I've just learned that there is a real Pickled Pub Restaurant in Wake Forest, that is known for its excellent food quality, generous portions, and decent prices. The atmosphere is lively, the bartenders are friendly, such that Max, Min, Mel, Jordan, and Megan create a delightful and most memorable experience for the regulars, and newcomers too. I even found a menu online for this book/pub.
Max Effort never even thought he would find himself and the wild and crazy Dead Crows sixth annual pickled onion festival, but luck has it peculiar as it may seem, here Max stood. He didn't care, because his best friends--Min, his wife, and Anxious, the Terrier--were with him, and they all brought comfort to each other, and life is very sweet. His campervan is parked in a nice corner of the pub's grounds and his favorite outdoor kitchen is set up. Max is quite a cook, really good at it. They are a happy bunch.
We suddenly learn that the pub's chef is missing. Max agrees with caution to help those working on the case. He promised himself he would never work in business kitchens again, but rapidly regrets his decision, sadly when the chef is found dead in of all things, a broom closet with a jar of pickled onions. The pub's landlord is really putting the pressure on and wants to keep the pub open. It appears the death is of natural causes. The activities in the pub help to relax Max and Min, and their evening was so much fun, and have what they call an afterhours lock-in like never before.
Too much booze, loud music, way too many pickled onions and a second body means there is a murderer on the loose, and a room chuck full of possible prospects. Max, using his talents, is slowly unraveling the many layers of this puzzling problem. It might leave one with pickle mouth, very sour, but the vote is high, and the cost of failure becomes fatal. As this murder case team works through all the suspects that is a slippery mess, the motive for such murders is crazier than anyone could have imagined.
Not wanting to give spoilers, I'll stop here. I was surprisingly enjoying this book. No too deep, not to light, just an interesting and pleasant read. Recommend. Enjoy!!! Location based on fact!