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Macaroni on Wheels #2
Case of the Curved Staircase
The Little Italy entertainment continues in this second book of the Macaroni on Wheels series. Case of the Curved Staircase has more twists and turns than Terza can handle. And, Detective Nicholas Garza is not on the case. Say it isn't so, Nico!
Staircases can be fatal, especially on Halloween. After catering a surprise birthday party on the evening of October 30th, Terza returns to the scene of the celebration on the following morning. Instead of being greeted by the happy, party hosts, Terza discovers a dead body at the bottom of the curved staircase. Not again! And this time, Terza's amateur detective skills are landing her directly into personal danger. She would rather be using her chef's knife than having one pointed at her face!
As the feisty Italian caterer continues to fill her free time solving crime, she runs head first into a new detective. Unlike Nicholas Garza, the detective now in charge considers Terza a hinderance instead of a help. Fortunately, Jacob Radovan, the medical examiner, continues to be Terza's ally.
There is also an unexpected wedding in Case of the Curved Staircase. Readers of Uneven Exchange just might cheer out loud. The almost perfect weather in San Diego allows the bride and groom to take a carriage ride from the wedding venue to the reception ballroom. It's a fairytale come true.
Fans of cozy mysteries will revel in solving another murder along with Terza, and will continue to appreciate her zest for life. Readers will be spending more time with the animated Tiepolo family, and especially Terza's father. Ezio's Halloween costume is a moo-ving choice! The Tiepolo's celebrate their loving, family bond as they join together each Sunday. Food, family, and fun! Once again, you may consider this your personal invitation...
Staircases can be fatal, especially on Halloween. After catering a surprise birthday party on the evening of October 30th, Terza returns to the scene of the celebration on the following morning. Instead of being greeted by the happy, party hosts, Terza discovers a dead body at the bottom of the curved staircase. Not again! And this time, Terza's amateur detective skills are landing her directly into personal danger. She would rather be using her chef's knife than having one pointed at her face!
As the feisty Italian caterer continues to fill her free time solving crime, she runs head first into a new detective. Unlike Nicholas Garza, the detective now in charge considers Terza a hinderance instead of a help. Fortunately, Jacob Radovan, the medical examiner, continues to be Terza's ally.
There is also an unexpected wedding in Case of the Curved Staircase. Readers of Uneven Exchange just might cheer out loud. The almost perfect weather in San Diego allows the bride and groom to take a carriage ride from the wedding venue to the reception ballroom. It's a fairytale come true.
Fans of cozy mysteries will revel in solving another murder along with Terza, and will continue to appreciate her zest for life. Readers will be spending more time with the animated Tiepolo family, and especially Terza's father. Ezio's Halloween costume is a moo-ving choice! The Tiepolo's celebrate their loving, family bond as they join together each Sunday. Food, family, and fun! Once again, you may consider this your personal invitation...
273 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 27, 2025
6 people are currently reading
7 people want to read
About the author
S.K. Derban
8 books205 followersBorn in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, S.K. Derban moved to London within the first three months, and remained in England until the age of five. Her father, an American citizen, was a decorated veteran of the second world war. Derban's mother, born and raised in the United Kingdom, was involved with the London Royal Ballet Company, and a great fan of the arts. Even after returning to the United States, Derban's life was filled with a love of the theatre and a passion for British murder mysteries.
S.K. Derban has always remained passionate about writing, and is thrilled to finally share her work with others. Her personal travel and missionary adventures also help to transport readers virtually across the globe. When writing, Derban relies on all aspects of her life, from her faith in the Lord, to her love and knowledge of the arts.
Special note from S.K. Derban... Be sure and sign up for my author newsletter if you would like to receive book updates. My newsletters are short and to the point. Your email address is safe with me, and I promise not to bombard you! Blessings! S.K. Derban
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S.K. Derban has always remained passionate about writing, and is thrilled to finally share her work with others. Her personal travel and missionary adventures also help to transport readers virtually across the globe. When writing, Derban relies on all aspects of her life, from her faith in the Lord, to her love and knowledge of the arts.
Special note from S.K. Derban... Be sure and sign up for my author newsletter if you would like to receive book updates. My newsletters are short and to the point. Your email address is safe with me, and I promise not to bombard you! Blessings! S.K. Derban
Sign up for my Newsletter here
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
October 6, 2025
Cute cozy mystery. The two main characters own/help with a catering business called Macaroni on Wheels. One of their big events, a surprise birthday party, results in a tragic death the following morning. Terza and Mo go into sleuth mode and try to figure out who the murderer was.
For foodies, lots of focus on food, which made this reader hungry.
The romance for Terza didn't quite get resolved so perhaps that is coming in the third book of the series.
For foodies, lots of focus on food, which made this reader hungry.
The romance for Terza didn't quite get resolved so perhaps that is coming in the third book of the series.
October 13, 2025
4.5 stars rounded up to 5 stars
Case of the Curved Staircase is the second book I have read by S.K. Derban, and The Macaroni on Wheels Mystery series has my heart. I never knew I needed cozy mysteries in my life, but this series has sucked me in. With Hallmark mysteries and the family dinners from Blue Bloods, I want to be part of the MOW crew.
Terza is such a great-spirited woman. I want to be her friend. Her love for solving mysteries gets her in trouble sometimes, but I am here for it. Moheenie is the perfect sidekick and always there for whatever Terza has in store. The perfect pair to have on the case or in the kitchen.
I loved the setting for this series. This Little Italy community seems to be tight-knit and sounds like a fun place to live. I love that Terza’s shop is right next to her parents’ butcher shop. The storyline had me sucked in. When the murder board came out, it was time to solve the case. Though I had this one pinned from the start, we got to dive a little more into Terza’s love life, and I was here for it.
The budding relationship between Terza and Conner comes up again, and they go on a date. At the end of the date, Terza has an opportunity to look at her heart and realize that Connor is just a friend. Though when Nico comes back on the page, we get to explore that relationship a little bit.
S.K. Derban does a good job of intertwining faith in this book. I loved Terza’s family ‘joke’ of if you read your bible today, you are the favorite child. Though seeing Terza reading her bible each day, praying, and attending church was a great reminder to be in the word of God every day.
*I received a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily chose to review it. All opinions are my own.
Case of the Curved Staircase is the second book I have read by S.K. Derban, and The Macaroni on Wheels Mystery series has my heart. I never knew I needed cozy mysteries in my life, but this series has sucked me in. With Hallmark mysteries and the family dinners from Blue Bloods, I want to be part of the MOW crew.
Terza is such a great-spirited woman. I want to be her friend. Her love for solving mysteries gets her in trouble sometimes, but I am here for it. Moheenie is the perfect sidekick and always there for whatever Terza has in store. The perfect pair to have on the case or in the kitchen.
I loved the setting for this series. This Little Italy community seems to be tight-knit and sounds like a fun place to live. I love that Terza’s shop is right next to her parents’ butcher shop. The storyline had me sucked in. When the murder board came out, it was time to solve the case. Though I had this one pinned from the start, we got to dive a little more into Terza’s love life, and I was here for it.
The budding relationship between Terza and Conner comes up again, and they go on a date. At the end of the date, Terza has an opportunity to look at her heart and realize that Connor is just a friend. Though when Nico comes back on the page, we get to explore that relationship a little bit.
S.K. Derban does a good job of intertwining faith in this book. I loved Terza’s family ‘joke’ of if you read your bible today, you are the favorite child. Though seeing Terza reading her bible each day, praying, and attending church was a great reminder to be in the word of God every day.
*I received a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily chose to review it. All opinions are my own.
October 4, 2025
Terza Tiepolo is back along with her lovely family and friends in Case of the Curved Staircase by S.K. Derban. Terza runs Macaroni on Wheels, a catering company, along with her best friend Moheenie. I loved this even more than the first! In this cozy mystery, Terza once again finds herself in the middle of a murder mystery when she finds a catering client’s wife dead at the bottom of his staircase!
I just love the cast of characters in this book! Terza’s family enjoys a very close relationship, and they’re always happy to include friends. Terza calls her mom and reads her Bible every morning knowing that later in the day her dad will ask her if she’s called her mom and read her Bible. Her family gets together every Sunday for dinner and bocce ball. Terza and her sister are still single, but her brother is married with two precocious children. If I had to pick a favorite character, I’d choose her dad, Ezio, because of his loving nature and sense of humor. He’s a butcher in their family run Tiepolo Mercado, and Terza relies on him to always provide the best meat for her catering business right next door. I love Terza’s friendship with Moheenie, and her possible “more than friendship” with Detective Nico Garza.
The murder mystery is filled with plenty of twists though there are only two probable suspects: Terza’s client and his weird sister! I enjoyed dissecting this case with Terza and Moheenie and am really looking forward to seeing what the future holds for all of these characters. Case of the Curved Staircase makes a great autumn read since it takes place during the Halloween season, but no matter what time of year you read it, I’m sure you’ll enjoy it! I highly recommend it and give it 5 stars!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
I just love the cast of characters in this book! Terza’s family enjoys a very close relationship, and they’re always happy to include friends. Terza calls her mom and reads her Bible every morning knowing that later in the day her dad will ask her if she’s called her mom and read her Bible. Her family gets together every Sunday for dinner and bocce ball. Terza and her sister are still single, but her brother is married with two precocious children. If I had to pick a favorite character, I’d choose her dad, Ezio, because of his loving nature and sense of humor. He’s a butcher in their family run Tiepolo Mercado, and Terza relies on him to always provide the best meat for her catering business right next door. I love Terza’s friendship with Moheenie, and her possible “more than friendship” with Detective Nico Garza.
The murder mystery is filled with plenty of twists though there are only two probable suspects: Terza’s client and his weird sister! I enjoyed dissecting this case with Terza and Moheenie and am really looking forward to seeing what the future holds for all of these characters. Case of the Curved Staircase makes a great autumn read since it takes place during the Halloween season, but no matter what time of year you read it, I’m sure you’ll enjoy it! I highly recommend it and give it 5 stars!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
September 20, 2025
We are back with another Macaroni on Wheels mystery from author S. K. Derban. In Case of the Curved Staircase, Italian caterer Terza Tiepolo, along with her best friend and assistant Moheenie, caters a surprise birthday party for a lovely woman. But returning to the home the next morning, Terza gets her own surprise finding Sloan’s body.
Terza and Mo can’t help but investigate. They arrange clues on their murder board as artfully as the meats and cheeses they use for a “Salumi e Formaggi” board.
Add in wonderful secondary characters, like Terza’s parents, and a mystery within a mystery (what’s going on with Detective Nico?), and you have a well-rounded whodunit full of fun and faith.
Plus this book has an epilogue, and we know that’s my favorite! Grab some antipasto and settle in for a good read. I’m already looking forward to book three.
My thanks for the complimentary copy of this book. My opinion is entirely my own.
Terza and Mo can’t help but investigate. They arrange clues on their murder board as artfully as the meats and cheeses they use for a “Salumi e Formaggi” board.
Add in wonderful secondary characters, like Terza’s parents, and a mystery within a mystery (what’s going on with Detective Nico?), and you have a well-rounded whodunit full of fun and faith.
Plus this book has an epilogue, and we know that’s my favorite! Grab some antipasto and settle in for a good read. I’m already looking forward to book three.
My thanks for the complimentary copy of this book. My opinion is entirely my own.
October 1, 2025
Are you on the lookout for a wholesome cozy mystery? This genre is one of my favorites and this one includes a close family who read the Bible and attend church.
A family from Little Italy are wonderful cooks. The parents own a great little restaurant and their adult daughter, together with her friend, Moheenie, have a wonderful catering business called Macaroni on Wheels. Terza is the main character and the story revolves around her life and Nico, a detective who her heart desires.
The caterers serve food at a very nice party. At the end of the party Terza asks if she can leave her Expresso machine until the next morning. When she comes back, there is no answer at the door. She tries to get in and finds the lady dead at the bottom of the curved staircase.
They lady who died was named Sloan. She had just married Joshua, whose first wife died falling down the stairs. His mentally ill sister was very possessive of Joshua. When Terza calls the police, she is shocked to find out that she is a suspect.
Terza is cleared, but who could have killed Sloan? Even though Terza has a huge crush on Nico, he doesn't want her to be an amateur sleuth. She and Moheenie love solving crimes and have a white board to add their clues. They begin to wonder if Joshua did it, since his first wife died in the same manner.
The book goes on with many twists and turns. I enjoyed following the crime story and Terza's love life, too. With danger around the corner the reader will try to solve the crime before the police do.
A family from Little Italy are wonderful cooks. The parents own a great little restaurant and their adult daughter, together with her friend, Moheenie, have a wonderful catering business called Macaroni on Wheels. Terza is the main character and the story revolves around her life and Nico, a detective who her heart desires.
The caterers serve food at a very nice party. At the end of the party Terza asks if she can leave her Expresso machine until the next morning. When she comes back, there is no answer at the door. She tries to get in and finds the lady dead at the bottom of the curved staircase.
They lady who died was named Sloan. She had just married Joshua, whose first wife died falling down the stairs. His mentally ill sister was very possessive of Joshua. When Terza calls the police, she is shocked to find out that she is a suspect.
Terza is cleared, but who could have killed Sloan? Even though Terza has a huge crush on Nico, he doesn't want her to be an amateur sleuth. She and Moheenie love solving crimes and have a white board to add their clues. They begin to wonder if Joshua did it, since his first wife died in the same manner.
The book goes on with many twists and turns. I enjoyed following the crime story and Terza's love life, too. With danger around the corner the reader will try to solve the crime before the police do.
October 16, 2025
Case of the Curved Staircase is the first book by S.K. Derban that I've read, but it won't be the last!
Terza runs her catering business, Macaroni on Wheels, with the able assistance of her best friend, Moheenie (Mo for short). They get a job catering a fancy birthday party for a woman who seems to be beloved of her family and friends alike. The home has a beautiful curved staircase that draws the attention of anyone who enters. The party goes well, but when Terza and Mo return the following morning, the woman is found dead at the bottom of that very staircase - a death very similar to that of her husband's first wife.
This book is just like a hug (with a side of murder)! I love Terza and her family. Her business is next door to the family's Tiepolo Mercado, and while Macaroni on Wheels is separate from the Mercado, Terza knows she can count on her family to provide her with the freshest ingredients. They get together every Sunday for dinner, and it's clear from their interactions that they love each other and look out for each other.
Mo is a great best friend, and she and Terza work well together, both as caterers and as investigators! I haven't read the first book, but it sounds like Detective Nico Garza, Terza's not-quite love interest, was on the case that time. Here, he isn't, and the detective in charge is disinclined to listen to anything Terza has to offer. Nico is also somewhat standoffish, which made me sad for Terza, but he'd warmed up a little by the end of the book. I hope there's a little romance for them in book three!
Also, Terza has a cat, Olive, that she adores. This instantly endeared me to Terza, because in my family, we're cat people. Olive's antics made me smile, and I love that she's more than just a pet to Terza. She's family, too.
And last but certainly not least, I love the gentle way Derban weaves faith into the story. Terza and her family attend church together. She reads her Bible each morning (and that reminds me that I need to do the same!), and it's her family's inside joke that whichever child calls their mother and reads their Bible first thing is the favorite for the day. Faith is a very real part of the story, but it doesn't bash people over the head.
Five stars for fun and food and characters I love!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from JustRead Publicity Tours. I was not required to leave a review. All opinions here are mine, and I don't say nice things about books I don't actually like.
Terza runs her catering business, Macaroni on Wheels, with the able assistance of her best friend, Moheenie (Mo for short). They get a job catering a fancy birthday party for a woman who seems to be beloved of her family and friends alike. The home has a beautiful curved staircase that draws the attention of anyone who enters. The party goes well, but when Terza and Mo return the following morning, the woman is found dead at the bottom of that very staircase - a death very similar to that of her husband's first wife.
This book is just like a hug (with a side of murder)! I love Terza and her family. Her business is next door to the family's Tiepolo Mercado, and while Macaroni on Wheels is separate from the Mercado, Terza knows she can count on her family to provide her with the freshest ingredients. They get together every Sunday for dinner, and it's clear from their interactions that they love each other and look out for each other.
Mo is a great best friend, and she and Terza work well together, both as caterers and as investigators! I haven't read the first book, but it sounds like Detective Nico Garza, Terza's not-quite love interest, was on the case that time. Here, he isn't, and the detective in charge is disinclined to listen to anything Terza has to offer. Nico is also somewhat standoffish, which made me sad for Terza, but he'd warmed up a little by the end of the book. I hope there's a little romance for them in book three!
Also, Terza has a cat, Olive, that she adores. This instantly endeared me to Terza, because in my family, we're cat people. Olive's antics made me smile, and I love that she's more than just a pet to Terza. She's family, too.
And last but certainly not least, I love the gentle way Derban weaves faith into the story. Terza and her family attend church together. She reads her Bible each morning (and that reminds me that I need to do the same!), and it's her family's inside joke that whichever child calls their mother and reads their Bible first thing is the favorite for the day. Faith is a very real part of the story, but it doesn't bash people over the head.
Five stars for fun and food and characters I love!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from JustRead Publicity Tours. I was not required to leave a review. All opinions here are mine, and I don't say nice things about books I don't actually like.
October 17, 2025
"After another end of a busy day of catering, Terza stood in the office of her Macaroni on Wheels catering company, or MOW as they commonly called it, and stared out the window. She blindly watched the sidewalk activity as both tourists and locals made their way along the main street. She blinked several times to clear her mind. Today was eventful, but not too difficult, as MOW catered another downtown baby shower. Her jumbled thoughts centered on the two big weekend events, beginning with Joshua's surprise birthday party for his wife Sloan and on Friday and the pizza party on Halloween night."
Terza and her best friend, Moheenie, love make delicious food and serving it to people. But they might love trying to solve mysteries equally as much. When a client meets an unfortunate end, the amateur duo is not convinced that an accident occurred. So, they can't help but doing their own investigating in the midst of all of their events. Will they find out the truth and manage to stay safe in the process?
What I enjoyed about the book ...
This really is the epitome of what I love about cozy mysteries. The mystery is only part of the book. And I would say that part is clean. Very few details are provided.
Family is emphasized in the storyline, and so is faith. The moments that Terza spends with her best friend are also important. Reading about the life of a caterer did make me a bit hungry, but that part still makes the story delicious.
What I did not appreciate as much ...
The romantic element was a bit too descriptive in one scene and at one point, Terza makes a comment about "favors" that was unnecessary. That does not work with the cozy and otherwise sweet elements. For me personally, the mystery aspects were too predictable. I could have told you quite a bit about the plot from the first several chapters. That aspect made me set the book aside for a bit. That being said, I do still want to read the third book in the series.
Terza and her best friend, Moheenie, love make delicious food and serving it to people. But they might love trying to solve mysteries equally as much. When a client meets an unfortunate end, the amateur duo is not convinced that an accident occurred. So, they can't help but doing their own investigating in the midst of all of their events. Will they find out the truth and manage to stay safe in the process?
What I enjoyed about the book ...
This really is the epitome of what I love about cozy mysteries. The mystery is only part of the book. And I would say that part is clean. Very few details are provided.
Family is emphasized in the storyline, and so is faith. The moments that Terza spends with her best friend are also important. Reading about the life of a caterer did make me a bit hungry, but that part still makes the story delicious.
What I did not appreciate as much ...
The romantic element was a bit too descriptive in one scene and at one point, Terza makes a comment about "favors" that was unnecessary. That does not work with the cozy and otherwise sweet elements. For me personally, the mystery aspects were too predictable. I could have told you quite a bit about the plot from the first several chapters. That aspect made me set the book aside for a bit. That being said, I do still want to read the third book in the series.
October 13, 2025
Tenacious Terza Tiepolo is back and quickly finds herself embroiled in yet another murder mystery, and I couldn’t wait to see where this investigation would take us. There is a quirky lightheartedness that I found refreshing, and the camaraderie between Terza and those she interacts with feels breezy even when the situation is on the heavier side. I particularly adore Terza’s relationship with the local medical examiner. While it’s insane that this kind of interaction would ever happen in real life, I love the relationship that’s blossomed between the two.
While overall this is a charming book, I didn’t care for it as much as the first book in the Macaroni on Wheels series. There was no plot twist whatsoever, which was disappointing, and the guilty party was obvious from the beginning. I also felt like there was too much fluff and not enough substance. I get that this is a cozy mystery and that the investigation comes second to the catering company, but this whole story line felt flimsy at best. While delicious to read, I felt like there was more focus on the delectable catering dishes than on the mysterious death of one of their clients.
I did, however, appreciate the touch of romance and look forward to seeing how that plot line all plays out in the final book in the series. Despite my qualms, I did enjoy my time with Terza and her gang, their interactions brightly shining through the pages. I look forward to the next mystery in the series.
*I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher. All views and opinions expressed are completely honest, and my own.
While overall this is a charming book, I didn’t care for it as much as the first book in the Macaroni on Wheels series. There was no plot twist whatsoever, which was disappointing, and the guilty party was obvious from the beginning. I also felt like there was too much fluff and not enough substance. I get that this is a cozy mystery and that the investigation comes second to the catering company, but this whole story line felt flimsy at best. While delicious to read, I felt like there was more focus on the delectable catering dishes than on the mysterious death of one of their clients.
I did, however, appreciate the touch of romance and look forward to seeing how that plot line all plays out in the final book in the series. Despite my qualms, I did enjoy my time with Terza and her gang, their interactions brightly shining through the pages. I look forward to the next mystery in the series.
*I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher. All views and opinions expressed are completely honest, and my own.
October 14, 2025
Catering company Macaroni on Wheels is something I would love to see locally! Terza and Mo are just the ladies that would be a blast to know and their cooking sounds amazing. The Tiepolo family is so sweet and the family everyone would love to have adopt them. Put all of this together with a cozy mystery and you have a book that is an enjoyable story to read. (I still want to know, however, why the title has a curved staircase since the curved part was not mentioned in the story anywhere.)
I adore the fact that the Tiepolo family is so close and that they hold each other to high standards in conduct and prayer and Bible study. That is probably my favorite part of the book, honestly.
The story is enjoyable but I did find myself thinking that I was ready for them to quit breaking the law and interfering with the investigation. It is just all a bit too - I don't know - much, I guess. It is an enjoyable story but I would have enjoyed it more if there were a reason for the main characters to flaunt the law, ignore warnings, and interfere. It puts the law enforcement in a bad light, in my opinion. For that reason, I think I am done with these stories.
I received a copy of this ebook from the author. All opinions are my own.
I adore the fact that the Tiepolo family is so close and that they hold each other to high standards in conduct and prayer and Bible study. That is probably my favorite part of the book, honestly.
The story is enjoyable but I did find myself thinking that I was ready for them to quit breaking the law and interfering with the investigation. It is just all a bit too - I don't know - much, I guess. It is an enjoyable story but I would have enjoyed it more if there were a reason for the main characters to flaunt the law, ignore warnings, and interfere. It puts the law enforcement in a bad light, in my opinion. For that reason, I think I am done with these stories.
I received a copy of this ebook from the author. All opinions are my own.
October 1, 2025
Case of the Curved Staircase is the second book in S.K. Derban’s A Macaroni on Wheels Mystery series—and it is just as enjoyable as the first!
The story follows Terza Tiepolo, a spunky Italian caterer, who once again finds herself mixed up in a murder investigation. Good thing she loves solving mysteries in her free time!
More than a mere murder mystery, this lighthearted and humorous novel is teeming with life. Readers are sure to adore Terza’s delightful family and friends—especially Ezio, the patriarch of Tiepolo family—and enjoy the behind-the-scenes look into the day-to-day operations of her Macaroni on Wheels catering company.
A quick and engaging read, Case of the Curved Staircase is perfect for mystery—and food—lovers, alike. And while it is technically a standalone novel, readers should definitely plan on beginning Terza’s story in Case of the Bayfront Murder and finishing it in the yet-to-be-published Case of the Paella Party.
FTC Disclaimer: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, which I received from the author. All views expressed are solely my honest opinion.
The story follows Terza Tiepolo, a spunky Italian caterer, who once again finds herself mixed up in a murder investigation. Good thing she loves solving mysteries in her free time!
More than a mere murder mystery, this lighthearted and humorous novel is teeming with life. Readers are sure to adore Terza’s delightful family and friends—especially Ezio, the patriarch of Tiepolo family—and enjoy the behind-the-scenes look into the day-to-day operations of her Macaroni on Wheels catering company.
A quick and engaging read, Case of the Curved Staircase is perfect for mystery—and food—lovers, alike. And while it is technically a standalone novel, readers should definitely plan on beginning Terza’s story in Case of the Bayfront Murder and finishing it in the yet-to-be-published Case of the Paella Party.
FTC Disclaimer: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, which I received from the author. All views expressed are solely my honest opinion.
October 22, 2025
I really enjoy "Cozy Mystery" novels, truly love them. The Case of the Curved Staircase by S.K. Derban is the latest book I have read. It is Book 2 in the Macaroni on Wheels series. I read Book 1 and was very excited to read this one also.
We are in Little Italy of San Diego with Terza Tiepolo and her best friend and assistant caterer, Moheenie. Terza has come back to the place where she catered a party the night before. She is surprised to see a Dead Body at the bottom of the Curved Staircase. Terza immediately goes into "solve the mystery" mode, as Mysteries are her second love, behind catering. Terza wants to help solve the mystery and there is a new detective on the case, who really isn't fond of Terza. I LOVE that Terza doesn't give up on her sleuthing skills and continues to uncover clues that would help solve the case and find the murderer. The many twists and turns in this book really kept me intrigued and I could not put the book down. The book is one of mystery, friends, family and so much more. This is definetly a "cuddle up, cozy mystery. I would HIGHLY recommend this book. GREAT BOOK!
We are in Little Italy of San Diego with Terza Tiepolo and her best friend and assistant caterer, Moheenie. Terza has come back to the place where she catered a party the night before. She is surprised to see a Dead Body at the bottom of the Curved Staircase. Terza immediately goes into "solve the mystery" mode, as Mysteries are her second love, behind catering. Terza wants to help solve the mystery and there is a new detective on the case, who really isn't fond of Terza. I LOVE that Terza doesn't give up on her sleuthing skills and continues to uncover clues that would help solve the case and find the murderer. The many twists and turns in this book really kept me intrigued and I could not put the book down. The book is one of mystery, friends, family and so much more. This is definetly a "cuddle up, cozy mystery. I would HIGHLY recommend this book. GREAT BOOK!
October 14, 2025
I thought this was a good mystery. The only problem I had was the plot was kind of predictable. I knew who the murder victim and who the murderer were before the murder even happened so I had to pretend I didn’t know in order to enjoy solving the case with the characters. I read a lot of mysteries so that could contribute to how I figured it out so fast. I still liked the characters and liked their sleuthing abilities. I did like the first book better then this one but I still thought it was a good mystery with fun characters and a fun premise.
I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors. A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.
I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors. A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.
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