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A Deadly Reception: A Kat Calloway Cozy Mystery
At this wedding reception, the cake’s not the only thing getting sliced.
Dallas chef Kat Calloway thought catering a high-society wedding reception would be good for business until the city’s most conniving socialite is found dead at the reception, stabbed with Kat’s own chef’s knife.
Now Kat’s career is on the chopping block, her sharp-tongued grandmother is a prime suspect, and the cops think Kat might be serving up more than hors d’oeuvres. With her tuxedo cat Tux sniffing out secrets and her staff simmering with frustration, Kat dives into a mystery stuffed with feuding relatives, flaky alibis, and one all too-charming nephew who’s hiding something behind that polished smile.
The guest list is full of secrets, the kitchen’s boiling over, and time is running out. If Kat can’t crack the case, she’ll lose her reputation, her restaurant and possibly her life.
Murder’s not on the menu… but someone’s about to get served.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️"The story was a page turner leaving you thinking what will happen next."
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ "Great characters, an interesting mystery, a possible romance, and lots of snark and humor."
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ "If you enjoy stories that make you both laugh out loud and feel hungry, you will devour A Deadly Reception."
Dallas chef Kat Calloway thought catering a high-society wedding reception would be good for business until the city’s most conniving socialite is found dead at the reception, stabbed with Kat’s own chef’s knife.
Now Kat’s career is on the chopping block, her sharp-tongued grandmother is a prime suspect, and the cops think Kat might be serving up more than hors d’oeuvres. With her tuxedo cat Tux sniffing out secrets and her staff simmering with frustration, Kat dives into a mystery stuffed with feuding relatives, flaky alibis, and one all too-charming nephew who’s hiding something behind that polished smile.
The guest list is full of secrets, the kitchen’s boiling over, and time is running out. If Kat can’t crack the case, she’ll lose her reputation, her restaurant and possibly her life.
Murder’s not on the menu… but someone’s about to get served.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️"The story was a page turner leaving you thinking what will happen next."
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ "Great characters, an interesting mystery, a possible romance, and lots of snark and humor."
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ "If you enjoy stories that make you both laugh out loud and feel hungry, you will devour A Deadly Reception."
188 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 19, 2025
26 people are currently reading
9 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
August 25, 2025
This novel is a delectable culinary cozy mystery that serves up suspense with a side of razor-sharp wit.
The plot is a classic whodunnit centred on an awful victim everyone has a motive to kill.
When they find head chef Kat Calloway’s own knife in the victim, the stakes become personal, launching a clever and engaging investigation.
The joy of this novel is Kat’s narrative voice. Her internal monologue, filled with hilarious and clever food metaphors, is an absolute delight.
She’s a protagonist you can’t help but root for, supported by a vibrant cast, including her sassy grandmother and loyal “work-husband.”
The writing is crisp, the dialogue sparkles, and the high-stakes kitchen setting feels authentic.
Although the romantic subplot could use further development, it doesn’t detract from an otherwise flawless recipe for a great read.
This is a top-tier cozy that stands out for its humour and heart.
Recommended for anyone who loves a clever mystery paired with a strong, witty female lead.
If you enjoy stories that make you both laugh out loud and feel hungry, you will devour A Deadly Reception.
The plot is a classic whodunnit centred on an awful victim everyone has a motive to kill.
When they find head chef Kat Calloway’s own knife in the victim, the stakes become personal, launching a clever and engaging investigation.
The joy of this novel is Kat’s narrative voice. Her internal monologue, filled with hilarious and clever food metaphors, is an absolute delight.
She’s a protagonist you can’t help but root for, supported by a vibrant cast, including her sassy grandmother and loyal “work-husband.”
The writing is crisp, the dialogue sparkles, and the high-stakes kitchen setting feels authentic.
Although the romantic subplot could use further development, it doesn’t detract from an otherwise flawless recipe for a great read.
This is a top-tier cozy that stands out for its humour and heart.
Recommended for anyone who loves a clever mystery paired with a strong, witty female lead.
If you enjoy stories that make you both laugh out loud and feel hungry, you will devour A Deadly Reception.
August 17, 2025
This book was such a fun mix of mystery, humour, and chaos. I really enjoyed following Kat as she tried to survive what should have been a simple catering job but turned into a murder investigation.
Kat is a chef in Dallas, and she agrees to cater a fancy wedding reception. Everything seems to be going fine until one of the guests ends up dead and the murder weapon is Kat’s own kitchen knife. Things go downhill fast when Kat and her outspoken grandmother become the main suspects.
I liked how Kat didn’t waste time feeling sorry for herself. She jumps right into trying to solve the mystery, and I was hooked watching her piece things together. The wedding guests were full of secrets.
The story had a great balance of suspense and humour. Kat’s tuxedo cat Tux was a fun little sidekick.
This was a fast-paced, cozy mystery with lots of twists and a strong lead character. I’m definitely looking forward to reading more in this series. Kat is smart, determined, and someone I’d want on my side if things ever got messy.
Kat is a chef in Dallas, and she agrees to cater a fancy wedding reception. Everything seems to be going fine until one of the guests ends up dead and the murder weapon is Kat’s own kitchen knife. Things go downhill fast when Kat and her outspoken grandmother become the main suspects.
I liked how Kat didn’t waste time feeling sorry for herself. She jumps right into trying to solve the mystery, and I was hooked watching her piece things together. The wedding guests were full of secrets.
The story had a great balance of suspense and humour. Kat’s tuxedo cat Tux was a fun little sidekick.
This was a fast-paced, cozy mystery with lots of twists and a strong lead character. I’m definitely looking forward to reading more in this series. Kat is smart, determined, and someone I’d want on my side if things ever got messy.
August 24, 2025
Deadly dinners
A society matron who’s more interested in playing games than being the philanthropist she claims is murdered at a reception. Once again Kat and her crew are caught up in a murder. This time not only Kat but her grandmother are suspects because the victim was particularly vicious to both of them. With her world spiraling Kat is trying to hold on and stay sane while clearing both their names. A dangerous game and the stakes are deadly real.
Excellent sophomore story in this series. I felt for Kat she had a lot of emotional baggage and attacks in this one. So hard to say things without spoilers arg! lol. Ben was a bit of a jerk in this one which was so not cool. I really didn’t like the way he treated Kat at all and that big barb her threw way outta line. What’s up with Bash seriously? Is he blind or what? He makes emotionally sweet gestures and then poof he’s gone. Kat is left reeling. Hopefully that gets some clarity in upcoming stories. Great mystery huge twist that will shock you. Really good book!!
A society matron who’s more interested in playing games than being the philanthropist she claims is murdered at a reception. Once again Kat and her crew are caught up in a murder. This time not only Kat but her grandmother are suspects because the victim was particularly vicious to both of them. With her world spiraling Kat is trying to hold on and stay sane while clearing both their names. A dangerous game and the stakes are deadly real.
Excellent sophomore story in this series. I felt for Kat she had a lot of emotional baggage and attacks in this one. So hard to say things without spoilers arg! lol. Ben was a bit of a jerk in this one which was so not cool. I really didn’t like the way he treated Kat at all and that big barb her threw way outta line. What’s up with Bash seriously? Is he blind or what? He makes emotionally sweet gestures and then poof he’s gone. Kat is left reeling. Hopefully that gets some clarity in upcoming stories. Great mystery huge twist that will shock you. Really good book!!
August 27, 2025
When Kat is accused of the murder of a hated socialite at a wedding she is catering, she has to jump into gear and solve the mystery herself, since the head detective is certain that either she did it, or that her beloved grandmother was the culprit, despite the entirely of Dallas hating the woman. And I hated her, too! The woman was awful, yanked funding out from under Kat once when she was supposed to start her own business, and was known for doing the same to other potential business owners. I can only imagine the several parties that were privately thrown at her demise. I did like that Kat immediately jumped into the mystery, not taking time to sulk or complain, since she had to save both herself and her grandmother. It was a fun time reading about the mystery of who killed the woman (mainly due to reading about how much everyone hated her), and I really enjoyed this whodunit!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 19, 2025
The second book in a really fun series so far that you can't put down. Kat Calloway has agreed to cater the high society Hargraves wedding thinking it would help increase her business. But when the conniving, evil, back-stabbing socialite aunt of the groom is found murdered with Kat's knife and her big mouth grandmother is there, they become suspects number one. So to clear their names, with her clue finding cat, Tux, and her staff with, Viv, Ben, Jamie and Avery they dive into the investigation not realizing the Pandora's box they have opened. With so many twists and turns can the crew find a murderer before things become even more dangerous or even fatal? This is a great second book that keeps you totally engaged until the surprising ending! I received an ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
August 12, 2025
Catered to death!
Kat Calloway would never have agreed to cater this high-society wedding week if she had known the groom’s aunt was the back-stabbing socialite who turned ruining dreams, including Kat’s, into an Olympic sport. It was not a surprise that someone murdered the socialite, but it was a surprise that the murder weapon was Kat’s chef's knife. The police consider Kat and her grandmother to be the prime suspects. Kat and her friends must uncover the real killer if her catering business is going to survive.
This cozy has an interesting plot with twists and surprises. I like the interactions between Kat and her co-workers. I received an advance copy of the book, but my review is honest and voluntary.
Kat Calloway would never have agreed to cater this high-society wedding week if she had known the groom’s aunt was the back-stabbing socialite who turned ruining dreams, including Kat’s, into an Olympic sport. It was not a surprise that someone murdered the socialite, but it was a surprise that the murder weapon was Kat’s chef's knife. The police consider Kat and her grandmother to be the prime suspects. Kat and her friends must uncover the real killer if her catering business is going to survive.
This cozy has an interesting plot with twists and surprises. I like the interactions between Kat and her co-workers. I received an advance copy of the book, but my review is honest and voluntary.
August 19, 2025
Kat Calloway and the group from the Larkspar are cooking for a whole week of activities for the famous Hargrave Family.
After the wedding and reception is going strong there is suddenly a scream and the head of the Hargrave family Claire is found with one of Kat's knives in her chest. Of course that kind of messed up the reception and starts a big investigation. The nephew of the deceased, Oliver, calls to ask Kat to cater the reception for the family's time to say goodbye to his aunt. It's an interesting event for everyone concerned. The police find the culprit and the world goes back to the way it should be. I received an arc and this is my review.
After the wedding and reception is going strong there is suddenly a scream and the head of the Hargrave family Claire is found with one of Kat's knives in her chest. Of course that kind of messed up the reception and starts a big investigation. The nephew of the deceased, Oliver, calls to ask Kat to cater the reception for the family's time to say goodbye to his aunt. It's an interesting event for everyone concerned. The police find the culprit and the world goes back to the way it should be. I received an arc and this is my review.
August 26, 2025
Dayton spins an intriguing story that hooked me immediately and kept me captivated until the end! The lead character, Kat, was well-developed and the author highlighted her strengths as well as her vulnerabilities. The storyline line was easy to follow and the ending was suspenseful. I would have liked to have seen a bit more of the budding relationship between Kat and Bash, but I’m sure that will develop in future books. Overall, this was a fast-paced book that I feel other cozy mystery lovers will enjoy. I received this book as a gift and all opinions expressed in this review are my own.
August 29, 2025
I enjoyed reading this book tremendously. it was a very good and readable story and is the 2nd book in the Kat Galloway series. The storyline was good and I do like Kat and all her friends and I do feel that the characters are really well drawn and Kat is a very likeable main character. I will definitely be reading the next book in this series when it comes out. I received an ARC copy from the author in exchange for an honest review which I have given and I am already looking forward to the next installment in the series.
August 18, 2025
A Deadly Reception is a story about Kat a Chef and her cat Tux. She is the caterer at a wedding reception and the mystery starts. Kat investigates with Avery, Jamie, Viv and Ben her friends and staff at restaurant to find the truth. There are many possible pieces to the puzzle but only one will fit.
Excellent story and series which I highly recommend you read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Excellent story and series which I highly recommend you read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 20, 2025
Another murder at Larkspur, this time at a wedding reception. The groom’s aunt, disliked by many, is found dead, with the chef’s knife, the murder weapon. When and how did that happen? So many people had a potential motive. Even Gramartha, who only popped into Larkspur to collect granddaughter Kat’s car keys. Then there’s the date with disaster and driving to death. Two chapter headings that tell us a lot.
Don’t forget to peruse the selection of recipes
Don’t forget to peruse the selection of recipes
August 26, 2025
Things are intense for Kat and her team as they muddle through a wedding week full of over the top drama and criticism. When the aunt of the groom is murdered with Kat’s knife suspicion falls on her yet again. The team scramble to clear her name as well as her grandmother’s. I absolutely loved this book. I figured it out early on who the killer was but still enjoyed seeing how everything unfolded. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book provided by booksprout.
August 14, 2025
Katherine Calloways and her Grandmother are involved in a murder which took place at the Hargraves wedding reception. Being one of the prime suspects was not what Kat wanted. There is a lot going on than meets the eye. A captivating read with a nail-biting finish. I received this ARC copy via Booksprouts and recommend this book to other readers.
August 22, 2025
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I liked this mystery with Kat being a suspect again and the victim disliked by several. Kat tries to figure out what happened but it almost killed herself. I liked that the culprit was revealed until the end and I'm glad Kat was saved in a nick of time.
August 24, 2025
When a guest is stabbed during a wedding reception and Kat becomes a suspect she has to figure out what happened. A great cozy mystery with wonderful characters. The storyline keeps you guessing, as there are just too many suspects. A great book to read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 27, 2025
Kat and her team are catering a very high profile wedding for the nephew of Kat's nemesis who is found stabbed to death with her personal chef knife. That makes Kat (together with her beloved grandmother) a prime suspect.
But Kat has also to fend the advances of Oliver off and tries desperately to clear her and Granmartha's name .
But Kat has also to fend the advances of Oliver off and tries desperately to clear her and Granmartha's name .
September 2, 2025
Who is it?
Murder suspects! Whoever was there could be the culprit. Interesting structure; the author manages to build the suspense and maintain it until the very end. I really enjoyed it; it's cozy, easy to read, and still exciting.
I recommend it to anyone who enjoys light reading and who's into detective work.
Murder suspects! Whoever was there could be the culprit. Interesting structure; the author manages to build the suspense and maintain it until the very end. I really enjoyed it; it's cozy, easy to read, and still exciting.
I recommend it to anyone who enjoys light reading and who's into detective work.
September 6, 2025
Killer Kitchen Knife Skills
Kay and her team are back and again she’s not only having to defend herself, but her grandmother also. This is a fun, fast series that any foodie will love. This time, bad guy was a little too obvious, and it took away from the enjoyment of the book.
Kay and her team are back and again she’s not only having to defend herself, but her grandmother also. This is a fun, fast series that any foodie will love. This time, bad guy was a little too obvious, and it took away from the enjoyment of the book.
August 9, 2025
Kat is faced with a murder again. In the dining room at her restaurant - with HER knife! I enjoyed following along with her as she tried to clear her name and that of her grandmother (who just happened to show up in time for the murder). Great read!
November 6, 2025
Kat is catering a wedding for a couple when the prickly Matriarch is found murdered at the reception. Kat is a suspect along with her Grandmother so she investigates and gets into trouble. I enjoyed this book and I recommend it.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews