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Murder, She Wrote #43
Killer in the Kitchen
In the newest mystery in the USA Today bestselling series, there’s a battle brewing in Cabot Cove between two eateries. But when one of the combatants becomes a fatality, Jessica Fletcher will have to get cooking and find a killer…
Jessica may not know everything about food, but she knows what she likes—and she definitely likes the Leg & Claw restaurant. Opened last summer by young couple Brad and Marcie, the Leg & Claw is their dream come true, combining Marcie’s sunny personality with Brad’s deft hand in the kitchen. But now their dream is turning into a nightmare.
Gerard “Pepe” Lebeouf is a renowned New York City chef who has a summer home in Cabot Cove. And now he’s decided to open two new restaurants in Cabot Cove—in an old warehouse right next to the Leg & Claw.
As Lebeouf and his crew renovate the warehouse, the people of Cabot Cove slowly come to the realization that the town’s newest celebrity may be more trouble than he’s worth. His “assistants” are little more than thugs, and the haughty Lebeouf is nowhere near as charming as he seems—leading to a nasty confrontation with Brad.
So when Lebeouf is found dead with a knife planted in his chest, Brad naturally becomes suspect number one. But plenty of others had a motive to kill Pepe, and it’s up to Jessica to uncover who really added a murder to the menu.
Jessica may not know everything about food, but she knows what she likes—and she definitely likes the Leg & Claw restaurant. Opened last summer by young couple Brad and Marcie, the Leg & Claw is their dream come true, combining Marcie’s sunny personality with Brad’s deft hand in the kitchen. But now their dream is turning into a nightmare.
Gerard “Pepe” Lebeouf is a renowned New York City chef who has a summer home in Cabot Cove. And now he’s decided to open two new restaurants in Cabot Cove—in an old warehouse right next to the Leg & Claw.
As Lebeouf and his crew renovate the warehouse, the people of Cabot Cove slowly come to the realization that the town’s newest celebrity may be more trouble than he’s worth. His “assistants” are little more than thugs, and the haughty Lebeouf is nowhere near as charming as he seems—leading to a nasty confrontation with Brad.
So when Lebeouf is found dead with a knife planted in his chest, Brad naturally becomes suspect number one. But plenty of others had a motive to kill Pepe, and it’s up to Jessica to uncover who really added a murder to the menu.
270 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 7, 2015
125 people are currently reading
927 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Fletcher
107 books1,066 followersLibrarian’s note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Jessica Fletcher (born Jessica Beatrice MacGill, and writes under the initialed J.B. Fletcher) is a fictional character from the US television series Murder, She Wrote.
In keeping with the spirit of the TV show, a series of official original novels have been written by American ghostwriter Donald Bain. The author credit for the novels is shared with the fictitious "Jessica Fletcher." The series has been continued by authors Renée Paley-Bain, Jon Land, Terrie Farley Moran, and Barbara Early.
When the first novel in the series, Gin and Daggers, was published in 1989 it included several inaccuracies to the TV series including Jessica driving a car which she could not do as she never learned to drive. Due to fans pointing out the errors, the novel was republished in 2000 with most of the inaccuracies corrected.
Source: Wikipedia
Jessica Fletcher (born Jessica Beatrice MacGill, and writes under the initialed J.B. Fletcher) is a fictional character from the US television series Murder, She Wrote.
In keeping with the spirit of the TV show, a series of official original novels have been written by American ghostwriter Donald Bain. The author credit for the novels is shared with the fictitious "Jessica Fletcher." The series has been continued by authors Renée Paley-Bain, Jon Land, Terrie Farley Moran, and Barbara Early.
When the first novel in the series, Gin and Daggers, was published in 1989 it included several inaccuracies to the TV series including Jessica driving a car which she could not do as she never learned to drive. Due to fans pointing out the errors, the novel was republished in 2000 with most of the inaccuracies corrected.
Source: Wikipedia
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 146 reviews
March 9, 2021
There's no denying that I am the biggest fan of Murder, She Wrote and culinary mysteries. When I heard about Killer in the Kitchen I was very excited that my two favorite elements would come together. Murder, She Wrote and a foodie mystery. The Fin & Claw Restaurant is Brad and Marcie Fowler's dream. So they decide with the financial help of Brad's mother and a dear friend to mystery writer and Cabot Cove resident Jessica, Isabelle to open the restaurant in Cabot Cove, Maine. Barreling into town is Chef Gerard Leboeuf who has a summer home in Cabot cove and is a famous chef in New York City.
Chef LeBoeuf is to open a French restaurant in Cabot Cove right next to The Fin & Claw in direct competition with them. It worries Marcie what the fate of their restaurant will be with Chef LeBoeuf's renovated warehouse restaurant right next door.Jessica has a brief history with Chef LeBoeuf, she interviewed him for research for her latest mystery she was writing in New York City At the opening night at The Fin & Claw Chef Brad and Chef LeBoeuf get into a heated showdown and Chef LeBoeuf waltzes out with his entourage with Jessica and the whole of Cabot Cove looking on. Inside the kitchen of Chef LeBoeuf, the famed chef is found stabbed to death . It's only natural that Brad becomes a suspect but with Chef LeBoeuf's arrogant personality and shady dealings with his restaurant crew someone else could possibly be the killer and Jessica makes it her mission to find out.
Jessica's soft spoken presence and she has a way about her when it comes to solving crime. She does a great job at not making it look like she's not interfering in other people's business. She always solves the crime before Sheriff Mort. Jessica is my very favorite ameteur sleuth of all time. This series will stand the test of time and Killer in the Kitchen was highly entertaining with the narration of Sandra Burr,she had the Maine accents of Dr Seth Hazlitt down to a tee and they were very pleasurable and humorous to listen too. Waiting to find out who Chef LeBeouf's killer was had me on the edge of my seat. Being anyone could have done it it was just which one of them actually did it. Murder, She Wrote Killer in the Kitchen is a perfect mystery for foodie mystery fans and for fans of Mrs Fletcher, mystery writer and ameteur sleuth of Cabot Cove, Maine.
Chef LeBoeuf is to open a French restaurant in Cabot Cove right next to The Fin & Claw in direct competition with them. It worries Marcie what the fate of their restaurant will be with Chef LeBoeuf's renovated warehouse restaurant right next door.Jessica has a brief history with Chef LeBoeuf, she interviewed him for research for her latest mystery she was writing in New York City At the opening night at The Fin & Claw Chef Brad and Chef LeBoeuf get into a heated showdown and Chef LeBoeuf waltzes out with his entourage with Jessica and the whole of Cabot Cove looking on. Inside the kitchen of Chef LeBoeuf, the famed chef is found stabbed to death . It's only natural that Brad becomes a suspect but with Chef LeBoeuf's arrogant personality and shady dealings with his restaurant crew someone else could possibly be the killer and Jessica makes it her mission to find out.
Jessica's soft spoken presence and she has a way about her when it comes to solving crime. She does a great job at not making it look like she's not interfering in other people's business. She always solves the crime before Sheriff Mort. Jessica is my very favorite ameteur sleuth of all time. This series will stand the test of time and Killer in the Kitchen was highly entertaining with the narration of Sandra Burr,she had the Maine accents of Dr Seth Hazlitt down to a tee and they were very pleasurable and humorous to listen too. Waiting to find out who Chef LeBeouf's killer was had me on the edge of my seat. Being anyone could have done it it was just which one of them actually did it. Murder, She Wrote Killer in the Kitchen is a perfect mystery for foodie mystery fans and for fans of Mrs Fletcher, mystery writer and ameteur sleuth of Cabot Cove, Maine.
March 31, 2015
I’ve never read a Murder, She Wrote book and doubt I would have if I hadn’t been sent this one to review. My reason for not reading one? When I was a little girl I saw a movie called Bedknobs & Broomsticks with Angela Landsbury and she scared me to pieces! LOL So, I never watched the Murder, She Wrote TV show and never read the books. That being said, my apologies to Angela Landsbury, I’m sure she’s is a wonderful woman, and to Donald Bain, it was nothing personal to him.
On to my review.
I really really liked this book!
KILLER IN THE KITCHEN is #43 in the series, and if the first 42 were anywhere as enjoyable, I have indeed been missing out.
The story was so well written. While reading, I was taken back to the times I “listened” to my parents watch Murder, She Wrote. Author Donald Bain does an incredible job of keeping the voice of the show alive.
The mystery was very compelling. I found myself turning page after page needing to see what would happen next. The next thing I knew, I was at the end of the book and telling myself, this may have been my first Murder, She Wrote, but it won’t be my last.
On to my review.
I really really liked this book!
KILLER IN THE KITCHEN is #43 in the series, and if the first 42 were anywhere as enjoyable, I have indeed been missing out.
The story was so well written. While reading, I was taken back to the times I “listened” to my parents watch Murder, She Wrote. Author Donald Bain does an incredible job of keeping the voice of the show alive.
The mystery was very compelling. I found myself turning page after page needing to see what would happen next. The next thing I knew, I was at the end of the book and telling myself, this may have been my first Murder, She Wrote, but it won’t be my last.
February 26, 2017
Seth narrowed his eyes as he looked at me.
"I can see where this is going." he said. "I already told you no medical disguises. I'm not about to jeopardize my standing in this hospital to help satisfy your insatiable curiosity."
"You have such a warped view of me."
Seth coughed and grumbled.
Murder, She Wrote was one of my favourite series. I still enjoy watching reruns of it. Of course, it was formulaic and you could guess the murderer within about 5 minutes, but that doesn't matter. It was pure fun!
When I found out a few weeks ago that there were tie-in books, there was only one thing for it - I had to find one. To my astonishment, there aren't only many of them, but they are really popular! Except for one copy of Killer in the Kitchen, all of the copies at my library were waitlisted. Waitlisted!
Anyway, getting to the book now.... I'm not going into the plot or the story. If you've seen one episode of the tv series, you can guess the plot.
No. The interesting part for me was the writing. Would the tie-in portray the same characters, the same feel of the tv series? How would the writer(s) handle the fact that pretty much everyone who reads this already has some fixed ideas about the characters?
Well, the short answer is by leaving out most of the description of anything. The writing almost entirely relies on the readers knowledge and pre-informed ideas of the characters and of Cabot Cove as a setting. I was amazed.
Does it work? Yes, but only if you have seen the series. I doubt that the book, which almost entirely consists of dialogue between the characters would work for readers who have not seen the tv series.
Also, because the story consists of mostly dialogue, interspersed with a little narration by J.B. Fletcher herself, it is sometimes difficult to make out the intentions of the character. Again, the book depends on the reader's familiarity with the tv series.
Killer in the Kitchen is actually one episode that I remember watching, so I am really not sure how the book would have worked on me if I hadn't been able to picture the scenes.
However, I have only read one book in this series, so cannot generalise about this. The question remains if I would read another one. In all honesty, probably not. I really prefer the series - because it thrives on the characters and the cast.
Lastly, there is one aspect that I simply have to mention because this review would just be incomplete without doing so. And this aspect is encapsulated perfectly in the following quote from the book:
"By the way, Mrs. F., how come you were there when it happened?"
His question surprised me.
The main mystery about Murder, She Wrote has always been why the inhabitants of Cabot Cove never moved. I mean, if I lived near J.B. Fletcher, I'd run for the hills.
Did they never think about why there were so many mystery murders in that town?
"I can see where this is going." he said. "I already told you no medical disguises. I'm not about to jeopardize my standing in this hospital to help satisfy your insatiable curiosity."
"You have such a warped view of me."
Seth coughed and grumbled.
Murder, She Wrote was one of my favourite series. I still enjoy watching reruns of it. Of course, it was formulaic and you could guess the murderer within about 5 minutes, but that doesn't matter. It was pure fun!
When I found out a few weeks ago that there were tie-in books, there was only one thing for it - I had to find one. To my astonishment, there aren't only many of them, but they are really popular! Except for one copy of Killer in the Kitchen, all of the copies at my library were waitlisted. Waitlisted!
Anyway, getting to the book now.... I'm not going into the plot or the story. If you've seen one episode of the tv series, you can guess the plot.
No. The interesting part for me was the writing. Would the tie-in portray the same characters, the same feel of the tv series? How would the writer(s) handle the fact that pretty much everyone who reads this already has some fixed ideas about the characters?
Well, the short answer is by leaving out most of the description of anything. The writing almost entirely relies on the readers knowledge and pre-informed ideas of the characters and of Cabot Cove as a setting. I was amazed.
Does it work? Yes, but only if you have seen the series. I doubt that the book, which almost entirely consists of dialogue between the characters would work for readers who have not seen the tv series.
Also, because the story consists of mostly dialogue, interspersed with a little narration by J.B. Fletcher herself, it is sometimes difficult to make out the intentions of the character. Again, the book depends on the reader's familiarity with the tv series.
Killer in the Kitchen is actually one episode that I remember watching, so I am really not sure how the book would have worked on me if I hadn't been able to picture the scenes.
However, I have only read one book in this series, so cannot generalise about this. The question remains if I would read another one. In all honesty, probably not. I really prefer the series - because it thrives on the characters and the cast.
Lastly, there is one aspect that I simply have to mention because this review would just be incomplete without doing so. And this aspect is encapsulated perfectly in the following quote from the book:
"By the way, Mrs. F., how come you were there when it happened?"
His question surprised me.
The main mystery about Murder, She Wrote has always been why the inhabitants of Cabot Cove never moved. I mean, if I lived near J.B. Fletcher, I'd run for the hills.
Did they never think about why there were so many mystery murders in that town?
September 28, 2022
Mi piace sempre leggere le avventure di Jessica Fletcher,questa volta ambientata nella sua cittadina Cabot Cow. La storia inizia con l’apertura di un nuovo ristorante e i proprietari sono una giovane coppia,la cui madre del ragazzo Brath è amica con Jessica. Da qui cominciano nuove vicissitudini in quanto apre un altro ristorante proprio di fronte al ristorante della coppia… e questo cosa comporterà per loro e la gestione della loro attività… Anche qui Jessica si impegna ad aiutare gli amici e le autorità a far luce sul caso e aiutare a scoprire il colpevole.
Per alcuni può risultare un pò banale come storia ma a me è piaciuta poi avendolo ascoltato in audiolibro mi ha appassionato anche l’interpretazione della voce narrante.
Voto
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Per alcuni può risultare un pò banale come storia ma a me è piaciuta poi avendolo ascoltato in audiolibro mi ha appassionato anche l’interpretazione della voce narrante.
Voto
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
May 6, 2016
Killer in the Kitchen by Jessica Fletcher and Donald Bain is a 2016 NAL publication
There are plenty of twists and turns and surprising confessions that make this mystery especially puzzling. This installment is also one of the fasted paced stories I’ve encountered in the series, perhaps because I was so deeply absorbed in the mystery, I didn’t want to put it down.
I always try to catch the latest “Murder, She Wrote” mystery, and have enjoyed every one of them, although some are better than others, which is to be expected with over forty books in the series. But, I must say, this novel is one of the really good ones!
I recommend this book to anyone who loves mysteries, but especially for cozy mystery lovers or to those who enjoy TV tie-in novels.
4.5
This review is the copyrighted property of Night Owl Reviews. To read the review in full, click on this link: https://www.nightowlreviews.com/v5/Re...
There are plenty of twists and turns and surprising confessions that make this mystery especially puzzling. This installment is also one of the fasted paced stories I’ve encountered in the series, perhaps because I was so deeply absorbed in the mystery, I didn’t want to put it down.
I always try to catch the latest “Murder, She Wrote” mystery, and have enjoyed every one of them, although some are better than others, which is to be expected with over forty books in the series. But, I must say, this novel is one of the really good ones!
I recommend this book to anyone who loves mysteries, but especially for cozy mystery lovers or to those who enjoy TV tie-in novels.
4.5
This review is the copyrighted property of Night Owl Reviews. To read the review in full, click on this link: https://www.nightowlreviews.com/v5/Re...
April 8, 2015
If you are a fan of the Murder She Wrote television show you would probably love the Murder She Wrote book series by author Donald Bain. Readers and fans of the series both tv and books, love Jessica Fletcher, a writer from Cabot Cove who tends to find herself in the middle of just about every murder investigation that turns up in the area. Bain does an amazing job of keeping Jessica's voice alive, long after the tv show has ended. Killer in the Kitchen is the 43rd book in the series and Bain shows no sign of slowing down. A well written addition to the series!
There's a new chef in town and he is ruffling a lot of feathers. Pepe Leboeuf has had a house in Cabot Cove for awhile but when he decides to start a new restaurant to compete with the others in town, he ends up dead. It's up to Jessica to prove that it is not one of the owners of her favorite restaurant, Leg and Claw, who did it. As always Donald Bain does an amazing job of writing Jessica. She is just the same inquisitive and plain spoken as she was in the tv show. I like the way she investigates. Straightforward and to the point. She isn't afraid to put herself in hot water to find a killer and she proves that in Killer in the Kitchen.
The mystery aspect of this book was really interesting. I found myself captivated by Brad and Marcie and their struggle to make the Leg and Crab a great restaurant. Though Leboeuf may have been a threat to their livelihood, the reader knows that Brad was not the killer from the beginning. Finding out who really did it was the challenge. I liked the fact that Bain gives the readers good motives and good suspects in this one. It wasn't easy to figure out who did it, but it was fun to go from clue to clue and try to put the puzzle together.
Cabot Cove is a great small town for a mystery series. Maybe not a great place to live since the murder count continues to grow, but still a great place to read about. I like the fact that Bain continues to figure out new ways to make this series seem new and inviting. That is something really difficult to do 43 books in. I think that speaks a lot to the writers versatility and imagination. Jessica is a great character to work with, but I think it takes a lot more than just a blueprint to go from to make a series great, regardless of whether or not readers are familiar with the show.
Bottom Line:
This book was a true cozy mystery. It was clue based and the reader could follow along just like the lead characters in figuring out whodunit. Bain was able to draw the reader in with a good hook and keep them on the line until the very end. I liked the fact that this one was set in Cabot Cove. Some of the books that Bain writes for the series that take Jessica out of her niche seem to fall a little short. But when she is in her hometown, Jessica and the story shines. I thought this one was particularly interesting. Readers who are mystery lovers and foodies can't go wrong with this one!
There's a new chef in town and he is ruffling a lot of feathers. Pepe Leboeuf has had a house in Cabot Cove for awhile but when he decides to start a new restaurant to compete with the others in town, he ends up dead. It's up to Jessica to prove that it is not one of the owners of her favorite restaurant, Leg and Claw, who did it. As always Donald Bain does an amazing job of writing Jessica. She is just the same inquisitive and plain spoken as she was in the tv show. I like the way she investigates. Straightforward and to the point. She isn't afraid to put herself in hot water to find a killer and she proves that in Killer in the Kitchen.
The mystery aspect of this book was really interesting. I found myself captivated by Brad and Marcie and their struggle to make the Leg and Crab a great restaurant. Though Leboeuf may have been a threat to their livelihood, the reader knows that Brad was not the killer from the beginning. Finding out who really did it was the challenge. I liked the fact that Bain gives the readers good motives and good suspects in this one. It wasn't easy to figure out who did it, but it was fun to go from clue to clue and try to put the puzzle together.
Cabot Cove is a great small town for a mystery series. Maybe not a great place to live since the murder count continues to grow, but still a great place to read about. I like the fact that Bain continues to figure out new ways to make this series seem new and inviting. That is something really difficult to do 43 books in. I think that speaks a lot to the writers versatility and imagination. Jessica is a great character to work with, but I think it takes a lot more than just a blueprint to go from to make a series great, regardless of whether or not readers are familiar with the show.
Bottom Line:
This book was a true cozy mystery. It was clue based and the reader could follow along just like the lead characters in figuring out whodunit. Bain was able to draw the reader in with a good hook and keep them on the line until the very end. I liked the fact that this one was set in Cabot Cove. Some of the books that Bain writes for the series that take Jessica out of her niche seem to fall a little short. But when she is in her hometown, Jessica and the story shines. I thought this one was particularly interesting. Readers who are mystery lovers and foodies can't go wrong with this one!
April 14, 2024
I love Jessica Fletcher, and I love her adventures. This one took place in Cabot Cove, so it was nice to stay "close to home" for a bit. I did suspect the killer at one point, but this one definitely had me all over the place with different suspects. It was a lot of fun! I highly recommend these books to cozy mystery lovers, and especially those who love Jessica Fletcher!
April 25, 2017
I 've always thought that somehow the secret of "murder she wrote"''s success is that Jessica Fletcher is living the life we all would love to. she doesn't have to go to the office every morning, she spends ours in cafeterias having the best breakfast we could hope for, she has a great house she's popular but not in a way that she cannot have their privacy saved. yes sometimes she fills her days with a little amount of thrill that gave her (us) the role of hero. victims are never naive nor pure and so the killer so she's just doing her best in an imperfect world in order to fix it as much as she's allowed to. reading her books is a journey into a relaxing life, where bad things happen just that you could get over them living happily ever after. please give more books as such....
March 22, 2016
http://openbooksociety.com/article/mu...
Murder, She Wrote: Killer in the Kitchen
Murder, She Wrote, Book #43
By Jessica Fletcher and Donald Bain
ISBN: 9780451468390
Author Website: www.donaldbain.com
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie
Synopsis:
Jessica loves the Fin & Claw restaurant, owned by young Cabot Cove couple Brad and Marcie. The eatery is the couple’s dream come true, but it’s quickly turning into a nightmare.
Famed chef Gérard Leboeuf has decided to open his brand of bistro right next to theirs. Given the competition, the charming chef’s manner soon turns sour. Tensions rise hot and fast until they boil over, leading to a nasty confrontation between Leboeuf and Brad.
So when one chef is found with a knife planted in his chest, the other becomes the prime suspect. But there’s a long list of those who had a motive to kill in this kitchen war, and it’s up to Jessica to uncover who really added murder to the menu. ( Goodreads)
Review:
Killer in the Kitchen is Jessica Fletcher at her best! With 42 earlier cozy mysteries under Donald Bain’s belt, one would hardly think there is anything new for Jessica, but don’t even think that. One of the things that I like about Murder, She Wrote series is that each can be read as a standalone and one can jump into the series with any of the novels. You can’t read just one! If you are like me, you will be looking for some earlier ones to read. While I can’t personally vouch that these are like the television show, I heard it on good report that they are. And she just keeps getting better.
Jessica’s friend, Isabel, has a son and daughter-in-law who are opening a new, upscale restaurant specializing in seafood Oceanside in Cabot Cove. They were young and hopeful, having learned all they could about reaching their dream of having a successful fine dining establishment. Isabel took a second mortgage on her home to help them. Her son, Brad, is a bit of a hothead but he knew what he wanted in the facility design. Marcie, Brad’s wife, calmed and kept him on track, until it suddenly looked as if their plans looked would be derailed.
Several years earlier, Jessica Fletcher met the famous chef, Gerard LeBoeuf, when she was working on a mystery involving a five-star restaurant. She spent time with him in his New York restaurant to learn more about the best in haute cuisine establishments. About a year before, he, his wife and son moved to a mansion on the edge of Cabot Cove. As Brad and Marcie worked on getting their restaurant completed, Chef Gerard announced that he was opening a French Bistro next to Brad and Marcie‘s establishment that would open about the same time.
LaBoeuf, his family and friends attended Brad and Marcie’s Grand Opening. They were loud and obnoxious; they complained about the poor quality of the food and hassled Isabel, who was proudly helping at the Grand Opening. Things only went downhill from there. Brad and Marcie despised the famous chef for his actions and behaviors, his theft of key employees, and how they invited much of the town for a free, upscale meal at his Grand Opening. Not long afterwards, Chef Gerard was found murdered in the kitchen of his Bistro after closing up. Brad, who had made threats against LaBeouf during their Grand Opening, was the only suspect. Jessica knew that, in spite of his temper, Brad wouldn’t have done it, but the small town of Cabot Cove was not standing behind him the way she did. It was time for Jessica to get to work to find the real murderer before Brad was railroaded to prison.
Jessica could step off the pages of the novel as a fully-defined woman; Chief Mort Mezgar and his wife Maureen are also quite well defined. Brad and Marcie are also defined well. We learned more about the other characters throughout the novel as required by their roles. The author is outstanding with both character and plot development; the action and conversations show each person as we would see those who are our friends or acquaintances. Jessica is a top-nothch heroine; I like her best for her wisdom, the way she speaks with and behaves around her many friends in Cabot Cove, and her tact. I also like how she uses logic as she looks for the bad guy/ bad gal and reviewing the notes she meticulously takes.
The plot is superb with twists and turns that only Jessica could follow, or at least keep up with! If there is another suspect, Jessica Fletcher will find him or her. When rumors of the chef’s mob ties ripple through town, as well as rumors that he was not the happy family man he pretends to be, the door is wide open to many possibilities. This was an extremely well-written cozy with a protagonist who, like fine wine, gets better with time. It is intriguing and hard to put down. The ending was amazing with a surprise resolution and all loose ends tied up. I highly recommend Killer in the Kitchen to cozy mystery lovers of all ages, including older teens. If you like well-written, complex mysteries in the ultimate of small town locales, this is a must read. This series has more than pleasantly exceeded my expectations and I hope it does for you, too!
Murder, She Wrote: Killer in the Kitchen
Murder, She Wrote, Book #43
By Jessica Fletcher and Donald Bain
ISBN: 9780451468390
Author Website: www.donaldbain.com
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie
Synopsis:
Jessica loves the Fin & Claw restaurant, owned by young Cabot Cove couple Brad and Marcie. The eatery is the couple’s dream come true, but it’s quickly turning into a nightmare.
Famed chef Gérard Leboeuf has decided to open his brand of bistro right next to theirs. Given the competition, the charming chef’s manner soon turns sour. Tensions rise hot and fast until they boil over, leading to a nasty confrontation between Leboeuf and Brad.
So when one chef is found with a knife planted in his chest, the other becomes the prime suspect. But there’s a long list of those who had a motive to kill in this kitchen war, and it’s up to Jessica to uncover who really added murder to the menu. ( Goodreads)
Review:
Killer in the Kitchen is Jessica Fletcher at her best! With 42 earlier cozy mysteries under Donald Bain’s belt, one would hardly think there is anything new for Jessica, but don’t even think that. One of the things that I like about Murder, She Wrote series is that each can be read as a standalone and one can jump into the series with any of the novels. You can’t read just one! If you are like me, you will be looking for some earlier ones to read. While I can’t personally vouch that these are like the television show, I heard it on good report that they are. And she just keeps getting better.
Jessica’s friend, Isabel, has a son and daughter-in-law who are opening a new, upscale restaurant specializing in seafood Oceanside in Cabot Cove. They were young and hopeful, having learned all they could about reaching their dream of having a successful fine dining establishment. Isabel took a second mortgage on her home to help them. Her son, Brad, is a bit of a hothead but he knew what he wanted in the facility design. Marcie, Brad’s wife, calmed and kept him on track, until it suddenly looked as if their plans looked would be derailed.
Several years earlier, Jessica Fletcher met the famous chef, Gerard LeBoeuf, when she was working on a mystery involving a five-star restaurant. She spent time with him in his New York restaurant to learn more about the best in haute cuisine establishments. About a year before, he, his wife and son moved to a mansion on the edge of Cabot Cove. As Brad and Marcie worked on getting their restaurant completed, Chef Gerard announced that he was opening a French Bistro next to Brad and Marcie‘s establishment that would open about the same time.
LaBoeuf, his family and friends attended Brad and Marcie’s Grand Opening. They were loud and obnoxious; they complained about the poor quality of the food and hassled Isabel, who was proudly helping at the Grand Opening. Things only went downhill from there. Brad and Marcie despised the famous chef for his actions and behaviors, his theft of key employees, and how they invited much of the town for a free, upscale meal at his Grand Opening. Not long afterwards, Chef Gerard was found murdered in the kitchen of his Bistro after closing up. Brad, who had made threats against LaBeouf during their Grand Opening, was the only suspect. Jessica knew that, in spite of his temper, Brad wouldn’t have done it, but the small town of Cabot Cove was not standing behind him the way she did. It was time for Jessica to get to work to find the real murderer before Brad was railroaded to prison.
Jessica could step off the pages of the novel as a fully-defined woman; Chief Mort Mezgar and his wife Maureen are also quite well defined. Brad and Marcie are also defined well. We learned more about the other characters throughout the novel as required by their roles. The author is outstanding with both character and plot development; the action and conversations show each person as we would see those who are our friends or acquaintances. Jessica is a top-nothch heroine; I like her best for her wisdom, the way she speaks with and behaves around her many friends in Cabot Cove, and her tact. I also like how she uses logic as she looks for the bad guy/ bad gal and reviewing the notes she meticulously takes.
The plot is superb with twists and turns that only Jessica could follow, or at least keep up with! If there is another suspect, Jessica Fletcher will find him or her. When rumors of the chef’s mob ties ripple through town, as well as rumors that he was not the happy family man he pretends to be, the door is wide open to many possibilities. This was an extremely well-written cozy with a protagonist who, like fine wine, gets better with time. It is intriguing and hard to put down. The ending was amazing with a surprise resolution and all loose ends tied up. I highly recommend Killer in the Kitchen to cozy mystery lovers of all ages, including older teens. If you like well-written, complex mysteries in the ultimate of small town locales, this is a must read. This series has more than pleasantly exceeded my expectations and I hope it does for you, too!
March 25, 2020
It was just like watching it on the screen!! Loved being in Jessica's head as she narrated!! Whooop whooop
September 15, 2018
If you loved Murder She Wrote, then these books do not disappoint. This particular one is the best in the book series in my opinion.
June 8, 2022
Le signora in giallo colpisce ancora. Ancora una volta ci ritroviamo a seguire meravigliati questa signora che con grazia ed eleganza si destreggia tra cadaveri e sospetti, mantenendo una calma esemplare anche quando chiunque altro finirebbe per scappare a gambe levate!
Certo che due domande dovrebbe proprio farsele, non puo' esserle sfuggito che ovunque lei si trovi qualcuno muoredi morte violenta e i primi sospettati sono spesso suoi amici (o amici di amici)! In questo caso il figlio di una sua amica decide di aprire un ristorante nella ridente Cabot Cove. Grande idea, coronamento di un sogno. Non fosse che uno chef affermato, ricco ed arrogante, decide di aprire un bistro francese proprio di fronte a questo ristorantino...inutiile dire che tra i due non corre buon sangue e quando uno dei due viene ritrovato morto i sospetti ricadono sull'altro. Jessica, per la sua tranquillita' mentale (se un delitto si compie sotto il suo naso non puo' proprio rimanere estranea) e per l'indignazione che qualcosa turbi la pace di Cabot Cove (neanche fosse il primo a lasciarci le penne, in questo paesino del Maine), decide di dare il suo contributo alle indagini (che come sempre si rivelera' fondamentale).
Grazie a colpi di scena ben strutturati ed una trama magari non originalissima ma di certo non banale e ben sviluppata, il romanzo procede avvincente e veloce. Una parte rilevante la svolge di certo la nostra Jessica, con il suo carisma ed il suo fascino, che ci ricorda che tutti invecchiamo ma l'importante e' il nostro spirito, quanto ci sentiamo arzilli e quanto ci dedichiamo a noi stessi, alle nostre routine e alle nostre passioni. Brava Jessica, voglio essere come te da grande!
Certo che due domande dovrebbe proprio farsele, non puo' esserle sfuggito che ovunque lei si trovi qualcuno muoredi morte violenta e i primi sospettati sono spesso suoi amici (o amici di amici)! In questo caso il figlio di una sua amica decide di aprire un ristorante nella ridente Cabot Cove. Grande idea, coronamento di un sogno. Non fosse che uno chef affermato, ricco ed arrogante, decide di aprire un bistro francese proprio di fronte a questo ristorantino...inutiile dire che tra i due non corre buon sangue e quando uno dei due viene ritrovato morto i sospetti ricadono sull'altro. Jessica, per la sua tranquillita' mentale (se un delitto si compie sotto il suo naso non puo' proprio rimanere estranea) e per l'indignazione che qualcosa turbi la pace di Cabot Cove (neanche fosse il primo a lasciarci le penne, in questo paesino del Maine), decide di dare il suo contributo alle indagini (che come sempre si rivelera' fondamentale).
Grazie a colpi di scena ben strutturati ed una trama magari non originalissima ma di certo non banale e ben sviluppata, il romanzo procede avvincente e veloce. Una parte rilevante la svolge di certo la nostra Jessica, con il suo carisma ed il suo fascino, che ci ricorda che tutti invecchiamo ma l'importante e' il nostro spirito, quanto ci sentiamo arzilli e quanto ci dedichiamo a noi stessi, alle nostre routine e alle nostre passioni. Brava Jessica, voglio essere come te da grande!
March 31, 2016
I am so thankful I found this series - I appreciate it much more than when I was a tad younger. And there are many prior ones for me to catch up with!
The authors are excellent at characterization; I could almost imagine Jessica Fletcher and her friends Brad and Marcia, owners of the new Fin and Claw restaurant on the water in Cabot Cove. The arrogant Chef Gerard LeBoeuf and his bride arae not the best customers, especially as they loudly disparage the Fin and Claw on their opening night, attracting everyone in town to attend his own grand opening with French Bistro, started up next door to the wonderful seafood restaurant. That certainly can't be motive for murder, can it?
Jessica Fletcher is definitely the central protagonist. She is kind, straightforward, relentless, and highly adept at observing and listening to her surroundings. Her talents are known far and wide. I very much enjoy - and envy - her knowledge and talents!
The plot has many surprises twists and turns, and is very well written and executed. There are no loose ends left in the story, and the conclusion is satisfying -especially since I just couldn't completely solve it myself. I must find more of the series to learn from this admirable lady!
The authors are excellent at characterization; I could almost imagine Jessica Fletcher and her friends Brad and Marcia, owners of the new Fin and Claw restaurant on the water in Cabot Cove. The arrogant Chef Gerard LeBoeuf and his bride arae not the best customers, especially as they loudly disparage the Fin and Claw on their opening night, attracting everyone in town to attend his own grand opening with French Bistro, started up next door to the wonderful seafood restaurant. That certainly can't be motive for murder, can it?
Jessica Fletcher is definitely the central protagonist. She is kind, straightforward, relentless, and highly adept at observing and listening to her surroundings. Her talents are known far and wide. I very much enjoy - and envy - her knowledge and talents!
The plot has many surprises twists and turns, and is very well written and executed. There are no loose ends left in the story, and the conclusion is satisfying -especially since I just couldn't completely solve it myself. I must find more of the series to learn from this admirable lady!
April 19, 2015
Shame on me- I admit that this is the 1st Murder She Wrote book that I have read. I didn't enjoy the TV series and I think that might have kept me away from the books, but no more.
When a new restaurant opens in Cabot Cove, it's good news, when a second restaurant opens right across the street, that's great for the town, but not for Brad and Marcie, the owners of the 1st restaurant. When celebrity chef Girard Lebeouf arrives in town to supervise the building of his restaurant, all heck breaks loose. Lebeouf and his cronies show up at Brad's opening night and proceed to loudly complain about everything. When Brad's mother Isabelle is checking things in the dining area, Lebeouf loudly insults her,she returns to the kitchen and sadly suffers a massive stroke from which she doesn't survive. Soon after, Lebeouf is found dead in the kitchen of his new restaurant. Brad is the likely suspect and with his hot temper he gets in deeper. Luckily for him, Jessica Fletcher is a friend of his mother, Isabelle. Jessica steps up to help her old friend's son to try to solve the murder of the celebrity chef
When a new restaurant opens in Cabot Cove, it's good news, when a second restaurant opens right across the street, that's great for the town, but not for Brad and Marcie, the owners of the 1st restaurant. When celebrity chef Girard Lebeouf arrives in town to supervise the building of his restaurant, all heck breaks loose. Lebeouf and his cronies show up at Brad's opening night and proceed to loudly complain about everything. When Brad's mother Isabelle is checking things in the dining area, Lebeouf loudly insults her,she returns to the kitchen and sadly suffers a massive stroke from which she doesn't survive. Soon after, Lebeouf is found dead in the kitchen of his new restaurant. Brad is the likely suspect and with his hot temper he gets in deeper. Luckily for him, Jessica Fletcher is a friend of his mother, Isabelle. Jessica steps up to help her old friend's son to try to solve the murder of the celebrity chef
September 5, 2016
Ok, So i picked up this book to find a gripping whodunit. After reading a lot of Agatha Christie, I wanted my 'murder Mystery' craving fulfilled.
This genre is Mystery drama and proceeds very normally until the last few pages when Jessica unveils the murderer. There is not much of an investigation or red herrings but yes, though the book is of lot of pages, it didn't bore me.
I just love Jessica Fletcher and she reminds of Miss Marple in a few ways.
The story line is interesting, where a new restaurant, Fin and Claw is opened in Cabot Cove by the Fowlers. The old Isabel Fowler is a friend of Jess. And interestingly, another restaurant is opened just opposite to Fin and Claw by the famous chef Gerrard Lebeouf. When he turns up dead on an early morning, suspicion naturally falls on Brad Fowler owing to the animosity between the two. And now Jess has to find the murderer for the sake of her dear friend Isabel. Will she ?
Yes! She will!
This genre is Mystery drama and proceeds very normally until the last few pages when Jessica unveils the murderer. There is not much of an investigation or red herrings but yes, though the book is of lot of pages, it didn't bore me.
I just love Jessica Fletcher and she reminds of Miss Marple in a few ways.
The story line is interesting, where a new restaurant, Fin and Claw is opened in Cabot Cove by the Fowlers. The old Isabel Fowler is a friend of Jess. And interestingly, another restaurant is opened just opposite to Fin and Claw by the famous chef Gerrard Lebeouf. When he turns up dead on an early morning, suspicion naturally falls on Brad Fowler owing to the animosity between the two. And now Jess has to find the murderer for the sake of her dear friend Isabel. Will she ?
Yes! She will!
April 22, 2015
A young couple in Cabot Cove open their dream restaurant only to find that a celebrity chef wants to open new restaurant next door. When the celebrity chef is found dead behind his kitchen, Jessica is called upon to save her young friends. If you love Murder She Wrote, you'll love Jessica Fletcher's latest mystery. With Seth and Mort, Jessica steps in to defend her friends and solve the crime. This is a quick easy read, and I couldn't put it down!
March 5, 2016
First of all, I love everything Murder She Wrote. This was a fast fun read. Never really complex, but a nice time spent reading. Jessica once again helps find out who the killer is in her round about way. Every time I read one these stories all I can think about is how dangerous it is to live in Cabot Cove, Maine. Everyone dies!!!
May 20, 2016
I am a huge fan of the Murder She Wrote books--they are easy reads and light entertainment, but I didn't much like this one. I found Jessica particularly annoying and pushy and even a bit cocky at times. This is not one I will keep or pass on to friends.
June 26, 2015
This one was very boring in comparison to previous books in this series. It almost seemed like it was written by a different author.
March 31, 2025
Jessica Fletcher just wanted a quiet dinner. A seafood platter, maybe a glass of wine, and absolutely no bodies. But this is Cabot Cove, where murder shows up faster than the bread basket.
In Killer in the Kitchen, everything’s going great for local golden couple Brad and Marcie — they’ve opened the Leg & Claw, the town’s cutest new restaurant, and the whole place smells like success and garlic butter. Enter Gérard “Pepe” Leboeuf: celebrity chef, professional narcissist, and walking lawsuit, who opens a rival spot across the street and immediately declares war with a side of passive-aggressive risotto.
By the next morning, Pepe is dead in his own kitchen — stabbed, scandalized, and marinated in his own ego.
Brad, naturally, is suspect number one. He had motive, opportunity, and a very public meltdown with the victim. But Jessica’s not buying it — especially once she starts digging into Pepe’s long list of enemies: ex-employees, betrayed investors, sabotaged protégés, and at least one food critic who would’ve happily deep-fried him.
What follows is a deliciously chaotic tour of cutthroat restaurant rivalries, stolen recipes, inflated egos, and enough culinary drama to make Top Chef look like kindergarten snack time. Jessica, as always, quietly dismantles every alibi with that terrifying smile and the ability to turn casual small talk into a full confession.
You don’t need to be caught up on the Murder, She Wrote series to enjoy this one — it works perfectly as a standalone. But if you’re a longtime fan, you’ll appreciate the local flavor: Mort bumbling around like this is his first murder, Seth Hazlitt side-eyeing everything, and Jessica solving the case over coffee like it’s just another Tuesday.
3.5 stars. Killer in the Kitchen is messy, mouthy, and absolutely worth the reservation. Come for the food, stay for the murder, and never underestimate a woman who can pair wine with motive.
In Killer in the Kitchen, everything’s going great for local golden couple Brad and Marcie — they’ve opened the Leg & Claw, the town’s cutest new restaurant, and the whole place smells like success and garlic butter. Enter Gérard “Pepe” Leboeuf: celebrity chef, professional narcissist, and walking lawsuit, who opens a rival spot across the street and immediately declares war with a side of passive-aggressive risotto.
By the next morning, Pepe is dead in his own kitchen — stabbed, scandalized, and marinated in his own ego.
Brad, naturally, is suspect number one. He had motive, opportunity, and a very public meltdown with the victim. But Jessica’s not buying it — especially once she starts digging into Pepe’s long list of enemies: ex-employees, betrayed investors, sabotaged protégés, and at least one food critic who would’ve happily deep-fried him.
What follows is a deliciously chaotic tour of cutthroat restaurant rivalries, stolen recipes, inflated egos, and enough culinary drama to make Top Chef look like kindergarten snack time. Jessica, as always, quietly dismantles every alibi with that terrifying smile and the ability to turn casual small talk into a full confession.
You don’t need to be caught up on the Murder, She Wrote series to enjoy this one — it works perfectly as a standalone. But if you’re a longtime fan, you’ll appreciate the local flavor: Mort bumbling around like this is his first murder, Seth Hazlitt side-eyeing everything, and Jessica solving the case over coffee like it’s just another Tuesday.
3.5 stars. Killer in the Kitchen is messy, mouthy, and absolutely worth the reservation. Come for the food, stay for the murder, and never underestimate a woman who can pair wine with motive.
June 22, 2018
This was an excellent read. Definitely one of the better books in the series. This one felt very cozy and I felt like I was transported to Cabot Cove. I really enjoyed the plot and the host of characters new and old that made up the book. I have a sneaking, very unsubstantiated hunch that this one was ghost written. If not, props to Donald Bain because this really was a good read. So much so that I bought two more to add to my rather large Murder She Wrote collection.
One of my favorite things was how detailed the book was. I have little to no visual memory so the details really enhanced my enjoyment. It felt like I was there in the story, watching it all go down.
[small spoilers below]
Two things stuck out to me in this one as not being very realistic/plot issues.
One was Lebouef's restaurant staying open the day after he was murdered. Surely cooking food in a kitchen where a man had been stabbed to death hours before is a health hazard. Even Harold Greene couldnt have been bought off for that one! Plus crime scene cleaners would have had to come in, and I mean it's literally a crime scene that would need to be investigated.
The second is Jessica creating a novel where she just changes the names and bases it off of real events. She would firmly be against that. One, there would be legal issues, and two there was actually an episode about that. One of Jessica's old students wrote a book called Castle Cove in which she wrote all kinds of salacious made up details about Cabot Cove residents with thinly veiled names. Jessica was totally appalled and told her off for it, mentioning legal and moral issues.
But beyond that this was a thoroughly enjoyable read, and I'm so glad I picked it up. On to the next one!
One of my favorite things was how detailed the book was. I have little to no visual memory so the details really enhanced my enjoyment. It felt like I was there in the story, watching it all go down.
[small spoilers below]
Two things stuck out to me in this one as not being very realistic/plot issues.
One was Lebouef's restaurant staying open the day after he was murdered. Surely cooking food in a kitchen where a man had been stabbed to death hours before is a health hazard. Even Harold Greene couldnt have been bought off for that one! Plus crime scene cleaners would have had to come in, and I mean it's literally a crime scene that would need to be investigated.
The second is Jessica creating a novel where she just changes the names and bases it off of real events. She would firmly be against that. One, there would be legal issues, and two there was actually an episode about that. One of Jessica's old students wrote a book called Castle Cove in which she wrote all kinds of salacious made up details about Cabot Cove residents with thinly veiled names. Jessica was totally appalled and told her off for it, mentioning legal and moral issues.
But beyond that this was a thoroughly enjoyable read, and I'm so glad I picked it up. On to the next one!
August 11, 2019
Rete4 ha tolto La Signora in Giallo, che duro colpo! Ma non mi sono data per vinta e mi sono chiesta "cosa avrebbe fatto Jessica al posto mio?" Lei sarebbe andata da Loretta per una messa in piega e poi sarebbe andata a trovare uno dei suoi amici ricconi in giro per il mondo. Io non vado d'accordo con le parrucchiere e soprattutto non ho amici ricconi in giro per il mondo, quindi ho risolto leggendo un libro.
La cara Jessica, beniamina dei becchini di tutto il mondo, si gode un periodo di riposo nella ridente Cabot Cove, cittadina con il più alto tasso di omicidi del Nord America (E MAI NESSUNO CHE SI PONGA DOMANDE).
Succede che un famoso chef apre un ristorante in città proprio di fronte al nuovo ristorante di Brad Fowler, il figlio di un'amica di Jessica. La quiete è ufficialmente turbata anche perché ci scappa il morto. "Non esiste che per Cabot Cove giri un assassino a piede libero!", Jessica pensaci tu! La nostra eroina, infatti, si sente in dovere di aiutare lo sceriffo Mort Metzger (nella serie tv sua moglie si chiama Adele mentre nel libro si chiama Maureen), nonostante Seth le abbia suggerito, svariate volte e nemmeno tanto velatamente, di farsi i ca**i suoi (noi, a Oxford, diciamo così). Ma ella non desiste! Risolve il mistero prima dello sceriffo, dei detective e dell'agente FBI. Tiè!
Geriatria 1 - Resto del Mondo 0.
Tre stelle perché sono libri semplici, leggeri e senza troppe pretese: non aspettatevi i gialli svedesi pieni di intrighi, sangue e colpi di scena. Personalmente li uso per intervallare libri "più seri ed impegnativi" perché mi aiutano a staccare e ad alleggerire l'animo.
La cara Jessica, beniamina dei becchini di tutto il mondo, si gode un periodo di riposo nella ridente Cabot Cove, cittadina con il più alto tasso di omicidi del Nord America (E MAI NESSUNO CHE SI PONGA DOMANDE).
Succede che un famoso chef apre un ristorante in città proprio di fronte al nuovo ristorante di Brad Fowler, il figlio di un'amica di Jessica. La quiete è ufficialmente turbata anche perché ci scappa il morto. "Non esiste che per Cabot Cove giri un assassino a piede libero!", Jessica pensaci tu! La nostra eroina, infatti, si sente in dovere di aiutare lo sceriffo Mort Metzger (nella serie tv sua moglie si chiama Adele mentre nel libro si chiama Maureen), nonostante Seth le abbia suggerito, svariate volte e nemmeno tanto velatamente, di farsi i ca**i suoi (noi, a Oxford, diciamo così). Ma ella non desiste! Risolve il mistero prima dello sceriffo, dei detective e dell'agente FBI. Tiè!
Geriatria 1 - Resto del Mondo 0.
Tre stelle perché sono libri semplici, leggeri e senza troppe pretese: non aspettatevi i gialli svedesi pieni di intrighi, sangue e colpi di scena. Personalmente li uso per intervallare libri "più seri ed impegnativi" perché mi aiutano a staccare e ad alleggerire l'animo.
January 5, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Murder, She Wrote: Killer in the Kitchen by Jessica Fletcher and Donald Bain is a fun mystery set in Cabot Cove's restaurant scene. Jessica loves the Leg & Claw restaurant, owned by young couple Brad and Marcie. The place is their dream come true, and Jessica is one of their biggest supporters. But when famous chef Gerard "Pepe" Lebeouf opens an eatery right next door, things get heated fast. After a nasty public confrontation between Lebeouf and Brad, the chef turns up dead with a knife in his chest. Brad immediately becomes the prime suspect. Jessica knows there are plenty of other people who wanted the temperamental chef gone, and she's determined to figure out who really did it.
The restaurant setting works really well here. You get all the drama of competing restaurants, temperamental chefs, and local business rivalries without it feeling overdone. Brad and Marcie are likable, which makes Jessica's drive to clear Brad's name feel genuine rather than just another case to solve. The mystery keeps you guessing with several viable suspects, from other chefs to unhappy employees to local business owners with grudges. The food details are fun without taking over the story. Jessica uses her usual combination of observation and understanding people to work through the case.
A really enjoyable entry in the series. If you're a fan of Murder, She Wrote, you'll like this one. And if you're new to the series, this is a good place to start.
#KillerInTheKitchen #MurderSheWrote #JessicaFletcher #CozyMystery #MysteryBooks
Murder, She Wrote: Killer in the Kitchen by Jessica Fletcher and Donald Bain is a fun mystery set in Cabot Cove's restaurant scene. Jessica loves the Leg & Claw restaurant, owned by young couple Brad and Marcie. The place is their dream come true, and Jessica is one of their biggest supporters. But when famous chef Gerard "Pepe" Lebeouf opens an eatery right next door, things get heated fast. After a nasty public confrontation between Lebeouf and Brad, the chef turns up dead with a knife in his chest. Brad immediately becomes the prime suspect. Jessica knows there are plenty of other people who wanted the temperamental chef gone, and she's determined to figure out who really did it.
The restaurant setting works really well here. You get all the drama of competing restaurants, temperamental chefs, and local business rivalries without it feeling overdone. Brad and Marcie are likable, which makes Jessica's drive to clear Brad's name feel genuine rather than just another case to solve. The mystery keeps you guessing with several viable suspects, from other chefs to unhappy employees to local business owners with grudges. The food details are fun without taking over the story. Jessica uses her usual combination of observation and understanding people to work through the case.
A really enjoyable entry in the series. If you're a fan of Murder, She Wrote, you'll like this one. And if you're new to the series, this is a good place to start.
#KillerInTheKitchen #MurderSheWrote #JessicaFletcher #CozyMystery #MysteryBooks
August 20, 2022
When I like the writing, I'm happy for a novel to be long, but this one, which wasn't particular lengthy, dragged at times. I also love good descriptions of food in the books I read, even when it isn't that germane to the story. In this book, food was very germane to the story, but the descriptions of it didn't make me hungry.
Speaking of descriptions, I wasn't happy when describing a rundown neighborhood, besides mentioning the rusted car on blocks (stereotypical but ok), Jessica mentioned that there were clothes drying on a clothesline. Because I care about the environment, I dry my clothes on a line and I wish everyone would. One of the reasons people don't, is because their HOA doesn't allow it since it would supposedly decrease the property values and Jessica (I mean Donald Bain) was perpetuating this belief....and it was published in 2015!
I have read a bunch of books from this series, but with all the better series out there, I think I am done with Murder, She Wrote.
Speaking of descriptions, I wasn't happy when describing a rundown neighborhood, besides mentioning the rusted car on blocks (stereotypical but ok), Jessica mentioned that there were clothes drying on a clothesline. Because I care about the environment, I dry my clothes on a line and I wish everyone would. One of the reasons people don't, is because their HOA doesn't allow it since it would supposedly decrease the property values and Jessica (I mean Donald Bain) was perpetuating this belief....and it was published in 2015!
I have read a bunch of books from this series, but with all the better series out there, I think I am done with Murder, She Wrote.
August 27, 2024
I loved this installment of MSW, set in one of my favorite fictional towns, Cabot Cove. This was a really solid mystery that kept me guessing throughout. Just when I thought I’d solved it, the murderer was revealed to be someone completely different. There was a very sad event that happens before the murder, which surprised me, but it was necessary for the story.
I really appreciate just how sensible Jessica Fletcher is, in all areas. She has a good head on her shoulders, and it really helps her to navigate life— and solving murders! I’d love to have someone like her on speed dial, for advice and encouragement.
It’s a real testament to the talent of Donald Bain that these books feel exactly like an episode of the show. Jessica Fletcher, Cabot Cove, Seth, and Mort, are all just as I know them from watching the show since I was a child. It’s very comforting to be able to “visit” some of my favorite fictional characters.
I really appreciate just how sensible Jessica Fletcher is, in all areas. She has a good head on her shoulders, and it really helps her to navigate life— and solving murders! I’d love to have someone like her on speed dial, for advice and encouragement.
It’s a real testament to the talent of Donald Bain that these books feel exactly like an episode of the show. Jessica Fletcher, Cabot Cove, Seth, and Mort, are all just as I know them from watching the show since I was a child. It’s very comforting to be able to “visit” some of my favorite fictional characters.
February 4, 2019
When competing restaurants open across from each other in idyllic Cabot Cove, there's only one way THIS competition will end. The surrounding events up to the crime are not pretty, and sad. Jessica, as usual, is swept up right in the middle, desiring to help those she considers friends but at odds with her firm sense of justice. In true Donald Bain fashion, this mystery had a few twists and turns and loads of suspects, to the point I suspected minor characters revealed later in the book. My version would've made a crazy twist. I think I also drooled throughout at the descriptions of Jessica and Seth's meals from both the "Fin and Claw", the French Bistro, Maureen Metzger's pies and Taco night (believe it or not!) and Jessica's well-to-do Dentist friend who makes succulent BBQ Ribs.
Don't read on an empty stomach, you'll regret it. But you won't regret reading!
Don't read on an empty stomach, you'll regret it. But you won't regret reading!
September 19, 2019
Jessica is invited to Brad & Marcie's grand opening of their restaurant and while there with Seth witnesses an altercation between Brad and Gerard Lebeouf whose in the process of opening his own restaurant and dismissing anyone else who runs a restaurant.
When Gerard ends up dead Brad ends up in the hot seat as the town knows about the altercation and Brad's whereabouts for that night are sketchy at best! Jessica feels determined to find out what happened and who killed Gerard in hopes of freeing Brad from the noose!
I love this series such fun like being back in Cabot Cove it feels like your reading the show that brought many into their living rooms when it aired. You get the pleasure of Seth and Mort in all their glory. And of course Jessica at her finest solving another crime! Can't wait to see what is next in this series!
When Gerard ends up dead Brad ends up in the hot seat as the town knows about the altercation and Brad's whereabouts for that night are sketchy at best! Jessica feels determined to find out what happened and who killed Gerard in hopes of freeing Brad from the noose!
I love this series such fun like being back in Cabot Cove it feels like your reading the show that brought many into their living rooms when it aired. You get the pleasure of Seth and Mort in all their glory. And of course Jessica at her finest solving another crime! Can't wait to see what is next in this series!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 28, 2023
"Here's the worst person I ever met, let me go to his restaurant opening bc Seth wants french onion soup" - Jessica Fletcher, probably
I tend to enjoy the MSW novels that take place in Cabot Cove more than the "travel" novels, and I thought this was a fun and solid one from Donald Bain. I think most of us can appreciate the high stakes of restaurant ownership after years of shows like Kitchen Nightmares (which definitely inspired this book).
It sounds exhausting to be a restauranteur when you know Maureen Metzger is gonna be hitting you up asking you to sell her pies at your restaurant and Mara from the luncheonette tells everyone about the crooked health inspector while bitterly doling out blueberry pancakes to a bunch of non-Jessicas for a whole book. Glorious
I tend to enjoy the MSW novels that take place in Cabot Cove more than the "travel" novels, and I thought this was a fun and solid one from Donald Bain. I think most of us can appreciate the high stakes of restaurant ownership after years of shows like Kitchen Nightmares (which definitely inspired this book).
It sounds exhausting to be a restauranteur when you know Maureen Metzger is gonna be hitting you up asking you to sell her pies at your restaurant and Mara from the luncheonette tells everyone about the crooked health inspector while bitterly doling out blueberry pancakes to a bunch of non-Jessicas for a whole book. Glorious
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 28, 2022
If you enjoy the television series, you will enjoy this book series based off the show. Killer in the kitchen, by "Jessica Fletcher" and Donald Baine takes place in Cabot Cove, Maine. A young couple decides to open a restaurant. His mother lends them the money and the prepare for the opening. A famous celebrity chef decides to open a restaurant across the street. As the openings near, the two begin to have conflicts ending with the murder of the celebrity chef. Jessica is on the case trying to solve the case, hoping it isn't the young husband who committed the crime. The book is an easy read. It feels like you are experiencing an episode of the tv show.
December 18, 2018
A nice simple murder mystery by Jessica Fletcher who doesn't disappoint. And I have decided I don't ever want to visit "Cabot Cove" because my chances of getting murdered are probably higher there than in any ghetto!! LOL The son of one of Jessica's good friends opens a restaurant which has been his life's dream. His mother gives him enough money with a very large bank loan to open the Fin and Claw. Then a huge multi restaurant headed up by a very famous chef buys the property right across the wharf and opens a bistro. And then the knives begin to fly so to speak.
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