great ending. I'm not a big fan of Denny or his Yorkie (sorry), but the plot was compelling, and I liked that even though it was a quick read, it wasn't missing any elements.
This clean cosy will appeal to lovers of the genre - especially dog fanciers!
October 3, 2025
This is the first in the series. The main character is Denny who owned and operated a pizza truck . He tells us the story of the first murder he solved when he started the pizza truck. The body was found in the cheese shop where he went to get his mozzarella order. He only became involved when his friend Rueben was arrested for it. He has always loved to solve puzzles with his granddad, so he started asking questions and while he was sure his friend didn't do it , he didn't know who did. Slowly he started to figure it out but will it be in time to save his friend?
January 20, 2025
Awesome series. Cannot wait for the next one in the series.
November 29, 2024
Cosy murder
A quick easy read that held my attention and had a great sense of location. Love that Romeo the dog is the sleuths sidekick!
A quick easy read that held my attention and had a great sense of location. Love that Romeo the dog is the sleuths sidekick!
February 24, 2025
I will be picking up the others in the series when I’m needing a quick mystery fix!
February 2, 2025
This one fit a popsugar prompt and was free on Amazon so I rolled the dice and it wasn't bad. To be clear this is not really a novel, more like a novella. I knocked it out in the hour and half I was waiting on my doctor.
It has a slightly different premise for a cozy mystery in that the sleuth is a 40 year old widower Denny (when most cozies focus on female amateur sleuths) who changed careers and is now starting up his pizza truck food truck business with the clever title of Rolling Dough. He's returned to his home town in PA to start this new business and almost immediately his friend Ruben, a cheesemonger who supplies his cheese, is blamed for the man found dead in his shop.
The man, Charlie, went to school with Denny (as do most of the suspects in this) and has a piece of glass buried in his back and naturally Ruben has a massive cut on his hand that he claims was from sharpening his knives.
Denny believes him and doesn't like the sheriff who was a h.s. bully to him and the brother of his h.s. sweetheart, Joy who always threatened Denny away from her back in the day. She's now the coroner for the town which gives him an in on why he wants to solve this mystery. That, and his grandpa was a famous mystery writer so Denny feels he knows a little about solving a mystery (shush, that's a cozy golden trope)
So with his 5 pound Yorkie, Romeo, Denny sets off to do so. There are plenty of suspects but the clues were more sparse and the ending was a bit out of nowhere for me (and I don't know how Denny didn't get his butt kicked based on various descriptions through the book).
Denny was a decent character but for one thing: Romeo. Look, I know a lot of people want to take their dogs everywhere but when the hospital tells you no, there's a good reason so I lost respect for him dragging that dog in to every place including bars and restaurants uninvited and smuggling Romeo into the hospital and then moralizing how dogs can lift a patient's spirits. True BUT a lot of people are severely allergic to dogs and if they're already in the hospital...the rule is there for a reason.
It was a decent mystery but I probably wouldn't read further, not because of quality but for personal reasons. I'm not a fan of amateur sleuth stories where the sheriff is dead set against them. I tend to avoid them and this sheriff has not really changed from h.s. while he does admit Denny helped he STILL is threatening him away from his sister. Why? Man if my brother did that....
It has a slightly different premise for a cozy mystery in that the sleuth is a 40 year old widower Denny (when most cozies focus on female amateur sleuths) who changed careers and is now starting up his pizza truck food truck business with the clever title of Rolling Dough. He's returned to his home town in PA to start this new business and almost immediately his friend Ruben, a cheesemonger who supplies his cheese, is blamed for the man found dead in his shop.
The man, Charlie, went to school with Denny (as do most of the suspects in this) and has a piece of glass buried in his back and naturally Ruben has a massive cut on his hand that he claims was from sharpening his knives.
Denny believes him and doesn't like the sheriff who was a h.s. bully to him and the brother of his h.s. sweetheart, Joy who always threatened Denny away from her back in the day. She's now the coroner for the town which gives him an in on why he wants to solve this mystery. That, and his grandpa was a famous mystery writer so Denny feels he knows a little about solving a mystery (shush, that's a cozy golden trope)
So with his 5 pound Yorkie, Romeo, Denny sets off to do so. There are plenty of suspects but the clues were more sparse and the ending was a bit out of nowhere for me (and I don't know how Denny didn't get his butt kicked based on various descriptions through the book).
Denny was a decent character but for one thing: Romeo. Look, I know a lot of people want to take their dogs everywhere but when the hospital tells you no, there's a good reason so I lost respect for him dragging that dog in to every place including bars and restaurants uninvited and smuggling Romeo into the hospital and then moralizing how dogs can lift a patient's spirits. True BUT a lot of people are severely allergic to dogs and if they're already in the hospital...the rule is there for a reason.
It was a decent mystery but I probably wouldn't read further, not because of quality but for personal reasons. I'm not a fan of amateur sleuth stories where the sheriff is dead set against them. I tend to avoid them and this sheriff has not really changed from h.s. while he does admit Denny helped he STILL is threatening him away from his sister. Why? Man if my brother did that....
September 1, 2024
Denny Winwood heads to Willow Creek, Pennsylvania in his pizza truck. Along with his five-pound Yorkshire Terrier, they hope to make the pizza business a success. Their first stop is the local cheese shop which is run by one of Denny’s old friends, Ruben Wilkes. Besides the cheese Denny wants for his pizza, he and Ruben stumble upon a dead body at the shop.
The body is a motivational speaker named Charlie Sampson. The police suspect Ruben of the killing, but Denny doesn’t believe his best friend would do something like that. Although Denny has events lined up with his pizza truck for the week, he first intends on finding a killer. No way he is going to let his friend rot in a jail cell for something he knows he didn’t do.
Denny is surprised to discover that Charlie made quite a few enemies. It’s not going to be that easy to find out who committed the crime.
This is a short, light cozy mystery. It’s one of those books you can read in an afternoon. It’s a great start to a new series and I’m looking forward to reading more about Denny and his Yorkshire Terrier. The book keeps you guessing to the end and I, for one, was suprirsed at who the culprit turned out to be. My only regret is that I didn’t have pizza while reading this. I was really craving for a slice.
The body is a motivational speaker named Charlie Sampson. The police suspect Ruben of the killing, but Denny doesn’t believe his best friend would do something like that. Although Denny has events lined up with his pizza truck for the week, he first intends on finding a killer. No way he is going to let his friend rot in a jail cell for something he knows he didn’t do.
Denny is surprised to discover that Charlie made quite a few enemies. It’s not going to be that easy to find out who committed the crime.
This is a short, light cozy mystery. It’s one of those books you can read in an afternoon. It’s a great start to a new series and I’m looking forward to reading more about Denny and his Yorkshire Terrier. The book keeps you guessing to the end and I, for one, was suprirsed at who the culprit turned out to be. My only regret is that I didn’t have pizza while reading this. I was really craving for a slice.
August 30, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (3.5 stars)
Mozzarella Murder by R.M. Murphy is a cozy little mystery that blends two of my favorite things: food and whodunits. I mean, a copyeditor turned pizza food truck owner? That’s already a fun setup. Add in a lovable Yorkshire Terrier sidekick named Romeo, and you know you’re in for some lighthearted sleuthing.
I really enjoyed the food truck angle—it gave the story a fresh twist on the cozy mystery formula, and all the cheesy pizza descriptions made me hungry while reading. The small-town setting was charming, and I thought the friendship at the heart of the story (with the local cheesemonger who gets framed) added some warmth.
That said, the pacing felt a little uneven at times, and some parts of the mystery were a bit predictable. It wasn’t a page-turner for me, but it was a cute, enjoyable read overall.
If you like culinary cozies with quirky pets, community vibes, and a sprinkle of humor, Mozzarella Murder will definitely satisfy your cravings—even if it doesn’t completely blow you away. 🍕🔪🐾
Mozzarella Murder by R.M. Murphy is a cozy little mystery that blends two of my favorite things: food and whodunits. I mean, a copyeditor turned pizza food truck owner? That’s already a fun setup. Add in a lovable Yorkshire Terrier sidekick named Romeo, and you know you’re in for some lighthearted sleuthing.
I really enjoyed the food truck angle—it gave the story a fresh twist on the cozy mystery formula, and all the cheesy pizza descriptions made me hungry while reading. The small-town setting was charming, and I thought the friendship at the heart of the story (with the local cheesemonger who gets framed) added some warmth.
That said, the pacing felt a little uneven at times, and some parts of the mystery were a bit predictable. It wasn’t a page-turner for me, but it was a cute, enjoyable read overall.
If you like culinary cozies with quirky pets, community vibes, and a sprinkle of humor, Mozzarella Murder will definitely satisfy your cravings—even if it doesn’t completely blow you away. 🍕🔪🐾
December 22, 2024
MOZZARELLA MURDER
A Rolling Dough Pizza Truck
Mystery Book 1
R.M. MURPHY
Review by Author Roy Murry
Denny is starting a new life operating a pizza truck and snooping part-time. While picking up MOZZARELLA cheese at a friend's Cheese Shop, a famous man is found dead behind the counter.
Since he has time to spend and it is his old stomping grounds, he starts investigating. But if you love food, Yorkies, and cozy murder mysteries, this is for you.
If I hear that puppy Yorkies are cute again, I will bark. Mr. Murphy overdoes the dog bit and does little character-building on the sleuthing.
This book is a short mystery. There is doubt about what is going on or who did it. Only one event the police overlooked reveals the truth.
It is a quick, somewhat enjoyable read, but as in book 1, it is not among the best.
A Rolling Dough Pizza Truck
Mystery Book 1
R.M. MURPHY
Review by Author Roy Murry
Denny is starting a new life operating a pizza truck and snooping part-time. While picking up MOZZARELLA cheese at a friend's Cheese Shop, a famous man is found dead behind the counter.
Since he has time to spend and it is his old stomping grounds, he starts investigating. But if you love food, Yorkies, and cozy murder mysteries, this is for you.
If I hear that puppy Yorkies are cute again, I will bark. Mr. Murphy overdoes the dog bit and does little character-building on the sleuthing.
This book is a short mystery. There is doubt about what is going on or who did it. Only one event the police overlooked reveals the truth.
It is a quick, somewhat enjoyable read, but as in book 1, it is not among the best.
August 9, 2025
Denny is telling about how he found his first murder. Denny left his job as copywriter to become a pizza food truck owner with his side kick Romeo. He heads to Willow Creek for the festivities at the local fairgrounds. Upon arriving in Willow Creek Denny stops at Wilkes Cheese Shop which is owned by old school friend, Ruben, only to find it closed which is out of character for Ruben. When Ruben finally show up they go inside to find Charles Sampson on the floor dead. Charles is famous for motivated speeches and books. There are so many suspects. Twist and turns on who actually murder Charles. Finding out who did it isn’t the only surprised at end of the book. I love that this was an easy and quick read. I’m definitely reading the whole series. I’m sure Denny and Romeo find more trouble in the series.
August 7, 2024
This was really cute! It was a nice, light read, with engaging characters and a twisty plot.
Denny is in the town where he grew up, just starting up his new venture of a pizza truck. Before he knows it, a friend is accused of murder! Denny knows his friend wouldn't have done it, and he starts his own investigation. Accompanied by his 5-pound Yorkie, Romeo, he wanders around town, talking to people, some old friends, and some who aren't so friendly.
It was a trip down memory lane for Denny, and we're tagging along. And you can never go wrong with a four legged companion!
This was the first of a new series, so I think we're in for a fun ride!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Denny is in the town where he grew up, just starting up his new venture of a pizza truck. Before he knows it, a friend is accused of murder! Denny knows his friend wouldn't have done it, and he starts his own investigation. Accompanied by his 5-pound Yorkie, Romeo, he wanders around town, talking to people, some old friends, and some who aren't so friendly.
It was a trip down memory lane for Denny, and we're tagging along. And you can never go wrong with a four legged companion!
This was the first of a new series, so I think we're in for a fun ride!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 16, 2025
I just finished reading Mozzarella Murder by R. M. Murphy, and I have to say, I truly loved it!
This is the first book in the series, and it’s a Cozy Mystery that simply hooks you from beginning to end. I really liked the main character, Denny, especially alongside his adorable dog; watching them solve a murder together was such a highlight.
As a dedicated lover of Cozy Mysteries, I can honestly say this book is a very easy read that grabs your attention right from the start. I found myself unable to put it down! If you enjoy Cozy Mysteries with heartwarming stories and great characters, this one is definitely for you.
My Rating: 5/5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is the first book in the series, and it’s a Cozy Mystery that simply hooks you from beginning to end. I really liked the main character, Denny, especially alongside his adorable dog; watching them solve a murder together was such a highlight.
As a dedicated lover of Cozy Mysteries, I can honestly say this book is a very easy read that grabs your attention right from the start. I found myself unable to put it down! If you enjoy Cozy Mysteries with heartwarming stories and great characters, this one is definitely for you.
My Rating: 5/5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
August 17, 2024
Mozzarella Murder is a debut cozy writen by new author RM Murphy. Denny the sleuth is male, which is great for a male cozy mystery reader like myself. He returns back to his hometown of Willow Creek, Pennsylvania with his new business a pizza truck. He also has a Yorksire Terrier/Yorkie named Romeo. One if his classmates is a author Charlie Sampson is in town and ends up murdered. Dennys freind becomes the prime suspect. He also reconnects with his childhood/high school sweetheart Joy. It was great for a cozy mystery. Well written and plotted with plenty ot the troupes in tact.
September 10, 2024
I was very impressed with this book, even more so as it's the author's debut. Well written, great characters and plot, plenty of good clues and suspects and an ending that kept me guessing.
There's also a unique narration quirk that was refreshingly original. Don't sleep on this one cozy mystery fans! Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
There's also a unique narration quirk that was refreshingly original. Don't sleep on this one cozy mystery fans! Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 8, 2024
Beyond expectations
Wow! I didn’t have very high expectations for this book. The author was new to me and I’d been burned by some other new authors lately. But wow! Excellent characters, intricate plot and subplots, and enough twists and turns to make a pretzel jealous. A great story with enough depth to make me want to read more about this main character and his sweet pup Romeo.
Wow! I didn’t have very high expectations for this book. The author was new to me and I’d been burned by some other new authors lately. But wow! Excellent characters, intricate plot and subplots, and enough twists and turns to make a pretzel jealous. A great story with enough depth to make me want to read more about this main character and his sweet pup Romeo.
July 12, 2024
First in new series by a new author. Starts off in the present and goes to the past for all the juicy details. Lots of great characters and a quick read, read in one sitting. Love these amateur detective stories.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 18, 2024
This was a strong start to the Rolling Dough Pizza Truck Mystery series, it had a great concept and interesting characters. It uses the mystery element perfectly and had me from the first page. I enjoyed the way R.M. Murphy wrote this and am excited for more in this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 21, 2024
Cheesy goodness lol. Pun intended. This really was a great start to this series. I loved that it was a looking back kind of thing. I think it would be cool to see the other of these stories with Denny at the end. Maybe reliving stuff with him. Just a really good mystery.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 23, 2024
Denny has tossed aside his old job as a copy editor and bought himself a Pizza Truck. However, when his friend, the local cheesemonger, is accused of murder he has to step in and clear his name. This is a quick, fun, cozy mystery and I look forward to future installments in this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 10, 2024
Rolling Dough Pizza Truck
Mr. Murphy has written a very good story, I enjoyed thoroughly, Denny the main character helps prove a friend did not kill the person like police had thought. Romeo his Yorkshire terrier is also a delightful character in the story. I look forward to the next tale.
Mr. Murphy has written a very good story, I enjoyed thoroughly, Denny the main character helps prove a friend did not kill the person like police had thought. Romeo his Yorkshire terrier is also a delightful character in the story. I look forward to the next tale.
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March 23, 2025Pizza truck owner/operator Denny hit his hometown on his route, and his cheese monger friend winds up charged with murder. Clever way to introduce the reader to quite a few characters in this first entry of the series, but if the pizza truck (and therefore Denny) is mobile and always on the road, did we need to meet them all, or was it just for this story? Have to continue reading to find out.
December 20, 2025
unexpected conclusion
This book held my attention quite well. A middle-aged man starting a new business is caught in the middle of investigation when his good friend is arrested for murder. I did not expect the culprit to be who it was, nor did I expect the ending to be what it was. This is a good start to a series, and I think readers will enjoy it. I sure did.
This book held my attention quite well. A middle-aged man starting a new business is caught in the middle of investigation when his good friend is arrested for murder. I did not expect the culprit to be who it was, nor did I expect the ending to be what it was. This is a good start to a series, and I think readers will enjoy it. I sure did.
October 27, 2024
Fun and Entertaining
I enjoyed this little cozy mystery but curious how someone can make a pizza from scratch and serve it quick enough not to keep those in line waiting too long - hehehe.
I enjoyed this little cozy mystery but curious how someone can make a pizza from scratch and serve it quick enough not to keep those in line waiting too long - hehehe.
November 10, 2024
Interesting story
A different mystery book, as it is being dictated by an elderly man as he looks back on his life. This first book introduced us to the hero of these stories, and I hope the rest of the series will get even better.
A different mystery book, as it is being dictated by an elderly man as he looks back on his life. This first book introduced us to the hero of these stories, and I hope the rest of the series will get even better.
November 19, 2024
I enjoyed this story. The characters are interesting, the plot is easily followed, and the premise is finding the person who killed the motivational speaker and why. The old man telling the stories is a bit strange, but it seems to work, so no real complaints. I do recommend this book.
January 31, 2025
New series for me and I was not disappointed. Denny and Romeo head back to Denny’s old home town. Denny and his pizza truck with Romeo, get involved in a murder at the cheese shop when an old school buddy gets arrested. The adventure begins…..
February 27, 2025
A trip back to his hometown turns into murder! With a pizza truck business just getting off the ground, a murder is not what you want to find yourself involved in. But with a grandfather who was a mystery writer, can he help himself? A nice read.
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March 23, 2025
Enjoyable quick read
I enjoyed this book because I was in the mood for a simple storyline with simple characters. It was a freebie but I’m not sure I would pay for the next book in the series.
I enjoyed this book because I was in the mood for a simple storyline with simple characters. It was a freebie but I’m not sure I would pay for the next book in the series.
April 2, 2025
Pizza man mystery
What an interesting story. The character s in this story come alive in the tale of yesteryear. The twists and turns may leave you guessing. Pick up your copy and enjoy..
What an interesting story. The character s in this story come alive in the tale of yesteryear. The twists and turns may leave you guessing. Pick up your copy and enjoy..
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews