What do you think?
Rate this book
Deep Fried Mystery #1
Fillet of Murder
Talia Marby serves up delectable English deep fried fare in the heart of the Berkshires—but she soon discovers there’s something fishy going on in the first novel in the Deep Fried Mystery series!
Sometimes in this life, you have to fish or cut bait. After walking away from a miserable job and an even worse boyfriend, Talia Marby has no regrets. She’s returned to her hometown and is happy to help her dear friend Bea Lambert by working at Lambert’s Fish & Chips, a cornerstone of a charming shopping plaza designed to resemble an old English village.
But not all the shop owners are charming. Phil Turnbull has been pestering Bea to sign a petition against a new store opening up, and his constant badgering is enough to make her want to boil him in oil. When Talia and Bea stumble upon Turnbull murdered in his shop, the police suspect Bea. Now it’s up to Talia to fish around for clues and hook the real killer before her friend has to trade serving food for serving time...
Includes delicious recipes!
Sometimes in this life, you have to fish or cut bait. After walking away from a miserable job and an even worse boyfriend, Talia Marby has no regrets. She’s returned to her hometown and is happy to help her dear friend Bea Lambert by working at Lambert’s Fish & Chips, a cornerstone of a charming shopping plaza designed to resemble an old English village.
But not all the shop owners are charming. Phil Turnbull has been pestering Bea to sign a petition against a new store opening up, and his constant badgering is enough to make her want to boil him in oil. When Talia and Bea stumble upon Turnbull murdered in his shop, the police suspect Bea. Now it’s up to Talia to fish around for clues and hook the real killer before her friend has to trade serving food for serving time...
Includes delicious recipes!
304 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published May 5, 2015
125 people are currently reading
1196 people want to read
About the author
Linda Reilly
14 books793 followersLinda Reilly is a mystery writer living with her two feline assistants in southern New Hampshire. She is a member of Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America, and Cat Writers' Association.
Her Grilled Cheese Mystery series featuring grilled cheese lover Carly Hale debuted in January 2022, published by Poisoned Pen Press.
Her first cozy mystery, Some Enchanted Murder, was a finalist for the 2014 Silver Falchion Award in the category "Best First Novel: Cozy, Traditional and Historical."
Linda is also the author of the Cat Lady Mysteries published by Kensington Lyrical and of the Deep Fried mysteries published by Berkley Prime Crime.
ESCAPE CLAWS, her first Cat Lady Mystery, was selected by Modern Cat Magazine, Connie's Book Club, as a "must read" in the Spring/Summer 2018 issue.
CLAWS OF ACTION, her fourth Cat Lady Mystery, was awarded a Certificate of Excellence by the Cat Writers' Association in its 2019 Communications Contest.
Her Grilled Cheese Mystery series featuring grilled cheese lover Carly Hale debuted in January 2022, published by Poisoned Pen Press.
Her first cozy mystery, Some Enchanted Murder, was a finalist for the 2014 Silver Falchion Award in the category "Best First Novel: Cozy, Traditional and Historical."
Linda is also the author of the Cat Lady Mysteries published by Kensington Lyrical and of the Deep Fried mysteries published by Berkley Prime Crime.
ESCAPE CLAWS, her first Cat Lady Mystery, was selected by Modern Cat Magazine, Connie's Book Club, as a "must read" in the Spring/Summer 2018 issue.
CLAWS OF ACTION, her fourth Cat Lady Mystery, was awarded a Certificate of Excellence by the Cat Writers' Association in its 2019 Communications Contest.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews
September 22, 2019
This mystery was great. There are original, quirky characters, a lovely setting and a satisfying ending.
March 25, 2016
Dollycas’s Thoughts
What a delicious mystery!
Talia Marcy leaves a job she hates and a crumby boyfriend behind to return hometown and work at a place that is like her second home. She worked at Lambert’s Fish & Chips in high school and the owners Bea and Howie became almost a second set of parents. She knew it was just the place for her to reset and regroup her life until the right job comes along. Then the cantankerous Phil Trumbull shows up to torment Bea with some kind of petition to stop a new comic book store from opening. Bea has a few choice words for him, deep frying him in oil were some of the included words, but she never meant it in the literal sense. When Talia and Bea find him dead, (not fried), Bea’s words come back to bite her when she becomes the #1 suspect. Talia decides to prove Bea’s innocence by trying to catch the killer herself. Hopefully she doesn’t become the day’s catch herself.
I love Talia, she’s strong and smart and she deeply cares about her friends. Bea means the world to her and they work together like a well-oiled machine. Bea is a special lady too. Not afraid of hard work and with a heart as big as all outdoors. She reminds me of my own mom. I was really engaged by both of them. Whitnee also works for Bea. She is a student with a very overbearing mother. Both Bea and Talia do their best to look out for her.
The setting for this story is the charming Wrensdale Arcade. A shopping plaza where all the shop exteriors looked like they popped right out of an old English village. It sounds like a very unique place.
The murder happens very early in the story but readers still have time to figure out enough about Phil Turnbull to understand why he was so disliked. As the story continued and more suspects were revealed and we see they all had motivation to kill the man. As quickly as the man was killed the clues quickly lead to someone I totally didn’t expect as the killer. I had the WOW light bulb over my head. A really well executed twist.
I really enjoyed the background story of Talia staying in her Nana’s house while it was up for sale. Dealing with realtors, trying to to make herself not too much at home because this is just a temporary living arrangement. She even has a kitty come to her door who she starts to feed and soon the little guy has not only wormed his way into the house but also Talia’s heart.
This is truly a grand debut. It checks all the boxes of what I love in a great cozy mystery. – Likable and believable characters, a comfortable setting, and a mystery that keeps you guessing right up to the final reveal.
What a delicious mystery!
Talia Marcy leaves a job she hates and a crumby boyfriend behind to return hometown and work at a place that is like her second home. She worked at Lambert’s Fish & Chips in high school and the owners Bea and Howie became almost a second set of parents. She knew it was just the place for her to reset and regroup her life until the right job comes along. Then the cantankerous Phil Trumbull shows up to torment Bea with some kind of petition to stop a new comic book store from opening. Bea has a few choice words for him, deep frying him in oil were some of the included words, but she never meant it in the literal sense. When Talia and Bea find him dead, (not fried), Bea’s words come back to bite her when she becomes the #1 suspect. Talia decides to prove Bea’s innocence by trying to catch the killer herself. Hopefully she doesn’t become the day’s catch herself.
I love Talia, she’s strong and smart and she deeply cares about her friends. Bea means the world to her and they work together like a well-oiled machine. Bea is a special lady too. Not afraid of hard work and with a heart as big as all outdoors. She reminds me of my own mom. I was really engaged by both of them. Whitnee also works for Bea. She is a student with a very overbearing mother. Both Bea and Talia do their best to look out for her.
The setting for this story is the charming Wrensdale Arcade. A shopping plaza where all the shop exteriors looked like they popped right out of an old English village. It sounds like a very unique place.
The murder happens very early in the story but readers still have time to figure out enough about Phil Turnbull to understand why he was so disliked. As the story continued and more suspects were revealed and we see they all had motivation to kill the man. As quickly as the man was killed the clues quickly lead to someone I totally didn’t expect as the killer. I had the WOW light bulb over my head. A really well executed twist.
I really enjoyed the background story of Talia staying in her Nana’s house while it was up for sale. Dealing with realtors, trying to to make herself not too much at home because this is just a temporary living arrangement. She even has a kitty come to her door who she starts to feed and soon the little guy has not only wormed his way into the house but also Talia’s heart.
This is truly a grand debut. It checks all the boxes of what I love in a great cozy mystery. – Likable and believable characters, a comfortable setting, and a mystery that keeps you guessing right up to the final reveal.
April 19, 2015
This new series had me at Deep Fried! I had been looking forward to reading since I had first heard about it. It was worth the wait.
In this first book in the Deep Fried Mystery series, author Linda Reilly has created a delightful cast of characters, as well as an enchanting setting. I knew even before finishing the first chapter of FILLET OF MURDER I was going to love this book . . . and I did!
I immensely enjoyed the relationship between lead character Talia Marby and her friend, and owner of Lambert’s Fish & Chips, Bea Lambert. They really played well off each other and have a wonderful mother/daughter vibe. As for the fish & chips restaurant, I have no doubt that would be my hangout. I could smell the incredible scents of fried food while reading, and more than once heard my stomach growling. Speaking of growling tums, Ms. Reilly has included a couple of tasty recipes to use as side dishes for your next fish & chips (or any other) dinner!
This mystery had a wonderful plot and was extremely well written. There were enough red herrings (or in this case, haddock) to keep my guessing until the surprising reveal. I did not see it coming. Well done Ms. Reilly!
FILLET OF MURDER is one of the most delicious introductions to a new series (first books) I have read so far this year and has secured a spot in my top five favorites! If you’re looking for a new cozy series to whet your appetite for mystery, FILLET OF MURDER is the perfect choice!
In this first book in the Deep Fried Mystery series, author Linda Reilly has created a delightful cast of characters, as well as an enchanting setting. I knew even before finishing the first chapter of FILLET OF MURDER I was going to love this book . . . and I did!
I immensely enjoyed the relationship between lead character Talia Marby and her friend, and owner of Lambert’s Fish & Chips, Bea Lambert. They really played well off each other and have a wonderful mother/daughter vibe. As for the fish & chips restaurant, I have no doubt that would be my hangout. I could smell the incredible scents of fried food while reading, and more than once heard my stomach growling. Speaking of growling tums, Ms. Reilly has included a couple of tasty recipes to use as side dishes for your next fish & chips (or any other) dinner!
This mystery had a wonderful plot and was extremely well written. There were enough red herrings (or in this case, haddock) to keep my guessing until the surprising reveal. I did not see it coming. Well done Ms. Reilly!
FILLET OF MURDER is one of the most delicious introductions to a new series (first books) I have read so far this year and has secured a spot in my top five favorites! If you’re looking for a new cozy series to whet your appetite for mystery, FILLET OF MURDER is the perfect choice!
September 15, 2018
Fun first in a new series
I really enjoyed this book. It took me a while to really become engaged with the story, but once I did I couldn't put it down.
I like Talia and I'm looking forward to the changes that are about to take place in her life.
The mystery was played out well, I was kept guessing until the end.
I really enjoyed this book. It took me a while to really become engaged with the story, but once I did I couldn't put it down.
I like Talia and I'm looking forward to the changes that are about to take place in her life.
The mystery was played out well, I was kept guessing until the end.
November 22, 2017
I was lucky enough to read Linda Reilly's new book the other day, so I decided to give this one, her other series, a shot too. What I've found with both books impressed me; Linda has a real talent for strong cozy mystery, with excellent leading sleuths in both. This book time and time again made me hungry for fish and chips, and I don't even eat them regularly! She just has a way with words that gets into your brain, and I ended up eating sweet chilli philly dipped with Jatz Crackers. Yummo!
If you're looking for a fun, lighthearted cozy with excellent characters and mystery, this author is for you. What else is obvious is a love of cats; can we see more Bojangles next time, please? Absolutely five stars!
If you're looking for a fun, lighthearted cozy with excellent characters and mystery, this author is for you. What else is obvious is a love of cats; can we see more Bojangles next time, please? Absolutely five stars!
May 20, 2015
There's fishy business going on in Wrensdale arcade, housing a group of shops in the Berkshires reminisant of an old English borough. The shop owners are all in some sort of turmoil over who could have killed clock shop owner, Phil Turnbull . Phil was up in arms over the other shop owners signing a petition so a new comic book store merchant would not set up shop in the arcade. Owner of Lambert's Fish and Chips ,Bea vows not to sign the petition. When Bea becomes the prime suspect in Phil's murder, her co worker Talia proudly comes to her rescue and decides to try to do some of her own detecting to try to reel in a killer.
Talia has a history at Lambert's Fish and Chips and she has worked there since high school. She loves Bea and her husband, Howie who is recovering in the hospital from an infection from knee surgery. When Bea finally forces Phil out of her restaurant when he presses about Bea signing the petition Bea threatens to fry him in oil. Then Bea and Talia discover a murdered Phil inside his store bludgeoned with a knife with a trace of fish on it. But in her heart of hearts Talia does not believe that Bea had any thing to do with Phil's death.
Talia has some personal issues to deal with herself, with her ex, Chet, her co worker, Whitnee and coming to grips with the selling of her Nana's house that Talia is currently staying in with the only bright spot being a cute little calico cat that suddenly appears out of no where in Talia's life. All the while continuing to help Bea out temporarily in Lamberts while Howie is in the hospital. Talia digs into Phil's life and discovers that Phil has his own secrets and many people who wanted him dead. Talia makes it her duty to catch this murderer hook, link and sinker.
A mouth watering, crack up of a first in a series. Attention grabbing from the very first page. Fillet of Murder reels you in and does not let go. Talia is a firecracker of a ametur sleuth with a passion for cooking and finding the truth. Two fine qualities if I do say so. The actual killer was unexpected will leave you stunned. Bea is one of the most heartwarming characters with her quick British wit she is also among some other heartwarming characters in the book.When Talia works her magic at the deep fryer it had me craving what she made it it will for you too !!!!!
FTC Disclosure: Thank you to the publisher for providing me a copy of this book for review.This did not influence my thoughts in any way. All the opinions of the book and review are my own.
Talia has a history at Lambert's Fish and Chips and she has worked there since high school. She loves Bea and her husband, Howie who is recovering in the hospital from an infection from knee surgery. When Bea finally forces Phil out of her restaurant when he presses about Bea signing the petition Bea threatens to fry him in oil. Then Bea and Talia discover a murdered Phil inside his store bludgeoned with a knife with a trace of fish on it. But in her heart of hearts Talia does not believe that Bea had any thing to do with Phil's death.
Talia has some personal issues to deal with herself, with her ex, Chet, her co worker, Whitnee and coming to grips with the selling of her Nana's house that Talia is currently staying in with the only bright spot being a cute little calico cat that suddenly appears out of no where in Talia's life. All the while continuing to help Bea out temporarily in Lamberts while Howie is in the hospital. Talia digs into Phil's life and discovers that Phil has his own secrets and many people who wanted him dead. Talia makes it her duty to catch this murderer hook, link and sinker.
A mouth watering, crack up of a first in a series. Attention grabbing from the very first page. Fillet of Murder reels you in and does not let go. Talia is a firecracker of a ametur sleuth with a passion for cooking and finding the truth. Two fine qualities if I do say so. The actual killer was unexpected will leave you stunned. Bea is one of the most heartwarming characters with her quick British wit she is also among some other heartwarming characters in the book.When Talia works her magic at the deep fryer it had me craving what she made it it will for you too !!!!!
FTC Disclosure: Thank you to the publisher for providing me a copy of this book for review.This did not influence my thoughts in any way. All the opinions of the book and review are my own.
August 17, 2018
I enjoyed this book so much! The main characters were all people that I would want to be friends with in real life. Bea and her husband Howie are such sweethearts, and Rachel is just about the coolest friend a person would want.
When Talia Marby comes home to Wrensdale MA to live in her Nana's old house and work her old job at Lambert's Fish and Chips, she never knew she'd be playing amateur sleuth to clear her friend Bea's name. One of the shop owners who was an insufferable jerk, was found dead in his shop with all signs pointing to Bea since the knife that killed him was a fillet knife. In the meantime, Bea and her husband Howie wanted to sell the shop to Talia so they could start their retirement in Myrtle Beach. With so many events coming and going, Talia at least had her mom and Rachel--and an adorable little calico cat she'd found hanging around, to keep her at least partway sane.
I just loved how she met Ryan, an old classmate, whose dad had early Alzheimer's. His dad was a sweetie too. I'm glad there's some sort of guy interest there for her. Rachel has met a guy too, another shop owner had some baby news. Even Talia's mom had something awesome to tell her.
I loved the showdown with the killer in this book! It was pretty exciting and well, you'll just have to read it. Let's just say Arthur, Ryan's dad being a Shakespeare fan came in really handy. Arthur himself was somewhat of a hero as well. I'm anxious to read the next book in this series and hang out in Wrensdale again soon sometime!
When Talia Marby comes home to Wrensdale MA to live in her Nana's old house and work her old job at Lambert's Fish and Chips, she never knew she'd be playing amateur sleuth to clear her friend Bea's name. One of the shop owners who was an insufferable jerk, was found dead in his shop with all signs pointing to Bea since the knife that killed him was a fillet knife. In the meantime, Bea and her husband Howie wanted to sell the shop to Talia so they could start their retirement in Myrtle Beach. With so many events coming and going, Talia at least had her mom and Rachel--and an adorable little calico cat she'd found hanging around, to keep her at least partway sane.
I just loved how she met Ryan, an old classmate, whose dad had early Alzheimer's. His dad was a sweetie too. I'm glad there's some sort of guy interest there for her. Rachel has met a guy too, another shop owner had some baby news. Even Talia's mom had something awesome to tell her.
I loved the showdown with the killer in this book! It was pretty exciting and well, you'll just have to read it. Let's just say Arthur, Ryan's dad being a Shakespeare fan came in really handy. Arthur himself was somewhat of a hero as well. I'm anxious to read the next book in this series and hang out in Wrensdale again soon sometime!
May 24, 2015
Bea Lambert owns Lambert's Fish & Chips, a restaurant popular for it's deep-fried white haddock, mushy peas, and fries. Talia Marby works there, along with Whitnee Parker, a younger employee. Phil Turnbull, owner of an antique lighting shop, is trying to strong arm Bea into signing a petition to keep a comic book store from opening in the Wrensdale Arcade where their shops are located. Located in the Berkshires, it's structure is full of ambiance and charm. Bea is like a second mother to Talia, and she won't stand for anyone hassling Bea while her beloved husband, Howie, is in the hospital recovering from knee surgery complications. Phil is a real pain, and Bea can't stand him. When he's murdered, Bea's the #1 suspect. Talia sets out to prove her innocence and winds up finding connections from the past, and present, that come together to expose secrets that lead straight to a killer. Talia's living in her late nana's bungalow, which is for sale. She's adopted a small, precious, stray calico cat, and named it Bo. The future is looking bright, with all kinds of surprises ahead!! This is a delightful new culinary cozy mystery with recipes included!!
February 18, 2017
This is a new author and a new series for me, A Deep Fried Mystery. Talia Marby has returned home to nurse her broken heart and to look for a new job after leaving one that made her miserable. In the meantime, she is working at the fish and chip shop she worked at in high school and living in her Nana’s bungalow while trying to sell it.
The fish and chip shop is part of a strip of shops, which like most small independent businesses straddle the line of financial solvency . The possible opening of new shop in their midst has the shop owners in a tizzy with battle lines drawn resulting in the death of one of them. Talia finds herself drawn into the investigation in an attempt to clear her friend’s name.
Talia’s back story is well done here and interesting. The setting of the fish and chip shop is fun and engaging. The whole cast of background and what I assume will be recurring characters are interesting and colorful adding depth to the story. The mystery has several suspects and red herrings to keep the reader guessing. Talia as a sleuth is relatable and intelligent. Fillet of Murder is a really good first in a cozy mystery series.
The fish and chip shop is part of a strip of shops, which like most small independent businesses straddle the line of financial solvency . The possible opening of new shop in their midst has the shop owners in a tizzy with battle lines drawn resulting in the death of one of them. Talia finds herself drawn into the investigation in an attempt to clear her friend’s name.
Talia’s back story is well done here and interesting. The setting of the fish and chip shop is fun and engaging. The whole cast of background and what I assume will be recurring characters are interesting and colorful adding depth to the story. The mystery has several suspects and red herrings to keep the reader guessing. Talia as a sleuth is relatable and intelligent. Fillet of Murder is a really good first in a cozy mystery series.
May 13, 2015
Things weren’t looking good for Talia Marby after she left a job she hated. Her fiancé didn’t support her decision and they eventually broke up. Looking to start over, Talia moves back to her hometown in the Bershires and helps her friend Bea Lambert at her fish & chips restaurant. Lambert’s Fish & Chips is set in a small town set to look like an old English village complete with cobblestones. Talia figures this is just for a short time while she figures what she really wants to do with her life.
When a fellow shop owner, Phil Turnbull, approaches Bea to sign a petition protesting the opening of a comic book store, things turn nasty when Bea refuses to sign. It’s not long after they fight when Talia and Bea discover Phil’s dead body. He had been murdered in his own shop and Bea is the number one suspect. Talia’s not about to see her friend spend the rest of her life behind bars. She investigates and learns that Bea wasn’t Phil’s only enemy. It’s up to Talia to find the real killer.
First a warning – This book made me hungry right from the start. All I could think about was having deep fried foods and I don’t even eat deep fried foods anymore! LOL
I adored the main character, Talia. She’s strong, intelligent and realistic. Her loyalty to Bea is admirable – it shows she’s a true friend. It’s always nice when the amateur sleuth has a good reason to be sticking her nose into things. In this case, it was to help her best friend.
The setting in New England is quaint and made me want to visit. It’s the perfect setting for a cozy mystery. The secondary characters are vividly portrayed and come to life on each page.
The mystery had me guessing to the very end. This is an excellent start of a brand new series. I love getting in on the ground floor of these cozy series. I feel as if I’m meeting a whole new set of friends and I look forward to my next visit to the Berkshires.
FTC Disclosure: The publisher provided me with a copy of this book to review for this blog tour. This did not influence my thoughts and opinions in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
When a fellow shop owner, Phil Turnbull, approaches Bea to sign a petition protesting the opening of a comic book store, things turn nasty when Bea refuses to sign. It’s not long after they fight when Talia and Bea discover Phil’s dead body. He had been murdered in his own shop and Bea is the number one suspect. Talia’s not about to see her friend spend the rest of her life behind bars. She investigates and learns that Bea wasn’t Phil’s only enemy. It’s up to Talia to find the real killer.
First a warning – This book made me hungry right from the start. All I could think about was having deep fried foods and I don’t even eat deep fried foods anymore! LOL
I adored the main character, Talia. She’s strong, intelligent and realistic. Her loyalty to Bea is admirable – it shows she’s a true friend. It’s always nice when the amateur sleuth has a good reason to be sticking her nose into things. In this case, it was to help her best friend.
The setting in New England is quaint and made me want to visit. It’s the perfect setting for a cozy mystery. The secondary characters are vividly portrayed and come to life on each page.
The mystery had me guessing to the very end. This is an excellent start of a brand new series. I love getting in on the ground floor of these cozy series. I feel as if I’m meeting a whole new set of friends and I look forward to my next visit to the Berkshires.
FTC Disclosure: The publisher provided me with a copy of this book to review for this blog tour. This did not influence my thoughts and opinions in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
July 22, 2021
Talia works for a fish and chip restaurant in a plaza that is designed to look like an old English Village. One of the shop owners is killed, and Talia’s boss is the prime suspect. She knows her boss could not have done it, so she investigates to prove it. This is Fillet of Murder (Deep Fried Mystery #1) by Linda Reilly.
This book took a few chapters to grab me, but I’m very happy I stuck with it, as it’s a great mystery. Talia is a likable character as is her boss, Bea. Whitnee, Talia’s co-worker, got on my nerves. She was timid, sullen, and had no backbone. I love fried foods, and this book had a lot of mentions of it. You will definitely find yourself craving some good fried fish and chips. Even with the darkness of the murder, this story has some great moments of happiness and love. The book includes a couple of recipes for coleslaw and deep fried pickles.
My review is voluntary and all comments and opinions expressed are my own.
This book took a few chapters to grab me, but I’m very happy I stuck with it, as it’s a great mystery. Talia is a likable character as is her boss, Bea. Whitnee, Talia’s co-worker, got on my nerves. She was timid, sullen, and had no backbone. I love fried foods, and this book had a lot of mentions of it. You will definitely find yourself craving some good fried fish and chips. Even with the darkness of the murder, this story has some great moments of happiness and love. The book includes a couple of recipes for coleslaw and deep fried pickles.
My review is voluntary and all comments and opinions expressed are my own.
February 28, 2017
A delightful, well-plotted first installment that suffers slightly from awkward dialogue and a couple of minor plot holes. I loved the conceit of the ye olde shopping center; Talia was a fully realized entity; I actually didn't figure out WHODUNIT until fairly late in the game, which is awesome. I don't read cozies for the stunningly complex mystery itself, but it was fun to be kept guessing in a way that felt natural. The descriptions of the food were great, too.
As always, I'm so here for the cat. I actually purchased this book because I saw the cover in a bookstore and needed it in my life, even if the book turned out to be utter garbage. I know this isn't a cat mystery series, but I hope that Bo has more of a role in the second book, because she's so damn cute!
I also appreciated that sex was more openly discussed in this book than in other cozies (really, you just can't wait to kiss the dude you've been sizing up for four books? An electric pulse goes through you when your hands brush? Are we middle schoolers?). Having the killer turn out to be felt fairly progressive for a cozy and even skewed kind of dark and Stephen King-y à la Carrie.
A few things detracted from what was otherwise a really superlative cozy read:
1. I get the impression that Linda Reilly hasn't had a ton of recent interactions with the youths. Whitnee's, like, dialogue, like, in particular, was, like, painful.
2. Get your backstory straight! For example, Talia remarks that she doesn't want to explain the reasons behind their split to her ex, Chet, for the hundredth time and then, a few paragraphs later comments on how easily he accepted their breakup.
3. Is having a dysfunctional backstory a prerequisite for shop ownership and employment in the Wrensdale Arcade? I mean, for God's sake, we've got a woman having a multi-year extramarital affair predicated on a thwarted attempted rape; we've got a surly gambling addict with a menacing loan shark on his tail; we've got an old hippie with a secret son and that secret son has a secret daughter who is also developmentally disabled and whose mother is being paid off by secret son's rich grandfather to keep her mouth shut while he runs for public office; we've got a woman who was charged in a sorority hazing death and had to move away from her home state because her father couldn't stand the sight of her anymore. Jesus Christ. I get it. Skeletons: they're in the fucking closet, man.
4. Bea's Britishisms felt super forced and clunky, like the author went to Google, typed in "British slang" and just threw random tidbits in here and there.
5.
6. I don't think Rachel's entirely necessary. Talia kept going on about HOW FUNNY Rachel is, but Rachel is not funny. She's not even mildly amusing. Also, aren't we all sort of tired of the omghotbff trope? How many cozy mystery heroines have stunningly attractive best friends that could be MODELLLLLLS? Too many.
As always, I'm so here for the cat. I actually purchased this book because I saw the cover in a bookstore and needed it in my life, even if the book turned out to be utter garbage. I know this isn't a cat mystery series, but I hope that Bo has more of a role in the second book, because she's so damn cute!
I also appreciated that sex was more openly discussed in this book than in other cozies (really, you just can't wait to kiss the dude you've been sizing up for four books? An electric pulse goes through you when your hands brush? Are we middle schoolers?). Having the killer turn out to be felt fairly progressive for a cozy and even skewed kind of dark and Stephen King-y à la Carrie.
A few things detracted from what was otherwise a really superlative cozy read:
1. I get the impression that Linda Reilly hasn't had a ton of recent interactions with the youths. Whitnee's, like, dialogue, like, in particular, was, like, painful.
2. Get your backstory straight! For example, Talia remarks that she doesn't want to explain the reasons behind their split to her ex, Chet, for the hundredth time and then, a few paragraphs later comments on how easily he accepted their breakup.
3. Is having a dysfunctional backstory a prerequisite for shop ownership and employment in the Wrensdale Arcade? I mean, for God's sake, we've got a woman having a multi-year extramarital affair predicated on a thwarted attempted rape; we've got a surly gambling addict with a menacing loan shark on his tail; we've got an old hippie with a secret son and that secret son has a secret daughter who is also developmentally disabled and whose mother is being paid off by secret son's rich grandfather to keep her mouth shut while he runs for public office; we've got a woman who was charged in a sorority hazing death and had to move away from her home state because her father couldn't stand the sight of her anymore. Jesus Christ. I get it. Skeletons: they're in the fucking closet, man.
4. Bea's Britishisms felt super forced and clunky, like the author went to Google, typed in "British slang" and just threw random tidbits in here and there.
5.
6. I don't think Rachel's entirely necessary. Talia kept going on about HOW FUNNY Rachel is, but Rachel is not funny. She's not even mildly amusing. Also, aren't we all sort of tired of the omghotbff trope? How many cozy mystery heroines have stunningly attractive best friends that could be MODELLLLLLS? Too many.
May 5, 2015
Fillet of Murder is the first book in the A Deep Fried Mystery series. And a very enjoyable series it looks to be.
Talia Marby has returned to her hometown after breaking up with her fiance, Chet Matthews. While she is looking for another job in real estate, she has decided to take a temporary job at Lambert's Fish & Chips, where she had worked when she was in high school.
Lambert's is located in an area known as Wrensdale Arcade, built to resemble an English village. One of the store owners, Phil Turnball who owns the Classic Radiance store, is trying to get the other store owner to sign a petition to ban the opening of a comic book store. Bea Lambert does not want to sign and is beginning to lose her patience with Phil and finally orders him out of restaurant. Soon she utters some words that she will wish she had not said: “Fire up the deep fry, Talia. I'm going to boil Phil Turnbull in oil”. The next morning Talia is going to stop by and talk with Turnbull, when she arrives, a little bit before opening time, she notices a light is on in the back room and the door is unlocked. She enters the store calling out Turnball's name and when she enters his office finds him on the floor, dead, with a knife sticking out of his neck. The knife has residue of fish on it, so naturally Bea becomes the prime suspect. But as begins to look into the past of Turnball she finds other suspects that would have liked to seen him out of the picture.
The book has a wonderful group of shop owners: Suzi Sato runs a bath and body store, Jill Follansbee owns a tea shop, Jim Jepson, former Geometry teacher, has a pottery store and others. They all share a little information about their stores in the book. Bea is an enjoyable character too and her character meshes with Talia, so that they seem like a mother and daughter. Talia also enjoys experimenting with fried foods and shares a recipe for Deep Fried Pickle Spears.
Talia Marby has returned to her hometown after breaking up with her fiance, Chet Matthews. While she is looking for another job in real estate, she has decided to take a temporary job at Lambert's Fish & Chips, where she had worked when she was in high school.
Lambert's is located in an area known as Wrensdale Arcade, built to resemble an English village. One of the store owners, Phil Turnball who owns the Classic Radiance store, is trying to get the other store owner to sign a petition to ban the opening of a comic book store. Bea Lambert does not want to sign and is beginning to lose her patience with Phil and finally orders him out of restaurant. Soon she utters some words that she will wish she had not said: “Fire up the deep fry, Talia. I'm going to boil Phil Turnbull in oil”. The next morning Talia is going to stop by and talk with Turnbull, when she arrives, a little bit before opening time, she notices a light is on in the back room and the door is unlocked. She enters the store calling out Turnball's name and when she enters his office finds him on the floor, dead, with a knife sticking out of his neck. The knife has residue of fish on it, so naturally Bea becomes the prime suspect. But as begins to look into the past of Turnball she finds other suspects that would have liked to seen him out of the picture.
The book has a wonderful group of shop owners: Suzi Sato runs a bath and body store, Jill Follansbee owns a tea shop, Jim Jepson, former Geometry teacher, has a pottery store and others. They all share a little information about their stores in the book. Bea is an enjoyable character too and her character meshes with Talia, so that they seem like a mother and daughter. Talia also enjoys experimenting with fried foods and shares a recipe for Deep Fried Pickle Spears.
February 21, 2021
I love fish 'n chips - it is a splurge for me. I saw this new mystery series featured a mom-and-pop fried fish dinner and a New England setting, I had to give a try. I am glad I did.
Talia is kind-hearted and mending from a break-up and quitting a job. We see her come into her own in the course of the story. I found her an easy character to like and identify with. Bea, a sweet grand-mother type who runs Lambert's Fish and Chips. There are a variety of shop owners: Suzi Sato runs the bath and body store, Jill Follansbee owns the tea shop, Jim Jepson, her former Geometry teacher has the pottery store, Cliff Colby and others. Rachel is Talia's BFF and some comedy relief. Ryan Collins, an old high school classmate now a software designer (not a cop!) and potential boyfriend. I don't often think the romantic interest is a stand-out, but Ryan is a great character and I am looking forward to more of him. I can't forget to mention the sweet little calico cat Bojangles that Talia entices into her home.
The Berkshires was a good setting for the story, made me want to visit. Am I the only person with a vacation wish list resulting from story locations? The plot proceeded with the reader thinking the story and murder is about one thing, to be surprised that it is all about something completely different, even with the clues right there. Excellent plot written well to give a great surprise.
The pacing was perfect, my interest was maintained and engaged throughout and I zipped through it as a result. The climax and killer reveal was unique and tense, had me on the edge-of-my-seat. The wrap-up was heartening and paves the way for more adventures.
This is a cozy mystery done right! Good characters, not too quirky but developed and enjoyable with a tantalizing mystery that delivers a great twist. I want more.
Rating: Near Perfect - Couldn't Put it down. Buy two copies, one for you and one for a friend.
Talia is kind-hearted and mending from a break-up and quitting a job. We see her come into her own in the course of the story. I found her an easy character to like and identify with. Bea, a sweet grand-mother type who runs Lambert's Fish and Chips. There are a variety of shop owners: Suzi Sato runs the bath and body store, Jill Follansbee owns the tea shop, Jim Jepson, her former Geometry teacher has the pottery store, Cliff Colby and others. Rachel is Talia's BFF and some comedy relief. Ryan Collins, an old high school classmate now a software designer (not a cop!) and potential boyfriend. I don't often think the romantic interest is a stand-out, but Ryan is a great character and I am looking forward to more of him. I can't forget to mention the sweet little calico cat Bojangles that Talia entices into her home.
The Berkshires was a good setting for the story, made me want to visit. Am I the only person with a vacation wish list resulting from story locations? The plot proceeded with the reader thinking the story and murder is about one thing, to be surprised that it is all about something completely different, even with the clues right there. Excellent plot written well to give a great surprise.
The pacing was perfect, my interest was maintained and engaged throughout and I zipped through it as a result. The climax and killer reveal was unique and tense, had me on the edge-of-my-seat. The wrap-up was heartening and paves the way for more adventures.
This is a cozy mystery done right! Good characters, not too quirky but developed and enjoyable with a tantalizing mystery that delivers a great twist. I want more.
Rating: Near Perfect - Couldn't Put it down. Buy two copies, one for you and one for a friend.
February 15, 2023
3.5 stars. This series is off to a good start. I enjoyed the characters and the setting. The mystery was good and kept me guessing. With all the changes in Talia’s life it will be interesting to see how things go in the next book.
May 29, 2015
http://openbooksociety.com/article/fi...
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Kayt
Fillet of Murder is the first of what will no doubt be an awesome new cozy series A Deep Fried Mystery. Author Linda Reilly is a wonderful story teller and this is a fabulous start to a series I will be putting on my must read list. I love the way Linda Reilly slowly tells the reader the background of the main character rather than throwing it all at us up front. We learn little bits of Talia Marby’s life as we get further and further into the story. The information is given when it fits, not as a way to get the reader caught up. The characters are fun, entertaining, endearing, captivating and well developed even for a first in this series. This is set in the heart of the Berkshires, MA, and takes place in a wonderful shopping plaza, Wrensdale Arcade, designed to resemble an old English village. Fillet of Murder is a fantastic new cozy that thrills and checks all the boxes for what makes a great cozy.
Talia Marby is helping out her friend Bea Lambert (transplant from England) while her husband is laid up in the hospital. Bea is the owner of Lambert’s Fish and Chips and has been a staple of this community for years and years. Talia spent most of her free time as a teen there. Now she is glad to help out while she is in a transition of moving back home. Things start off with a bang when nasty shop owner Phil Turnbull is harassing Bea to sign a petition he is pushing. Bea is ready to boil over with his incessant pushing. When Bea and Talia end up finding his dead body, Bea becomes a top suspect. Talia cannot let her dear friend be railroaded just because she lost her temper. What else can she do, she has to find the real killer and figure out just who Phil Turnbull really was.
This mystery is fabulously written, with twists and turns a plenty. Just when I thought I had it figured out, Talia would discover a new clue that pointed in a different direction. Not so over loaded with misdirection, but just the perfect amount to keep things popping. The characters are great, the storyline
fantastic, and the mystery just right. Ms Reilly has written one of the best firsts I can remember reading. Her writing style is easy to read, descriptive and so well done. Fillet of Murder is a truly sizzling cozy that never lets go, never bores, never drags! Nothing is overdone or under done, it is just right. I absolutely loved Fillet of Murder and cannot wait for the next installment in this fun and fabulous new cozy series. I think I have found a new favorite author with Linda Reilly’s two amazing music references.
She touched my heart with both of them. I love this book, but those cinched the deal for me. Great writing, exceptional characters, intriguing mystery, fun foods, this book has it all. I love the easy flowing writing style of Linda Reilly. A wonderful new series for all cozy lovers. I would give this 10 stars if I could and even that may not be enough.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Kayt
Fillet of Murder is the first of what will no doubt be an awesome new cozy series A Deep Fried Mystery. Author Linda Reilly is a wonderful story teller and this is a fabulous start to a series I will be putting on my must read list. I love the way Linda Reilly slowly tells the reader the background of the main character rather than throwing it all at us up front. We learn little bits of Talia Marby’s life as we get further and further into the story. The information is given when it fits, not as a way to get the reader caught up. The characters are fun, entertaining, endearing, captivating and well developed even for a first in this series. This is set in the heart of the Berkshires, MA, and takes place in a wonderful shopping plaza, Wrensdale Arcade, designed to resemble an old English village. Fillet of Murder is a fantastic new cozy that thrills and checks all the boxes for what makes a great cozy.
Talia Marby is helping out her friend Bea Lambert (transplant from England) while her husband is laid up in the hospital. Bea is the owner of Lambert’s Fish and Chips and has been a staple of this community for years and years. Talia spent most of her free time as a teen there. Now she is glad to help out while she is in a transition of moving back home. Things start off with a bang when nasty shop owner Phil Turnbull is harassing Bea to sign a petition he is pushing. Bea is ready to boil over with his incessant pushing. When Bea and Talia end up finding his dead body, Bea becomes a top suspect. Talia cannot let her dear friend be railroaded just because she lost her temper. What else can she do, she has to find the real killer and figure out just who Phil Turnbull really was.
This mystery is fabulously written, with twists and turns a plenty. Just when I thought I had it figured out, Talia would discover a new clue that pointed in a different direction. Not so over loaded with misdirection, but just the perfect amount to keep things popping. The characters are great, the storyline
fantastic, and the mystery just right. Ms Reilly has written one of the best firsts I can remember reading. Her writing style is easy to read, descriptive and so well done. Fillet of Murder is a truly sizzling cozy that never lets go, never bores, never drags! Nothing is overdone or under done, it is just right. I absolutely loved Fillet of Murder and cannot wait for the next installment in this fun and fabulous new cozy series. I think I have found a new favorite author with Linda Reilly’s two amazing music references.
She touched my heart with both of them. I love this book, but those cinched the deal for me. Great writing, exceptional characters, intriguing mystery, fun foods, this book has it all. I love the easy flowing writing style of Linda Reilly. A wonderful new series for all cozy lovers. I would give this 10 stars if I could and even that may not be enough.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
July 31, 2016
Fillet Of Murder
Deep Fried Mystery, Book #2
Linda Reilly
5 Stars
Synopsis:
FIRST IN A NEW SERIES!
Talia Marby serves up delectable English deep fried fare in the heart of the Berkshires—but she soon discovers there’s something fishy going on…
Sometimes in this life, you have to fish or cut bait. After walking away from a miserable job and an even worse boyfriend, Talia Marby has no regrets. She’s returned to her hometown and is happy to help her dear friend Bea Lambert by working at Lambert’s Fish & Chips, a cornerstone of a charming shopping plaza designed to resemble an old English village.
But not all the shop owners are charming. Phil Turnbull has been pestering Bea to sign a petition against a new store opening up, and his constant badgering is enough to make her want to boil him in oil. When Talia and Bea stumble upon Turnbull murdered in his shop, the police suspect Bea. Now it’s up to Talia to fish around for clues and hook the real killer before her friend has to trade serving food for serving time…
Includes delicious recipes! (Goodreads)
Reviews:
Talia has returned to her hometown after leaving a job she did not like and a boyfriend that she has grown apart from. She is helping her friend, Bea, at Lambert’s Fish & Chips until she can decide what she wants to do with the rest of her life. She is living at her deceased Nana’s house, but the house is up for sale. So she has a lot of decisions to make but she is not sure what she should do. But those problems take a back burner when Talia and Bea find a shop owner dead, a knife sticking in him. When Bea becomes the number one suspect, Talia knows she has to solve the crime before her friend is reeled into prison for a crime she did not commit.
The characters were well rounded and well developed. I enjoyed the relationship between Talia and Bea, it was like a favorite aunt and niece or mother and daughter, not boss and employee. Both of them would do anything for the other and that was nice to see. I also enjoyed meeting Talia’s best friend, Rachel. They have been friends for a long time and they always have each other’s back, even when it involves illegal activities. Now that’s a true friend!
The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and I felt like I was right there in Lambert’s Fish & Chips, seeing the delicious food and smelling the tantalizing aromas. I really enjoyed reading about all the different foods Talia began deep frying, she had some great ideas.
The mystery was carried on well throughout the book. There were enough suspects to keep Talia busy with her sleuthing, questioning and putting clues together. Could it be another shop owner, such as Jill, Suzy or strange Cliff? Or was it the scary man that Talia keeps seeing around town? And there were enough twists and turns to keep this reader guessing and changing my mind as to who the killer was. That’s the way I like it.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. It is a great start to a great cozy mystery series. I already have the next book on my to be read pile.
Deep Fried Mystery, Book #2
Linda Reilly
5 Stars
Synopsis:
FIRST IN A NEW SERIES!
Talia Marby serves up delectable English deep fried fare in the heart of the Berkshires—but she soon discovers there’s something fishy going on…
Sometimes in this life, you have to fish or cut bait. After walking away from a miserable job and an even worse boyfriend, Talia Marby has no regrets. She’s returned to her hometown and is happy to help her dear friend Bea Lambert by working at Lambert’s Fish & Chips, a cornerstone of a charming shopping plaza designed to resemble an old English village.
But not all the shop owners are charming. Phil Turnbull has been pestering Bea to sign a petition against a new store opening up, and his constant badgering is enough to make her want to boil him in oil. When Talia and Bea stumble upon Turnbull murdered in his shop, the police suspect Bea. Now it’s up to Talia to fish around for clues and hook the real killer before her friend has to trade serving food for serving time…
Includes delicious recipes! (Goodreads)
Reviews:
Talia has returned to her hometown after leaving a job she did not like and a boyfriend that she has grown apart from. She is helping her friend, Bea, at Lambert’s Fish & Chips until she can decide what she wants to do with the rest of her life. She is living at her deceased Nana’s house, but the house is up for sale. So she has a lot of decisions to make but she is not sure what she should do. But those problems take a back burner when Talia and Bea find a shop owner dead, a knife sticking in him. When Bea becomes the number one suspect, Talia knows she has to solve the crime before her friend is reeled into prison for a crime she did not commit.
The characters were well rounded and well developed. I enjoyed the relationship between Talia and Bea, it was like a favorite aunt and niece or mother and daughter, not boss and employee. Both of them would do anything for the other and that was nice to see. I also enjoyed meeting Talia’s best friend, Rachel. They have been friends for a long time and they always have each other’s back, even when it involves illegal activities. Now that’s a true friend!
The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and I felt like I was right there in Lambert’s Fish & Chips, seeing the delicious food and smelling the tantalizing aromas. I really enjoyed reading about all the different foods Talia began deep frying, she had some great ideas.
The mystery was carried on well throughout the book. There were enough suspects to keep Talia busy with her sleuthing, questioning and putting clues together. Could it be another shop owner, such as Jill, Suzy or strange Cliff? Or was it the scary man that Talia keeps seeing around town? And there were enough twists and turns to keep this reader guessing and changing my mind as to who the killer was. That’s the way I like it.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. It is a great start to a great cozy mystery series. I already have the next book on my to be read pile.
May 12, 2022
So I picked this book, or rather this book was picked for me based on the adorable cover. While browsing in the library one evening, my husband saw this book on a display of cozy mystery books and brought it to me asking if I'd read it. I told him I'd never even heard of it, but I asked him to take a picture of the book and send it to me so I'd remember to read it! One of the prompts during 24K Resolutions Bingo was "Read a cozy where the cover makes you happy". Well, this one certainly does. The fact that my husband knew immediately based on that sweet calico baby on the cover that this was one for me sealed the deal, and he was right, I loved it!
Talia has returned to her small hometown in the Berkshires after a nasty breakup and leaving a very unfulfilling job. She is living in her deceased Nana's house and working at Lambert's Fish and Chips just like she did in high school. Talia loves it there and she loves her boss, Bea, an ex-pat from England. When another shopkeeper in the arcade who has been badgering everyone to sign a petition to keep out a new comic book store is found murdered, suspicion falls onto Bea. Talia sets out to prove her friend innocent.
I really enjoyed this book very much. I love Talia and I love her interactions with her friends and how caring she is towards others. I loved the small town and the arcade where the shops are. I love how sweet Talia was towards her new kitty Bojangles! The book was well-paced and plotted and I felt like we get a great introduction to the characters and the town without a lot of info-dump passages. The murder was very well crafted and I could not solve it for the life of me, and it didn't help that there were so many red herrings and twists and turns! The only thing that stopped me from giving this book a full five stars was a slight, probably only me thing. I am very sensitive to animal stuff. Like, it really bothers me and gets under my skin and sticks there. There was a back story of a character who had a pet rabbit that was not treated super well by her brothers and the scene where we learn about Bojangle's back story both got to me. I know, I know it's minor stuff, but it bothered me enough to take a half-star off. Other than that, though, this book was great and I'm so glad my husband spotted it for me! 4.5 stars!
Talia has returned to her small hometown in the Berkshires after a nasty breakup and leaving a very unfulfilling job. She is living in her deceased Nana's house and working at Lambert's Fish and Chips just like she did in high school. Talia loves it there and she loves her boss, Bea, an ex-pat from England. When another shopkeeper in the arcade who has been badgering everyone to sign a petition to keep out a new comic book store is found murdered, suspicion falls onto Bea. Talia sets out to prove her friend innocent.
I really enjoyed this book very much. I love Talia and I love her interactions with her friends and how caring she is towards others. I loved the small town and the arcade where the shops are. I love how sweet Talia was towards her new kitty Bojangles! The book was well-paced and plotted and I felt like we get a great introduction to the characters and the town without a lot of info-dump passages. The murder was very well crafted and I could not solve it for the life of me, and it didn't help that there were so many red herrings and twists and turns! The only thing that stopped me from giving this book a full five stars was a slight, probably only me thing. I am very sensitive to animal stuff. Like, it really bothers me and gets under my skin and sticks there. There was a back story of a character who had a pet rabbit that was not treated super well by her brothers and the scene where we learn about Bojangle's back story both got to me. I know, I know it's minor stuff, but it bothered me enough to take a half-star off. Other than that, though, this book was great and I'm so glad my husband spotted it for me! 4.5 stars!
June 17, 2023
Fillet of Murder is book one in the Deep Fried Mystery series by Linda Reilly. Talia Marby needed a change from her miserable job and boyfriend she had no feelings for to help her friend at Lambert's Fish & Chips. Talia Marby thought she would have a quiet life in her hometown. However, she was wrong. One of the shop owners, Phil Turnbull, was giving her friend Bea a hard time, and she became a prime murder suspect in his death. Talia Marby started to investigate the murder to save her friend. The readers of Fillet of Murder will continue to follow Talia Marby to discover what happens.
I have read other books by Linda Reilly. However, Fillet of Murder is the first book I have read in the Deep Fried Mystery Series. Linda Reilly knows how to make sure each of her cozy series is different to ensure I engage with all her books. Fillet of Murder continues the tradition. I love Linda Reilly's portrayal of her characters and how they interact with each other. Fillet of Murder is well-written and researched by Linda Reilly. I like Linda Reilly's description of the settings of Fillet of Murder, which complemented the book's plot.
The readers of Fillet of Murder will learn about some of the side effects of having significant operations. The readers of Fillet of Murder will learn about running a small fast-food cafe in a small community.
I recommend this book.
I have read other books by Linda Reilly. However, Fillet of Murder is the first book I have read in the Deep Fried Mystery Series. Linda Reilly knows how to make sure each of her cozy series is different to ensure I engage with all her books. Fillet of Murder continues the tradition. I love Linda Reilly's portrayal of her characters and how they interact with each other. Fillet of Murder is well-written and researched by Linda Reilly. I like Linda Reilly's description of the settings of Fillet of Murder, which complemented the book's plot.
The readers of Fillet of Murder will learn about some of the side effects of having significant operations. The readers of Fillet of Murder will learn about running a small fast-food cafe in a small community.
I recommend this book.
June 28, 2015
Fillet of Murder is the first book in the Deep Fried Mystery series. The location is the Berkshires. Talia has returned home after leaving a job she didn't like and has broken up with her fiancé. She goes back to Lamberts which is a fish and chip shop that is owned by Bea and Howie Lambert. The other stores in the arcade are fashioned into stores that would be in a English Village.
Talia and the other characters are very likable. If you like fish and chips, the descriptions will make you very hungry. Talia is also experimenting with other fried food experiences. The cat on the cover plays a very small part in the book.
The mystery was good. A shop owner is murdered and the suspects are many. Talia becomes a amateur sleuth since Bea Lambert appears to be a main suspect since the murder weapon was a fillet knife with traces of white fish on it. Bea also lost her temper with the victim and threatened him the day of the murder. The location, the characters and a good mystery make an enjoyable read. The future is looking very good for Talia.
Talia and the other characters are very likable. If you like fish and chips, the descriptions will make you very hungry. Talia is also experimenting with other fried food experiences. The cat on the cover plays a very small part in the book.
The mystery was good. A shop owner is murdered and the suspects are many. Talia becomes a amateur sleuth since Bea Lambert appears to be a main suspect since the murder weapon was a fillet knife with traces of white fish on it. Bea also lost her temper with the victim and threatened him the day of the murder. The location, the characters and a good mystery make an enjoyable read. The future is looking very good for Talia.
May 10, 2015
Book #63 Read in 2015
Fillet of Murder by Linda Reilly
This is the first book in a new cozy mystery series. Talia has returned to her hometown after quitting her job and breaking up with her boyfriend. She begins working at a diner that she worked in during high school and lives in her deceased grandmother's house. A short time after her return home, a fellow business owner is murdered and Talia's boss Bea is considered to be the prime suspect. Talia begins an investigation in order to clear Bea's name. This mystery had good twists and turns which kept me guessing the murderer's identity until the reveal at the end. I enjoyed the small town setting and the characters in the town. Hopefully, in the next installment, calico cat Bojangles will play a more prominent role. This was a great read. I was lucky enough to receive a signed copy of this book from the author; thank you Linda Reilly for sending me your great read!
http://melissasbookpicks.blogspot.com
Fillet of Murder by Linda Reilly
This is the first book in a new cozy mystery series. Talia has returned to her hometown after quitting her job and breaking up with her boyfriend. She begins working at a diner that she worked in during high school and lives in her deceased grandmother's house. A short time after her return home, a fellow business owner is murdered and Talia's boss Bea is considered to be the prime suspect. Talia begins an investigation in order to clear Bea's name. This mystery had good twists and turns which kept me guessing the murderer's identity until the reveal at the end. I enjoyed the small town setting and the characters in the town. Hopefully, in the next installment, calico cat Bojangles will play a more prominent role. This was a great read. I was lucky enough to receive a signed copy of this book from the author; thank you Linda Reilly for sending me your great read!
http://melissasbookpicks.blogspot.com
May 8, 2015
Ten stars if I could!! This is the first book in the new Deep Fried Mysteries, and it is fantastic! I loved it from page one. Talia is helping out her friend Bea in her fish and chips restaurant, when they get themselves involved in a murder. They stumble across the body of a man who has been giving Bea some trouble. When Bea is accused, Talia puts her detective skills to work to try and find the killer. Did Bea have something to do with it? Was their employee Whitnee possibly involved?
You will have to read the book to find out! Great story, with wonderful characters. The descriptions of all the food kept me hungry throughout the book. The setting is described so perfect, I felt like I was there! I am anxiously awaiting the next book in the series, I will be making a mad dash to the bookstore to pick it up!
You will have to read the book to find out! Great story, with wonderful characters. The descriptions of all the food kept me hungry throughout the book. The setting is described so perfect, I felt like I was there! I am anxiously awaiting the next book in the series, I will be making a mad dash to the bookstore to pick it up!
September 7, 2015
Talia Marby moved to her hometown to help out dear friend Bea Lambert in her restaurant Lambert's Fish & Chips. Talia is staying in her nana's old home and adopts a cute little homeless kitty. Bea is being pressured by one of the mall storeowners to sign a petition to keep a new comic book shop out of the quaint shopping center the restaurant is located in. When the offensive store owner is found dead by Talia and Bea, the main police suspect is Bea. Talia must try to prove Bea's innocence.
This book is a light, easy to read cozy mystery. I enjoyed reading about the deep fried concoctions Talia is cooking up to enhance the restaurant's cuisine.
I received this book for free in an author giveaway. This opinion is my own and not influenced by anyone.
This book is a light, easy to read cozy mystery. I enjoyed reading about the deep fried concoctions Talia is cooking up to enhance the restaurant's cuisine.
I received this book for free in an author giveaway. This opinion is my own and not influenced by anyone.
January 22, 2016
Fillet of Murder by Linda Reilly is the first book in A Deep Fried Mystery series. Talis Marby returns to her hometown after resigning from her real estate job and breaking up with her boyfriend to work for her friend, Bea Lambert, owner of Lambert's, a fish and chip cafe. After Bea argues with the lighting shop owner, they come across his body the next day stabbed in the neck by a filleting knife.
This was a nice start to a new series. We are starting to get to know the various characters and diner. The food is interesting and it seems anything can be coated in batter and deep fried, although personally I think this spoils the original product which would be much healthier left alone and tastes fine as it is. An interesting typical cozy mystery.
This was a nice start to a new series. We are starting to get to know the various characters and diner. The food is interesting and it seems anything can be coated in batter and deep fried, although personally I think this spoils the original product which would be much healthier left alone and tastes fine as it is. An interesting typical cozy mystery.
August 19, 2018
What a well-crafted mystery! The setting is a small town in the Berkshires, more specifically centered around a fish fry restaurant in an old English style village. Setting is very important to me in a book, and I would love to take a trip there and have some fish & chips with mushy peas! The main characters in this book are multi-dimensional and have varied backgrounds, making for some interesting interactions and relationships. The mystery is great, with several good suspects, and I was surprised by how it turned out. I've read Linda Reilly's Cat Lady Mysteries, but this is the first of her Deep Fried Mysteries I've read. It won't be the last!
February 12, 2017
Good plot, prime example of cat cooking cozy crime. A touch too twee with the clothing details, but hopefully the writer can use this book as a springboard to better prose. I'll read the second one for sure, it will be worth it to see how Ms. Reilly pulls off the trajectory of a series.
January 2, 2016
The cover of this book lured me into purchasing it--there is just something about Dan Craig's covers that attract my attention! Fillet of Murder is a good read. Talia Marby, the main character, really should take a research field trip to the Minnesota State Fair which is home to an amazing number of things fried! Looking forward to reading the next course!
June 3, 2015
I loved this book. It had everything I want in a cozy mystery: endearing characters, an enchanting setting, tantalizing food descriptions and a top-notch mystery plot. This is the first in what promises to be a wonderful new cozy series.
November 28, 2015
I love that adorable cat on the cover.
August 15, 2016
I was not sure about this read, but I'm glad I read it. The characters are relatable and enjoyable. Overall it was a cute, simple read. I'm looking forward to the next.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews