Truffle Trials: The Good Chef Mysteries

by Elsie Grey

Chocolate should be sweet—not deadly.

When a box of gourmet chocolate truffles is delivered to Maggie Jones’s coastal estate, no one expects it to end in murder. But after Maggie’s housemaid collapses moments after taking a bite, it becomes chillingly the chocolates were poisoned—and Maggie was the intended target.

As fear tightens its grip on Pine Grove, former detective turned chef Lily Good refuses to accept the easy answers. When the police rush to pin the crime on a familiar suspect from Maggie’s past, Lily’s instincts tell her something is wrong. With political pressure mounting and the case on the verge of being closed, Lily takes matters into her own hands.

Digging beneath polished surfaces and bitter secrets, Lily follows a trail of lies that leads straight into the glittering world of wealth, jealousy, and quiet desperation—where someone is willing to kill to protect their place at the table.

With danger closing in and time running out, Lily must uncover the truth before an innocent man pays the price—and before the real killer strikes again.

Truffle Trials is a cozy culinary mystery filled with rich food moments, sharp twists, and emotional depth—perfect for fans of small-town secrets, strong female sleuths, and mysteries best enjoyed with something sweet close at hand.

80 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 28, 2026

Reviews

[Linda Walters · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good Mystery with a touch of Romance
Lily Jane Good is at it again ! Her best friend and soul sister Maggie just found her housemaid Nenita Shoe dead in her Glass House ! It looks like Death by Chocolate ! Or was it a hear attack? A good Detective named Nikki Howell is on site as is Lily's boyfriend, Detective Lance Philipps. He is a really good guy and detective; someone with integrity on the job. Too bad that his Captain is in a big rush to grab a suspect with no evidence. Captain Oliver Wright is a pompous, arrogant, ignorant jerk who is in charge, also being politically motivated to close this case QUICKLY ! Did Joseph Kennedy really do it? Would he really hurt Maggie?
Lily's daughter Violet shows up a few times in the story to help comfort their friend Maggie. As does Lily's mom who spots a really important clue in the copy of the autopsy report !
It all comes to a good conclusion with a slight moment of romance for Lance and Lily. Well. Until Lily stumbles unto another possible murder mystery. Could that be in the next upcoming book, "Mignon Mysteries"?
I received this book as an ARC and enjoyed this clean mystery.

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maggie’s housemate falls foul of laced chocolate in a box intended for Maggie . Murder most heinous with the cruelest of thought. No wonder Maggie Jones is overwrought,not only has she lost a beloved meme er of the household but she’s the target of this crime . While the police are pointing the culprit being from her past . Lily good doesn’t agree . There’s a mystery afoot and she’s the one to prove it so. She’s needing to dig deep much like a boar digging for truffles her snout will sniff the culprit/culprits out . There’s no doubt she has to move fast before an innocent man loses his freedom .Dang and blast! What a great mystery and all those foodie moments to lament over . Moreover it’s a great storyline . Simply divine. I was hooked from the start and it’s so well written quickly smitten

[Anne Newman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lily and Lance are once again investigating a murder. A box of chocolate truffles had been delivered to Maggie (Lily’s friend) with no return address on them. Maggie offered one to her maid, who took one bite & collapsed, dead. So just who did the deed. The police chief is pressured to make a quick arrest and someone who had been involved with Maggie before was under suspicion. Lily is certain they are innocent and manages to find out who is actually guilty.

[Mrs K.Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truffle Trials is an Excellent story about Lily a Restaurant Owner and her friend Maggie. Unfortunately Maggie received some truffle which she offered to her housemate. But after eating one she died. Lily goes to look after Maggie. Detective Lance Philipps comes to investigate the case and Maggie his Girlfriend assists . There are many possible pieces but not all of them will fit. But can they find the truth?
I enjoyed reading this book very much and I highly recommend that you read.

[Michelle Webb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book. When a box of gourmet chocolates became a murder weapon then entire town becomes on edge. Maggie's Jones maid drops dead after taking a bite of chocolate that was sent to Maggie. Former detective and now Chef Lily Good decides she must investigate and find out what is going on. Lily starts digging and finds out more than she bargained for. Great mystery that you will really enjoy.

[Dianne Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five star

This is my favourite book so far in the Good Chef series.  The clues, the intrigue and the investigation are cleverly intertwined in this cozy mystery.  A surprising, twisted ending!

I read this book as part of an advance reader team. I am voluntarily writing this review.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maggie received a box of chocolate from an anonymous person. She gave them to her maid who immediately dropped dead. This was a mystehry.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This in no way affects my opinion of this book.

[G · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick cozy mystery. An interesting case of mistaken poisoning with a few twists and turns. A great mixture of personalities in the investigative team. This is a great book to read.
I received a copy of this book from the author. I am leaving a voluntary and honest review.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elsie Grey does it again!!!
A very cozy and romantic but mysterious story.
Definitely will recommend it to my friends.
Keep them coming Elsie😍

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a good addition to the series. I enjoyed this one as it was very fast paced and it kept you wondering who the culprit was. Glad Lily listened to her gut. Recipes look delicious.

[Lizz Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This cozy novella had the feel of a full mystery when Lily investigates the death of someone eating tainted chocolate. Perfect to read on a snowy day.