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A Food Truck Mystery #2
Hot Wings and Homicide
Not yet published
Expected 12 May 26Twins Beth and Seth Lloyd are on the chopping block in the follow-up to A Murder Most Fowl, where a perfect recipe for murder is stirred up.
Business at Kluckin’ Good is smoking hot. To keep momentum going, Beth and her twin brother, Seth, just scored a prime spot at the Flavors of the Bay Food Festival. For three and a half days, food lovers will flock to the Bay Area’s biggest culinary event to enjoy gourmet food trucks, cook-offs, and live music, but this recipe for success is also the perfect set-up for murder.
When the infamous food critic Brad Dawson—also Beth’s ex—turns up dead, the only clue at the scene of the crime is a Kluckin’ Good tumbler mug. The timing couldn’t be worse. Beth and Brad were seen in a heated altercation, and days prior, witnesses saw Seth punch Brad. Suspicion naturally falls on the twins. With the cops hot on their trail, Beth will have to avoid the flames to clear their names and save her food truck’s reputation.
But the chickens are out of the coop, and as Beth digs into Brad’s final hours, she will uncover rivalries, grudges, and a different side of Brad she never knew. If she doesn’t crack the case soon, she might be the next one to get cooked. Best of cluck!
A mouthwatering mystery for fans of Joanne Fluke that will leave you peckish for more.
Business at Kluckin’ Good is smoking hot. To keep momentum going, Beth and her twin brother, Seth, just scored a prime spot at the Flavors of the Bay Food Festival. For three and a half days, food lovers will flock to the Bay Area’s biggest culinary event to enjoy gourmet food trucks, cook-offs, and live music, but this recipe for success is also the perfect set-up for murder.
When the infamous food critic Brad Dawson—also Beth’s ex—turns up dead, the only clue at the scene of the crime is a Kluckin’ Good tumbler mug. The timing couldn’t be worse. Beth and Brad were seen in a heated altercation, and days prior, witnesses saw Seth punch Brad. Suspicion naturally falls on the twins. With the cops hot on their trail, Beth will have to avoid the flames to clear their names and save her food truck’s reputation.
But the chickens are out of the coop, and as Beth digs into Brad’s final hours, she will uncover rivalries, grudges, and a different side of Brad she never knew. If she doesn’t crack the case soon, she might be the next one to get cooked. Best of cluck!
A mouthwatering mystery for fans of Joanne Fluke that will leave you peckish for more.
- GenresCozy Mystery
Kindle Edition
Expected publication May 12, 2026
3 people are currently reading
32 people want to read
About the author
Carmela Dutra
9 books117 followersHailing from the Bay Area of California, Carmela Dutra cherishes her family, rainy days, and making others laugh.
Carmela has always had a deep connection with art and writing, and that love drove her to become an author. After years of working on children’s picture books and being recognized with awards, she transitioned to the adult market with her writing. Crafting cozy comedies filled with emotion and love, she strives to bring a smile to the faces of her readers.
When she’s not writing, Carmela drinks too much coffee and over-cuddles her allergy-inducing cats and dog. Married to her best friend, they are raising two sons who are wild about dinosaurs. She’s a fan of The Big Bang Theory and M*A*SH*, watching them repeatedly. Her dream is to write stories that have an impact, making readers laugh, or even cry, but always making them feel better when they finish.
Carmela has always had a deep connection with art and writing, and that love drove her to become an author. After years of working on children’s picture books and being recognized with awards, she transitioned to the adult market with her writing. Crafting cozy comedies filled with emotion and love, she strives to bring a smile to the faces of her readers.
When she’s not writing, Carmela drinks too much coffee and over-cuddles her allergy-inducing cats and dog. Married to her best friend, they are raising two sons who are wild about dinosaurs. She’s a fan of The Big Bang Theory and M*A*SH*, watching them repeatedly. Her dream is to write stories that have an impact, making readers laugh, or even cry, but always making them feel better when they finish.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
January 11, 2026
"Hot Wings and Homicide (A Good Truck Mystery Book 2)" by Carmela Dutra didn't connect that it was this series based off first glance of the cover. I had to read the description to connect the two. They're just very different cover styles. I honestly wouldn't have guessed that this was a cozy mystery from the cover either.
Beth, with her twin Seth, and Beth's BFF/Seth's GF (yes, same person) and still making their chicken food truck business work. Their next event is the weekend Bay Food Festival. Beth's ex-boyfriend shows up in town as a food vlogger/critic and is causing drama everywhere. Until he's not. Now the local detective seems to have it in for Beth and Seth despite several good other suspects.
Despite not initially connecting the two books, once I got reading this one I found it just as entertaining and cozy as the first book. The characters are hilarious and relatable. The story kept moving and me guessing. There were several good suspects that kept pulling my focus. Overall, very funny and very interesting.
Beth, with her twin Seth, and Beth's BFF/Seth's GF (yes, same person) and still making their chicken food truck business work. Their next event is the weekend Bay Food Festival. Beth's ex-boyfriend shows up in town as a food vlogger/critic and is causing drama everywhere. Until he's not. Now the local detective seems to have it in for Beth and Seth despite several good other suspects.
Despite not initially connecting the two books, once I got reading this one I found it just as entertaining and cozy as the first book. The characters are hilarious and relatable. The story kept moving and me guessing. There were several good suspects that kept pulling my focus. Overall, very funny and very interesting.
November 8, 2025
Arc from NetGalley, publishing May 2026
4.5 rounded up x
Honestly at the start I felt like I was climbing to keep up as I’m an idiot and didn’t read the first book in the series (fully on me but also proved that this can 100% be a stand alone which I LOVE with series of this nature) but once I got into the story, wow was I hooked. Having so many characters may have been slightly confusing but wow did it make it hard to figure out the real murderer. Had me hanging on for more.
Overall I think the characters were all incredibly well fleshed out, the conversations seemed natural and writing was easy to digest. I had my suspicions and a cheeky guess at the murderer but i think that is only because i read so many I know how to pick them.
Extremely enjoyable read and would love to read more of Carmela’s work in the future especially the book before this one, it is now on my TBR (I’m an idiot)
Took about 20% for me to get into but read the last 80% in less than a day
So glad I got to read this early
ALSO THE RECIPES IN THE BACK ARE YOU JOKING IM OBSESSED
4.5 rounded up x
Honestly at the start I felt like I was climbing to keep up as I’m an idiot and didn’t read the first book in the series (fully on me but also proved that this can 100% be a stand alone which I LOVE with series of this nature) but once I got into the story, wow was I hooked. Having so many characters may have been slightly confusing but wow did it make it hard to figure out the real murderer. Had me hanging on for more.
Overall I think the characters were all incredibly well fleshed out, the conversations seemed natural and writing was easy to digest. I had my suspicions and a cheeky guess at the murderer but i think that is only because i read so many I know how to pick them.
Extremely enjoyable read and would love to read more of Carmela’s work in the future especially the book before this one, it is now on my TBR (I’m an idiot)
Took about 20% for me to get into but read the last 80% in less than a day
So glad I got to read this early
ALSO THE RECIPES IN THE BACK ARE YOU JOKING IM OBSESSED
Review of advance copy received from Author
📚 Read as a physical book (ARC)
📃 300 pages
⏱ Read time: ~5 hours
🏷️ Publisher: Crooked Lane Books
📅 Publishing Date: May 12, 2026
✨ ARC provided directly by the author (and yes, it was autographed 💖)
Okay so listen, just because Carmela Dutra is my author bestie doesn't mean she gets an automatic five stars. Friendship doesn't equal flattery, right?
So, when I say I love this series, I mean it with my whole cozy-mystery-loving heart!
Seth and Beth continue to be an absolute delight with their chaotic, loyal, and endlessly entertaining energy. Add Rylie to the mix (who can, in fact, burn a grilled cheese), and the dynamic turns deliciously unhinged. The mystery hits closer to home this time with Beth’s ex as the victim, raising the emotional stakes while keeping the humor sizzling. Detective Pretty Boy is back, the banter is tighter, and the pacing is chef’s kiss.
This sequel ups the ante from A Murder Most Fowl with sharper wit, stronger tension, and even more laugh-out-loud moments. I read Hot Wings and Homicide during a layover and found myself wishing the flight would just… never board. (It did. I read the rest midair, still laughing like a loon.) The small-town charm, the sibling banter, and Detective Pretty Boy’s exasperated patience all blend into a cozy stew that’s equal parts funny and heartfelt.
This isn’t just a whodunit. It’s a who-made-you-snort-laugh-in-public kind of read. The pacing never drags, the mystery feels tight, and by the end, I was genuinely craving fried chicken and friendship bracelets. Dutra’s culinary cozy game? Hot, crispy perfection.
Would I Recommend it?
h, absolutely. Add this to your TBR and thank me later. This is one of those rare sequel wins that manages to be both funnier and tighter than book one. You can technically read it as a standalone, but trust me, you’ll want to start from the beginning to get the full flavor.
What Do You Say? Sauce, Suspects, and Snort-Laughs
Do you love your cozy mysteries extra funny, or do you prefer a quieter, comfort-read vibe? And tell me, have you ever laughed out loud in public while reading and just owned it? Let’s talk in the comments
📃 300 pages
⏱ Read time: ~5 hours
🏷️ Publisher: Crooked Lane Books
📅 Publishing Date: May 12, 2026
✨ ARC provided directly by the author (and yes, it was autographed 💖)
Okay so listen, just because Carmela Dutra is my author bestie doesn't mean she gets an automatic five stars. Friendship doesn't equal flattery, right?
So, when I say I love this series, I mean it with my whole cozy-mystery-loving heart!
Seth and Beth continue to be an absolute delight with their chaotic, loyal, and endlessly entertaining energy. Add Rylie to the mix (who can, in fact, burn a grilled cheese), and the dynamic turns deliciously unhinged. The mystery hits closer to home this time with Beth’s ex as the victim, raising the emotional stakes while keeping the humor sizzling. Detective Pretty Boy is back, the banter is tighter, and the pacing is chef’s kiss.
This sequel ups the ante from A Murder Most Fowl with sharper wit, stronger tension, and even more laugh-out-loud moments. I read Hot Wings and Homicide during a layover and found myself wishing the flight would just… never board. (It did. I read the rest midair, still laughing like a loon.) The small-town charm, the sibling banter, and Detective Pretty Boy’s exasperated patience all blend into a cozy stew that’s equal parts funny and heartfelt.
This isn’t just a whodunit. It’s a who-made-you-snort-laugh-in-public kind of read. The pacing never drags, the mystery feels tight, and by the end, I was genuinely craving fried chicken and friendship bracelets. Dutra’s culinary cozy game? Hot, crispy perfection.
Would I Recommend it?
h, absolutely. Add this to your TBR and thank me later. This is one of those rare sequel wins that manages to be both funnier and tighter than book one. You can technically read it as a standalone, but trust me, you’ll want to start from the beginning to get the full flavor.
What Do You Say? Sauce, Suspects, and Snort-Laughs
Do you love your cozy mysteries extra funny, or do you prefer a quieter, comfort-read vibe? And tell me, have you ever laughed out loud in public while reading and just owned it? Let’s talk in the comments
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
So I picked up Hot Wings and Homicide fully knowing I hadn’t read the first book, and honestly? It didn’t stress me out at all. I never felt like I was missing some big emotional backstory or inside joke. The book does a decent job of letting you settle in and figure out who’s who without holding your hand or making you feel behind.
This one feels like a cozy mystery you’d read on a lazy afternoon when you want something fun, slightly messy, and low stakes in the best way. The food festival setting was probably my favorite part. There’s just something about murder plus competitive food vibes that works for me. Food trucks, egos, exes, and drama all smashed together. It kept things moving and gave the story a nice sense of chaos without being overwhelming.
Beth is the kind of main character I didn’t get annoyed by, which is always a win in this genre. She’s juggling way too much, trying to save her reputation, her business, and her brother, and that frantic energy felt real. The twin dynamic with Seth added some warmth and humor without turning into a gimmick. I liked that it stayed grounded instead of leaning too hard into quirky-for-the-sake-of-quirky.
The mystery itself kept me engaged, even if I wasn’t blown away by the twists. I was curious, I wanted to know what actually went down, and I didn’t feel bored or tempted to skim. For me, this landed right in that solid middle ground. Enjoyable, entertaining, and easy to read, but not something I’m still thinking about days later.
And honestly? That’s kind of what I wanted from it. This felt like a palate cleanser book. Something fun and comforting with just enough tension to keep you flipping pages, but not so heavy that it sticks to your ribs. If you like cozy mysteries with food at the center, or you want something you can breeze through without emotional commitment, this absolutely fits the bill. Three stars, but in a “yeah, I had a good time with this” way, not a disappointed one.
This one feels like a cozy mystery you’d read on a lazy afternoon when you want something fun, slightly messy, and low stakes in the best way. The food festival setting was probably my favorite part. There’s just something about murder plus competitive food vibes that works for me. Food trucks, egos, exes, and drama all smashed together. It kept things moving and gave the story a nice sense of chaos without being overwhelming.
Beth is the kind of main character I didn’t get annoyed by, which is always a win in this genre. She’s juggling way too much, trying to save her reputation, her business, and her brother, and that frantic energy felt real. The twin dynamic with Seth added some warmth and humor without turning into a gimmick. I liked that it stayed grounded instead of leaning too hard into quirky-for-the-sake-of-quirky.
The mystery itself kept me engaged, even if I wasn’t blown away by the twists. I was curious, I wanted to know what actually went down, and I didn’t feel bored or tempted to skim. For me, this landed right in that solid middle ground. Enjoyable, entertaining, and easy to read, but not something I’m still thinking about days later.
And honestly? That’s kind of what I wanted from it. This felt like a palate cleanser book. Something fun and comforting with just enough tension to keep you flipping pages, but not so heavy that it sticks to your ribs. If you like cozy mysteries with food at the center, or you want something you can breeze through without emotional commitment, this absolutely fits the bill. Three stars, but in a “yeah, I had a good time with this” way, not a disappointed one.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I had the chance to read Hot Wings and Homicide, and I absolutely loved it. The story was a fun, easy read that pulled me in right away. Even though this is a sequel, I had no trouble reading it as a standalone, everything was clear and engaging without feeling confusing or incomplete. That said, I enjoyed it so much that I’ll definitely be going back to read the first book.
The setting and characters gave me total small-town Hallmark movie vibes, cozy, charming, and full of personality, but with a mystery twist. The plot kept me guessing the entire time, and I found myself constantly trying to piece together the clues alongside the characters. Just when I thought I had it figured out, something new would make me rethink everything.
Overall, this was a delightful blend of cozy small-town charm and engaging mystery. If you enjoy lighthearted mysteries with heart, humor, and a puzzle that keeps you hooked, this one is well worth the read.
The setting and characters gave me total small-town Hallmark movie vibes, cozy, charming, and full of personality, but with a mystery twist. The plot kept me guessing the entire time, and I found myself constantly trying to piece together the clues alongside the characters. Just when I thought I had it figured out, something new would make me rethink everything.
Overall, this was a delightful blend of cozy small-town charm and engaging mystery. If you enjoy lighthearted mysteries with heart, humor, and a puzzle that keeps you hooked, this one is well worth the read.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I was so happy to be back with Beth, Seth, and Rylee. It honestly felt like catching up with characters I already love, which is one of my favorite things about this series.
This mystery was pure fun from start to finish, and the fact that it centers around hot wings made it even better since they are one of my all time favorite foods. The punny humor is top notch and had me laughing more than once. It never felt forced and just added to the charm of the story.
The characters are what really make this book shine. They are fun, entertaining, and full of personality, and there was never a dull moment. And the chicken companion? I mean… come on. That alone deserves a shoutout.
If you love cozy mysteries with humor, great characters, and a food theme that actually feels fun and unique, this one is such a good time. I flew through it and already want to go back for more.
Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked lane books for the e-ARC these thoughts are my own.
This mystery was pure fun from start to finish, and the fact that it centers around hot wings made it even better since they are one of my all time favorite foods. The punny humor is top notch and had me laughing more than once. It never felt forced and just added to the charm of the story.
The characters are what really make this book shine. They are fun, entertaining, and full of personality, and there was never a dull moment. And the chicken companion? I mean… come on. That alone deserves a shoutout.
If you love cozy mysteries with humor, great characters, and a food theme that actually feels fun and unique, this one is such a good time. I flew through it and already want to go back for more.
Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked lane books for the e-ARC these thoughts are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
🐔 I receieved this as an ARC on Netgalley 🐔
A cluckin' good time! I came into this without having read the first book, A Murder Most Fowl, and can confirm this book stands on its own.
Its a delightful murder mystery, with cozy "small town" vibes, since it centers around a food festival where all the vendors know one another...and they all have a history with the food critic who winds up dead on the opening day of the festival.
No one has a more complicated history with the dead man than our protagonists, Beth and Seth...or do they?
I'm not an avid mystery reader, but I didn't have it all figured out before the big reveal at the end. I don't doubt there are readers out there who may see it coming, but I wasnt one of them.
I'll definitely be checking out the first book, too, now that I know how much fun this one was.
A cluckin' good time! I came into this without having read the first book, A Murder Most Fowl, and can confirm this book stands on its own.
Its a delightful murder mystery, with cozy "small town" vibes, since it centers around a food festival where all the vendors know one another...and they all have a history with the food critic who winds up dead on the opening day of the festival.
No one has a more complicated history with the dead man than our protagonists, Beth and Seth...or do they?
I'm not an avid mystery reader, but I didn't have it all figured out before the big reveal at the end. I don't doubt there are readers out there who may see it coming, but I wasnt one of them.
I'll definitely be checking out the first book, too, now that I know how much fun this one was.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is a hilarious murder mystery that kept me hooked from start to finish. It can be read as a standalone, but I highly recommend reading the first installment—you’ll enjoy book two so much more if you do. The characters are wonderfully well developed, the banter is sharp and funny, and the storyline paired with the writing style makes this an absolute joy to read. Make sure you have plenty of time set aside, because this book is incredibly hard to put down. I can only highly recommend it and can’t wait to read more in this series.
I received an advance review copy via NetGalley/Crooked Lane Books and I'm leaving a voluntary and honest review.
I received an advance review copy via NetGalley/Crooked Lane Books and I'm leaving a voluntary and honest review.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews