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Greek to Me Mystery #1
Feta Attraction
The first mystery in a new series overflowing with Greek flavor...
Georgie Nikolopatos manages the Bonaparte House, a Greek restaurant and historic landmark in beautiful upstate New York rumored to possess ghosts and hidden treasure. But when her husband disappears and her main competitor is found dead, it’s up to Georgie to solve a big fat Greek murder.
With her husband, Spiro, inexplicably gone for days, Georgie has her hands full running the restaurant and dealing with the crew of the TV show Ghost Squad, called in by Spiro to inspect the house for haunting. So when she has a chance to take a boating excursion on the St. Lawrence River with her friend Keith Morgan, she jumps on it. But their idyll is quickly ruined when they discover the body of rival restaurant owner Domenic “Big Dom” DiTomasso floating in the water.
When the police start asking questions, it doesn’t help that Spiro can’t be found—and with Georgie on their suspect list, it’s up to her to find her missing husband and find out who killed Big Dom before someone else’s order is up.
Includes delicious Greek recipes!
Georgie Nikolopatos manages the Bonaparte House, a Greek restaurant and historic landmark in beautiful upstate New York rumored to possess ghosts and hidden treasure. But when her husband disappears and her main competitor is found dead, it’s up to Georgie to solve a big fat Greek murder.
With her husband, Spiro, inexplicably gone for days, Georgie has her hands full running the restaurant and dealing with the crew of the TV show Ghost Squad, called in by Spiro to inspect the house for haunting. So when she has a chance to take a boating excursion on the St. Lawrence River with her friend Keith Morgan, she jumps on it. But their idyll is quickly ruined when they discover the body of rival restaurant owner Domenic “Big Dom” DiTomasso floating in the water.
When the police start asking questions, it doesn’t help that Spiro can’t be found—and with Georgie on their suspect list, it’s up to her to find her missing husband and find out who killed Big Dom before someone else’s order is up.
Includes delicious Greek recipes!
294 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 6, 2015
53 people are currently reading
941 people want to read
About the author
Susannah Hardy
3 books94 followersSusannah Hardy thinks she has the best job in the world: making up stories and inventing recipes to go along with them. A native of northern New York, where she attended St. Lawrence University, Susannah now lives in Connecticut with her husband, teenaged son, and Elvira the Wonder Cat. You can visit her online at www.susannahhardy.com, on Twitter @susannahhardy1, and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Susann....
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 139 reviews
January 13, 2015
Dollycas’s Thoughts
As soon as I read that the Bonaparte House was an Octagon House I was so excited to keep reading. I was amazed by an Octagon House back in elementary school when we took a field trip to the Octagon House Museum in Watertown, Wisconsin. Many years later I learned of another Octagon House in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin and that one has been said to haunted! There is said to be another in Hudson, Wisconsin. These house were popular in the 1850’s thanks to amateur architect and lifestyle pundit Orson Squire Fowler*. Because of knowledge of these homes I had a very good idea about how this mystery may play out.
Georgie has an interesting life. She is married to a gay man and now that their daughter is grown it may be the right time for her to make some changes. The problem is that her mother-in-law and her husband own the restaurant she manages and she can’t imagine doing anything else. She is also very close to her mother-in-law. They all live above the restaurant too.
Georgie is not really shocked her husband has disappeared, he’s done it before but always comes back within one one two days. When he doesn’t return and she finds he left his cell phone behind she knows something is terribly wrong. She also starts receiving some strange messages. She doesn’t want to worry her mother-in-law so she starts to do a little investigating on her own.
Add to this a “Ghost Squad” looking for paranormal activity at Bonaparte House and a dead restaurant owner floating in the river and you have everything you need for a fantastic cozy mystery.
There is a lot going on in this first installment of the A Greek to Me Mystery series. I may have figured out part of the mystery early but the huge twist near the end was totally unexpected. To say more would give too much away.
I can say that Ms. Hardy has created some excellent characters. We really get to know Georgie and Sophie. Spiro not so much but I am confident he will be just as engaging. I believe the author has just scratched the surface of where she can take these characters. She has all the ingredients needed to whip up several tasty mysteries. I am really excited for book #2. “Opa!” pass the Ouzo!
March 14, 2018
"When you marry a gay man, it shouldn't come as a surprise when he leaves you" . The first line from Feta Attraction had me hooked until the end and I knew I would love this book. I was right because I could not put it down. I read it at every opportunity.
The Bonaparte House is a Greek restaurant and a BEAUTIFUL, notable, and historic home to the Nikolopatos family where Georgie, wife to Spiro runs and manages the place. I would be remiss not to mention Sophie, Spiro's mother who is the owner and matriarch of the family and quite a spunky Greek old woman.
Spirio has ventured out yet again on another one of his romps leaving Georgie to run the restaurant. With Gerogie being used to being left alone she thinks nothing of it until her husband is gone longer than usual. She begins to worry, but now having to deal with a reality TV show, Ghost Squad coming in to investigate supposed paranormal activity in the house by her husband.
Georgie takes a scenic boat ride with friend, Keith Morgan but along the way Georgie spots the body of rival restaurant owner Domenic "Big Dom" DiTomasso floating in the water, she tries to save him but realizes it's too late.
With Spiro missing and "Big Dom's" discovery of being murdered. Georgie literally has a lot on her plate and with her being suspect number one she is determined to find her husband and a killer but she soon finds out it's all connected.
Twists and turns abound in this first in a series called Feta Attraction. You cannot but help but love Georgie and her quirky mother-in-law, Sophie. The restaurant setting and the unconventional marriage of Georgie and Spiro have you wanting to say "opa" more than once. On the edge of your seat, Georgie never stopped and with never a dull moment. You feel like your right in the middle of the action, fast pased , It had me wanting and waiting for a second book in this adventurous new series and wanting to find out what's in store for all these dynamic characters.
The Bonaparte House is a Greek restaurant and a BEAUTIFUL, notable, and historic home to the Nikolopatos family where Georgie, wife to Spiro runs and manages the place. I would be remiss not to mention Sophie, Spiro's mother who is the owner and matriarch of the family and quite a spunky Greek old woman.
Spirio has ventured out yet again on another one of his romps leaving Georgie to run the restaurant. With Gerogie being used to being left alone she thinks nothing of it until her husband is gone longer than usual. She begins to worry, but now having to deal with a reality TV show, Ghost Squad coming in to investigate supposed paranormal activity in the house by her husband.
Georgie takes a scenic boat ride with friend, Keith Morgan but along the way Georgie spots the body of rival restaurant owner Domenic "Big Dom" DiTomasso floating in the water, she tries to save him but realizes it's too late.
With Spiro missing and "Big Dom's" discovery of being murdered. Georgie literally has a lot on her plate and with her being suspect number one she is determined to find her husband and a killer but she soon finds out it's all connected.
Twists and turns abound in this first in a series called Feta Attraction. You cannot but help but love Georgie and her quirky mother-in-law, Sophie. The restaurant setting and the unconventional marriage of Georgie and Spiro have you wanting to say "opa" more than once. On the edge of your seat, Georgie never stopped and with never a dull moment. You feel like your right in the middle of the action, fast pased , It had me wanting and waiting for a second book in this adventurous new series and wanting to find out what's in store for all these dynamic characters.
September 3, 2016
Pretty good, new author for me, new series. It reminded me of a Scooby-Doo storyline with secret treasure, a cave called the Devil's Oven, and an underhanded scheme .
May 20, 2016
Good debut. I'll definitely pick up the next one.
July 3, 2017
Murder, kidnapping, extortion, walls that moan,
ghost or trapped spirit, the TV ghost hunters
crew, hidden jewels, secret passages, pirates,
missing bottle of Ouzo, a husband's boyfriend,
tattoos, the Devil' Oven ( a shoreline cave ),
drugs, Sunshine Acres commune, goat milk
for the most delicious Feta Cheese and French
Cheese Curls, the Sons of Demeter plus intrigue,
suspense, twists and turns involve the reader
in tracking down the sinister forces.
A creatively written mystery. Recipes included
at the end.
Georgie Nikolopatos manages and runs the
famous Bonaparte House which is a Greek
restaurant.
The restaurant is where the Nikolopatos live.
In addition to Georgie, her gay husband (Spiro)
and her mother-in-law (Sophie )reside in the
historic restaurant house. It is said that the house
was built to be a hideaway for Napoleon Bonaparte.
It is located near the St Lawrence river in Upper
New York.
A diverse, colorful, interesting, vivid and some
quirky characters.
A good read.
ghost or trapped spirit, the TV ghost hunters
crew, hidden jewels, secret passages, pirates,
missing bottle of Ouzo, a husband's boyfriend,
tattoos, the Devil' Oven ( a shoreline cave ),
drugs, Sunshine Acres commune, goat milk
for the most delicious Feta Cheese and French
Cheese Curls, the Sons of Demeter plus intrigue,
suspense, twists and turns involve the reader
in tracking down the sinister forces.
A creatively written mystery. Recipes included
at the end.
Georgie Nikolopatos manages and runs the
famous Bonaparte House which is a Greek
restaurant.
The restaurant is where the Nikolopatos live.
In addition to Georgie, her gay husband (Spiro)
and her mother-in-law (Sophie )reside in the
historic restaurant house. It is said that the house
was built to be a hideaway for Napoleon Bonaparte.
It is located near the St Lawrence river in Upper
New York.
A diverse, colorful, interesting, vivid and some
quirky characters.
A good read.
July 9, 2017
This is the first book in the Greek to me series. Georgie is Married to Spiro and works at a Greek restaurant called Bonaparte House that is owned by her husband and mother in law. When Spiro goes missing and the restaurants main competitor is found dead, Georgie starts to think that maybe Spiro didn't leave on his own. There is also talk of a treasure being hidden somewhere in Bonaparte House.
This was a good first book in the series. I liked Georgie's character and relationship with her mother in law Sophie. The mystery was great. I was completely shocked by who the killer was. I liked that character completely shocked. I would read the next book.
This was a good first book in the series. I liked Georgie's character and relationship with her mother in law Sophie. The mystery was great. I was completely shocked by who the killer was. I liked that character completely shocked. I would read the next book.
February 13, 2019
Started slow, but ended up really enjoying it!
August 8, 2016
Last year I read Yarned and Dangerous by Sadie Hartwell. I enjoyed it so much that when I learned that she wrote this Greek to Me cozy series as Susannah Hardy, I knew I had to give it a try. Unfortunately this series and I are not meant to be.
I did like the interesting local history that was used in Feta Attraction, and the old octagon-shaped house made a good restaurant. The setting I liked; it was the main character and the mystery that I had problems with.
I never warmed up to the main character. For years Georgie has been stuck in a stagnant marriage where her husband thinks nothing of taking off for days to conduct his little affairs. Yes, she did stay in the marriage for the sake of her child, but letting her husband and mother-in-law take advantage of her day in and day out? I just can't become enthusiastic over a character who has DOORMAT tattooed on her forehead. (And with a life like this, is she really a proper role model for that child?)
There's also a bit too much going on plotwise: missing husband, murdered man, hidden treasure, missing money, illegal contraband, weird noises, secret spaces, and a "ghostbusting" team that really wasn't necessary at all. No, Feta Attraction just was not my cup of tea, but your mileage could certainly vary!
I did like the interesting local history that was used in Feta Attraction, and the old octagon-shaped house made a good restaurant. The setting I liked; it was the main character and the mystery that I had problems with.
I never warmed up to the main character. For years Georgie has been stuck in a stagnant marriage where her husband thinks nothing of taking off for days to conduct his little affairs. Yes, she did stay in the marriage for the sake of her child, but letting her husband and mother-in-law take advantage of her day in and day out? I just can't become enthusiastic over a character who has DOORMAT tattooed on her forehead. (And with a life like this, is she really a proper role model for that child?)
There's also a bit too much going on plotwise: missing husband, murdered man, hidden treasure, missing money, illegal contraband, weird noises, secret spaces, and a "ghostbusting" team that really wasn't necessary at all. No, Feta Attraction just was not my cup of tea, but your mileage could certainly vary!
December 3, 2015
I had high hopes for this series debut after reading the first third of the book. An engaging heroine, Georgie, in an interesting setting -- the Greek restaurant she runs with her husband's family. And the book's narrative pacing is well done and keeps you turning the pages. I read a lot of cozy mysteries, and I look for entertainment, diversion, likable and fleshed out characters and situations/settings that are unusual or appealing. I don't expect Agatha Christie plots.
But, that being said, this book had so many preposterous and illogical plot machinations that I just finally couldn't stay with it any more. I don't mind having my credulity stretched a little, it's fiction after all. But when there's a new major eye roller on every page, I have to admit that it's not the book for me. I lived aboard a boat for 16 years so maybe I'm just oversensitive, but there was a considerable amount of action having to do with boats, and all of it was so poorly done and so unbelievable that it kept me from enjoying the book. I did finish the book, but by the end it had degenerated into almost cartoonish scenes.
But, that being said, this book had so many preposterous and illogical plot machinations that I just finally couldn't stay with it any more. I don't mind having my credulity stretched a little, it's fiction after all. But when there's a new major eye roller on every page, I have to admit that it's not the book for me. I lived aboard a boat for 16 years so maybe I'm just oversensitive, but there was a considerable amount of action having to do with boats, and all of it was so poorly done and so unbelievable that it kept me from enjoying the book. I did finish the book, but by the end it had degenerated into almost cartoonish scenes.
January 5, 2015
When Georgie’s husband goes missing, she doesn’t think much of it. Spiro has done that several times since he came out of the closet. However, when he doesn’t show up for an appointment, she begins to worry, and the strange notes she is receiving aren’t helping. However, finding the body floating in the St. Lawrence River really makes her start to investigate. What is going on?
There are lots of threads at the start of this book, but they soon begin to weave into one coherent story. Georgie helps hold things together, too; she is such a likable main character, you can’t help but root for her to get a happy ending. I really enjoyed this debut and think it looks like the start of a fun series.
NOTE: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
There are lots of threads at the start of this book, but they soon begin to weave into one coherent story. Georgie helps hold things together, too; she is such a likable main character, you can’t help but root for her to get a happy ending. I really enjoyed this debut and think it looks like the start of a fun series.
NOTE: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
January 20, 2015
I was really looking forward in reading this book, I liked the idea of a cast of Greek characters and it being set in a Greek restaurant. I had a whole idea how this book was going to be, I thought it was going to have a more funny, quirky cast of characters. But, it didn't turn out that way for me.
I didn't care that much for Georgie, the main character. She came off to me, a little snobbish. There was some very dumb moments through out the book that really had me shaking my head and saying, how dumb is this. I knew who the killer, slash, kidnapper was, when they were first introduced into the story. But, I kept hoping while reading it, I would be wrong, but I wasn't.
I didn't care that much for Georgie, the main character. She came off to me, a little snobbish. There was some very dumb moments through out the book that really had me shaking my head and saying, how dumb is this. I knew who the killer, slash, kidnapper was, when they were first introduced into the story. But, I kept hoping while reading it, I would be wrong, but I wasn't.
March 17, 2015
I enjoy a cozy mystery for the simplicity of reading. I intersperse them with other books that are harder or more depressing. Cozies just make me feel good. This one was no exception. But, if I had a criticism, it would be with all the stupid choices Georgie, the main character, and co-owner of the restaurant that plays a pivotal part of the book. She has a good head for business, not so much her own life. As long as you want a nice, simple book to read, I recommend this one. Oh, I must add. I was pleasantly surprised when the killer was finally revealed. It was not who I thought it would be.
September 20, 2015
Feta Attraction is a well plotted first-in-a-series cozy mystery that had me guessing right up until the end...which makes it the best kind of cozy. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
July 13, 2017
Georgie needs a break. Her gay husband has taken off with out a word leaving her to run their Bistro alone, her mother-in-law is nagging her to find him and Pirate Days are coming up- one of the busiest days of the season! She agrees to a much needed spa night at her best friends resort on an island not far from Bonaparte Bay. She is excited to be ferried to the island by handsome Keith, who she is told has been in love with her for years and things are really starting to look up, until they motor across the body of "Big Dom," who happens to be the Bistro's biggest competitor. Then Georgie starts receiving threatening emails stating that her husband has been kidnapped, to find "it" and bring "it" to the kidnapper and he will be released. With the help of her husband's boyfriend, her mother-in-law and a rogue coast guard agent Captain Jack, Georgie starts searching for her "it," her husband and the killer!
August 17, 2020
This was an interesting, twisty, mystery. There were enough red herrings to keep both the Main character and the Reader busy.
The environs seemed well presented, and all the characters were relatable, I enjoyed the 'empty nester, learning to spread her own wings', watching her learning to be more observant and independent. It was almost frustrating not to be able to shout at her...
I admit to being surprised by the actual bad guy...
This was a smooth-reading story without noticeable editing or formatting gaffes, I'd love to read on!
The environs seemed well presented, and all the characters were relatable, I enjoyed the 'empty nester, learning to spread her own wings', watching her learning to be more observant and independent. It was almost frustrating not to be able to shout at her...
I admit to being surprised by the actual bad guy...
This was a smooth-reading story without noticeable editing or formatting gaffes, I'd love to read on!
♪┏(°.°)┛
June 19, 2021
Very cute - love the humor and the main character. There was a solid mystery to solve, and it has some basic good recipes at the end I want to try. Unconventional. Will try more of the series later.
January 8, 2015
Feta Attraction is the first book in the brand new Greek To Me Mystery series by Susannah Hardy.
Georgie Nikolopatos is a very busy woman. She manages the day-to-day operations of the Greek restaurant, the Bonaparte House, owned by her husband, Spiro, and mother-in-law, Sophie. While Georgie is wholly invested in her work as manager, Spiro isn't so much, and neither are as committed to their marriage as maybe they were many years ago. In fact, the rumor mill is quite active in chattering about Spiro's trysts, including the current person in his life. Plus, there is a story that there is a very valuable treasure hidden in Bonaparte House and another insisting the place is haunted.
When Spiro disappears, as is Spiro's way, he leaves the local ghost hunters he called in to investigate the Bonaparte House, in Georgie's lap, so-to-speak - as if she wasn't busy enough running the restaurant and running interference with Sophie, who is worried about Spiro's absence. Even Georgie is uncomfortable with this disappearing act. Spiro has been gone longer than usual, there has been no contact by him, he's not answering his phone, and his love interest is also worried.
When it's time for the ghost hunters to do their thing, she gets a boat ride from Keith, to her friend, Liza's, where she'll be staying the night. On their way to the spa that Liza owns and lives at, they come across the body of Big Dom DiTomasso -- and so our true cozy mystery begins and Georgie's To-Do list gets a bit longer:
1. Run the restaurant
2. Find her missing husband.
3. Find the rumored treasure.
4. Figure out who killed Big Dom.
5. Placate Sophie and intentionally keep her out of the know.
Of course, this list is not all encompassing and it is not necessarily accomplished in the above order.
Someone is very intent on locating the supposed treasure and will stop at nothing until it's found. Unfortunately, this leads to some pretty dangerous episodes and some very unwise decisions. Here is where I will include what I didn't like about the novel. I feel it's best to get that aired out and then finish up the review on a more positive note.
While Georgia is a likable enough main character, I think she puts up with an awful lot that any self-respecting woman wouldn't. She continuously makes excuses for her husband's absences and infidelities. I also was annoyed with her lack of police involvement. Her husband is missing, she's receiving sinister communications, and someone ransacked the Bonaparte House's living quarters - and she doesn't tell anyone. Items are stolen from the premises and she doesn't inform the authorities. I realize part of it is because she doesn't want to implicate Spiro's involvement in some of the less than legal things going on but her actions just weren't smart, even by cozy mystery standards.
So....even with those small rants, I want to make sure that readers understand that Feta Attraction really is a great book. The book begins with multiple storylines that seamlessly weave themselves together. There are several suggested reasons for the disappearance of Spiro, and not all of them involve something heinous. The reader is introduced to many people that could be involved in Spiro going missing. Eventually, you'll see how all of the events fit together.
The character and world building is well done. Despite my somewhat negative opinions already stated about Georgia, I really find that she has a good heart. That good heart is what causes her to do the things she does in Feta Attraction; it also is what prevents her from actually going to the proper authorities. She's spunky, motivated, and does the best she can to placate, as well as protect, her mother-in-law as events heat up and become more dangerous. Georgia also does her best not to involve her friends in her sleuthing in order to help keep everyone safe from whomever is responsible for the events taking place.
Sophie is a hoot. She's worried about Spiro but really, I think she's more about the money than anything else. She seems to have a mostly smooth relationship with Georgie and trusts her with the restaurant and its management aspects. She is written in a voice that I could totally "hear" in my head as I read each of her speaking lines.
Feta Attraction is a cozy mystery that I was able to put down and walk away from but only temporarily. I had to know what the heck was going on and why so many people and storylines were created. I can't wait to see what Susannah Hardy has in store for Georgie next.
Paperback review copy courtesy of the publisher, at no cost, in exchange for an honest review.
Georgie Nikolopatos is a very busy woman. She manages the day-to-day operations of the Greek restaurant, the Bonaparte House, owned by her husband, Spiro, and mother-in-law, Sophie. While Georgie is wholly invested in her work as manager, Spiro isn't so much, and neither are as committed to their marriage as maybe they were many years ago. In fact, the rumor mill is quite active in chattering about Spiro's trysts, including the current person in his life. Plus, there is a story that there is a very valuable treasure hidden in Bonaparte House and another insisting the place is haunted.
When Spiro disappears, as is Spiro's way, he leaves the local ghost hunters he called in to investigate the Bonaparte House, in Georgie's lap, so-to-speak - as if she wasn't busy enough running the restaurant and running interference with Sophie, who is worried about Spiro's absence. Even Georgie is uncomfortable with this disappearing act. Spiro has been gone longer than usual, there has been no contact by him, he's not answering his phone, and his love interest is also worried.
When it's time for the ghost hunters to do their thing, she gets a boat ride from Keith, to her friend, Liza's, where she'll be staying the night. On their way to the spa that Liza owns and lives at, they come across the body of Big Dom DiTomasso -- and so our true cozy mystery begins and Georgie's To-Do list gets a bit longer:
1. Run the restaurant
2. Find her missing husband.
3. Find the rumored treasure.
4. Figure out who killed Big Dom.
5. Placate Sophie and intentionally keep her out of the know.
Of course, this list is not all encompassing and it is not necessarily accomplished in the above order.
Someone is very intent on locating the supposed treasure and will stop at nothing until it's found. Unfortunately, this leads to some pretty dangerous episodes and some very unwise decisions. Here is where I will include what I didn't like about the novel. I feel it's best to get that aired out and then finish up the review on a more positive note.
While Georgia is a likable enough main character, I think she puts up with an awful lot that any self-respecting woman wouldn't. She continuously makes excuses for her husband's absences and infidelities. I also was annoyed with her lack of police involvement. Her husband is missing, she's receiving sinister communications, and someone ransacked the Bonaparte House's living quarters - and she doesn't tell anyone. Items are stolen from the premises and she doesn't inform the authorities. I realize part of it is because she doesn't want to implicate Spiro's involvement in some of the less than legal things going on but her actions just weren't smart, even by cozy mystery standards.
So....even with those small rants, I want to make sure that readers understand that Feta Attraction really is a great book. The book begins with multiple storylines that seamlessly weave themselves together. There are several suggested reasons for the disappearance of Spiro, and not all of them involve something heinous. The reader is introduced to many people that could be involved in Spiro going missing. Eventually, you'll see how all of the events fit together.
The character and world building is well done. Despite my somewhat negative opinions already stated about Georgia, I really find that she has a good heart. That good heart is what causes her to do the things she does in Feta Attraction; it also is what prevents her from actually going to the proper authorities. She's spunky, motivated, and does the best she can to placate, as well as protect, her mother-in-law as events heat up and become more dangerous. Georgia also does her best not to involve her friends in her sleuthing in order to help keep everyone safe from whomever is responsible for the events taking place.
Sophie is a hoot. She's worried about Spiro but really, I think she's more about the money than anything else. She seems to have a mostly smooth relationship with Georgie and trusts her with the restaurant and its management aspects. She is written in a voice that I could totally "hear" in my head as I read each of her speaking lines.
Feta Attraction is a cozy mystery that I was able to put down and walk away from but only temporarily. I had to know what the heck was going on and why so many people and storylines were created. I can't wait to see what Susannah Hardy has in store for Georgie next.
Paperback review copy courtesy of the publisher, at no cost, in exchange for an honest review.
March 9, 2015
Georgie Nikolopatos manages a Greek restaurant in the historic Bonaparte House, along with her husband, Spiro, and mother-in-law, Sophie. Georgie loves the restaurant and wants nothing more than to continue to work there, but the threat of having to leave is constantly hanging over her head. She and Spiro have a marriage in name only, and Georgie is afraid his latest absence may mean he has finally left her. Although Spiro has disappeared before, this time it feels different. Since it’s his family that owns the restaurant, she fears she will be losing her job as well as her marriage if Spiro divorces her. Georgie’s irritation turns to fear when she learns Spiro has been keeping dangerous company and may be in trouble. Georgie is trying to remain calm and keep up with the daily demands of the restaurant. Further complicating things are crew members arriving from a television show called Ghost Squad, who are trying to prove reports that the Bonaparte House is haunted. Things really get complicated when Georgie is one of the people to discover the dead body of a rival restaurant owner who may have had some underhanded dealings with Spiro. Georgie is more determined than ever to find out if there is something sinister behind Spiro’s disappearance.
Many books get your attention in the first chapter, but this book literally grabs you with the very first sentence: “When you marry a gay man, it shouldn’t come as a surprise when he leaves you.” With that doozy of an opening line, it’s obvious this is going to be a unique book. This is a great debut of a very promising series. The author is a talented writer who sets the scenes throughout the book with her descriptive language. I could picture the room perfectly and wished I could see it after reading the following description, “The walls were the color of a field of lavender in the French countryside.” I laughed and commiserated with Georgie when she sees herself in the mirror and says, “My hair was an Einstein mess…” The author is able to paint a picture and set the mood with her wonderful descriptions.
The characters in this book are complex, and if you’re like me, you may not form an immediate connection with them. Georgie is likeable, but inconsistent. She seems strong and independent one minute, but lets Sophie walk on her and also demonstrates too much dithering and not enough action even when it becomes likely that Spiro is in danger. Georgie’s mother-in-law, Sophie, is extremely hard to get to know. She seems fun-loving in the area of romance, but dour and old-fashioned in her interactions with Georgie. The most fun character is Spiro’s boyfriend, Inky, and when he and Georgie team up to help Spiro, the book really picks up. They make a surprising, but interesting, team. Once they teamed up, I really started to enjoy the story much more and began rooting for Georgie to succeed in the investigation and in her personal life.
With the complex characters and their relationships, the ghost hunter aspect of the story isn’t really needed and just adds confusion to an already full plot. There are also some holes in romance subplot. Georgie and Spiro have a grown daughter, so it seems strange that after all those years of remaining faithful to Spiro, regardless of how Spiro has conducted himself, Georgie suddenly becomes attracted to not one, but two different men. Even though the timing seems strange, I’m pleased with the direction Georgie’s love life seems to be taking by the end of the book. Hopefully this will give her the confidence to stand up for herself a little more in the operation of the restaurant than she does in this book.
There are some flaws in the book, but overall, it is a quick read that kept my interest from the beginning until the very end. I appreciate the uniqueness of the characters and the storyline. Things get complicated with a variety of different characters by the end of the story, but I’m happy with the way the story ends. All of the important questions are answered, leaving enough questions to leave the reader eager for a sequel to read about Georgie’s next adventure.
This review was originally written for Smitten by Books. The book was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
Many books get your attention in the first chapter, but this book literally grabs you with the very first sentence: “When you marry a gay man, it shouldn’t come as a surprise when he leaves you.” With that doozy of an opening line, it’s obvious this is going to be a unique book. This is a great debut of a very promising series. The author is a talented writer who sets the scenes throughout the book with her descriptive language. I could picture the room perfectly and wished I could see it after reading the following description, “The walls were the color of a field of lavender in the French countryside.” I laughed and commiserated with Georgie when she sees herself in the mirror and says, “My hair was an Einstein mess…” The author is able to paint a picture and set the mood with her wonderful descriptions.
The characters in this book are complex, and if you’re like me, you may not form an immediate connection with them. Georgie is likeable, but inconsistent. She seems strong and independent one minute, but lets Sophie walk on her and also demonstrates too much dithering and not enough action even when it becomes likely that Spiro is in danger. Georgie’s mother-in-law, Sophie, is extremely hard to get to know. She seems fun-loving in the area of romance, but dour and old-fashioned in her interactions with Georgie. The most fun character is Spiro’s boyfriend, Inky, and when he and Georgie team up to help Spiro, the book really picks up. They make a surprising, but interesting, team. Once they teamed up, I really started to enjoy the story much more and began rooting for Georgie to succeed in the investigation and in her personal life.
With the complex characters and their relationships, the ghost hunter aspect of the story isn’t really needed and just adds confusion to an already full plot. There are also some holes in romance subplot. Georgie and Spiro have a grown daughter, so it seems strange that after all those years of remaining faithful to Spiro, regardless of how Spiro has conducted himself, Georgie suddenly becomes attracted to not one, but two different men. Even though the timing seems strange, I’m pleased with the direction Georgie’s love life seems to be taking by the end of the book. Hopefully this will give her the confidence to stand up for herself a little more in the operation of the restaurant than she does in this book.
There are some flaws in the book, but overall, it is a quick read that kept my interest from the beginning until the very end. I appreciate the uniqueness of the characters and the storyline. Things get complicated with a variety of different characters by the end of the story, but I’m happy with the way the story ends. All of the important questions are answered, leaving enough questions to leave the reader eager for a sequel to read about Georgie’s next adventure.
This review was originally written for Smitten by Books. The book was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
February 25, 2017
3.5 stars
January 2, 2015
What a fun bunch of characters in an interesting setting connected to a little-known aspect of Napoleon Bonaparte's history.
Our sleuth Georgie, of course, never planned to be a sleuth. She already has her hands full. She manages her in-laws’ Greek restaurant in an historic building in upper New York state by the St. Lawrence River. She and her lively elder mother-in-law Sophia live above the restaurant.
Anyway, Georgie’s not only running the restaurant during the busy tourist season, but a crew of TV ghost hunters are set to film at the restaurant. Her husband Spiro just went missing, again, and it's only a matter of time before the marriage ends officially. When they finally split, that may also mean Georgie will be out of a job.
While everything piles up on her, Georgie finds the body of her family restaurant's main competitor, who's been murdered.
Meanwhile, ransom notes threatening Spiro's life show up and demand a hidden treasure she never knew existed. If only she knew what the kidnapper wanted?
So, she joins forces with her husband’s lover to solve the mysteries.
The characters and the settings make this story so much fun. Georgie contending with her unconventional marriage while running his family's business adds a timely spice to the conflicts. I should also tell you I'm a friend of the author and received a proof of the book. Even if we weren't friends, I'd recommend this book. I loved spending time in her imagination which produced this rich story world. Her characters and setting show a lot of potential for interesting future stories, so I highly recommend you get this book, read it, and get in on the ground floor of this engaging new series.
Our sleuth Georgie, of course, never planned to be a sleuth. She already has her hands full. She manages her in-laws’ Greek restaurant in an historic building in upper New York state by the St. Lawrence River. She and her lively elder mother-in-law Sophia live above the restaurant.
Anyway, Georgie’s not only running the restaurant during the busy tourist season, but a crew of TV ghost hunters are set to film at the restaurant. Her husband Spiro just went missing, again, and it's only a matter of time before the marriage ends officially. When they finally split, that may also mean Georgie will be out of a job.
While everything piles up on her, Georgie finds the body of her family restaurant's main competitor, who's been murdered.
Meanwhile, ransom notes threatening Spiro's life show up and demand a hidden treasure she never knew existed. If only she knew what the kidnapper wanted?
So, she joins forces with her husband’s lover to solve the mysteries.
The characters and the settings make this story so much fun. Georgie contending with her unconventional marriage while running his family's business adds a timely spice to the conflicts. I should also tell you I'm a friend of the author and received a proof of the book. Even if we weren't friends, I'd recommend this book. I loved spending time in her imagination which produced this rich story world. Her characters and setting show a lot of potential for interesting future stories, so I highly recommend you get this book, read it, and get in on the ground floor of this engaging new series.
January 6, 2015
A thoroughly enjoyable read!
I don’t read many cozy mysteries, but I took a chance on this debut novel by Susannah Hardy. I’m so glad I did! I fell in love with Georgie, the main character, and felt for her plight. Married to a gay restaurateur, and living with his mother, an odd but feisty and loveable Greek mama, Georgie has her hands full running the restaurant…especially since hubby Spiro has been known to fly the coop for an occasional dalliance. Long-suffering Georgie could have come off as a door mat, but instead, I recognized her strength of character and devotion to family that made her a heroine worth rooting for. Though faced with intrigue and danger, Georgie holds it together and works her way through this well-plotted and fast-paced mystery, all the while cooking up some amazing Greek cuisine and fighting off her attraction to an interested suitor. No easy feta…I mean feat, given that she has to find a hidden treasure to ransom her wayward hubby and keep herself off the suspects list in the murder of her greatest competitor.
A fun, well-written debut novel, and a thoroughly enjoyable read. Looking forward to the next book in the series!
I don’t read many cozy mysteries, but I took a chance on this debut novel by Susannah Hardy. I’m so glad I did! I fell in love with Georgie, the main character, and felt for her plight. Married to a gay restaurateur, and living with his mother, an odd but feisty and loveable Greek mama, Georgie has her hands full running the restaurant…especially since hubby Spiro has been known to fly the coop for an occasional dalliance. Long-suffering Georgie could have come off as a door mat, but instead, I recognized her strength of character and devotion to family that made her a heroine worth rooting for. Though faced with intrigue and danger, Georgie holds it together and works her way through this well-plotted and fast-paced mystery, all the while cooking up some amazing Greek cuisine and fighting off her attraction to an interested suitor. No easy feta…I mean feat, given that she has to find a hidden treasure to ransom her wayward hubby and keep herself off the suspects list in the murder of her greatest competitor.
A fun, well-written debut novel, and a thoroughly enjoyable read. Looking forward to the next book in the series!
August 1, 2015
I just didn't like this one. Georgie made no sense to me. I don't understand why you would marry a gay man, even though he for whatever reason was the father of her kid, when you are dooming yourself to a platonic love at best and a sexless marriage. He was disappearing from time to time to have a romp or 2, and you're staying celibate? Don't think so, at least not THIS girl! Anyway, my personal feelings about that are neither here nor there. There were other things that got me, like how all of a sudden after all these years she's finding herself attracted to not just one but 2 men. She's poured her heart and soul into her husband's family's restaurant when she's constantly felt like she could lose this life she built if he left her for good. That type of insecurity makes people in even the best of circumstances crazy! The mystery never grabbed me up, I guess because I didn't care about the characters, except Inky. I liked him, he's the only one who felt "real". Might be just the book for some, but I won't read any more in the series.
January 6, 2015
If you love good old-fashioned intrigue, don’t miss Susannah Hardy’s FETA ATTRACTION. Salivate over Greek recipes and learn about the ancient home, built as a hideaway for Napoleon-now a Greek restaurant and home to our heroine and her family. Heroine Georgie will win your heart with her rock solid sense of loyalty to her family. Lack of police support force and her fierce need to protect others from getting hurt propel Georgie to search for answers Nancy-Drew-style on her own.
Where is her gay husband? Off on a toot of in the hands of a kidnapper, or dead. Who murdered their competitor? What item in this historic inn is valuable enough for someone to kill to get it? Who is sending threatening notes? Is that moaning from between the walls of the old house really a trapped spirit? Hardy build suspense brick by brick until you just know the whole mess is going to come tumbling down on top of the brave, selfless woman you’ve come to respect--but you don’t know how, when, where, or whodunit until the stunning climax.
Where is her gay husband? Off on a toot of in the hands of a kidnapper, or dead. Who murdered their competitor? What item in this historic inn is valuable enough for someone to kill to get it? Who is sending threatening notes? Is that moaning from between the walls of the old house really a trapped spirit? Hardy build suspense brick by brick until you just know the whole mess is going to come tumbling down on top of the brave, selfless woman you’ve come to respect--but you don’t know how, when, where, or whodunit until the stunning climax.
January 6, 2015
I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed this book! It involves two of my favorite things, a good mystery and food! Oh, and history! Ghost-hunters! This has it all. Georgie is an incredibly relatable heroine, and I found her struggle to find/help her husband a captivating read. One of the things that really sets this book apart from other mysteries that I've read if that Georgie is a woman full of very real and very complicated relationships. Her marriage is rocky at best, but still she puts everything on the line to save Spiro. Her kindness and her pluckiness really spoke to me, and on top of all of that, the narration is funny. Georgie has an amazing capacity to find humor in the small things, and it really makes the book pop.
If you are looking for a great mystery with complex characters and a penchant for delicious food, this book is for you.
(I received a review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
If you are looking for a great mystery with complex characters and a penchant for delicious food, this book is for you.
(I received a review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
January 8, 2015
I generally don't read a lot of cozy mysteries anymore because after a while they start to feel formulaic but I am so glad I read Feta Attraction. Georgie is fun, fresh, and a cut above the standard cozy heroine. Not only is she surrounded by intriguing and lively characters (love, love, love Inky - hope to see more of him) but she lives in a beautiful old house surrounded by gorgeous scenery. Who wouldn't want to live at Bonaparte House? I wish it were real so I could visit it. The mystery had plenty of twists and turns and kept me guessing right until the conclusion. This story made me laugh out loud and I was sorry to see it end. I can't wait for the next Greek to Me Mystery.
July 9, 2017
This book wasn't terrible, it just wasn't good. It was incredibly predictable, but mostly I was annoyed by the main character who is observant enough to solve a crime, but completely, and conveniently, oblivious to everything else in her life. The conclusions she jumps to might be believable if she were 15. In fact, she's not even a sleuth. The mystery just unravels around her. Oh, and it's not set in Greece at all, although I did appreciate the historical information that is included. So, I might try the next one, but I'm not compelled at all.
January 6, 2015
I have been waiting to read this book ever since it was announced. This cozy mystery has the feel of "Murder She Wrote" with the modern swing and excitement of "Castle." But really, this book has everything. A missing philandering husband, a real pip of a mother-in-law, murder, a possible haunted house, and of course the recipes. Oh, the recipes! I'm eagerly waiting for the next book and I've got a shopping list to make some of the goodies!
December 14, 2015
Not bad for the first in a series. Good plot and pacing, had a lot of twists and turns and kept me turning pages. The characters, especially the MC, needed a little more fleshing out to make them more than one dimensional. Also, the usage of the phrase "etty-six" in the first few chapters was confusing. Had no idea what it was meant to imply. The MC had a few TSTL moments as well, which is exasperating. But overall, I really enjoyed it and I'll pick up the next book when it comes out.
May 11, 2017
Read the first 50% and then skimmed to the end. The unrealistic behavior left me flabbergasted. ie- "my husband has been kidnapped (or at least l think he may be kidnapped based on the 4 or 5 ransom notes) so l think I'll talk about decorations and go on a date". Wow!
The characters were unlikable-self absorbed and lacking common sense or a remnant of intelligence.
Guessed the killer from the first introduction.
I wanted a cozy mystery. I found claustrophobic boredom.
The characters were unlikable-self absorbed and lacking common sense or a remnant of intelligence.
Guessed the killer from the first introduction.
I wanted a cozy mystery. I found claustrophobic boredom.
August 29, 2017
I realize this is a work of fiction but the story stretches my imagination to the limit at times.
Just one example: The main character receives several threatening letters/emails but never shows them to law enforcement officers even though two visited her home on other matters.
I'm not sure I will read the second book in the series.
Just one example: The main character receives several threatening letters/emails but never shows them to law enforcement officers even though two visited her home on other matters.
I'm not sure I will read the second book in the series.
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