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A Domestic Diva Mystery #19
The Diva Hosts a Murderer
Old Town Virginia’s entertaining guru and occasional sleuth Sophie Winston – a young Martha Stewart in the making – juggles Fourth of July fireworks, a houseful of guests, and homicide in the latest Domestic Diva culinary mystery from New York Times bestselling author Krista Davis.
With a big crowd descending on her Northern Virginia home, it’s a good thing event planner Sophie Winston is an expert at entertaining. Whipping up patriotic pastries is as easy as pie for her, though meeting the man her widowed Aunt Melly just impulsively married in Las Vegas is a little more awkward. Especially when Melly’s longtime, now-heartbroken secret admirer is there too, which could lead to some fireworks.
But the house party really gets explosive when Sophie’s favorite tour guide falls victim to a killer—and evidence points to Sophie’s own father. Will DNA really incriminate her dad? And what’s the real story with her new uncle-by-marriage and the mysterious pal he’s brought along with him? Some of the secrets Sophie’s discovering are raising flags—and while the police department casts suspicion on her father, she has to declare her independence as a detective to find the real culprit, and serve justice along with her red, white, and blue cupcakes . . .
Includes delicious recipes, fabulous decorating tips, and easy entertaining hacks!
With a big crowd descending on her Northern Virginia home, it’s a good thing event planner Sophie Winston is an expert at entertaining. Whipping up patriotic pastries is as easy as pie for her, though meeting the man her widowed Aunt Melly just impulsively married in Las Vegas is a little more awkward. Especially when Melly’s longtime, now-heartbroken secret admirer is there too, which could lead to some fireworks.
But the house party really gets explosive when Sophie’s favorite tour guide falls victim to a killer—and evidence points to Sophie’s own father. Will DNA really incriminate her dad? And what’s the real story with her new uncle-by-marriage and the mysterious pal he’s brought along with him? Some of the secrets Sophie’s discovering are raising flags—and while the police department casts suspicion on her father, she has to declare her independence as a detective to find the real culprit, and serve justice along with her red, white, and blue cupcakes . . .
Includes delicious recipes, fabulous decorating tips, and easy entertaining hacks!
- GenresMysteryCozy MysteryCozy
1 pages, Audio CD
Published May 26, 2026
About the author
Krista Davis
36 books3,297 followersKrista Davis lives in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia where she writes mysteries. She lived in Northern Virginia for many years and resided for a time in Old Town Alexandria where her Domestic Diva Mysteries take place.
Krista also writes the Paws and Claws Mysteries, which debuted with MURDER, SHE BARKED. Her Pen & Ink Mysteries featured covers that can be colored! Read the book and have fun coloring the cover.
WEBSITE: https://www.kristadavis.com
NEWSLETTER: https://bit.ly/3Wi0jcR
FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/KristaDavisAu...
INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/kristadavisauthor
Krista also writes the Paws and Claws Mysteries, which debuted with MURDER, SHE BARKED. Her Pen & Ink Mysteries featured covers that can be colored! Read the book and have fun coloring the cover.
WEBSITE: https://www.kristadavis.com
NEWSLETTER: https://bit.ly/3Wi0jcR
FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/KristaDavisAu...
INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/kristadavisauthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
April 3, 2026
"The Diva Hosts A Murder (Domestic Diva Mystery Book 19)" by Krista Davis has Sophie hosting a 4th of July BBQ party where most of her guests seem to be spending weeks with her in her home. While reading this one I kept getting a feeling like I had read this one before. I know I read a lot of cozy mysteries and there's not much variation really when you get into as many as I have read. However, I do have a pretty good memory for a series specifically and this one had several chunks that felt almost copy pasted out of previous books Krista Davis had written.
Overall though, the story was an enjoyable one. Sophie has her usual party that her ex-husband's ex-girlfriend and frenemie tries to "help" but it was quite toned down this time. We get introduced to an elderly neighbor who has a treasure trove of antiques squirreled away in her family home. The neighbor has been a bit of a nuisance to the police lately so she has Sophie come help her when she thinks she found a man dead in her house.
Things just escalate from there. Sweetheart scams and vulnerable adult abuse is prominent in this one. Being a bank fraud specialist, I had these scams both spotted early on. It was an interesting read to go through the whole story though.
Overall though, the story was an enjoyable one. Sophie has her usual party that her ex-husband's ex-girlfriend and frenemie tries to "help" but it was quite toned down this time. We get introduced to an elderly neighbor who has a treasure trove of antiques squirreled away in her family home. The neighbor has been a bit of a nuisance to the police lately so she has Sophie come help her when she thinks she found a man dead in her house.
Things just escalate from there. Sweetheart scams and vulnerable adult abuse is prominent in this one. Being a bank fraud specialist, I had these scams both spotted early on. It was an interesting read to go through the whole story though.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Is there anything better than hanging out with Sophie Winston while she is solving a mystery. Oh how I wish I lived in her neighborhood, without being the one killed if course. An exciting and engaging mystery.
May 31, 2026
It's always fun to spend time with Sophie, the hostess with the "mostest"! In this adventure, even Sophie's emense skilled are put to the test as she has a house full of guests to celebrate the 4th of July in Old Town! Along with her parents and sister Hannah, she has her Aunt Melly and her brand new husband Gus, and family friends Roscoe O'Brien and Cyril Chevalier. I will admit this book was a little overpopulated for me. As well as all these folks, we have multiple neighbors and neighbors neighbors as well as our usual friends Nina, Mars, and Bernie, as well as Natasha and Wanda!!! While Sophie is juggling food and events for this crowd, one of her neighbors, Dollie Peabody, comes to get Sophie because she has a dead body in her house! Unfortunately, when she arrives there is no body to be found and Officer Wong tells Sophie that the police having been getting lots of calls from Dollie but they never find anything and the police are getting annoyed and worried about her competency! That is until the next day when a dead body is found in Dollie's alley, and it turns out to be the driver Sophie had shown her family and friends around Washington for the last two days. Unfortunately, DNA on the body proves to be Sophie's Dad, and he becomes an immediate suspect. Sophie is going to be burning the candle at both ends if she wants to keep her guests comfortable and her Dad free! As always, you will want to be along for the ride! #TheDivaHostsaMurderer #ADomesticDivaMystery #KristaDavis #bookreview #bookideas #retiredreader
June 2, 2026
A delightful cozy mystery involving the Diva, Sophie Winston, and her family and friends who have gathered to celebrate the Fourth of July . . .
Sophie has invited her family and friends to celebrate America's 250th birthday with her in the lovely Old Town section of Alexandria which lies across the Potomac River from the nation's capital. There are several special events included.
The author does an excellent job of keeping the story moving at a steady pace from beginning to end, and I was fully-engaged in the story each time I sat down to read. She introduces various characters with their idiosyncrasies, weaknesses, and flaws into the story which kept the story fresh. The author challenges readers with some great villains, creeps, and scoundrels; and she even throws in some red herrings to stir things up a bit.
As a history buff, I especially enjoyed the inclusion of true historical events and facts about the historical figures involved in the founding of the United States of America and some facts about the history of the Declaration of Independence.
This is the third book I have read in this series, and I was glad to find it included the Front Matter – a Cast of Characters – and delicious-sounding Back Matter – several original Recipes from the author.
The story is completely clean in language and content. I received a copy of this book from the author through Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours. All of my thoughts and opinions shared here are solely my own.
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Sophie has invited her family and friends to celebrate America's 250th birthday with her in the lovely Old Town section of Alexandria which lies across the Potomac River from the nation's capital. There are several special events included.
The author does an excellent job of keeping the story moving at a steady pace from beginning to end, and I was fully-engaged in the story each time I sat down to read. She introduces various characters with their idiosyncrasies, weaknesses, and flaws into the story which kept the story fresh. The author challenges readers with some great villains, creeps, and scoundrels; and she even throws in some red herrings to stir things up a bit.
As a history buff, I especially enjoyed the inclusion of true historical events and facts about the historical figures involved in the founding of the United States of America and some facts about the history of the Declaration of Independence.
This is the third book I have read in this series, and I was glad to find it included the Front Matter – a Cast of Characters – and delicious-sounding Back Matter – several original Recipes from the author.
The story is completely clean in language and content. I received a copy of this book from the author through Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours. All of my thoughts and opinions shared here are solely my own.
################
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
https://openbooksociety.com/article/t...
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Andra
The Diva Hosts a Murderer is book #19 in the “A Domestic Diva Mystery” series by Krista Davis. I have previously read book #11 in this series and happy to report that skipping to book #19 was not a big problem. ☺ However, I will be putting on my reading bucket list the list of books in this series that I have not read so as to go back and read the series from the beginning to experience the evolution of Sophie.
In this installment of the “A Domestic Diva Mystery” series we have Sophie Winston busy preparing to entertain many house guests (her mom, dad Paul, sister Hannah, friend Roscoe, aunt Melly to name a few) for a July Fourth celebration, some of whom she did not know well…in fact, a stranger. Melly, a widower of two years and Sophie’s aunt, brought with her a man that no one knew. In fact, Gus Ellerbe was Melly’s new husband! To fill the time, Sophie had rented a tour bus to take the family out each day on local tours. The tour guide and driver, Tony Fontana, was a fountain of information – so the tours were filled with lots of facts.
Sophie’s neighbour, Dollie Peabody, comes over one morning insisting that there is a body at her home. When Sophie investigates, she does not find a body. Very curious. Due to many interactions (false reports) that Dollie has had with the local police, they do not take this situation seriously. Bummer because not too long after, the tour guide Tony is discovered dead behind Dollie’s home, and the woman states she’s never seen the man before.
This sets Sophie up to investigate (discretely of course as the police do not want her to investigate) and figure out what really happened. Especially since her dad’s DNA is found on Tony’s body and he is the prime suspect! True to form with cozy mysteries, there are many red herrings, which Sophie must get past on her path to the real killer.
I found the cast of characters at the beginning of the book quite helpful in keeping track of all the various characters in this book, of which there are a tad more than I like! The story was well written and the plot was unique (at least to me). This story seemed to have a lot going on – but that is what kept my interest – I did not get bored trying to figure out the myriad of clues.
A big pet peeve of mine – spelling and consistency. With respect to the “Dollie” character, in chapter 29 they switched the spelling to “Dolly” whereas throughout the entirety of the story it was “Dollie”. So further clarification would be good to determine if Dollie’s name can be spelled either way.
Krista Davis does not disappoint…so if you like cozy mysteries with engaging characters and a ‘whodunit’ that may well keep you guessing until the end (like it did for me) …then I suggest picking up a copy of The Diva Hosts a Murderer, get in your comfy chair and get reading. ☺
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Andra
The Diva Hosts a Murderer is book #19 in the “A Domestic Diva Mystery” series by Krista Davis. I have previously read book #11 in this series and happy to report that skipping to book #19 was not a big problem. ☺ However, I will be putting on my reading bucket list the list of books in this series that I have not read so as to go back and read the series from the beginning to experience the evolution of Sophie.
In this installment of the “A Domestic Diva Mystery” series we have Sophie Winston busy preparing to entertain many house guests (her mom, dad Paul, sister Hannah, friend Roscoe, aunt Melly to name a few) for a July Fourth celebration, some of whom she did not know well…in fact, a stranger. Melly, a widower of two years and Sophie’s aunt, brought with her a man that no one knew. In fact, Gus Ellerbe was Melly’s new husband! To fill the time, Sophie had rented a tour bus to take the family out each day on local tours. The tour guide and driver, Tony Fontana, was a fountain of information – so the tours were filled with lots of facts.
Sophie’s neighbour, Dollie Peabody, comes over one morning insisting that there is a body at her home. When Sophie investigates, she does not find a body. Very curious. Due to many interactions (false reports) that Dollie has had with the local police, they do not take this situation seriously. Bummer because not too long after, the tour guide Tony is discovered dead behind Dollie’s home, and the woman states she’s never seen the man before.
This sets Sophie up to investigate (discretely of course as the police do not want her to investigate) and figure out what really happened. Especially since her dad’s DNA is found on Tony’s body and he is the prime suspect! True to form with cozy mysteries, there are many red herrings, which Sophie must get past on her path to the real killer.
I found the cast of characters at the beginning of the book quite helpful in keeping track of all the various characters in this book, of which there are a tad more than I like! The story was well written and the plot was unique (at least to me). This story seemed to have a lot going on – but that is what kept my interest – I did not get bored trying to figure out the myriad of clues.
A big pet peeve of mine – spelling and consistency. With respect to the “Dollie” character, in chapter 29 they switched the spelling to “Dolly” whereas throughout the entirety of the story it was “Dollie”. So further clarification would be good to determine if Dollie’s name can be spelled either way.
Krista Davis does not disappoint…so if you like cozy mysteries with engaging characters and a ‘whodunit’ that may well keep you guessing until the end (like it did for me) …then I suggest picking up a copy of The Diva Hosts a Murderer, get in your comfy chair and get reading. ☺
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Sophie Winston lives in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia and has made a career for herself by event planning. She's expecting a big houseful this weekend. Her parents, sister Hannah, friend Roscoe, Aunt Melly, and Melly's new husband, along with an old family friend are planning to stay at her home through Independence Day.
But all is not well when Sophie's elderly neighbor Dollie seeks out Sophie in a panic, telling her there's a dead man in her home. When Sophie investigates, there's no one there. The police refuse to take it seriously, stating the Dollie calls them all the time with false reports. But not too long after, the tour guide that Sophie hired is discovered dead behind Dollie's home, and the woman states she's never seen the man before.
Now Sophie is intrigued and wonders if the two are related. But intrigue is topped by anger when the police find her father's DNA on the dead man and her dad Paul becomes the chief suspect. While he refuses to take it seriously, Sophie knows better. Especially when a new homicide detective is assigned to the case, and he seems determined to pin the murder on Paul.
But there's more to the story: Melly's husband is acting suspiciously; Melly is being left gifts by a secret admirer; Dollie is hearing strange noises in her home; a man Sophie just met is also acting strangely; and there's another body...
With all this going on, will Sophie be able to find the truth or will her dad be prosecuted for s crime he didn't commit?...
This is the 19th book in the series, and I have grown to love the characters. Sophie has changed throughout the series, which I have enjoyed reading; and I've watched her become stronger and more independent. Her friends are always there to support her, especially her friend Bernie, and her ex-husband Mars is present as well.
The story line is written very well, and I loved the plot. There is a lot going on, and you have to read between the lines to figure out the clues. But they are there. You just have to look for them. I will say that the murderer was hidden nicely, but the more I read the closer I came to the truth. And the heart of the story is discovered very nearly toward the end, and something that I absolutely loved.
Yes, once again Sophie finds herself in danger, but of course she is also able to use her quick wits to free herself, and this time was no different. There are no threads left hanging and no cliffhangers. A delightful ending with bit of a hint of what will come next time in the series. Highly recommended.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley but this in no way influenced my review.
But all is not well when Sophie's elderly neighbor Dollie seeks out Sophie in a panic, telling her there's a dead man in her home. When Sophie investigates, there's no one there. The police refuse to take it seriously, stating the Dollie calls them all the time with false reports. But not too long after, the tour guide that Sophie hired is discovered dead behind Dollie's home, and the woman states she's never seen the man before.
Now Sophie is intrigued and wonders if the two are related. But intrigue is topped by anger when the police find her father's DNA on the dead man and her dad Paul becomes the chief suspect. While he refuses to take it seriously, Sophie knows better. Especially when a new homicide detective is assigned to the case, and he seems determined to pin the murder on Paul.
But there's more to the story: Melly's husband is acting suspiciously; Melly is being left gifts by a secret admirer; Dollie is hearing strange noises in her home; a man Sophie just met is also acting strangely; and there's another body...
With all this going on, will Sophie be able to find the truth or will her dad be prosecuted for s crime he didn't commit?...
This is the 19th book in the series, and I have grown to love the characters. Sophie has changed throughout the series, which I have enjoyed reading; and I've watched her become stronger and more independent. Her friends are always there to support her, especially her friend Bernie, and her ex-husband Mars is present as well.
The story line is written very well, and I loved the plot. There is a lot going on, and you have to read between the lines to figure out the clues. But they are there. You just have to look for them. I will say that the murderer was hidden nicely, but the more I read the closer I came to the truth. And the heart of the story is discovered very nearly toward the end, and something that I absolutely loved.
Yes, once again Sophie finds herself in danger, but of course she is also able to use her quick wits to free herself, and this time was no different. There are no threads left hanging and no cliffhangers. A delightful ending with bit of a hint of what will come next time in the series. Highly recommended.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley but this in no way influenced my review.
May 28, 2026
🎧 Audiobook Review
The Diva Hosts a Murder
by The Diva Hosts a Murder
Author: Krista Davis
Narrated by: Hillary Huber
📚 Physical copy gifted by the author
A return to Old Town Alexandria with Sophie Winston always feels less like starting a new book and more like stepping back into a standing dinner date with old friends.
For a cozy series, this one consistently rides the edge of “comfort read” and “genuinely sharp mystery” in the best way. The plots are layered enough that you can absolutely see how Krista Davis could pivot into full suspense territory with just a darker tone and a dimmer lamp. The mysteries never feel like fluff wrapped in teacups.
🕯️ Atmosphere
The Old Town Alexandria setting remains one of the biggest charms of this series. Every book makes me want to wander brick sidewalks, browse little shops, and somehow stumble into an impeccably styled murder scene. It has that polished-but-cozy aesthetic this series does so well.
🫖 Characters
The real heartbeat of this series is the cast. Sophie, Nina, Mars, and Bernie have such an established warmth and chemistry that spending time with them feels comforting in the best possible way. Their friendships feel lived-in and authentic enough that I caught myself feeling a little jealous of a fictional friend group. 😂
And maybe that’s why Sophie works so well for me. I genuinely see pieces of myself in her.
Also, I refuse to accept Natasha’s official description. In my brain, she will forever look like Ms. Babcock from The Nanny and no one can convince me otherwise.
🎙️ Narration
Hillary Huber remains one of my all-time favorite narrators, and a huge reason for that is this series. She is Sophie Winston to me at this point. Her delivery adds personality, humor, tension, and familiarity in a way that makes these books feel essential on audio.
This is honestly one of my go-to recommendations for people wanting to get into audiobooks because the narration elevates the entire experience.
That said, having the physical copy this time added something extra special. Being able to actually read Sophie and Natasha’s advice columns made the world feel even richer and more immersive.
🥂 Overall Vibe
A cozy mystery series that balances comfort, humor, friendship, and genuinely well-crafted mysteries with one of the most iconic audiobook performances in the genre.
If you’re a cozy fan, read this series.
If you’re audiobook-curious, start here.
If you already love Sophie Winston… welcome back home.
The Diva Hosts a Murder
by The Diva Hosts a Murder
Author: Krista Davis
Narrated by: Hillary Huber
📚 Physical copy gifted by the author
A return to Old Town Alexandria with Sophie Winston always feels less like starting a new book and more like stepping back into a standing dinner date with old friends.
For a cozy series, this one consistently rides the edge of “comfort read” and “genuinely sharp mystery” in the best way. The plots are layered enough that you can absolutely see how Krista Davis could pivot into full suspense territory with just a darker tone and a dimmer lamp. The mysteries never feel like fluff wrapped in teacups.
🕯️ Atmosphere
The Old Town Alexandria setting remains one of the biggest charms of this series. Every book makes me want to wander brick sidewalks, browse little shops, and somehow stumble into an impeccably styled murder scene. It has that polished-but-cozy aesthetic this series does so well.
🫖 Characters
The real heartbeat of this series is the cast. Sophie, Nina, Mars, and Bernie have such an established warmth and chemistry that spending time with them feels comforting in the best possible way. Their friendships feel lived-in and authentic enough that I caught myself feeling a little jealous of a fictional friend group. 😂
And maybe that’s why Sophie works so well for me. I genuinely see pieces of myself in her.
Also, I refuse to accept Natasha’s official description. In my brain, she will forever look like Ms. Babcock from The Nanny and no one can convince me otherwise.
🎙️ Narration
Hillary Huber remains one of my all-time favorite narrators, and a huge reason for that is this series. She is Sophie Winston to me at this point. Her delivery adds personality, humor, tension, and familiarity in a way that makes these books feel essential on audio.
This is honestly one of my go-to recommendations for people wanting to get into audiobooks because the narration elevates the entire experience.
That said, having the physical copy this time added something extra special. Being able to actually read Sophie and Natasha’s advice columns made the world feel even richer and more immersive.
🥂 Overall Vibe
A cozy mystery series that balances comfort, humor, friendship, and genuinely well-crafted mysteries with one of the most iconic audiobook performances in the genre.
If you’re a cozy fan, read this series.
If you’re audiobook-curious, start here.
If you already love Sophie Winston… welcome back home.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5 stars
Event planner Sophie Winston is excited to host her family who will be staying in her Old Town Alexandria, Virginia home for the July Fourth festivities. It's been a while since her parents and sister have visited and she will also get to see her widowed Aunt Melly and her new husband she married in a spur-of-the-moment Las Vegas ceremony. Sophie not only offers her home to her guests, she prepares delicious meals for them and arranges fun activities for them. She even arranges a private tour of the Washington, DC sites, but when their tour guide/bus driver is killed, Sophie's own father is the prime suspect.
I'm a long-time fan of the series, and this one is so much fun. There are so many returning characters we've not seen in a while, as well as the old favorites like Sophie's best friends Nina, Bernie, and Mars. There is a cast of characters at the front of the book that make it fun for readers who are new to the series, too. Sophie is a great cook, and there are recipes in the back for many of the dishes she prepares in the story. There is another fun element of this series. Sophie and her long-time frenemy Natasha each have advice columns about domestic life. The letters and their responses tie into the storyline and reflect each woman's personality. (Sophie's answers are practical and down-to-earth while Natasha is more formal and pretentious.)
This mystery has a lot going on with a house full of guests, suspicious things going on in the neighborhood, Sophie's sister keeping a secret, and lots of red herrings in the investigation. Sophie and friends are of course on the case, especially since Sophie's father has been falsely accused of the crime. I say this every time I read a book in this series - I wish I could hang out with Sophie and her friends and I really wish Sophie and ex-husband Mars would get back together! Nina and Bernie are always there for Sophie, too, but there is such a strong bond and chemistry between Sophie and Mars.
I kept changing my mind about the identity of the killer and the motive, but I'm happy with the way things turned out in the end. This was another entertaining installment in a wonderful series, and I'm already eager for the next one to come out.
Thank you to the author, Kensington Books, and NetGalley for the advance copy. My review is voluntary and unbiased.
Event planner Sophie Winston is excited to host her family who will be staying in her Old Town Alexandria, Virginia home for the July Fourth festivities. It's been a while since her parents and sister have visited and she will also get to see her widowed Aunt Melly and her new husband she married in a spur-of-the-moment Las Vegas ceremony. Sophie not only offers her home to her guests, she prepares delicious meals for them and arranges fun activities for them. She even arranges a private tour of the Washington, DC sites, but when their tour guide/bus driver is killed, Sophie's own father is the prime suspect.
I'm a long-time fan of the series, and this one is so much fun. There are so many returning characters we've not seen in a while, as well as the old favorites like Sophie's best friends Nina, Bernie, and Mars. There is a cast of characters at the front of the book that make it fun for readers who are new to the series, too. Sophie is a great cook, and there are recipes in the back for many of the dishes she prepares in the story. There is another fun element of this series. Sophie and her long-time frenemy Natasha each have advice columns about domestic life. The letters and their responses tie into the storyline and reflect each woman's personality. (Sophie's answers are practical and down-to-earth while Natasha is more formal and pretentious.)
This mystery has a lot going on with a house full of guests, suspicious things going on in the neighborhood, Sophie's sister keeping a secret, and lots of red herrings in the investigation. Sophie and friends are of course on the case, especially since Sophie's father has been falsely accused of the crime. I say this every time I read a book in this series - I wish I could hang out with Sophie and her friends and I really wish Sophie and ex-husband Mars would get back together! Nina and Bernie are always there for Sophie, too, but there is such a strong bond and chemistry between Sophie and Mars.
I kept changing my mind about the identity of the killer and the motive, but I'm happy with the way things turned out in the end. This was another entertaining installment in a wonderful series, and I'm already eager for the next one to come out.
Thank you to the author, Kensington Books, and NetGalley for the advance copy. My review is voluntary and unbiased.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
📱📖 Read on Kindle
📃 329 pages
⏱ Read time: 5 hours
🏷️ Publisher: Kensington Cozies
📅 Expected publication: May 26, 2026
🎁 ARC provided by NetGalley
Listen, I came for the murder mystery. I stayed for the "Dear Sophie" versus "Dear Natasha" showdown at the start of every chapter. Those competing advice columns are pure comedic gold. Sophie's practical hosting wisdom versus Natasha's snooty superiority complex had me giggling into my Kindle at 2 a.m. The "Dear Sophie" tips are genuinely useful (I'm absolutely trying that ice bucket hack), while Natasha's responses drip with such ridiculous pretension that you can't help but love to hate her.
But the real twist here is that the murder mystery is a total side quest. And I mean that as the highest compliment. What Krista Davis in The Diva Hosts a Murderer is something far more delicious than whodunit mechanics. It's a full blown celebration of found family, messy biological family, and how those worlds collide over holiday weekends. Sophie doesn't just solve crimes. She orchestrates domestic miracles. Watching her flawlessly host her entire extended family, navigate Aunt Melly's impulsive family drama, soothe a heartbroken family friend, AND track down a killer is like watching a conductor lead an orchestra while simultaneously defusing a bomb. The woman is goals.
The real mystery is how Sophie manages to remain so gracious under all that pressure. Meeting all her relatives and found-family members felt like crashing the best family reunion ever. Solving Melly's romantic mystery was the perfect icing on what turned out to be a brilliant chocolate cake of a book.
Would I recommend it?
If you love cozy mysteries that prioritize heart over formula, this is your book. The Domestic Diva series continues to deliver warmth, wit, and just enough intrigue to keep you turning pages between giggles. Sophie Winston remains one of the most competent, lovable sleuths in the genre, and this installment proves that family drama, when handled with humor and grace, can be just as compelling as any murder plot.
📃 329 pages
⏱ Read time: 5 hours
🏷️ Publisher: Kensington Cozies
📅 Expected publication: May 26, 2026
🎁 ARC provided by NetGalley
Listen, I came for the murder mystery. I stayed for the "Dear Sophie" versus "Dear Natasha" showdown at the start of every chapter. Those competing advice columns are pure comedic gold. Sophie's practical hosting wisdom versus Natasha's snooty superiority complex had me giggling into my Kindle at 2 a.m. The "Dear Sophie" tips are genuinely useful (I'm absolutely trying that ice bucket hack), while Natasha's responses drip with such ridiculous pretension that you can't help but love to hate her.
But the real twist here is that the murder mystery is a total side quest. And I mean that as the highest compliment. What Krista Davis in The Diva Hosts a Murderer is something far more delicious than whodunit mechanics. It's a full blown celebration of found family, messy biological family, and how those worlds collide over holiday weekends. Sophie doesn't just solve crimes. She orchestrates domestic miracles. Watching her flawlessly host her entire extended family, navigate Aunt Melly's impulsive family drama, soothe a heartbroken family friend, AND track down a killer is like watching a conductor lead an orchestra while simultaneously defusing a bomb. The woman is goals.
The real mystery is how Sophie manages to remain so gracious under all that pressure. Meeting all her relatives and found-family members felt like crashing the best family reunion ever. Solving Melly's romantic mystery was the perfect icing on what turned out to be a brilliant chocolate cake of a book.
Would I recommend it?
If you love cozy mysteries that prioritize heart over formula, this is your book. The Domestic Diva series continues to deliver warmth, wit, and just enough intrigue to keep you turning pages between giggles. Sophie Winston remains one of the most competent, lovable sleuths in the genre, and this installment proves that family drama, when handled with humor and grace, can be just as compelling as any murder plot.
May 27, 2026
I always enjoy another visit with my favorite Domestic Diva along with her friends and family! I would have enjoyed it even more if her father had not been the main suspect and her ex had not been taken off the case early on! This far into a series, family members of the main character should not be considered as suspects in the murder. The mystery could have been just as compelling if her father had never been a suspect and her ex had remained on the case! As always, I look forward to a new book in the series next spring! (And I'm still holding out hope for a new book in her Paws & Claws series. Pretty please?)
And I do have a bone to pick with Sophie for agreeing with the woman that guests should honor a host's request to remove shoes before entering the host's home. Those of us with diabetes are warned by our doctors to always wear shoes. Something as simple as a splinter or shard of something previously broken can lead to serious infections that can result in loss of a foot! I stepped on something in my own kitchen that got embedded in my foot and required surgery for removal. The foreign object was identified as a piece of bristle from my sweeper! It has left me with a painful neuroma. If this had happened in somebody else's house, would they have paid all my medical expenses? If anybody insists I remove my shoes before I can enter their home, I'm leaving and never coming back. Even if you offer me pair of slippers, how am I supposed to know how clean the feet that formerly wore those slippers might have been? In my teens I got a plantar wart on the bottom of my foot probably from the showers in the girls' locker room. Even if they're brand new, are the soles thick enough to protect me from injury?
And I do have a bone to pick with Sophie for agreeing with the woman that guests should honor a host's request to remove shoes before entering the host's home. Those of us with diabetes are warned by our doctors to always wear shoes. Something as simple as a splinter or shard of something previously broken can lead to serious infections that can result in loss of a foot! I stepped on something in my own kitchen that got embedded in my foot and required surgery for removal. The foreign object was identified as a piece of bristle from my sweeper! It has left me with a painful neuroma. If this had happened in somebody else's house, would they have paid all my medical expenses? If anybody insists I remove my shoes before I can enter their home, I'm leaving and never coming back. Even if you offer me pair of slippers, how am I supposed to know how clean the feet that formerly wore those slippers might have been? In my teens I got a plantar wart on the bottom of my foot probably from the showers in the girls' locker room. Even if they're brand new, are the soles thick enough to protect me from injury?
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
There are only a handful of cozy mystery series that still hit the spot for me these days, and Krista Davis’s Domestic Diva books remain one of them. A big part of that is the setting. Old Town Alexandria has this irresistible, lived in charm with brick sidewalks, historic houses, and the hum of neighborhood life. And every time I open a new Diva book, I’m right back there. Yes, I’ve been. Yes, I felt the pull. And yes, I absolutely indulge in a little personal nostalgia every time Sophie Winston starts another adventure.
This time around, though, you might want to keep a mental murder board handy. Davis throws a lot of names, connections, and neighborly entanglements at the reader, and there were moments when I had to pause and mentally reshuffle who was related to whom, who belonged to which barbecue, brunch, or suspicious circumstance where bodies inconveniently appeared where they shouldn’t.
The pacing, however, wobbles a bit. There are stretches that feel longer than they need to be, with some repetition that had my attention drifting. Then the final clue dropped, and suddenly everything snapped back into place. I had that little “oh, okay, that does make sense” moment, even if the fallout is going to make things awkward on the cobbled streets of Old Town for a while.
But the ending, specifically the bit with Bernie, left me blinking at the page. I was reading an ARC, so maybe it’ll shift in the final version, but as written, it felt tacked on, almost like it wandered in from another storyline entirely. I said out loud, “What the heck, Krista,” which is not my usual reaction to this series.
Still, spending a weekend with these characters, nineteen books in, no less, is its own kind of comfort. I’m not tired of them. Not even close. I just wish this installment had a little more momentum in the middle to keep me fully locked in. Even so, Old Town worked its magic, the mystery eventually clicked, and I enjoyed being back in Sophie’s world, quirks, potlucks, recipes, and all.
This time around, though, you might want to keep a mental murder board handy. Davis throws a lot of names, connections, and neighborly entanglements at the reader, and there were moments when I had to pause and mentally reshuffle who was related to whom, who belonged to which barbecue, brunch, or suspicious circumstance where bodies inconveniently appeared where they shouldn’t.
The pacing, however, wobbles a bit. There are stretches that feel longer than they need to be, with some repetition that had my attention drifting. Then the final clue dropped, and suddenly everything snapped back into place. I had that little “oh, okay, that does make sense” moment, even if the fallout is going to make things awkward on the cobbled streets of Old Town for a while.
But the ending, specifically the bit with Bernie, left me blinking at the page. I was reading an ARC, so maybe it’ll shift in the final version, but as written, it felt tacked on, almost like it wandered in from another storyline entirely. I said out loud, “What the heck, Krista,” which is not my usual reaction to this series.
Still, spending a weekend with these characters, nineteen books in, no less, is its own kind of comfort. I’m not tired of them. Not even close. I just wish this installment had a little more momentum in the middle to keep me fully locked in. Even so, Old Town worked its magic, the mystery eventually clicked, and I enjoyed being back in Sophie’s world, quirks, potlucks, recipes, and all.
May 30, 2026
The Diva Hosts a Murderer by Krista Davis finds us in Washington DC on the Fourth of July where Sophie Winston, a Domestic Diva and party planner is hosting her parents, her Aunt Melly and her new husband, Gus, and several other people for a fun-filled weekend. Things start going haywire almost immediately when Sophie spots Gus running from the backyard of a woman who is not his wife. Things get complicated when a body is found in the alley near this woman’s house, after she had called the police to report a body in her kitchen. When they arrived there was no body and they chalked it up to her being a crazy old lady. As it turns out, she is not. The body was of the tour bus driver from earlier in their trip. How did her get to the alley? What could be the reason he was dead? It all got serious when the police arrived with a search warrant for her house and shortly after, returned to with a warrant for her father’s address.
Beside having serious cooking and party planning skills, she is an insightful investigator. She had had a relationship with one of the city detectives, Wolf, who now had this case, until he didn’t. Conflict of interest because of her. Then there was another body, same house, cellar. Turns out she wasn’t a crazy old lady after all. Sophie is a good character and she knows interesting people. Her family are all entertaining and the mystery was a good one. Fabulous setting. Good characters. Sad motives. Greed, as always. Good read.
I was invited to read The Diva Hosts a Murderer by Kensington Publishers. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #KensingtonPublishing #KristaDavis #TheDivaHostsAMurderer
Beside having serious cooking and party planning skills, she is an insightful investigator. She had had a relationship with one of the city detectives, Wolf, who now had this case, until he didn’t. Conflict of interest because of her. Then there was another body, same house, cellar. Turns out she wasn’t a crazy old lady after all. Sophie is a good character and she knows interesting people. Her family are all entertaining and the mystery was a good one. Fabulous setting. Good characters. Sad motives. Greed, as always. Good read.
I was invited to read The Diva Hosts a Murderer by Kensington Publishers. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #KensingtonPublishing #KristaDavis #TheDivaHostsAMurderer
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
THOUGHTS: This is not my first Krista Davis book, but I have not read all of the books in the series. That being said, you don’t need to (though you should!). There is enough information scattered throughout that you know who the characters are and their relationships to each other.
Sophie is a hostess definitely with the “mostest”. She can whip up fantastic food, decorate like nobody’s business (though it is hers), and offer advice “Ann Landers” style to people who write in to her. I love that there are little tidbits like this at the beginning of the chapters. And I love Sophie’s more than her rival’s!
In this story, multiple family members and friends descend on her home for the Fourth of July. Since she lives in the general DC area, various tours are arranged, but when the tour guide ends up dead—and Sophie’s father is accused because of DNA on the body, Sophie goes into sleuth mode. Plus she has to figure out how to help her aunt Melly get rid of a nasty new husband who turns out to be more con man than husband. And I absolutely loved how Melly handles this!
I loved the characters. There’s a lot going on in this story with a lot of people and a lot going on. I did figure out the perp pretty early on, but that doesn’t mean I didn’t love the story.
Recommended.
Thanks to Kensington and Netgalley for this ARC.
Sophie is a hostess definitely with the “mostest”. She can whip up fantastic food, decorate like nobody’s business (though it is hers), and offer advice “Ann Landers” style to people who write in to her. I love that there are little tidbits like this at the beginning of the chapters. And I love Sophie’s more than her rival’s!
In this story, multiple family members and friends descend on her home for the Fourth of July. Since she lives in the general DC area, various tours are arranged, but when the tour guide ends up dead—and Sophie’s father is accused because of DNA on the body, Sophie goes into sleuth mode. Plus she has to figure out how to help her aunt Melly get rid of a nasty new husband who turns out to be more con man than husband. And I absolutely loved how Melly handles this!
I loved the characters. There’s a lot going on in this story with a lot of people and a lot going on. I did figure out the perp pretty early on, but that doesn’t mean I didn’t love the story.
Recommended.
Thanks to Kensington and Netgalley for this ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Catching up with Sophie and friends is always so enjoyable and in this installment., exciting. The Fourth of July holiday is the setting that brings a houseful of her friends and relatives in to celebrate. A good hostess, Sophie hires a wonderful local tour guide to keep the guests busy; he is very well versed in American history and interesting tidbits of the time period. Dollie comes to Sophie for help when she finds a dead man in her house.
the story picks up the mystery/thriller at this point---much to my delight. The suspects multiply when Sophie decides to investigate and to help Dollie. It is a twisted path with a variety of false clues that kept me on my toes until the end.
I enjoyed the character development of the family members and the friends, it is one of the reasons I keep returning for more even after 19 books in this wonderful cozy small-town series. Krista Davis has a way of creating the perfect combination of friendship, tension, and mystery in her storyline that draws me in and fills me with the need to read until I finish. I recommend this book---and series as a whole--- to others who enjoy mystery/thrills in their reading choices .
My thanks to #NetGalley #KensingtonCozies and #KristaDavis for the advanced e-copy read that I received and requested. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
the story picks up the mystery/thriller at this point---much to my delight. The suspects multiply when Sophie decides to investigate and to help Dollie. It is a twisted path with a variety of false clues that kept me on my toes until the end.
I enjoyed the character development of the family members and the friends, it is one of the reasons I keep returning for more even after 19 books in this wonderful cozy small-town series. Krista Davis has a way of creating the perfect combination of friendship, tension, and mystery in her storyline that draws me in and fills me with the need to read until I finish. I recommend this book---and series as a whole--- to others who enjoy mystery/thrills in their reading choices .
My thanks to #NetGalley #KensingtonCozies and #KristaDavis for the advanced e-copy read that I received and requested. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
THE DIVA HOSTS A MURDER is the nineteenth book in the Domestic Diva Mysteries by Krista Davis. Diving into the book felt like joining a family and friends’ reunion where there was nothing but warmth and affection, along with a mouthwatering array of food and drink for everyone to savor. The core characters make this series so endearing and keep me coming back for each book. Ms. Davis imbues them with not only intelligence but also with compassion… even protagonist Sophie Winston’s frenemy, Natasha, finally feels like she belongs. And while I pick up the book for the characters and for the mystery, I also look forward to the start of every chapter where either Sophie or Natasha dispenses domestic diva advice. Sophie’s advice is always practical and often clever, whereas Natasha… let’s just say that her advice adds humor and gives excellent insight into her character.
While the story may be character driven, Ms. Davis is an expert at plotting a riveting murder mystery. The pace is fast, and the clues are there for the reader to follow. Misdirection often led me astray, but honestly, it didn’t matter to me since I was enjoying the “ride” so much. In the end, this delightful Fourth of July-themed mystery satisfied my curiosity and delivered a terrific story that has me clamoring for more!
I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
While the story may be character driven, Ms. Davis is an expert at plotting a riveting murder mystery. The pace is fast, and the clues are there for the reader to follow. Misdirection often led me astray, but honestly, it didn’t matter to me since I was enjoying the “ride” so much. In the end, this delightful Fourth of July-themed mystery satisfied my curiosity and delivered a terrific story that has me clamoring for more!
I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks to netgalley for the privilidge of reading this book.
It's the Fourth of July and Sophie Winston is celebrating big by hosting family members and friends for a large backyard BBQ and some tours of Washington D.C.'s historical sites. While Sophie is serving breakfast a neighbor shows up claiming she found a dead body in her house. Sophie goes back with her to investigate only to find there is not a body in sight. They call the police anyway and Sophie learns that Dollie the elderly neighbor has repeatedly called the police to report intruders, but nothing is ever found. Sophie wonders if Dollie is safe living alone.
When Sophie and her family are on the way home from a party, a body is found in the alley behind Dollie's house. It turns out to be the tour guide her family had been with earlier in the day. When the police investigate they discover Sophie's father has left DNA on the victim. Now Sophie has to discover who really killed the man before her father goes to jail.
I have apparently missed a couple of books in the series, but I really enjoyed this one. Meeting her family members was fun and gave it a little more personal twist to the mystery. I was pleased that the mystery had some nice twists and turns and wasn't too predictable.
It's the Fourth of July and Sophie Winston is celebrating big by hosting family members and friends for a large backyard BBQ and some tours of Washington D.C.'s historical sites. While Sophie is serving breakfast a neighbor shows up claiming she found a dead body in her house. Sophie goes back with her to investigate only to find there is not a body in sight. They call the police anyway and Sophie learns that Dollie the elderly neighbor has repeatedly called the police to report intruders, but nothing is ever found. Sophie wonders if Dollie is safe living alone.
When Sophie and her family are on the way home from a party, a body is found in the alley behind Dollie's house. It turns out to be the tour guide her family had been with earlier in the day. When the police investigate they discover Sophie's father has left DNA on the victim. Now Sophie has to discover who really killed the man before her father goes to jail.
I have apparently missed a couple of books in the series, but I really enjoyed this one. Meeting her family members was fun and gave it a little more personal twist to the mystery. I was pleased that the mystery had some nice twists and turns and wasn't too predictable.
May 31, 2026
The Diva Hosts a Murderer is book #19 in the Domestic Diva Mystery series by Krista Davis.
Sophie Winston has a houseful of guests - her parents, sister, aunt and new husband, and some of their friends are all staying with her for the Fourth of July festivities. When a local woman’s arrives at Sophie’s house, Sophie gets drawn into a mystery. Is her new friend imagining things or is something really going on?
When the tour guide that Sophie had hired to take her guests around is found dead that is bad enough. When her dad becomes the prime suspect, Sophie can’t sit back and wait for the police to clear his name. I would love to be one of Sophie’s friends! She always has a refrigerator stocked with food for every occasion and coordinating dishware. There were a few mysteries and it was interesting to see if they were separate or related to each other. As much as I enjoyed the mysteries, my favorite part is the characters. I’ve been following this series since the start and each book is a visit with old friends. I can’t spoil the surprises at the end, but you’ll definitely want to read and see what happens!
Thank you to the author, Kensington Books, and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Sophie Winston has a houseful of guests - her parents, sister, aunt and new husband, and some of their friends are all staying with her for the Fourth of July festivities. When a local woman’s arrives at Sophie’s house, Sophie gets drawn into a mystery. Is her new friend imagining things or is something really going on?
When the tour guide that Sophie had hired to take her guests around is found dead that is bad enough. When her dad becomes the prime suspect, Sophie can’t sit back and wait for the police to clear his name. I would love to be one of Sophie’s friends! She always has a refrigerator stocked with food for every occasion and coordinating dishware. There were a few mysteries and it was interesting to see if they were separate or related to each other. As much as I enjoyed the mysteries, my favorite part is the characters. I’ve been following this series since the start and each book is a visit with old friends. I can’t spoil the surprises at the end, but you’ll definitely want to read and see what happens!
Thank you to the author, Kensington Books, and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
𝑰𝒕 𝒉𝒂𝒅 𝒐𝒏𝒍𝒚 𝒃𝒆𝒆𝒏 𝒕𝒘𝒐 𝒅𝒂𝒚𝒔, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑰 𝒂𝒍𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒚 𝒔𝒎𝒆𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒃𝒍𝒆.
The 19th installment of this endearing series has Sophie Winston facing something so horrible, so dreadful, that I could barely stand the tension--house guests. Nothing makes me twitch more than having people in my house for more than a few hours, and here she is doing it for a prolonged time.
It's the grand Fourth of July celebration in Old Town, and Sophie is hosting both immediate and extended family. Her Aunt Melly has brought her new husband, who isn't making any new friends, and with her longtime secret admirer also in attendance, the atmosphere is electric.
Of course it wouldn't be a diva mystery without a body, and it's the local tour guide who is found under mysterious circumstances. Even worse, Sophie's dad is arrested for the crime because of supposed DNA evidence. Once again, Sophie has to pause her domestic duties to find the real killer. I loved the many sub-plots, including the hint that Sophie may not be finished with a past relationship, and meeting her extended family. Many thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the early copy. This one is slated to publish May 26, 2026.
The 19th installment of this endearing series has Sophie Winston facing something so horrible, so dreadful, that I could barely stand the tension--house guests. Nothing makes me twitch more than having people in my house for more than a few hours, and here she is doing it for a prolonged time.
It's the grand Fourth of July celebration in Old Town, and Sophie is hosting both immediate and extended family. Her Aunt Melly has brought her new husband, who isn't making any new friends, and with her longtime secret admirer also in attendance, the atmosphere is electric.
Of course it wouldn't be a diva mystery without a body, and it's the local tour guide who is found under mysterious circumstances. Even worse, Sophie's dad is arrested for the crime because of supposed DNA evidence. Once again, Sophie has to pause her domestic duties to find the real killer. I loved the many sub-plots, including the hint that Sophie may not be finished with a past relationship, and meeting her extended family. Many thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the early copy. This one is slated to publish May 26, 2026.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Diva is back! This time, Sophie is hosting a Fourth of July celebration in her historic, 200-year-old Old Town home. With a house full of family—including her parents, Aunt Melly, and some colorful new guests—Sophie is ready to impress with fancy plates and gourmet dishes. She’s even arranged a tour bus for a D.C. sightseeing adventure.
However, the festivities take a dark turn when her elderly neighbor, Dollie, claims there is a dead body in her house. The local police, including Detective Wong, have written Dollie off as 'the woman who cried wolf,' but when Sophie investigates, she finds a clean room smelling strongly of bleach—and no body. When a corpse finally does appear in the alleyway, the unthinkable happens: Sophie’s father is framed for the crime. Driven by old grudges, the detective is convinced Paul is the killer. Sophie must dive into the investigation to clear her father’s name before the fireworks fade.
This mystery kept me on my toes; I truly had no idea 'whodunnit' until the very end! I loved the descriptions of the food and can’t wait to try the recipes included at the back. Returning to the Diva’s world is always the perfect escape from reality.
However, the festivities take a dark turn when her elderly neighbor, Dollie, claims there is a dead body in her house. The local police, including Detective Wong, have written Dollie off as 'the woman who cried wolf,' but when Sophie investigates, she finds a clean room smelling strongly of bleach—and no body. When a corpse finally does appear in the alleyway, the unthinkable happens: Sophie’s father is framed for the crime. Driven by old grudges, the detective is convinced Paul is the killer. Sophie must dive into the investigation to clear her father’s name before the fireworks fade.
This mystery kept me on my toes; I truly had no idea 'whodunnit' until the very end! I loved the descriptions of the food and can’t wait to try the recipes included at the back. Returning to the Diva’s world is always the perfect escape from reality.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Diva Hosts a Murderer by Krista Davis is the 19th installment in the Domestic Diva Mystery series. I have read all of the previous installments in this series and greatly look forward to each new release. The Diva Hosts and Murderer is the perfect blend of returning to familiar comfort, whilst adding fun twists to keep the story fresh. The mystery was entertaining, layered, and I enjoyed its historical nature. One aspect that I love about this book, that is prevalent throughout the entire series, is the realistic, slow, development of its characters. Figuring out the mystery alongside Sophie is always wonderful, but the characters and their arcs are what really shine. I look forward to the next installment’s mystery, but I look forward to returning to Old Town Alexandria and this incredible cast of characters even more.
5.0/5.0 stars!
Thank you to Kensington Publishing/Kensington Cozies and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an ARC of The Diva Hosts a Murderer by Krista Davis. My comments are an independent, honest review.
5.0/5.0 stars!
Thank you to Kensington Publishing/Kensington Cozies and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an ARC of The Diva Hosts a Murderer by Krista Davis. My comments are an independent, honest review.
May 28, 2026
The Diva Hosts a Murderer is the nineteenth cozy mystery in the A Domestic Diva Mystery series. It’s Fourth of July week and Sophie’s family is in town for the festivities. It’s the good type of chaos until someone turns up dead and Sophie’s dad is the prime suspect. There is no way Sophie can sit back and watch her dad be wrongly accused of murder. She’s determined to get to the bottom of this mystery before time runs out.
I absolutely love this series and was so excited to read this latest addition and it didn’t disappoint! I love Sophie, all the other characters and the setting in this series so much. She is one of my all time favorite amateur sleuths and I wish I could be her! This latest mystery pulled me in from the beginning and kept me entranced as I followed along. The story twisted and turned and I liked all of the new characters and the drama they added to this mystery. This was a great addition to an amazing series and I can’t wait to see what comes next for Sophie and the gang!
I absolutely love this series and was so excited to read this latest addition and it didn’t disappoint! I love Sophie, all the other characters and the setting in this series so much. She is one of my all time favorite amateur sleuths and I wish I could be her! This latest mystery pulled me in from the beginning and kept me entranced as I followed along. The story twisted and turned and I liked all of the new characters and the drama they added to this mystery. This was a great addition to an amazing series and I can’t wait to see what comes next for Sophie and the gang!
February 11, 2026
The Diva Hosts a Murderer by Krista Davis
Publishing Date: May 26, 2026
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you, NetGalley, Kensington and Krista Davis for this ARC.
Love it! Sophie is back! I really enjoyed that her family was more involved in this book. Part of it not in a good way though. I will say Hannah and her attitude got on my nerves at times. Have your secrets, but I felt she was rude to her hostess/sister at times. Also props to Sophie, don't think I could handle having that many family members in my home. If I did, I would not be cooking for them. But I know that is natural for Sophie.
I felt this book had me from the start with the Gus mystery. There were just so many suspects and so much going on. Loved it! I felt really drawn in. There were quite a few "What?!" moments.
Spoiler alert for those who haven't read this series: I have to say, I wish her and Wolf story turned out different.
Publishing Date: May 26, 2026
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you, NetGalley, Kensington and Krista Davis for this ARC.
Love it! Sophie is back! I really enjoyed that her family was more involved in this book. Part of it not in a good way though. I will say Hannah and her attitude got on my nerves at times. Have your secrets, but I felt she was rude to her hostess/sister at times. Also props to Sophie, don't think I could handle having that many family members in my home. If I did, I would not be cooking for them. But I know that is natural for Sophie.
I felt this book had me from the start with the Gus mystery. There were just so many suspects and so much going on. Loved it! I felt really drawn in. There were quite a few "What?!" moments.
Spoiler alert for those who haven't read this series: I have to say, I wish her and Wolf story turned out different.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 26, 2026
The Diva Hosts a Murderer by Krista Davis
The 4th of July may never be the same. Sophie finds herself dealing with a con man, a confused neighbor and her wandering cat, a string of murders, a search for an original copy of the Constitution . . . as well as meals and accommodations for several houseguests. Yikes! I once dealt with a “houseguest from hell,” but it was quite tame by comparison. Some declarations of never trusting a man again might be justified, if a bit hurtful to the kind, decent men who help put things to rights. Have good food on hand while reading, because the descriptions are most appetizing. Afterward, the recipes will help recreate some of the fabulous dishes. It was also fun to read the contradictory advice from Sophie and Natasha on paper napkins, pink bedrooms, guests’ and hosts’ responsibilities . . . and of course, trying to figure out the “who done it.”
The 4th of July may never be the same. Sophie finds herself dealing with a con man, a confused neighbor and her wandering cat, a string of murders, a search for an original copy of the Constitution . . . as well as meals and accommodations for several houseguests. Yikes! I once dealt with a “houseguest from hell,” but it was quite tame by comparison. Some declarations of never trusting a man again might be justified, if a bit hurtful to the kind, decent men who help put things to rights. Have good food on hand while reading, because the descriptions are most appetizing. Afterward, the recipes will help recreate some of the fabulous dishes. It was also fun to read the contradictory advice from Sophie and Natasha on paper napkins, pink bedrooms, guests’ and hosts’ responsibilities . . . and of course, trying to figure out the “who done it.”
May 26, 2026
Sophie Winston is hosting 4th of July with a very full house. Her parents, sister, and aunt with her Aunt Melly's surprise new husband and several of their friends. When one of the guests is found murdered in a nearby alley, her dad is arrested for the crime. With a possibly crazy elderly neighbor, the new "uncle" behaving oddly, and one of the guests not what he seems, Sophie's plate (pun intended) is full.
With her usual cast of best friend Nina, ex-husband Mars, friend Bernie, and frenemy Natasha, she finds the actual criminal and finds a long lost treasure.
I really enjoy visiting Old Town with Sophie and her family, friends and quirky neighbors. I can SEE the historic houses and their owners from the descriptions. And I really enjoy the recipes and how much Sophie likes taking care of people and makes them comfortable at her events.
The dogs and cats always provide comic relief with their antics.
I highly recommend this book as well as the rest of the series.
With her usual cast of best friend Nina, ex-husband Mars, friend Bernie, and frenemy Natasha, she finds the actual criminal and finds a long lost treasure.
I really enjoy visiting Old Town with Sophie and her family, friends and quirky neighbors. I can SEE the historic houses and their owners from the descriptions. And I really enjoy the recipes and how much Sophie likes taking care of people and makes them comfortable at her events.
The dogs and cats always provide comic relief with their antics.
I highly recommend this book as well as the rest of the series.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Diva Hosts a Murderer is the 19th book in the long running Diva mystery series by Krista Davis. I always enjoy books by Krista Davis and this book is no different. All of the usual characters are back with the addition of some of Sophie’s family from out of town. It’s fun to watch her interact with her own family and all of her friends. This book includes another of her Old Town neighbors who may or may not have found a body in her house and a mystery involving US history. It wasn’t particularly hard to figure out who the murderer was, but it was enjoyable to follow along with Sophie as she figured it out. This series is like a nice, easy read without swearing or gore and I just really enjoy the characters and Old Town setting.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this book. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this book. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A perfect read any time but especially in light of our upcoming 250th celebration 4th of July. Sofie's home is full of family and friends in town to celebrate. Her parents, Aunt Melly with new husband Gus, Hannah and some friends. All are having great food, good times until there's a murder. There's a false accusation of course, and Sophie and friends are out to solve this mystery. I love when she works with Nina, Mars and Bernie. Each adds their special flavor to the mystery. Oh, and Natasha is in and out with her own special flair and rudeness.
Along the way there are red herrings and a couple mysteries to solve. Where is Hannah disappearing to and what happened to Gus?
Read to find out. Fans will love this story as much as I did.
Many thanks to Kensington and Netgalley for supplying this advanced copy in exchange for a fair review.
Along the way there are red herrings and a couple mysteries to solve. Where is Hannah disappearing to and what happened to Gus?
Read to find out. Fans will love this story as much as I did.
Many thanks to Kensington and Netgalley for supplying this advanced copy in exchange for a fair review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Kensington Cozies and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
Old Town Virginia’s entertaining guru and occasional sleuth Sophie Winston – a young Martha Stewart in the making – juggles Fourth of July fireworks, a houseful of guests, and homicide in the latest Domestic Diva culinary mystery from New York Times bestselling author Krista Davis.
Krista Davis did not disappoint with the addition of The Diva Hosts a Murderer in the Domestic Diva Series. In this cozy mystery, Sophie Winston is caught up in a mystery in which her father is the prime suspect in the murder of a Washington DC tour guide. As she works on the murder to clear her father's name, she calls on her family and friends to help. Filled with witty dialogue, it is a delightful read for a rainy afternoon or any afternoon.
Thank you and I will be anxiously awaiting the next book..
Old Town Virginia’s entertaining guru and occasional sleuth Sophie Winston – a young Martha Stewart in the making – juggles Fourth of July fireworks, a houseful of guests, and homicide in the latest Domestic Diva culinary mystery from New York Times bestselling author Krista Davis.
Krista Davis did not disappoint with the addition of The Diva Hosts a Murderer in the Domestic Diva Series. In this cozy mystery, Sophie Winston is caught up in a mystery in which her father is the prime suspect in the murder of a Washington DC tour guide. As she works on the murder to clear her father's name, she calls on her family and friends to help. Filled with witty dialogue, it is a delightful read for a rainy afternoon or any afternoon.
Thank you and I will be anxiously awaiting the next book..
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was such a fun, festive Fourth of July cozy mystery! Set in the D.C./Northern Virginia area, it’s packed with red, white, and blue vibes, a great slow-burn plot, and incredibly fun characters.
❤️ What I loved:
🔎 So many suspects! I had a blast trying to piece it together, but the ending completely fooled me.
✍️ The format: The mystery perfectly intertwines with Sophie’s and Natasha’s rival advice columns, which was a brilliant touch.
🌷Even though it’s part of the Domestic Diva series, it works perfectly as a standalone.
🎧 or 📗? I doubled up and listened to the audiobook while reading, but I wasn’t a huge fan of the narrator’s character voices. I definitely recommend grabbing this one in print for the best experience!
⚖️ This is a great summer/4th of July read! If you're looking for a mystery to cozy up with on your patio on a summer night - add this book to your tbr.
❤️ What I loved:
🔎 So many suspects! I had a blast trying to piece it together, but the ending completely fooled me.
✍️ The format: The mystery perfectly intertwines with Sophie’s and Natasha’s rival advice columns, which was a brilliant touch.
🌷Even though it’s part of the Domestic Diva series, it works perfectly as a standalone.
🎧 or 📗? I doubled up and listened to the audiobook while reading, but I wasn’t a huge fan of the narrator’s character voices. I definitely recommend grabbing this one in print for the best experience!
⚖️ This is a great summer/4th of July read! If you're looking for a mystery to cozy up with on your patio on a summer night - add this book to your tbr.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
An intriguing mystery unfolds when Sophie, hosting a house full of guests, is interrupted by her neighbor Dollie, who claims there’s a dead man in her kitchen. Dollie hasn’t called the police because they never believe her—she often hears voices and footsteps, yet no one is ever there. But when Sophie and her guests arrive, there’s no body to be found. The next evening, however, a corpse turns up in the alley behind Dollie’s house: their tour guide from the past few days. Shockingly, police arrest Sophie’s father, citing his DNA on the victim. How could that be? And when another of Sophie’s guests ends up dead in Dollie’s basement, she realizes she must uncover the killer and figure out how the body got there. Surely they can’t pin this second murder on her father… can they?
May 29, 2026
Sophie is busy hosting her family and some friends for the busy fourth of July weekend when her aunt arrives with a new husband the family is not sure is a nice guy. When an eccentric neighbor arrives one morning and calmly announces there is a dead man in her house, Sophie and her friend, Nina, head back with her to check out the situation. While there is no sign of a corpse, the police inform Sophie her neighbor calls many times with complaints about others being in her house. This story had many suspects and Sophie, Nina, Mars, and Bernie were on their toes trying to figure out the murderer in order to get Sophie’s dad off the suspect list. I love the Diva books and have listened or read all of them several times and can’t wait for the next one!
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